We sat around my dining room table and made fun of my father. Lovingly, but still. We laughed at his expense. He pointed a brown, knobby finger in my direction and asked, Wull, were shu hawppy?! I didn't have to respond because everyone already knew the answer.

Was I happy? That was his question, but I made fun of him because he's raised me to be a full-fledged quitter. I've quit more things in my life than I haven't. And I entirely blame my dad. Most parents raise their children to find the value in perseverence and dedication, but my dad? He finds value in happiness. My entire life if I wasn't happy doing something, he'd tell me to quit. He told me he spent his entire life dedicating himself to things he didn't want to do and persevere through bleak situations so his children wouldn't have to.

When I told my dad I quit law school to pursue photography he merely asked a question: Are shu hawppy? Through tears I told him I thought so. The first year I decided to attend WPPI in Las Vegas, I was so scared and unsure of my decision, but I went in faith. Besides, if I didn't like it, I'd just quit. Duh.

I've attended WPPI every year since then and I'm stoked to say I'm hawppy. And I honesty wish the same for you if you'll be there. More than that, I'd love to meet you. Of course, I'll be going to presentations throughout the week, but here's some places I'm locked in to be:

Monday, March 8, 2010
Platform Presentation @ 6:30-8:30pm in Room 319-320.
Party at The Pool hosted by WPPI (I'll be headed there after my presentation)

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Tradeshow Floor:
12-12:30pm … Fast Track Photographer Lounge for a recorded interview.
1:15-1:45pm … Hosting a FREE Companion Album Giveaway at the Leather Craftsmen Booth. Stop by for a ticket and the winner will be announced at 1:45pm (winner must be present). I'll be chatting how I use the Companion albums for my engagement albums and have samples to share.
2:40-3pm … Speaking at Kubota Imaging Tools Booth for a Photoshop demonstration.

I sincerely hope we get the chance to connect and if you see me walking the halls, please stop and say hi. Sometimes I'm overbearing and loud, but other than that, I play well with others.

We took this picture while in New York last week…self-timer, so don't hate! 😉
Speaking of New York, I'm airing on an episode of The Knot LIVE tomorrow at 1pm EST. I'm so nervous to see the segment…It was my first time being interviewed on camera, so let's hope I don't look foolish! 🙂