Random Pic of the Day

Culling my photos and I came across this picture of Baxter. As much of a brat that he was, we really miss the guy...especially Freddie.




It's rare to have Freddie run directly towards me when I call for his attention. I'm glad I captured that moment.

Winding Down

Exhausted...the most fitting way to summarize the physical fatigue and mental strain I've been going through the last month, and I don't mean that in a bad way. It's been a very eventful month that jump started with Vince and Janna's departure.

The moment they left, Kim and I have been frantically working around the house preparing for Crystal's move and the house warming party. Within a month, with no extra time to spare, the garage has drywall with new shelving, the downstairs bathroom floor was re-done, and the entire backyard was laid with mulch. The house went through a major face lift. (Pictures to come)

My weekends would be spent at Home Depot. I felt like "Frank the Tank" from Old School. I was lucky if all of my clothes wasn't splattered with mud or paint. The best feeling, besides having it all completed, was taking a long, warm shower after being outside all day to rinse the filth and grabbing a cold one during dinner. I seriously felt like I shed a few pounds.

Now that everything is done, I can focus my attention back to photography......and school (ugh!).

During Grandma's birthday dinner, Jamie and I were looking for something to drink. After working in the yard all day fighting with tree roots, I wanted something to keep me hydrated. What do they call that again??? oh yeah, a "thirst quencher" or in the words of Chingish,

The Day I Sold My Soul to the Devil

Many of you, who follow my blog, already know that I got engaged last 4th of July weekend. I'm still patting myself on the back for executing my plan AND catching Kim off guard. She's extremely observant and intuitive, so surprising her can be quite the challenge. The engagement story can be seen on Kim's Facebook Notes.

I'm still getting used to the idea of calling Kim my fiance. I had to correct myself a few times, but I sure like the sound of "fiance." We've been together for so long, that I felt weird saying "girlfriend."

A friend of ours told me that I should just hand Kim the ring when I propose, roll my eyes, and say "You Win." Playing that scenario through my head was hilarious. Although tempting, I opted not to.

Thank you for everyone's support through the last 7.5 years and we really appreciate your kind words.

Here are a couple pics of my uber cool fiance and our lovable dog Freddie. (Side Note: So fitting that Kim is wearing red.)

From Trip to LA (7-3-09)

From Trip to LA (7-3-09)

From Trip to LA (7-3-09)

Fourth of July (2009)

Sparklers are usually lame in contrast to the hundreds of mortars shooting through the sky around you. But, this innocuous toy can transform into some major entertainment with a few willing bodies, a couple creative bones, and a camera that would make John Strognofe roll in his grave.

From Fourth of July Weekend LA (07-04-09)

Thank you to all the service men and women who put their lives in danger to protect this great nation of ours.
(Santa Monica Pier)

From Fourth of July Weekend LA (07-04-09)

Link to additional pics:

Fourth of July Weekend LA (07-04-09)

Wake Boarding (06-29-09)

I went wake boarding and wake surfing for the first time ever. Let's just say I am sore as F%^@, but I eventually got it. It reminds me of the day after I went snow boarding for the first time. My neck, my back, my #^@^& and my crack all hurt, but I would do it all over again. Thanks Jimmy!

My favorite picture of the year. Inspired by Viet when I saw him downing a Heineken while wake surfing. I told myself, " Oh snaps, that's badass. I wanna do that" even before I tried it for the very first time. With some perseverance, encouragement from the crew, and having everyone being patient with me hogging the line, I finally got it.

Yes, it is in fact a Coors Light. Ahhhhhhh, that was the most refreshing, celebratory beer EVER.

From Wake Boarding

Finally getting a hang of wake boarding,

From Wake Boarding

And finally, no post is ever complete without showing the whole story,

From Wake Boarding (06-28-09)

Long (overdue) Beach Grand Prix (04-09)

From Long Beach Gran Prix (04-09)

Always memorable being with the Engvalls and Lewins during our annual tradition to Long Beach. Nothing beats hanging out with the boys and girls, listening to cars, drinking some adult beverages, and getting out of town for a weekend. Can't wait until next year.

I can't believe The Derby is gone :( That is not money.

As always, I spend more time taking photos of people than of cars. Even when I take pictures of cars, they're not full scale ones. Doh!

This is what it's all about,

From Long Beach Gran Prix (04-09)

The ultimate couple,

From Long Beach Gran Prix (04-09)

I can't believe how realistic these R/C cars look.

From Long Beach Gran Prix (04-09)

Cool colors at night.

From Long Beach Gran Prix (04-09)

Beautiful LA skylight at night.

From Long Beach Gran Prix (04-09)

Oh, boys will be boys.

From Long Beach Gran Prix (04-09)

P-I-M-P

From Long Beach Gran Prix (04-09)

"..It's just me, Nick, Ashley, and the homiesss, on a Saturday afternoon"

From Long Beach Gran Prix (04-09)

For the full album:

Long Beach Gran Prix (04-09)

The Hangover

It's been awhile since I've laughed so hard. I highly recommend this movie.

I give it two thumbs up in a circle....

Kid friendly (well kind of) for the most part except for the end credits. I felt bad for two young girls sitting next to us with their parents who had to see that. EEK!!!