Showing posts with label photo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photo. Show all posts

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy Independence Day!

I now interrupt your regularly scheduled San Francisco tales to wish everyone a wonderful Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July!!!

I will be enjoying the day at a 4th of July celebration parade and relaxing to some music at the park with the bf, his parents and our brand new puppy Kara! Have a beautiful day full of friends, picnics, swimming and fireworks. Take a moment to remember the meaning of the day. What an incredible history of such a beautiful country. I'm proud to be an American. Here's to Freedom!!


Monday, June 15, 2009

Sail Away - Photo Edition

I initially began this blog as a place to showcase my photography. Somewhere along the way, I stopped being so good about posting pictures, as Gramma Ann has mentioned on occasion. (see, I get it...eventually) I think part of it was not having a reliable internet connection on the computer that my photos lived on, but not entirely. Around the same time I got really into the actual blogging and community part of having a blog. What I forgot is that the two are not mutually exclusive. I can blog AND post my pictures. Novel concept, right? The lovely Mama Geek and Cecily do it AT LEAST once a week for Photostory Friday.

I can't guarantee that I'll get on top of things right away, but I'm going to try. I also have a shiny new camera that the bf bought me this weekend as a belated 1 year anniversary gift. (belated all thanks to Dell....I love my computer, which mostly makes up for the camera incident) So, in the spirit of getting on top of the initial purpose of my blog, here are some photos from my sailing excursion on Saturday. (they are taken with the bf's SLR...I didn't get my shiny new camera till Sunday...and the SLR is still better...even though mine is SUPER shiny and I absolutely LOVE it!)


This one is of another sailboat out a bit farther out to sea than we were. We stayed fairly close to the coast so the guys could practice coming about, which in sailing language means turning around and moving the sails. It was actually a pretty cool process.


This is a bit of an artsy pic to show the unusally cool ring around the sun. It was nice to finally see the sun! We hadn't seen the sun in nearly a week and a half. (not long compared to some of you out there, but for here that's crazy) Of course it's supposed to rain tomorrow, so we probably won't see the sun then either.



This is the Ocean Beach Pier from out quite a ways from the shore. I had the telephoto lens on for this one. This was one of the last ones I took before I realized that staring through the viewfinder in the wavy open ocean was making me a little nauseous and thus abandoned the camera in favor of sitting back and relaxing in the breeze and rolling waves.


Friday, April 3, 2009

Photostory Friday: Tire Swing

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



Tire Swing

This is one of the photos taken on the retreat I went on a couple weeks ago. It was inspired by a friend's photo of the ocean between the slats of a wooden pier. I love the shadows in this one with the tire swing.

I've been remiss in blogging this week, things have just been really busy, and each morning I feel like I've been in a brawl with a tractor...and the tractor keeps winning. I'm planning on an early night tonight so that I have energy for a fun filled weekend. A few hours at Sea World tomorrow, Disneyland on Monday for Bells' birthday. I'm so excited. :)


This post was inspired by the two lovely ladies below. Follow the link to play PSF & join in on the fun!
PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



Friday, March 27, 2009

Photostory Friday: Friends, Wine & Fun

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



Friends, Wine & Fun

Tuesday night the bf and I hosted a social for the Young Adult group at a place called Wine Steals. It was so much fun, I made some great new friends. We're heading up North about an hour or so with our desert family to camp at a lake. I'm so excited. It will be even better than our desert trips because we're just relaxing and not worried about riding at all. We'll probably do a bit of wine tasting tomorrow, seeing as we'll be a hop skip and a jump from several amazing wineries. I can't wait. I haven't seen Bells in forever...we're planning to watch Twilight and eat oreos at some point. There will be giggling. Guaranteed.

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



Friday, March 20, 2009

Photostory Friday: Guess What

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



"Guess" What?


A few have asked to see my new glasses. Many of you know that I'm not really one to post pictures of people (including myself) on my blog, so this one may eventually be replaced with a picture of the glasses by themselves. But for now, here's a picture of me with the lovely glasses that allow me to spend time on the computer without my eyes aching from fatigue. These babies are the reason my reader count hit zero yesterday for the first time in forever.

Have a happy weekend!

(Oh, p.s. I'm not sure how obvious it is, so I figure I should mention that they are "Guess" brand glasses...hence the title of my post)


PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



Friday, February 13, 2009

Photostory Friday: Somewhere Over the Rainbow

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek




Last Saturday found me driving up to Famous Dave's with the bf and his parents for lunch. It was absolutely delicious, even though the drive was a bit rainy. On the way home, we saw this beautiful double rainbow. Luckily, I remembered that my camera was tucked inside my purse for precisely such an occasion.


Today's post inspired by the lovely ladies below. Check it out and play along!
PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



Thursday, February 5, 2009

What We Didn't See

I got this from my uncle in an email a few days ago about what REALLY happened that miraculous day on the Hudson River. I hope you enjoy, I sure did.



P.S. Don't forget to stop by tomorrow and help me celebrate my 1 year bloggiversary!


Friday, December 19, 2008

Photostory Friday: Of Riding and Penguins

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



I've been talking about the desert for a while now, I've been out three times (and only fallen once!) I keep meaning to get photos up. Now, I don't do photos of myself, it's a personal preference and privacy thing. But since I'm in full gear in these, I've decided to share them.


Here I come over the top of the flats. The bf was in the buggy taking pictures. Renee was challenging me to work on speed down the flat sections.


And there I go, kicking up dirt with my paddle wheels. (the best wheels to have on the back out in the dunes) I was probably somewhere between 3rd and 4th gear in this shot.


And you thought I was kidding about the penguin in the title. Since we skipped our original plans for the weekend, the bf made it Christmas-y for me in the desert. He bought the giant inflatable chubby penguin and mounted it to the top of the trailer. It was actually a convenient way to locate our campsite when we were coming back from a ride.


So, not full gear here, but I have a camera in front of my face. We stopped at a race on the way home to take pictures. The bf is working with this bike shop near work, redesigning and completing their website and doing some photography for them. (Did I mention he finally bought the Canon XSI? It's shiny) It was a little dusty, but lots of fun. Look at my pretty boots! I love my riding boots. We got them on sale, but they were still over $100. The protection is totally worth it...no way to sprain ankles in those things. I do have a Shift jersey, but this outfit is completely Fox. I'm definitely a Fox girl, they have the best riding gear for girls.

Today's PSF brought to you by the lovely Cecily and MamaGeek (links below, go check it out!)

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Christmas Cards

A few months ago we were browsing through Costco and came across these awesome stamp sets. The bf bought me the holidays one as an early birthday gift. It's got stamps for everything, the really nice clear rubber stamps that you use with clear acrylic blocks. There was born the idea of making my own Christmas cards. I've been meaning to start them since October, but things just seemed to keep getting in the way, I would get them done later. Well, it's December, and I've got to get them done so I can put them in the mail. So far I've designed 5 different cards and am in the process of duplicating them. Believe me, the duplication part goes MUCH faster than the designing. I think I may design one more unique card, I haven't decided.

Since I am the girl with the camera and I haven't posted pictures in a LOOOOOONG time (I'm slacking, I know) I took some pictures of the completed cards so far. I may add one later, we'll see. So without further ado, here are the 5








Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Falling Behind


Rushing and racing and running in circles. Moving so fast I'm forgetting my purpose. Blur of the traffic is sending me spinning, getting nowhere. My head and my heart are colliding chaotic, pace of the world I just wish I could stop it. Try to appear like I've got it together I'm falling apart...
slow me down...
Sometimes I fear that I might disappear in the blur of fast forward I falter again. Forgetting to breathe, I need to sleep, I'm getting nowhere. All that I've missed I see in the reflection, passed me while I wasn't paying attention. Tired of rushing, racing and running I'm falling apart...


I often times feel that I am out of control, unable to keep up with life-the lyrics of one of my favorite Emmy Rossum songs seem to fit. I may not be falling apart (at least I don't think so) I definitely need to slow down. Things are chaotic right now, just really super busy. My list of things is growing faster than I can cross things off, it's like I'm trying to be on several different freeways all at once, going different speeds in multiple directions. (and not "easily" solvable like world problems in algebra)
I have so many things to say, but no time to say them, to formulate them into words. I need to get my life and my schedule under control. Work has gotten busy preparing for the new students moving in and the beginning of school. I'm trying to figure out if mono is the culprit for my inexplicable fatigue and tiredness, even when I get plenty of sleep. (apparently the virus will occasionally become active...but don't worry, no more swollen icky tonsils...supposedly) There are lots of little things that need my attention, piling up on me. There are people who want pieces of my time and attention, when really I wish I could have just a single day to turn off my phone and disappear from the world for a short time. (I'm actually trying to work on this) I'm much more balanced, but I feel like I've lost my center.
That being said, I'm going to follow the example of several wonderful bloggers I read, and take a short break. Not like I haven't already been taking one, I have posted in a while. I won't completely disappear, I'm still trying to get caught up in my reader. (I'm sure you may have noticed a slew of comments on a range of posts from me, or if you haven't, you will...I'm working my way through the reader) I just don't have it in me to hit "mark as read".
I'll be back soon enough though, I love my blog and can't stay away for too long. I just need to work on my writing. I do believe that it may have gotten a bit whiny as of late.
If you have a moment, please check out this blog, I found it through Sue at Navel Gazing At Its Finest. CJane has been keeping updates on the condition of her sister NieNie and her sister's husband Christian as they recover from a plane accident. The love and support of this family has been truly amazing to read about, and they can use all the prayers they can get. They also set up a donation link for those able and willing to donate to help ease the financial side of their recovery, which is estimated to be at least several months from what I gather. Thank you to Sue for bringing this to my attention. I hope you will all keep NieNie and Christian and their whole family in your prayers, if you are a praying sort of person.
I'll be back soon, consistently. And I'll have slowed down and regained control of my life. (as much as I ever can, right?)


Sunday, August 10, 2008

Sunny Sunday

It began as one of those beautiful Southern California summer mornings. Cool and clear, bit of haze out over the ocean to the west. Wake up naturally around 7:20...doze in bed until about 7:45. Wake up in the crisp, cool morning to get ready. Slather in sunscreen to let it soak in, don't want to get burned. (again)
Out the door by 8:45, beach bag in hand, skin ready to face the bright sunshine, already in a swim suit complete with brand new board shorts (purchased of course from the men's department swimming suit area on clearance...they fit so much better, are cuter, and WAY cheaper than the girls' stuff, seriously)
Quick trip over the bridge, windows down to smell the cool salt air. Visiting a new place by the water (will discover later that it is complete with swings) Not sure about the location, but see the bf's truck...hard to miss. Meet the bf and family, camera out to capture the nephew playing in the sand by the water.
Water cool against the feet, but refreshing. Lots and lots of pictures, sitting by the water. Friends show up with toys. Really neat toys. The bf and friends go out for a ride. Come back and it's my turn to come. Holding tight to the bf...drenched in the first few minutes by wakes from friends. (intentional of course...think it's funny) New feelings, but not unwelcome. Exhilarating is really the best adjective. 5 mph on the way out, can't speed until the second buoy. Pass the second buoy, race towards the bridge. Under the bridge...it really is big looking up from the bottom. Past the bridge, past the ferry landing, past the village, past the museum...out and around. Playing games, getting wet, lots of splashing...holding on tight, going faster. Pause to wave hello to the sea lions sunning on a navigational buoy. Out to the lighthouse, past more sea lions on buoys, out to the open ocean. Watch out for kelp and sea grass, clog the intakes. Jumping waves...friend takes 6 foot jump, hear him cheering from far off. Pause for friends to clean out their intakes, abandon streaked and salty sunglasses to the compartment...can see clearly again. Back to the beach, racing through wakes, waving to boats. Pause for the bf to point out a familiar research vessel. Race back, back past the museum, past the village, the ferry landing, under the bridge. Slow to 5 mph at the second buoy...slow all the way in. Beach and anchor. Arms sore from holding onto the bf, legs sore from gripping the jet ski.
BBQ lunch on the beach, absolutely delicious. Drying off in the sun, more pictures. Boys go out to play again. Trying to even out a slight tan. Kids play, lots more pictures.
The bf comes back, my turn to drive. Take the red one, it's better, easier to handle. Teaching and learning, 5 mph to the second buoy, good learning time. Hit the second buoy, speed up (but not much) Exhilarating doesn't even describe the feeling. Stop and go, little shrieks, little jumps. Very different in the driver's seat, but strong arms from behind providing security. Learning to turn into the waves, don't want to tip over. Choppy waters, learning to steer. Out to the bridge, under and around. Coming in, pass the Navy Police. Circle back at the second buoy, back to the bridge. Conquering fear, learning to handle the new toy. Circle the bridge, racing back. 28 mph top speed, try for 30 but chicken out. Second buoy, 5 mph again. Riding gently, bumping over waves. Coming to anchor, pictures taken, circling around, more pictures, this time with the bf. Anchor and wade back to shore. Soaking wet, lots of smiles. Short time to rest and dry before heading home.
Walk to the car, back to the bridge...this time over instead of under. Home for quick shower and turn around with friend to go to mass. Sit down at mass, instant exhaustion from a wonderful day and a desire to go out with the newfound favorite toys again soon. Fabulous Southern California day with the bf, his family and friends.


Friday, July 18, 2008

PhotoStory Friday: Hands

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek




"Hands"

My cousin recently had a beautiful baby girl. My cousin and her dad, my uncle, packed up this beautiful little bundle of joy and took her on her very first plane ride at only 5 weeks old.


We were all in on it, the West Coast side of the family. Nobody told my grandparents. We met at my aunt's, while my parents kept my grandparents busy that day. We drove to my hometown, and met up at the grocery store to caravan over to my grandparents' house. My dad met us with the food, and we all hid on the side of the house. My uncle took the food and went up to the door, and it took a few minutes for my grandpa to even realize it was him. He's had chemo, so he has no hair...plus, it'd been a few years since they last saw him. We all came around the corner laughing when they finally figured it out. We visited inside, laughing that was pulled one on my grandparents...they had NO idea! Then there was a little knock at the door. My grandpa opened it to see his oldest granddaughter, with his first great granddaughter, only 5 weeks old. It was one of the coolest things I'd ever been a part of. My grandparents were so excited. And believe me when I say that we were lucky to pull it off...it's very rare that you can pull anything over on them...especially my grandpa. But they had absolutely no idea, which made the surprise that much better. And I got to meet my baby cousin, she is a complete doll. That's her wrapping her hand around my finger just after I met her.



Today's post inspired by the lovely ladies below. Check out the link and play PSF too!

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



Friday, July 11, 2008

PhotoStory Friday: Sparklers

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek




Our family used to have FABULOUS 4th of July pool party/bbq's at my uncle's house. The college around the corner had a fireworks show that we could watch from his front yard. They moved out of that house years ago, and the 4th of July has been comparably uneventful ever since.


His two oldest kids, my fabulous cousins, recently moved back into that house-they're renting it from their grandfather, who owns it. We came up with the idea to have an old school family 4th of July party, just like we used to when we were younger, except this time? The kids were in charge. It was fabulous! I handstamped invitations and did the centerpieces and decorations. My cousin A took over the grilling from his dad, and N and I took care of all the other cooking. It was a great party, and everyone really enjoyed themselves. The adults were excited that they could really relax and enjoy, since we kids had it all under control.



This post is inspired by the lovely ladies below, you should check it out and play too!

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Roses are Red


The bf wasn't feeling well yesterday, so he left work a bit early and stole my keys to go rest at my apartment. He would have just gone home, but yesterday was our three month and he wanted to spend some time with me. Things have been slightly tense what with me not feeling well and him being a bit overstressed with work and such and subsequently not feeling well-we've both been a little cranky. I came home to this beautiful arrangement of roses sitting on my table. They are so beautiful, he did the arrangement himself. And last night? Last night was nice, not tense. We got sushi from this place near my apartment, it was really good. We watched a few episodes of Bones (he's on season 2) And he left around 8, because we were both tired. It was simple, but absolutely wonderful. And I love my roses. They make me smile when I look at them.


Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Hair Salons

Well, I've finally done it. I decided to be brave and trusting. I called the cute little salon around the corner from my apartment, and made an appointment to get my hair cut. For most people I would imagine this doesn't require bravery, but for me it does. See, I'm very particular about my hair, even more so about who I let near it with scissors. My hair hasn't been cut in...well, a while. It's gotten nice and long and actually grew out quite nicely. But I've been noticing the ends and they're just starting to split a bit more than I like and they seem slightly dry, no matter how long I leave in the conditioner. My layers could also do with some help. Only problem with all this is that the girl who usually does my hair is three hours away, and I just never seem to have time to get to her anymore when I'm up at my parent's.
I was looking at this little salon to get a much needed pedicure, which I still plan on doing. But I decided that my hair would be so much happier with me if I would get it a nice cute and get my layers brought up. I figure 3 inches ought to do well to get off most of the splits while still leaving plenty of length. It IS in the middle of my back, and it grows fast. So wish me luck, because this will be my first time going to someone new in a while and trusting them with my hair. Maybe I should get one of those soothing water drip fountains like my cousin had in her living room. (that's what the picture is of...I seriously want one, they are SO cool!)


Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Jigsaw

Summer is a time of swimming pools and tag, ice cream and late night sleepovers. Hot, overcast summer days always meant something for me and my friend next door...those days meant puzzles and hoping for thunderstorms. (though we rarely got them) We both loved our puzzles, we would pull out my 300 piece movie poster Disney puzzles and put them together countless times. My mom let us take over the whole dining table! Of course, it was usually July, and we were usually in our "Christmas can't come soon enough" phase. We played a game that we were elves in Santa's workshop, we were the head of the puzzle department. And before we could package up any puzzle to send with Santa on Christmas Eve, it had to be put together and double checked. After all, who wants a puzzle with missing pieces? It was a fun game, often accompanied by contraband Christmas music when my mom wasn't paying attention. Our barbie's also celebrated Christmas all summer long in our elaborate, full room setups...in both our houses.

Last week my mom told me to watch a movie or something to distract me from my throat. I started with Star Wars, but my eye also caught on this lovely, 1000 piece Mickey Mouse puzzle that the bf gave me when he discovered that I loved puzzles. It's been sitting on my table for a while, waiting to be put together. I broke out the card table, and began sorting. Took me a week, but I finally finished it! It's still sitting on my kitchen table because I can't bear to break it apart just yet. Can't say much for mono, but it took me back to those rare stormy summer days with my neighbor, and helped me rediscover my love for jigsaws. I bought a new 1000 piece Thomas Kinkade puzzle yesterday. I'm going to start it tomorrow, I'm so excited! I made the bf take me to two different stores before I found the perfect new puzzle to work on. This one might take me a bit longer to put together since I doubt I'll be working on it in the wee hours of the morning, since I can actually sleep through the night now and not wake up in pain. That's always fun. It looks like a beautiful puzzle, I can't wait to get started!


Friday, June 20, 2008

Photostory Friday: An Excellent Beginning


Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek






I think this photo is elsewhere in my blog, but it's one of my favorites. It takes me back to my one month date with the bf. He had everything planned out, it was just so absolutely perfect. Of course I couldn't resist taking pictures in the restaurant, but he encouraged it, and I have some great pictures from that night. It was definitely a night to remember, I had an amazing time.
I'm sure I'll have a NEW photo to play next week's PSF.



This post is brought to you by the lovely ladies below, you should check it out and play too!


Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek



Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Bells and Headaches

I'm not really in a blogging mood, haven't been all week, but I feel like I should write SOMETHING. So it'll be brief, and then I'll skip happily on my way. Or, perhaps, more likely, just crawl away and curl up. I haven't been feeling well, today it's just a general blah sort of feeling. Monday I actually left work early because my head hurt so bad I could hardly see straight. Ibuprofen and Excedrin weren't helping in the least. Still hurts off and on, but not nearly as bad as it did Monday. I just feel completely off, you know? Just one of those weeks.
I'm determined to go back on South Beach, and the exciting part is that the bf is all for doing it with me, which will definitely make it easier for me to stick with it. My mom goes to Curves at home, and I just did some research and there's one about 5 minutes away from my apartment. I've been getting ready so early, I may as well get over and spend half an hour exercising in the mornings before work. I know that lack of exercise is part of my problem. I'm going to call them during my break later today and find out their hours, because if they're open to start by 6:30, that would be perfect for me. I'd be done by 7 with time to come home, rinse off in the shower and eat breakfast before I have to be to work at 8. And the best part is that I'd start feeling better. Join that with South Beach and actually eating healthy? I think I could do that. And it's totally worth however much money they charge for membership. I know that if I'm spending my money on it, it's something that I'll actually do. I really just suck at
procrastinating, and my body and health are the things that suffer. I know I'm tired, and that the thought of all this makes me even more tired, but I also know that exercise and a good eating regiment is exactly what I need to get to feeling better again. If I can join this afternoon, I will definitely start tomorrow morning. Getting it done first thing in the morning will be a great thing too, it's so easy to put things off when it gets to after work and the end of the day. I'm actually starting to get excited about this. :)

Now I'm sure you're probably at least a little curious about these pictures with the post today. I may have mentioned before that I play flute on a couple pieces with a friend's bell choir. Well, the bell choir is making a cd, and so I was invited to the recording studio Saturday morning because they wanted to include the two pieces I play on in the cd. I got up bright and early
Saturday morning and made my way down to the studio. I only drove past the parking lot twice trying to find it! (okay, maybe it was three times...) It was a lot of fun though. I was there just about two hours, two takes of each piece, plus a couple spot recordings. They did a piece or two in between each flute piece. I love being in studios, this is only the second time though, it was very different from the one I was in with my children's choir so many years ago. I liked this one better, it was more old school, like something you'd see in a movie. It was a blast, I'm looking forward to getting the cd.
I hope you are all having a great week!


Friday, June 13, 2008

Photostory Friday: Hit Me With Your Best Shot


Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek





Actually, I think she was singing Heartbreaker in this photo. But either way, she is amazing! I snapped this shot while dancing and singing at a Pat Benatar concert with one of my best friends. It reminds of the perfect end to an amazing day with my friend B, volunteering and serving. It was absolutely incredible. We'd gotten up at 4:45 that morning, but by the time we got into the swing of things, it didn't matter that we'd gotten only a few precious hours of sleep. We were making sandwiches and handing out medals and cheering on the amazing people running the marathon with Team in Training to raise money for cancer research. It was perfect.



Today's post brought to you courtesy of the lovely ladies listed below:
Try it out if you need a posting idea on Fridays, it's super fun!



Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek