Spoiled

Angie and the girls took me out for mexican food on my birthday Wednesday night. We went to El Charro (I think that's what it's called) in Ankeny. Angie and I discovered it a month or so back on one of our date nights. It's cheap and very yummy. They're fast too. Our food came about 5 minutes after we ordered it. No kidding, it was that fast. Angie told them it was my birthday, so they put hats on us and sang some song. It was fun.

Tomorrow is Alex's birthday. Angie and I bought her the phone she wanted. Angie was able to get a good deal on a new phone. Alex is paying us for half of it. We gave it to her tonight. She didn't know she was getting it and was very excited. I know we spoil them, but it's worth it to see them smile like that.

Today was pretty warm, like 45 degrees I think. The snow was melting good. It won't last though. The high on Sunday is supposed to be 15.

Peace-
Matt

Slideshow

My wife has discovered a new found hobby. She has been making "slideshows" from groups of photos. She's made one from her trip to England this past fall, one of Robby's photos (see link on the right side of this page), and a couple others. She's very good at it and is enjoying it. We have been seeing less of her because of it, but I am still trying to decide if that's good or bad ;-) Anyway, check out the video and let her know what you think.

Peace-
Matt

Go Bears!

Rex Grossman sucks, but the Bears were able to get past that and win anyway. Way to go Bears, what a fun game to watch.

This is our big January birthday week. Mine is Wednesday and Alex's is Saturday. Alex wants a new cell phone for her birthday. The one she wants is like $250. No way I can afford to spend that much, nor do I feel that I should. Her phone broke when she "failed to catch it". So, if you're looking for an idea for Alex's birthday. She wants money to pay for part of her new phone.

It's so hard not to spoil a daughter.

70 degrees

This is what the van showed on my way to work Tuesday morning. It was 70 degrees warmer than that here just a few days ago.

Just passing time

Cleaning the Garage

The medium of photography can record not only what the eyes see, but that which the mind's eye sees as well. The camera is not only an extension of the eye, but of the brain. It can see sharper, farther, nearer, slower, faster than the eye. It can see by invisible light. It can see in the past, present, and future. Instead of using the camera only to reproduce objects, I wanted to use it to make what is invisible to the eye, visible. -Wynn Bullock

Taking a bath

I've always wanted to do a series of photographs that depict time passing. This all started from a photograph that I took a few years back of Alex doing dishes. It was something like a 2 minute exposure, I can't remember for sure. Alex was moving the whole time, so you can't really see her, but you can see evidence of time passing. I have lots of ideas for this series, and am excited about it. These are a couple of my first meager attempts. Tests really, but fun nonetheless.

TGTF

Thank God Tomorrow's Friday


Sounds like we're in for some winter weather this weekend. I started the snowblower tonight, just to be sure it starts. Early last winter, after the first snowfall, I dug the snowblower out to clear the driveway. It wouldn't start. Turned out I needed a new motor. After spending over $300 for that, it hasn't snowed since At least not enough to blow. The best $300 I ever spent.

Testing

I started "practicing" with my new lights this afternoon. It was a lot of fun and I think I'm going to get some excellent results from this setup. Here are a few that I did with one light and a reflector, just screwing around.



Abby had another game this morning. She wasn't the scoring machine that she was in the last game, but she did good and had fun.

Peace-
Matt

Dragging on

January always feels like the longest month of the year to me. I suppose it's because the holidays are over and winter is in full force (usually). February is short, and March has more spring weather. January just drags out forever.

I recently sold all of my 8x10 gear to buy some studio lights and a few misc other things. I'm going to try to start shooting some portraits on the side for extra money. I need to pay off some bills before I have to start paying for college and weddings. I need to practice a bit with the lights, but will be ready to start soon. Pass the word if you know anyone who wants portrait work done. I'll be very affordable.



This shot I took tonight with one of the "misc" things I bought. It's called a "lensbaby". Fun little gadget. No photoshop here, this is straight out of the camera (besides resizing).

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone. I hope it brings all that you deserve.

We had a nice trip to Kevin's house last weekend. It's always a lot of fun to spend time with them. We watched Iowa and the Bears lose, and the New Year come in.

Peace-
Matt