New Camera & Project 365
I got a new toy! It’s a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi – 12mp. I love it! I bought it from Costco on Sunday for $699. Photography is an expensive hobby… but I figured it is worth it since I like to do it, and i don’t really have any other hobbies besides, well, working out at the gym (but that is another story for another day).
Eventually i’d like to get more macro/fisheye/telephoto lenses as well as a cool bag to put them all in. But for now i’m happy with the camera and its handy neck strap.
Here are all the different views of the camera:
I’ve been trying to teach myself more about photography, like ISO, shutter speed, aperture, etc. I will probably try to buy a book on it eventually, but for the most part i’ve just been learning from web sites and trial and error.
So in an effort to use my camera more, i’ve been trying to think of different subjects or assignments i could give myself to produce more photos. I stumbled upon this – Project 365 – taking one photo every single day. Doing this project will enable me to capture a memory of every single day of my life. It will also make me a better photographer – and also perhaps make me get up off the couch on a lazy day and venture out to get a interesting photo.
So i’l try to be posting every day on the blog (and on flickr) my Project 365 photo. Be on the look out! And if i seem to be lagging behind, nudge me, ok?
October Already?
Every year when October rolls around and the pumpkins emerge I cannot believe summer is over. I hate when the days are short and the weather gets cold. Pretty soon Christmas stuff will be on the shelves at stores. With the economy the way it is nowadays I bet we will be in for a pretty depressing holiday season.
But everyday I am truly thankful for all that I have. A loving husband, a career, my health and family and friends. Though many people are struggling out there, we are fortunante to be living very comfortably.
Now that things have settled down after the wedding, Jeff and I are asking each other what is next for us? At first we thought we should buy a house, but our two problems are that we cannot decide where to live and we don’t have enough money saved yet for a downpayment.
I will always consider Hawaii as my home, but after being away for seven years I cannot imagine what it would be like to live there again. There really are limited jobs, things to do, and places to go. If we move there, no more weekend road trips to get away from it all! And home prices there are even higher than here.
Moving to Hawaii would be a big change for Jeff. He hasn’t decided if he is for or againist it yet. I know when we start having kids I will want to move back, as it has been my plan all along to do so.
Meanwhile we are living in wonderful Salinas with about 20 shootings this year. We do love our apartment/condo complex since we have our own garage and lots of room and rent is decent. But what our future plans are yet, we do not know.
I miss Hawaii 🙁
Disneyland
For Jeff’s 29th birthday, we planned a trip to Disneyland. We thought it would be nice to make it a long weekend and take his actual birthday off, Monday, September 15th. Jeff’s been to Disneyworld before, but not the west coast version, and though he’s lived in California for five years now, he’s never been as far south as L.A.
We left Friday afternoon at about 5pm. On the way down, we stopped by Pismo Beach to stretch out legs. It’s a cute little beach town, a couple of hours south of Salinas.
We had plans to stay with Jim and Christina for Friday night, but Christina ended up having to go to a bridal shower, and Jim ended up having to go to Las Vegas. So at the very last minute, we decided to drive forth to Anaheim and stay at the hotel that we had made reservations at for the weekend. Before we got to the Sheraton, we stopped by in Thousand Oaks to have dinner with Ramzi at Chili’s. It was nice to see him and catch up.
On Saturday, we spent the whole day at California Adventure Park. I’ve never been there before, but i’ve heard from a few people that it’s not that great. Overall I think the park is not that bad, but the complaint most people have is that its too “Boardwalk-ish” and just subpar for being a Disney production. There is not a lot of special “theming” as they call it. For us Californians, it’s not really anything exciting, since practically everything featured in the park (The Golden Gate Bridge, the Wharf, the Boardwalk rides/games, the Winery, the Farmer’s Market…) we’ve already experienced in it’s real form. For tourists I can see how it would be a fun mini-California adventure all packed into one day.
This looks like Cannery Row, doesn’t it?! Look at me in all the sardines. They didn’t smell as bad as one would imagine… JK.
The Bugs Life land was so super cute! Though it was mainly made up for kids, I had a blast looking at the props. This part of the park was the only part that was really done up Disney style.
Here is the rock formation that looks like a bear or a coyote, or some kind of animal.
Me and Stitch! This is the ONLY picture of me and a Disney character. They were hardly any of them roaming the parks, we were so disappointed! When I went there when i was 10 years old, there were TONS of them everywhere. What a bummer.
We did see Holly Madison of Girls Next Door (Hugh Hefner’s #1 girlfriend). She was waiting in line with us for the new Toy Story Mania! Ride. That was the longest line we had to wait in. She was with a whole posse of people. She seemed nice but we didn’t want to bother her for a posed picture.
The Toy Story Mania ride was really fun! It’s basically an interactive 3D video-game/ride where you have a gun and you shoot at targets! I beat Jeff! AMAZING yet so very TRUE.
This rollercoaster was awesome! It’s made to look like a wooden one kinda, but its steel. Fakery, just like everything else in the park! But oh well, its Disneyland. =] Aren’t the Mickey ears cute?
There was a really cool strobe light animation display with these Toy Story characters. Its called a “Zoetrope”. Watch a video of it here.
On Sunday we went to Disneyland. My favorite park of the park is Toontown! Here’s Jeff playing Goofy! I love the big whale. I guess he is from Pinnochio?
Look at the really long road! Oh wait, is it really there? The Golden Gate Bridge, mini-sized and squished a bit! These two pictures above are from California Adventure park. We went back on Sunday to ride the Tower of Terror ride again, since it was our favorite ride. We were so excited for it, we forgot to take a picture! The ride is like an haunted/broken “elevator” ride that drops you up and down. At one point they open the doors to the outside world, and you are at the top floor and can see the whole park!
There was an awesome fireworks show at night. Tinkerbell even made an appearance in the sky. We bought cool light necklaces and had big ice cream sundaes before the fireworks show!
We drove back on Monday. We stopped by Christina’s house to say hi to her and Maddie. She’s so cute. We had lunch together and whenever i would bring my sandwich to my mouth, Maddie would open her mouth like she wanted to eat my food! Silly kid.
When we got back home, I gave Jeff his presents! I made one of those Cootie Catcher paper game cards, and each flap had a riddle for a present written in it. I got him new black shoes, a bunch of different mustards and a bag of pretzels, boxers from AE, and a new Yankees hoodie.
Butters was there to greet us. He liked the boxes.
Jeff said he loved all his presents. We had a good trip but of course wished it lasted a bit longer. Even with the extra day off, it still seemed too short.
Butters Enjoys the Outdoors
Whenever Jeff comes home for lunch during the work week, he usually lets Butters outside into our patio area, where he lays out and suns himself. During the weekends, he is especially lucky because he can stay out there for hours at a time.
Here is a video of him rolling over with happiness in the sun. He usually wants us to rub his belly for him. He gets all kinds of leaves on his fur afterward.
Butters has also taken a new liking to the “red and green plant”. (Mom, I have no idea the name of this kind of plant you planted for us…) He walks over to it and starts licking it. At first i thought he was actually trying to consume it, but no, he is only licking it. Its so weird, because its only this plant he really loves, and there isn’t anything on it that I am aware of that would be so attractive. Butters makes us laugh.
Black Squirrel
A few weeks ago at Sofia’s 1st B-day party in San Mateo, I saw a strange looking squirrel run into the bushes. I probably would not have said anything, but I know that Diane thinks squirrels are cute so we went to get a closer look. I guess they do not have squirrels in Hawaii, which I find hard to believe growing up in the northeast where they are everywhere. So, we snuck around the side of the house and find a Black Squirrel!
I guess it is not that uncommon, and it can happen to a bunch of different types of animals. black cats, sheep and swans come to mind. But this is the first time I have seen one and thought it was pretty cool!
Jacks Peak
Last Sunday, Jeff and I did a small little hike up to Jacks Peak, which overlooks the Monterey Bay. This park is located off Highway 68, and though we had passed the sign for it many, many times, we had never been there to check it out.
Jacks Peak is named after David Jacks, a Scottish immigrant of the 1850’s that went on to create the famous “Monterey Jack” cheese. To get to the peak, you are mostly driving in your car on a paved road. The parking lot itself sits at the top of the peak, and there were picnic tables and restrooms. I was surprised how great the view was despite the slightly foggy weather. Jeff and I said we wanted to come back again on a clearer day.
This tree on the left was big and branchy. Here on the right are the Monterey Pines, a native pine species located in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties.
Some small white fluffly flowers. There is Jeff checking out the scenery.
There was a sign on the side of the trail that said that this area was under the sea until about 12 million years ago. It also said that if you look long and hard, you can see several species of leaves, marine crustaceans, fish and shells that have been fossilized in the rocks. We stood around a while to find something exciting but came up empty handed. But I did note how wonderful the rocks were as chalk rocks. That brings back fond childhood memories. I was always so excited to discover a chalk rock.
This last picture is my favorite. I think Jacks Peak is a great place to take out-of-town people because its an easy hike and has spectacular view.
Sofia’s Birthday Luau
On August 25th, Taylor and Nathan’s little baby girl turned 1! She is babbling and walking all over the place now. It’s so amazing how quickly kids grow up. Sofia had a birthday party on Saturday at her house. Since Taylor is from Hawaii and Sofia loves the water, the theme was a luau.
I got up really early to make some sushi and spam musubis at my house.
Here is the spread! Kalua pig and rice, salad, lots of fruit, and poi. Look how cute these plumeria cup cakes are! The petals are made out of sliced marshmallows.
Here’s a close up of the lomi lomi salmon. It’s made of raw salmon, tomatoes, onions and green onions. Here is the sushi I made. Everyone told me they liked it.
Chocoalte haupia (coconut pudding) pies for dessert! Here is the poi (taro porridge), I don’t think a lot of people ate it, but you gotta serve it if you’re having a luau.
I love pineapple boats!
Sofia was so happy at her party. Here she is in her little water playground. It had numerous water fountains, and even a kiddie slide.
The party was joined via Video iChat by Aunty Kendall and Grandma Tengelsen all the way in Hawaii! I love v-chat! Its like they are right there. Here is John and Jeff in an in-depth conversation about fantasy football.
Taylor made this festive dress for Sofia. The crocheted flowers create a lei. It’s so adorable. Everyone is singing Happy Birthday around the cupcake and lighted candle.
Taylor and Aunty Nichelle made a “birthday hat” as a Worthington tradition – a must-wear for every birthday celebration until the child turns 18. Sofia doesn’t seem to like the idea.
Sofia got the neatest toy. This wooden snail is on a string, and when you pull it, it scooches along like a real snail. Sofia didn’t quite get how to play with it yet, so she just lifted it all the way off the floor instead. Everyone laughed. Here is me and Sofia – with her big blue eyes! Remember – she is a 1/4 Chinese. REALLY.
Sofia also got a cool tricycle (no pedals). She looks so proud of herself. I am so amazed by how much she grows each time I see her. She’s such a happy girl and she seems to love people too. Not shy at all. It was great to be able to attend her party along with all her relatives in the area. Taylor thinks they will be moving by the end of the year to Portland area. I will be really sad to see them go so I am hoping they don’t!
Comedy Night at Leal Vineyards
Jeff got 2 free tickets to a Comedy Night being held at a Leal Vineyards in Hollister. He got the tickets from one of his clients from work. The venue is kind of in the middle of nowhere – the owner built his own little lake/pond area to make it look more appealing.
The lake actually looks pretty cool at night with the lights reflecting off of it. There is a nice outdoor bar and fireplace area that is to the left on this picture. There were so many people there! We got in a little late and there weren’t any open seats left for us to sit at. Here is the view from all the way in the back.
Dave was the first guy up and he was pretty funny. He had the crowd laughing good. Mostly Mormon jokes from what I can remember, and about being married. Chris, the second guy that went up, was not funny at all… apparently he tried to win Last Comic Standing but we could both see why he didn’t. Pretty lame jokes and we hardly laughed at all when he was up. Andrew was funny but for most of his set i was waiting in line for the bathroom =( He did make a funny joke about how he somehow always turns out “gay” looking in pictures taken of him. He noticed it was because every picture was taken with his head over his shoulder (see below!) The more you have your head over your shoulder, the “gayer” you look.
Jeff might kill me for posting this picture!! (But see?)
After the Comedy, there was some DJ/dancing going on in the barrel room – but there was too many people and not very good music so we didn’t stay very long. Don’t you just love this door behind me?
We didn’t try any of the wine while we were there, but I noticed they had some pretty interesting names like “Godsend” and “Threesome”.
We had a great time, and I really enjoy getting free tickets to events! =) Ahh, the perks of being a banker… Hahaha.
San Juan Bautista
I work in a little town called San Juan Bautista. Population: 1,500. I like working in this town because it is outside of the fog line, and I love seeing chickens walk around on the streets. There is a quaint “downtown” area lined with antique shops and family-owned restaurants. The main attraction to this city is the Mission San Juan Bautista, built in 1797.
Here are some pictures of the Mission that I took last July. On that day, Jeff and I were on our way to visit our soon-to-be wedding venue, San Juan Oaks.
There are some nice rose gardens right outside the church. This next picture is looking out from the mission to the fields. Right below the front row of bushes is a drop which is the San Andreas Fault line, and also where the old El Camino Real road is. Its a dirt road that used to be the main road between all the California Missions. It is said that the missions were erected in places that were only one day walking distance between each other. The mission south of San Juan is Carmel, and the one north of it is Santa Cruz. Click here for an animated map of the sequence of construction of the California missions.
Here is a headless chicken we found on the grounds of the Mission!! Scary… who knows what happened here. Jeff joked it may have been a religious sacrifice.
I’m surprised I don’t have more chicken pictures. This one above is the ONLY one I have. (It took me forever to find it too!) I took this in April 2006, next to the Windmill Market parking lot. The Windmill Market is the sole grocery store in the town.
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On Wednesday this week, while at work, my coworkers and I took a little walk to a big field of tall sunflowers located right behind the San Juan Bautista Mission. The sunflowers came up to my head! It was a very sunny, warm day and it was nice to get out of the office for while.
Here are some pictures that I took with Kathy’s Nikon.
My favorite is this one with the two sunflowers and the bee. There is Briana and Rita waiting around for John and I to take some photos.
Perhaps I’ll make a Part II of this post sometime in the future. I’d like to take pictures of the green fields in the spring, the cows, downtown San Juan, and of course more chickens (live ones, that is)!
Chicago White Sox @ Oakland A’s
On Saturday, we went to our second baseball game of the season. It was pretty foggy in Salinas, and the last time we went to an A’s game it was totally cold. So we dressed in long pants, brought sweaters, etc. To our surprise, when we got to McAfee Coliseum, it was sunny and warm! So warm in fact that Jeff was afraid he would get sunburned, so we had to take breaks in the shade during the game.
For lunch we bought a regular Stadium Dog for me, and a Jumbo Dog for Jeff. Look at the difference! These two dogs and a big drink cost $15 – not too bad…could be worse I guess.
Our seats were row 13, section 123, probably the closest we have ever been to the field. We had to pay about $115 for the tickets total, so I think we definitely should have been close! We had a good time, it’s nice being close to the “action”.
Theres Jeff taking his smoke break behind the fence. We had to climb all the way to the tippity top of the stadium to get to the smoking area. I love living in California where you can’t smoke in public places unless you are in the designated area! Here I am with a new giant Athletics cup to take home! I love these big plastic cups because I tend to drink a lot during dinner, and this way I don’t have to go fill it in between the meal. =)
There were quite a few White Sox fans in the crowd – it seemed like they were all in our section! So that was a little annoying at times – hey aren’t we routing the for A’s here? =) Well, the A’s ended up losing anyway in a regulation 9-inning game, 2-1.
And Jeff didn’t get a sun burn! Woohoo!