Day 22 - trip planning, Martin Sexton, Chuck

Another day closer to our road trip. It's exciting, but doesn't really feel real yet, because we're just starting to get ready now. I have a run a few errands tomorrow, and then to start washing clothing and packing and all that.

I'm planning on taking a few photos there, and on the way, of course. Not all of them will be with my dslr though. Some will be quick snaps with our point and shoot. Still, I'm excited about pictures. I always am.

This Thursday we're going to a Martin Sexton concert. I highly recommend him. He's a bluesy folk type singer/song writer from the U.S. His vocal ability and range is really nothing short of amazing. Affordable concert, too, so if you want to go, it's at the Broadway Theatre this Thursday evening at 8, for 20 dollars.

My wife is moving hospitals in May. We're both excited about this, as it'll be a much closer "commute" in the mornings. She's talking about walking to work once she moves locations, which is nice. Maybe when the weather starts to warm up.

Well, I will leave it at that. I'm going to watch tonight's episode of "Chuck". I love that show. Thanks for reading, and take care.

Day 21

Sometimes I check the stats for page views, etc. I don't know why I do. It makes it hard for me to want to continue, although I told myself I knew what I was getting into when I started. I would be writing a blog about nothing specific to almost zero readers. Oh well, it's sort of therapeutic.

We booked another show tonight. It's called Le Reve, and was recommended to us by a good friend who is either in Vegas now, or just coming back from Vegas, or just back from Vegas. One of those options. Anyway, we're excited about that.

I need to get to sleep fairly early tonight. I'm a bit grumpy or something.

I hope your week goes well. My week will be fairly full getting ready for the trip, and doing other stuff. I'll try to post on the way up, but I'm not sure how that will work. I might just write, and post what I write when I get to a place with internet. I'll see.

Thanks for reading. Take care.

Day 20 - Holiday

So, our vacation is finally starting to get booked. We never intended on going there, but we ended up booking a place at Las Vegas for a week. We've already booked tickets at a Cirque show, which should be a good time.

Really, I don't plan on doing any bragging on facebook or twitter about my trip. I'll take pictures, and post some on here and flickr, and that's about it.

I'm looking forward to the trip. I love road trips. I'm having a difficult time being super excited at this point, though, because of how I've been feeling. These antibiotics I'm on are really taking their toll on me. I should be done them by the time we leave. If the infection (in my mouth) comes back, the dentist gave me a prescription for a different type of antibiotics, but I really don't want to take those. He said they come with a high risk of severe diarrhea. Ha! I should be ok.

Well, I'm exhausted, and really should go to bed soon. Thanks, and take care.

Day 19 - Laughing gas

Today I went to the dentist to get some "work" done. And by work, I mean I had to get a tooth extracted. Fun stuff. I've never had good teeth. Whether that's because I didn't take very good care of them when I was young, or because of saliva and genetics, it doesn't matter.

I've never been a fan of going to the dentist. I've associated trips to the dentist with pain (which has been pointed out by a friend of mine who is a dentist as unfair) to this point. Lately, I was told laughing gas is an option. So, I opted for it this time. Let me tell you, if you ever get the chance to try that stuff, do it. I have never had to stifle giggles through an extraction before. I didn't want it to stop. At one point the dentist told me he was going to raise my chair. I didn't feel it at all. I could just see the light get bigger. I don't think I've felt that good in a long time. When I got to the front desk, I asked the ladies if it was okay that I wanted to come back just for the nitrous. They said "nope, not at all". I actually can't wait for my next "trip" to the dentist. See what I did there? :) Seriously though, all your troubles will melt away.

When they finished, and I was home, I went through about an hour of extreme pain, then my pain meds kicked in and I napped for a bit. I've been good since. I go back in a few weeks for the next step.

Other than that, my day was pretty good. We spent part of the evening with some friends of ours, discussed what we're going to do for our holiday starting next week, and I watched Secretariat with my in-laws while Jenn went to bed. Looks like our road trip might not be as big or as extensive as I originally though. We might save that for the summer, as the weather is nicer. Sigh. I was really excited to go somewhere. We still might. We'll see.

Well, I think that's all today.

I know this hasn't been a blog of much substance as of yet. Trying to be deep on a daily blog isn't really something I'm into. I've read too many blogs like that, and they can get forced deep real fast...in an embarrassing sort of way. Just be cool, man. Just be cool.

Thanks for reading. Take care!

Day 18

Just about forgot to say something today. I'm not feeling the hottest. My face has gone down quite a bit, but the infection (at least I think it's the infection) is making me feel flu-ish. I just need a good sleep. Sorry this one is so boring. Have a good night/day. Thanks for reading. Take care.

Day 17 - Puff ball, Runaway train

Just to update from the last post - the pain isn't nearly as bad...in fact, it was pretty manageable. However, early in the evening, and into the night, the left side of my face blew up, and I now look like a chipmunk on the left side. It's a bit uncomfortable, but I can live with it for a couple of days...at least I hope it only lasts a couple of days. The dentist didn't see my face like this, and I'm supposed to go in for work on Friday. I might give them a call tomorrow just to make sure. Anyway, that's all for that.

We went to the cheap theatre tonight and saw "Unstoppable" with Denzel Washington and that guy who played Captain Kirk on the new Star Trek movie. I mean, it wasn't Oscar worthy or anything, but it was good entertainment. I love trains, so it was good for that, and some tense scenes. Overall, pretty decent. I'm not a critic though, and don't mind a movie for mindless entertainment value from time to time.

We're still trying to figure out our holiday. I know it's only about a week away, and we've only narrowed it down to a road trip. Ha ha...we're last minute type of people. This may come back to bite us if we're not careful to plan at least a few key things such as places to stay, general route, etc. We have to figure out how we're going to work our tire situation. We have winter tires on right now, but if we drive far enough south, it'll be too hard on them, so we'll have to take our summers along with us to have them changed over at some point. It seems a bit much, but I'm not sure what else to do, other than change them over before we go. I don't really want to do that, because we'll most likely do some mountain driving. I'll keep you posted. :)

Anyway, I hope you've had a great day (or are having a great day, depending on when you read this). Thanks for reading. Take care.

Day 16 - Fear

Well, here we go.

I'm afraid of the dentist. I avoid going. I avoid talking about dentists. I avoid talking about teeth to others if I can. I turn the channel if a dentist commercial comes on tv. I hate it. I know the fear isn't logical. Most fears aren't. I realize that not going to the dentist is causing the thing I hate, which is a bigger reason for going to the dentist. I don't need to be told that. I'm aware. Like I said, most fears don't operate within the realm of logic.

Tooth ache pain (when it's bad) is probably the worst pain I've ever felt. I've felt dizzy at times with it. So, this morning, because I was having this type of pain, and it was the worst it has been in some time, I stubbornly, with a white flag, called the dentist and got in for an emergency check up. Friday I start the work. Apparently they have nitrous, which is supposed to be a good time. Looking forward to that.

I guess what I'd want others to take away from this post is don't let it get to this point. My mouth is pretty bad, and needs quite a bit of work, which I'm finally going to do. None of this "get the pain under control and don't go back for 4 years" stuff anymore. What's worse is that I've had coverage this whole time. Again, fear doesn't work in logic. There are dentists out there that want to help you. Mine turned out to be a nice guy, and his "assistant" was amazingly friendly, and assured me that I'm not alone with the whole fear thing. Her husband is dealing with toothaches and doesn't want to go in because he's afraid of what the staff there will think. Poor guy. I can honestly empathize, and sympathize with him.

I'll keep you posted on how it goes. My next appointment is on Friday afternoon.

Oh, and Jenn and I decided to go on a road trip for a holiday. Not 100 percent sure where yet, but we might go see the grand canyon. If not, more west. I'm excited just to get away with my wife. She deserves to have some fun and not work for a couple of weeks.

Well, thanks for reading. Take care (of your teeth).

Jason

Day 15 - Buh

To start, my last blog seemed a bit judgmental. I wasn't suggesting that my blog was in some way better than those other types of blogs. In no way do I think this blog is even that great. Okay, I'm done talking about that.

I honestly have a block about complaining about what's going on these days, even though I can think of lots to write about. I don't want to bore myself. We all have problems, don't we? Some worse than others, but we all have problems. Still, I'm not really one to lump everything into one pile and shrug it off. I have empathy. Each person's situation is unique. Where am I going with this? No idea.

I'm getting tired. I had a point, but I lost it. Eye roll to myself.

I'll get back to you tomorrow.

I've been thinking about photography a lot lately. I will eventually put photos on here as well...more than I have been. That might inject some entertainment value to this thing.

Thanks for reading. Take care.

Day 14 - What is this?

I'm still feeling bit bit self conscious about this daily blog commitment. I know there probably isn't much purpose. I know the mundane stuff I write about isn't life changing for anyone, nor is it supposed to be. I don't really know what it is, really. I'm just doing it.

I read others blogs from time to time. For some, it is a place where they can write about primarily about one topic they are passionate about. Sometimes it gets repetitive, but you can't fault them for being passionate about something like that. Really, most of us wish we had a passion about something worth writing about, telling others about, showing others, teaching others about, etc. Besides, although this blog isn't really a blog like that, it's still repetitive in a way.

Others write blogs to share their thoughts. They ponder life, or spirituality, or God, or relationships, or any other sweeping concept that might be on their mind. Some are more successful at others at doing this. I probably fall into the unsuccessful category more often than not.

Some write blogs because they think it's a safe place to check their sensitivity and compassion at the door, and rip on certain traits or decisions others have or make. Name calling, poking fun, and rampant sarcasm are the order of the day. Many of these have great points, but lose much credibility with me, because of the tone in which these points are shared. I'm not going to lie and say I've never been cheeky or a bit cynical in my writing. I've come a ways in curbing this, though, because it ignores the fact that everyone is at a different place, and that people have feelings. Sometimes it can be like running through a store filled with fine china, with your arms spread out waving around, all the while thinking it's innocent and funny.

Yet other blogs like to complain. I've been guilty of this from time to time. It's ok once and a while, but it can be a bit much if it's constant. I know, because I've annoyed myself many times.

Anyway, bare with me as I figure stuff out. I hope you've had a great day. Thanks for reading. Take care.

Day 13

Well, I didn't end up going to the farmers market. I slept in. We did go for lunch and dessert with some friends, which was nice. We went to a sushi place. After that, we went to truffles, and had desserts. We were originally going to go to the movie, but we thought that hanging out with our friends was more fun/important.

After all that we did some running around, then came back to watch a movie with my brother-in-law and his wife. We watched The Town. It was ok...long, but ok. I sort of have a soft spot for Ben Affleck. Don't tell anyone.

Tonight we're having one of those, "We're bored, but we can't think of anything to do" sort of nights. Jenn ended up tidying a bit, and now she's writing out recipes. I helped a bit, but I'm not as energetic. I looked at some photos I took earlier, and now this. I realize that I need to work on my composition. At times, I'm ok, and at other times, I'll load my photos, and ask myself if I was drunk when I took them. Oh well...the beauty of digital over film. I'll get better. I keep telling myself that even the pros can't get it right every time. Right?

I took the picture below the other morning, at about 8am, give or take a few minutes. It was so cold, and I wasn't dressed appropriately (was driving back from dropping Jenn off at work). I snapped a few off at a few different directions, tried a few different things, but nothing really worked out that well. This is hand held, which makes it a bit more difficult to get a sharp photo when the shutter speed is a bit longer. I don't have a tripod, to tell you the truth. I'm going to borrow my in-law's tripod. I have some ideas I want to try; some this winter, some in the summer...all open shutter type stuff. Anyway, it's not the greatest by any means, but it sort of gives you an idea of how cold it was.


Other than that, nothing much else is happening right now. I guess I'll leave it at that! Thanks again for reading. Take care.

Day 12 - Tired cookie

Well, we didn't really end up going on a date. I think we made a rule now not to plan dates for Friday nights, unless it's my wife's EDO, or we feel like it last minute. She is just so tired by the end of the week that she feels like going to bed by 8. This is fine, and in no way does it upset me. She works really hard, and if she wants to go to bed, then by all means, she can go to bed. In her defense (not like she needs it), we did go out for supper with her parents, and she tried to be good company! :) I think tomorrow we're going out for lunch, and then maybe a matinee (still haven't seen the newest Harry Potter). I was thinking about going to the farmers market in the morning at some point, to take pictures. I need to get over my inhibition about taking pictures in a crowded place. I need to get over my inhibitions about a lot of things. Maybe that's for a different blog.

Well, maybe that's it for now. I probably have more to write about, but I'll keep it shorter tonight. Thanks again for reading. Take care.

Day 11

I could easily make this blog into a gripe fest, but I don't want to complain about everything all the time. I think it drives my wife a bit batty when I complain for too long at a time. I've tried to curb this tendency lately. It's a lot of work, but I think I've seen a bit of progress. That being said, and seeing as how this IS MY blog, I may take the opportunity from time to time to voice my frustration with the odd thing.

...but I won't now.

Today was a pretty good day. I got out and had some coffee. I talked to a guy about a job. I learned more about my camera. I had a good evening with my wife. Overall, it was a positive day. We still haven't found a holiday. We're beginning to think we'll have to try for one of those "last minute" deals. If that doesn't work out, we'll figure something else out last minute. Just catch a plane, and get a hotel sort of thing. With health insurance, of course. We'll see. That might be a dumb idea.

Tomorrow I hope to have a bit of a date night with my wife. That will be a good time. We're thinking of a sushi night, then the new Harry Potter movie. If you want to join us for dinner, you're welcome! :)

Well, thanks again for reading...all 3 of you. :) Take care.

ps, I'm thinking of changing the name of my blog. I've had this name forever, and I'm not sure it suits it anymore. Probably doesn't matter. Just saying, I guess.

Day 10 - holiday, game night

Today was a pretty good day. We've been trying to book a trip. We've never flown anywhere together before, nor have we been to a beach by the ocean together. Jenn, in my opinion, deserves a restful, relaxing week off. I wish it could be for two weeks, but maybe this spring or summer we'll go somewhere like B.C. or Oregon or something. I love road trips.

We're thinking of going to Cuba, which would be really sweet as far as photography goes. I heard the food there isn't the greatest, but I suppose we've been warned, so now it's our choice.

I don't really want to brag about going on a trip though. I probably won't post any pictures on facebook of us on a beach and the cliche picture of the feet and the corona or whatever else everyone else does. The feet one gets me every time. I think I'll buck the trend by taking a picture of my big white belly eclipsing the ocean. I bet I could sell those pictures.

I also had a good night with Jenn. We were invited over by some friends from our church community to play a game. We didn't stay long (Jenn has been so tired because work is so busy these days with the Norwalk thing going on), but it was a good time. I hope to hang out with them longer next time. Their daughter had a bit of a tough time going to bed. It's amazing how dramatic a toddler can make a simple thing into. It didn't phase me too much though. I still want one. We'll see. Some day. :)

Anyway, thanks for reading. Take care.

Day 9

I tried to post a video of my grandma, but it was taking forever. I'll try again later. Maybe I was doing something wrong. It's the only clip I have of grandma. I now wish I kept on rolling, but I suppose what can you do. You can tell she was a bit nervous, or just didn't know what to say, so she said the same thing I said. I thought it was funny. I miss her so much...

Today was better than yesterday, in case you're wondering. :) I cleaned up the apartment, which felt good.

I'm not sure what else to write, that wouldn't be off topic. I might post something in a bit...maybe not.

I've decided I'd stop saying what I might write about next time, because when I sit down to write the next time, I usually don't feel like write about what I said I'd write about. I'll just go with the flow for now.

If you think about it, pray for my wife. She's been so busy at work, and I think she's getting pretty weary. She needs a holiday, which we're attempting to plan.

Okay, thanks for reading. Take care.

Day 8

Today was a bit of a mess again. I think I've been battling some depression, to be quite frank. This is one of those things I don't really like to talk about, but for some reason I feel this is some sort of passive aggressive way to get it out and let people know. I know and have known a lot of people who have had depression. Let me say that my giving advice seems a bit cheap now. It's much easier to tell someone to get off the couch and fight negative thoughts. It's so easy to tell people to get a routine, exercise, and get out with people. All good advice, but a bit cheap, if that's as far as it goes. Go get them off the couch. Go talk to them. Take them out for coffee. Have a laugh with them. Cry with them. The problem is that people are uncomfortable with that stuff. At least pray for them.

Why am I feeling this way? It's probably for many reasons. I think what matters now is my reaction to it.

I won't bore you with more details. Just so you know, I didn't really post this for validation, or for you to feel sorry for me. I guess I just needed to get it out. I think it helps to "talk" about it. Thanks for reading. Take care.

Day 7

Okay, so not as promised, I don't have anything for you today. I'm thinking tomorrow, as I don't have as busy of a day ahead of me. Today just sort of got away on me.

This week I need to keep on looking for work. One of the things that makes me cringe is when people ask me, "What kind of work are you looking for?" Unless they have a super good job for me, then why are they asking? The reason it makes me cringe is because I just don't know the answer to that question. This is part of my issue, and I'll get into that hopefully tomorrow.

Anyway, I hope you're having/have a great day. Take care.

Day 6 - Groceries, Coffee, and...still not good at this title thing

Above - Jenn at the grocery store checking out limes. I loved going there today. Super Store in Saskatoon on 8th Street seems to be where tons of immigrants go to shop. I love listening to all the different languages, seeing all the different skin colours, seeing how different people dress, and wondering what each different person's story is. On top of this, they recently renovated, which has brought new life to the place. I really enjoy being there for the most part. If you're in a hurry, or don't like crowds, it might not be the place for you on a Saturday afternoon.

This morning I made a coffee for Jenn. I make her one every morning before work, and on Saturday and Sundays as well. I've been getting better at making them, but I can still do better...a lot better. Jenn's really encouraging. Even if I feel I messed up bad and my latte art looks like a blob, she always says something like, "Wooah!". Even though I know it sucks, it makes me feel better. The one above turned out ok.


I think for tomorrow's blog I'm going to tell you more about myself, and what I've been going through. Just a warning, I'm NOT looking for validation, or for people to feel sorry for me, etc. I just wanted this blog thing to be more than about surface type stuff. I might as well give you something to gossip about!

Anyway, take care.

Day 5 (part 2)

Above - Spicy Pork dish. So good.

Below - We ordered Deokbokki (the little boat dish with the orange stuff in) and a seafood pancake for appetizers. I love Deokbokki. I used to get it on the street in Korea all the time. Also, the pancake, but not as often.

Well, I'm back from the Rice Bowl, and it was great. The food they make there (at least the stuff I've had) has great flavour. I didn't take my slr, rather my G11, so the pictures aren't what they could be (just in case you're wondering). I just quickly snapped a few just to show you what I ate.

Take care.

Day 5 - Rice Bowl

I'm going to a restaurant called the Rice Bowl tonight. It's primarily Korean food. I love many different Korean dishes. We're going with my in-laws, so it should be a good time. I just wanted to write this now, because we may go to a movie later, and I don't know if we'll be back before midnight. I think I'll bring my camera, so I may post some pictures of the place and the food. I'm pumped! Take care.

Day 4 - Just whatever

Well, I won't get into it, but it was a bit of a rough day. I'm glad it ended better than the rest of it went. My wife and I visited some good friends of ours, and it was good.

I actually went to bed earlier, but couldn't sleep, so I got up, and realized that I forgot to post today. I really hope inspiration strikes soon, or I'll get bored with myself. I guess I just don't want to share too much negative stuff, which is what my mind and life seems dominated by lately. I won't bore you with all the depressing details!

I spent part of this afternoon reading parts of my camera's manual. Good times. Actually, I did enjoy it a lot, over a good latte. I needed to get out, so it was a brighter spot in an otherwise challenging day.

Well, that's about it for now. Take care.

Day 3 - I hate facebook some days

Well, I guess I could just not go on it.

Seriously though, some days when I log on, I feel like reaching through the screen and shaking people. Oh well, maybe people feel the same way about the things I say.

Day 2 - Visit from dad

Wow...this is harder than I thought, and it's only the second day in a row. Yeesh.

My dad has a course in the city for a few days, and it's good to have him visit. We bought a gargantuan air mattress for him to sleep on. Hopefully it's half decent, and he isn't wrapped up like a hot dog in the morning.

Well, that's about it tonight. I told you this wouldn't always be exciting. Take care.

I hate the titles

I'm going to blog every day of this year, starting today, as long as I remember to. Jeepers I hope I remember. Doesn't have to be long, but it will be good for me to write consistently.

I will continue to post the odd photo and talk about my learning process behind the camera, as well as talk about the things that come to my mind from day to day. Who knows...a theme could take shape, but I'm not committing to anything specific right now.

I don't pretend to be a good writer. Not even a bit. This isn't a place where try to be something I'm not.

This might be painful. Maybe more for you than me.

Some thoughts.

I wrote a long rant, and erased it. The basic idea of it was that I love my camera, and don't really care what people think of me owning a D700. I mentioned being a good learner, good at teaching myself, a good student. I briefly mentioned the other slr's I've owned (Pentax mz-7 back in college, and a Nikon F100, which I still have but haven't used in a while...film is expensive).

Basically, I want photography to be something I can be serious about, but not in the ways others are serious. I think people can get nasty to others who aren't as smart as them in certain areas, or as knowledgeable of the technological side of things, etc. Others are great, and willing to teach and share their knowledge. What I do know, I am willing to teach. What I don't know, I'm willing to learn.

It's like anything a person gets into. Whether it's hobby-ism or enthusiasm or obsession, as one gets better at something, the temptation is to start scoffing or speaking in jargon when it's not necessary to make oneself feel smart or others feel dumb. I am very much into coffee, and I've had my moments of scoffing at others for drinking Starbucks and other coffees and espressos, but as I've thought about it, I started trying to educate others that there is better coffee, or better ways of making espresso (and what Starbucks does that I don't like), rather than making fun. Now my scoffing is more of a joke than serious, and people know it.

I guess I'm just trying to say, regardless of what I am into, I try not to make others feel stupid or unworthy if they aren't falling in line. What is the line, anyway? Should I have bought a cheaper camera? Well, I could have, but I wanted to learn to use the D700. End of story. I have it. I'm learning about it. Will I use it as well as a pro could use it? Probably not. Who cares? I don't. What I do care about is challenging and stretching myself. I care about learning how to take pictures that people will like a lot...pictures that people would put up on their walls....pictures that I can be proud of. Have all my pictures been good? Of course not. Have the majority of my pictures been good? No, they haven't. I'm not there yet. Hopefully I will be there eventually.

I'm not writing this in response to anything specific...I'm probably just being defensive about nothing. Maybe I'm writing a warning to myself for when I gain more knowledge about the art and skill of photography. "Self, don't be a jack-ass know-it-all. Teach others, and learn from others. Have fun."