Ctrl - Z

Started cleaning up old blogs. Deleting unnecessary space takers that didn't pan out the way I expected them to. I don't know why I have this urge to document every adventure I embark on. I more or less do it for me. Probably because I'm scared of my memory failing me. There's nothing like going back and reading the passion that was installed onto the words of a specific day of excitement. But a few months of complaining about traffic is unnecessary. Everyone knows how I feel about California :P So from now on I'll probably just try documenting everything in this blog since it seems to be the black hole of my life.

Cheers for submitting to autopilot.

Focusing

Still in the process of finding my photographic self. I haven't been focusing on this as much as I've been learning the actual ins and outs of this behemoth camera. Now that I know how to work it, it's on to how to work it in each light setting. Constantly pushing this button that button, adjusting that knob and this knob, etc..But life on the other side of the lens is finally coming into focus. Here are a few recent shots of mine.

You can click on it to make it bigger.

And here is my most recent HDR

The Park

I do believe I have a good idea of what I want to do as my personal theme but it's still a surprise. We'll see how it goes over the next month or two.

Red Bull X Fighters

So last Saturday Steph and I went to the Red Bull X Fighters freestyle competition. It was awesome to say the least. Between rounds they had the Red Bull airplane and helicopter doing tricks. I had no Idea that a helicopter could do what this guy was doing. Flipping around like it was nothing. Anyway, despite the heat and cramped seating, I was able to get a few good shots with the new Camera. After shooting I realized that If I'm going to get better shots, I'll need a 400mm or bigger lens. These good ones were taken with my lens all the way out to 300mm. Those lenses are like 1200 for the cheapest though so, dreaming onward. Anyway, enjoy.

Red Bull X Fighters - Glen Helen - 2012

Adventure # ***

So my newest adventure in life! Photography. You might wonder why now? (Finally). Truth is I've always liked photography, I actually learned the ins and outs of Photoshop back before the original CS. On my own non the less. Truth, my old pictures make me cringe. Lens flairs and negative clouds. But the use of layers was there so that's good. I did give it up for awhile, more so because nothing new could be reached with the point and shoot camera I had (at that time, to my knowledge). The other night I expressed to TJ and David my interest in HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography. Instead of explaining it, go to this site: http://www.stuckincustoms.com/ and check out this guys portfolio. So TJ and David actually took my Canon point n shoot and told me I could accomplish HDR with this, it would have to be done manually and carefully with a tripod but I could do it. Basically I needed to take 3 to 5 pictures at different exposures and blend them together. Here is my first attempt:

Ya I admit, I added the stupid lens flare for old times sake, but like David, said, my style is usually over the top. And since he said that, I've been trying to incorporate that into the things I do. Here are two of my favorite ones that were done with a point and shoot as well:

These are both taken from my yard looking in the direction of the park across the street. The first one was done a few attempts after the second one, As you can see, at first I was frantically trying everything there was to try, (Like making yourself sick at a buffet)! But after that, I calmed it down, I feel like I went over the top calmly :P

So after doing these few shots, I was hooked. I started looking online, pricing cameras, and then I was back at the reason I hadn't started photography yet. Gear is wack expensive! So I asked David if I could borrow one of his cameras and he said Yes! He also let me borrow one of his photography text books. I skimmed the big stuff at first (I'm currently reading it all the way through now) but on the first day, I admit, I was stuck on automatic mode. Just like brewing beer, to me, that wasn't good enough. So I slowly went online and learned the basics of each mode. I am now on complete manual mode (even indoors without a flash). Here are a few of the pictures taken with the Canon 30D:

Of coarse I've been having fun with my Jeep. But as I told David, I'm bored with my house, I need to go out and shoot something. So I'm planning on going up the hill and get some shots of San Bernardino in the Sunset with TJ and David. So these are my HDR attempts thus far. I also have a few pictures that were taken normally with the 30D, with a few touch ups in Lightroom of course:

So ya, that is what I've been up to lately. One more adventure down, another awaiting around the corner I'm sure. I'm going to Washington next month and would love to be able to take pictures up there. Pocket book willing :P Cheers!

Je réve en Français

So lately, as one or two have read, I've been studying a lot of French, almost all my time has been dedicated lately, to the French language. Just this week I began listening to French talk radio. I'm surprising myself constantly by being able to understand up to 60 percent sometimes. But that isn't the best part. The best part is that I'm beginning to actually dream (and think) in French. During the day I find myself thinking to myself what I'm doing. This is conscious yes, but when I listen, I'm getting better at listening and understanding, and not having to translate everything I hear. And when I sleep, It's in French. Obviously since I don't know a lot of the language the dreams are mostly nonsense and just scrambled words flowing together. I don't understand what I'm saying or thinking but the words are there. It kind of feels like my brain is trying to lay words out and make sense of them without the use of the English language. Is this what Lily feels like all the time?! But as some might think, the headaches only hung around for the first week, yesterday I found myself taking a break from my CCNA homework BY studying French.

Je sais je peux être redondant à autres, mais c'est amusement.

Only Because it Took Forever!

Vendredi prochain, Clarisse va se réveiller à sept heures et demie. Après elle se réveille. Elle va se leve et va se brosse les dents. Elle va se doucher et va s’habiller aussi. Après le matin routine, d’abord elle va prendre un taxi pour aller au emploi où elle travaille jusqu’a il est midi. À midi, elle va prendre un déjeuner pour deux heures. Ensuite, elle va aller à la banque pour déposer de l’argent. Ensuite elle va aller au bureau de poste pour envoyer une lettre à sa mère qui est en California. Après elle va au bureau de poste, elle va rentrer. À sa maison, elle va manger et ensuite se coucher. Elle va aller se coucher tôt parce que elle doit se réveiller de bonne heure le lendemain. Le samedi, elle va aller à la fac pour étudier avec son camarade de classe. Enfin, elle va se détendre pour tous de dimanche.

Je veux apprendre français et travailler sur chez moi.

Been quite busy these past few weeks.

Last Friday we cleaned the garage completely. I mean COMPLETELY! We went through and boxed up old stuff that we have not touched since we moved in. We washed off all the shelving units, put them on the other side of the garage for easier access, I cleaned up a desk area for me to finally have a place to set stuff down! Now I find myself hanging out in the garage even more. I also scored a garage clicker that was previously thought to be lost completely. Next thing to do is patch up the few leaks in the roof and then I'm set!

Last week I also cleaned up the entire kitchen. Now since it's completely bare of clutter, it feels cool and nice. It makes it easier for everyone to do their dishes as they finish so they don't accumulate. Next I need to clean up my stuff that sits in and on top of Stephs bakers rack so she can use it more. Now that I have garage storage space, I can put some stuff safely out there. The hallway closets are also next on my list.

I've found myself throwing myself into learning French as well. I've started listening to French music, which is actually pretty good. I'm going to start reading a few easy novels pretty soon here. I even found a pen-pal from France that I started talking to yesterday. She's been practicing English since High school so we were able to do introductions in English, which helped. We were actually able to discuss the culture differences, or should I say, similarities. Apparently the French educational system isn't any better than the one here in California. Apparently, since it's free schooling until PHD, a lot of people are becoming more and more lazy with their education while teachers everywhere are constantly being undermined. That came as a shock to me. She also was surprised when I explained California, she was under the impression that California was the best state in the United States :P. Funny how we let ourselves view other countries so strongly based solely on what we think they are without actually talking to someone physically there.

C'est un

Tiki Bar Open

been working my ass off on the back yard all this week. I'm in the process of killing off the grass. Since Steph wanted a bonfire, I went ahead and hand-tilled about a 10x20 chunk of yard next to the patio. I also finally got the patio cleaned up and ready to relax. Got both BBQ's up and running. Lights hung, and Music positioned. Friday will be fun.

Over the next few weeks I'll be renting a real tiller for the rest of the yard. Since it's the back yard I'm planning on taking a lot more time to get all the grass killed and out of there. I found Tiki fence that mounts in front of existing fences to make the yard more tropical. I'm probably going to plant a banana tree in the corner as well. I know it won't produce much but I enjoy the big leaves that it has. Going to pick up some more Tiki torches today (can never have too many). Maybe even grab some caulking and try to get the patio overhang water proofed.

CCNA 3 Final exam tonight. I passed the 50 question practice final last night with a 91% so I'm really not even worried about it at all. Kind of excited more than anything.

Then tomorrow will be Margaritas and TJ's Guinness burgers on the grill! Super excited!

My Life's Been A Country Song

"It's all about, fallin' down and gettin' back up.

You're good times and hard luck.

True love and Amazing Grace,

Workin' all week for a backache.

Raisin' cane, Friday nights, Sunday church to set it right.

They can write it on my stone,

my life's been a country song."

So I was listening to one of my country cd's the other morning in an attempt to pull myself into a good mood when this came on. It's called "My Life's Been a Country Song" by Chris Cagle. When really listening to the words and attaching myself to them I found myself hitting the back button every time the song would end. Taking the words and putting them into my life really helped me with what's been going on lately.

All 4 of my parents have always taught me, just as any good parent, to never accept defeat. To know that there are some things you can't change, but to be aware of them, and accept them, is not the same as defeat. I really don't think I could ever, not get back up after a blow. To know that I almost laid down my guns this past month makes me a little upset with myself, but this knowledge has made the getting back up process more powerful than ever.

Good times and hard luck. I am sure that everyone has their own and I am no exception. Times got tough this past year economically, but my family and I pulled through with the much appreciated help of my friends and family. Though money was thin, we made sure to not only survive, but have a good time doing it. I couldn't ask for better friends and family than I have now.

True Love and Amazing Grace. Yes I have many faults. Tons actually. But Steph has stuck through the worst of the hardest times. Even when it seemed like I had given up on myself, she waited through it and pushed me out of the darkness. I can honestly say I did not expect to be where I am now a few years ago. That being said, I couldn't be happier with where I am. This thanks also spreads to the friends that have stuck by me despite myself, thanks for sticking through. / I know I haven't been the best Christian lately. I find myself filled with hatred and slander for others. I used to be so good about dropping others instead of hating, but lately it's been tough. I know God will be waiting for me to calm down, and I think that time will be coming relatively soon.

I know I don't have a full time job, but I would take one in a heartbeat. The job I have now I love, and work hard for. I don't do it for kudos, or good jobs, I work hard because I need to. Something in me is only content with my work if I know that I worked hard. I don't mean doing only what is asked, I mean going above what is asked. Even if it means working off the clock without anyone knowing about it, I do it for me. I also do it for my family. I look forward to a paycheck that is solid enough to take Lily to the toy store. I get itchy if we haven't been in some while. All in all, I couldn't be more proud of my tiredness, sore back, kinked neck, holed shoes, and dirty hands.

As I said before, I do have fun and "raising cane" on Friday nights is one of my specialties. But as I also said, it's high time for me to get back to Church. My Dad always told me, "work hard, play hard" and that is how I find myself living my life. If some Saturdays I feel like I pushed that envelope a little to far, I remind myself how hard I work. I also remind myself that there is no shame in a few beers on Friday night. I know people who despise alcohol and that's fine. I'm not begging you to drink it. But I'd rather not be judged at the same time, at least keep it to yourself :P I have come to terms with the fact that it's in my blood to have a little too much fun. I'm learning to own it and control it. Regardless, it helps the sanity remain when Monday morning comes along.

And so, people may joke about it, talk crap about it, but I grew up on Country music. I strongly believe that it is this music that helps me through the toughest of times, along with friends and family of course. But when I'm on my own, Pissed off on the drive to or from work, Country music has a way of getting inside me, attaching itself, it's pain, it's pride, and it's meaning to my own pain, pride, and thought process. It helps remind me of who I am, somebody who can be trusted. Someone who will be there for those who deserve it, and fortunately for them, those who don't. And that is why my life has been a country song :)

"It's been the words when I couldn't find 'em.

A friend when I've been alone.

It's been a toast to the things remembered.

The strength for movin' on."

Brave New World

And so, we move forward into a new frame of mind. A new way of living. No longer are we accepting and passive. What needs to get done will get done. Like America we will stay and claim. We will not be washed out. We will not be ran off. We will not be weak or subsiding. We will take control of our lives and nothing of in-importance. We are no longer listening to the waves crash with lies or talks of demise. We are no longer attached to anything who may take advantage of us. On top of that, We no longer have anything that may be taken advantage of. we are, in all essence, free. Free from fear, free from hate, and free from defeat. How others take this will decide what they want to do with their own lives. We will not push or manipulate. We will take a high road and plant that flag. Like us, It will remain.