Saturday, May 31, 2008
May 30th, 2008
Didn't go far today, but I did try out the flower setting on the little point and shoot. Not too shabby!
May 29th, 2008
More wooziness. More ouch. Here's another shot from Monday night - an attempt at a self-portrait with the XSi. Guess my arms are long enough, after all! :)
May 28th, 2008
Anesthesia. Woozy. Painful. Didn't pick up a camera today; what would I really want to remember about being in pain? Instead, take a look at Staci Monday evening... I like her in yellow!
May 27th, 2008
Another busy day. Had to finish up my grading... that's all set now - phew! Took care of some errands that have been waiting for a chance to be done, including a run back to Nordstrom's to deal with bras. Ooh, fun. There a fair's set up in the lot beyond the Macy's garage; I snapped this shot through my windshield as I drove around the curve. Really, I'm safe behind the wheel...
Speaking of wheels, ferris wheels make me happy - they're absolutely massive, yet slow-moving, quiet, serene. This one, framed against the blue sky, made me smile.
Speaking of wheels, ferris wheels make me happy - they're absolutely massive, yet slow-moving, quiet, serene. This one, framed against the blue sky, made me smile.
May 26th, 2008
Dad's birthday. A special one - his 65th, though he'd never admit to that age. If you ask him, he's still 39. We splurged on his gift with Staci and Brad: a North Face jacket (not quite the right season for it, but it'll keep until the weather cools) and dinner out with the family at Matteo's. And yes, for a change, he actually let US treat HIM. That was a first!
I brought my new camera along to snap some pictures of the birthday boy. Get a load of him, looking all GQ!
I brought my new camera along to snap some pictures of the birthday boy. Get a load of him, looking all GQ!
May 25th, 2008
We're nearly halfway through 2008... it's about time I posted a picture of my husband and I together, no? We posed for a rare quick shot together on our way out of the Melting Pot after a birthday dinner with Staci and Brad. Can you tell that we've been stuffed with fondue? :)
Saturday, May 24, 2008
May 23rd, 2008
Out for hibachi with Staci and Evan. We all enjoyed watching the chef prepare our food!
on being 30-something...
I'd like to offer some deep thoughts on what birthdays mean to me now that I'm over 30... but I'm fresh out of deep thoughts. Which shouldn't surprise me as much as it does, I s'pose. It's not like I got the gift of wisdom for my birthday two years ago when I left my 20's behind. But I somehow thought I'd have it all figured out by now.
I mean, when I was a kid, 30 was this magical number. I always thought that 30-somethings were so... not old, exactly... but settled. Responsible. Mature. Being 30 meant I'd know where I was going in life, and I'd be well along the path meant to take me there. Being 30 was supposed to mean I'd be settled in at a job, into a happy marriage, and perhaps even into parenthood. I'd own a house; perhaps not one with a white picket fence, but a place where I could put down roots, a home I could call my own. I'd have traveled extensively throughout Europe, with a few trips to Australia under my belt as well. I'd speak French fluently. I'd be thinner and prettier and somehow less shy. I'd finally be a "lady." I'd have survived all of fortune's slings and arrows and come through with my head held high. I'd be published. I'd be competent. Confident. Complete.
Let me tell you, that isn't the case. At 32, I'm far from being settled, responsible and mature, though sometimes I look at my grey hairs and feel a bit old. I wonder whether I'll ever find my path. I wonder if there *is* a path. I screw up. Regularly. I never found a career I wanted to devote myself to. I'm terrified to take on the challenges of parenting. I'm no jetsetter. I rent. I'm married, and I've found it takes constant work to stay that way. My French skills are abysmal. I curse like a sailor and snort when I laugh. Being a writer remains a nebulous dream.
Not that it's all bad; far from it, in fact. I have a loving husband and closer ties to my family than I've ever had before. I had the financial stability to stop working when I was miserable doing what I did. I've tapped into my creativity in new ways with scrapbooking. I've learned how to take photographs that bring me to the heart of my memories. I've clocked thousands of miles behind the wheel of cars I've loved to drive. I've cruised the Caribbean and not gotten seasick. I've memorized the DC Metro map. I've been to "The End." I've celebrated my grandfather's 90th birthday, my parents' 40th anniversary, and my nephew's birth. I've served on a grand jury. I've earned a reputation as an excellent cook. I've filled my home with laughter, with family and friends. These are all good things and I am grateful for them. It's just that when I look around me, I'm not where I thought I would be.
C'est la vie.
I mean, when I was a kid, 30 was this magical number. I always thought that 30-somethings were so... not old, exactly... but settled. Responsible. Mature. Being 30 meant I'd know where I was going in life, and I'd be well along the path meant to take me there. Being 30 was supposed to mean I'd be settled in at a job, into a happy marriage, and perhaps even into parenthood. I'd own a house; perhaps not one with a white picket fence, but a place where I could put down roots, a home I could call my own. I'd have traveled extensively throughout Europe, with a few trips to Australia under my belt as well. I'd speak French fluently. I'd be thinner and prettier and somehow less shy. I'd finally be a "lady." I'd have survived all of fortune's slings and arrows and come through with my head held high. I'd be published. I'd be competent. Confident. Complete.
Let me tell you, that isn't the case. At 32, I'm far from being settled, responsible and mature, though sometimes I look at my grey hairs and feel a bit old. I wonder whether I'll ever find my path. I wonder if there *is* a path. I screw up. Regularly. I never found a career I wanted to devote myself to. I'm terrified to take on the challenges of parenting. I'm no jetsetter. I rent. I'm married, and I've found it takes constant work to stay that way. My French skills are abysmal. I curse like a sailor and snort when I laugh. Being a writer remains a nebulous dream.
Not that it's all bad; far from it, in fact. I have a loving husband and closer ties to my family than I've ever had before. I had the financial stability to stop working when I was miserable doing what I did. I've tapped into my creativity in new ways with scrapbooking. I've learned how to take photographs that bring me to the heart of my memories. I've clocked thousands of miles behind the wheel of cars I've loved to drive. I've cruised the Caribbean and not gotten seasick. I've memorized the DC Metro map. I've been to "The End." I've celebrated my grandfather's 90th birthday, my parents' 40th anniversary, and my nephew's birth. I've served on a grand jury. I've earned a reputation as an excellent cook. I've filled my home with laughter, with family and friends. These are all good things and I am grateful for them. It's just that when I look around me, I'm not where I thought I would be.
C'est la vie.
May 22nd, 2008
Once again, I just *had* to take a picture of the Verrazano... it's just so photo-friendly! This one was taken through my windshield as I approached in fairly light traffic - so easy to snap fast shots with my new handy-dandy little point and shoot. The pouring rain that drenched me on my way through Brooklyn cleared up and I couldn't resist.
I crossed the bridge today not to be on Staten Island for work (yay!), but to have a playdate in Jersey with Staci and Evan. Fun! :)
I crossed the bridge today not to be on Staten Island for work (yay!), but to have a playdate in Jersey with Staci and Evan. Fun! :)
May 21st, 2008
At Mom's for a while with Staci and Evan, for what's become our usual Wednesday routine of playtime and dinner together. Evan flopped himself down on his Thomas mat to play with his trains and asked me to sit "right here" and play too. So I sat and he introduced me to Thomas the train, then told me all about the things Thomas drove past, in his little toddler way.
Evan: "Truck!"
me: "What kind of trucks do you see there, Evan?"
Evan: "Stee-woller. Red stee-woller."
me: "And...?"
Evan: "Yewwo truck!"
me: "That one's a backhoe. Yellow backhoe."
Evan: "Yewwo back-o!"
So cute! :)
Meanwhile, in un-Evan-related news, the American public surprised me by selecting David Cook as this year's American Idol. I totally expected David Archuleta to win, since his boyish charm and pitch-perfect voice seemed made for AI. I like Archuleta, really, I do... he brings out my maternal instinct, I think. I just want to take him home, feed him, and smoosh him. And then listen to him sing. However, I think America got it right this year. David Cook's the whole package: he puts his soul into his voice, rocks on his guitar, and can even change up an arrangement to make it suit his style, plus he's a sexy, sexy man. The only thing that remains to be seen is whether his Idol-produced first album will truly showcase all his skills. All I know is when it comes out, I will do something I rarely do; buy it.
Now I've just gotta get through the next seven months until auditions for Idol fire up again. If someone can tell me just how I got hooked on AI in the first place, I'd appreciate it...
Evan: "Truck!"
me: "What kind of trucks do you see there, Evan?"
Evan: "Stee-woller. Red stee-woller."
me: "And...?"
Evan: "Yewwo truck!"
me: "That one's a backhoe. Yellow backhoe."
Evan: "Yewwo back-o!"
So cute! :)
Meanwhile, in un-Evan-related news, the American public surprised me by selecting David Cook as this year's American Idol. I totally expected David Archuleta to win, since his boyish charm and pitch-perfect voice seemed made for AI. I like Archuleta, really, I do... he brings out my maternal instinct, I think. I just want to take him home, feed him, and smoosh him. And then listen to him sing. However, I think America got it right this year. David Cook's the whole package: he puts his soul into his voice, rocks on his guitar, and can even change up an arrangement to make it suit his style, plus he's a sexy, sexy man. The only thing that remains to be seen is whether his Idol-produced first album will truly showcase all his skills. All I know is when it comes out, I will do something I rarely do; buy it.
Now I've just gotta get through the next seven months until auditions for Idol fire up again. If someone can tell me just how I got hooked on AI in the first place, I'd appreciate it...
May 20th, 2008
Last long Tuesday at the College of Staten Island. Spent the day in 1N 005, the basement lab where I've taught all semester, giving my classes their final exam. Oooh, fun.
May 19th, 2008
Did I mention my new Canon XSi? Did I mention how excited I am about said new Canon XSi? I've started playing with it, and came up with a pretty nice shot from my front stoop. You wouldn't guess that was a landfill in the background....
Hardly an exciting composition, but it's a start!
Hardly an exciting composition, but it's a start!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
May 18th, 2008
Started playing with my new camera(s) almost as soon as I woke up today. After reviewing some of the basics (how to pop in the batteries and memory cards, how to put on a lens...) I was ready to run around and snap pics of everything in sight. So I went out... and it started to rain. Took advantage of a few quiet minutes in the car to snap a few shots of the dribbles of rain on the windows, as well as my first self-portrait with the new dslr.
Did I mention I've gone brunette once more?
Did I mention I've gone brunette once more?
May 17th, 2008
Looks like Evan was out late for a night of hard drinking (that chocolate milk packs quite a punch!)...
Always a happy day when we get to spend time with Staci and Evan. But today was not without its frustrations, too. We bought two new cameras (seriously - two!) today - Brian's (slightly early) birthday gift to me was a dslr, and I bought myself a little bitty ultracompact point and shoot. Nothing bad about that... except waiting for the batteries to charge. I can't wait to play! :)
Always a happy day when we get to spend time with Staci and Evan. But today was not without its frustrations, too. We bought two new cameras (seriously - two!) today - Brian's (slightly early) birthday gift to me was a dslr, and I bought myself a little bitty ultracompact point and shoot. Nothing bad about that... except waiting for the batteries to charge. I can't wait to play! :)
May 16th, 2008
Changed my laptop's desktop image to a shot I took in October '06 when Tammi and Mike drove out to Montauk with us. It's certainly not my most recent photograph, but I love this picture - looking at it makes me happy. :)
Happy Anniversary, Staci & Brad! :)
Happy Anniversary, Staci & Brad! :)
May 15th, 2008
I'm one of those people who can stare into a fire for hours. The stovetop flames are less interesting than a bonfire or even a candle, but the orange-streaked blue struck me as pretty today, so I snapped a shot while my dumplings cooked. Yum.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
May 14th, 2008
This is why photographers love natural light. Of course, it helps that my subject is cutie-patootie Evan. How much energy can a two-year-old have? Well, after running around North Woodmere Park for a few hours, he's still bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when I buckle him into his carseat, ready to play some more.
Still going! *thumpthumpthumpthump*
Still going! *thumpthumpthumpthump*
May 13th, 2008
Posted a picture of myself taken on the first day of classes the Spring semester... and now I've taken a picture of myself on the last day of classes. Other than the deep, dark circles under my eyes, mercifully softened by the effects of makeup, I haven't changed a bit! :)
May 12th, 2008
Some days provide better photo-fodder than others... Mother's Day was one of those days. Of course I couldn't pass up a chance to post a picture of Evan, but really, with Brad in a position like this, how could I resist?
May 10th, 2008
So far, we're having a rainy, chilly start to the month of May. I didn't want to carry my camera outside in this downpour, so I took my picture from the inside looking out. Deck, neighbor's roof, water and sky. It all just looks wet, doesn't it?
May 9th, 2008
Look! Icees!
Sadly, the colors didn't photograph true to life - I just couldn't get the camera to see what I could see. But the jewel-tone colors still look pretty, don't they?
Sadly, the colors didn't photograph true to life - I just couldn't get the camera to see what I could see. But the jewel-tone colors still look pretty, don't they?
May 7th, 2008
Sunshine, blue skies, and a miserable migraine. What a day. Before the migraine pain grew in the afternoon, I wandered outside to snap a few pictures of our landlady's garden. It's way too early in the growing season to expect roses, but there are a few pretty flowers out there now... and this obviously-thriving plant, which practically shouted "I'm growing!" when I glanced at it. Ahhh, Spring...
May 5th, 2008
Left to my own devices, I read fiction. I've run the gamut from classical fiction to historical, and even fantastical (is that a word?)... but fiction, nonetheless. So picking up this little book was a bit out of character for me. It is, after all, non-fiction, a rare change of pace. And I'm glad I did.
Not that I agreed with every word. Letter to a Christian Nation author Sam Harris is occasionally as intolerant as the religious right he so vociferously opposes, as an atheist and an American. I found that he painted all people of faith (regardless of which faith) with a pretty broad brush, and was sometimes startled by the vehemence of his anger against people who are devoted to religion. I'm not sure I believe that all those who feel the presence of a god in their lives are complete morons. But overall, this book is well-written, compelling, and cogent, making good points about the many drawbacks of religious fervor. In fact, the drawbacks of religious belief, period. Many of our world's problems (war, terrorism, the devastating spread of AIDS - in the present and throughout history) can indeed be linked to religion and, sadly, to those who consider themselves godly and devout. Talk about an unpopular concept in our religiously polarized world!
No need to look any further for examples than the last 60 years in Israel, though that is hardly the only place where you'll find evidence that differences in faith can lead to conflict. The book points out that it's not only differences between religions that can cause problems, however. There's the exponential spread of AIDS on the African subcontinent, due (in part) to church-based teaching that condemns the use of condoms. And the "sectarian violence" that tears apart bodies and buildings in cities across Iraq. Closer to home, we see resistance to stem-cell research from religions that believe embryos have souls. Creationism is taught alongside (or worse - instead of) evolution in some of our schools.
This book points to the many mistakes made by religious people, whether it be through ignorance or arrogance. It is a viewpoint largely drowned out by the loud babble of voices shouting anti-gay slurs, clamoring for the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, thundering against a multitude of other people's "sins." It is the small child in the crowd who cries out, "The Emperor has no clothes!"
Not that I agreed with every word. Letter to a Christian Nation author Sam Harris is occasionally as intolerant as the religious right he so vociferously opposes, as an atheist and an American. I found that he painted all people of faith (regardless of which faith) with a pretty broad brush, and was sometimes startled by the vehemence of his anger against people who are devoted to religion. I'm not sure I believe that all those who feel the presence of a god in their lives are complete morons. But overall, this book is well-written, compelling, and cogent, making good points about the many drawbacks of religious fervor. In fact, the drawbacks of religious belief, period. Many of our world's problems (war, terrorism, the devastating spread of AIDS - in the present and throughout history) can indeed be linked to religion and, sadly, to those who consider themselves godly and devout. Talk about an unpopular concept in our religiously polarized world!
No need to look any further for examples than the last 60 years in Israel, though that is hardly the only place where you'll find evidence that differences in faith can lead to conflict. The book points out that it's not only differences between religions that can cause problems, however. There's the exponential spread of AIDS on the African subcontinent, due (in part) to church-based teaching that condemns the use of condoms. And the "sectarian violence" that tears apart bodies and buildings in cities across Iraq. Closer to home, we see resistance to stem-cell research from religions that believe embryos have souls. Creationism is taught alongside (or worse - instead of) evolution in some of our schools.
This book points to the many mistakes made by religious people, whether it be through ignorance or arrogance. It is a viewpoint largely drowned out by the loud babble of voices shouting anti-gay slurs, clamoring for the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, thundering against a multitude of other people's "sins." It is the small child in the crowd who cries out, "The Emperor has no clothes!"
Monday, May 5, 2008
May 4th, 2008
Someone didn't nap today. Neither did I! So by the time we met up for dinner at Gino's in Great Neck, Evan was considerably out of sorts, and I was daydreaming of being home and in bed. I didn't have to chase him around the restaurant, thankfully, but I did have him sit on my lap and eat some of my linguine. Yum! He got a little cuddly and comfy on me, but then was eager to get up and run around some more.
Come to think of it, I'm still daydreaming of being in bed. Think I can make that dream come true......
Come to think of it, I'm still daydreaming of being in bed. Think I can make that dream come true......
May 3rd, 2008
We tried to have a Happy Evan Day today... just a day he could enjoy, for no particular reason other than the fact that he is loved. Even sang (to the tune of Happy Birthday) when we brought out the cake. He mostly had a happy day, but he had his moments - trying out some mischievous behavior, as little ones do. All in all, it was fun for us all. Cake, cookies, french fries, fried chicken - all happy kid-ly foods. And we tasted Peruvian food for dinner... yum!
Of course, after all that food, Evan needed to be popped into the bath for a little soak. Staci plunked him in, then stepped back and handed him over to me "for practice" - so I got to scrub his little self down while he used the drain cover thing as a "hat." Too cute.
Of course, after all that food, Evan needed to be popped into the bath for a little soak. Staci plunked him in, then stepped back and handed him over to me "for practice" - so I got to scrub his little self down while he used the drain cover thing as a "hat." Too cute.
May 2nd, 2008
Still trying to get in touch with my creative mojo, so I figured I'd try to bang out an explosion book as a gift to my sister's friend - she just had a baby, and he's a teeny little peanut! - I can make these puppies in my sleep. And a cute little book to hold a few of the fun pictures she's taken seemed like a nice idea. Got the covers done before I had to run out to work for my Friday afternoon/evening classes. Gotta find some time and inspiration to finish it up. But working with these colors was a real treat - so bright and vibrant! I normally go with more muted hues when I scrap for myself, so these bright primaries were a nice change of pace. Made for a fun bunch of photos to scan through, too. :)
Sunday, May 4, 2008
May 1st, 2008
I still like this church. At least, in theory. Or perhaps I like the pastor, or whatever clever person has been delegated to think of witticisms for the sign outside. In any case, I look forward to driving past and seeing what new nugget of wisdom has been posted. This one seemed particularly apt:
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