I bought the Nikon D40. It came with an 18-55 mm lens, but The Camera Shop was running a special bundled deal, so I also got the midrange telephoto lens (55-200 mm) for only $50, whereas it would cost $150 or more separately.

I nearly passed out when I forked over my credit card to pay for it. Other than a downpayment on our homes and cars, I've never spent so much money in one shot in my life.

To put it in perspective, this camera cost me more than my wedding gown, for pete's sake!!!!

Now, to figure out how in the hell to use it! Luckily, The Camera Shop gave me tickets for eighteen in-store photography classes, which are ordinarily $15 a pop. Pretty good deal, huh?

Here are two of my initial pics with this baby. Not very good at all. I have a LOT to learn, clearly. At this point, I don't even KNOW what I don't know. How's that for a braintwister? PS - Excuse the state of my home, please.

Labels: hobbies, pictures, sheer insanity, shopping