A Day at the Zoo

(c) Kelsey Loy

(c) Kelsey Loy

(c) Kelsey Loy

(c) Kelsey Loy

(c) Kelsey Loy

Sense of Humor (c) Kelsey Loy

(c) Kelsey Loy

(c) Kelsey Loy

(c) Kelsey Loy

I love going to the zoo. Even as a 20-somthing, it's still exciting and magical to see all of the "wild" animals. I always wonder what they think about the hundreds (or thousands) of people looking at them every day. They are all so beautiful and amazing to watch! While I don't agree with caging wild animals, I am grateful that there are places to go where the public can learn more about them, knowing that the animals are well cared for. These are some of the pictures from my last trip to the National Zoo (in Washington, D.C.). I can't wait to go back!

Kitties!

Dora (c) Kelsey Loy

Charlie (c) Kelsey Loy

The stray kitten I rescued from the sewer. (c) Kelsey Loy

I wouldn't call myself a "crazy cat lady" by any means; I actually enjoy dogs and cats equally well. I just happen to have more personal experience with cats. I like that in reality, they are really low maintenance (despite the fact that some act as though they are the "cat's meow"--pun intended!). They essentially clean themselves, they sleep a lot, they don't have to be taken on walks, or let out to use the bathroom. Their irresistible furriness and "motor-boat" purrrrrrr always get me, and I don't even mind the itchy eyes and sneezing their dander causes me!

I feel that I've had fairly good luck with the cats my family has owned as pets; Charlie (the striped one above) and Dora (the gray one) have been affectionate, and had nice personalities. Dora was more of a "cog"...A dog trapped in a cat's body. She was a rescue, and was the sweetest thing! She always greeted us at the door, tail wagging, flopping on the floor, demanding we scratch her belly. She would sit on command (if you rewarded her with treats), and she was also known to chase her tail. After a long illness, she is at peace, watching the birds now <3.

Charlie is my current "step-cat" (he was a package deal when my dad got re-married a few years ago). Chuckie-Puckie is entertaining to say the least. Even though he's 9-years-old, he's a giant "toddler." He gets into everything, demands attention, and is spoiled rotten. The cat gets SmartWater (not tap), and has everyone wrapped around his little finger...errr...I mean tail?!? He is incredibly endearing, however, and I will admit to falling into his trap the moment I walk through the door.

The other thing I like about cats: They make for some pretty cute photography subjects. Wouldn't you agree?

**I'd like to dedicate this post to my friend, Eryn, who is indeed a (self-described) "crazy cat lady." When you read it, I hope this post made you "Make'n da beescuits".  :-P 

Spring is Officially Here

(c) Kelsey Loy

(c) Kelsey Loy

(c) Kelsey Loy

(c) Kelsey Loy

You know, I wasn't sure how I'd feel today (a Monday) after giving up that infamous hour of sleep for day-light-savings yesterday, but it was actually a glorious day! I didn't even need a jacket this afternoon. The sun was shining, there was a slight breeze, and there was still plenty of daylight when I was coming home from class at 7 pm. It was energizing, and I didn't feel tired at all. They are calling for nice weather the rest of the week, and I'm hoping that I am able to go out and get some new shots around campus as the flowers and trees bloom. I've included some of my previous pictures of flowers today. Here's to ringing in the spring! :-)

Since We Never Got Any Snow...

(c) Kelsey Loy

(c) Kelsey Loy

(c) Kelsey Loy

Paradise! Can I go back? I miss the sun, the boats and the beautiful flowers. I'm ready for summer and the beach!

Amusement Park Rides

(c) Kelsey Loy

I love a good day at the amusement park! It's really one way that I take risks and am actually adventurous. I'm never scared to get on a roller coaster; I look forward to the drops and turns. I'm not afraid of heights, and love the thrill. I will ride anything and everything, and try to pack as much as possible into the day. This is a photo that I took of the largest Ferris wheel on the East Coast (in Wildwood, NJ). So much fun!

Holding Hands

Okay, okay...I know some of you are going to roll your eyes while reading this "mushy" post; but another little thing that makes me happy is being able to hold hands with the guy I love. This picture is not of us, but rather two friends of mine. Seeing them walk side-by-side together reminded me just how lucky we both are to have caring, wonderful guys in our lives. While much of my year and a half long relationship has been spent long-distance, I couldn't feel any happier knowing the times we have spent together are that much more meaningful. I love how my fingers fit perfectly in his. I also love when he grabs my hand, holds on tight, and lingers when it's time to let go. It is something that I never take for granted!  

"BEEing" Busy

(c) Kelsey Loy

Sometimes I get wrapped up in the stress of student teaching, graduate classes, job applications, and everyday "stuff." I forget just how lucky I am to be busy! I am very blessed to have the opportunity for a wonderful education, and I am lucky to live in a country where I can grow up to be whatever I want to be. I also realize how important it is to "stop and smell the flowers" every now and then (hence, the reason I started this blog)! It is in those quiet, reflective moments that I can appreciate all that I have and refocus on my goals. I'm at the home stretch...just a little more than 2 months until graduation. I cannot wait to "use my wings!"