An Update of Sorts

Today I needed something to distract myself from what day it is, so I ran the gamut of thought absorbing processes. Among these were: Playing poker, Playing Tribes, and Reading anything and everything I could find.

I also took it upon myself to do some "sprucing" up, if you will. I searched google to see what I could learn about making a good weblog. Apparently, I'm not too bad off. Some of the suggestions didn't need to be put into effect, I think, but some of them are actually worthwhile. So, that's why I now have links to some of my previous posts that I feel exemplify my weblog as a whole. If you haven't already, you might want to give them (and my archives, for that matter) a quick read. Admittedly, I'm going through a rather lengthy dry spell as far as pure writing substance goes. That'll pass though.

For now, though, enjoy the freshness to the right. Huzzah!

Bird Watching on a Rainy Day

I spent a large portion of the day on my balcony taking in the refreshing scent on the rainy spring-time air, and photographing birds as I saw them. Sometimes I get worried that someone is going to see me up on my balcony taking pictures and assume that I'm some kind of weird peeper. It couldn't be further from the truth, really. I've just found that there a lot of wonderful shots waiting for me just outside, in front of my apartment.

As has been stated previously, I love nature photography. Bird photography, however, is something I've only recently found an interest in. I know birds and nature are very closely related (a little too obvious?), but I never really thought I would be interested in it. It's rather difficult, to say the least. I've found that you pick up on their habits very quickly, though.

Just in front of my building, there's a dumpster. I know, you're thinking "eww gross, trash is nasty." Yes, true, but it was here where I found the birds constantly returning. They would perch on the fence surrounding the dumpster, look around the area outside of the fence, survey the inside of the dumpster, and dive right in. I'm guessing the dumpster is a low-labor source of food. It seems perfectly reasonble for them to feast here, actually. I mean, aside from competition from other birds (which is clearly why they'd survey the area before going in), there's absolutely no danger. Hell, I'd even venture to say that there's a sense of protection inside the dumpster, both from the rain and other birds. It's a fuckin smorgasbord, and I was on hand with my camera.

Some key shots from the day:

This bird was perched in a branch just above the dumpster. He's actually looking down on it.


This one is obviously on top of the dumpster. Once again, surveying the area. S/He looks pretty sinister, eh?


These two were working together. They were VERY interesting to watch. One would go in, get it's fill, come back out, and the other would go in. Here you can see them checking out the perimeter to see if it's clear.


That's it for now. Tune in for more....after the break.

Thunder is impressive; but it is lightning that does the work.

Samuel Clemens said that. At least I think he did...I'm not entirely sure.

I've found myself fascinated with random photography. Simply grabbing my Nikon D50 to snap a picture at the most obscure time. It may go without saying however, that I have a massive interest in nature photography. There's nothing more beautiful than catching mother nature in action, or at rest for that matter. My good friend Smitty seems to share this same love of nature photography. But, see, he has mountains. I don't have that. I have small hills and a smog-ridden city. Color me green with envy.

So, sometimes, I have to improvise.

A few weeks ago, for instance, a storm started brewing southeast of my apartment. It was quite a spectacle. 50 mi/h winds, unremitting lightning, and the obligatory booming thunder that immediately follows it. Don't you love my use of consonance? Too bad this isn't poetry, eh?

Anyway, in an impromptu effort to capture lightning with my camera, I set up my tripod just inside my balcony's sliding door. I had to position the legs just right so I could get as close to the opened door as possible. Those three legs, though simple in design, can be quite tricky. Once the camera was positioned for optimal through-the-door viewing, I had to get my settings right. I figured I'd set the camera on aperture priority and let it decide how long to leave the shutter open. It did a pretty good job, in my opinion.

So, I submit for your approval two of the best pictures taken that fateful eve.

Share a Smoke, Make a Joke

Got my coffee, got my smoke.

Can't really think of any jokes right now. Just thought I'd say something in here. I gotta get ready for work! I'm running late. Holy shit.

Just for the record. French Roast is the best.

If you beg, he won't listen. You can't bribe him with bad checks.

A weblog is the singular voice of a person, it's true. Rands definitely knew what was up when he said that. It goes without saying that my voice, however, has been a bit muffled over the past year. Rather than go into the typically boring "I should post more" apology, I guess I'll just sum up the past year as best I can.

Starting in July when I last left you:

- Due to my ex threatening my life, I moved into Brappytown for a few weeks where I was met with warm arms and cold beer. I stayed there during the transitional period of finding a new apartment and getting promoted to Photo Manager. I had a chance to catch up with Chris and some of the gang while there, and it was a generally good time. I felt as if I was a burden to them, but their kindness assured me otherwise.

- In August, Shana and I moved into our new apartment that kicks much ass. It was all gravy. At first, we had no furniture but our discontentment changed that one fateful afternoon when we took a trip to a furniture store. I can't remember the name of it. All the furniture is sleek and stylish. I guess what people would call "contemporary."

...

Hmm...Seems I can't really recall any other intersting events. Bah. I've been sick all this week and my head has been void of anything resembling intelligence. This includes memory, which never was that great anyway. Oh well. I guess it's good that I'm posting in this otherwise ruined weblog, eh?

Sigh.

Maybe I'll try again when I can type every word without having to backspace.

I need a shower.