Yup, still around. Over the holidays, I picked up a couple of new stuff for the ol' Nikon D40 that I've been playing around with lately:
- the Nikkor 50mm f1.8 lens (in anticipation for low-light indoors shots such as in museums where a tripod may not be allowed)
- the Nikon SB-400 speedlight (and what a difference it's made - my portraits look way more professional now thanks to being able to bounce the flash off the ceiling)
- the wireless remote trigger release (still haven't had an opportunity to use this).

I've just posted a couple of still-life shots taken with the new 50mm lens.

Recently, I got for my birthday:
- a Neutral Density filter for my existing lenses
and
- a 62mm Circular Polarizing filter in anticipation of receiving...

*drumroll please* the long-awaited 18-200mm lens! The seller e-mailed yesterday and it's now on its way! Though I can only afford the Tamron one for now, I'm still really excited to get this for travel - especially since we're looking forward to doing a 3-week trip to Japan in summer 2010! I can pretty much guarantee a whole bunch of new shots then. XD

For the time being, I was taking a break from the jewelry/craft business until the pre-holiday season kicks up again in fall but it turns out that I may have a whole bunch of custom jewelry commissions to do over the next couple weeks or so thanks to a friend's sister being a bridesmaid in late July. Keeping my fingers crossed - I wouldn't mind the extra cash; that, and I can always post what I create here, right?