tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93435972024-03-13T11:55:11.330-07:00AlanmineAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.comBlogger231125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-74197067700945192152014-01-11T23:37:00.000-08:002014-01-11T23:39:05.807-08:00Picture projectNew year also means a new start to new projects. A popular one is a 365 photo project. A picture with a common theme, everyday, for a whole year. I've always wanted to try it but haven't, and I've also seen many people try but fail. As with any resolution, stick with it is the hardest part. I decided to do one with Britt together. So the <a href="http://flic.kr/s/aHsjQcJJ1w" target="_blank">Couple Selfies 365 project</a> was born. A picture together, everyday, all year. (Britt is actually doing it separately, you can see her pictures <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/munkeyface/sets/72157639452419865/" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So of course, 10 days or so in and I am already seeing road locks that can crop up. Some are logistical. There are days when I see Britt in the morning when we get up and then not again until almost bed time. That leads to creativity questions as well. How many pictures does anyone want to see of us in bed? But I think those challenges are what makes these projects worthwhile. You have to push yourself to have new ideas and try new things. I'm sure plenty of pictures are silly and some flat out don't work. But as with anything worth doing, you have to experience some failures, right?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another nice benefit that I have started to noticed is that this will be a great way to look back on the year. On that note, I decided to also frame these pictures realistically, and not just put happy bubbly pictures up everyday. Today was a good example. Britt and I attended a memorial service today. As expected, it was a somber occasion, interjected with nice moments as well seeing people that I haven't seen in a long time. I grappled with the thought of if this was a place and occasion to break out with my phone and take a picture of us. In the end, I did it, and you can tell we aren't thrilled in it. I love the picture because of it though. This was us today. And when I look back on this a year from now, five years from now, I would want to remember the bad along with the good.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This also leads to the publicness of the project. Aside from the Flickr set, I spread them out along various social media outlets to share. And I think I have spoken about the subject before, it's important to me to project an honest me out there. Too many people feel like they have to curate their social media persona and that just sounds too much work and effort to me. I have these mediums to help express myself and I am grateful that there are a few people who cares enough to see them. I don't want to lie to these people with some fake version of me (there are far more interesting fake people accounts at your local supermarket checkout aisle). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That was like 4 tangents on a fragment of original thought. I told you I need to write more. Apparently the real un-curated me is one big run on sentence. Heh. Thanks for reading anyway...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p0jelSN9uZk/UtJFazSQQDI/AAAAAAAALgo/COCdVRaf0YQ/s1600/IMG_7928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p0jelSN9uZk/UtJFazSQQDI/AAAAAAAALgo/COCdVRaf0YQ/s1600/IMG_7928.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-73578976804202687542014-01-05T23:48:00.001-08:002014-01-06T09:56:46.544-08:00Home screen evolutionA little late, but I've been seeing people post a pic of their phone home screen on 1/1/14 as a way to see how their app usage evolves over the years. I thought that might be cool and wish I had done it sooner. I have had an iPhone for 6 years now and to see what has made the cut of making the home screen sounds like fun. I don't know about you, but I definitely am one of those people who think long and hard before an app gets "promoted" to first page status. It's just natural to see and use that app the most, so I want to be sure it's something I really care about. So without further ado:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6uyxpp58moc/Uspfr-XIJ7I/AAAAAAAALaU/1AW9fjIdLag/s640/blogger-image--595967067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6uyxpp58moc/Uspfr-XIJ7I/AAAAAAAALaU/1AW9fjIdLag/s640/blogger-image--595967067.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Nothing real revolutionary, so it probably doesn't need a ton of explanation. I play with a lot of social apps (hence the folder) and Evernote makes the page partly because I am trying to force myself to use it more. Oh and I notice my Apple iPhone is getting more and more Google-ized too. I like to think I don't have a brand allegiance as much as wanting to use whatever is good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The other interesting thing is asking yourself what the first app you open when you wake up in the morning. That's not only a sign of a good app but a vital one. And probably also changes over the years. If I asked myself this in years past I would say anything from email to weather to Facebook. But currently, I would say it's Instagram. It encourages my amateur photography aspirations while connecting me with a lot of interesting people. I like it a lot! But enough to have the same answer next year? Guess we will have to see...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
What are your essential apps?</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-72220592154627455532014-01-01T01:11:00.001-08:002014-01-01T01:11:53.826-08:00Another year...We are hitting the proverbial reset button and starting another year. We make crazy promises to ourselves and struggle to keep them. I think this is where I make some resolution to blog more, but looking back, I am writing less than ever everywhere. When I can't muster 140 characters in Twitter, it's probably a bad sign. So yes, I will try to jot down my thoughts somewhere more, but it's not going to be about writing for quantity. It's not about writing because I have no many venues to do it. The more you write, the more focus you get. The more organization of the stuff bouncing around your head all day. So this year, as my resolution, I resolve to find my voice. And if doing it where the three of you who stops by and sees the progress and struggles of that, than that's part of the journey. Write here. Write there. Share my view of the world here. I'm going to use it all to one day to piece it all back, and see me.<br />
<br />
Happy 2014, everyone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtF-YKy0cYk/UsPbvlCZorI/AAAAAAAALVI/qqGYE-RfUGg/s1600/IMG_3416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtF-YKy0cYk/UsPbvlCZorI/AAAAAAAALVI/qqGYE-RfUGg/s1600/IMG_3416.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-91619418012428227212013-09-05T14:23:00.001-07:002013-09-05T14:23:14.635-07:00The Road to Kona Goes Through Reno and a ShipIt has been a whirlwind (for us, anyway) 6 weeks or so for us. Family activities have dictated our vacations for the past few years and it was never more true than this summer. Last I've posted we were in Reno for Hannah's softball tournament and it was a week of ball parks and buffets. Hannah's team faced some serious competitions from teams from Southern California and Washington but I think for the long haul, the week with the team will benefit them in future play. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s2B5-sw15iw/Uij2FO074XI/AAAAAAAAI8k/VSnNX6aTnNM/s640/blogger-image--304624146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s2B5-sw15iw/Uij2FO074XI/AAAAAAAAI8k/VSnNX6aTnNM/s640/blogger-image--304624146.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Plus it allowed me to recreate a pic we had taken the last time we were in Reno. (I'll update this post with the old pic when I get home)</div><br></div><div>Two weeks after that trip, Sara's dance studio was off for their summer trip. First, a day at California Adventures where they performed and we got to check out the new Cars Land. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lzkvIvIlVKQ/Uij2MsQXC-I/AAAAAAAAI9U/R9wqtYjKCMM/s640/blogger-image--1342137034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lzkvIvIlVKQ/Uij2MsQXC-I/AAAAAAAAI9U/R9wqtYjKCMM/s640/blogger-image--1342137034.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zcvIywo_7ig/Uij2QAZUm7I/AAAAAAAAI9s/tQZYrE2D0D8/s640/blogger-image--40105443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zcvIywo_7ig/Uij2QAZUm7I/AAAAAAAAI9s/tQZYrE2D0D8/s640/blogger-image--40105443.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Then we boarded the Carnival Inspiration where we took a 4 day cruise to Ensenada, Mexico, where Sara also performed and we... ate a lot. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CFrSHmr838Q/Uij2KLsJeeI/AAAAAAAAI9E/ztln_GNGu6Y/s640/blogger-image--1232832589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CFrSHmr838Q/Uij2KLsJeeI/AAAAAAAAI9E/ztln_GNGu6Y/s640/blogger-image--1232832589.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8_Jaq9xJ-s4/Uij2O9_wMvI/AAAAAAAAI9k/Aon019sGusg/s640/blogger-image--579072038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8_Jaq9xJ-s4/Uij2O9_wMvI/AAAAAAAAI9k/Aon019sGusg/s640/blogger-image--579072038.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was fun and also nice to have my parents and sister's family along with us for one big family vacation. Two weeks after returning from that, however, we were off again. This time for Britt's family as her brother was getting married... In Hawaii! This was not only Britt and the girls first trip to the islands, but Audrey's first airplane ride (we are a ride trip kind of family). We spent four and a half days in Kona and the big island and it was spectacular in every aspect. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wwH9alNS0tg/Uij2JCNqmlI/AAAAAAAAI88/VC2mwsw9wVY/s640/blogger-image--1631616170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wwH9alNS0tg/Uij2JCNqmlI/AAAAAAAAI88/VC2mwsw9wVY/s640/blogger-image--1631616170.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Yu6Co0pnPPc/Uij2LXCWoXI/AAAAAAAAI9M/b-DnR1i_HSc/s640/blogger-image--1174380571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Yu6Co0pnPPc/Uij2LXCWoXI/AAAAAAAAI9M/b-DnR1i_HSc/s640/blogger-image--1174380571.jpg"></a></div>Luau coconut treat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-52RVUjO2QDg/Uij2H7omPUI/AAAAAAAAI80/UxT4OZcji5k/s640/blogger-image--1944170158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-52RVUjO2QDg/Uij2H7omPUI/AAAAAAAAI80/UxT4OZcji5k/s640/blogger-image--1944170158.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The main event was fantastic as well, a wedding on the beach. Intimate, with close families, as the sun set in the distance. It was certainly an experience I won't soon forget. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sDn6aBHAZwg/Uij2GwvF0vI/AAAAAAAAI8s/qU2sJxbUjXo/s640/blogger-image-168127550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sDn6aBHAZwg/Uij2GwvF0vI/AAAAAAAAI8s/qU2sJxbUjXo/s640/blogger-image-168127550.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now, I sit on the flight home somewhere over the pacific, trying to process all the places I've been the last few weeks. I'm incredibly thankful for the opportunities, and thankful to all the people who made all these trips possible. It's not easy to get a family of five somewhere for any extended period of time.. Especially with my kids having such a wide age range, I'm glad we were still able to go somewhere before the older ones start thinking they are too cool to go somewhere with their parents. We all remember family trips when we were young, some were better experiences than others. Seeing it from the other side as a parent now, I'm just thankful for experiences we can have together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But ok, back to real life. There's new schools and Halloween and birthdays and Christmas before you know it. Life really does go on... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">- from seat 21A</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4eys_hQK6kc/Uij2N_bza6I/AAAAAAAAI9c/QaehapxLtFQ/s640/blogger-image-587159335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4eys_hQK6kc/Uij2N_bza6I/AAAAAAAAI9c/QaehapxLtFQ/s640/blogger-image-587159335.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-26251857904756819722013-07-23T08:50:00.001-07:002013-07-23T08:50:02.687-07:00On the softball road...I don't think I've composed a blog on my phone since emailing one in while on a trip to Vancouver five years ago. (If I wasnt on my phone I would link to it) I could've upgraded slightly and post from my iPad but the hotel only gives wifi to one device per room at a time and I let Hannah's phone have it for now. (Beats her using her minuscule amount of cell data) <div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ybzy2SUszJo/Ue6mKXO_U4I/AAAAAAAAHrs/1NJvxzAYKN0/s640/blogger-image--1127664702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ybzy2SUszJo/Ue6mKXO_U4I/AAAAAAAAHrs/1NJvxzAYKN0/s640/blogger-image--1127664702.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Anyways, this is life on the road with my travel softball daughter. We are spending the week in Reno for a regional tournament and it has already been an experience, and we haven't played a game yet. There are like 150 teams here and seeing these girls from all over the western United States (and Canada) is kinda overwhelming. The girls were lucky enough to have some bowling time at the national bowling stadium (not opened to the general public) and the wave of girls and their families was crazy. I hope it has been a good experience for Hannah so far, and that the size of this tournament won't intimidate her too much and she can still do well. Go Crossfires!</div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-i7MwSyqQKfQ/Ue6mIubjafI/AAAAAAAAHrk/L_dJo2DoYwg/s640/blogger-image--1919677594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-i7MwSyqQKfQ/Ue6mIubjafI/AAAAAAAAHrk/L_dJo2DoYwg/s640/blogger-image--1919677594.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-38361401316842757482013-06-21T15:06:00.001-07:002013-06-21T15:06:28.747-07:00<a href="http://digg.com/reader" target="_blank">9 more days of Google Reader</a> and I am starting to freak out...<br />
<br />
I know the link takes you to a potential replacement (Digg Reader). I obviously am not endorsing said product as they have not released it for public use yet. But the panic is causing me to check out all possible alternatives...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-47363498751363993392013-06-14T22:05:00.000-07:002013-06-14T22:05:03.310-07:00Crispy Baked Potato FansI don't consider myself a good cook or anything, I just think it can be cool to make neat things that also happen to taste good. Stuffing cans up a <a href="http://instagram.com/p/aFGbK0HBPX/" target="_blank">chicken's personal space</a> is fun, beating a egg whites until they are <a href="http://alanmine.blogspot.com/2008/06/my-first-souffle.html" target="_blank">fluffy and cheesy</a> is fun. So when I saw <a href="http://www.cookscountry.com/recipes/Crispy-Baked-Potato-Fans/12760" target="_blank">this recipe</a> for crispy potato fans, I thought I would give it a whirl for dinner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8DcgSA_HA4/Ubv1n3bee_I/AAAAAAAAG_s/L7xayuEpeKM/s1600/4E17D7A1-3BCB-42BB-9136-48212C5FD407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U8DcgSA_HA4/Ubv1n3bee_I/AAAAAAAAG_s/L7xayuEpeKM/s320/4E17D7A1-3BCB-42BB-9136-48212C5FD407.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There really isn't much to it. It's a baked potato with a breadcrumb and butter topping. The fun is in the fanning, and the recipe had a great idea of using wooden chopsticks as a guide to not cut through the potato, and a quick rinse to get rid of some of the starch to help the fanning. Bake potato, add crumb topping and put it in the broiler for a few (mine might have been there for about 30 seconds too long) and the results turned out like this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4fDQQiIqD3I/Ubv1p0ms-bI/AAAAAAAAG_0/kYuEFxXEh5A/s1600/D35B2BCD-2D79-4EF9-A9FD-9EFC357C9667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4fDQQiIqD3I/Ubv1p0ms-bI/AAAAAAAAG_0/kYuEFxXEh5A/s320/D35B2BCD-2D79-4EF9-A9FD-9EFC357C9667.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not bad, right? Most importantly, two out of kids liked and ate it. And that is a win enough for me...</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-14112339461224662162013-06-12T22:09:00.000-07:002013-06-12T22:09:30.993-07:00Catching up...Nothing makes time go by more than thinking about needing to post on your blog, I always say... (by always, I mean just off the top of my head right now)<br />
<br />
Let's catch up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXPrOBA9pNc/Ubk4lEYVUBI/AAAAAAAAG6w/01ko_Dzy7Us/s1600/IMG_5831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXPrOBA9pNc/Ubk4lEYVUBI/AAAAAAAAG6w/01ko_Dzy7Us/s320/IMG_5831.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I really did start a March POTM post. I read this <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/follow-me-instagram-series-goes-viral-2013-3?op=1" target="_blank">article</a> about a guy who started a creative way of taking pictures of his girlfriend as they travel to different places around the world. I thought it was the coolest thing and wanted to try it out. Now I certainly am not trotting the globe like that guy is, but I've been able to start capturing a few places right in my own backyard. This is my first one in front of Britt's work. Of course, you can follow <a href="http://instagram.com/ak3700" target="_blank">my Instagram feed</a> and see if I follow through on this better than this blog...<br />
<br />
A quick diversion!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6EMol4piEE/Ubk4lApvrRI/AAAAAAAAG60/4_d6ftfvlao/s1600/DSC_8846-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6EMol4piEE/Ubk4lApvrRI/AAAAAAAAG60/4_d6ftfvlao/s320/DSC_8846-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I did not take this picture. I was not even there. But I would like to give a shout out to my friend John for capturing this on a school field trip of Hannah's. Of the many awesome things about this picture, I mostly want to share this with you because this really reminds me how old my baby is getting. 13! Oh my....<br />
<br />
Ok, by to lauding my own art...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEIJilL77zo/UblREEvW-4I/AAAAAAAAG7E/n8W4B46KbyM/s1600/1D85B624-F981-4F2A-988E-411660B57317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEIJilL77zo/UblREEvW-4I/AAAAAAAAG7E/n8W4B46KbyM/s320/1D85B624-F981-4F2A-988E-411660B57317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's not always about fancy artistic pics sometimes. Sometimes, pictures capture life. Boring, everyday life, but life that you will think back on fondly one day when it's over. Like three very loud kids getting ready for bed in the bathroom. Pretty sure I will miss this one day.... pretty sure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z63SmFmj69I/UblSpxQTkdI/AAAAAAAAG7U/fnTaCCM3QJc/s1600/IMG_6278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z63SmFmj69I/UblSpxQTkdI/AAAAAAAAG7U/fnTaCCM3QJc/s320/IMG_6278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Mother's Day for May! I like this one because I realized after taking this that I don't have a lot of pictures with my mom. Will have to remedy that in the future. And it shows how much taller I am than my mom and sister! Ha!<br />
<br />
Three shots, three months. Life goes on around here...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-84244935326081775492013-04-07T23:36:00.003-07:002013-04-07T23:36:38.193-07:00Foggy Window Into My Mind, and where to find it...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqyxCyoARog/UWJjx79TX2I/AAAAAAAAFTw/UFNTR7sslW8/s1600/IMG_1109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqyxCyoARog/UWJjx79TX2I/AAAAAAAAFTw/UFNTR7sslW8/s400/IMG_1109.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Working on my March photo review (I didn't forget!) and it reminds me how many pictures I take that never really see the light of day. I take pictures to share with others. Photography is my way to sharing my life as seen through my eyes. Sometimes I wonder whether pictures are just me being too lazy to write (comparing the number of entries here to... say... my Instagram feed, may support that argument). But pictures are worth a thousand words, right? So it's got to even out somehow (though my English teachers probably never bought into that one).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
But back to my original statement. Thanks to technology, I take a lot of pictures, and I would love for you to see more of them. Social media allows for many ways for me to share these pictures but none of them are perfect... or rather, I use them all a little differently so only certain pictures end up at certain places. I would break down the reasons, but they are pretty arbitrary and I probably make them up as I go along. The biggest reason I spread them out is that I don't want to overwhelm anyone with 40 pictures at once anywhere. You probably have that one friend who empties their memory card to an "album" on Facebook and you scroll through pictures after pictures of blurry figures and chopped off heads. Or how about that one Instagram feed that seem to update when the person you follow can get to a Starbucks and steal some wifi to put up 15 pictures at once with the Toaster filter? ... Nope. When I am lucky enough to capture a picture worth sharing, I want you to see it. So when I want most of my friends and family to see it, it will probably make it to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alankwong" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. For a steadier stream of photographic inspiration open to anyone, it will end up on <a href="http://instagram.com/ak3700" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. When it's a random picture of the latest in kiddie pasta, there is probably a <a href="https://twitter.com/ak3700/status/296812305319092224" target="_blank">Twitter post</a> about it. If we are REALLY good friends and I know you won't be bothered with me always putting up stuff, there is even the intimate Path. (There's even a rare <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/111925832785222643870/posts/6uEfFAGbhkd" target="_blank">Google+ post</a>. But that's mostly just to be rebellious and silly. Like posting on MySpace!) Rarely do I cross-post, because most of you are friends with me on more than one social network and you don't need to see the same thing four times (See? I think of you with these things!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Is this just one long post to get more "friends" or "followers"? Perhaps. But if we do end up connecting on the many social networks around (and trust me, I try a lot of them), I want you to know that I try to do it as thoughtfully as possible. And wouldn't just throw any ol' pictures of...say... a man dressed up as a pickle for nothing.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdkTy8KLVLA/UWJjyb3cdtI/AAAAAAAAFT4/wk2g5zb29TI/s1600/IMG_5969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdkTy8KLVLA/UWJjyb3cdtI/AAAAAAAAFT4/wk2g5zb29TI/s400/IMG_5969.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
P.S. An obviously, there will be plenty of pictures here on the blog as well. These will come with words though. Hopefully many thoughtful well thought out ones. (Or at least second draft worthy, and certainly full of snark and sarcasm).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-60045517021114509722013-03-13T17:56:00.001-07:002013-03-13T17:56:42.862-07:00RIP Google Reader<a href="http://googlereader.blogspot.com/2013/03/powering-down-google-reader.html?spref=bl">Official Google Reader Blog: Powering Down Google Reader</a><br />
<br />
So sad. I've been such a faithful user of GReader, and I assume the 3 of the 4 of you reading this is in GReader right now. Not the most elegant, especially by today's standards, but it did its job of helping me keep up with my favorite sites. Now the <a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-57574201-233/google-reader-is-dying-but-we-have-five-worthy-alternatives/" target="_blank">search for a replacement</a> begins.. and to figure out how to <a href="http://www.dataliberation.org/google/reader" target="_blank">export my carefully curated Reader subscriptions</a>....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-61817385938099420892013-03-03T20:53:00.001-08:002013-03-03T20:53:26.081-08:00Photo of the Month - FebruaryHey it's time to do a quick look back! Short month = short post, right?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-777qBZoDFG8/UTQnX-ILe_I/AAAAAAAAEL0/VOfrKId3aKE/s1600/DSC_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-777qBZoDFG8/UTQnX-ILe_I/AAAAAAAAEL0/VOfrKId3aKE/s320/DSC_0025.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So you heard about the <a href="http://alanmine.blogspot.com/2013/02/new-additions.html" target="_blank">dog deal</a>. Here's an action shot. Does it make you think twice about drinking from water fountains?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBIYDdOTF9o/UTQnXhntZ6I/AAAAAAAAELw/cXdixmXXEEA/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FBIYDdOTF9o/UTQnXhntZ6I/AAAAAAAAELw/cXdixmXXEEA/s320/DSC_0019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm a big fan of this one. Trying to get the teenager to keep the hair out of her face more often. Usually a losing battle.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Dr1l7mQm6g/UTQnZPn_USI/AAAAAAAAEMA/VBMEjiNXr1c/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Dr1l7mQm6g/UTQnZPn_USI/AAAAAAAAEMA/VBMEjiNXr1c/s640/DSC_0029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But here is the winner of the month. Family day out in the City before we had to go separate ways. Helps to have a photogenic family, and live in a photogenic area, huh?</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-26570303433356007612013-02-05T22:50:00.002-08:002013-02-05T22:50:40.219-08:00Of literary devices, and the little things...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sara is learning metaphors in class and I got to thinking of my current favorite song lyrics. It's one of those where the first time I heard it, I didn't get it. That's the beauty of it. It's subtle. I like my humor subtle. It's the little things, right? Like a wink to the audience, not feeling the need to beat it over their heads. You either get it or you don't.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Like the Dead Sea</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You told me I was like the Dead Sea.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>You'll never sink when you are with me</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Oh Lord, like the Dead Sea</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So of course, you have to know that at the Dead Sea, the salt density.... you know what, it's not as good when you have to explain it. Basic rule of wit (and I take those things very seriously - ironic, I know). Anyway, the song is pretty too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wXkH-lRErMo?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Just perfect.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-91557652355656138692013-02-04T20:37:00.000-08:002013-02-04T20:37:39.687-08:00New Additions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--S0QOaLFzZ4/URCKoSnIDeI/AAAAAAAAD4U/3UxzTupRK00/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--S0QOaLFzZ4/URCKoSnIDeI/AAAAAAAAD4U/3UxzTupRK00/s640/DSC_0010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is Beckett. We have been looking for a possible dog and it's a somewhat stressful ordeal because you want the perfect pet who will fit in with the family. So of course, with that magical circumstance, Brittany walked into the shelter right when Beckett was being surrendered at the front desk. Bonds were made right away and the next day, we brought her home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pAbnf3y-b4/URCKoo607ZI/AAAAAAAAD4g/sbPHQYng6YA/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pAbnf3y-b4/URCKoo607ZI/AAAAAAAAD4g/sbPHQYng6YA/s400/DSC_0021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
She has adapted nicely so far, and is quite a cuddler (unlike the kitten of the house). Happy to sit by someone's feet while also ready to run around and chase a ball. We think she will keep us all busy (in a good way) for the foreseeable future.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oymAnjwQgqI/URCKo1vcWII/AAAAAAAAD4c/c4G_bTuijeo/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oymAnjwQgqI/URCKo1vcWII/AAAAAAAAD4c/c4G_bTuijeo/s400/DSC_0025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-90026458068636660582013-02-02T17:07:00.001-08:002013-02-02T17:07:45.869-08:00Photo of the month - January<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanmine/8438695069/" title="Untitled"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8438695069_4cd7903c0b.jpg" alt="Untitled by Alanmine" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanmine/8438695069/">Untitled</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanmine/">Alanmine</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>I had so much fun rimmaging through old pictures in my previous posts that I decided that I want to do this every month! <br /><br />Naturally I didn't have a big month in picture taking. Perhaps it was a little bit of recovery time from a lot of snapping over the holidays. There is such a thing a photography fatigue, right? Good thing I had my phone with me that I was still a steady contributor to Instagram.<br /><br />This one is not from the phone though. This is a special one as I had been waiting just forever to see the shiny new World Series trophy since they won it back in October. The trophy tour was announced and not only was there a stop in Richmond, but BOTH trophies would be on display. The only problem was that it was to be on a Monday afternoon. However would I, with a clear conscience, skip out on work for this? Well it just so happen (and showing the amount of sacrifice that I was willing to make) that I needed to have a root canal done and the appointment was the same morning! As you can see, I survived it fine (or the drugs were awesome). Some split duties of waiting in line early and picking up kids from work and here we are, surrounded by shinies.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-88022219951728484052013-01-06T22:43:00.001-08:002013-01-06T22:54:54.472-08:00Year in Pictures Pt 2Whew, I so did not expect to make this huge long post. How do you sum up a whole year with a few pictures, and even fewer words? The tough selection process continued and we press on with the 2nd half of the year...<br />
<br />
<b><u>July:</u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMaRtNKabCY/UOe-qwsut2I/AAAAAAAADg4/uSR-S7CMutU/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMaRtNKabCY/UOe-qwsut2I/AAAAAAAADg4/uSR-S7CMutU/s320/IMG_1167.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A88Uj3gqWhI/UOe-rzWseQI/AAAAAAAADhA/nWYsCgTb_xc/s1600/IMG_1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A88Uj3gqWhI/UOe-rzWseQI/AAAAAAAADhA/nWYsCgTb_xc/s320/IMG_1213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcWMmozDAyA/UOe-rpQqxcI/AAAAAAAADhE/Rtc1poOVveg/s1600/IMG_1201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcWMmozDAyA/UOe-rpQqxcI/AAAAAAAADhE/Rtc1poOVveg/s320/IMG_1201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xsbEkAFyAgA/UOe-sapWIAI/AAAAAAAADhI/lq-LjgACtY4/s1600/IMG_4309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xsbEkAFyAgA/UOe-sapWIAI/AAAAAAAADhI/lq-LjgACtY4/s320/IMG_4309.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I left you with a little teaser, as we went from Sara's recital performance in June to greeting July in Las Vegas for Sara's National competition. I just want to say I love Vegas. With or without kids, there are tons of things for all the senses. Vegas in July though? Well that I can do without. Shockingly, I actually blogged about this trip already, so you can read all about it <a href="http://alanmine.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-i-did-last-summer.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few other things happened:</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0OHnFyzye4/UOfEQGJatLI/AAAAAAAADhw/eMgzuZa5BPg/s1600/IMG_1257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0OHnFyzye4/UOfEQGJatLI/AAAAAAAADhw/eMgzuZa5BPg/s320/IMG_1257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had our first BBQ at the new house. A summer spectacular for mine and Britt's birthdays.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhXFo6_6FHw/UOfFvKf2oHI/AAAAAAAADiI/MHo3FsadWfc/s1600/DSC_8874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhXFo6_6FHw/UOfFvKf2oHI/AAAAAAAADiI/MHo3FsadWfc/s320/DSC_8874.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-928LWMr9OYE/UOfEOoptIOI/AAAAAAAADho/lRyHfE0Dmbs/s1600/IMG_1359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-928LWMr9OYE/UOfEOoptIOI/AAAAAAAADho/lRyHfE0Dmbs/s320/IMG_1359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And softball tournaments took us all over. Watsonville, Livermore, Napa, a glamorous tour of the Bay Area...</div>
<br />
<u><b>August:</b></u><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRSDXOeCmPI/UOpTa96Y1cI/AAAAAAAADjY/9c1a_syPSio/s1600/IMG_4478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRSDXOeCmPI/UOpTa96Y1cI/AAAAAAAADjY/9c1a_syPSio/s320/IMG_4478.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I started the month in another state again. This time, it was a work training trip to Milwaukee (told you my life is glamorous). Any trip that I can visit a new baseball park is a winner in my book. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p2zEi1xyDVQ/UOpTYf4WnsI/AAAAAAAADi0/kRHnxHEFbiI/s1600/IMG_1576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p2zEi1xyDVQ/UOpTYf4WnsI/AAAAAAAADi0/kRHnxHEFbiI/s320/IMG_1576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More softball. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNfw0I-PnG4/UOpTZhku9_I/AAAAAAAADjA/-J-5wFeTKmU/s1600/IMG_1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNfw0I-PnG4/UOpTZhku9_I/AAAAAAAADjA/-J-5wFeTKmU/s320/IMG_1642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beach visits. Birthdays. Birthdays AT the beach.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1CDU0c9zjs/UOpTZyqWC-I/AAAAAAAADjI/CFh_gfBAPWc/s1600/IMG_1816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1CDU0c9zjs/UOpTZyqWC-I/AAAAAAAADjI/CFh_gfBAPWc/s320/IMG_1816.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CG1LwCgg-Bo/UOpTYmf6pYI/AAAAAAAADjE/kxVCOMgeTZU/s1600/DSC_0092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CG1LwCgg-Bo/UOpTYmf6pYI/AAAAAAAADjE/kxVCOMgeTZU/s320/DSC_0092.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And our first family camping trip. To Yosemite. It was a good first attempt at being back at nature as a family. I hadn't gone to Yosemite since as a kid with my family. I had forgotten how ridiculously beautiful it is there. I mean, look at that view! Must try and make it a regular family vacation... with maybe some of our own supplies this time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EB3nQ0VJio4/UOpTX1G3CwI/AAAAAAAADiw/NcNaMp3I2r4/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EB3nQ0VJio4/UOpTX1G3CwI/AAAAAAAADiw/NcNaMp3I2r4/s320/DSC_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My favorite picture of the month came from this trip, of course. We spent pretty much all afternoon at this little river beach. The kids love playing in the water and it's not a bad place to just hang out either.</div>
<br />
<b><u>September:</u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f257v-9aSZU/UOpXecgOziI/AAAAAAAADkU/rANyGeW1oz0/s1600/IMG_8376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f257v-9aSZU/UOpXecgOziI/AAAAAAAADkU/rANyGeW1oz0/s320/IMG_8376.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ah September 1st. When the air was full of hope of a new stadium... let's just move on.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzO6IgQH5_Q/UOpXc1ZmFrI/AAAAAAAADkE/hGiJ4eI0TRA/s1600/IMG_2070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzO6IgQH5_Q/UOpXc1ZmFrI/AAAAAAAADkE/hGiJ4eI0TRA/s200/IMG_2070.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rys8X6sz_Zk/UOpXeVPQyGI/AAAAAAAADkQ/4Fnc4vJWMxY/s1600/IMG_4827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rys8X6sz_Zk/UOpXeVPQyGI/AAAAAAAADkQ/4Fnc4vJWMxY/s200/IMG_4827.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P5DnH1OTGSg/UOpXfESzMsI/AAAAAAAADkY/gBt_KZNe0b8/s1600/IMG_8458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P5DnH1OTGSg/UOpXfESzMsI/AAAAAAAADkY/gBt_KZNe0b8/s200/IMG_8458.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JLbFsxjqNw/UOpXcBYqhqI/AAAAAAAADjw/FfeWhxjOZ54/s1600/DSC_0088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JLbFsxjqNw/UOpXcBYqhqI/AAAAAAAADjw/FfeWhxjOZ54/s200/DSC_0088.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hannah started the fall season of softball and I think we were actually busier for it. Seemed like every weekend we were in Davis, Sacramento, Martinez...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szF0m1VVDhE/UOpXcqiZgtI/AAAAAAAADj4/XSFhyc8Mq88/s1600/IMG_1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szF0m1VVDhE/UOpXcqiZgtI/AAAAAAAADj4/XSFhyc8Mq88/s200/IMG_1977.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gG0b0R1vhLQ/UOpXcTExClI/AAAAAAAADj0/hc_gvd1RIvk/s1600/IMG_1969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gG0b0R1vhLQ/UOpXcTExClI/AAAAAAAADj0/hc_gvd1RIvk/s200/IMG_1969.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zW7aq5RYQ5g/UOpXf7xOKAI/AAAAAAAADkk/-hG3wOziZbk/s1600/IMG_8520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zW7aq5RYQ5g/UOpXf7xOKAI/AAAAAAAADkk/-hG3wOziZbk/s320/IMG_8520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meanwhile this little one started dancing too. Busy busy...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVloWL-4-kU/UOpXdCcvZUI/AAAAAAAADkA/9rU4rU68QSI/s1600/IMG_2112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVloWL-4-kU/UOpXdCcvZUI/AAAAAAAADkA/9rU4rU68QSI/s320/IMG_2112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And this one still had her thing. Busy busy...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jn6-fFXMAnY/UOpZrhRY9FI/AAAAAAAADlI/FAwvGSCYVLE/s1600/IMG_4789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jn6-fFXMAnY/UOpZrhRY9FI/AAAAAAAADlI/FAwvGSCYVLE/s400/IMG_4789.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey one of those panoramic picture thingies... I did find time to take in a game with Hannah. This is my FPOM (acronyms! super!) because it's the one of the most beautiful places around, and it was a good night (they did lose that night) where Hannah and I hung out early for batting practices, something I haven't been able to do in a long time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u>October:</u></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fjY3msDbfQ/UOpcUt9_7aI/AAAAAAAADlw/RMOU-yNK1Vg/s1600/IMG_4859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fjY3msDbfQ/UOpcUt9_7aI/AAAAAAAADlw/RMOU-yNK1Vg/s320/IMG_4859.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w79F42KDOOg/UOpcVauDGNI/AAAAAAAADl4/tFFfl05c6Bs/s1600/IMG_4956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w79F42KDOOg/UOpcVauDGNI/AAAAAAAADl4/tFFfl05c6Bs/s320/IMG_4956.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ah October baseball. I was lucky to go to two games during the playoff. One a 10-0 catastrophe, but kicked off an amazing run of staving off elimination. I still get goosebumps thinking about it all...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nEI65cwg1I/UOpcXQ1Y_3I/AAAAAAAADmA/9h_IPlTxjCg/s1600/IMG_8922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nEI65cwg1I/UOpcXQ1Y_3I/AAAAAAAADmA/9h_IPlTxjCg/s320/IMG_8922.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fall time is the best. If for nothing else but the colors. (this is a photography post, after all. hehe)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MHSogQRplI/UOpb9S03aoI/AAAAAAAADlk/7BFQitldRtw/s1600/DSC_0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7MHSogQRplI/UOpb9S03aoI/AAAAAAAADlk/7BFQitldRtw/s320/DSC_0098.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And Halloween! Hannah had been dying to be Katniss Everdeen since she read the books and she was excited to have put an outfit together. And to have an arena Katniss to match her District 12 Katniss, well she had the Halloween she always wanted.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2WBazabr-mk/UOpb9J-nBrI/AAAAAAAADlg/hKRhxFfrgkY/s1600/IMG_5049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2WBazabr-mk/UOpb9J-nBrI/AAAAAAAADlg/hKRhxFfrgkY/s320/IMG_5049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A little more softball for the PFOM. As it gets closer to winter, it means shorter days, and EARLY wake up calls. The lights are on because this picture was taken before the sun came UP! Sigh....<br />
<br />
<b><u>November:</u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8yPj5edDYg/UOpmQ8kkkUI/AAAAAAAADnE/4NLxl9-rPSw/s1600/IMG_9333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8yPj5edDYg/UOpmQ8kkkUI/AAAAAAAADnE/4NLxl9-rPSw/s200/IMG_9333.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDSkMNV9JoI/UOpmOAAcjjI/AAAAAAAADmY/lg_vZ1yDM5Q/s1600/IMG_2207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDSkMNV9JoI/UOpmOAAcjjI/AAAAAAAADmY/lg_vZ1yDM5Q/s200/IMG_2207.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYZiGd4MYg8/UOpmO78xk-I/AAAAAAAADmk/gsGOnp0twiM/s1600/IMG_5082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYZiGd4MYg8/UOpmO78xk-I/AAAAAAAADmk/gsGOnp0twiM/s200/IMG_5082.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Had a long day where I took Hannah to a softball tournament in Sacramento in the morning, then rushed back for a wedding in Oakland in the afternoon. It was worth it though as we had a blast. We love weddings. We'll make it more fun, promise. Oh, and please provide a photo booth. Those things are the best!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L598wFg-Q6g/UOpmPTBLzdI/AAAAAAAADms/kvdxMPy5Ivg/s1600/IMG_5100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L598wFg-Q6g/UOpmPTBLzdI/AAAAAAAADms/kvdxMPy5Ivg/s320/IMG_5100.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QckPnq9A_6M/UOpmPxvCf5I/AAAAAAAADmw/T9lQmZXsDBs/s1600/IMG_5123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QckPnq9A_6M/UOpmPxvCf5I/AAAAAAAADmw/T9lQmZXsDBs/s320/IMG_5123.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then there was the week where I ran two 5K in a span of 5 days. Somehow my legs are still functional today to tell you about it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChO6w5YFBHg/UOpmQJzbU2I/AAAAAAAADm4/x-29tE_gvEU/s1600/IMG_5134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChO6w5YFBHg/UOpmQJzbU2I/AAAAAAAADm4/x-29tE_gvEU/s320/IMG_5134.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh and this girl is officially a teenager now. Happy 13th...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VPYLJpVE-U/UOpmOZdKG6I/AAAAAAAADmc/bW2yLnUqKoE/s1600/IMG_2250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VPYLJpVE-U/UOpmOZdKG6I/AAAAAAAADmc/bW2yLnUqKoE/s320/IMG_2250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Egads she looks like an adult.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ5z77SGzgU/UOpmQkgcUaI/AAAAAAAADnA/bFJLOQiqaUw/s1600/IMG_5153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ5z77SGzgU/UOpmQkgcUaI/AAAAAAAADnA/bFJLOQiqaUw/s320/IMG_5153.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My FPOM was taken on the last day of November. I took the girls out to dinner before my third work trip of the year. A real glamorous trip to Boston! But that's next month...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>December:</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6ulBBJ6uOw/UOprYF8eWdI/AAAAAAAADn0/HuQNvVjF9pU/s1600/IMG_2274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6ulBBJ6uOw/UOprYF8eWdI/AAAAAAAADn0/HuQNvVjF9pU/s320/IMG_2274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-km2ReraZPso/UOprYyK2HgI/AAAAAAAADn8/LQxr89xfsso/s1600/IMG_2296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-km2ReraZPso/UOprYyK2HgI/AAAAAAAADn8/LQxr89xfsso/s320/IMG_2296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sara was in a Christmas parade! and it was on TV! Except the TV broadcast didn't include the part where Sara dance. Bummer.. but here's proof. She was there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMAUXwY7M3M/UOpradSVQII/AAAAAAAADoU/q65cVaVKIO8/s1600/IMG_5201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMAUXwY7M3M/UOpradSVQII/AAAAAAAADoU/q65cVaVKIO8/s320/IMG_5201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was so angry at the TV thing I left the state the next day... wait that's not what happened. The (non) broadcast didn't happen until after I came back... After the delay due to Hurricane Sandy, I made the trip to corporate headquarters in Boston for a week. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gmkmEEn2YOI/UOprZ-dqYgI/AAAAAAAADoM/nBAQIAe9U_E/s1600/IMG_2527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gmkmEEn2YOI/UOprZ-dqYgI/AAAAAAAADoM/nBAQIAe9U_E/s320/IMG_2527.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We walked all over that city and it was blast. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Szc2McqWtV8/UOprZaPyLII/AAAAAAAADoI/71A6GdbuQ-Y/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Szc2McqWtV8/UOprZaPyLII/AAAAAAAADoI/71A6GdbuQ-Y/s320/IMG_2352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have a great story that I share at work of a girl who I went to high school with here in the Bay Area and as fate would have it, she is now working in Boston...for the same parent company that I do in California! It was super cool to see her. She even brought me to a food truck, which scores bonus in my book.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Aef8KZuJYA/UOprbB68EdI/AAAAAAAADoc/CHDpibbvkl8/s1600/IMG_5412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Aef8KZuJYA/UOprbB68EdI/AAAAAAAADoc/CHDpibbvkl8/s320/IMG_5412.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The week was great but when we came back, it felt like Christmas was suddenly thrusted upon us. First was the winter dance recital for these two...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlTfW6lX1i8/UOpra6wO4KI/AAAAAAAADoY/Jkn7tE7ufnU/s1600/IMG_2586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlTfW6lX1i8/UOpra6wO4KI/AAAAAAAADoY/Jkn7tE7ufnU/s320/IMG_2586.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then we saw these lovely folks. As family as I have without sharing genetic matter.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNLnw0wTkL8/UOptd81C6EI/AAAAAAAADpY/6BEB_dYA4OM/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNLnw0wTkL8/UOptd81C6EI/AAAAAAAADpY/6BEB_dYA4OM/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then this girl turned 4. Not sure how that happened so fast...</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CTk7lqGpU04/UOprblu-1TI/AAAAAAAADok/xQLrkraKl0Y/s1600/IMG_9983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CTk7lqGpU04/UOprblu-1TI/AAAAAAAADok/xQLrkraKl0Y/s320/IMG_9983.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then it was Christmas! Thinking back, I'm not sure how we pulled all of that together. It has been a whirlwind of a last few weeks. But here we are, 2013. Ready to do it all over again.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vXghDc7rBZY/UOpteSW00CI/AAAAAAAADpg/1laqN-1FM8Q/s1600/IMG_5279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vXghDc7rBZY/UOpteSW00CI/AAAAAAAADpg/1laqN-1FM8Q/s320/IMG_5279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh, one more favorite picture. So one more plug for my <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ak3700" target="_blank">Instagram</a> account. I love this picture. Might be my favorite all year. But that will require another long review of pictures, and I barely made it through this one. Thanks for coming along on this journey down memory lane. I honestly can't wait to see what this year as in store.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-67078850352470819202012-12-31T18:12:00.000-08:002012-12-31T18:12:18.156-08:00Year in Pictures Pt 1Another new year, despite what those Mayans thought (or not). Here's a visual look at what the past 12 months have brought around here...<br />
<br />
<b><u>January:</u></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuxmO6zsgrI/UOEeYgcTfhI/AAAAAAAADbU/IorrsWeuthg/s1600/IMG_5453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuxmO6zsgrI/UOEeYgcTfhI/AAAAAAAADbU/IorrsWeuthg/s320/IMG_5453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ok this is technically New Year's Eve. But that's what everyone thinks of when they think January, right? We went ice skating together for the first time. None of us are expert skaters, but I think we had a good time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQBn0Bb2N84/UOEeX3XPmKI/AAAAAAAADbQ/9t87_XyUM5E/s1600/IMG_3293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQBn0Bb2N84/UOEeX3XPmKI/AAAAAAAADbQ/9t87_XyUM5E/s320/IMG_3293.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My favorite picture that I took that month. Thank you <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ak3700" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcnfIl-ErTI/UOEea1KnEJI/AAAAAAAADbk/uVl5yrJRFas/s1600/SAM_0654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcnfIl-ErTI/UOEea1KnEJI/AAAAAAAADbk/uVl5yrJRFas/s320/SAM_0654.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I ended the month taking a work trip to Fairfield, Ohio. Right outside of Cincinnati. I live a glamorous life, I know. Ohio in the middle of winter. It was a good experience, and now I can go the rest of my life without ever having to eat <a href="http://www.skylinechili.com/" target="_blank">Skyline Chili</a> ever again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4s0QS0HLJKY/UOEeW9-RbnI/AAAAAAAADbM/rEY02_wXiWw/s1600/IMG_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4s0QS0HLJKY/UOEeW9-RbnI/AAAAAAAADbM/rEY02_wXiWw/s320/IMG_0164.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yup. California and the ocean beach for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u>February: </u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7R6xc72N36s/UOEiGcVfs2I/AAAAAAAADcA/0Jx_TomtYLg/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7R6xc72N36s/UOEiGcVfs2I/AAAAAAAADcA/0Jx_TomtYLg/s320/IMG_0183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had a membership to the Oakland zoo this year and made use of it as often as we can. I think Audrey can even find her place around that place now. If you need a guided tour, let her know.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZ2toI4b2a8/UOEiI5kdSuI/AAAAAAAADcI/o4aVuXEwZLw/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZ2toI4b2a8/UOEiI5kdSuI/AAAAAAAADcI/o4aVuXEwZLw/s320/IMG_0216.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fan Fest. We went to Giants Fan Fest before the 2010 and 2012 season. Due to huge crowds, we tried to go before 2011 season but didn't make it in. You all know how those seasons ended up. Just saying, Giants, just saying...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bifUKCtjG8/UOEiMv6sNoI/AAAAAAAADcY/WWMmEJmMFAc/s1600/IMG_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bifUKCtjG8/UOEiMv6sNoI/AAAAAAAADcY/WWMmEJmMFAc/s320/IMG_0356.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pk4yGzv30iE/UOEiOv4w1yI/AAAAAAAADcg/YHU26-ZXYZM/s1600/IMG_3519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pk4yGzv30iE/UOEiOv4w1yI/AAAAAAAADcg/YHU26-ZXYZM/s320/IMG_3519.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm putting these together because it was Sara's birthday and she had a big dance todo that month. You'll probably see a bunch more of her dancing later so I'm leaving this as is for now.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MqmDgvMdZU/UOEiPizpgkI/AAAAAAAADco/iIwThJX7xWM/s1600/IMG_3562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MqmDgvMdZU/UOEiPizpgkI/AAAAAAAADco/iIwThJX7xWM/s320/IMG_3562.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pt Reyes. Oysters. Yum.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0pWus_1oHg/UOEiKktp0lI/AAAAAAAADcQ/Uf1CVW9qoPM/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0pWus_1oHg/UOEiKktp0lI/AAAAAAAADcQ/Uf1CVW9qoPM/s320/IMG_0243.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My favorite picture of the month. Makes me smile every time I look at it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XkQImNnPYVE/UOEiEXuzi4I/AAAAAAAADb4/avfDjks8S5o/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XkQImNnPYVE/UOEiEXuzi4I/AAAAAAAADb4/avfDjks8S5o/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh yeah, Leap Day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u>March:</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7wVdjHPWFY/UOI0mNmtwEI/AAAAAAAADdA/7TCaI0I19Eo/s1600/HAY_1966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7wVdjHPWFY/UOI0mNmtwEI/AAAAAAAADdA/7TCaI0I19Eo/s320/HAY_1966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
See? Told you you'll see more of her. Not even close to being the last...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R90pQcqw9hE/UOI0n5OB0NI/AAAAAAAADdI/sBihkSxiA7o/s1600/IMG_3695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R90pQcqw9hE/UOI0n5OB0NI/AAAAAAAADdI/sBihkSxiA7o/s320/IMG_3695.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not all pictures are cute and cuddly, right? I sprained my thumb playing basketball. Used to happen a lot in my younger (and more active) days. Just wanted to gross you out real quick...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h86wu59-3Lw/UOI0ow1TzrI/AAAAAAAADdQ/Y-2p4FfX6to/s1600/IMG_3707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h86wu59-3Lw/UOI0ow1TzrI/AAAAAAAADdQ/Y-2p4FfX6to/s320/IMG_3707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First time I preordered tickets for a movie. Hannah and I, and then these other people, all got into the Hunger Games book so it was a big day to finally see the movie in the theater. Like be the first in line with a Zachary's pizza excited...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-afNy5-KT23g/UOI0praR2YI/AAAAAAAADdY/3eSp8q3ebY0/s1600/IMG_3722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-afNy5-KT23g/UOI0praR2YI/AAAAAAAADdY/3eSp8q3ebY0/s320/IMG_3722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My favorite picture of the month and more Instagram plug. If you follow me there you would see my love of cloud pictures. Even more than food pics, which is saying a lot...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u>April: </u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zJdfBE_xLw4/UOI4l5W7LvI/AAAAAAAADd0/rXz0MQtRXGw/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zJdfBE_xLw4/UOI4l5W7LvI/AAAAAAAADd0/rXz0MQtRXGw/s320/DSC_0122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey Easter! and just a usual family picture from us.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCdcMnUkgbo/UOI4xeqbDxI/AAAAAAAADes/l4Lhf9qq_NU/s1600/IMG_3963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCdcMnUkgbo/UOI4xeqbDxI/AAAAAAAADes/l4Lhf9qq_NU/s320/IMG_3963.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My first Escape Club trip! I've been letting Hannah without me so that she could be with her friends, but I helped drive on this trip to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alamere_Falls" target="_blank">Alamere Falls</a> and it was beautiful. The hike did kick my butt though. These kids, I tell you...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6mdqo8YQEsU/UOI4mzQjjQI/AAAAAAAADd8/JrfNuGVNXE8/s1600/DSC_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6mdqo8YQEsU/UOI4mzQjjQI/AAAAAAAADd8/JrfNuGVNXE8/s320/DSC_0152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My favorite picture of the month. Santa Cruz on a sunny day. I love living in an area where we can there are so many mini trips to take. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFCutBgw0K4/UOI4ueKh0BI/AAAAAAAADek/_l_ydxqoJPU/s1600/IMG_3942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFCutBgw0K4/UOI4ueKh0BI/AAAAAAAADek/_l_ydxqoJPU/s320/IMG_3942.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6R8OiIGXQE/UOI4zng48-I/AAAAAAAADe8/VEeZAMXSrko/s1600/IMG_6784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6R8OiIGXQE/UOI4zng48-I/AAAAAAAADe8/VEeZAMXSrko/s320/IMG_6784.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We center a lot of adventures together around food. Really, so should you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>May: </u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zOJOYOI96s/UOI4yP-jtBI/AAAAAAAADe0/Wfwnz44EYZU/s1600/IMG_4027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zOJOYOI96s/UOI4yP-jtBI/AAAAAAAADe0/Wfwnz44EYZU/s320/IMG_4027.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had a really lousy record going to Giants game this year. It was frustrating. But the wins I did see, boy were they good. More in a moment... (that's what they call a teaser)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7BuRz-yNFUE/UOI4p1ENFhI/AAAAAAAADeM/4A0ytl1_tlo/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7BuRz-yNFUE/UOI4p1ENFhI/AAAAAAAADeM/4A0ytl1_tlo/s320/IMG_0802.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More beach. And clouds. Hmm I need to branch out more in my picture taking...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUnOIgmi03I/UOI4oNNkp5I/AAAAAAAADeE/z8RCmGHcAv8/s1600/DSC_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUnOIgmi03I/UOI4oNNkp5I/AAAAAAAADeE/z8RCmGHcAv8/s320/DSC_0211.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Speaking of, here is my favorite of the month. One of my favorite places to take pictures is the Embarcadero Center in San Francisco. So many interesting places to cool pictures. Been going there since I was in high school goofing around with my sister (no, you will not likely see those pictures)</div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u>June:</u></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0UxTGlJocoY/UOI_uBJ8M4I/AAAAAAAADgE/H9URt6vEZm8/s1600/IMG_7422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0UxTGlJocoY/UOI_uBJ8M4I/AAAAAAAADgE/H9URt6vEZm8/s200/IMG_7422.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNv79YJC-uU/UOI_m6URJXI/AAAAAAAADfc/wrY565SzlLo/s1600/IMG_0861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNv79YJC-uU/UOI_m6URJXI/AAAAAAAADfc/wrY565SzlLo/s200/IMG_0861.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6DpPWK0vNQ/UOI_sLG-R2I/AAAAAAAADf0/j3M1kg5pWFs/s1600/IMG_4171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6DpPWK0vNQ/UOI_sLG-R2I/AAAAAAAADf0/j3M1kg5pWFs/s200/IMG_4171.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
June is kind of a big month for me. First it's our wedding anniversary, which this year we celebrated at <a href="http://www.commonwealthsf.com/" target="_blank">The Commonwealth</a>, a phenomenal place in the mission where we had crazy good food like the fish roe inside of a frozen horseradish shell, and my first (and possibly last, in California, anyway) foie gras.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8bMFZ-LFzQ/UOJFUUtOWWI/AAAAAAAADgg/gWj6vru7AyQ/s1600/DSC_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8bMFZ-LFzQ/UOJFUUtOWWI/AAAAAAAADgg/gWj6vru7AyQ/s320/DSC_0007.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As a quick interlude, this is my favorite pic of the month. Mostly it's my beautiful wife, but I'm going to take 5% credit for taking the pic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KLOkQS0GgVQ/UOI_pGfxMLI/AAAAAAAADfk/ZN8_-0DMdQE/s1600/IMG_0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KLOkQS0GgVQ/UOI_pGfxMLI/AAAAAAAADfk/ZN8_-0DMdQE/s200/IMG_0931.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1g3IOpDfcRc/UOI_qh3U1sI/AAAAAAAADfs/iw-evLREU2A/s1600/IMG_0933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1g3IOpDfcRc/UOI_qh3U1sI/AAAAAAAADfs/iw-evLREU2A/s200/IMG_0933.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipReSnMlS3s/UOJAGiPN25I/AAAAAAAADgM/UvyHLcp6Uz4/s1600/IMG_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipReSnMlS3s/UOJAGiPN25I/AAAAAAAADgM/UvyHLcp6Uz4/s200/IMG_0928.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then it was my birthday, which I wanted to celebrate with friends, and Oktoberfest style. Plenty of drinks at the <a href="http://www.biergartensf.com/" target="_blank">Biergarten</a> follow by more German goodness at <a href="http://www.suppenkuche.com/" target="_blank">Suppenkuche</a>. Going to be hard to top next year...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H83xVHpzrzI/UOI_swjtI0I/AAAAAAAADf4/Zad9AKJcLW0/s1600/IMG_4225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H83xVHpzrzI/UOI_swjtI0I/AAAAAAAADf4/Zad9AKJcLW0/s320/IMG_4225.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then there was this. Oh sure it started out as a Giants game, wearing my new birthday present jacket, on food truck night... then it became the <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=22275431&topic_id=33276232&c_id=sf&tcid=vpp_copy_22275431&v=3" target="_blank">first perfect game in Giants history</a>. I pretty much can't complain about bad Giants game for 2 years. I also just made up that rule.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-hob2hfrIg/UOI_lnbzXHI/AAAAAAAADfU/wyfhRfFCmMk/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-hob2hfrIg/UOI_lnbzXHI/AAAAAAAADfU/wyfhRfFCmMk/s320/DSC_0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh and a year of the year recital for Sara too. But it wasn't really the end of the year for her. There was the summer trip to come...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And a perfect teaser to part II! Man I did not intend for this to be so long. Picking pictures is hard! I now have a lot of respect to all of you who do end of the year retrospectives...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To be continued...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-20048872716552577552012-12-21T21:32:00.001-08:002012-12-21T21:32:22.183-08:00I Belong to YouWorking on slides for church this Sunday. Adding a new (to me) song and I like it a lot. I want to share it with all of you.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jbeHqTpYs4U" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-40766813698534143302012-10-14T23:47:00.000-07:002012-10-14T23:47:19.230-07:00Return of the Weekend<div style="text-align: center;">
Was so glad that we had a softball free weekend that I took a bonus day off. It ended up being only a few hours of extra time as there was still commitments to meet, but we really wanted to keep a family tradition and go to a pumpkin patch together. Not just any pumpkin patch either. We have really grew fond of a particular one because of its charm.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8_KL_ktZ3o/UHut7_EPdPI/AAAAAAAACOU/IbCW6Yre6Sc/s1600/DSC_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8_KL_ktZ3o/UHut7_EPdPI/AAAAAAAACOU/IbCW6Yre6Sc/s320/DSC_0017.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It had an old antique truck...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Jfr4H2IkqY/UHut9x-A3DI/AAAAAAAACOk/1sVwGRxLJ4E/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Jfr4H2IkqY/UHut9x-A3DI/AAAAAAAACOk/1sVwGRxLJ4E/s320/DSC_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fun cutouts are always fun...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2sb2q4a64oA/UHut-0TBf9I/AAAAAAAACOs/22lfdD79hF4/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2sb2q4a64oA/UHut-0TBf9I/AAAAAAAACOs/22lfdD79hF4/s320/DSC_0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Animals are a big draw with the kids...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEFGC8Tuc4A/UHut4ipFL-I/AAAAAAAACN8/git25tmH3fE/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEFGC8Tuc4A/UHut4ipFL-I/AAAAAAAACN8/git25tmH3fE/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and hay bales to jump on (and off). Also a kids favorite.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2AU6jxm0iBM/UHut5yVTwxI/AAAAAAAACOE/EzUSv_BU4Po/s1600/DSC_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2AU6jxm0iBM/UHut5yVTwxI/AAAAAAAACOE/EzUSv_BU4Po/s320/DSC_0012.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We don't actually buy a lot of pumpkins there. That gets expensive. We get a couple to thank them for getting our moods for the season. Since the weather around here doesn't seem to know it's October...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf7OmyMt2pQ/UHut81jxedI/AAAAAAAACOc/j8mcBFQcw9E/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf7OmyMt2pQ/UHut81jxedI/AAAAAAAACOc/j8mcBFQcw9E/s320/DSC_0019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We didn't totally have a weekend off from kids activities. Sara performed as a part of the Rodeo chili cook off on Saturday.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-orkk6V4pgDg/UHut3o9ccQI/AAAAAAAACN0/LPXAcuIJJpA/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-orkk6V4pgDg/UHut3o9ccQI/AAAAAAAACN0/LPXAcuIJJpA/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BjOPeRbPSu4/UHut625sQhI/AAAAAAAACOM/tAWJFgB8ikY/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BjOPeRbPSu4/UHut625sQhI/AAAAAAAACOM/tAWJFgB8ikY/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had a great time sampling and judging a bunch of chili too. Trust me, you do not want to see that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unphotographed moments of shopping, a movie date, church, and starting to do some Halloween costume shopping... oh yeah, there was this...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1mlNumhFLMU/UHut_5BZIkI/AAAAAAAACO0/BTNG9VkozaA/s1600/IMG_4904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1mlNumhFLMU/UHut_5BZIkI/AAAAAAAACO0/BTNG9VkozaA/s320/IMG_4904.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think I'll just end it on that...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-26582953665169180112012-10-09T23:57:00.002-07:002012-10-09T23:57:58.790-07:00More weekending with little balls with stichings....<div style="text-align: center;">
We try to stay together as a family as much as possible. A big deal with the kids are getting older and have more and more of their own "thing". Hannah's softball tournaments take up pretty much a whole weekend. We all pile into the car and go along. We try to entertain ourselves as much as possible.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jE3OiQK3gCE/UHUbM3eM7lI/AAAAAAAACNM/FUI_xj7xeFI/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jE3OiQK3gCE/UHUbM3eM7lI/AAAAAAAACNM/FUI_xj7xeFI/s320/DSC_0026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We twirl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O8PPCBYBl88/UHUbLPHHAwI/AAAAAAAACNE/K03iuKtMWr4/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O8PPCBYBl88/UHUbLPHHAwI/AAAAAAAACNE/K03iuKtMWr4/s320/DSC_0025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We read.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMikgKUdqZA/UHUbO59awzI/AAAAAAAACNU/-YZO2p2HRi0/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMikgKUdqZA/UHUbO59awzI/AAAAAAAACNU/-YZO2p2HRi0/s320/DSC_0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then we watch Hannah go to work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yup. Family time happens anywhere. And couple time too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SVfdbuveX8U/UHUbQnvzQ4I/AAAAAAAACNc/8ZpHqYax6to/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SVfdbuveX8U/UHUbQnvzQ4I/AAAAAAAACNc/8ZpHqYax6to/s320/IMG_2109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sara also had a dance commitment performing at a school carnival in Pinole.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2T98WBqILUc/UHUbS6sWdVI/AAAAAAAACNk/k0e1j5O3RkU/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2T98WBqILUc/UHUbS6sWdVI/AAAAAAAACNk/k0e1j5O3RkU/s320/IMG_2128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some things do get missed as we split up to attend all of their activities...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There was also attending a certain team's playoff game. But I'm not ready to talk about that just yet. It was fun for pretty much zero baseball related reasons...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-47489021094914248952012-10-03T00:40:00.000-07:002012-10-03T00:40:04.616-07:00Weekending...<div style="text-align: center;">
A <a href="http://deliajude.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">better and smarter blogger</a> have figured out that sometimes, you just have to keep up journaling your weekends, because that's when the more interesting things happen. I already told you that most weekends nowadays compose of softball, dance, and more softball. But once in a blue moon, we do get a free weekend and take advantage....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Food. It always involves food. Like the Eat Real Festival at Jack London Square. Lamb poutine, anyone?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jgJjK934Wo/UGvqQGjKCiI/AAAAAAAACMU/Alwiq-D7Ft8/s1600/IMG_4775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7jgJjK934Wo/UGvqQGjKCiI/AAAAAAAACMU/Alwiq-D7Ft8/s320/IMG_4775.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time with the grandparents is also important...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIjyQxxbBFM/UGvqRZVvBeI/AAAAAAAACMc/BloJWnPKigo/s1600/IMG_8655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIjyQxxbBFM/UGvqRZVvBeI/AAAAAAAACMc/BloJWnPKigo/s320/IMG_8655.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Which conveniently means a chance for a date night! German food! Beer! in boots!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjByIgCddcw/UGvqSs6b6tI/AAAAAAAACMk/MLg8y7-7MLQ/s1600/IMG_8659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjByIgCddcw/UGvqSs6b6tI/AAAAAAAACMk/MLg8y7-7MLQ/s320/IMG_8659.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And Sunday dog park day. I am really liking Dog Park days, and we don't even have a dog...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkB8B6Yj1gE/UGvqThdKZHI/AAAAAAAACMs/ucEGArzn0Hk/s1600/IMG_8673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkB8B6Yj1gE/UGvqThdKZHI/AAAAAAAACMs/ucEGArzn0Hk/s320/IMG_8673.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And other such fun things. Church, reading, sports on TV. We almost don't know what to do with ourselves with the free time... but we manage. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-91213637120730590382012-09-23T23:11:00.000-07:002012-09-23T23:11:00.964-07:00What I did last summer...<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do kids still get this assignment? I can't think of a more school cliche. (maybe horrible school food. I can definitely verify that one)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, if I was a good blogger, you would know what I did over the summer. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would tell you how we took a family trip to Vegas in July (smart, right?) Just packed everyone in a rental car...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9z0PsI1_0II/UF_vgi05SwI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/sBFKnyXsuBs/s1600/IMG_7784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9z0PsI1_0II/UF_vgi05SwI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/sBFKnyXsuBs/s320/IMG_7784.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and DROVE (yeah, this trip gets smarter by the minute). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was for a National dance competition for Sara, so she did her thing, collected some shiny trophies...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-edpSme3zo/UF_vagG9bUI/AAAAAAAAB-w/iIugM9zmP70/s1600/IMG_1117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-edpSme3zo/UF_vagG9bUI/AAAAAAAAB-w/iIugM9zmP70/s320/IMG_1117.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
... we tried to make it a little education and saw some sights...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQ0VrjthbuI/UF_vell3xqI/AAAAAAAAB_A/h0iHqMBfbos/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQ0VrjthbuI/UF_vell3xqI/AAAAAAAAB_A/h0iHqMBfbos/s320/IMG_1182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
.. but while we were there, the average high temperature was approximately 867 degrees (that might be in Kelvin. I'm bad at conversions), so we ended up just doing this a lot...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBv1ksWmQ90/UF_vXRIlOjI/AAAAAAAAB-g/CsqSwEbT8XE/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBv1ksWmQ90/UF_vXRIlOjI/AAAAAAAAB-g/CsqSwEbT8XE/s320/DSC_0051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
... we did meet some locals though...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gFqq3x0s81I/UF_vYnebB5I/AAAAAAAAB-o/MAi0SAkKBnM/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gFqq3x0s81I/UF_vYnebB5I/AAAAAAAAB-o/MAi0SAkKBnM/s320/DSC_0078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
... and of course we ate...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-UEbW99kwk/UF_vgS6kUTI/AAAAAAAAB_I/b25so2Zi6A4/s1600/IMG_4333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-UEbW99kwk/UF_vgS6kUTI/AAAAAAAAB_I/b25so2Zi6A4/s320/IMG_4333.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
.... a lot...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6w_DQyjauMc/UF_vc1vXMxI/AAAAAAAAB-4/npvPnKXTj6c/s1600/IMG_1146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6w_DQyjauMc/UF_vc1vXMxI/AAAAAAAAB-4/npvPnKXTj6c/s320/IMG_1146.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
... it was a good time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There was also little things like having the first BBQ at our new house...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u97xgSLKKXk/UF_0bAcc5TI/AAAAAAAAB_0/hvXpsRNVwus/s1600/IMG_1240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u97xgSLKKXk/UF_0bAcc5TI/AAAAAAAAB_0/hvXpsRNVwus/s320/IMG_1240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
... and the little one started to try taking dance class...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wzx05qwRMYg/UF_0c4QlA9I/AAAAAAAAB_8/TKUPyyraHag/s1600/IMG_1268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wzx05qwRMYg/UF_0c4QlA9I/AAAAAAAAB_8/TKUPyyraHag/s320/IMG_1268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
... but mostly the rest of summer was spent with Hannah as she joined a competitive traveling softball team...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmB8dnpgQfg/UF_0Yg-h8YI/AAAAAAAAB_s/qL7YhigztZ8/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmB8dnpgQfg/UF_0Yg-h8YI/AAAAAAAAB_s/qL7YhigztZ8/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
... we spent a lot of weekends at exotic places like Watsonville, Livermore, and Sonoma. Really, those can be great places, but all we really see are softball fields. They really all kinda look the same..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbahnmNXta0/UF_0fHsueRI/AAAAAAAACAE/KgXagL1xNFc/s1600/IMG_1413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbahnmNXta0/UF_0fHsueRI/AAAAAAAACAE/KgXagL1xNFc/s320/IMG_1413.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfhRva7O_mk/UF_0XRDbUfI/AAAAAAAAB_k/2xNzE6U75Mc/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SfhRva7O_mk/UF_0XRDbUfI/AAAAAAAAB_k/2xNzE6U75Mc/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's pretty cool to see her get involve with something she likes so much. Certainly makes the time and money investment worth it. Though she likes it enough to also now do it for the fall. So I'll get back to you on the time and money investment. Hehe..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's pretty much it. There was also trips to the zoo and Tilden. I had the pleasure of being sent by work to lovely Milwaukee for a week. And a lot of little memories as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I was a good blogger, you would know all these things...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-76577758272760305742012-02-29T23:52:00.000-08:002012-02-29T23:52:36.572-08:00Happy Leap Day!!<a href="http://goo.gl/photos/uZLC9TkYdC" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right;margin-bottom:1em;margin-left:1em"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cyOMDMT1LVo/T08pYy7pKhI/AAAAAAAAAqY/UqgX8snauBw/s512/DSC_0006.JPG" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-2941251900546399612011-09-11T01:40:00.000-07:002011-09-11T01:40:51.153-07:00Never Forget<br />
People are always surprised to find out that I spent a short time in my life working as a police officer. A real life beat cop on the street. It was a very interesting time in my life filled with crazy stories that I will never forget. But I fondly remember one day in particular...<br />
<br />
I was still in training at the time, and as a part of training, I rotated through all the shifts to be exposed to as much as possible. This day I was working the day shift, starting bright and early at 6am. I remember walking into briefing and seeing the TVs on with scenes of a smoking building. The early word was that some crazy person flew into the World Trade center. I remember seeing on TV images of the building with smoke pouring out on one side. It was surreal, but we had no idea the severity of it at the time. The sergeant who ran the briefing agreed to leave the TVs on in mute while we conducted our business. I didn't know what to think. I was out of the academy for about 2 months. Was this sort of thing what I was to be dealing with now? We all paid attention the best we could, and as we wrapped up briefing and starting to walk out, the first building started to come down. We all watched for a minute in silence. I don't think we really were able to processed what was happening, so we went out on duty like we were suppose to quietly.<br />
<br />
Since I was in training, so I rode with a training officer. I remember we didn't really know what to do with ourselves. Word had started to come out that this was some terrorist act and there was another plane that had crashed by the Pentagon. We didn't really know if we would be seeing any activity near us. I didn't exactly work in a small city. It was somewhat conceivable, at least at the time, that San Jose would be as likely of a target as anywhere else. Having that kind of violence brought to our soil, made it seem like it could've happened anywhere. We were the only ones to think that, of course, and we started to get called about "suspicious" activities everywhere. People were freaked out, and honestly, so was I.<br />
<br />
I think what calmed me down the most was what helped a lot of people that day. I called Britt at home after a couple hours of craziness to see if she was ok. Britt asked me why I was so worked up. She was at home watching PBS cartoons with an almost two year old Hannah. She had no idea what was going on and I appreciated the calm that was at home. I told her to change the channel to see what was going on, but she probably had no idea how much she brought me back to focus that morning. A morning of confusion and panic, and I had a calm, peaceful home, still waiting for me.<br />
<br />
Not a lot really happened for the rest of the day. We tried to stay ready and available in case anything did happen. Safe to say the car thieves and drug dealers got a break from us that day. For as long as we remember and commemorate this day, I will always be grateful that I had a unique perspective on it all. A lot of brave and courageous people work everyday to keep the rest of us safe. People who have their lives and families who constantly remind them why they do what they do. I am honored that I was a part of that for a while, and I can honest say that I will never forget the events of 9/11/2001.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-15730756291372491622011-05-03T00:47:00.000-07:002011-05-03T01:11:26.408-07:00I Have An Eating Problem<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanmine/5681834502/" title="Jon's Street eats by Alanmine, on Flickr"><img alt="Jon's Street eats" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5681834502_59969cd1f5_z.jpg" width="478" /></a><br />
<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This is certainly not a food review. Probably more about how crazy I am about food.</span></i><br />
<br />
If we ever decide to go out and share a meal together, don't ever take me to a food court. I love to eat all sorts of different foods, so if you present a bunch of choices to me at once, my brain will lock up and I won't be able to make a decision for hours. Whether a simple mall food court or a ethnic smorgasbord like the <a href="http://www.emerymarket.com/">Emeryville Public market</a>, I can walk circles for hours bouncing between a cheesesteak to a hot bowl of udon to Korean BBQ to Indian goat curry until everyone else have eaten, digested, and finished the complimentary mint. If it was up to me, I would get the sampler plate, with a bite from every place. Wouldn't that be the best ever? Maybe a bite size <a href="http://www.hotdogonastick.com/menu.aspx">cheese-on-a-stick</a> followed by a mini <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stromboli_(food)">Stromboli</a> washed down with sip of Thai iced tea with maybe a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baklava">baklava</a> for dessert? I'm not good with food and choices. Which is a long way of introducing my dilemma today...<br />
<br />
I am currently serving as stay at home parent while the wife is in Minnesota enjoying her own food adventures (and maybe attending a graduation somewhere). With a toddler involved, it pretty much involves a morning of television with the likes of Mickey Mouse, a blue dog appropriately named <a href="http://www.nickjr.com/blues-clues/">Blue</a>, and some sort of <a href="http://www.nickjr.com/yo-gabba-gabba/">oddly shaped figures who likes to dance</a>. Combined that with older kids with a very active softball schedule, I have been pretty much a car service with a bonus title of short order cook. So on my last full day as daytime nanny (and not even those hot ones that Jude Law might run off with), I decided that I needed to do something that I wanted to do for a change. And what I want to do it eat something good.<br />
<br />
My first thought, of course, was the myriad of food trucks that I follow on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ak3700">Twitter</a> (shameless plug) who are almost never where I am. The closest area where the good food trucks go seems to be Emeryville. (and by good, I mean just the current crop of gourmet food trucks. Not your run of the mill taco trucks, which I also love, and is pretty sure densely populates my neighborhood. But that is another day's eating/blog post) It seems that some cities are just more food truck friendly. If you drive down Hollis St in Emeryville at lunch time, for example, you can usually find 3 or 4 trucks parked and ready to stuff your face. But which place do I go? Who knows when I would be able to get this chance again? (Please, food truck community, someone come on out to Pleasant Hill/Walnut Creek where I work) There was only one thing to do: I made a couple of stops.<br />
<br />
<a <span="" class="goog-spellcheck-word" href="http://draft.blogger.com/post-create.do" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanmine/5681841442/" title="A food truck feast by Alanmine, on Flickr"><img alt="A food truck feast" height="374" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5681841442_88ca701d4e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
So I ended up with a lunch that looks like this. Seared ahi tuna roll from <a href="http://www.jonsstreeteats.com/site">Jon's Street Eats</a>. Short rib taco and BBQ pork slider from <a href="http://www.mogobbq.com/">Mogo BBQ</a>. Is that a lot of food for lunch? Yes. I couldn't eat it all, but the different tastes was so satisfying. It was definitely worth a short wait with a sleeping 2 year old to carry around. (More food for me!)<br />
<br />
I started this by saying that you should never take me to a place with too many choices. Let me amend that. If you are anything like me and like to try a lot of different things, please come along on one of my eating adventures. I can't possibly eat a whole serving of everything (I try sometimes though. Ugh. I need a just inspiring post about a workout routine). Let's all get something different and share it with each other. Apparently I am a social eater. Maybe it's a cultural thing. Chinese people often eat their meals family style, sharing several dishes. I'd love to discuss it over some pad thai and fried chicken though. Won't you join me?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9343597.post-44725179940027156402010-09-17T23:14:00.000-07:002010-09-17T23:14:21.879-07:00Let's bid on a brush with fameThere is currently a celebrity auction going on right now called <a href="http://twitchange.com/">Twitchange</a> where you can bid to have your favorite celebratory follow you on <a class="zem_slink" href="http://twitter.com/" rel="homepage" title="Twitter">Twitter</a>. All the money raised goes to relief efforts in Haiti. It's kind of a neat idea for people to use their celebrity for a good cause since it really requires nothing of them other than adding a name on their follow list, while peons like us can brag for the rest of their lives that they once had a connection online with <a href="http://www.twitter.com/TonyHawk">Tony Hawk</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jessicaalba">Jessica Alba</a>. I don't have the kind of money to participate in such things, however noble the endeavor (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/DanaWhite">Dana White</a> of all people currently leads the bidding at a whopping $15,000(!)), but it's fun to look at. If you have a few extra bucks, by all means, you should go support the cause.<br />
<br />
-A couple of observations: As exciting as it is to see the top bids, the bottom feeders are packed with some good stuff. Who knew <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mcondition">Mint Condition</a> was still around? let alone having a Twitter account to follow.<br />
<br />
- This is apparently the brainchild of <a href="http://www.twitter.com/EvaLongoria">Eva Longoria</a>? Who knew she would be the brains of... well, anything. Good for you, lady!<br />
<br />
- And if anyone would like to pay <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ak3700">me</a> money to follow them, I would be happy to donate said money to the cause as well. Bidding starts at two pence.<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><img alt="" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=1f74ea6f-af33-4739-aad6-a7dc448bbe81" style="border: none; float: right;" /><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script defer="defer" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript">
</script></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04652680565968203385noreply@blogger.com0