Day 186 - November 30, 2009
Orko enjoying the outdoors and his new haircut! There are a couple of spots on the picture because right before this was taken, he decided to kiss the camera.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
November 29, 2009 - Day 185
Well, with Thanksgiving behind us, we can officially call it the holiday season, or more specifically, the Christmas season. So, Happy Holidays everyone!
Halfway there!
I have officially reached the halfway point in my year in pictures project. Boy, am I having a fun time too! The best part is I have yet to get even remotely bored with taking pictures. There are times I get frustrated because I can't find anything that interesting to take a picture of, but it is what it is. I just have to realize that it isn't always possible to take a world class picture or for that matter, have a world class subject matter to take a picture of every single day. But hey, even some of these, "I don't know what to take a picture of" days end up pretty good.
With that being said, here are the last two days. The first picture is our gas fireplace. This is the first time we have turned it on this this season, and I felt I needed to mark the occasion.
The second picture is from yesterday. A group of us went to play some disc golf at one of the local courses. The winds yesterday were crazy and that made it quite interesting at times, but you have to just adjust. The picture of the day is of my friend Nate as he prepares to throw his disc. I took a handful of pictures so the link to the set is below. You can check us out in a tepee!
Disc Golf Set
With that being said, here are the last two days. The first picture is our gas fireplace. This is the first time we have turned it on this this season, and I felt I needed to mark the occasion.
The second picture is from yesterday. A group of us went to play some disc golf at one of the local courses. The winds yesterday were crazy and that made it quite interesting at times, but you have to just adjust. The picture of the day is of my friend Nate as he prepares to throw his disc. I took a handful of pictures so the link to the set is below. You can check us out in a tepee!
Disc Golf Set
Friday, November 27, 2009
November 26, 2009 - Day 182
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving yesterday. Jess had to work (Time and a half!!!) so I spent the large majority of the day at my parents' house. I didn't get a chance to upload a pic because once we got home at 9pm or so, we went straight to bed. We were up at 230 this morning to brave the Black Friday crowds. Got what we wanted, so I consider it a successful day.
Anyways, I had a hard time deciding on which picture I liked from yesterday as picture of the day so you get the original and the alternate. Even though they are both of the same dog, Logan, they are completely different pictures. So, like always, you get the chosen pictures first, and then the alternate.
Anyways, I had a hard time deciding on which picture I liked from yesterday as picture of the day so you get the original and the alternate. Even though they are both of the same dog, Logan, they are completely different pictures. So, like always, you get the chosen pictures first, and then the alternate.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
November 24, 2009 - Day 180
Master of Puppets
I'm Pulling Your Strings
Twisting Your Mind and Smashing Your Dreams\
Trust me, this looks WAY better if you click on it and see it big. This thumbnail does it ZERO justice!
I'm Pulling Your Strings
Twisting Your Mind and Smashing Your Dreams\
Trust me, this looks WAY better if you click on it and see it big. This thumbnail does it ZERO justice!
Monday, November 23, 2009
November 23, 2009 - Day 179
Curtain Call
So, as I am almost halfway through my year in photos, I am starting to get ideas of what to do with all these pictures. So far, I have been printing out a 4x6 of every picture at Walmart and putting them all in an album so that I have a way to preserve a memory of this photographic journey. Already, this experience has brought out things I never imagined possible. The comments and praise of some of my photos has been overwhelming. On Flickr, people have liked some of my photos enough to ask that I include them in their set of photos for all to see. I have even had two pictures purchased in poster size, framed, and hung on someone's wall. That is the ultimate compliment - someone liking your photographs enough to want them to be actual "art" on their wall. And really, any picture is available for anyone who wants one.
With all that being said, a friend of mine just brought to my attention a way to really preserve this year long experience while showcasing the photos in the best possible way. He asked, why not make them into a book? He gave me a link and I was floored. I figured I could always make them into a book, but not a quality book at a pretty decent price. Blurb makes all kinds of books including what I want, a photo book. It even has the tools to create the book to how you want it and then upload it. Hell, I can even order multiple copies and even promote it to try to sell it. Now, I don't think I am going to go that far, but I am pretty sure I will be making a book for myself. How cool to have a coffee table book of my own work?!?! Now I am getting REALLY excited!
So, as I am almost halfway through my year in photos, I am starting to get ideas of what to do with all these pictures. So far, I have been printing out a 4x6 of every picture at Walmart and putting them all in an album so that I have a way to preserve a memory of this photographic journey. Already, this experience has brought out things I never imagined possible. The comments and praise of some of my photos has been overwhelming. On Flickr, people have liked some of my photos enough to ask that I include them in their set of photos for all to see. I have even had two pictures purchased in poster size, framed, and hung on someone's wall. That is the ultimate compliment - someone liking your photographs enough to want them to be actual "art" on their wall. And really, any picture is available for anyone who wants one.
With all that being said, a friend of mine just brought to my attention a way to really preserve this year long experience while showcasing the photos in the best possible way. He asked, why not make them into a book? He gave me a link and I was floored. I figured I could always make them into a book, but not a quality book at a pretty decent price. Blurb makes all kinds of books including what I want, a photo book. It even has the tools to create the book to how you want it and then upload it. Hell, I can even order multiple copies and even promote it to try to sell it. Now, I don't think I am going to go that far, but I am pretty sure I will be making a book for myself. How cool to have a coffee table book of my own work?!?! Now I am getting REALLY excited!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
November 22, 2009 - Day 178
Exercise your brain
I am also trying out a site I have been meaning to try for a while for a different view of the picture. You can click on the pic like usual to see bigger or click the link below for a different, maybe even more stunning, view of the picture. Let me know what you think.
View On Black
I am also trying out a site I have been meaning to try for a while for a different view of the picture. You can click on the pic like usual to see bigger or click the link below for a different, maybe even more stunning, view of the picture. Let me know what you think.
View On Black
November 21, 2009 - Day 177
Spying on Jess through a peephole. Actually, this was done by holding up a wooden spoon with a hole in it up to the camera as I took it. Improvisation rules!
November 20, 2009 - Day 176
After the rainfall. This is about as close as I can get with it staying in focus without a macro lens. I sure could use one!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
November 18, 2009 - Day 174
I caught this mouse trying to sneak around in the corner of my living room!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
And I'm BACK!
Well, I said no pictures until Sunday night or maybe even Monday and here it is Tuesday. The trip to Oregon was great! Five of us drove up together for the wedding of a friend I have known since 7th grade. He is actually a twin. Although his brother stayed here in town and I see all the time still, Jeremiah moved away years ago now. It was so good to see him and we had a great time. The 9 hour drive up there was made that much better because Yvette created an unscramble and scavenger hunt game. And it was a LONG list. None of us even finished, even when taking the trip home into account. Why? No friggin' pigs on the side of the road anywhere!! Still, it was a TON of fun and kept us entertained.
Friday night was a rehearsal dinner and a bachelor party. As Jess and Yvette were the only females that made the drive, we even allowed them to go to the bachelor party as well. I know they had a great time, but really, who doesn't have fun at a strip club?!?! :-)
Saturday was great because I got to meet some of my OTD buddies for the first time for breakfast. We had a lot of laughs! Saturday evening was the wedding and it was a wonderful time. The highlight of the trip had to be Saturday night after the wedding. 6 of us went back to the hotel and played a new board game we bought called Quelf. This has to be the most random game I have ever played and it also didn't hurt that we were all drinking. It has you do the most random things - speaking in accents, clothes worn inside out, snorting after any laugh, etc. It is really hard to describe, but watching people do embarrassing things whilst alcohol is involved makes for an uproariously funny time. I am just disappointed none of us thought to take any video. I highly recommend this game if you have a group of friends who like to play board games. GREAT party game!
Sunday we drove home, but we have had some family in town and I just haven't had a chance to upload anything. So, below is a link to my folder of pictures from the wedding with some great pics of mt. Shasta. After that are my pictures of the day for November 13th- November 17th. Enjoy!
Wedding Set
Sunrise over I-5
Yeah, I am now shooting models for Abercrombie and Fitch. In all seriousness, this is my friend Jason, but I thought the pose and color really looked straight out of some preppy/trendy clothes catalog.
Jess and I LOVE magnets from places around the world. Our fridge is covered in them and this is only a small part
Tostadas bar!
We were sitting in the living room when Orko came walking in with this leftover breakfast quesadilla in his mouth. That is what we get for leaving the garbage out so it could be thrown out. Bad boy!
Friday night was a rehearsal dinner and a bachelor party. As Jess and Yvette were the only females that made the drive, we even allowed them to go to the bachelor party as well. I know they had a great time, but really, who doesn't have fun at a strip club?!?! :-)
Saturday was great because I got to meet some of my OTD buddies for the first time for breakfast. We had a lot of laughs! Saturday evening was the wedding and it was a wonderful time. The highlight of the trip had to be Saturday night after the wedding. 6 of us went back to the hotel and played a new board game we bought called Quelf. This has to be the most random game I have ever played and it also didn't hurt that we were all drinking. It has you do the most random things - speaking in accents, clothes worn inside out, snorting after any laugh, etc. It is really hard to describe, but watching people do embarrassing things whilst alcohol is involved makes for an uproariously funny time. I am just disappointed none of us thought to take any video. I highly recommend this game if you have a group of friends who like to play board games. GREAT party game!
Sunday we drove home, but we have had some family in town and I just haven't had a chance to upload anything. So, below is a link to my folder of pictures from the wedding with some great pics of mt. Shasta. After that are my pictures of the day for November 13th- November 17th. Enjoy!
Wedding Set
Sunrise over I-5
Yeah, I am now shooting models for Abercrombie and Fitch. In all seriousness, this is my friend Jason, but I thought the pose and color really looked straight out of some preppy/trendy clothes catalog.
Jess and I LOVE magnets from places around the world. Our fridge is covered in them and this is only a small part
Tostadas bar!
We were sitting in the living room when Orko came walking in with this leftover breakfast quesadilla in his mouth. That is what we get for leaving the garbage out so it could be thrown out. Bad boy!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
November 12, 2009 - Day 168
Another fruit bowl in the house!
We are leaving for Oregon tomorrow morning for a wedding so it is highly likely that there won't be any picture updates for a few days. However, if Oregon is as pretty as I have heard, there will at least be some pretty pictures upon my return! Have a good weekend everybody.
We are leaving for Oregon tomorrow morning for a wedding so it is highly likely that there won't be any picture updates for a few days. However, if Oregon is as pretty as I have heard, there will at least be some pretty pictures upon my return! Have a good weekend everybody.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
November 11, 2009 - Day 167
I had another hard time with deciding on today's picture. It was essentially the same shot - a shot from on the fence. The only difference was what side I took it from, and in the end, they came out as similar, but totally different pictures.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
November 10, 2009 - Day 166
I think this acorn really has the feel of the season. In fact, and this isn't a hint, this pic might even look good framed and put up on a wall during the Halloween season. Of course, you really need to see this in large size to fully get what I am talking about. Lots of detail that way.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Sunday, November 08, 2009
November 7, 2009 - Day 163
Leftover Halloween candy, but interestingly enough, not anything we bought. We stopped buying candy after maybe 5 total trick or treaters total in the first 3 years we lived here.
Friday, November 06, 2009
November 6, 2009 - Day 162
For best results when saying a prayer, lean to your left as much as possible.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
November 5, 2009 - Day 161
I had a real hard time today deciding on the shot. What made it hard it really hard is they are the exact same shot, just one in color and one in sepia. I think they both have positive aspects. In the end, I did go with the sepia one, but I included both here for your enjoyment...
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
November 4, 2009 - Day 160
Grow little tree, GROW!
You really do have to enlarge this to see the detail. Otherwise, it doesn't look all that special.
This is the Mandarin tree in our backyard. Last year we planted it and got one fruit, and not an edible one. This year, there is growing fruit aplenty. Hopefully, something is edible this year.
You really do have to enlarge this to see the detail. Otherwise, it doesn't look all that special.
This is the Mandarin tree in our backyard. Last year we planted it and got one fruit, and not an edible one. This year, there is growing fruit aplenty. Hopefully, something is edible this year.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Manuel on Movies #15
It has been a couple of months since the last update, but not too many movies since the last post. Just been too busy I guess!
This was a pretty fun movie because there are very few movies, outside of Halloween, that really focus on the holiday of Halloween and have it as the focus of the movie rather than just a time frame in the background. It was interesting because it was made up of a bunch of interconnecting stories that all take place in the same little town. Think of it as a horror Pulp Fiction. The acting is pretty good and has a surprising amount of well known people in it. The horror isn't too scary and more of the fun variety so it can be enjoyed by those who get a little too scared at horror films. Nothing really too scary about it, but fun nonetheless. 7 out of 10
I quite enjoyed this movie and loved the Blair Witch/Cloverfield style it was filmed in. I love me a good zombie movie and although the monsters in this film were not technically zombies, it was close enough. The characters in the film were pretty dumb, but that usually doesn't take anything away from the movie for me. I just thought the close quarters of an apartment building and the hand held camera lended to a creepy, claustrophobic type, horror film where something bad could happen at any second. There is something creepy about films like this rather than the normal horror films that have such a distracting score in order to creep you out. Sometimes silence is scarier. 7.5 out of 10
A masterpiece. Really, there is not much else that can be said. Tarantino has done it again and I was so happy that this film lived up to all they hype and expectations I had. The reviews were pretty mixed, and understandably so. This is not a movie for everyone. If not a Tarantino fan, I can see people hating it. You have to realize that Tarantino likes to write long, drawn out scenes with a lot of talking. For some people like me, the writing is beautiful and contributes greatly towards building the characters, the mood, and the story. For other people, they see these long scenes of people just talking as nothing but filler that can put one to sleep. A lot of people were disappointed that there was not more of Brad Pitt and his Basterds. And well, yeah, they are wonderful in every scene they are in, but the movie is about more than them. If not for the other characters, this movie would not be the complete movie that this is. I blame it partially on some misleading trailers on the tone of the film, but this movie was nothing short of perfection in my eyes. 10 out of 10
Another, "Man you have to see this movie, it is so funny!" film. I thought it was pretty decent, but not the funniest movie I have seen in a while. I think Paul Rudd is awesome in everything he does, but Jason Segal kind of gets on my nerves for some reason. It gave me a few laughs, but thinking back on it, I can't think of anything in particular that was too funny and that isn't really a good sign when you are talking about recollecting a movie. Maybe the recent surge in "Bro-Mance" films could be coming to an end? 6.5 out of 10
This was a nice little gem. The poster is a little misleading. "From the director of Superbad" and starring some of the people from Apatow films makes it seem like it will be another gross out, drop dead funny comedy. It really isn't, and that is intentional. There are some pretty funny parts, but this film about college kids working at an amusement park is more a cross between a teen(but older) angst film and a love story. The acting is pretty solid in it and it has a pretty decent story. It drags a tiny bit towards the end, but if you enjoy little independent films like this that concentrate more on story than anything else, this movie is worth a pickup. 7.5 out of 10
Oh HELL YEAH! This movie rocked! Seriously, I know that this film is going to get plenty of views at my house once it comes out on Blu Ray because Jess and I LOVED it. It is just a good fun time. More of a comedy than a horror film, this movie had us cracking up. Woody Harrelson reminded us just how funny he is and Jessie Eisenberg is brilliant. As a guy who loves zombie films, this heads to the top of my list and it is a list filled with great movies. Really, if I had to describe the movie in one word, it would be "fun." This is a damn fun movie and I lobved every single minute of it. From Metallica playing in the opening credits to the surprise cameo to the action packed ending, this is a wonderful movie! 9.5 out of 10
This was a pretty fun movie because there are very few movies, outside of Halloween, that really focus on the holiday of Halloween and have it as the focus of the movie rather than just a time frame in the background. It was interesting because it was made up of a bunch of interconnecting stories that all take place in the same little town. Think of it as a horror Pulp Fiction. The acting is pretty good and has a surprising amount of well known people in it. The horror isn't too scary and more of the fun variety so it can be enjoyed by those who get a little too scared at horror films. Nothing really too scary about it, but fun nonetheless. 7 out of 10
I quite enjoyed this movie and loved the Blair Witch/Cloverfield style it was filmed in. I love me a good zombie movie and although the monsters in this film were not technically zombies, it was close enough. The characters in the film were pretty dumb, but that usually doesn't take anything away from the movie for me. I just thought the close quarters of an apartment building and the hand held camera lended to a creepy, claustrophobic type, horror film where something bad could happen at any second. There is something creepy about films like this rather than the normal horror films that have such a distracting score in order to creep you out. Sometimes silence is scarier. 7.5 out of 10
A masterpiece. Really, there is not much else that can be said. Tarantino has done it again and I was so happy that this film lived up to all they hype and expectations I had. The reviews were pretty mixed, and understandably so. This is not a movie for everyone. If not a Tarantino fan, I can see people hating it. You have to realize that Tarantino likes to write long, drawn out scenes with a lot of talking. For some people like me, the writing is beautiful and contributes greatly towards building the characters, the mood, and the story. For other people, they see these long scenes of people just talking as nothing but filler that can put one to sleep. A lot of people were disappointed that there was not more of Brad Pitt and his Basterds. And well, yeah, they are wonderful in every scene they are in, but the movie is about more than them. If not for the other characters, this movie would not be the complete movie that this is. I blame it partially on some misleading trailers on the tone of the film, but this movie was nothing short of perfection in my eyes. 10 out of 10
Another, "Man you have to see this movie, it is so funny!" film. I thought it was pretty decent, but not the funniest movie I have seen in a while. I think Paul Rudd is awesome in everything he does, but Jason Segal kind of gets on my nerves for some reason. It gave me a few laughs, but thinking back on it, I can't think of anything in particular that was too funny and that isn't really a good sign when you are talking about recollecting a movie. Maybe the recent surge in "Bro-Mance" films could be coming to an end? 6.5 out of 10
This was a nice little gem. The poster is a little misleading. "From the director of Superbad" and starring some of the people from Apatow films makes it seem like it will be another gross out, drop dead funny comedy. It really isn't, and that is intentional. There are some pretty funny parts, but this film about college kids working at an amusement park is more a cross between a teen(but older) angst film and a love story. The acting is pretty solid in it and it has a pretty decent story. It drags a tiny bit towards the end, but if you enjoy little independent films like this that concentrate more on story than anything else, this movie is worth a pickup. 7.5 out of 10
Oh HELL YEAH! This movie rocked! Seriously, I know that this film is going to get plenty of views at my house once it comes out on Blu Ray because Jess and I LOVED it. It is just a good fun time. More of a comedy than a horror film, this movie had us cracking up. Woody Harrelson reminded us just how funny he is and Jessie Eisenberg is brilliant. As a guy who loves zombie films, this heads to the top of my list and it is a list filled with great movies. Really, if I had to describe the movie in one word, it would be "fun." This is a damn fun movie and I lobved every single minute of it. From Metallica playing in the opening credits to the surprise cameo to the action packed ending, this is a wonderful movie! 9.5 out of 10
November 3, 2009 - Day 159
After a long, hard day of work, I didn't feel too inspired to take a picture. So, because the work day went well, I will just give myself a thumbs up!
Monday, November 02, 2009
November 2, 2009 - Day 158
7 years ago today. These were our cake toppers as well as the wedding favor given out to everyone. I love you Jess. Each and every day with you, my best friend, is an amazingly wonderful adventure.
November 1, 2009 - Day 157
It is November and the Halloween season is officially behind us and we now move on to Christmas (Screw Thanksgiving) Time for the monsters to pack up and go in their box 'til next year...
A special thanks to fellow blogger Sal for his willingness to let me borrow his prized collection for these photo shoots. I had a TON of fun!
A special thanks to fellow blogger Sal for his willingness to let me borrow his prized collection for these photo shoots. I had a TON of fun!
Sunday, November 01, 2009
October 31, 2009 - Day 156
Last night was another great Halloween party at Jason's house, seen here in drag. I thought this photo was so good, I had to make it my photo of the day!
Below is the link to all our other pictures from the night!
Halloween 2009!
Below is the link to all our other pictures from the night!
Halloween 2009!
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