Settings: ISO 6400, f/3.5, 1/100 sec, 50mm lens

This gigantic prehistoric turtle is hanging from the ceiling of the Museum of Natural History in the dinosaur wing.  I thought it was pretty  crazy looking – especially from my vantage point underneath it.  I think turtles are pretty fascinating.  According to wikipedia, the earliest known turtles are from two-hundred-fifteen million years ago – during the time of the dinosaurs. They are some serious survivors!

Anyway, it’s been a crazy few weeks… gum surgery, Adam’s nephew staying with us for a week, my trip to Vermont for the cheesemakers festival, my trip home to Massachusetts for Faye’s bridal shower and then my sister and her family’s visit to NYC.  Whew!  I feel like I’ve been a bit off my game – there are a bunch of things I feel a little behind on now, though I’m proud of myself for chugging along with the photo project through all the chaos.  I typically like to create a busy and social lifestyle for myself (sometimes too busy), but right now I’m glad things are returning to normal for a bit so I can get back on a routine. I’m still eager to finish my post on the Cheesemaker Festival.  I wrote about seventy-five percent of it on the bus ride home to Massachusetts, but I haven’t had time to work on it since.  I also haven’t had much time to work on my Photoshop lessons… I’m three weeks into the first month of my Lynda.com membership (paying by the month) and I’ve barely scratched the surface!  Oops.  But oh well… shit happens.

Today after my family left, I took my camera out and had a nice stroll to Union Square where I checked out Trader Joe’s for the first time ever!  Seriously, I’ve been afraid to go there, because it’s right smack in the middle of Union Square and it always looks super hectic and crazy (I can’t deal).  But I decided to brave it today and oh my god…  I love that place!  I filled my little cart with goodies and the bill came to fifty bucks!  I can’t leave Whole Foods without spending twice that!  I am totally making Trader Joe’s a weekly shopping destination now.   I came home and made a nice simple dinner for us…  steak tips marinated in a soy, sesame, garlic, vinegar, ginger and pineapple juice concoction I bought at TJ’s.  On the side I made a caesar salad (subbing in fish sauce for the anchovy paste b/c I didn’t have any in the house) and some nutty brown rice.  It was tasty and easy.  It felt good to have a quiet dinner at home.  Speaking of cooking… now it’s time to watch Top Chef!  ‘Til tomorrow. 🙂