092/365 - Forgot My Camera, But!... [For August 29th, 2010]

I can't believe I forgot my camera! =( Haha. However, Lora let me use her's to take this day's photo. (There's a hint of what this photo is. ;))... Problem is she still needs to send it to me, which won't be until later this week, at the earliest. She's currently road-tripping back to Chicago for seminary.

So yes. Photo 092 is on hold. In the meantime, you can catch up on the rest of my project if you haven't been able to keep up, and OH! Check out photo 057! Clearly nobody noticed, but my friend Rick is doing a 365 project as well, and he's always been one day ahead of me... Well, a couple days ago, I realized that he was now two days ahead of me! Whaa?? I then went back through my blog and discovered that I had forgot to post my photo for July 25th! Ugh! So, please give it a look! =)

091/365 - It's Not The Place. It's The People.

Today marked the annual WPC Mariner game trip! Of course, we had a good time. ;) It was nice seeing so many turn out for the game... Although we lost. =/ 1-0, in a game that only lasted just over two hours. But, the Twins are the best team in baseball since the All-Star break, so I guess if you look at it that way... we didn't do too badly. ;)  (Have to find something to cheer about this season!...) After the game, Justin, Nicole, Jaxson, the Burge's, and I went to The Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner. If you haven't been there, go. Now... GO! Haha.

This photo (of Jaxson! Too awesome!) reminds me of what my good buddy, Victor, said: It's not the place. It's the people. I want so badly to move to a new place for opportunity and a fresh start. It's time that I make that happen... But, you know, Victor made a good point. I went to Texas, a place I don't see myself ever living in, but it was one of the best moments of the summer; hanging out with some of my best friends again. Same thing when I went to Vancouver (WA), or San Francisco. Those places, too, aren't locations I imagine myself residing in. But, I was surrounded by some amazing people, friends, and "family" in each destination. And I experienced it again, at this Mariners game. That made the difference. It's those people that made each journey so memorable, joyous, and worthwhile.

It's not the place. It's the people. =)

090/365 - One Way [For August 27th, 2010]

While I was walking at the marina, I caught a glimpse of the sun and this sign, together. I know I've taken more photos of the sun than I can count, even from this same angle. But to me, the sun is one of the most prominent, natural representations of God. Thus, this struck a chord with me, and I didn't see how I couldn't put post this photo for today.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6 (NIV)

089/365 - Dairy Queen [For August 26, 2010]

Grab a couple friends, a deck of cards, and food at Dairy Queen, and you don't have to wait very long (with us) for hilarity and loss of intelligence to ensue! =P Let's just say the most random conversations come up... *shakes head* Haha! Oh man... Ryan would be proud... Actually, probably not. But at least he would've saved some of our intelligence with his knowledge about gravity, using the cardboard food containers for visual reference. (Yes, this is a true story. Yes, it happened at DQ back in the day. Hahah. =P)

088/365 - Speed Racer! [For August 25, 2010]

While cleaning my room, I came across this miniature replica of the star of Speed Racer, the Mach 5! I loved Speed Racer as a kid growing up! I don't remember much of the storyline, but even at an early age, there's a good chance a boy will be attracted to a fancy race car that could jump and was equipped with such things, as saw blades, to survive the race! Ahhh! I actually have quite a bit of Speed Racer toys lying around. Anything from the Mach 5 to the new Mach 6 (Not as cool as the 5. ;)), and even some of the characters (i.e. Chim-Chim!). Surprisingly, I don't own any of the old episodes! I've gotta address that... I do, however, have the live-action film that came out not too long ago. I should watch it again! Ashley, do you want to join me?! =D Hahaha! Good times!!

087/365 - Macro, No Macro

Found this little guy buzzing around (Ha! get it? Cuz he's a bumble bee... Buzzing.... bzzz... O_O) while I was walking the Maylor's Point trail. I always see these shots on Flickr... Those photographers must have a lot of time on their hands, waiting for these insects! Just sayin'.

Anyway, here's my own bee entry! I don't have a macro lens, so I had to do much cropping... All things considering, I think I did a good job. =)

086/365 - Committed [For August 23rd, 2010]

I fell... What, ten entries behind on this blog? Unacceptable! Why'd y'all make me do that?! -_- Haha. Now, I'm finally caught up! Yes, some of the entries were a tad short, but I'm still sharing my photos and a piece of my life with each one. =) Gotta keep this project going!

085/365 - Idea Fail [August 22nd, 2010]

This was one of those days where it was getting late and I still didn't have a real photo to speak of... Umm... This idea played out a lot better in my mind... Haha. Oh well. For every fantastic photo, there are twice as many throw aways. Movin' on!

084/365 - Exploration [For August 21st, 2010]

Mocha, exploring the outdoors... For the umpteenth time. I often wonder what keeps cats so entertained and amused with their surroundings? They see the same thing everyday, yet they always find something to sniff and get themselves into... Again... Sometimes I wish life was that easy. Haha.

083/365 - Sad Day! [For August 20th, 2010]

My family's oven died while attempting to bake these delicious Otis Spunkmeyer chocolate chips cookies... And because of the length of time we had to let these sort-of baked morsels of goodness out, they were no longer worthy of consumption. =( On the flip-side, I did get to see my grandparents while we used their oven to make more cookies. =) Haha.

082/365 - "Really, Mocha?" [For August 19th, 2010]

I have nothing more to add...

081/365 - Is This Gardening or Engineering? [For August 18th, 2010]

This week, I was in charge of taking care of the Burge's cat, Mocha, and watering around their house for the week, while they were off on vacation. Easy, right? Well, yes, but it also was... Hmm, I'll explain.

Mr. Burge doesn't simply have a watering schedule for his plants. He's created a complete, semi-automated system that needs to be maintained. You say, "Oh, so he has milk jugs that drip water into the tomato plants? I may have to try that..." No, it's not only that. He's built a greenhouse in his backyard for them, and a cornhouse for growing, well, corn (Which I helped build, by the way!). There are also onions around the greenhouse that needed to be taken care of, as well as berries and fruit trees (I didn't have to worry about the trees). To top it off, he has rain barrels that he fills, with valves used to control the water going to the berries through pipes, and for any hoses used for the other plants. Now... I can see a farmer doing this, but a family in a residential neighborhood? Is this gardening or engineering? Either way, it manages to put fresh fruit and vegetables on the table, so clearly he's doing something right.

080/365- On The Job [For August 17th, 2010]

Rick was wrapping up a senior portrait session with Jordan (also pictured), but needed some assistance. Shooting under the bright sunlight creates a few problems, one of which being harsh, unwanted shadows on your subject's face. That's where a reflector comes in... However, that in itself is another issue if you're shooting by yourself - there's nobody to hold the reflector in place! Unless you set up stands and sorts, but that potentially gets crazy. Anyway, that's where I came in. ;)

This is Rick going through the photos with Jordan afterwards. BTW, the DIY reflector, although not perfect, did enough to get the job done.

Note to self: Buy a reflector... ? And/or learn how to flick smaller amounts of light at my subjects.

079/365 - His Story [For August 16th, 2010]

We are His story. We are His song. A beautiful melody that shows the world His Love.
- Addison Road

I was browsing the Christian bookstore and came across a new(ish) Addison Road album I've been waiting for since their debut! I didn't know they had even released their sophomore CD until I saw it on the shelf. The title? Stories. Wonderful. =)

I'm always mentioning how strongly I believe in the importance of our stories, so it I was a little awestruck when I read their words about it. They said it far better than I ever did! Haha.

P.S. Give this album a listen! It's not much of a departure from their first album, but they "grew up" just enough to give Stories the spice it needed to be a worthy successor. I love their style, both musically and personally; very real.

078/365 - The Life Of A Cat [For August 15th, 2010]

I think we all wish life was this easy sometimes... Haha.

077/365 - Beautiful [For August 14th, 2010]

The photo speaks for itself... =)

A little background on this event: Brendan sent me a text on July 6th, basically saying he had an important, potential photo job for me. I replied him the following day and here are the next couple texts I received from him:

Those are the best texts I've ever received. =)

Over the course of the next month, we (Brendan and I) had fun with it, and, honestly, we were pretty reckless about it on a few occasions! Obviously, we talked several more times about the details of this operation, but there were instances where we'd blatantly discuss it literally behind Ashley's back! Not more than 10 or 15 feet away! I also talked a few times with Ashley about how she felt about marriage and all, which was great, and also a bit humorous. She had no idea! =P As far as she knew, she was coming home to celebrate her dad's birthday! Hahah. As the date got closer, we started letting everyone else know, and they, too, joined in on the fun. 

I'll save the proposal story for another entry (or you can ask me!), but it was funny how the event played out from our (Victor and I) perspectives! I sacrificed my life for them, jumping over that snake to stay in hiding!! Hahah. Sadly, because of my issues, I didn't get to see the actual proposal! =( But, looking back on it, there was just no way I would've been able to see it without spoiling the surprise; Ashley was looking everywhere, except right behind her, where Victor ended up (totally unplanned hiding spot!). Thank God I gave him my Flip instead of hiding it at the spot. Not only was that a bad idea, but Brendan and Ashley wouldn't have been in the frame either. So, Victor was able to get pretty good video, all things considering! Props to him! =D

After the proposal, everyone, including many of their friends from Spokane, headed over to Ashley's to celebrate "her dad's birthday." =P Just one huge party! After that, Ashley, Brendan, Victor, Angelo, and I met up with a few others from Spokane at the Donut House to finish the night off.

Man, what a day! Who would've thought I'd be part of a friend's proposal? =)

I've known Ashley for years now; most definitely one of my closest friends and one of the people who showed me Christ's love, ultimately leading to my decision to trust Him with my life. I was telling Brendan that I was a little nervous about the whole thing, even though I wasn't the one proposing. I am just so close to her that I felt I was giving her away, as a brother would. And with that, it goes without saying I also want/ed what was best for her... But with Brendan... quite frankly, "best" is an understatement here. ;) He is such an awesome guy; I can't think of anyone better for her. Not to mention he's the perfect addition to our "group." ;) Haha. Honorary member.

Wish you guys the best! Looking forward to the wedding next summer!! =D

CONGRATULATIONS, BRENDAN AND ASHLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!

076/365 - Seriously, Matt? (Behind The Scenes, Part 2) [For August 13th, 2010]

Believe it or not, I thought, with a little camouflage, this would've worked. Ha! This, right here, is the reason why you need to go through these steps in the planning process. And even then, things don't always go according to plan, but that doesn't mean you can't still achieve success. ;)...

075/365 - Finding The Unfamiliar In The Familiar [For August 12th, 2010]

Today, Wynton and I went trail hunting again, this time returning to the Deception Pass and Goose Rock area. This time, however, we switched it up, and ventured around Goose Rock rather then summit it (summit sounds epic ;)).

This perimeter trail unveiled some different views of the surrounding landscape. A house on the side of a cliff, with a dock, for example! And another look at Cornet Bay (we think). Pretty cool. We attempted to take a real thin, steep trail, hoping to get to the top of Goose Rock, but... All we found were trees, rocks, and everything except a trail... Whoops. Haha. It was also getting dark quickly, so we jogged/ran much of the trail back to our cars! It was a good workout. ;)

074/365 - "Waiting" [For August 11, 2010]

I've come to the conclusion that there aren't too many things I haven't photographed at the local marina or on Maylor's Point. With that being said, I went out to these places, in a serious attempt to come back with a photo I haven't already came back with before.

Here's the result! This is a statue of a woman, titled, "Waiting." I realized after the fact that it's shot in the same manner I shot "The Golden Hour" with. Huh... =P. Ah well.

073/365 - Behind The Scenes, Part 1 [For August 10, 2010]

Me (text) - "Mt. Erie is a beautiful place. =)"

Ashley's mom - "So it has ur approval for Sat then :-D"

=)

072/365 - How Do I Work With My Photos? [For August 9th, 2010]

Sadly, this was yet another day without too much going on.. So, I spent the majority of it working through photos. If you've ever wondered how they come together, here's a sneak peek. ;)

The photo I was working with in Photoshop was a simple one. I usually like to keep them as simple as I can, because I feel the more I mess with a photo, the worse job I did taking it in the first place. Of course, there are always exceptions, but you get the jist. One of these days, I may open the black box of photography, as Chase Jarvis would say, and show you everything, step by step. ;)

Until then, here's the finalized image, of Calley. (Read this entry for background information!)

071/365 - Art Shot [For August 8th, 2010]

Today was the journey back, so I couldn't grab too many photos at all. As a result, unfortunately, this is all you get. Haha. =( I do think doing some portraits up against this colored wall would be interesting... Or maybe a terrible idea. =P

Anyway,Angelo and I attempted to go to Seafair, but were unable to find it. (Not the races, but the booths and street performers.) I was going to take several shots there, but oh well. It happens. When I got back into town, I visited the Burge's for a little while, which was nice. =)

Other than that... Yeah... Sorry. Wasted photo day. =/ It happens. Just gotta keep walking. =)

070/365 - It's Like Rain On Your Wedding Day!* [For August 7th, 2010]

Today was the big day for Cameron and Erica!!! =D I remember when they first started dating... I knew right away he made a good choice. ;)

We received first-class treatment the whole day. I heard several guests stayed in an amazing bed and breakfast, and we all received limo rides directly to Erica's house, where the wedding was being held.

The wedding was beautiful! Lovely setting and ceremony. It rained a little bit, though; just enough to notice, but not nearly enough to ruin it! Nothing was bringing this day down. It really was fairytale for them! After the ceremony, there were plenty of great toasts and OH shout-outs to our table from our fellow friends! Then, we danced the night away, like it was 2005! ;)

After the wedding was all said and done, now late in the evening, the rest of our group ventured to nearby Portland to pay Voodoo Doughnut a visit. We've all heard good things about the place; now it was our turn to check it out for ourselves. Long story short: Yes. It was extremely delicious! I had a doughnut covered in thick, white frosting, with Fruit Loops piled on top. Literally. Piles of this tasty cereal were piled on top. Van had the famous bacon doughnut, and Ashley had a Butterfinger one. These may sound like odd and potentially bad flavors and combinations, but trust me, they were incredible! Well, I can't speak for everyone else, but mine was definitely fantastic. ;) Better than the Donut House. Yes, I said better. =)

CONGRATULATIONS, CAMERON AND ERICA!!! Wish you both the best!! =)

*Ironic by Alanis Morissette

P.S. Seeing Ken and Van, both whom I haven't seen since we graduated... John, again. And just getting almost everyone back together, in general... Nothing changed. =) Fives years had past since the last time I saw Ken and Van, and I rarely see John... None of it matter. Read this entry to understand what I mean!

Best. Group. Ever. Love my friends. <3

069/365 - Traveling Again! [For August 6th, 2010]

I spent the day driving down to Vancouver, WA, with Angelo and Victor for Cameron and Erica's wedding the next day! =D We had a good time in the car, rocking to guilty pleasures, such as Taylor Swift. Blasted Love Story through downtown Seattle. ;) It was glorious. Haha!

Ashley and I booked the motel, so we met up with her and Brendan there. Ended up chilling out at Sharis for a while before calling it a night.

Before we hit the sack, we had to nail down sleeping arrangements. That's always fun. ;) Haha. Ashley had her own room, while us guys stayed in another... This photo is the result of what happens when four guys room together, by the way. =P [If you watch The Office, you know that a good party always includes someone with a lampshade on their head! Hahah.]

First thing on the agenda was push two queen size beds together* to create one gigantic bed! There was enough room for us, but Angelo preferred a firm bed, as opposed to the normally soft motel beds. Funny story: Us guys ended up getting a normal two bed room and a lounge! So we pretty much had two rooms! ;) Knowing that, this will be easier for you to visualize. There were two TV stands, about 6 feet long each. Enough to put the TV and whatever else on it. However, only one, in the bedroom, had a TV. Brendan, Victor, and I took the beds in that room. Again, Angelo wanted a firm bed. Guess where he chose to sleep? Yep, you got it. The TV stand in the lounge! With nothing on it! No blankets or pillows (to start). Just crashed out on it. Haha. *Shakes head*

*Room service actually made the beds, even after we pushed them together! Ha. Props, Motel 6. Props! =)

068/365 - Rick Wasn't Kidding... [For August 5th, 2010]

Rick was kind enough to bring me along (more accurately, he invited me, and I brought him along. =P) on his TOMS indie & senior portrait day in Seattle! Going in, I knew I was up for a challenge, because my style is completely different from his. (As you can see from his 365 photo from today compared to mine!) I'd love to do portraiture for a living, so that, too, was a challenge, because my best work is with one or two people, with short depth of field (DOF), or throwing the background out of focus. More on this later. It was also going to be interesting to see him in his element, directing and taking the shots he was after.

We met up with his friends from camp, Calley and Kevin, when we got off the ferry, and Calley drove us the rest of the way, to Pike Place Market. Let me just say... Rick wasn't kidding.

He had warned me prior to our departure that there may... will be awkward moments. I was like no big deal. I have some pretty awkward friends at times. =P It'll be fine... Well, I quickly discovered that nothing could have prepared me for what was to come. Haha! O_O It was all hilarious, but most definitely awkward! We had a great time, though! They're (Calley and Kevin, and Rick) cool cats, fo' sho'! =) We didn't do too much in Pike Place, besides photos, but we did see a street performer who hoola-hoop'ed (with two hoops), played a guitar, and then balanced another guitar on his chin, simultaneously! And another performer who pulled out some crazy card tricks on Kevin and Calley!! [In honor of you, Rick, I'll switch their names. =P] We were watching (or thought we were watching...) all the cards, and BAM! Crazy!

Back to photos! Seeing Rick doing work was certainly interesting. I don't do senior photos, so seeing how a "proper" senior photo was set up was a good experience. Unfortunately, I was with Rick during his biggest off-day for senior photos... Calley then stepped in to aid with posing and location. That was cool to see because she brought a different perspective, being a model! Quick tangent - I snapped a few photos of her early in the day and thought to myself, "She knows how to pose real well on the fly... Very photogenic!"... And then said she was a model. Oh, no wonder! =P Haha.

As far as what I was able to shoot today, I did some portraits of Calley, some TOMS "advertisement"-style shots, and a bunch of candid portraits of the three of them. I would have liked to slow down and take more portraits, but I learned a lot about keeping everyone in focus (because I had a group, all at different distances), rather then tightening it up and keeping one of them in focus. I also got experience in location and flash. Speaking of which, I was so glad I had brought my flash! Sure, I ruined a few shots because I accidentally left it on, but to be able to keep my ISO low, knock out some shadows, etc... =) Ironically, I didn't use flash for this shot. Haha. I should've, but I'm still learning about flash exposure, especially in strong daylight.

Pike Place is such a beautiful location. It's photographed a lot, but clearly there are ways and areas in it to get some sweet looks. =)

It was good meeting Calley and Kevin, just hanging out with them and Rick, taking photos! =D

067/365 - Back to Glory!... With Some Glue...? [For August 4th, 2010]

My dad has an old Minolta XG9 film camera that he let me have. He even found an old 50mm 1.7 lens that went with it, which, unbeknownst to him, I was looking for for a while now! =) However, the rewind dial (I think...) on the camera broke years ago, and needed to be fixed. Me, being a (relatively) poor 20-something kid, it was off to Walgreens for a solution! Yay! Haha.

Well, repairing it was not an issue!... Knowing how to actually use this full manual film camera was another issue... Hmm... Haha. Until I understand that, the 'ol XG9 will have to sit on hold...

066/365 - Night Photography With Friends [For August 3rd, 2010]

I made my way out to West Beach in the middle of the night with my friends Rick and Steven to take some photos. They wanted to try some long-exposure shots. Ironically, I didn't bother seriously attempting any of it, because I wanted to run flash and snapshots.

It was such a beautiful night! We could see all the stars. Didn't see the Aurora Borealis though! =( Still too many city lights and cars, even that far out. We also may not have been in the right spot to see them... Ha.

You know the drill. ;) Peace!

065/365 - What? MORE Ultimate?! Yes. [For August 2nd, 2010]

Yeah... I don't know what more I can add on the subject, after playing Ultimate yesterday! But compared to yesterday's, these games are... You know what? Just read my previous entry about what these Ultimate games down at the beach are like! ;) Oh, and yes, there was at least one "What happened?!" moment, as usual! =)

This is a photo of Jessica's frisbee, btw... Although I'm not sure if that's a dinosaur... She would have a dinosaur on her disc, but it could also be a hippo with a beaver's tail... I dunno. Haha. Jess, if you read this, I'd appreciate some clarification! =P

064/365 - Ultimate + Donuts = Win [For August 1st, 2010]

Got my feet on the field once again for a game of Ultimate Frisbee! Playing with athletes and Navy guys made me realize how out of shape I really am! Haha. =S I was getting worked in the first game, but started to pick it up as the games went on. No matter how tiring it can be playing with that group, it's always fun! I absolutely love Ultimate! =)

After watching the X Games (Is anyone a fan? Because there were some ridiculously awesome moments, especially during that final motocross event!), Wynton and I headed to the Donut House!

While there, I grabbed this random photo of Wynton above (063). I was dinking around with some settings on my camera and he decided to play it up for the lens. That's the result. =P

He's good at these spontaneous shots. It makes for some good concept art, I have to say! To the left is a similar photo I snapped a while back, also taken at the Donut House, under similar circumstances.


Yep yep!

063/365 - Looking For A Playmate! [For July 31st, 2010]

I'm dedicating this entry to Lora's cute little kitty, Mocha. She used to have a friend, Snappy, but he disappeared one day a few years ago. With Lora either out of the country or in college for about as long as Snappy has been gone, Ryan has been her best buddy, whether he liked it or not. =P Well, he's now living in a different place, which leaves Mocha without a constant buddy and playmate.

To the Burge's: Mocha would greatly appreciate it if you were to introduce her to a new friend! She desperately yearns for attention from each person who drops by; I've never seen her this lonely!

So, please. She'd be forever thankful for friend she could pal around with once again. =)

058-62/365 - Son Rock Kids Camp! [For July 26th-30th, 2010]

Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Whidbey Presbyterian! =D This was my second time doing VBS. Last year, I participated in skits and took photos here and there. This year, I played more intricate roles: Assisting in leading 4th-6th graders and being the "official" photographer all week! I also made video slideshows for each day, which the kids thoroughly enjoyed! That's why we do it. =) 

For those few readers who aren't familiar with VBS, it's basically a "mini-camp" for kids, lasting a few hours each day, usually for a week. There area few different stations (i.e. story time, games, etc.) that we bring the kids to. There's also a theme every year (this year was "Son Rock Kids Camp," which was a camping/outdoors theme), as well as a daily Bible lesson. Cute, and really fun for the kids!

95% of the time, I was the photographer, but I did have complete control over both my group and photographing all the groups on the last day... Or I thought I had complete control... Here was my Facebook status from that day: 

Today in VBS, I accidentally hit one of my kids with a line drive during wiffle ball. He cried :(. But, he forgave me for it, and we high-fived! =) However, in retribution for his fallen brother, another boy decided to punch me with a chocolate milk container in a very bad spot... Somebody didn't get the forgiveness memo. -_-!! Haha > < !!!

Devastating!! -_- However, outside of that tearful incident, my group seemed to have the most fun that day, partly at my expense… Haha. I paid the price, but it all worked out in the end! =P

Big thanks to Lora, Nicole, and everyone else who helped make VBS possible, and trusted me enough to put children’s lives in my hands! Haha.

Here are a few photos from the week (top to bottom: 057-061):

057/365 - The Last Hurrah [For July 25th, 2010]

Well... It was fun, but it was time to go our separate ways once again. =( Before we finally did, we made the last day in TX count! =)

We hit up not one, but two malls! The one pictured was more of an outlet mall, though. Still! We found ways to enjoy it, the best way we knew how! ;) Haha.

The second mall was pretty sweet! It's in Dallas. I believe it's four stories tall, with an ice rink! Preetty sweet!

Then, it was off to the airport and back to home...

We had a blast! Along with meeting Emily (Finally! Haha. I don't know how I hadn't met her before, her being friends with everyone else.), it was a fantastic reunion, getting some of the group back together. Loved it! We've gotta meet up again, sooner than later, k?! =)

**** So... I typed this on August 28th, 2010...I just now realized my entire 365 blog is off by a day, all because I forgot to post this entry!! Argh!!! Haha... Looks like I'll have to fix and revamp the entire blog now... Sigh.

056/365 - I Now Pronounce You... [For July 24th, 2010]

Husband and wife!! Matt and Heather's wedding day!!!! =D Definitely happy for them! It was a small, and rather quick wedding (including the reception), but no way did that damper on the fun! ;)

I honestly don't know what more to say... I believe pictures will describe it better than I can ever hope to! ;) So, look for more photos from this wedding to pop-up soon. Some will be here, and all will be on Facebook. (I posted a few there already. More to come!) I didn't get too many "good" shots of the ceremony because the pro photographer preferred I didn't use my camera flash, and not too many from the reception because we were just partying it up! =D But there are some goodies!

So yes, I'll try to get all the photos posted in some form or another ASAP! Until then...

CONGRATULATIONS, MATT AND HEATHER!!!!

055/365 - Good Times Are Here Once Again! [For July 23rd, 2010]

On the left is Andrew, whom I haven't seen in... I don't even know how long! This is the epic "man battle," as Cammie put it, between himself and Victor. Haha. Shot was taken before the wedding rehearsal.

I've said this many times before and I'll always stick by it: We have the best group of friends! No question. =) Even though we don't always see or speak to one another very often, we're all still very close. Like we've never been apart. Let me give you an example...

Victor and I are chilling out in our hotel room when Andrew walks in and immediately tackles Victor, and then jumped on my bed, attempting to do the same. This incident started all the shenanigans that lead to this (photo), and the rest of the weekend with him. Haha. I don't think much of our conversations or interactions were spent on "catching up." We'd talk as if we didn't miss a thing through the years... One of us would grab a football and we'd throw that around, no hesitation. This "man battle" is another one of those things that randomly breaks out, because we know each other all too well. When we get together, our focus doesn't seem to be on reminiscing, although that's definitely part of it, but rather writing another chapter to our lives. ;)

I can go on and on, and maybe this doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary to you guys... But, if you've been around our group... Not to brag, but we're something special. ;) Haha. Senior year of high school kicked this whole thing off, and the rest is history, as they say. We've had too many good times to list... It has tapered off since then, because we're all scattered around the country, doing our own things... Yet, I'd say I'm closer to some now, and as I've just mentioned, nothing changes when we're all hanging out. =)

054/365 - Dude, Haven't Seen You In 2 1/2 Years! [For July 22nd, 2010]

Last week, I was in San Francisco. This week, I was off to Texas!! Yeah, I couldn't believe it either! Not the fact that I was going on another trip so soon, but a trip to.... Texas...! -_- Haha. It has taken way too many friends away since we graduated. Where I was going, there were no mountains or an ocean (or other body of water, of any sort)... It's Texas... =P So, I must've had an extremely good reason to put myself through all that, right?

Yes. ;)

One of my closest friends, Matt, (The best man and one of our best friends, Victor, is photo-bombing in the background. Haha.) was getting married!! What?! Heather, his (now)* wife, is super nice, too! =)

Going to this wedding was a total God thing for me. Originally, I was supposed to be a groomsman, but because of cash concerns and not knowing my summer schedule, I had to pull out. =/ But, even knowing this, Matt kept asking me if there was any way he could get me to his wedding, and each time I had to decline. Then, I got a phone call from him about a week prior to the wedding. One last ditch effort to get me to go. His parents offered to pay my way down to TX! This offer has come up before, but I'm not the type of person who wants that kind of help, you know? I'd rather not have anyone shell out that much money over me. This time, however... I thought, "Okay, he's been asking me every so often about going to his wedding, even though he knows I'm not... He's not joking around, either. Each time, he definitely wants me down there... I have a feeling I really need to go. =)" It was good timing, also, after Ryan's passing. I needed to get away and do something for myself. See a new place, and, most importantly, be with a good buddy of mine, whom I haven't seen in 2 1/2 years, not to mention see other awesome friends of mine, some whom I haven't seen in just as long, if not longer. And what better way to do this than at his wedding?! =) Everything worked out, too. They were able to book my flights so late in the game... I managed to get on a flight to TX that was most likely overbooked, in under an hour (from check-in to boarding) no less, so I was extremely lucky to make it! Everything went off without a hitch... God totally had it all set up. ;)

This photo was taken right before we started bowling, FYI. In the bar, where we were immediately ordered to leave because the lady poorly assumed we were under 21, and then carded us when we said we were. -_- Sigh. Story of our lives. Haha. =P

*It's statements like these that let you all know that despite my tendency to write these entries in the present tense, I'm writing these past entries after the fact. ;) Ha.

053/365 - Enjoy The Little Things [For July 21st, 1010]

It was an Ultimate Frisbee kind of day! =D  While migrating to another field, I noticed this rainbow around the sun. I wondered how many people even noticed, let alone cared about this?

Rule #32: Enjoy the little things.

P.S. Not to drive this entry the opposite direction, but I did quote "Rule #32"... For further context of this rule and others, watch the film, Zombieland. ;)