And just like that…its the end of 2010

So lets see, its now Dec 2010 and where has the time gone? 2010 has been a challenging year for myself and my family.  But we are ever grateful that He has kept us under His grace.  From physical, financial and emotional challenges we have grown stronger as a family, for what the devil meant for our defeat God showed us if we keep our eyes focused on Him, even though the world around us may be crumbling underneath our feet, we will never be defeated.

I want to extend my thanks to our extended family for being there for us–for all the thoughts and prayers as my wife underwent back-to-back surgeries and getting the final follow-up recently that she is fully restored @ 100%… and we can now move on and put that experience behind us and look for good things to come.

I asked my son a while back “are you happy?” and he said without no hesitation “YES DAD! I’M VERY HAPPY! BECAUSE I HAVE A MOMMY AND DADDY THAT LOVES ME”.  When I heard his reply it brought a tear in my eye…amongst the trials and challenges our family was going through, he was still full of happiness.  That’s the kind of mentality I pray to have–to be happy because no matter what the world throws at you, you know that you are loved and nothing else in the world matters.

So with the end of 2010 fast approaching, I would like continually challenge myself to be more “happy” and less “worry” for 2011… to take note of the finer things in life–a family where love thrives and God lives.  God bless.

Flip Mino

We’ve recently picked up a flip mino video camera since the wifey has been itching to get one for the longest time.  Found a great deal on Amazon.com but got a even better deal on good ‘ol craigslist for a steal!  Just in time for our son’s 1st piano recital – woot!

I was very impressed on the video quality and ease of use.  Just point and shoot, connect to PC via USB, edit, compose clips from the built-in editing software, CLICK and “VOILA!” — uploaded to the social networking site of your choosing.

You can of course also utilize other video editing software if you want to jazz up your movie-making.  Oh, and its compatible w/ PC and MAC…

Overall, this little gizmo is great. 60 mins of high quality video is plenty–I mean who actually records more than that?  (unless you’re trying to make pirated movies–which is a NO-NO!) Highly recommended to capture those precious moments… I’m sure even my mother can use this.  Enjoy!

Recession sucks

We’re in a recession.  The economy is crap.  Its depressing.

It’s a new day… time to wake up and get ready.  Nothing like a good ‘ol stretch right before getting up from bed.  Go downstairs, grab a bowl and have some cereal while flipping through channels on the TV.  Jump in the shower, put on clothes and hurry along to do my weekday routine… get my mind challanged, interact socially with my peers, do daily tasks of reasoning and learn a few things. Take a break.  Interact again. LUNCHTIME. Half the day is done and its almost time to go home and wind down… only to do it all over again — while catching an episode or two of SpongeBob Squarepants or play a few games on the Wii…

I may never completely know what goes through my 8 year old son, but looking at  him everyday as we go through this recession sometimes makes me wish I was 8 again… with no cares in the world.  No worries about bills to pay, or wondering if I’ll still have a job tomorrow.  Wishing for a more simple time…

The Ride – UPDATE

it’s been a while since i’ve posted something so i figured i’d post up an update w/ Mazzie. i commented that she got “dropped” (lowered) in February. since then i’ve added a few other cosmetic/bolt-on mods… 20% tint all around, overlays on the headlights and fog lights, blacked-out corner lens and tail lights, blacked-out emblems, K&N intake, HKS exhaust and wheels … and it only has begun… ugh, the joys of modding…

Photography by A.Mair

thats all for now… have a good day.

2009?!

New year.  New blog.  Last year surely brought about a lot of things from world around us and my personal world.  Who hasn’t blogged about their frustration w/ our economy?  From soaring fuel prices, plummeting real estate values and unemployment?  Sad to say that I too have become a statistic of the failing job market.  I was involuntarily terminated due to a “reduction in workforce” that my company had to undergo.  There were a lot of us–all tech savvy, highly productive technicians that were let go due to lack of “seniority”.  Who was  spared?  The old timers who didn’t have the desire to learn current and upcoming technological advancements who most likely were going to retire within this year… where is the sense in that?!  And to think our company’s motto was “The way to common sense.”  That certainly brought about some drastic changes in our lives.  I’m thankful that God was able to steer me into another job rather quickly… although it was a large pay reduction from what I was already at.  But in this day and age, one would consider themselves fortunate to be employed… and make do what hand we are dealt.

I’m very thankful that regardless of what we faced in 2008, God has and is still working in our lives.  I know when times get tough we immediately raise our heads to the sky with fists shaking in the air yelling  “Why God?! Why?!”… but if we stop for a second, when we face trials, it builds up our perseverance (James 1:2-4) and with perseverance comes great reward (James 1:12).

So a new year usually brings new year’s resolutions that usually fall through after a few weeks or so… but, we only fail if we quit trying right?  With that said, I’d like to challenge myself to change for the better–physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually.  I’m not getting any younger and now is the time I should set goals in my life and strive to accomplish.  I know I can sound like a broken record, but I know I can do these things–through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).

So… here we go.  I’m ready as I’ll ever be 2009… let’s do this.

No blogs…

Yes, its been like…. forever since i’ve blogged.  Been busy with… well, just about everything.

What’s in a book?

i for one, am not really into reading unless its comic books or magazines… but sometimes– just sometimes, i come across something interesting enough for me to pick up and read. i remember when i was in elementary school, whenever it was “library day” instead of grabbing the usual fictional books kids get, i found myself immersed in the non-fiction section. I’d read about animals,bugs, reptiles, technology or biographies–heck, i actually went through the Encyclopedia Brittanica (yes, back then there was no such thing as GOOGLE!). but one would think that they’d need to be in a library or a bookstore in order to find a “good read”… boy was i mistaken! i found great literature in, of all places, the bathroom! LOL no, i’m not talking about a magazine, tabloid or newspaper either.

So… what is this book?

pretty interesting! oh, and btw… i wasn’t in the you-know-what when i took the pics! LOL

it was filled w/ lots of poop! (PUN INTENDED)… actually pretty “informative” w/ vivid descriptions, explanations and such… and all done in a professional, kinda humorous and very tasteful fashion. after all, the author is a licensed M.D. as well. i did a search on this “topic” and found other books that may be worth checking out:

The Official Turd Book by Melvin Samples

What Shat is That?: A pocket guide to poop identity by Matt Pagett

…and there are a several other ones as well. all in all, it makes one think how a subject that is usually done in discreet privacy can be found quite interesting.

on a final note… RAMBO POOH? CHINESE STAR? OMG!

…more pictures EDITED! ;)

Playing around with PhotoShop… kinda freakin’ confusing if you ask me! So many thingiemabobs to click… yet another thing someone would take classes on. Hmph! But I believe the best way to learn is “hands-on”… so here’s my attempt — for now.

Photography?

Well, we recently picked up a DSLR and let me tell you… there’s more to that thing than just point and shoot. From focus, shutter, apperature, etc… sheesh! I must admit, i have new found respect to all photographers. Everyone can snap a picture, but it takes some “know how” to capture life’s precious moments. With that said, here is my feeble attempt to take some photos..

Old TV shows reborn?

I noticed that a lot of old TV shows/Movies are making a comeback one way or another. We’ve all heard that “I Am Legend” was a remake of “Omega Man”, blah blah… but the remade TV shows is trying to invade my DVR slots. Now I’m not talking about Bionic Woman (had potential, but started to lose interest in it)… American Gladiators looks promising even though they all sound corny as heck. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of good shows out there (what i think at least) like HEROES (YA TA!), HOUSE, PRISON BREAK…etc. But what I’m kinda looking forward to is the return of KNIGHT RIDER. (Yesssss! — even though KITT is a friggin’ Mustang.) K… enough of my jibbajabba for now.