Quiet week. Ain't done much 'sides work.
Went shopping with a pair of twins. Separately, mind you, on two different days. Comparatively interesting, literally speaking.
They tended to follow the same shopping pattern, though one was much more concerned about shoes and accessories than the other was.
Bought one twin dinner, bought the other a skirt and a few small bits and pieces.
Lead someone to explore new and interesting aspects about life.
Said someone leaving LA for a three month internship in SD, meaning I'll be getting cranky near the end of the week, then mellowing out during weekend visits.
Also, a dear friend is returning for the summer on the weekend.
Am looking forward to the weekend.
It promises much cuddling.
Ninja Edit: Forgot something awesome: Watermelon Sweet Tea - Sweet, sweet success.
Ninja Edit 2: Said someone above is returning to LA tonight because internship suckage. Good new or bad news?
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Tim Burton, Dog, and Spring Cleaning
A sorta quiet week, the exception being yesterday.
Had Vizzi Food Truck's Foie Gras PB&J on Wednesday. Possibly the most delicious thing I've ever had. Didn't realize we had food truck gatherings nearby, but we do, and I am all the poorer for it.
Viewed the Tim Burton exhibit at the LACMA. Interesting, if full of things that I didn't really expect to be in an exhibit.
Went to a place called Hambone's Soul Food for lunch. Was the fastest BBQ joint I've ever been to. Only took about 5 minutes for me to get my food, as opposed to waiting an hour for a table and another 40 minutes to order and get our food. Place also had direct TV and a super friendly owner. And yes, his name is Hambone.
Probably the most interesting event to occur this week would be Rabbit the dog(it's still technically nameless, so I named it Rabbit, temporarily). A friend wanted to get a dog for his girl, but was in NorCal and the seller was unwilling to hold the dog for him. As a consequence, we(Puddin' and I) had to go get the dog(Pomeranian-Shitzu mutt) for him. Damn thing had fleas nesting all over it.
What's with girls and wanting tiny useless dogs anyway? Can't they fall for something that comes in medium or large?
Admittedly, Rabbit was goddamn cute, but still, fleas and uselessness does not a heavenly match make.
Cleaned out the garage and the closet today. My packrat tendencies have come back to haunt me. I've got stuff from every year of my life tucked away in there, and I can date them back to about a decade ago when I moved into this house by the thickness of the dust layer on various objects.
But at least I can park my car indoors again.
Had Vizzi Food Truck's Foie Gras PB&J on Wednesday. Possibly the most delicious thing I've ever had. Didn't realize we had food truck gatherings nearby, but we do, and I am all the poorer for it.
Viewed the Tim Burton exhibit at the LACMA. Interesting, if full of things that I didn't really expect to be in an exhibit.
Went to a place called Hambone's Soul Food for lunch. Was the fastest BBQ joint I've ever been to. Only took about 5 minutes for me to get my food, as opposed to waiting an hour for a table and another 40 minutes to order and get our food. Place also had direct TV and a super friendly owner. And yes, his name is Hambone.
Probably the most interesting event to occur this week would be Rabbit the dog(it's still technically nameless, so I named it Rabbit, temporarily). A friend wanted to get a dog for his girl, but was in NorCal and the seller was unwilling to hold the dog for him. As a consequence, we(Puddin' and I) had to go get the dog(Pomeranian-Shitzu mutt) for him. Damn thing had fleas nesting all over it.
What's with girls and wanting tiny useless dogs anyway? Can't they fall for something that comes in medium or large?
Admittedly, Rabbit was goddamn cute, but still, fleas and uselessness does not a heavenly match make.
Cleaned out the garage and the closet today. My packrat tendencies have come back to haunt me. I've got stuff from every year of my life tucked away in there, and I can date them back to about a decade ago when I moved into this house by the thickness of the dust layer on various objects.
But at least I can park my car indoors again.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Graduations
Lots of people graduating these days, lots of celebrations.
Work has been slow, but I've been spending a lot of money on food these past few days.
Went to Lola Gaspar in old Santa Ana. (Delicious food, drinks were "meh.")
Also went to Heroes Bar in downtown Fullerton. (drinks with friends)
Had Bool BBQ food truck food at the LA Artwalk. (packed with people, but food was good)
Haven't shot much in the past week, but hope to change that come the weekend.
and cuddling is awesome.
Work has been slow, but I've been spending a lot of money on food these past few days.
Went to Lola Gaspar in old Santa Ana. (Delicious food, drinks were "meh.")
Also went to Heroes Bar in downtown Fullerton. (drinks with friends)
Had Bool BBQ food truck food at the LA Artwalk. (packed with people, but food was good)
Haven't shot much in the past week, but hope to change that come the weekend.
and cuddling is awesome.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Strawberries and Boobs.
Had an odd, but good, day.
Took some pictures in the morning.
Went to pick strawberries at Cal Poly(slim pickins'). Might have been better at another strawberry patch, such as the one next to CSUF. This one doesn't seem large enough for all the people that go. Was also very expensive, at 3USD/lb.
Spent rest of the afternoon and evening hopping around various places featuring nubile female staff in revealing dress, most notably Cafe Lu and The Lounge.
The other places in the area were pretty dead. Maybe they'll be better on a busier day.
Also notable this week:
Went to the Turner's gun show. Want M1a now.
Also, note to myself: step by step 6-5-11
Took some pictures in the morning.
Went to pick strawberries at Cal Poly(slim pickins'). Might have been better at another strawberry patch, such as the one next to CSUF. This one doesn't seem large enough for all the people that go. Was also very expensive, at 3USD/lb.
Spent rest of the afternoon and evening hopping around various places featuring nubile female staff in revealing dress, most notably Cafe Lu and The Lounge.
The other places in the area were pretty dead. Maybe they'll be better on a busier day.
Also notable this week:
Went to the Turner's gun show. Want M1a now.
Also, note to myself: step by step 6-5-11
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Food Trucks and Returns
Lots of good things this week.
Outdoor Cinema Food Fest is way better than OC Foodie. For one thing, you can actually get food.
The best of the lot was the Vizzi truck. I mean, seriously, those sliders were delicious. And I hear the foie gras PB&J was the bomb.
But the greatest thing to happen this week was the mass return of many friends who graduated from college. I now have people to hang out with in the evenings without having to drive across town. Hell, there's even people(person, really) within walking distance again!
Estrogen has been reintroduced into my life, and I'm mellow-er already!
and Nikki's home too!
It's kinda late, and I got work tomorrow, so I'll cut this one short here.
Outdoor Cinema Food Fest is way better than OC Foodie. For one thing, you can actually get food.
The best of the lot was the Vizzi truck. I mean, seriously, those sliders were delicious. And I hear the foie gras PB&J was the bomb.
But the greatest thing to happen this week was the mass return of many friends who graduated from college. I now have people to hang out with in the evenings without having to drive across town. Hell, there's even people(person, really) within walking distance again!
Estrogen has been reintroduced into my life, and I'm mellow-er already!
and Nikki's home too!
It's kinda late, and I got work tomorrow, so I'll cut this one short here.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
151 posts and counting + Jacqui
This is my 151st post on this blog. I'm actually kinda proud I kept up with it for so long.
Yay me!
Had a pretty quiet week. Worked work that had piled up while I was gone, celebrated a birthday of a friend with shabu, cigars, and lambic beer.
The new shabu place that opened up in Rowland Heights, Jazz Cat, is pretty good. I've been there twice this week, both times getting lamb(cute, and delicious!) and the House Special soup.
Had another photoshoot with BeBreathtaking, model was, unexpectedly, someone I already knew.
Was actually quite nice, since I was actually comfortable with her, and hopefully vice versa. I think I did much better this time around.
Picked up a long awaited wide-angle lens. Will be rearranging my bag to accommodate this new addition.
DX Dream bag is now
1: 10-24mm Wide Angle (have it)
2: 28-300mm FX or 55-200mm DX (have neither, undecided, about which to get, will probably get both eventually, especially since the 55-200 only costs $200, and I do plan on going FX in the future when the D800 is released)
3: 35mm DX (have it, great for low light and normal shooting)
4: 105mm Macro (don't have it, but I have the 60mm Macro, and I can only see the 105 being even better)
Speaking of bags, my Incase DSLR bag bust a seam. No biggie, will sew it up when able.
Yay me!
Had a pretty quiet week. Worked work that had piled up while I was gone, celebrated a birthday of a friend with shabu, cigars, and lambic beer.
The new shabu place that opened up in Rowland Heights, Jazz Cat, is pretty good. I've been there twice this week, both times getting lamb(cute, and delicious!) and the House Special soup.
Had another photoshoot with BeBreathtaking, model was, unexpectedly, someone I already knew.
Was actually quite nice, since I was actually comfortable with her, and hopefully vice versa. I think I did much better this time around.
Picked up a long awaited wide-angle lens. Will be rearranging my bag to accommodate this new addition.
DX Dream bag is now
1: 10-24mm Wide Angle (have it)
2: 28-300mm FX or 55-200mm DX (have neither, undecided, about which to get, will probably get both eventually, especially since the 55-200 only costs $200, and I do plan on going FX in the future when the D800 is released)
3: 35mm DX (have it, great for low light and normal shooting)
4: 105mm Macro (don't have it, but I have the 60mm Macro, and I can only see the 105 being even better)
Speaking of bags, my Incase DSLR bag bust a seam. No biggie, will sew it up when able.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Road Trip Spring 2011 Thoughts
I'll be honest. This road trip was a huge hit to my finances, what with Nikki's accident and various other unexpected costs.
Even worse was the 10k I needed to write to the US Treasury when I got home for the 6/15 deadline.
I don't regret any of it.
Not even the titty bar.
Especially not the titty bar. (Reminds me that there are still beautiful women in the world outside of the pages of a magazine or a LCD. That and beautiful women are expensive.)
Not even the part with Nikki's accident.
Life's like that. Ups and Downs. Usually more Downs than Ups, but we learn to roll with the punches.
Someday, we'll look back on our vehicular mishap leading up to Nikki's sacrifice(probably when Nan and I go to Holland to visit Arjen) and laugh at our ridiculous circumstances.
It might be pretentious for me to say this, but it's just money. You can always make more. The memories of our human experience, fueled by that money, are truly what is important.
Now to pay off my credit card and the money I owe Nan...and to look forward to the next adventure.
Even worse was the 10k I needed to write to the US Treasury when I got home for the 6/15 deadline.
I don't regret any of it.
Not even the titty bar.
Especially not the titty bar. (Reminds me that there are still beautiful women in the world outside of the pages of a magazine or a LCD. That and beautiful women are expensive.)
Not even the part with Nikki's accident.
Life's like that. Ups and Downs. Usually more Downs than Ups, but we learn to roll with the punches.
Someday, we'll look back on our vehicular mishap leading up to Nikki's sacrifice(probably when Nan and I go to Holland to visit Arjen) and laugh at our ridiculous circumstances.
It might be pretentious for me to say this, but it's just money. You can always make more. The memories of our human experience, fueled by that money, are truly what is important.
Now to pay off my credit card and the money I owe Nan...and to look forward to the next adventure.
Road Trip Overview Part 2
Reno wasn't much anything special. Really was only there to sleep(Sands Regency Casino, no complimentary Internet! Luckily, I had iPhone). Also was there to lose 60 bucks at the blackjack tables. Stayed the night at Reno, then left for Lake Tahoe in the morning, a touch more than an hour's drive away.
Lake Tahoe was beautiful. Possibly the most beautiful expanse of water I've ever seen. The water was so clear, and the weather so perfect, we near spent a goddamn hour just staring at the water at various locations. Took some great shots with Konni, spent quite some time trying to shoot the starling jays. Learned a bit more about the D7000 body.
Hiked down the short Vikingsholm trail, but Vikingsholm itself was closed. Went around the south end of Tahoe, stopping at various vista points. (Was not very impressed by the Dodge Charger we rented, doesn't corner as well as the European cars we(Nan and I) usually drive.) Went back to Reno for terrible prime rib buffet and cards.
Next day was spent on the drive down to Vegas. The original plan was to play a bit in Yosemite, but all the entrances on the eastern side were closed due to snow and season. Instead, we beat it all the way down to Death Valley.
Death Valley was quite the adventure. Anyone passing through the area should devote a day driving into it. As it was springtime, it wasn't all that hot, especially since we arrived late afternoon, and played into the evening. Artist's Drive and Badwater Basin, as well as Devil's Golfcourse are all must see points. Didn't get the chance to go to any others, but I'm sure they were just as good as the above listed, if not better. Really did wish we had a better car, because the driving was awesome. Sunset at Badwater was really something else.
Helped push a stuck car out of the desert sands. What positive karma that was built was shortly removed when Nan hit a jackrabbit.
Reached Vegas after dark. Original plan of sleeping was scrapped when Arjen mentioned he had never been to a strip club before and was interested in experiencing one. Nan(who I increasingly believe is allergic to boobs) refused to go, so I reluctantly*cough* went along to keep the innocent Dutchman out of trouble.
Three hours and another large hit on my finances later, we returned to the hotel(Palace Station) and hit the sack.
Thursday was dedicated to the Grand Canyon. Spent the morning driving to said Canyon. Took the Cedar Ridge trail down a couple miles with Arjen. Nan, in his less than optimal physical state, begged off and stayed on the rim. We were rather entertained by a fat squirrel, who insisted on crawling into my backpack and coming home with us. Didn't let him, of course. Waited till sundown, took some pictures, and booked it up to the rim to meet Nan. The day was a bit hazy, but the sights and sounds were still amazing, some might even say...grand.
Spent the night in Flagstaff, and left for Las Vegas in the morning.
After arriving in the afternoon, we hit a buffet, then I went to make some money at the roulette tables. Doubled my initial investment($80), then tossed it all away on an all in bet when it was time to hit up the Strip. Didn't really expect to leave with any money at all, so I never considered cashing out.
Nan received a traffic ticket on the Strip, was a downer for the rest of the night("Twelve hours before the end of the goddamn trip!") Saw the three outdoor shows(Bellagio, Mirage, Treasure Island), Treasure Island being the most WTF. Played a game to see who could collect the most "hooker cards"(I won, because I look like a sex-starved 20-something, apparently).
Ate dinner at the McDonald's and headed to bed.
Woke up at 0400, left the hotel at 0430, and made it back to the car rental place at 0830 before our car rental expired.
Lake Tahoe was beautiful. Possibly the most beautiful expanse of water I've ever seen. The water was so clear, and the weather so perfect, we near spent a goddamn hour just staring at the water at various locations. Took some great shots with Konni, spent quite some time trying to shoot the starling jays. Learned a bit more about the D7000 body.
Hiked down the short Vikingsholm trail, but Vikingsholm itself was closed. Went around the south end of Tahoe, stopping at various vista points. (Was not very impressed by the Dodge Charger we rented, doesn't corner as well as the European cars we(Nan and I) usually drive.) Went back to Reno for terrible prime rib buffet and cards.
Next day was spent on the drive down to Vegas. The original plan was to play a bit in Yosemite, but all the entrances on the eastern side were closed due to snow and season. Instead, we beat it all the way down to Death Valley.
Death Valley was quite the adventure. Anyone passing through the area should devote a day driving into it. As it was springtime, it wasn't all that hot, especially since we arrived late afternoon, and played into the evening. Artist's Drive and Badwater Basin, as well as Devil's Golfcourse are all must see points. Didn't get the chance to go to any others, but I'm sure they were just as good as the above listed, if not better. Really did wish we had a better car, because the driving was awesome. Sunset at Badwater was really something else.
Helped push a stuck car out of the desert sands. What positive karma that was built was shortly removed when Nan hit a jackrabbit.
Reached Vegas after dark. Original plan of sleeping was scrapped when Arjen mentioned he had never been to a strip club before and was interested in experiencing one. Nan(who I increasingly believe is allergic to boobs) refused to go, so I reluctantly*cough* went along to keep the innocent Dutchman out of trouble.
Three hours and another large hit on my finances later, we returned to the hotel(Palace Station) and hit the sack.
Thursday was dedicated to the Grand Canyon. Spent the morning driving to said Canyon. Took the Cedar Ridge trail down a couple miles with Arjen. Nan, in his less than optimal physical state, begged off and stayed on the rim. We were rather entertained by a fat squirrel, who insisted on crawling into my backpack and coming home with us. Didn't let him, of course. Waited till sundown, took some pictures, and booked it up to the rim to meet Nan. The day was a bit hazy, but the sights and sounds were still amazing, some might even say...grand.
Spent the night in Flagstaff, and left for Las Vegas in the morning.
After arriving in the afternoon, we hit a buffet, then I went to make some money at the roulette tables. Doubled my initial investment($80), then tossed it all away on an all in bet when it was time to hit up the Strip. Didn't really expect to leave with any money at all, so I never considered cashing out.
Nan received a traffic ticket on the Strip, was a downer for the rest of the night("Twelve hours before the end of the goddamn trip!") Saw the three outdoor shows(Bellagio, Mirage, Treasure Island), Treasure Island being the most WTF. Played a game to see who could collect the most "hooker cards"(I won, because I look like a sex-starved 20-something, apparently).
Ate dinner at the McDonald's and headed to bed.
Woke up at 0400, left the hotel at 0430, and made it back to the car rental place at 0830 before our car rental expired.
Road Trip Overview Part 1
Caught my breath from my weeklong road trip.
There were ups and downs, ups being the sights(both landscape and female) and the food, downs being Nikki's accident and a traffic ticket, as well as the snoring.
Nan, who is originally from Holland(yeah, a Dutch Asian, whodathunk), had a friend visiting from his hometown. We decided to make his trip more memorable with a trip round the southwestern USA.
We rented a car(for insurance reasons), but discovered that there was an "underage driver's fee" of $25/day for drivers under 25 years of age. Ridiculous, but we paid it.
Our weeklong trip started with us heading north to San Francisco, with a stop at Grant's Grove. Trees were large and awe inspiring, as expected.
Our first and most painful disaster struck when we reached SF that first night. A short argument about certain vehicular controls resulted in a non-vehicular accident. The victim: Nikki, who sacrificed herself for our safety.
Spent the night at SuburbanDweller's, who was a kind enough to let us base at his home the two days we were in SF. He seemed well and in good spirit, if busy. It was the first we'd seen of each other in a while, and I was happy to see him hale, hearty, and whole.
Parking is quite the chore in the city. We ended up abandoning the car in a paid garage and hoofing it everywhere. First stop of the morning was at Union Square and the only camera shop open at 0930 on Mother's Day.
Purchased a new D7000, who I immediately christened Konni(inspired, I know). This event dealt a debilitating blow to my finances for this trip. I had left the house with 3 times more than I had expected to spend, but started the day with half that amount in debt.
Crushing.
Dragged Nan and Arjen(pronounced are-ee-en) back and forth across the city on foot. Went to Lombard St., Coit Tower, explored North Beach and the Golden Gate Park(bison!).
The best of all sights was at the Corona Heights Park outside of Castro. There exists a small hill that allows for a 360 panoramic view of the city. Brilliant.
The next day was spent mostly on food. Brenda's Soul Food is possibly the best place I've ever eaten at. Be sure to get the watermelon sweet tea. Had Pluto's sandwiches as well. It wasn't super, but was palatable enough. I actually think Brenda's ruined all the other food in the city for me. Checked out the Bay and the Exploratorium area(mostly that greco structure next to the Exploratorium, as said Exploratorium was closed on Monday.). Crosses the Golden Gate, snapped a few shots. And it was off to Reno.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
There were ups and downs, ups being the sights(both landscape and female) and the food, downs being Nikki's accident and a traffic ticket, as well as the snoring.
Nan, who is originally from Holland(yeah, a Dutch Asian, whodathunk), had a friend visiting from his hometown. We decided to make his trip more memorable with a trip round the southwestern USA.
We rented a car(for insurance reasons), but discovered that there was an "underage driver's fee" of $25/day for drivers under 25 years of age. Ridiculous, but we paid it.
Our weeklong trip started with us heading north to San Francisco, with a stop at Grant's Grove. Trees were large and awe inspiring, as expected.
Our first and most painful disaster struck when we reached SF that first night. A short argument about certain vehicular controls resulted in a non-vehicular accident. The victim: Nikki, who sacrificed herself for our safety.
Spent the night at SuburbanDweller's, who was a kind enough to let us base at his home the two days we were in SF. He seemed well and in good spirit, if busy. It was the first we'd seen of each other in a while, and I was happy to see him hale, hearty, and whole.
Parking is quite the chore in the city. We ended up abandoning the car in a paid garage and hoofing it everywhere. First stop of the morning was at Union Square and the only camera shop open at 0930 on Mother's Day.
Purchased a new D7000, who I immediately christened Konni(inspired, I know). This event dealt a debilitating blow to my finances for this trip. I had left the house with 3 times more than I had expected to spend, but started the day with half that amount in debt.
Crushing.
Dragged Nan and Arjen(pronounced are-ee-en) back and forth across the city on foot. Went to Lombard St., Coit Tower, explored North Beach and the Golden Gate Park(bison!).
The best of all sights was at the Corona Heights Park outside of Castro. There exists a small hill that allows for a 360 panoramic view of the city. Brilliant.
The next day was spent mostly on food. Brenda's Soul Food is possibly the best place I've ever eaten at. Be sure to get the watermelon sweet tea. Had Pluto's sandwiches as well. It wasn't super, but was palatable enough. I actually think Brenda's ruined all the other food in the city for me. Checked out the Bay and the Exploratorium area(mostly that greco structure next to the Exploratorium, as said Exploratorium was closed on Monday.). Crosses the Golden Gate, snapped a few shots. And it was off to Reno.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, May 8, 2011
San Francisco
Explored Union Square in the morning while looking for a replacement camera body.
Managed to find the only camera shop open at 0930 in San Fran, that luckily also had a D7000 body in stock.
As was predetermined, Nikki now has a new younger, but bigger, sibling: Konni.
Explored:
Chinatown: ironically only had Taiwan flags flying.
Lombard Street: crookedest street in the world?
Coit Tower: just looked, really. Wouldn't let me go up with my tripod.
Ate a quick lunch at Cafe Trieste(sp?) in North Beach, then went on to see bison in Gold Gate Park.
Ended the day at secret best attraction for any photo enthusiast:
Managed to find the only camera shop open at 0930 in San Fran, that luckily also had a D7000 body in stock.
As was predetermined, Nikki now has a new younger, but bigger, sibling: Konni.
Explored:
Chinatown: ironically only had Taiwan flags flying.
Lombard Street: crookedest street in the world?
Coit Tower: just looked, really. Wouldn't let me go up with my tripod.
Ate a quick lunch at Cafe Trieste(sp?) in North Beach, then went on to see bison in Gold Gate Park.
Ended the day at secret best attraction for any photo enthusiast:
Corona Heights Park (NOT Buena Vista Park)
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