As good as GOLD!

Today is my golden birthday. 28 on July 28, 2008. It's also the two year anniversary of the day I closed on my house. The address...2801 28th Ave. My lovely girlfriend was also 28 on the 28th in October. I've never really had a lucky number, but I think 28 would have to be it. My intention is not to get too sentimental on my dog blog, but I have to acknowledge how blessed I am. I have an amazing family who I had dinner with last night (Mom made homemade pizza), a beautiful girlfriend who also has a wonderful and loving family, a healthy dog who is always happy to see me and a great group of friends that helped me celebrate on Saturday. I don't have a white picket fence at the house or 2.2 kids, but this has to be the American Dream.

I'm off work today, but don't have much of a plan. The only thing on the agenda is to hit the golf course this afternoon. As long as it doesn't rain. Whoa...Who knew Kathy Lee Gifford was back on TV. Apparently she annoys viewers from 10-11am on the Today show. The things you learn when you're not at work and have nothing to do. Still the same old Kathy Lee.

Happy Birthday to me. Can't wait to swing the sticks this afternoon. Maybe I'll post my scorecard when I'm done. Have a great day, I know I will.

Summer photo shoot

I borrowed a Canon 30D camera and a 50mm lens from the Augustana Photo Bureau and started shooting. I've been trying to take more photos lately because I really enjoy creating images. I'm not the best photographer because the camera is so technical and I just figure it out as I go, but I think my composition is at least better than average. I kind of fell in love with shooting with the 50mm at a short depth of field (f.1.4 or 1.8). I shot this other album on the Augustana Campus. Enjoy.

Hillbilly Holiday 2008

Its almost over. Sure, the actual HoliDAY is over, but Hillbilly Holiday can sometimes take a week or more to come to a close. This year will probably endure longer than most given it came at the start of a weekend adding a full day to the bingeing and burning.

The mere pop of a bottle rocket sends Casper into into a manic state. Thus, my growing dislike for the 4th. In theory it should be one of my favorites...BBQ, beer, professional fireworks; all things I love. But, the more fireworks I see shot off in back yards, the more I dislike it. It's quickly becoming a major source of anxiety in my house. Not only because of Casper's extreme fear, but I just don't get it. Why would someone go to such great lengths to do something illegal (sure it's only about as illegal as gambling on the NCAA tournament) with such little payoff and with great expense. No offense to those whose incomes suffer, but why would you drive to Missoura with $4/gallon gas to spend $500 on fireworks you can't afford to get fifteen minutes of squealing and popping out of the deal. It just doesn't make sense. Thus concludes my crotchety old man rant.

So, as you shoot off the leftovers that you were too drunk to light over the weekend, think of poor Casper and ask, is it worth it?