waiting ...

I can hardly stand it. Waiting. We received our state refund this weekend. I don't know about you, but I have a tendency to have a list of things I'd love to do with that refund before it even arrives. So, of course, I have all kinds of plans for our federal refund, but I forgot about our state refund! What a lovely surprise! I immediately thought of my beloved camera I'm saving for. I hesitantly asked my dear husband if I could supplement what I had saved up with some of our state refund, which I had conveniently forgotten about. I want so badly to be a good steward of our resources, which often translates into holding back on the fun stuff because there's always a more practical (albeit boring) option. His response was so unexpected and interesting! He said that being a good steward is not always financial. We have to be good stewards of our gifts as well. He sees this artistic gift in me and the long standing desire for a better camera with more creative features. (Blurred background, clear detailed close-ups, immediate shutter response, an ability for me to tell the camera what I want it to do rather than the camera telling me all about it's limitations! Really. My camera practically yells it's limitations to me). He's also recently developed an appreciation for art in general and keeping it alive (don't know where that came from - he just suddenly in the last few months gets it)! So he supported my getting the camera now! Isn't he wonderful?! After much research, I decided to just get the Canon XT body (no kit lens and I don't need the extra megapixles that the XTi offers) and I decided on an affordable Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens. Amazon has the best prices and free shipping on most items! I feel like I got a real bargain - that's how I was a good steward financially. I can hardly stand to wait. I'm expecting it this week. With some practice... who knows... maybe I'll call myself an artist and a photographer!! That makes me giddy.