Backyard Bammer

Finally got bored enough to take some pictures of our backyard and post them. I wish I took some pictures before to give a taste of how much work was involved. Digging tree trunks, scrapping mounds of weed and misc. brush with only a shovel is like trying to paint the house with a toothbrush. It SUCKS and takes FOREVER!!! But in the end, it was worth it. I love our backyard now. It's been put to good use already with our house re-warming party and will come in handy for my 30th "Over the Hill" birthday party when we rent a Moon Bounce and hire the Taco Cart Lady.

Testing Testing

Sang and Will's Wedding (8-21-09)

Sang tied the knot last month, and we were honored to share this special day with her, her husband, and her family. Of course, my camera was out of the bag in full force. As much as I like the ridiculous amount of food at eastern style receptions, this reception was a breath of fresh air. I got to admit that the front of the "Croatian/American Cultural Center" did not look promising, but never judge a book by its cover. The back area is a hidden gem, completely disguised from the barren streets of this banjo loving neighborhood.



I had a great time catching up with Sang's family, who I have not seen in over 10 years. The baby cousins I used to play with are now driving cars, playing high school sports, and looking like adults. Holy Toledo, time just passes me by!!! Being at this wedding got me nostalgic and I really felt like it was my own "Cheers" where everyone knew my name. Lots of fun; however, the drive from SJ to Sac for a few hours then back made for a long day.

CONGRATS SANG!!!!























Sometimes I stop to think about how my friendships and relationships evolved through the years. Most I can understand and predict, but on a few occasions I get baffled. From the deep past and 13+ years of history Sang and I share together, I'm pleasantly surprised how things turned out. What surprises me more is how my significant other respects our friendship, and how they ended up being friends. Times like this makes me appreciate my girl even more than I already do.





Below is a pic of Sang's Dad, "Slim", or who I call "Pops." He was kind enough to lend me his garage and tools when I did my LS motor swap in the Civic almost 10 years ago. He used to, actually he still does, give me grief about my "lawn mowers" and "fart cans." We used to talk smack to each other about our cars even though I knew his classic cars would whoop the living crap out of me. He was always kind to me and treated me like family, something I will never forget.



Sang's Mom taking care of her Grandson, Billy.

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)