a [not too] personal weblog

For the Beauty of the Earth

2011-10-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are some photos from hiking the Awa'awapuhi trail in Koke'e. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to do the loop that was recommended to me, but we still were able to experience some incredible views.

beautiful greenery on the way to the lookout...

Overlooking the Awa'awapuhi cliffs at the end of the trail...

P.S. These were all taken from my new point and shoot camera (Canon Powershot SX210 IS). Proof that you do not need an SLR to blog.

ʻO ka haliʻa aloha i hiki mai

2011-10-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I received my weekly "Top 20" email from Travel Zoo. Typically, if I do happen to actually open the email, I only briefly consider any of the deals for a few seconds, wishing I was spontaneous enough to act on any of the deals. But this time, the email informed me of some flight deals to Hawaii, including the island of Kauai. Growing up, my sister and I were very fortunate to have the opportunity to visit our relatives in Kauai every summer. It had been over 10 years since we've been back to visit, and I have been itching to go back ever since. When I saw the deal, I decided I was going to be spontaneous, and I was able to convince my sister to be spontaneous too. So we booked the flights 3 days later. One of the best decisions I've made in a while. The only problem is that now I'm not just itching to go back, but I'm dying to go back.

a few from Anini Beach, where we swam around with a turtle and some fish...

(This was just across the road from Anini.)

a few from Hanalei Bay...

a couple outside Duke's (where I had an amazing strawberry pina colada)...

Next post will be a set from our hike down the Awa'awapuhi trail...sit tight.

Good, Better, Best

2011-08-07T00:17:00.000-07:00

Just decided I should try tackling that top book again...

I Love to See the Temple

2011-07-31T22:56:00.000-07:00

"Each of our temples is an expression of our testimony that life beyond the grave is as real and as certain as is our life here on earth.
...May we make whatever sacrifices are necessary to attend the temple and to have the spirit of the temple in our hearts and in our homes." -Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Went here yesterday, and it was beautiful.

Minding the Gap

2011-07-23T23:27:00.000-07:00

Just came across this quote from Ira Glass, host of This American Life, and I think this describes my [American] life quite well.

Mama's

2011-06-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, best friend Whitney came up from Southern California for a visit.

During that visit, we decided to wait for two hours to eat some of this.

With a little of this (minus the tomato and shrimp).

Which turned out looking like this.

(Apologies for the shallow depth of field...I was hungry, so this represents a little how I was feeling.)

After, I took a picture of this, which is next door, and finally scaffolding-free.

Was the 2 hour wait worth it? YES.

Heart

2011-06-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

I decided to do the shape of a heart for a variety of reasons, but was the main reason because I didn't have time to do much of anything else? Maybe.

Prayer & Prioritization

2011-03-06T21:57:00.000-08:00

"I have so much to do today, I'll need to spend another hour on my knees." -Martin Luther

It seems our world just keeps getting busier and busier, and it is so easy for us to become overwhelmed by all the things we need to get done, or would like to get done. I love the point Martin Luther makes with this quote; the more we need to get done, the more we need to turn to our Father in Heaven in prayer and seek for His help in accomplishing all we need to do, even if that may take up another hour of our time. Often times, when people are overwhelmed with all they need to do, the first things that they may take off their plate are those that matter most, such as prayer, scripture study, service, etc., but I believe it is those very things that help us accomplish all the other things we may need to accomplish, but if not, then at least you didn't give up something of more importance for something of less importance.

"Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least." - Goethe

Fizzy

2011-03-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would share with you a few shots I took of my good friend, Lizzy (aka Fizzy).

Professional face...

"Laughing because I don't know what else to do" face...

"Can we be done, now?" face...

Discernment

2011-02-27T11:11:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share an amazing talk I listened to earlier this week be Elder David A. Bednar from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on being "quick to observe" and the gift and power of discernment. Click here to watch/listen/read it.

Bacon: the New Cupcake?

2011-02-26T09:20:00.000-08:00

As of recently, it seems like I'm seeing bacon everywhere. And maybe 85% of that is me searching out for it. Let me start from the beginning...

Sometime last year I was in Santa Cruz, and I was determined to find this chocolate covered bacon I had heard about from a Food Network show. I had casually looked around for it on the Boardwalk a few times before, but never found it. So this time, I had the handy Yelp app on my phone to help me actually look up where to find it. Yelp directed me to one of the three locations for Marini's Candies, and I finally tried this chocolate covered bacon. It was pretty delicious, but like any chocolate/candy store, a little overpriced just for bacon and chocolate. Nonetheless, I have been wanting chocolate covered bacon ever since.

Now fast forward, almost a year later, and I was at the grocery store a few weeks ago thinking I should make baked potatoes, which obviously meant I would need to buy some bacon to go with it, which obviously meant I would need to use the majority of that package of bacon for covering in chocolate. And that is exactly what I did, it was a pretty smart purchase. (I won't go into the fact that due to some distractions, I actually ended up burning most of the bacon. I'll just say, don't try to talk and make bacon at the same time.) Anyway, my bacon-loving friend and I dipped the one non-burnt piece into some melted chocolate, and it was pretty divine, I must say. We are actually hoping to enjoy some more bacon fondue this weekend, so I may have to update this post with pictures if we do.

Shortly after this, I was at a little social dinner gathering, where one person known for her crazy delicious baking skills brought cookies topped with bacon. Yum. This was my first clue that this bacon thing is maybe really starting to get big.

Later that week, I was talking with my sister about bacon (yeah, I probably brought it up). She mentioned she had just had brunch at some place in the Mission District that had bacon covered in brown sugar. Another genius use of bacon that I hope to try before the weekend is over.

Then the next day, I go check out this DeLessio Market in Hayes Valley to get some mini cupcakes for a photo assignment. And what do I find? Their Pancake Breakfast Miniature Cupcake, which is naturally topped with bacon. At that point I realized two things. One, I made the right choice of shooting cupcakes for this assignment, as that is the only way I could justify spending $1.95 for this little cupcake. And two, bacon is becoming the new cupcake. The cupcake's 15 minutes of fame are coming close to an end, and bacon is now in transition to take over, and I love it.

Christmas in San Francisco

2010-12-25T22:14:00.000-08:00

What a lovely place to be
Seeing the hills being all lit up
Like a diamond Christmas tree
-Vic Damone, "Christmas in San Francisco"

Sorry for just quoting not only the cheesiest San Francisco Christmas song, but probably the cheesiest Christmas Song in general, but I just had to do it. I've had a few Christmas adventures this past month, including a tour of some of the famous and not quite as famous trees around the city, watching the "snow" fall in the Hyatt, caroling on the cable car (and then on the muni bus that acted in place of the cable car when it broke down), and just taking in all the festive decorations and music everyday to and from work. And as Christmas comes to an end, I have made the conclusion that no one has Christmas spirit like San Francisco.

I attempted to document this Christmas spirit, but being late in the afternoon as the sun went down, without my tripod and still without a wide-angle lens, I definitely did not do Christmas in San Francisco justice. Sorry, I did my best.

Wreaths covering the Macy's in Union Square...

My ride to and from work. How can I not get in the Christmas spirit?

Christmas balloons being sold in Union Square, cute?

My transfer point on my commute, the beautiful Ferry Building lit in red for the season.

Giant wreaths on a few of the piers. I think I love wreaths, unless they get glitter all over me.

Merry Christmas, and happy holidays!

Hiatus

2010-12-10T15:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, still on my blog hiatus. Maybe I will be back for the new year. But I would like everyone to know that I do have the iMac I have been dreaming about since this post. I went with the 27" and am very happy about it. If anyone has any secret or not-so-secret tips on using a Mac, particularly going from being a PC user to a Mac user, I would welcome it.

Also, good news. I sold these.

That is it for now, and lets hope my blog will get more interesting in 2011, but I've learned to not make any such promises.

Little Chairs Unveiled

2010-10-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, RAJ and I actually finished these chairs over a month ago, but I have been a bad blogger lately (and always) if you couldn't tell. I still blame it on my dinky laptop. If anyone is interested in these chairs, contact me, make an offer, or check out the listing here.

In other news, I am waiting for this to arrive. And in a few weeks or less I plan to purchase this. And then I will blog. And take pictures. Better pictures. I hope.

The McOmbers

2010-09-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

So over this beautiful Labor Day weekend, one of my nearest and dearest friends was married to someone who just couldn't be more perfect for her, and I just couldn't be more happy for the both of them! I congratulate them both and wish them well as they start this new "chapter" in their lives together. Here's a few fun ones that came out from their engagement shoot...

RAJ

2010-08-14T22:51:00.000-07:00

Wow, six weeks with no post? If I had a wide fan base, I would apologize. But I do apologize to RAJ who has waited so patiently for these.

Now I promise I haven't been working for 6 weeks on these. I actually got done with these shortly after my previous post, and then I realized how off the colors are on my monitor, and how terrible they must look on everyone else's monitor (unless they have an old, near death laptop like me). At the time of this realization, I moved up to the city, started a new job, and started working on some last minute engagement photos (which I will post soonish). And it wasn't until tonight did I finally have the time (and access to a better monitor) to re-edit RAJ's photos.

In relation to this realization of my laptop's monitor, I have decided it really is about time for a new computer, because this thing just isn't cutting it for my photo editing. So you may notice a decline in posts for the next couple months as I will be busy saving my pennies for that Mac I've been drooling over for months now.

Sneak Peek: RAJ

2010-06-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak peek on another project I've been working on...portraits of my good friend and illustrator, Raj!

P.S. See how much I blog when I don't have to look for a job? Although that may change when I actually start the job...

Little Chairs pt. 2

2010-06-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

Alright, slowly and surely we will finish these chairs. Here's another little sneak peek. Love our fabric?? Just kidding...that was our test fabric that we used just to make sure we knew what we were doing. Well, we didn't, but eventually figured it out and now we're pros. Final product coming soon, cuter fabric and all.

Little Chairs

2010-06-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

I've always secretly wanted to refurbish old furniture as a little side hobby/business, and now that I am unemployed, I finally made the time to take on such a project. So for the past couple weeks, my friend and I have been semi-working on giving these couple of chairs a face-lift. I found these little chairs for free on craigslist back when they were your boring medium oak finish with some really old, worn-in leather seats. Now they've gotten a coat or two of paint, and after a couple more coats and reupholstered seats they will be better-than-new!

To see a before shot, click here to see my friend's post.

Spring Rolls, Spring Rain, and Steinbeck

2010-04-24T15:13:00.004-07:00

In the midst of my job hunting, my sister and I decided to grab lunch at the Santa Cruz Diner to try out their spring rolls and burgers. Yum yum. Both lived up to expectations, and I hope to go back soon to try the other million things on their menu. Okay, literally speaking, it was more like 100, but very overwhelming. Usually, overwhelming menus bother me, but everything sounded so good that it just made me want to keep going back. Anyway, after lunch I wanted to take some photos, but it was drizzling and I don't have a rain cover for my camera, so my sister suggested we head down to Monterey, since we already were kind of (not really) close, being in Santa Cruz. I liked this idea since I hadn't shot any photos there with my dSLR yet. And luckily, the weather held up from any rain while we were there. Here's my faves from Cannery Row:

Below is the front of one of three very small houses in Cannery Row that are used as examples of the housing for immigrant cannery workers.

I know I already took a similar shot in a past post, but that was with my old 2 megapixel camera!

Cute birds...

Well, I know this last month I have been majorly slacking in the posts, I'll try to do better, but with most of my focus on job hunting, I might keep slacking till I find a job...

Wishlist

2010-03-25T12:24:00.003-07:00

Okay, so some of you may know that I recently moved back to the SF bay area. This meant leaving a job that I absolutely loved in exchange for a state I absolutely love (for a few different reasons). Well, since I have now been jobless for a whole week, I have been pretty frugal with my money, since who knows how long it will be until I get another paycheck. For some reason, sharing with others or writing down the things I wish I were buying right now helps me cope with the fact that I am not buying them right now. So here are some of the top things I plan on buying once I get a job:

1. Epiphanie camera bag. Right now I have an ugly backpack to hold my camera and accessories. It's really not something I feel comfortable walking around with. Also, since it is on my back, its not that accessible. I want something cute that looks more like a purse so it wouldn't be like, "Hey, look everyone, I'm carrying a huge camera!" I also want something that would give me quick access to my camera or lens. After looking all over the internet, I found Epiphanie bags to be the cutest and most convenient options out there. I have no idea which one I like best out of the three though, so I'm glad I have some time to think about it as I find a new job. I also don't typically spend much on bags, so I will also have some time to get used to the price tag. But in all my research, these bags are reasonably priced in comparison to the competitors.

2. Wide-Angle to Telephoto Zoom Lens. I really need a wide angle lens for architectural shots, but decided it would be nice to have one that would be a good overall lens when just walking down the city streets. I've heard good things about the Canon 24mm-105mm f/4 lens, but it's pretty pricey for an amateur like me, so I've been looking at cheaper alternatives. Not sure if there are any photographers reading this, but if so, any suggestions for my Canon 50d that is under $500?

3. Palm Pixi. How cute is this phone? I like my Samsung Instinct, but I think I would prefer a real keypad than a touch. I also like that you can run multiple apps at once on the Palm. Now I am a loyal Sprint customer, as they always seem to have the best plans. (Yes, I can call any cell phone in the US anytime without it wasting my minutes.) Not to mention, the best GPS navigation, as well. But one fall back with Sprint, they aren't carrying the Palm Pixi Plus, which is just like the Pixi but has the added bonus of WiFi. Maybe I can hope that Sprint will start carrying it once I get a job? Either way, I'll stick with Sprint, even if I have to settle for the still-amazing Palm Pixi.

4. iMac. I've already gone into detail about this in an earlier post, and yes I am still desperately wanting one. But I think I am now leaning towards the 21.5" instead of the 27".

Alright, I will stop there before I start looking too materialistic.

Staceface, pt. 2

2010-03-25T12:12:00.002-07:00

I think I like the first set better, but let me know what you think.

I played with the color on this to give it a little more of a vintage feel, but not sure what to think.

Staci's reaction to the photo above...

Staceface

2010-03-06T11:25:00.003-08:00

Just working on some portraits of my good friend, Staceface Lewis.

More to come...

March 19

2010-03-06T11:20:00.001-08:00

I'll be back in the bay...

Nostalgic Bikes

2010-02-06T09:07:00.005-08:00

Every time I would spend the night at Adrienne's house in her what-used-to-be spare room, I would look out the window to her backyard and see these cute vintage bikes out there resting on her detached garage. And every time, I wanted to take a picture, but never did because I hate the snow and being cold. Well, I finally went back there to take a picture. Mainly because Adrienne had me take photos of her back there anyway. And yes I know, I really need to stop being a lazy photographer!

I'm not sure what makes bikes such a great subject in photography, but I would guess its the nostalgia. This photo, especially since I know it was taken in Provo, reminds me of all the leisurely bike rides I went on with Whit, Ariel, Adrienne, Staceface, and all the other good friends that I've had during my college years. It was an activity that never got old, and one that I really miss.

Portraiture

2010-01-30T08:29:00.002-08:00

This was my first time doing portraits in 6 years (back when I took an intro photography class in high school). I didn't really know what I was doing when it came to posing, so I just let Adrienne do her thing, and I think we lucked out with some good shots.

SLC

2010-01-30T08:14:00.006-08:00

Alright, I promise I take pictures outside of San Francisco, and here's my proof. I don't know how I really feel about this photo, and I won't point out the flaws, but it was still kind of fun playing around with long exposures and night photography in Salt Lake City.

Fog, not Smog

2010-01-14T21:23:00.004-08:00

I would take SF fog over SLC smog any day.

Seacliff

2010-01-11T18:36:00.006-08:00

Another foggy day in San Fran...

Fisherman's Wharf

2009-12-19T10:49:00.006-08:00

I'll be honest with you. The Chinatown photos were probably my favorite out of the San Francisco day, so I'm wishing I ended my San Francisco series with those. But nonetheless, I have one more small set of SF photos, and they come from Fisherman's Wharf. Don't know if I really like any of them, but I'll post them anyway. At least it will give me something to compare myself to when I actually learn a thing or two about photography!

yum yum...

Sunday Thoughts

2009-11-22T17:22:00.005-08:00

Excerpts from a talk given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the 179th Annual General Conference, April 2009 and later published in the May 2009 Ensign, “Unselfish Service,” 93–96:

It is not easy to give up our personal priorities and desires. Many years ago a new missionary in England was frustrated and discouraged. He wrote home saying he felt he was wasting his time. His wise father replied, “Forget yourself and go to work.” Young Elder Gordon B. Hinckley went to his knees and covenanted with the Lord that he would try to forget himself and lose himself in the Lord’s service. Years later, as a mature servant of the Lord, Elder Hinckley would say, “He who lives only unto himself withers and dies, while he who forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms in this life and in eternity.” ...

C. S. Lewis explained this teaching of the Savior: “The moment you have a self at all, there is a possibility of putting yourself first—wanting to be the centre—wanting to be God, in fact. That was the sin of Satan: and that was the sin he taught the human race. Some people think the fall of man had something to do with sex, but that is a mistake. ... What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea that they could ‘be like gods’—could set up on their own as if they had created themselves—be their own masters—invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God. And out of that hopeless attempt has come ... the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.”

A selfish person is more interested in pleasing man—especially himself—than in pleasing God. He looks only to his own needs and desires. He walks “in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world” (D&C 1:16). Such a person becomes disconnected from the covenant promises of God (see D&C 1:15) and from the mortal friendship and assistance we all need in these tumultuous times. In contrast, if we love and serve one another as the Savior taught, we remain connected to our covenants and to our associates. ...

The worldly aspiration of our day is to get something for nothing. The ancient evil of greed shows its face in the assertion of entitlement: I am entitled to this or that because of who I am—a son or a daughter, a citizen, a victim, or a member of some other group. Entitlement is generally selfish. It demands much, and it gives little or nothing. Its very concept causes us to seek to elevate ourselves above those around us. This separates us from the divine, evenhanded standard of reward that when anyone obtains any blessing from God, it is by obedience to the law on which that blessing is predicated (see D&C 130:21). ...

Gambling is another example of greed and selfishness. The gambler ventures a minimum amount in the hope of a huge return that comes by taking it away from others. No matter how it is disguised, getting something for nothing is contrary to the gospel law of the harvest: “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7; see also 2 Corinthians 9:6).

The values of the world wrongly teach that “it’s all about me.” That corrupting attitude produces no change and no growth. It is contrary to eternal progress toward the destiny God has identified in His great plan for His children. The plan of the gospel of Jesus Christ lifts us above our selfish desires and teaches us that this life is all about what we can become.

A great example of unselfish service is the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta, whose vow committed herself and her fellow workers to “wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor.” She taught that “one thing will always secure heaven for us—the acts of charity and kindness with which we have filled our lives.” “We can do no great things,” Mother Teresa maintained, “only small things with great love.” When this wonderful Catholic servant died, the First Presidency’s message of condolence declared, “Her life of unselfish service is an inspiration to all the world, and her acts of Christian goodness will stand as a memorial for generations to come.” That is what the Savior called losing our lives in service to others.

Each of us should apply that principle to our attitudes in attending church. Some say “I didn’t learn anything today” or “No one was friendly to me” or “I was offended” or “The Church is not filling my needs.” All those answers are self-centered, and all retard spiritual growth.

In contrast, a wise friend wrote:

“Years ago, I changed my attitude about going to church. No longer do I go to church for my sake, but to think of others. I make a point of saying hello to people who sit alone, to welcome visitors, ... to volunteer for an assignment. ...

“In short, I go to church each week with the intent of being active, not passive, and making a positive difference in people’s lives. Consequently, my attendance at Church meetings is so much more enjoyable and fulfilling.”

All of this illustrates the eternal principle that we are happier and more fulfilled when we act and serve for what we give, not for what we get.

Chinatown

2009-11-21T14:50:00.004-08:00

Like I said from the previous post, I'm still working on photos from Labor Day in San Francisco. Below are the some of my shots from Chinatown. It was right before Moon Festival, so there were a lot of Chinese lanterns everywhere.

PC to Mac

2009-11-21T13:53:00.005-08:00

Yes, I know I am still editing and posting photos dating all the way back to Labor Day weekend. And yes, I know it's sad. Well, I blame it on my little three year old laptop that just doesn't work as well as maybe an... iMac?

Don't get me wrong, I love my Vaio laptop. I've just outgrown it. Technology has outgrown it. A lot happens in three years, and its time for something new. Maybe a desktop? Or at least something with a bigger hard drive like all the new stuff out there now. And I did consider getting another Sony Vaio. But my needs have changed.

My dad had me on a PC since I was two years old. I was raised to believe that Mac was the enemy, and well more truthfully, just incompatible with the rest of the world. But in the recent years, it seems like Apple might have finally started taking this dilemma of incompatibility seriously. So as it seems today, the programs I need are now also offered on a Mac. And maybe switching to a Mac from a PC isn't such a scary thing as it was in the past.

When my heart first started to soften towards the Mac, I was a little nervous what I was turning into. Was I changing my political views? Was I going to join the Obama presidential campaign? What happened to my loyalty and my morals? What would my dad, the one who so diligently raised me to be a loyal PC user, think of me?

Well, I got up the courage to tell my dad about this PC vs. Mac inner struggle I was having. This is when he confessed to me that he has also been considering making the switch! After receiving his approval on the matter, and realizing I can keep my political views, as well as my morals, I kept seeing these Mac commercials where other PC users were softening their hearts to Mac and moving from PC to Mac. These commercials started giving me comfort that I wasn't alone in this.

And well, I must confess...I can't stop thinking about getting an iMac! I've even configured my own. I was leaning towards a 27", but went to the Apple store and decided a 21" is sufficient. So right now, here is what I'm thinking: 21.5" iMac w/ 8GB memory and 2TB hard drive. But I can't decide, wireless keyboard or keyboard with numeric keypad?

The Entertainer

2009-11-14T11:52:00.014-08:00

"I am the entertainer, and I know just where I stand. Another serenader,and another long-haired band. Today I am your champion. I may have won your hearts, but I know the game, you will forget my name, and I won't be here in another year, if I don't stay on the charts." -Billy Joel

If only he had hairs on his bow, he maybe could have been a chart topper...

Little old man prepping for his little magic show...

One of the many Michael Jackson impersonators...

Rest in peace...

Is it just me or does his head resemble the parking meter he's drumming on?

And finally, a talented one-man band...

Golden Gate Bridge

2009-11-05T17:32:00.005-08:00

Okay, after spending weeks of trying to figure out how to use Microsoft Word 2007 to publish my blog post, I gave up. Alright, I didn't spend too many hours over these weeks looking into it, but I did read many posts on blogs and forums about others who have put in the hours with no success. So unfortunately, I haven't been putting much time into photo editing. I had four I was going to post, but decided I really didn't like three of them enough to put on here. Good news is though, in the midst of trying to figure out the Word '07/Blogger/uploading photos issue, I started a Flickr account. I don't know why this is good news yet, but I feel like I will see some benefits once I start playing with it. And maybe I'll put my not-so-great photos on there too. We'll see...

One second after the original post, I am already seeing the benefits.
Benefit #1: I can get the photos in the size I want very easily.

City by the Bay

2009-10-05T19:41:00.025-07:00

"I want to go back to my city by the bay...ooh...ooh..." -Journey

Day 3 (we're skipping day 2 since that was Sunday...) of my Labor Day weekend, also known as Labor Day, I spent all day taking millions of photos (and doing a little shopping) in the beautiful and eclectic city known as San Francisco. But before we get to those photos, I must say they look a little better at their actual size (well the size I shrunk it to in Photoshop) as opposed to the tiny size shown in this post. (If anyone wants to teach me the html on how to increase the photo size, as opposed to just clicking "large," please feel free to do so.) So basically what I'm saying is, click on each to see the larger pic, but don't steal them (not like you were tempted to, but just saying).

We started off at Alamo Square to get the classic "Full House" shot. I'm not one to be cliché, but as a beginning photographer, I feel like I have to take some of these classic shots as a prerequisite to being a real photographer.

Alamo Square Park is one of the city's many dog parks, so I started practicing my pet photography, and was able to capture this precious moment of two dogs experiencing love at first sight.

We then made our way (eventually) to Crissy Field, which is next to the Golden Gate Bridge. There were quite a few surfers there, and I was able to catch one ride all the way in.

A little girl (or boy?) who just threw her little chair down the hill, hopefully avoiding her mom who was just ahead of her...

Well, that is all I've got for now. Like I said, there are millions of photos, so still trying to get through them all. There will probably be more photos from Crissy Field, and also some from China Town and Fisherman's Wharf, so pretend to be excited.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

2009-09-28T22:09:00.023-07:00

Alright, here they are...day 1 pics from my Labor Day weekend. I just bought my new camera the night before I took these, so this was my first time playing with it. Enjoy!

Secret obsession with boats...

Secret obsession with gondolas...

Secret obsession with this ride...

Secret obsession with empty rides...

Secret obsession with lines...

Secret obsession with lifeguard posts...

No obsession with palm trees, but this one was just ridiculously tall...

Cliff Hanger

2009-09-22T22:07:00.012-07:00

I've been busy traveling the world, or maybe just California and Vegas...but nonetheless I've been busy. Busy taking pictures with my NEW (kinda used) dSLR camera. Now it's time to get busy on going through the thousands of photos and editing them for your enjoyment (and maybe still editing the photos off my old ghetto camera from my July CA trip??). I know it's like watching a cliffhanger waiting for these pics, so as you wait patiently, here's a teaser from the many pics I took from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Ok, I'm done with the cheesy jokes.

VIP

2009-08-18T16:54:00.013-07:00

Before walking (partly) down Cannery Row, we took a free VIP tour of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We went to the top of the tanks, behind the tanks, below the tanks, and in front of the tanks. We took a peek in the jelly fish lab, walked through the seahorse lab, and went on the roof where we were able to see the turtles they had to take out of their regular tank temporarily due to some tile-eating issues. And those are just the highlights. I would have taken some pictures of the animals to post here, but I was too busy listening to the Security Director who so kindly gave us the tour. But I did get a picture of this long line we thankfully didn't have to wait in.

Cannery Row

2009-08-14T16:22:00.011-07:00

First, may I apologize for my lack of posting, and in attempt to resolve this issue I have of procrastinating posts, I will try to do quicker, shorter posts.

Second, the next few posts will be photos I took on my last trip to California, over the Pioneer Day weekend. Photography has become a somewhat new and growing interest of mine, especially of architecture, so any feedback is appreciated!

This one is from Cannery Row in Monterey, CA. I just loved the simple, yet classic, architecture of Cannery Row. I've never actually been here, despite the fact that I grew up an hour away and had a Steinbeck admirer for a mother and a fanatic Steinbeck worshiper for a high school English teacher. My sister and I didn't have time to walk all the way down, but we did manage to take a few pics, and stop at a cute little pastry shop for some cookies and brownies. Yum yum!

Headboard

2009-06-24T20:14:00.008-07:00

When I moved to SLC and finally didn't have to deal with hideously furnished BYU student housing, I decided I would make an attempt at making my room look decent on my low budget. I bought some cute furniture from craigslist and ksl, bought some new sheets, bought a few accessories, even did a couple paintings, and made my first headboard.

Now, I'll be honest, I'm quite proud of my headboard (obviously, or else I wouldn't be blogging about it). It's not like it was rocket science to make, and it's not like the craftsmanship came out to be even relatively good, but something about completing this project somewhat successfully made me feel pretty good about myself. But really, what I think it comes down to is the point Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, made in the Relief Society session of General Conference last October, "The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before."

Saved by the Bell: The Last Days

2009-06-03T16:46:00.012-07:00

I know you thought Saved by the Bell was over many years ago in '94 when Zack and Kelly got married, but who knew the married couple can still be so spontaneous and hop in the car last minute for a once and a lifetime trip to southern CA for Memorial Day weekend?
If you want a detailed recounting of the trip, visit Zack and Kelly's blog, as I will mostly just be doing a show and tell of some of the photos I took (and stole off the married couple's blog).

I was able to get a few shots on Saturday night when we went down to a ridiculous condo practically on the beach in San Clemente where Zack's old friend and his wife were staying. Here are a couple views off their balcony:

Later that night we went down to the beach (shown above) and had a little s'mores and bonfire. And I was a little unsure of putting this photo up, but its just so creepy, I had to. I knew there was something devilish in that thick dark midst down there. (From left to right: Screech, Lisa, and Zack)

Here's a photo of the gang in the parking lot after church (minus Kelly, who is taking the pic). (From left to right: Slater, Zack, Screech, Lisa, Jessie)

After church, we went to the Newport Beach Temple and took a few photos. Lisa Turtle and I in our unplanned matching attire (another stolen photo from Kelly Kapowski-Morris):

While us girls were trying to be photographers, Screech and Zack were trying to fix my almost overheating car. Something to do with reservoirs and radiators, according to Screech.

I love the uniqueness of this temple, so I was glad I could finally see it in person, and take a few architectural shots.

(Side note: I have a thing for ornate door knobs and handles.)

Below are a couple more stolen photos from Kelly from our bike ride through Babylon. Jessie, Kelly, and Lisa:

Zack and Kelly:

The morning of Memorial Day, we had some delicious cinnamon roll french toast at Ruby's Diner on the Huntington Beach pier. Slater ditched out on this group date for some surfing.

Later we went down to the beach to go lay out/sleep/wait for Slater to get done surfing. Finally, Slater came in from the killer waves and I was able to snap my best shot of the trip:

All in all, this was an awesome trip, and I'm so glad I was able to spend the whole weekend with some of my best friends/2nd family before we all go our separate ways. And thanks to Screech and Zack for fixing my car!

Patterns

2009-05-17T08:19:00.017-07:00

So lately I've been thinking a lot about interior design, and how I would really like to start doing that on the side. I'm hoping in a few months I can really put a lot of focus into this dream of mine, but for now I think I'll just start posting some of my projects from school.

The first project I'll post was one of the first projects I did for my studio class, which focused on residential design. The assignment was to design a coordinating fabric and rug. I decided to do something that targeted to a younger crowd, late teens to mid 20's.

Here's the fabric pattern (to be used for throw pillows):
And here is the rug:
I decided to go for something more colorful and bold, as the younger generation is all about that kind of thing. I was inspired to do something geometric and retro from all the geometric/retro patterns appearing in women's fashion at the time (last summer).

These patterns would accent well with an all white interior, such as a white sofa and chairs, white table, white walls, etc. Very retro modern. Let me know what you think!

Piñata de Puerco

2009-05-05T17:10:00.010-07:00

I just decided Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite holidays. At our company fiesta today, we had some fantastico salsa, guac, and bean dips...oh and plenty of chips. But I think the highlight of the fiesta was our pig piñata. I originally wanted to stuff it with mini hand sanitizers, but since those were on backorder everywhere, we went with the traditional candy. (I should also make mention of the fact that our company has taken this swine flu business seriously, to the point of hanging up "please wash your hands" signs with a dead cartoon pig on it.) I'll admit I was stressing a little because there was nowhere to hang the pig (surprisingly HR wasn't okay with the fact of letting an employee just hold the pig out with his arm), but thanks to the creative minds of my fellow employees, we came up with the solution of having it hang from one end of a broom stick while someone held the other end of the broomstick, which I'm sure is a normal solution...but it's not everyday any of us set up piñatas. Anyway, it turned out to be a real hit, and I think we all got our swine flu aggression out.

P.S. Piñatas are a fairly inexpensive form of entertainment...another reason why I love Cinco de Mayo!

In Loving Memory

2009-04-16T19:01:00.014-07:00

I would like to make this first post about something that is very near and dear to my heart. Something I deeply treasured, and will truly miss.

The PJC. Also known as The Part-Japanese Club.

It started with our very first PJC lunch/meeting at Thai Orchid, where we enjoyed every PJ's favorite cuisine. Since our club secretary took precise minutes, we will never forget that our President is the Paris Hilton of the Salt Lake music scene, our PR guy is his BFF, one of our most dedicated members rolls his eyes at those who don't have stocks of elk in their fridge, and I can't fake being a fat person.

The next meeting our beloved half-Japanese club president made a delicious Japanese curry and mochi dessert. I believe it was around this time the president's life changed dramatically. I told him about mochi ice cream. I was astonished our president had never heard, let alone tasted, the stuff. Actually, he was almost impeached for this, but we let it slide.

Our third meeting we experimented with some Li Hing Mui powder (for those who aren't as familiar with Asian dialects, Li Hing Mui originates from China...not Japan).

The fourth meeting changed my life. This is when I was introduced to the delectable Australian/New Zealand tradition of Tim Tam Slamming. Tim Tams can be found in the U.S. at your local Cost Plus World Market.

Then a HUGE step for PJC happened. FIRST ANNUAL CHOPSTICK OLYMPICS!!!!! Our first preliminary event, first one to put 12 uncooked beans through a small hole wins the event and goes to the championships. I lost by a second in the first trial. So did our president. (And yes, we are the only PJC members with actual Asian blood.) Second event, first person to finish a cup of pudding with chopsticks. I would of had this if I couldn't stop laughing after my first bite. The PJC president and PR guy both had the same problem. And it really didn't help when we looked up at everyone else looking like little chipmunks/bunnies concentrating harder than ever to stuff that pudding in their mouth. The last preliminary event, first person to eat a whole unpeeled banana, not sliced. Somehow the PR guy for the PJC manages to stuff the entire banana in his mouth with chopsticks and win the event, an incredibly hard task. So if you are following close enough, you may have noticed that neither of the true PJ's won any event. A major let down for the PJ's. But secretly our shy PJness didn't want to have to compete in the final championship round...TIM TAM SLAM WITH CHOPSTICKS. I wish more than anything I had this on video, let alone the whole chopstick Olympic games. The sushi-lover who got into the PJC because his sister-in-law served a mission in Japan, CRUSHED the competition, slamming that tim tam in less than 5 seconds WITH CHOPSTICKS. He's pretty much my hero. The others didn't stand a chance. Somehow one of the finalists dropped the tim tam in the hot chocolate within the first 1.2 seconds...yes, BEFORE biting the corners off. Anyway, an event that will never be forgotten by any of the participants, attendees, or passersby.

Unfortunately, the First Annual Chopstick Olympics, was also the last one. Just a week later, PJC died prematurely at about 4 months, when the president suddenly switched employers.

A PJC reunion did take place a few weeks later, also known as yesterday, at the highly pleasing Trio Cafe, where we all enjoyed yummy panini, pizzas, and pastas.

And that was what the PJC was all about, celebrating the cultures of the world, from Thailand to the US to Italy...oh and maybe a quick stop in Japan.