Prep, Prep, Prep!

So once again I haven’t written in a while, but I’ve just been so busy these past couple of weeks trying to tie up loose ends, work my butt off to make as much extra cash as I can, and maintain my car. I’m leaving Southern California for a while.

Intended destination: Bellingham, Washington. When will I get there? I have no idea. But I’ve got 3 weeks to do it. And there will be plenty of stops along the way.

First off, let me introduce my best friend and only companion during the whole trip:

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Meet my car, a 2000 Nissan Altima, who I lovingly call…. “Car”. I’ll be driving in it, singing in it, eating in it, and sleeping in it for the next month. I’ll be meeting lots of old friends and meeting new people all along the way up, but she’ll be the only with me the whole way.

So what do I plan on doing? Well, everything really. I’ve always wanted to go to the Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz, go whale watching in Santa Barbara, visit Alcatraz in San Francisco, explore the Mountains of Yosemite, and view the giant trees of Redwood. I’ll check out the Nike Factory in Oregon, photograph Glacier Mountain, learn the history of the Oregon Trail, sail down the Columbia River, and kayak the Oregon coast. I’ve already visited the Space Needle, but I want to really, really get to photograph it this time. I want to visit the very first Starbucks, and watch the flying fish at the Pike Place Fish market. Mt. St. Helen has always intrigued me as a volcano, and heck, I might even possibly(!), just maybe, go to Forks, Washington just to make all the Twilight fans jealous.

I want to do my best to meet the locals, and get to know how life is outside of the busyness of LA County. Hole in the wall restaurants will be my friend, and the local dishes are waiting to be eaten by myself. I can’t wait to just learn to relax, and enjoy the ride :) . And of course, I’ll be documenting it all for everyone, and for posterity.

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This is almost all of my photographic equipment. I’ll be taking it all with me. For the gearheads, here’s a list of what’s in the bag:

  • Nikon D200 (being used to photograph the bag)
  • Nikon D70s
  • Nikon 18-70mm 3.5-4.5 lens
  • Nikon 50mm 1.8 lens
  • Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 lens
  • Tokina 11-16mm2.8 lens (used to photograph the bag
  • Nikon SB-800 flash
  • Nikon SB-24 flash
  • 2 white shoot through and 1 silver umbrella, all 43″
  • 2 Cybersync Receivers and 1 Transmitter
  • 2 light stand adapters
  • Manfrotto Monopod Head
  • Manfrotto Monopod (strapped to side, shown at the top)
  • Gary Fong Lightsphere (under 50mm lens)
  • bungee cords, sync cords
  • too much other stuff to list

So basically, I want to photograph everything. People, places, food, houses, trees, mountains, rivers, etc. You name it, I’ll probably end up shooting it.

And I’ll literally be living out of this suitcase:

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If I lose it, I’ll be naked and not so fresh and so clean for the rest of my trip. That black book on the right is actually an album, given to me by Deejae. I’ll be using it as a scrapbook for the whole trip.

I can’t wait for Monday.

—————-
Blogging to: The Juliana Theory – Leave Like a Ghost (Drive Away)

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My Week In Pictures

Although my week has been busy, and I have lots to talk about, words escape me right now during the early morning. So instead, I’m going to take a cue from one of my favorite sites, The Big Picture, and I’m going to once again photoblog my personal exploits throughout the week. Let me know what you think, I just might make this a weekly thing :)

The photos are best viewed when enlarged. To enlarge, simply click on the photo.

A player from Team JREAM flies through two defenders from The Bullets to make a layup during a CICC Basketball League game. The league conducts games every Saturday morning, with regular seasons lasting 14 weeks.

A player from Team JREAM flies through two defenders from The Bullets to make a layup during a CICC Basketball League game. The league conducts games every Saturday morning, with regular seasons lasting 14 weeks.

A player from Team Ball-derama boxes out another player from The Redeemed as they try to grab a rebound.

A player from Team Ball-derama boxes out another player from The Redeemed as they try to grab a rebound.

A player from Team Ball-derama gets ready to line up a shot against the Redeemed in a CICC Basketball League game. While the league is co-ed, there's no shortage of competition or athleticism to be found.

A player from Team Ball-derama gets ready to line up a shot against the Redeemed in a CICC Basketball League game. While the league is co-ed, there's no shortage of competition or athleticism to be found.

A friend watches the dog of a basketball player during a CICC Basketball League game. While the games and the players conduct themselves in a competitive and professional manner, the spectators are as casual as can be.

A friend watches the dog of a basketball player during a CICC Basketball League game. While the games and the players conduct themselves in a competitive and professional manner, the spectators are as casual as can be.

A soon-to-be high school graduate walks down the field during the Procession at California High School in Whittier, CA. Graduating from high school is one of the most significant accomplishments in a young person's life, so it's a very important moment for many teenagers, as well as their families and friends.

A soon-to-be high school graduate walks down the field during the Procession at California High School in Whittier, CA. Graduating from high school is one of the most significant accomplishments in a young person's life, so it's a very important moment for many teenagers, as well as their families and friends.

A select few of the hundreds of excited students of the graduating class of 2009 prepare to walk to their seats to begin their graduation ceremony at Santana High in San Diego, California

A select few of the hundreds of excited students of the graduating class of 2009 prepare to walk to their seats to begin their graduation ceremony at Santana High in San Diego, California

A faculty member from Cajon High School in San Bernardino, CA, overlooks the transformed football field to make sure all plans are proceeding as normal.

A faculty member from Cajon High School in San Bernardino, CA, overlooks the transformed football field to make sure all plans are proceeding as normal.

Dinah the debutante poses with her escort in a gazebo. Filipina formal dresses can be very intricate and detailed, much like a wedding dress.

Dinah the debutante poses with her escort in a gazebo. Filipina formal dresses can be very intricate and detailed, much like a wedding dress.

One of the 18 Roses dances with Dinah during her debut. In filipino debuts, the debutante asks 18 significant males in her life to have a dance with her. It's considered an honor to be chosen as a Rose for a debut.

One of the 18 Roses dances with Dinah during her debut. In filipino debuts, the debutante asks 18 significant males in her life to have a dance with her. It's considered an honor to be chosen as a Rose for a debut.

RJ jumps on a railing as he dances during the party's end. While generally very formal, a debut is still a party, so its common to see all the guests getting on the dancefloor at the end of the night.

RJ jumps on a railing as he dances during the party's end. While generally very formal, a debut is still a party, so its common to see all the guests getting on the dancefloor at the end of the night.

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Going UP

carlandellie

I can only hope that if I get married, my marriage will be half as fulfilling in its entirety, as Carl and Ellie’s was in its five-minute span.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend :)

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Just Because

… I feel like going back to high school and filling out one of those surveys that are all the rage these days.

TEN HOW’S:

How did you get one of your scars? There’s one on my knee. I got it when I was about 9, and I fell off my bike super hard and scraped my knee on the pavement. Like, a whole chunk of skin was gone.

How did you celebrate your last birthday? Worked in the day, then just stayed in my room all night. Not a fan of my birthday.

How are you feeling at this moment? somewhat idiotic for actually filling out this survey.

How did your night go last night? Not bad, just relaxed. One of the few nights I get all to myself.

How did you do in high school? i guess i did pretty good.

How did you get the shirt you’re wearing? i bought it from Kina at the Hotel Cafe. Scratch that, I actually bought it from Mrs. Grannis, not Kina :)

How often do you see ur best friend? I see Jon every Tuesday for sure, and Jason at least every Sunday

How much money did you spend last month? Probably more than I needed to on food.

How old do you want to be when you get married? old enough

How old will you be at your next birthday? 25. yep.

NINE WHAT’S:

Your mothers name? Nina Magdalena. Lol

What did you do last weekend? Let’s see… watched UP, watched Alex’s Improv Show, watched Kina’s 3rd Street show, went to Kelvin’s going away dinner, went to church, watched Heidi’s dance concert, then watched UP again.

What is the most important part of your life? my relationship with God

What would you rather be doing? taking pictures of people in interesting places.

What did you last cry over? “Cross my heart.”

What always makes you feel better when you’re upset? a nice hug. not those wussy side/arm hugs. a real, full on, arms wrapped around hug.

What’s the most important thing you look for in a significant other? Aside from a sense of humor, a genuine love for God

What are you worried about? my Washington roadtrip

What did you have for breakfast? Honey Bunches of Oats

EIGHT HAVE YOU’S:

Have you ever liked someone who had a girlfriend/boyfriend? kind of, but its not like I would ever act on it. I’m no homewrecker :)

Have you ever had your heartbroken? of course, but we all live and learn

Have you ever been out of the country? philippines, mexico, canada…… hawaii? lol

Have you ever done something outrageously dumb? oh the stories I could share =P

Have you ever been back stabbed by a friend? Interestingly enough, I’m sure I have been, but I’ve learned to forgive and forget, so nothing comes to mind.

Have you ever had sex on the beach? gross, wouldn’t that be kind of….. abrasive? Short answer, no

Have you ever dated someone younger than you? yep

Have you ever read an entire book in one day? If its less than 300 pages, I can usually do it in 2 hours or less

SEVEN WHO’S:

Who was the last person you saw? Jon, Thomas, and Bernie

Who was the last person you texted? Alana

Who was the last person you hungout with? Jon, Thomas, and Bernie. Thomas is back from the Philippines after 4 years! The Rat Pack is back! Since 1998 sucka!

Who was the last person to call you? According to my phone, it’s Heidi’s dad, but I didn’t pick up, because I lost my phone in Santa Monica :( . I text more than I talk.

Who did you last hug? Nikki gave me a hug as I walked into work.

Who is the last person who texted you? Vivi

Who was the last person you said “i love you” to? I think it was Alana, but it was more out of forgiveness for saying she looked like a dork in 3d glasses.

SIX WHERE’S:

Where does your best friend live? Jon lives in Phillips Ranch, and Jason now lives with his wonderful wife Annie in Whittier :)

Where did you last go? Costco, to grab some polish sausages for dinner.

Where did you last hang out? at Costco, with Jon, Thomas, and Bernie for dinner

Where do you go to school? no mas escuela

Where is your favorite place to be? my car is my quiet place. but other than that, Disneyland :)

Where did you sleep last night? my room, duh.

FIVE DO’S/DOES:

Do you like someone right now? i don’t think so.

Do you think anyone likes you? i have no idea. if you like me, please tell me :)

Do you ever wish you were someone else? not really. what’s the point? i’d rather be spending time living my own life than wasting time wishing i was living someone else’s.

Do you know the muffin man? your mom.

Does the future scare you? kinda, when i’m not being fully trusting in God.

FOUR WHY’S:

Why are you best friends with your best friend(s)? I’ve shared way too many adventures with Jason, but I haven’t seen him as often as he’s off on his own new adventure called Marriage :) . I wouldn’t have survived high school without Jon, and we still hang out all the time.

Why did you get a myspace? I didn’t, Zahara made mine. I didn’t want her pretending to be me, so I just took it over.

Why did your parents give you the name you have? I dunno, if you see them, ask them.

Why are you doing this survey? because its what all the cool kids are doing these days. like wearing scarves and drinking energy drinks.

THREE IF’S:

If you could have one super power what would it be?? Easy, make food magically appear. The reason is twofold, 1) I can make whatever I want and tame my ridiculous appetite, and 2) I would actually be a superhero for putting an end to world hunger. Please don’t steal my superpower and pass it off as your own. I came up with it first :)

If you could go back in time and change one thing, would you? Nope, I’ve watched way too many movies involving time travel to know that it never really ends well.

If u were stranded on a deserted island & could bring 1 thing what would you bring? for all purposes of practicality, a knife. Cut down trees, kill some wildlife, dig up some plants…. you can’t do that with a computer or a book can you?

TWO WOULD-YOU-EVER’S:

Would you ever get back together with any of your ex’s if they asked you? No. I’ve moved on, even if it took longer for some than for others, but I’m happy to still have them as friends.

Would you ever shave your head to save someone you love? I’ve already shaved my head for lesser things, so of course.

ONE LAST QUESTION

Are you happy with your life right now? I’m happy, but I’m not satisfied. Not in this world I won’t be.

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Art Inspiring Art

Sometimes the best secrets are the ones you have in common with people you don't know.

Sometimes the best secrets are the ones you have in common with people you don't know.

I love going to Postsecret every Sunday to find a treasure trove of people’s secrets. Some are funny, some are depressing, some are downright dirty. But the ones I love the most, are the ones that inspire. I look out for those ones more than any other secret. Maybe it’s because I feel like my love for life is lacking, or my creativity is hitting the wall, I’m not sure. But when I see secrets like the one I posted above, they just give me that one extra reason to stop and think, “God blessed me with a wonderful life”. It usually tends to be something awesome to think about while I drive to church the same morning.

Read the rest of this entry »

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To my new friend Richelle…

I work at In-N-Out, which is where I met Mercedes and Veronica. Mercedes and Veronica introduced me to their good friend Heidi a couple years back. I went to Heidi’s surprise birthday party a couple of months back, and that’s when i met Stephanie. Then yesterday I met you because you were with Stephanie.

I go to Cornerstone International Christian Church in La Puente, which is where Christian used to go a long time ago, along with his parents and brother and sister, Ben and Samantha. I still keep in touch with Samantha, which is how I still see Christian around. We also have other mutual friends in the area as well. Christian is going out with your sister Reinna, and you guys look alike, which is how i pegged you as her sister.

Adam also goes to CICC with me, and also knows the Cruzes. He also goes to Walnut High. He is in drama with Aubrey, which is how I assume they met, and are now currently going out together. Aubrey knows Heidi because they went to a Jonas Brothers concert together once. I’m guessing you know Aubrey because you guys are in the same class, and are both graduating this Thursday.

Need anymore connections? :)

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A Revamp Here, A Revamp There

You might’ve noticed that I’ve updated the look of the blog recently. I guess I was getting tired of the old layout, and I needed something that meshed a little bit better with my photography website. So now I’m doing the all white thing. Slightly boring? Yes, but slightly more “professional” too. Blech, I don’t like that word. Sounds too stuffy. Anyways, I’ve been fairly busy taking pictures and not doing enough writing about them, so I’ll just make this more of a straight photoblog for the day. Photos are after the break. Read the rest of this entry »

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Life’s For Sharing

Suhweet!!!

Suhweet!!!

I was recommended to Jennifer and Garfield by someone who had previously taken prom shots with me last year. They ended up being a pretty fun couple, they were both extremely outgoing and comfortable, which can be hard for anyone when you’re working with someone you’ve never previously met before. And being in a relationship together, you can tell from the photo above that they have great chemistry together. Read the rest of this entry »

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140 Characters or Less

It's a wonderful night for the prom.

It's a wonderful night for the prom.

I have to admit, Adam and Aubrey’s photo session could’ve gone a lot better that day. I had to deal with a rapidly setting sun, chilly night winds, a raging school counselor, and only 10 minutes with them. We did what we could, and the photos came out alright. But I know if we had had more time, their photos could’ve been spectacular. Oh well, it happens. You can only roll with the punches. Read the rest of this entry »

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Not Your Usual Perspective

Someone get me out of bed.

Someone get me out of bed.

But no matter how you look at it, I still need to clean my room. If you’ve ever wanted a peek into my world, this is about as good as it gets.

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