Day 24

So I thought I'd spice things up a little bit with a video... my digital Sony Cybershot camera has a nifty video function, however, it automatically zooms in and out, so when I move it, it tends to go in and out of focus - so I apologize for some of the blurriness. But at least you get a close-up view of kittens at play... through a door. Normally, BitBit or Pip try and pull Shanks' paws, but they were only mildly interested when I was filming ;)

I'm also sneaking in a picture of the mess on my desk (the right side of it, anyway)... this is the section of my cubicle that is a temporary parking space for papers, invoices, notes, receipts, envelopes, books, oh lord - you name it! There's even a box of cereal, for crying out loud (which I disposed of right after I took this picture because it's been there since 2008 - and I couldn't remember if it has been there since November or December)! Dude, when I find the time, I need to do some clean-up!

Day 23

I wasn't really in a picture taking mood today... so here are 2 pictures from my room. I have a map of Scotland marked with places I've been and places I want to go to. I also have these little collectible ring "boxes" that really need dusting (as you can see) - this little guy was my first ;)

Day 22

My sister was in a crafty mood tonight, so she made her first two fleece-blanket-by-kits tonight. I caught her fingers in a tying frenzy!
Shanks, being Shanks.
Shanks sniffing my finger after I ate my leftover pasta with shrimp... hmmm... shrimp...
Pip, blinking yet again!

Day 21

Sunday was a work day for me... so I had to find little things to break up my 4 hours of OT. A little bit of snow fell in the morning, so I thought I'd try to take a picture from my floor of the park behind my building. Sorry about the reflection, but it's still a cool picture.

Then, as I was walking to my car to head to the grocery store, I encountered this little squirrel. He/she let me take a few pictures before freaking out (hence the last picture). So cute! Everytime I see a squirrel, one of two things pop into my mind... Eddie Izzard and The Sword and the Stone.

Day 20

So, my sister and I spent the majority of the day hanging out at my parent's house. I'd like to keep things different picture-wise each day, so I ventured around their house looking for things that caught my eye. My step-father has a hefty antique kitchen oriented collection going on, and I thought his display would make an interesting picture - along with a close up of one of the gadgets. My mom, who collects all sorts of themed items, has these hand-made fairies that she used to collect from an antique/craft store (do you see a theme here with my parents???). I just snapped the easiest one to reach ;)

Day 19

Okay, there is a history to this first picture... (oh yes, Kim - you knew I would do this!) This bench was the infamous location were a couple had VERY public "relations" about 4-5 years ago in the early morning. What makes the story so hilarious is that my co-workers and I were witnesses to this shocking scene from our floor - 11 stories up! To this day, I have avoided sitting, standing, or touching this bench and I giggle anytime I see someone else on it! LOL!
The next 3 pictures are of my energetic kitties... BitBit posed for the camera, but the second the flash began to go off, she made a mad dash and bounded away, little stinker! And then, there's the boys - Pip and Shanks (aka Baby). Shanks kind of looks a little demonic with his eyes all a-glow... creepy!

Day 18

The sky was beautiful today with all sorts of clouds rolling in. This is a shot straight up with my camera.
I was called into duty today to cover the front desk phones as my co-worker was out sick. This was a quick pic between phone calls ;)
My mom and I had a nice dinner at Quiznos tonight after my hair appointment. As we were walking to our cars, I noticed that this one statue-like thing that I've been eyeing for this project was lit up. Unfortunately, the light on the statue wasn't bright enough, so I had to use my flash, which didn't help. This is the one good picture I was able to get.
After my mom went to her car, I walked up the steps to one of my company's buildings to try and get a picture of one of the water fountains that lights up in multiple colors at night. Pictures don't do it justice - you'll just have to check it out for yourselves!

Day 17

The first 2 pictures are of this morning's sunrise driving in on my way to work. Don't worry, I made sure the car was stopped at a light before I snapped these pics ;)
The third picture is of the last end of the sunrise reflected off of the few windows that are on the building being constructed next to my office. If you haven't noticed, I like reflections!
And these last 2 pictures are of one of the many drinking fountains Portland has to offer. They take great pictures, but I swear I will never, and have never, drank from one of these. To me, they are art.

Day 16

Every single day I am proud and honored to be an American. But today... today I was profoundly proud of the dignified way that President Bush and his wife "passed the torch" to the Obamas. It was sincere, full of grace, and genuinely touching. People can say whatever they wish about President Bush, but he was full of class today. And even though I was unable to watch the Inauguration live, I was moved by the words of President Obama's speech. The following section meant the most to me...

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

Too often, we forget how America was born. We forget that She has been stained with the blood of heroes that fought for a New World - fighting for freedoms that belong to every man, woman, and child. This is a nation built from survivors, innovators, visionaries, warriors, poets, immigrants, laborers, believers, dreamers, and explorers. Being American is not just a label. It's a creed... a complete state of being, and we all must take on our responsibilities as citizens, for we are the government, the people, and it is our duty to face the future with strength, integrity, confidence, and wisdom.

May God bless our country and may He lead our new president down the right paths for our nation.

Day 15

My first picture of the day was of the construction crane reflecting in my office building. I love when it's a clear, sunny day downtown because my building reflects everything!
The second picture is of one of my cabinets at home... one of my rarely ever opened cabinets.
This is my "fancy" china - which I've never used :)
The last picture is of the glass figurine inside my cabinet. I kind of like how the picture makes it look a little Egyptian.

Day 14

So today was a lazy photo day... the first picture is from my parent's house - Home Sweet Home.
The second picture is of Joey, the family dog. He's a big ball of fluff with a love a biscuits and stuffed chew toys.
This last picture is evidence that I do, on rare occasions, wear mascara. I might push myself to wear it more often if it weren't for all the issues it causes with my contacts!

Oh, and I promise that not all of my pictures will be in black and white, however, it is my preferred photographic style. If there is something specific that you would like to see on my site, please let me know. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Day 13

Okay, this first picture is definitely a goofy one! My sister and I went to purchase our tickets for My Bloody Valentine this morning (for the 7:45 pm show) and had a little fun with our 3D glasses ;)
These next few pictures are from one of my favorite locations to photograph... a cemetery. At this particular cemetery in Portland, there is a new monument that was dedicated over December 2008 by the President of Ireland. It is a reminder of the deadly Potato Famine and the survival of the Irish People (my peeps). The cross is 15 feet high and beautifully adorned with carvings reflective of ancient celtic designs and influence. A must see if you ever visit Portland!
The last two pictures are just random shots that I took as we drove through the cemetery. I'm in love with the angel picture! It's one of my favorite black & white's to date!

Day 12

This first picture is the last picture that I took today, but it is so darn cute, I had to show it first! This is little Jada, my friends Gabe & Amber's little girl. My sister and I hung out with them - eating pizza, playing Rock Band, and cuddling with Jada. She is so freakin' adorable! Especially when she sneezes ;)
The second picture is off of a bench located at the end of the walking pier that I ventured out onto during lunch. Several names were carved into the wood, so I thought I'd try and be all artsy...
The rest of the pictures, as you can see, were all from my walking trip along the dock. I love the way black and white makes everything look so classy (and how it hides the true color of the Willamette!).

Day 11 - A Handful of Pics

This first picture is definitely not something that I planned on. I parked my car this morning in a new spot of my parking garage, and behold - I had this little image pop into my view. It was on the utility box along the wall behind my car. Kind of creepy, but interesting nonetheless.
This next picture is of my Starbucks (aka Buckies) beverage this afternoon. I ventured on the wild side and tried their new London Fog Latte - SWEET NECTAR OF THE GODS! (My new favorite indulgence, I predict!)
And this last photo was actually my first of the day, as I rushed out on a break to try and snap something either unique or moderately witty. I think my friend Brian might find this one funny. I sure did (when I read the fine print on the Tapped sticker... haha)!

Day 10 - Lots of pictures to share

Blueberries... part of my nutritional morning breakfast. Sweet, tart, and full of antioxidants. Who could ask for a better way to kick off the day?
This is a game wheel that is in my coworker's new cube. I have no clue what game it's been used for, but I love the whole existence of it!
My building has a flower shop on the lower, outside level. Brilliant colors, sweet aromas, and numerous varieties - a great way to make me smile everyday.
My friend Kim and I took an adventurous walk today out on the docks. It was the first time I had braved walking out onto the Willamette (literally) and hopefully not the last! The Dragon Boats were sitting there, posing pretty for us ;)
I'm not sure if you all can see, but there is a Heron (or something similar) resting atop the boat in the front of the picture. I didn't have my 12x zoom Digital camera on me, but I definitely plan on bringing it with me the next time I travel down to the docks!

Live With Less