PhotoJournal Adventure

Blog has moved!

2009-11-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

I had to move blogs last week because of the continuous issues with Blogger...I want to be able to post more than one pic, otherwise how can I tell the story properly?

Here's the new link to two of my new blogs but I will be keeping this open to continue following my fellow favorite blogs on my dashboard. Either that, or transfer to the new blogs.

I am discontinuing my third blog, Living life, since I can just combine that to my photog blog.

Sometimes change is good...especially in this case.

Summer Wedding at Starved Rock

2009-10-22T09:58:00.001-07:00

221/365-->Mr and Mrs Adam Finlayson
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Finally coming around to blogging my friend Adam's wedding...been so busy these last few weeks since coming back from Chicago.

Our road trip to Chicago in August was for the wedding of my friend Adam and his girlfriend of 10 years, Delia. The place? Starved Rock. The atmosphere? If you guys watched the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, you would definitely imagine, a very magical place, with trees surrounding you. Very peaceful...

The reception was delightful as well, they ended up sharing cake first, instead of later on during the reception, the photographers ended up sitting at our table, where we were talking shop throughout the dinner process (after they came back with the bride and groom from a nice photo session outside where the light was extremely perfect).

Alas though, a lot of the pics I took didn't turn out as well as I had hoped...I was actually better off with a point and shoot, with the low light setting and one of the photographers told me why: I needed a separate kind of lens specifically built to take photos in low-light settings. (Cost: $1200 and up for a single lens, oh well, better save up for that one!)

The dancing got a bit crazy in the end, as it always do, but one of the best parts was keeping up with folks I have not seen since high school (well, with the exception of Adam of course!) like Jeremy and Leslie. (Jeremy was the Best Man)

We even had an after-party at the lodge, where things got a bit crazy as well...I had a great time!

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, and saying our byes to the newlyweds we took a nice long hike around Starved Rock and took even more pics. Still, a great time.

I think I am done...

2009-09-10T10:55:00.001-07:00

I am officially done buying tools for my studio.

Yeah, go ahead and laugh. But seriously, I am done. Scrapbooking is, and I am not going to lie, an expensive hobby. Every time I turn around, there is something else that comes out that may be the next best thing that you have to buy. But me? I am a cheapskate. I say this with no shame in my game. If I can get away with paying less for something, I will take it in a heartbeat.

Despite all of that, this hobby also got me into a lot of trouble: I have a lot of credit card debt...something that my husband John is not too thrilled about when he found out and has not hesitated to tell me so. But I am happy to report that I am now fixing this dilemma and plan to be smarter about this credit card stuff next year...when I pay off all my debt. How am I doing it? A combined form of a word: overtime. At work. Yes, I am also going to school, but at some point, I have to make some sacrifices when it comes to time right?

When I made that goal to pay off all that debt, I saw something on the QVC channel that made me stop in my tracks.

The Quickutz Silhouette die cutting machine. When it came out the first time, like maybe at least 3 years ago, the thing cost $500. Way over my budget. That was like my half of the rent. It was ridiculous! So fast forward to June 2009, and I just happened to be channel surfing one morning when I turned to the QVC channel. I already knew it can cut fonts from your own computer, and you can download images from the internet for about the same price you pay for individual shapes from the Quickutz company, only this time, you can get the same shape in different sizes.

What attracted me was the price...it dropped about 50%. I was sold, and the next morning, I told John I would make one more purchase with the credit card. The reason being, not only was the machine at an affordable price, but it lets you pay in 5 installments; which for me, is about $45 each or whatever amounts to $250. So this was back in June when I bought it...here's one of my projects that I was working on with this wonderful machine when it arrived...only three days after placing the order.

I already made a couple of pages before starting on this project (this is back in July) and when I was confident that this purchase was not a big mistake, as some tools can be, I started on a wedding album, for my friend Adam who got married to his girlfriend of 10 years, Delia, one month ago.

As you can see, I tried all sorts of stuff, and another valuable thing about this machine? They have a website in which you can purchase shapes and phrases to download, and one of the options I chose was the unlimited subscription in which you pay $30 a month for all of the downloaded shapes that you want...and they come up with new ones every week! (lately though, I keep checking back, and I keep seeing new images updated to the site every day...Cool!)

So, with this wonderful machine, I'm thinking of the awesome possibilities that I can dream up, making lots of cool accents as inspired by some wonderful scrapbooking blogs that I have been following. (check out my profile page for the listing of blogs that I follow: there are some food related and some scrapbooking related that you will definitely want to check out)

So now do you believe me when I say that I'm done purchasing tools for my studio? Some projects that I'm hoping to share soon, now that I have the Silhouette:

Politics 2008 and Beyond
Amundsen 1993-1997
Diabetes Mellitus (a Mini Book that I will be working on as a prop, besides the Powerpoint presentation that I am working on for class)
Travel 2009
Remember the Honor of Lane (Josie's high school scrapbook)
And a whole host of others that I have yet to think of

The Diabetes project that I have mentioned above will be the subject of my second to last purchase with the credit card...the Zutter Bind-it-All system, where you can bind your own albums and such. It is another product review, so stay tuned!

Anyone thinking of purchasing the Silhouette, I don't think that they have the deal on QVC anymore, but you can check out the QVC website or the Quickutz blog to find out more details. This machine can be purchased at the Archiver's Scrapbook store, or any participating Quickutz vendors...the mom-and-pop scrapbooking stores or online. Compare prices, do a little research before purchasing any tool that is over $100, and you can't go wrong.

Arrr....

2009-08-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

I am just terrible.

Can't believe my last post was in June!! ACK!!!

So many things have been happening, the blogs went through a serious neglect! I promise that will change soon since lack of blogging means more goodies to post up like:

4th of July camping trip
Ras' and Jennene's visit
Weeklong road trip to Chicago
My dear friend Adam's wedding
Hanging out in the Chi-city

That's right, we're in Chicago at the moment, my final trip home for this year anyway, and we're wrapping up our Starved Rock/Chicago adventure (which is where the wedding was held).

I wish I had internet access through the computer (NOT the IPhone) so I can blog on the road. That should be an option right?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Archiver's Steal Deal

2009-06-28T20:39:00.001-07:00

Another great deal!
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Seriously. I feel like I literally stole something. These paper packs that you see here are normally around $8 each.

I bought all three of these for $1.99 each!!!!!

Am I a lucky gal or what?

This was while I was still in Chicago, the day when I was due to fly home that night. I spent Saturday evening with the Santiago's, and the next day, Arlene and I spent the morning shopping and the Archiver's store was in the area. Score! Another score were these paper punch packs! Awesome!

In the past couple of days, I acquired a couple of new scrapbooking toys, on which I will post pics of in the coming week: the Quickutz Silhouette SD, and the Zutter Bind-it-All System, a die cutting machine, and a book binding system, respectively. Will post a review of these projects later on this week.

A lot of new projects sprang into my head upon obtaining these two big ticket items both of which I have waited for the price to come down (the Silhouette SD), and get this 30% off coupon for (the Zutter).

One of them is a little mini-book consisting of the favorite songs I have listened to over the years, and with the recent death of an incredible music artist (I am actually listening to one of his hits "In the Closet" as I'm writing this), Michael Jackson, I think half that book will be dedicated to his songs alone!

Will post more! Stay tuned.

One of a kind performer...Michael Jackson 1958-2009

2009-06-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

Normally, I do not do this, but like so many heartbroken fans out there, I'm at a loss...

I was cooking dinner on Thursday, and I had my computer with me in the kitchen. I usually check the news sites, like The Huffingtonpost, or CNN, or ABC News, when I read a shocking headline: Michael Jackson is gone.

One of my all time favorite music artists: his dance moves, no one can even begin to compare and duplicate. His songs are timeless, and every time I listen to his songs, there is a sudden urge to jump out of my seat and dance.

My favorite songs? "Rock with You", "Say, Say, Say", and "Remember the Time". Of course, I have many more, but those three right there I will listen to first before the others.

I think we will all remember Michael Jackson for his music, and his incredible performances on stage. He was one of a kind: not only his music made us dance, but his music also had a message; he was the one who called our attention about the consequences of environmental ruin; sang about the pain of loneliness; about changing yourself for the better; lots of songs about love. Broke so many barriers in terms of the history of music and how it's presented; and did you know that The Jackson 5 were among the very first of the boy bands? His music so popular, that it influenced the younger generation of musical artists that came after him. He was also a humanitarian, I still remember the song "We Are the World", a song that united him and a bunch of other well known artist for the cause of hunger in Africa.

For all of Michael's successes, for those who believe in those nightmarish allegations that plagued him for the last decade of his life, I say, please, please, PLEASE, give it a rest. It was something I never believed that he would do. Because greed preys on the naive, Michael in the end, became a victim.

For the rest of this time of mourning, I will be working while listening to at least a few songs a day of this incredibly wonderful and gifted artist. Some of his songs I have burned onto a CD since a lot of my Michael Jackson stuff mysteriously disappeared when significant changes in my life occurred.

His music brought back so many childhood memories for me: he's right on the list of ones who had a big influence on me and my generation, like Mr. Rogers (who passed away in 2003), John Denver, James Taylor, and other influential fixtures from the past. Just goes to show that with this latest death, time marches on and an era is passing us by.

May God protect you, dear Michael as you go on to sing and dance with the angels.

**Note**Photos courtesy of Yahoo and flickr.com.

Josie's Graduation

2009-06-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

My usual quota of photos have been met during my June Chicago trip. My sister's graduation, no different! LOL. Highlights here:

Me and Josie before heading off to the UIC Pavilion where Lane Tech held their commencement ceremony.

Walking down the isle with the other "techies", all in "myrtle" graduation gowns. (Myrtle is a fancy name for Forest Green)

Laughing it up (and rubbing it in) with a friend after the ceremony was over.

Josie and her best friend since grade school: Pam Pozos.

The day ended with a HUGE Ice Cream Sundae. Lovely! It was all about my sister that weekend (or at least for the first two days) and she enjoyed every single minute of it.

The 1216 Project

2009-06-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

I love giving away albums. Especially if shows some kind of history of a life well lived...even if it's a small part of their lives that otherwise might have been forgotten. Or, since I take way too many pictures of anything that has some significance, the only sensible thing to do is to turn it into a story worth telling over and over again.

My first album that I gave away was actually last year, when I flew to Chicago for two graduation parties. My husband John's friend AJ graduated from Kellog's School of Business. And since they have a long history together, and the photos to prove it, I thought of making an album showing their story, from the time that they met in a Biology class at UIC, to the present (at the time anyway).

This is my second project, since I took enough pics of the before and after effect of a house renovation, for Joe and Karen Rojek. I added a personal touch at the end here, several recipes that I found were very good.

Karen's mom is an artist, and her specialty is Asian art, which I did an entire page of:

I also included some closer details of their home and how they decorated it:

Finally, I try to add something uniquely personal to them...I go by what John tells me, since I do not really know them very well, and I went with one of Joe's talents: he's a musician. I think he plays the tuba (Joe, if you're reading this, please correct me if I'm wrong!). In fact, his entire immediate family are musicians: his mom and sister sing, his dad plays a trumpet, and his brother plays the saxophone. Pretty neat!

What I did for the first page of the album is a paper-piecing version of the front of their house. The windows and door are in the right place, the embellishments (like the plant bed in front of their bedroom windows and concrete row separating the roof from the downstairs.) are where they are supposed to be...as best as I can find the appropriate color paper for it. Look closely at this picture and you will see a jumbled version of sheet music on the paper that I used for the house. It was the right color, and it just happened to contain remnants of sheet music, which I found so very cool!

I followed a simple formula for the pages to keep the album tied together and limited myself to very few embellishments...an extreme challenge for me since I have practically everything a scrapbooker would need. I stuck with one set of alphabet stamps (Hero Arts), the same kind of ink (Color Box), the matting that I used for the photos is from the same company (Die Cuts with a View), and cardstock in two neutral colors (two shades of beige to be precise for the home pages and a cream color cardstock for the recipe pages). There was only one background page that was different: an Asian themed cardstock for the Asian Art page.

I also used some journal cards so they can journal the more detailed aspects of their home, information that they alone, know. I included before and after pics of the renovation.

Karen had to work the day I stopped by to give them their album, but Joe was doing some work at home. My sister was with me that morning, helping me finish the album at Windy City Scrapbooking, where they have a room in the back where anyone can come and work on their projects, uninterrupted. Came in really handy for my needs. Joe offered some lunch when I dropped off the album, which was really nice of him.

What was Joe's reaction when I gave him the album?

Almost speechless. He was expecting a slip-in album full of pics of the house renovation. Instead, what he received, was something more personal, and I think I must have heard "thank you" a dozen times. The album I used is a huge 3-ring album from Making Memories, which I chose on purpose: since Joe is planning on renovating several more houses from scratch, I left a lot of room to slip in more pages.

My second gift album mission was a success! Photography has officially become a personal mission for me from here on out. My reward? Someone being so appreciative of their gift, something that they will remember for the rest of their lives. A memory that otherwise would have been forgotten, they have it in book form. The day before I left for home, Karen called and left me a voice message thanking me for the gift.

And as I drove to Noe & Arlene's house, three more album projects came to mind...

...and I can't wait to get those started!

Here I go again...

2009-06-04T00:06:00.001-07:00

Busy as always!
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

I leave in a few hours to Chicago...yay! This time, for my sister's graduation on Friday. My second cousin, Ellyn Agana, is also graduating this week, only thing is Ellyn's is in a few hours! Funny isn't it?

It is very late here in the East Coast (3 am...what?!) and I can't sleep for some reason. No matter though, since I'm getting some last minute stuff done for the album that I am giving to our friends Joe and Karen Rojek, all of their pics of their house, before and after. Soo cool! I am also slipped in some recipe pages as well. They will be surprised to see that...

What a weekend this will be. I am still more nervous about this than probably my own sister is, because of the finalities of all three of us off on our own now. I know I should not worry so much, but I can't help it. Just have to keep telling myself that everything will be fine.

The nice thing about being on a short vacation and not have anything from home pressing me at the moment? I can finally catch up on blogging late at night til my eyes get tired. How cool is that? Very. Will be talking again soon!

Familiar sights...

2009-05-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

What better way than to celebrate turning 30 than to be in Sweet Home Chicago? Something that I will have to do for my milestones if I do not come back to Chicago to live and raise my own family.

Where to begin? How about going through a car wash, which is rare in NC, since we now have a driveway to wash our own cars. Something that I had to do since my brother's car is looking pretty dusty on the outside. Plus, it was sunny as well, so I might as well do it whilst I have the chance.

Driving down Lake Shore Drive...wow, do I miss that!!! Sure the highway needs some serious repair (I must have ran over like 20 potholes, seriously while I was in Chicago!) But to see the familiar Drake Hotel, and the John Hancock building, passing by my old job at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the museums, McCormick Place...and of course Navy Pier...Ah, the memories!

And who can forget this psychedelic neon lights with music to match, when you pass through O'Hare Airport's Terminal to United Airlines?

Home is where the heart is, and I did very well for my very first trip to Chicago...this year. And, if you're noticing the date of my posting this and following my two other blogs, yes, I am due for my 2nd trip to Chicago next week for my sister's high school graduation.
Seeing the familiar has a funny way of comforting you when you go on to do your duty. Going to school, working to make the money, taking care of the hubby...in my case anyway, since the kids are not here yet.
Certainly technology has come a long way since now I do not have to deal with buying 32 rolls of film for every trip I take. In fact, I still have some film leftovers some that haven't even been developed yet, which I really should develop soon before something happens to it. I have three memory cards as well taking to bringing my laptop, external HD, and my cord connector, and loading my pics at the end of the night...so I have an infinite number of pics to take...heh heh heh...
Familiar sights and being able to enjoy photography full throttle...very nice indeed.

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-26T09:18:00.001-07:00

World War II Memorial
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

My Dad was born during WWII.

My grandfather fought in WWII.

My uncle served with the U.S military during most of his career for over 20 years, before retiring to work for the U.S Postal service.

My brother-in-law, is serving with the U.S Air Force.

I am sure there is a family with a member, or someone they know, that are serving or has served with the military service somewhere.

I was stuck working yesterday though, which is why this tribute is a day late, lol. I had to resort to a quick tribute on my Facebook page.

Whether you agree with war or not, it is important it to remember the ones who fought in:

The Revolutionary War
The War of 1812
The Civil War
World War I
World War II
The Vietnamese War
The Korean War
The Cold War
The Gulf War
The Iraq & Afghanistan Wars

All wars that serve one purpose: our freedom.

So wherever you are, and you probably already did it yesterday, take a moment, and remember the members of our military, past & present, those who are willing to put their lives on the line, and especially those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Thank you...

A Few Sneak Peeks

2009-05-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of pics from the Chicago trip...

Yes, I know it has been awhile; school kept me from photos and blogging. But here are three to clue you guys in on what I have been up to there starting with...

Pretty neat eh?

I just wrapped things up with Biology today, taking my Final exam (at this point, I'll be glad to take a C in this class...), but John and I are in Laurel, Maryland at the moment, celebrating 2 years of married life. Heading to Washington D.C in the morning and on our agenda:

The Capitol
Library of Congress
National Zoo
Mount Vernon
Baltimore too to experience the famous Maryland crabs...

In the meantime, Happy Tuesday!

Countdown to Chicago!!!

2009-04-13T11:33:00.001-07:00

The Lion
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

My first trip to Chicago this year is coming up fast! I'm leaving this Thursday morning. Will get there before 10am.

And all to, a very busy schedule while I'm there. My brother Jon is picking me up, and he is bringing his girlfriend Laura with him, who expressed more than once that she can't wait to meet me. She thinks I'm interesting...which is a first for me, because I have never been told that before...I usually get this: why do I have to meet her? (Seriously. People can be so mean sometimes.)

My husband thinks that in itself is interesting.

This morning, I took my suitcase out of the shed, and studied a little bit, and am heading to work for a four hour shift this afternoon. Tomorrow is a full day for me, since I have to be at work from 7am-7pm. Then Wednesday, it's class (a review for the exam that we will have this Monday) and a seminar in the afternoon that I have to go back to school for (my class is only an hour).

I just have to get through these two days before my long-awaited Chicago weekend...my first one this year. Honestly, if it hasn't been for my sister graduating this year, I wouldn't be going this often! But I love it!

Next on my list? Clear my camera so I can prep it for a fun-filled weekend...we had a blast this past weekend...dinner with my brother and sister-in-law on Saturday, Easter Brunch on Sunday before heading back in time to go to a Grateful Dead Concert, in which we returned really late last night (1:15 a.m!).

As I start to ring in a brand new decade, I'm finding myself being more reflective.

More on that later. For right now, I'm heading out the door to work.

My Inspiration this week: The Filipino World War II Vets

2009-04-11T15:01:00.001-07:00

CT 00299379A_FilipinoVets20_caguerrero.JPG
Originally uploaded by cherylg1

...and all of the vets that I have encountered so far, in my career. Either in the Long Term Care facility, or the hospital.

And what an injustice that they face, every single day.

My last post involved saluting the brave soldiers that marched the 80-90 mile journey in the Bataan Death March, during World War II.

Ever since then, I have been on a quest of sorts to find out as much as I can about the Bataan Death March. I remember my grandfather writing about it when I was very young; and of course, not understanding a word of it yet...(reading back then was a bit backwards) but unfortunately, I do not remember whether he fought in the war or not.

He was certainly old enough to have fought in the war...and late last night I was looking at photographs of his funeral in 1991, and saw that he received a full military burial.

So, in the next few weeks, I will be on a mission to find out whether he fought in that particular war or not.

My inspiration for this mission. A certain Filipino WW2 vet named Arcadio Calabas who was featured this week on ABC7 News Chicago, and World News Tonight. He currently lives in Chicago, a member of the small band of fellow WW2 vets that met this week at the bridge dedicated to the soldiers of the Bataan Death March. (Go to abc7chicago.com or abcnews.com for more details)

This photo of Calabas, courtesy of the Chicago Tribune.

He had witnessed an American soldier die right in front of him when that soldier asked for time to rest. When this scene played out several times, you can imagine what a horror that must have been for him and the others who did survive this infamous March.

Makes the things I see in the hospital seem minor compared to what Calabas and all other men in uniform have seen in the battlefield.

Statistics show that there are only 12,000 of these Filipino soldiers left, both in the Philippines and the United States. I am glad that they will finally get the benefits that they deserve...it has been a long time.

I am flying to Chicago next Thursday for my 30th Birthday, and I think I just added another stop while I'm there: at the Jose Rizal Center, where I'm pretty sure that there is a display commemorating the Bataan Death March.

I will also soon be on the hunt for programs for our nations Veterans to volunteer in. As soon as I figure this school schedule for the summer and fall semesters. For too long the veterans of the United States has suffered injustice after injustice, with more of them coming home from our current war. I'll post more about this when I have that settled.

As the sun rises and falls, we should take the time, whatever opinion you may have about the military and war, to thank and continuously thank the men in uniform who risked their lives for our freedom.

The School battle continues...

2009-04-08T11:55:00.001-07:00

Caught reading...
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

I'm retooling at the moment.

But I think I'm closer to a solution, and with things moving forward very fast, and our next living destination on the horizon (John applies for the FDA fellowship next year; his current grant will end next year as well), I am in aggressive planning mode.

Aggressive meaning, tired of making the low end of the salaried totem pole.

I have another week and a half until I take the third part of my exam in Biology, and then starting the study fest for the Finals.

This summer? I think I'm going to be a lot busier than I thought: several courses in the works now that I'm going in a new direction. Which is fine by me. I want to be done with this nonsense already.

But first thing is first: a stop at a college where I just submitted an application for the Nursing program right after I come back from my Birthday Weekend Chicago trip. If I get the answer that I am looking for, and I end up taking the NET and admitted into the program this Fall, then it will determine the classes that I will take this summer.

English, Math, and Anatomy and Physiology.

I didn't tell my husband this, but the actual reason why I need to go to Chicago? Three different stops at three different schools to pick up three different transcripts.

Probably 3 copies each.

Finish school in two years or bust! At least, that is the hope.

Bataan Memorial Death March Anniversary...

2009-04-06T19:58:00.001-07:00

Bataan Memorial Death March
Originally uploaded by Ken's Aviation

Just found out that this week marks the 67th year anniversary of the Bataan Death March in the Philippines.

For those who don't know, the Bataan Death March was one of the most tumultuous events during World War II, when the Japanese soldiers took over and took both American and Filipino soldiers hostage and made them march so many miles, in 90 degree tropical heat. A lot of soldiers either died by exhaustion, or was executed if they complained.

I first heard of the Bataan Death March from my Grandfather. I just wish I remembered what he had said about that time period. I was very young when he talked about it.

Earlier, I read an article and watched a video report on ABC 7 News Chicago, that surviving Filipino World War II Veterans will finally receive their benefits that were denied them by President Harry Truman, despite the promise that President Franklin D. Roosevelt made to them, that they would receive their Veterans benefits.

Now, thanks to the Stimulus Package by President Obama, those surviving Veterans will get their benefits.

Well hey, it only took like, 67 years right?

I hope that more attention will be paid for the Veterans that come back from the wars, and retiring military personnel, in terms of health care benefits, education benefits, housing, and whatever else that they were promised at the beginning when they signed that piece of paper joining the military.

Of all people, the ones who fought and are fighting to keep us free should not have to suffer in silence waiting for the things that were promised them.

I would know: one of my uncles served in the U.S Military for years before retiring himself. He's one of the lucky few that made it back. Others, are not so fortunate. I also have a brother-in-law who is currently serving in our nation's Air Force.

I salute all the World War II vets, the Korean and Vietnam war vets, the Gulf War vets, and all other vets and military personnel out there fighting for us now.

...and my prayers go out to the families of those who lost their lives during the Bataan Death March.

*This post is dedicated to my Grandfather Simeon, and my Uncle, Jose Estoesta.

I'm wishing for Peace on Earth

2009-04-06T16:15:00.001-07:00

Christmas Wreaths
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Seriously.

In the past few months there have been way too many reports on people inflicting harm on others and themselves.

The news is fraught with people losing their jobs, because of the tanking economy, and some, people who aren't so well-adjusted had taken their depression to the extreme, harming their own families and then harming themselves.

California, Georgia, here in North Carolina, and just recently, New York State and Pennsylvania.

My hope for our country is for things to hurry up and get better before more lives are lost due to the economy. I cannot understand why this is happening, and I do not think I ever will, but things are really bad for a lot of us little guys at the moment.

One of the Chief of police in New York State said that the shooter must have been a coward to harm himself and 12 others.

I thought: well, insensitivity for the gunman's situation abounds doesn't it? Depression is more like it; I am not condoning the gunman's actions of course, but it is a story that is becoming all too common these days, and it is scary!

What is a person to do when they find that their situation is becoming more precarious? Retool and soldier on, is what any reasonable person would do, but there are people out there who's personality is not well adjusted.

Those are the people that need intervention. I hate to say it, but not enough is being done to help those who are not well adjusted.

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind...

2009-03-31T14:05:00.000-07:00

Read a story on Huffington Post.

There are no excuses for War Crimes. Killing people never solves anything, but they shatter family's lives forever.

I take that quote from Ghandi very seriously. Yes, I know what you're thinking.

The Khmer Rouge trial opens and they have their man who helped commit these war crimes. The remarkable thing about this whole situation is the fact that he does not deny it, and prepares a written apology for these crimes.

Another remarkable thing to note: Cambodia does not have a death penalty. Now that is unusual, especially for an Asian country.

How can he ask for forgiveness, you ask? He helped kill thousands of people. The skulls at Khmer Rouge are a chilling reminder. He should be hanged, put in front of a firing squad, given the lethal injection maybe?

The only problem is, killing this man will not bring those victims back. The only sensible thing to do is just take away his freedom for the rest of his life. A punishment only fits this kind of crime.

It is hard to forgive genocide because there is absolutely no excuse for it. But the fact that he is asking for forgiveness for committing this crime, and acknowledging his consequence for it makes this story pretty remarkable. After all, justice is already being served: he's in prison now and there is no getting out.

You have to give the guy credit for at least admitting to helping with this crime, apologizing, and asking for forgiveness because to be quite honest, you never hear this from people like him.

I may be a softie, but there is something about forgiveness that evokes a pretty powerful message.

In turn, I hope and pray that God will forgive him too.

How useful is the I-Phone?

2009-03-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

It was a Christmas gift from John. He was not impressed with the Blackberry, which is what I really wanted, but, I'm not complaining so far. The IPhone has been very useful. Like taking this picture:

I couldn't lug my DSLR everywhere, especially not to school since I'm already carrying a heavy backpack, and as I sat there in class and began to tinker with my phone, I had a sudden idea and snapped this picture:

It was a beautiful day on a Sunday, and I was out with my coworker, taking a much needed break, so as a result, this picture:

John tends to complain if I do not use something that he gave me. Well, in this situation, not only can I make phone calls, check my Facebook page while I'm at work, plug in addresses to find in the built-in GPS system, but I can take some pretty good pictures with this thing.

Very nice!

I'm a taxpayer that owns 80% if AIG

2009-03-18T10:22:00.001-07:00

Wi$e-Guy Money Roll
Originally uploaded by Gnerk

...and so is everyone else that is paying taxes.

First off, kudos to the dude who took this pic, on flickr.com...at this point, it's literally impossible for me to carry this wad of money...ever since I was mugged that one night going home in Chicago, I dare not carry more than a ten-er.

Back to AIG--

First off, was a big and telling headline from the New York Post:

NOT SO FAST YOU GREEDY BASTARDS!

(I can totally hear an Irish or Scottish accent as I read that one.)

So the obvious question: can we change that one aspect about the bonuses on the contract? I'm pretty sure that the government can come up with some kind of codicil that will take back the bonuses that were given to those "greedy bastards".

Here's another question: loan contracts are changed every time, and most of the time, not to the knowledge of the borrower. What is the change? The interest rates.

So, if those contracts can change, why can't the contracts of those employees at AIG be changed? I don't understand it...

"...our hands are tied because those contracts are legally binding and those bonuses are to help retain talented employees." according to AIG.

What talented employees? The company is fast losing money, and a lot of their "regular employees" may be laid off if that trend continues to go that route. So you mean to tell me that my tax money is going to an executive that is clearly not doing their job to keep that company afloat?

I don't buy that mentality.

And neither should anyone else.

Will post more Project 365 soon!

2009-03-13T14:19:00.001-07:00

Biology study materials
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

For those who have been following my Flickr photostream, thank you! It is much appreciated!

You will also notice that I've become a bit lax in posting photos lately on Flickr; and for good reason. One, I'm still battling the evil foe of Biology. I'm hard at work studying for an exam this upcoming Monday, and a Lab exam the following week.

The other reason is a bit more personal: just a week ago on Friday March 6th, I lost one of my uncles, Tito Larry Cano. He was my Dad's younger brother. So that's two siblings that he has lost within 2 months, three siblings that he has lost for the last 5 years, and the way things are going, my Dad's family is having a really tough time at the moment. Even though I never met any of my Dad's family, I still feel that sense of loss because they are my Dad's flesh and blood. Like if I lost my younger brother and sister. Same kind of feeling.

So, after much thought and discussion, my brother and sister and I will take our father back home to the Philippines to see his family and probably visit the graves of our lost family members. It has been 39 years since he has last seen the Philippines, and with time marching on, and people passing away, it waits for no man.

Right now, besides working and studying, my new task has become hunting for cheap plane ticket prices, calling my cousins who have been to the Philippines already and asking for advice on which hotels to stay in, and starting to prepare my trip to Chicago next month. The situation isn't so bad, but with so much loss already, and half the year is not even over yet, I'm feeling very uneasy for my Dad. I'll feel better when he has a chance to see his home at least one more time.

John and I were going to plan on a cruise to the Caribbean islands next year, but I'm afraid that will be on the back burner for now, because a trip to the Philippines is very expensive, in terms of flight and hotel. Eeek!

Other than that, those are my reasons for not being updated with the Project 365...it does not however, mean that I'm not taking pictures though; I certainly have, and found that my IPhone camera takes pretty good pics, so I have been using that during the day when I'm at work or school and can't have my DSLR with me.

So when I have a moment free, I'll be uploading with a vengeance! Stay tuned!

My External Drive has been hijacked.

2009-02-26T09:07:00.001-08:00

36/365-->It's so cold here...
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Update on my 365 project:

On hiatus right now, until my husband gives me back my External Hard Drive. They are all still on my camera, but I can't unload any of them until I get my EHD back. I have been loving that thing since I take way too many photos for my own good.

It's also been a bit cold here lately, so here's one of my 365, where my hubster loaded in some logs into our "fireplace" an old-fashioned stove. Better than using the central heat where our bill can be sky high if we're not careful.

John and I have been hard at work lately, me on Biology, and him working on his grant for the lab. In between, there's always cooking, cleaning, and getting the laundry done, which seems a bit endless: every time I turn around, the hamper is full again!

Also planning on my ensemble for my dear friend Adam's wedding that will be in August this year. Got the dress in mind, now I just need the hairstyle. John already has his suit ready to go (lucky for men, they can wear the same thing over and over until it wears out: not us women).

My other big news involves my dear friend Jessica (she, Adam, and I went to high school together) is pregnant again! She and her husband has been trying for over a year, since that unfortunate miscarriage, and I'm praying that she will score this time. The baby will be due in November of this year. Her husband is also getting his U.S citizenship this year, finally, after trying for a couple of years now. He's off to Mexico this week to wait for his immigration appt. there, and then he'll come back to the States for good...this just means that now he can go back and forth to and from Mexico without any incidence: in other words, he can obtain his U.S passport.

My other dear friend (geez, I have a lot of dear friends it seems!) N'Donna just received her Canadian citizenship just last week. Now she can her medical card, she can start working again so she can earn the money for her baby that will be due in April. Lots of celebrations lately!

What does all of this have to do with my EHD getting hijacked?

Nothing. I just wanted to share the other things going on with me right now. Happy Thursday! Hopefully I can catch up with the 365 postings tonight!

On a bit of a hiatus...

2009-02-22T12:00:00.001-08:00

Biology study materials
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Hi.

I'm in the midst of a battle: with Biology. And so far, it's kicking me in the behind. Really kicking me.

I did manage to squeeze in my 365 project when I'm not buried in macromolecules or drowning in mitochondria and chloroplasts. This is a make or break for me, and I have to score at least a B in this class if I'm going to have a chance of even getting admitted into nursing school.

Things happen in mysterious ways. At work today, there were three of us, and one had to float on the floor, and she begged one of us to go home so she can be taken off the floor (being a Nursing Assistant on the pulmonary floor is NOT fun; in fact, it's cut-throat)

So I volunteered. I was fortunate too, because I needed to be home to study. I will be forever grateful, because I have a lab quiz on Monday morning.

You can see on the picture above that those are not even a quarter of the study materials that I have to pore over. Our professor does not believe in curving the class, and she does not have multiple choice examinations, "It's either you know it or not" she said. (She's also from England, and they are the no-nonsense type and that's all the people I have met so far from there)

So, I have to work really hard to get at least a B. If I get that, I will celebrate. The only problem with me is, that I don't get to study very often because of other things that are pulling me back and forth in my life. Not this time.

I will end here and get back to studying. I'll hope and pray that I make it out of this class in one piece.

Time to create a look...inspired by a famous photographer

2009-02-02T15:23:00.001-08:00

Tuesday Florals
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

...because everywhere I look, in the blogs mainly, that anyone who is a serious photographer is coming up with their "signature look". A look that makes their photos, uniquely theirs.

I noticed with the more famous photographers, like Annie Liebovitz, who is the very reason why I'm compelled to write this. Every photo that I encounter that are hers, there is a look to her photos that are hers alone.

I'm pretty sure she uses a lot of Photoshop for her pics, but it is because of Adobe Photoshop that they, and countless others are able to create their unique look. I can't wait to come up with mine.

The only problem is, that I still have a lot to learn about Photoshop before I can even begin to utilize their wonderful features. I'm getting closer however.

While I don't intend on selling my work, since I'm not serious enough, the fact that I can do this is reward enough for me.

Back to Annie Liebovitz, I don't know her personally of course, but her portfolio heavy with the famous names, I must admit, are pretty impressive; and not because I favor the "lack of substance" famous people. Today, I spotted the new issue of Vanity Fair, which this time, featured President Obama's Cabinet, and staff.

I thought: wow, they're finally photographing people of substance! Well, scratch that, I'm sure she photographed plenty of people who are more substance than style, but never had I seen photos of a President's Cabinet portrayed like they are rockstars...

...rockstars in a sense that they are the ones helping Obama run the country, defending our country, and hopefully, fighting for the American people. We always hear about the President of the United States, and see him through press conferences, or God forbid, a national tragedy, but we never hear of the team who help carry his agenda forward to the Congress. How impressive is that? I love it!

If they are trying to re-work our perception of how we view our government, this is definitely a start!

Like I mentioned before, in all of her photographs, Annie Liebovitz created a signature look for her photos. I'm committing to the same goal...I just hope I find it soon. The photo above, of a bouquet of flowers that my husband gave me one day, a few months ago, was doctored a bit, highlighting the lights in the room, and the colors of the flowers. I love the end result. I don't know if I'll use it yet, since I still have to discover another look for my photos.

You gotta dream in the Channel Mixer!

Time to hit the books, both Photoshop CS3 and my Biology book...

Our journey begins...At the Metro Station

2009-02-02T11:57:00.001-08:00

At the Metro Station
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

You gotta love the major cities and their modes of transportation, in this case, the Metro.

It's Washington D.C's version of Chicago's CTA. Although, it's much nicer, because you don't have the urine scent wafting everywhere and bothering the nasal cavities of people trying to go to work or school.

(Why can't the CTA maintain that?)

You wouldn't know it from this photo, but we were only a minute away from encountering the longest line I've ever seen in my years of commuting on the train.

Hmm, I wonder where everyone's going? is a pretty moot question.

We kept hearing reports on the news that there will be at least 2 million people in D.C just for the Inauguration. I thought: well, it shouldn't be that bad, since we all lived in Chicago where the population is more than the state of Alaska. (about 9 million in the Chicago metro area alone)

But when everyone else and their children have the same idea of being in D.C to experience the historic Inauguration as you do, well, it can be a bit wearing, as we will find out later...the line at the metro was only the beginning...the very first long line was only to get the tickets to ride on the train!

Ras, Jennene, John and I all looked at each other and said, "Let's go to another station!"

That idea worked out fine, first being able to park right in front of the station by a meter (which was free that day because it was Martin Luther King's Birthday), and encountering a much shorter line at the ticket machines, although that even took long because people were buying tickets for that day and the next day, the day of the Inauguration because the station officials told us that it will be $3 more if we purchased it the next day.

We all felt the relief when we finally entered the platform in the station. We didn't even mind the crowded train either. At least we were finally on our way.

I said before that the Metro trains were much nicer, I wasn't kidding: not a mess of litter on the floor, the seats were very clean, and no urine odor! Love it!

Inauguration Weekend begins...

2009-01-28T17:26:00.001-08:00

Hmm, the slopes doesn't look too bad...
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

...with ski's.

I've never been skiing. Never. In my life. John told me that I will like it...

After a whole day of this? I can safely say that I do like it...even though I wiped out like, 20 times. Seriously!

How quickly I forget the name of the place too...I'll have to look it up.

We started off early in the morning, since we were also supposed to go to the concert that they were holding in D.C. However, we were all so caught up in skiing that we ended up not going. The place was in Pennsylvania, just about 2 hours away from Fairfax Station, Virginia, so it wasn't too bad of a driving trip.

I'll have to tell you though, I've lived through a lot of brutal winters in Chicago, and I haven't used a glove that actually prevented the cold to reach my hands. Until Jennene showed us something that would change our opinion about staying out of the cold, forever!

They're called Little Hotties, and they come in the form of Hand and Toe Warmers. You hold the hand warmers between one thin glove and one thick glove, and whenever your hands get too cold, you squeeze the warmer, and feel the relief of warmth spreading through our fingers. The Toe warmers, all you have to do, is remove the adhesive on the one side, stick it on top of your socked foot, and put on your shoes as usual. You'll be surprised how warm your foot is the whole time you're outside!

It saved our lives. Or at least our limbs from catching frostbite.

In addition, both Ras and Jennene brought extra stuff thinking that we wouldn't have anything, which they were correct in thinking, because I don't have any ski outfits. Jennene brought an extra one, at the very last minute, at Walmart for $22 bucks! Nice! She lent me her old one, and I was very grateful! I would've been in trouble out there without it. I would've worn jeans, which are not waterproof, and would've been uncomfortable the whole day.

The downside to this sport where you're sliding on top of two flat sticks? The boots that we have to wear in order to wear the ski's. I always thought that wearing roller blades were the worst because they really get you in the shins. You have to make sure those things were on securely, even though it meant you're going to experience some pain.

The ski boots were definitely worse. I had no choice either. Needless to say, I had a hard time taking my ski lessons (which thankfully was included in the admission fee) because both of my legs were in pain.

The conclusion of our ski lesson was a trip up the ski lift to the top of the Beginner's hill. Ras' cousin took the lesson with me since this was his first time as well; and we went up the ski lift with me; the funny thing was, when we reached the top of the hill, we were thrown off by the little ramp that we had to ski down on to get to the top. It was a small ramp of course, but we were totally unprepared for it. So, not sure what to do with it, we both ended up on the ground with our ski's, and in the way of other skiers getting off the lift! I was hit once, but I didn't really feel anything. Layers also saved the day.

It was one of those experiences you just have to experience in life. I loved every single minute of it! We were all pretty sore.

At the end of the day, we were all pretty beat, but despite that, we got back to the house late, and slept late on account of great conversation.

It was only the beginning!

We will be DC bound...

2009-01-16T21:32:00.001-08:00

5 Days
Originally uploaded by Presidential Inaugural Committee

Tomorrow...I can't wait!!!!

This is what the Capitol building looks like now, and I know you can't see it very well, but the front of the Capitol is now prepped for Obama's Inauguration, stands, seats, and everything in between. This photo courtesy of the Presidential Inaugural Committee flickr photostream.

Seems like forever that we were still going through the elections, not knowing the outcome...it was driving me crazy at least. I guess it was sort of a blessing in disguise that we were able to have such easy access to the DC area now, because if we were in Chicago, the chances of us coming to DC is actually slim to none.

So here's what's on our agenda for the weekend:

John has to be at work until 3pm. I'm dropping him off so when he gets off, we're heading out.

Heading home to pack, and finish off my Vote 2008 album hopefully.

Pick up John, and head for the Virginia hills to meet Ras and Jennene.

Have dinner and probably talk late into the night.

Wake up early on Sunday to go skiing, and try to get there as early as possible.

Leave to go to the free concert being held in the Washington Mall with performers like Sting, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen...

Probably tour a couple of museums if we have time to squeeze that in...

Monday, hit most of the museums...

Tuesday, go to the Inauguration, if not to watch it on the big screen somewhere. Then possibly stop at IKEA before heading back home.

And hopefully come away with a lot of photos. Good photos.

We'll see! It will be one of the most exciting trips ever, not to mention witnessing history. This will be one of the best stories we'll tell our children one day. Will be bringing the laptop to load the pics in after we finish, and hopefully post them up as we go.

Whether you're watching the Inauguration from the warm comfort of your couch, or standing outside freezing your tail off with the rest of the die-hard (and crazy) Obama fans, have fun, stay warm, and have some hope, because while Obama cannot fulfill all of the things that he has mentioned during the campaign, if we see that in four years that he accomplished at least two or three things on his Promise List, we should be grateful that at least we have someone who will speak for us.

For a change.

2009-01-14T15:24:00.000-08:00

Project 365: Hopefully for real this time!

My first attempt at the photo Project 365 was not very successful. Eventually, I just got to a point where I was just shooting random pics from different days, into my flickr set, Life in 365. Ach!

But this time, I'm going to take it seriously, and just do it. I mean, I love taking photos, so this thing can't be hard is it?

With the addition of a convenient new tool (the laptop by Compaq Presario), and the fact that I'm now back to a very full schedule of class and work, I have more free reign of subjects to take a picture of. Which is very nice. Also included are my potential trips, including one that occurs this weekend when John and I head to DC for the Obama Inauguration; the trips to Chicago, and I'm definitely doing the Piedmont Farm Tour again this year. I'm glad that there are no more political rallies. I loved being able to get to see Obama and Biden, but the crowds nearly killed me, lol. Hmm, I did love getting the chance to see James Taylor for free. (BTW, he's one of the performers who will sing at the Inauguration Kick-Off concert at the Lincoln Memorial this Sunday!)

With everything else that's happening this year, I would love to see the outcome in photos! You can check out my Flickr account for my progress; just loaded pic number 14 today! I told you I was going to be busy! ;-)

If you're one of those doing a Photo 365, have fun!

What will 2009 hold?

2009-01-11T17:46:00.001-08:00

Best Moments of 2008
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Hopefully a better year for everyone.

With all the bad news that we've heard last year starting with the possible recession, the sharp increase of foreclosures, major banks going under, the auto industry, the job losses, the skyrocketing oil prices, and of course, the never-ending drama that was called the 2008 Presidential Elections...

With the days of the Bush Administration winding down (I can't wait...), and hopefully finally putting a bad year behind us, I can only hope that the essential things will be fixed in our country. Realistically, all of the things that were mentioned during the campaigns i.e:

Getting out of Iraq
Fixing our broken health care system
Fixing the domino effect called the economy
Closing Guantanamo Bay
Fixing our border security

Among all other things.

With Bush Second coming out of office in 9 days, the only way I can see History writing about him in kind, will be if things in Iraq turn around for the better and that they actually become a democracy, modeled after the United States, and that things in the Middle East will finally become stable.

The reality of that actually happening? Slim. But it is still possible.

We all have goals that we have to achieve this year, but I have a funny feeling that a lot of us will be paying attention to the goals that our government have set for themselves. Will they actually put party aside and finally work together? Will they improve programs that are supposed to work and get rid of programs that do not? Will "pork barrel" spending finally fall back to the wayside or will they finally sit down and draw out a list of things that should not be considered "pork barrel", like fixing the main infrastructures of our cities and roads? Will education receive a major overhaul?

A lot of questions have yet to be answered, so get ready: the next four years should be very interesting.

My goals this year? Really push to finish school so I get the job I've been waiting to get for a long time: an RN. Something I should not have procrastinated on. But, live and learn right?

My husband and I were discussing his future, and it will be likely that we'll be moving at the end of his tenure at Dr. Roth's lab at UNC. He doesn't think that he will be able to find a job in NC, and I believe he has his sights set next in the D.C area; which is fine by me, because, at least we have a lot of stuff to do there, than in NC. I want us to return to Chicago, but now that I'm looking at that possibility more closely, the less likely that will be a reality. I'm really sad about that.

2008 for me has been really hard, being away from friends and family; and for this posted picture, those are the events that I've singled out last year that came to be the best moments of all. Life is a funny thing, though; one door shuts, but another door opens to a new horizon.

From John's commencement, to seeing friends, to taking weekend trips, to exploring new places, and having my sister stay with us for the holidays. The year wasn't that bad.

Here's to a new year!

Macrofied...for real.

2009-01-03T14:12:00.001-08:00

Jeweled Frog
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

An Olympus Zuiko 35 mm f/3.5 macro lens, which is discounted at half of it's original price of $500.

Hey, I could live with that.

It was a gift I gave to myself this Christmas. Tried it out several times, and it works really well; I was a bit skeptical at first since I bought this at half the price, however the nice thing about this is that if it didn't work out for my camera, I can send it back and get a refund.

Sending it back won't be necessary. Not after getting a photo like this...this one of a Jeweled Frog that my husband gave to his mom for Christmas.

Kind of cute isn't it?

One of the first steps for me to get serious about photography, buying this macro lens. I love it so far!

Happy New Year! Best of 2008 Media and otherwise

2008-12-31T20:09:00.001-08:00

Desert Flora
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

2008 is an hour and 25 minutes from being over. I know a lot of people had their best of 2008. Here are mine:

Worst: being away from my hometown of Chicago for the first time in my life.
Best: what kept me distracted was this year's Presidential Election. This was the first time I've paid this much attention to a Presidential election, and it certainly had it's best and worst moments. This was also the first time that I've voted as well. Why? I finally found a candidate worth my vote. And guess what?

He's now President of the United States.

Best shows I've seen this year?
John Adams. Paul Giamatti did a fantastic job playing our 2nd President of the United States. Based entirely from David McCollough's book which is entirely based from the hundreds of letters passed back and forth from John and Abigail Adams. You can see those letters in Boston's Historical Society.

The 2008 Summer Olympic opening in Beijing, China. I've never seen an opening like that out of all that I have seen so far. Thousands of years of culture that the Chinese have showcased in 4 hour runtime. Brilliant! We still have it on our DVR.

Best movies? The Namesake. A little known film, but a very impactful story. About a man who didn't like his name and had changed it when he graduated high school; his father explained to him how he had come to give his son that name, and it wasn't until a tragic event that the son finally understands.

My best moments? Finally realizing that the latest technology can keep me in touch with my friends and family as far away as my native country to my hometown of Chicago. It was then I realized that maybe being away isn't so bad after all.

The best page turners? David McCollough's "John Adams" and "1776". Vice President Joe Biden's autobiography "Promises to Keep", but the most compelling that I've read this year is "Until We Meet Again" by Michael Korenblit, a true story about love during one of the most atrocious periods of the last century: the Holocaust. Non-fics are awesome.

Now that the Harry Potter craze is finally over (Deathly Hallows was a fantastic read by the way), I'm making it a goal to catch up on the books that I missed out on.

2009 will be the second year that I will be away from home, and I hope to make it back to Chicago at least twice because this is the year that we have to take care of some important papers for my parents; my sister graduates from high school, and there is supposed to be a high school reunion this summer...we'll see what happens. There is also a science meeting held in Chicago, definitely going to that.

What a year. A bad year for some who have lost their jobs and their homes and their retirements of all things. I hope and pray with this new Administration coming on 1/20/2009, that things will change for the better.

See you next year!

Church that was built on a rock...

2008-12-28T16:08:00.001-08:00

Church that was built on a rock...
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Kind of a play on the parable that Jesus told his followers one day: about two men who decided to build their homes; one decided to build his house on the sandy beach while the other built his house up high on a rock.

When a storm came, well, which house do you think survived?

I thought of that parable when we drove past this incredible view of this church seemingly perched on a rock, from our perspective on the road. Pretty cool.

Welcome to Sedona, Arizona

2008-12-27T20:58:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Sedona, Arizona
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Where more rock wonders await.

Unfortunately, when we were about to leave the Wupatki monuments, it turned ice cold really fast, and it even started to snow (which is just so wrong, since Arizona is supposed to be one of those states that is warm all year long), so after buying more postcards and getting the National Park passport stamped, we continued our way south, bought some food in Flagstaff, before continuing south to Sedona, AZ.

Which, we heard from the locals that it's a very beautiful place to be.

After seeing a view like the pic shown here? I don't blame the locals.

Our first foray into the Sedona area however, was marred by the weather, where it remained cloudy and cold throughout, and without the sun of course, it was next to near impossible to take any good shot.

When we were buying our Route 66 stuff in Williams, the clerk told us to take a certain road that will not only lead you straight into Sedona, but it will provide some visual eye candy for the mountain lovers.

She wasn't kidding either. We did as she suggested and took that route, and we were indeed treated to some incredible views of the mountains, and us twisting and turning, down and around as we reached the bottom of the mountains, and saw houses and signs pointing us to Sedona.

Alas though, because of the ridiculously cloudy sky, we couldn't really get a good view of the tall mountains and it's lush greenness.

We also got a bit lost, since the motel we were staying in was a bit out of the way, and it was very dark when we finally found it, called the Wildflower Inn. When we looked at the pics on the Internet, we saw a massive red rock mountain behind it, but since it was pitch black when we arrived, we couldn't see it of course. Oh well.

The next day, we were to fly back to North Carolina, so we decided to check out some of the views of Sedona in the morning before heading back down to Phoenix's airport to catch our flight home.

And what a treat we woke up to when we got up the next morning! Red rocks! Tons of them! I was in photographic heaven, snapping photo after photo of nearly all of red rocky mountains that Sedona is so famous for.

The photo featured here, is one of many. (Well, maybe not that many, since I deleted a lot of them on account of blurriness.)

These are the views that are worth traveling for.

Sadly, though, time passed way too fast for us, and before we knew it, it was time for us to drive back to Phoenix to catch our flight (it leaves at 2pm), but not before catching some more shots of this beautiful part of the state.

You can't beat this; and our time in Arizona concluded with a drive back to Phoenix, listening to Car Talk and a Prairie Home Companion on NPR on the way, ending with our plane lifting off, providing us with a final view of the mountains, before touching down in an area full of trees, back in North Carolina.

Walking the path of Native Americans: our journey to the Wupatki National Monument

2008-12-27T20:26:00.001-08:00

Walking the path of Native Americans
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

After shopping for some pottery, we continued south on Highway Interstate 89 towards a place that we've read about back at the Canyon: the Wupatki Native American monument, or I should say monuments, since there are several of them in that region alone, and it even includes an inactive volcano, that has been dormant for decades now. Might even be more than that.

This goes back at least 800 years.

The people that lived in this part of Arizona (on the outskirts of Flagstaff) maintained a home, farmed the land, and the despite the desert state, there was once a river that flowed through that served as their water source.

For some strange reason, the people that lived here, eventually migrated to different regions south or north, whichever the case may be. There was also a volcano nearby, so when it erupted, that might have been a good reason to go...in some places where we drove past, were the tell-tale areas where you can see miles of black volcanic soil.

Other places had red soil and other natural sources that these natives used when building their homes much like the pic shown here. Some were as small as two rooms, others, like the pic shown here, were big enough for multiple rooms, for several families to live in. Pretty crowded.

The ground where we trod on, was the same ground that the natives trod on, long before the Europeans came and conquered. Way before Columbus accidentally stumbled onto this place and thought that he landed in India. (hence why Native Americans were called Indians) Long before Washington turned the fate of a developing country a complete 360 degrees, there were people living and surviving desert life.

And to see the remnants of those Native Americans that lived in this part of the country in person, and imagine what they might have gone through to survive, is just plain amazing.

Shopping for Native American pottery

2008-12-27T19:43:00.001-08:00

More pots
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

You can't get these at any old store.

You have to come where the artisans make their pots. I've always loved pottery, and have heard about Native American pottery, but to actually hold one in your hand is quite astounding.

No two pots are the same, as they are all handmade, etched, and painted after a turn at the firing chamber. It even comes with a hand etched signature at the bottom as well as the card which identifies the artist, telling you about the history of the artist, and the history of Native American pottery itself.

The shop here, is located at the Desert View tower, the last stop before we headed to the Grand Hotel for the night. The gift shop had all sorts of handmade products for sale: dolls, pottery, ornaments, keychains, dream catchers, Native American headdresses, and scores of others, celebrating Native American history and culture.

Keychains, postcards, and dream catchers (yes, even dream catchers!) are a bit too cliche, since we've seen them all in just about every place we can imagine; but to understand the culture, you have to dig a little deeper than the usuals...for us, it's the handmade potteries.

Which we ended up getting the next morning, at a roadside stand just outside the Grand Canyon, situated between a mini Canyon, and a huge sand mountain. Go figure.

Maybe one day I'll learn to take up pottery. Should be a lot of fun. Arizona seems to be the place to do it, since there seems to be an endless supply of red soil to make the clay.

My secret but common fear...

2008-12-27T19:24:00.001-08:00

Hidden...
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Some people may not know this about me, but I am deathly afraid of heights.

The Grand Canyon, was everything I was expecting it to be, and then some.

The Grand Canyon National Park is the place to see when you're vacationing in Arizona; there's just no getting around it. It's for everyone to walk around and enjoy...

...so you can imagine our frustration when we arrived at the gate and found out that we had to pay $25 per vehicle of course, to enter the Canyon grounds.

I thought that seeing these National Parks are supposed to be free; I was wrong apparently. The ranger explained to us that they're trying to recoup the money lost when they restored the roads, and did some renovations of the Grand Canyon area.

The only thing is, taxpayers like us are already paying to keep up the roads and maintenance of the natural property. So my next question is: where are those funds going? (Sound familiar?)

It's just sad.

We started from the first viewpoint (according to the map) and worked our way down, until we reached the one pictured above. I was telling John to hurry up and take the picture because between me and certain death is one flimsy gate and bars, and I wanted to get out of that position pronto!

I always had a fear of heights, (which is why I won't ride roller coasters anymore), and looking towards the bottom of these canyons, certainly did not help me get over the fear. I hate that.

But the views of the canyon, no matter where your standpoint, is just incredible. I had to let John take some of the pics in certain places because I was a bit scared to lean over the fence to get that "one great shot".

For now, I'm content on having my feet on solid ground.

Get your kicks...on Route 66

2008-12-27T18:59:00.001-08:00

Route 66
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Yeah, yeah I know, I am the biggest dork...but come on, it's Route 66!

And yes, I know it's 2 days past Christmas, and we were home for a while now, but the business of the holidays had me caught up in the wind that the blogs and flickr updates have gone untouched for a bit. Christmas cards, the meal planning, Christmas shopping and my sister coming to stay with us the week of Christmas, left me with just enough time to work and check Facebook.

Needless to say, time for some catch-up now that my sister is back in Chicago, and John is downstairs watching Batman: The Dark Knight, meaning I finally have some time to myself.

We left Scottsdale, AZ on Dec. 11th to travel north towards the Grand Canyon. We booked a room at Motel 6 in a small town called Williams, which is about an hour's drive from the Canyon. We stayed there that night, and the next morning, when we left, we realized that we were staying right on Route 66.

Yes, THE Route 66.

I know, it's a bit cliche, but what are the chances of that happening? It was a random booking after all, and we've never heard of a little town called Williams until we found and booked that Motel 6. I've heard the song, even watched "Cars", and heard that it's the most famous highway in the United States...so it was amazing to me, that we actually got to drive down Route 66 on the way back to the main highway that leads into the Grand Canyon.

We stopped at this gasoline station that had all sorts of Route 66 souvenirs and postcards, and even the old fashioned gas pumps. It was so cool to see. I've never seen those models before, and John asked me to take a picture of him standing next to one.

After buying a bunch of Route 66 souvenir's, we stopped at a grocery store to get some food (got a really good deal: 8 pieces of fried chicken for 5 bucks! Score!) so we don't have to bother with getting lunch later, we set off for the Canyon (after a brief stop at an old train depot with a train that said "The Polar Express" on the side; it's actually a train that goes straight to the Grand Canyon that leaves only once a day), listening to music, eating chicken and potato wedges, heading towards one of the country's natural wonders.

As we left, I took one last look at the famed Route 66, which pretty much looked like it did more than 50 years ago when it was still in it's heyday. The same buildings, and stores, but probably a whole new generation of the same families that lived here for decades. Even though it was less than ideal for the modern travelers like us, others actually like the idea of visiting the old, and imagining what it was like to live in a time where the biggest worry was to make enough money to purchase the house of your dreams to raise a family in. Living in a place where the old is part of a rich heritage of our country.

In our modern world of luxury hotels, dark paved roads, and Starbucks on every other block (which I could have sworn that I saw on one of the blocks we drove by), you can't help but have a feeling of nostalgic indulgence when you drive on Route 66, thinking about the people that made this route so famous and familiar.

I guess the song is right: you truly can get your kicks, and have some nostalgic memories, on Route 66.

From the inside of the Tower window

2008-12-19T11:53:00.001-08:00

From the inside of the Tower window
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

The Desert View Tower. One of the viewpoints of the Canyon, and the last stop on our first day at the Grand Canyon.

I think most everyone first heard of the Grand Canyon growing up when the show "The Brady Bunch" featured an episode where the family took a vacation there and the two youngest ended up getting separated from everyone else and lost in the midst of all that rock.

Well, we didn't have that problem, since time constraints prevented us from taking the Burro ride (one of the must-do things at the Canyon) down to the bottom of the Canyon, which takes ALL day long.

What I wanted though was the pics.

And what pics we ended up taking home. I had brought my laptop (even though my hubby told me not to since he brought his), my external hard drive, and connector cord from camera to computer along for the trip, and have been loading the pics that I took from the day into the external drive. Resulting in...ta-da...an infinite number of pics I could take in a day, and believe me, I am notorious for doing that. Oh, and never mind that I had three memory cards with me (one containing 905 pics); when things run out, I can't handle it...it drives me insane, especially if it has something to do with pictures. So the simple solution was to just bring along the hard drive.

(I am now down to about 190 GB free space left on the hard drive, time to consider getting another one)

I completely lost track on how many pics we ended up taking at the Canyon, but I had used the 905 Memory card specifically for the Canyon, and we worked our way down from the Hermit's Rest all the way down to Desert View, trying to get as many viewpoints as we can.

In doing so, I also made sure that I got myself into those pics as well, since found out statistically that for every 500 pics that I have taken, I have only ever been in 20 of them. This time, I don't want to do that.

Our last stop, the Desert View, contained this tower that was built in the 1930's (or something like that) so we can have yet another different perspective on the view of the Grand Canyon.

Inside the tower, when you first enter there is a gift shop (of course), and you have to walk all the way to the back of the gift shop in order for you to get to the stairs, which is a clever move on their part because now we would feel guilty if we stopped there and not bought anything (I hate that kind of conspiracy).

They made modern petroglyphs and drew and painted them on the wall, plaques explaining the history of the drawings, and some objects were reproduced on the exhibits display.

When you do finally reach the top (after taking pics in between) you look out the window and get an incredible view of the Canyon.

Heaven on Earth I say. It was so beautiful.

Taliesin West

2008-12-18T22:13:00.001-08:00

Modernity is nice.
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Westward ho!

To Taliesin West, where one of the greatest architectural minds designed, built, lived, and eventually taught; by the name of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Wright was known to think ahead of his time, as evidenced in his work, with all of the modern looking house designs, one would never had come up with back in the early last century.

Even his furniture is way beyond his time, seeming to channel the Asian style of furniture design, like the low-boy table and chairs surrounding. Very clever. I loved it!

By far the favorite FLW home. I have yet to see the others, like the ones located right in the Chicago area, and the one in Wisconsin, the one in Pennsylvania, and the Guggenheim Museum in NYC. I can't help but be fascinated.

My husband has this fascination with art, (after all, he is an artist himself) and therefore among his many books you will find that a lot of them are about art, from DaVinci to Michelangelo, to Rockwell, to Picasso, almost everyone who is anyone in the artistic world, you can be sure that my husband has it.

I on the other hand tend to lean more towards Ansel Adams, Matthew Brady, and the other great photogs out there who see the camera as a canvas than as a machine that takes pics.

Canvas coverings, desert mortar, no electricity or heat for a while, mini shacks that the students get to live in while you are in the tutelage of the FLW School of Architecture, which is right on site, and where it remains today, serving students aspiring to channel Wright's way of thinking when it comes to architecture.

And I am liking Taliesin West...well, if only we had money. My husband wants to build our own house one day, and fill it with almost a lot of modern furnishings, as you see above. I definitely know what the dining room will look like, so if only we had the means to do it.

It was late afternoon during our vacation, and I was alone again, while John was at the meeting, taking photos of cactus. I didn't realize then that I had the ringer off, and that John was trying to call me to say that he didn't have to be at the meeting after all and that he'll have to come back at 5:30? So what to do on a free afternoon?

We talked about going to Taliesin West while we were here in AZ and now was the time to do it. So after getting the address and consulting my new built-in-the-IPhone GPS system, we set off for Taliesin West and found it without so much a hitch. Whoo-hoo!

(You gotta love those Smart Phones eh?)

It was sunny and a bit warm, and a perfect day for pics outside the place. Wright used the resources of the land of course, and you can see all of the stone and the mortar that built the place, and the canvas coverings that dot the roof. It was also built pretty low so if you're not looking closely, you will definitely miss it.

(I was lost on this at first.)

There are tours going on every day, and a gift shop open right on the meeting point of the tour. We decided to wait this one inside and look at all the cool merchandise, from pillows, to numerous books, to postcards, earrings, t-shirts, and all. Even relief stone statues of Native Americans that lived in the area before they moved or kicked out, one of the two.

At the conclusion, there are memberships to be a part of the FLW Foundation, and they give you magazines that talk about the Foundation and it's school, to preserve the landmarks, defining the success of the the U.S.

Overall review? I give it 10 Stars.

A Vacation just isn't complete without...

2008-12-18T21:07:00.001-08:00

View into the Fairmont Pool area
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

...water.

The pic shown at the the right is my view from a balcony overlooking the fountain pool leading up to the main pool in the back. The location is at the Fairmont Princess Resort in Scottsdale, where my husband's ACNP meeting was held for most of the week.

Alas though, there was no chance of us actually enjoying the water: on account of unseasonably cold weather in Arizona.

Now what is wrong with that picture? This is the second state that I found that shouldn't have cold weather and snow; I thought that both Arizona and North Carolina was supposed to be warm all year long.

WRONG! I feel like I'm gypped or something, because experiencing cold in supposedly warm states is just not right. I was going to bring a bathing suit so I can enjoy the pool, but when John called me the day before I flew to Scottsdale, AZ myself, with a request to bring his heavy jacket and mine, I was a bit thunderstruck. He said that it was going to be the same kind of weather in the Grand Canyon area as well.

Which I understand because the land where the Canyon is, is at a high elevation, so I guess it's expected that there will be cold, wet, snowy weather.

Ah well.

I was able to take a bit of a tour at the Fairmont, and the atmosphere, is very "pristine", "proper", and airy...in other words, the wealthier plays here.

You can tell by the hats and designer sunglasses that the women wear, men carrying around either IPhones or Blackberry's, and flashes of either jewelry or the latest design of a Coach purse were thrown around as if to show others of the treasures that they have.

My purse? A bright green bag, with a circular wood-cut tag, and Tiki and coconut cups with umbrella straws sticking outside...I don't know what brand it was, but it had sentimental meaning for me, since that was the purse we bought when we were on our honeymoon on the Caribbean islands last year. Other than the laptop, and my backpack, there was nothing about me to say that I'm one of those "wealthy people".

Besides, I was hanging out there waiting for the hubby to get out, so those yahoos didn't need to know anyway.

Too bad about the weather situation...I would've loved to take a dip in the water, which makes the whole vacation.

And what a fantastic view since there is a balcony area where you can actually look at the pool below. The whole building is also designed inspired by the Southwest, mainly by the natives...adobe. The color is of salmon shade, and if it weren't for the cool breeze I would've been more comfortable sitting in the open air balcony common area.

This is only about the third time I've ever been to a resort, since resorts are cost prohibitive for me, but it's nice to see that the ACNP sets them up in one of the nicest places on Earth.

Don't know when we'll be back, but I hope the next time, it won't be so cold.

Illinois Politicians= Comedic material goldmine

2008-12-14T19:27:00.001-08:00

Illinois @ the memorial
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Ouch.

Governor Blagoevich is really taking in some hits this week from the comedians.

Every single Late Night comedy show, and Comedy Central have been running with this material and they are merciless.

I do not condone corruption in our government, and if the allegations against our governor in Illinois, then I say do the right thing, and resign for God's sake.

Came home today after our time in Arizona, and during our week there, Blagoevich's situation is all over the country...the journalists are also having fun with Illinois sad history of corrupt politicians. You would think that subsequent successors to the first corrupt governor of Illinois would learn (I do not know his name, but that is just really unbelievable that my home state has that kind of history. It's ridiculous!) the lessons...

I'm hoping for the best of the state of Illinois, Gov. Blagoevich would resign this week.

At the same time however, I hope for his sake, that this was all a misunderstanding, and this latest event in political drama in Illinois is just an allegation.

Then again, I highly doubt it. We'll see what happens.

The verdict is in...

2008-12-12T22:01:00.001-08:00

A little different...
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

I feel much better now.

Both of the packages I have sent out has arrived safe and sound at both locations in two very different states. Illinois and California.

What you see pictured here are the envelopes with the congratulatory cards that I have sent with the packages to both respective addresses.

Last Monday, while at work I had a voicemail containing an enthusiastic and grateful Arlene saying that she loved all the items and will use the mugs for her tea. Score! She had tried to call me, but of course, I couldn't answer. I tried calling back but she didn't answer, and I figured it must have been the kids at work.

Then today I received an equally enthusiastic and grateful Erika saying that the items I have sent her were just what she was looking for. I swear I didn't talk to her before sending out these packages! She tried calling me but my phone wasn't working, and when I read that, I realized that they must not have received the text messages that we sent out when we got our new numbers. (our phone contracts were up, thank the LORD)

So in my reply, I gave her both of our new phone numbers. Now the only problem is, getting service in this very small town called Tuselayan. (Located right by the entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park)

My mission is officially accomplished.

Adventure in Arizona, and shocking news from home...

2008-12-09T18:32:00.001-08:00

Arizona Palm trees
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

I'm blessed that John gets to go on these numerous trips to present his work. Not only for his benefit, but for the benefit of getting to travel to different places.

The benefit for me? Getting the opportunity to capture it all in photos.

This time? We're in Scottsdale, Arizona; in fact, as I'm typing this, I'm sitting in our hotel room, waiting for John and his coworker, Vince to pick me up for dinner. John had just finished a poster and was presenting it at the meeting tonight.

The most notable places to go to while we're in the area? The Grand Canyon is a definite. I can't imagine coming to this state and NOT going to the Grand Canyon. Oh, the photographs I will get to take...

Another place we're planning on stopping is Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, which is not only one of his homes, but also a school for aspiring architects like him.

I've heard so much about the Southwest and it's pretty sobering to actually get to be here. While on the plane beginning our descent into Phoenix's airport, I saw more than it's share of red mountains, a signature of the Southwest. It was a fantastic view from the air.

Both John and Vince had picked me up from the airport and dropped me off at the hotel, and John pointed out the mall which is situated right across from the hotel. I was happy that I won't be so bored out of my mind, and sure enough, after gratefully putting down all of my travel stuff, I set out for the mall, and found out that there is a free shuttle from hotel to mall and back again.

Unfortunately, after visiting Victoria's Secret, the other shops I saw were of no interest to me. Oh well, so much for shopping. But I did find, in Victoria's Secret a bubble bath that I've been meaning to try for ages, intending to luxuriate in it later after dinner. After the craziness of the past few months, I think I need that breather. Besides, its been a very long time since I was able to pamper myself with a bubble bath.

In the midst of all the excitement of being in a new state, I heard shocking news from my home state of Illinois: it appears that Governor Rod Blagoevich had been arrested this morning on the charges of trying to "sell off" President-Elect Obama's old position of U.S Senate. That and a slew of other long-time charges of corruption. This latest one was the one that decision was made to arrest him at 6 in the morning.

Talk about a rude awakening.

I just hope those charges aren't true, for not only Blagoevich's sake, but also for President-Elect Obama's sake; they're already questioning Obama's relationship with the Illinois Governor, in the never-ending drama called Politics. Illinois has the misfortune of having corrupt politicians holding offices, and this latest one about Rod Blagoevich is just another major blow.

Well, this is just the first day of my vacation, and I'm surprised that I'm enjoying all this alone time. Now I feel like I actually have a day off without the worries of the house, if not work. I love that feeling.

Oh, and an update about one of my packages. It arrived last night at the Santiago's house, and sometime in the afternoon, I received a very enthusiastic email from Arlene, saying that they loved the package and it's contents and thanked us several times for it.

Turns out that both kids have been keeping her up really late into the night, and Arlene, in particular, is one exhausted momma.

Hang in there girl, the days will get better soon!

Now, to wait the arrival of the other package that I sent out to California. Hope they'll like it.

Time for me to sign off for now, since it's past 7:30, meaning John will be here anytime to take me to dinner. Where, I have no idea.

Remember Pearl Harbor

2008-12-07T19:22:00.001-08:00

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Originally uploaded by dinab

The day of Infamy, as quoted by President FDR.

It's events like this that spark a hatred towards a certain race or creed, like today, after 9/11/2001. Back in 1941, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese Americans that resided in the U.S were wrongfully interred against their will.

Yes, I said wrongfully. Who cares if they think it was justified, just because they feared that there were spies among our soil? It was still wrong, and as a result, a lot of them lost the money that they earned, the properties and businesses that they worked so hard for. It was wrong. Period.

Therefore, I mourn not only the victims of Pearl Harbor, but mourn the people who masterminded this scheme. You have to wonder who in the world came up with the idea that people from other countries are so that they felt justified to harm them. You have to wonder about guys like Hitler, Hussein, all of the guys who waged war just for the chance to control people and land. Or annihilate a whole entire race just because they were not of your beliefs.

Who comes up with this wacky stuff?

I can't get my head around this concept, which is why I mourn those who were ignorant enough to believe that others deserve to be harmed, and the people who are ignorant enough to fear the people who live on our soil already, that are innocently part of the enemy. It isn't right.

I remember not only Pearl Harbor, but all the wars that mankind raged for pitiful reasons. These wars are still going on today. No one living on this planet Earth deserves to be harmed for any reason.

So on this day, and many others who have suffered and sacrificed for the freedom of all, remember those who have fought for you.

Santa version 796: the Radko Collection

2008-12-04T12:44:00.001-08:00

Santa version 796
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

When I met my hubby, he introduced me to the Radko collection of ornaments.

What are Radko Ornaments? Glad you asked.

Mouth blown glass, then hand painted ornaments, and very expensive. My husband got lucky though, his old boss sold them for many years before having to give up the account with the company, and he gave most of his sample Radko ornaments to John.

I just looked up their website, and most of these ornaments run over the $100 mark. Whew! That's a bit out of my budget!

One by one though, we lose them because of huge cracks, or they break altogether, so this year, since we have a much better camera to do this now, I've taken the liberty to get a pic of all of the Radko ornaments before they all get worn down by years of use; and trust me, they have been used!

I've never encountered ornaments like these before, and they're absolutely gorgeous! Thank God for the macro filter, otherwise, my shots of these ornaments would've turned less than I like.

Of course, we have other ornaments as well, as I started the tradition of us buying an ornament every year to add to the tree. Other ornaments are hand cut and painted by either John or his mom, or someone else, like a couple of the wooden ornaments that a neighbor made for him and our cat Thomas. One was a snowman, and one was, of course, a cat: both of them were labeled with each of their names, and both had holes drilled right on the top for the wire or string to go through in order to hang the ornaments.

I think the real reason why we put up a tree was so these ornaments have a place to stay. They are so cool, some of them. Not like the same old colored balls of old anymore right?

It's that time of year again!!

2008-12-04T09:17:00.001-08:00

John & tree
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Wow, I can't believe it's December already; this time last year, we were just beginning to pack for the move to North Carolina. Right after our going-away party on November 17th. Ah, I miss those days.

It was Sunday, the last day of the 4-day Thanksgiving weekend. Well, for us these days, it may be three or even two, depending on your work schedule. Ack, another one of those perks when you don't have to worry about working those days. And it was time to put up the tree. We usually do it the day after Thanksgiving, but John had to work, and Saturday I had to work, so we did it on Sunday, with the help of my mother-in-law.

I'm glad that we're putting up the tree this time around because we didn't get to do that last December. We had just moved into town, and busy unpacking our stuff, and not to mention, when all is said and done, there was no room to put up our tree! That's how small our apartment was.

Needless to say, add this on top of being away from Chicago permanently for the first time in my life, I was really depressed. Then not being able to work for the next 4 and a half months was even more depressing.

Things have a funny way of working out though...after going back to Chicago for two months back to back, working, and finding a house to rent back in the summer, well, things are almost back to normal. I just wish I was in Chicago again.

I'll have to give kudos to the Internet and sites like flickr, Facebook, and email. It has been so easy to keep in touch with our friends and family because of it. Just this morning, I was looking at Facebook, at pictures that our friends Noe and Arlene posted from their son's 2nd Birthday last month. I was thrilled.

This month, my agenda includes sending two packages out to Chicago and San Jose, full of baby clothes and coffee mugs, something long overdue because we were so busy before, that we missed out on giving it to them the first time when we were in town.

Then taking pics of the Radko ornaments that John kept for years; they're slowly wearing out, or breaking, and I really love those ornaments too since they're so unique. I want to be able to remember them so that's a project that I just finished undertaking.

Now that I have those pics of the Radko ornaments, I will employ the magic of Photoshop to make our Christmas cards this year. The address of some of our friends we didn't have yet, so I sent out a message on Facebook, asking them to forward them to us so we don't leave anyone out. (there's two more who haven't responded yet) The ornaments, by the way, will be featured on the front of our card.

I love the holidays. Can't wait to get started and finish.

Our "Norman Rockwell Turkey" & well used wedding presents

2008-12-04T07:04:00.001-08:00

John carving Turkey
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

I have a Norman Rockwell calendar hanging on my wall right next to my desk. John has a Norman Rockwell mini book that has all of the Saturday Evening Post covers that this famous artist painted himself.

Of course, you know all about the famous Norman Rockwell painting with the family having Thanksgiving Dinner and the grandmother, the matriarch of the family bringing out a juicy, golden brown turkey?

That's that I think we accomplished here when John brought this turkey out, platter and all, to our buffet spread. Sadly, our dining room table is much to small to place any of our Thanksgiving dishes on it, with 5 people already sitting at the table, so, we had to leave it on our open space counter facing the dining room.

The photo seen here is about as close to a Norman Rockwell moment I can get. I love the result though.

Of course, we had the opportunity to use our wedding presents as well, like the green dish sets and serving dishes. So whoever gave us those dishes, you know who you are, we're definitely putting them to good use! Also a huge salad bowl that looked like it belongs in a Tiki Hut...I love that too.

It's been a year now, and so far, all of our wedding presents have been well worn, and used. The Fondue pot (from my friend Adam and Delia), the dish sets (from A.J & Erika), our Kitchen Aid blender (from Dr. Jiang Yu and his family), the tropical salad bowl and matching serving utensils (from Dr. Hales and his family), a dessert plate set from Crate & Barrel (from Witchuda), an All-Clad Grill pan (from Craig and Susan), an All-Clad roasting pan (also from Craig and Susan), our Pyrex baking set (from Ras and Jennene), the mini trifle dishes (from Bharat and Manjima), and our vacuum (from Noe and Arlene), and even a mini popcorn popper (from Rahul), and I know there were a lot more, but I can't remember them all, give me a break here! lol.

We were pretty lucky this time around. All of them gave us what we really needed for our house! Whoo-hoo! Saves us the guilty feelings of not using one item that was a gift. I like having the lack of guilty feeling.

A tripped up Scrabble game: Night before Thanksgiving

2008-12-03T20:12:00.001-08:00

A tripped up Scrabble game
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

The thing about playing Scrabble as an adult: you will find more questionable words on the board. For proof, take a very close look at the board pictured here.

My brother-in-law Mike and his wife Robin spent the night at our house, the night before Thanksgiving Day, and they brought over a traditional Shepherd's Pie (Lamb and all), and some good liquor.

After a dinner of salad and pie, we got a fire started and played Scrabble (a game that they brought over), something that I haven't played in ages. The thing was, as the game wore on, I came in last only because the letters I was dealt with was lame. Very lame.

What memories it brought though. I didn't play Scrabble much as a kid, but the game itself brought a lot of nostalgia. This was our second Thanksgiving as a married wife, and so far, I'm having a lot of fun...although marriage truly does have it's ups and downs. The Scrabble game represented more than just nostalgia; a past that I would soon experience again, when the kids arrive.

It brought to mind the other fun games we used to play too, like the physical ones: Cops and Robbers, Freeze Tag, those hand clap games; and then the "older" type games: Monopoly, Spin the Bottle (that's a whole other story), Uno, and all the video games you can count.

Ah, the old games. The ones that kept you in the house and out of the streets when you're young. Something I intend on teaching my children when they reach the right age.

Love it!

Michael and Robin Sullivan...our adventure in Savannah Georgia

2008-11-11T13:07:00.001-08:00

The fountain of love...
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

I have never been tapped to be the sole photographer for a wedding.

By sole, I mean, being the one to take the pictures. The camera I have is not a point and shoot this time, like the camera I had used for Noe & Arlene's wedding, Jeff & Priya's wedding, my cousin Sheila's wedding...the Olympus E-500 is serious stuff; I'm playing in the big leagues now.

Yeah right. I'm far from being a professional photographer, and to be quite honest, I don't know if I want to become one. I just want the skills that's all, for my photos. I already have the composition theory down, as you can see from the photo above, and the subsequent ones you will see in my flickr stream. But, I don't have the studio equipment to do the formal portraits for a wedding, which is the sole reason why I couldn't go pro even if I wanted to.

I'm more of a candid sort of person. Have been ever since doing my first ever photos of an event...my Junior Ring Dance back in 1996. (Seems like SO long ago now.

John's stepbrother Michael emailed me one day and told me that he and his fiancee decided to get married on October 25th in Savannah Georgia and invited us. On that same day, he sent me another email with "Photographer Wanted" on the subject line. When I saw that, I thought he needed some help on looking for a photographer for their wedding. So imagine my surprise and delight when I actually read the email...they both wanted me to take the pictures, and said that they will reimburse the cost of developing and such.

There is nothing I like better than to take pictures. I'm just honored to do it for them.

This was also going to be a team effort...John also had years of experience with photography (he shot his friends Noe and Arlene's engagement photos), and he has a much steadier hand than I do.

So after booking the room, printing directions from Mapquest, and an exhausting week of work (my first week working at the hospital), we headed for our 5 hour driving trip to Savannah.

I've heard about Savannah being an old and charming southern town (as old as the Revolutionary War), not to mention that Paula Deen has a restaurant there. We stayed at a LaQuinta Inn which is about 8 miles maybe, from downtown Savannah.

The wedding was held in Forsyth Park, and the day started off cloudy. Since this wasn't your typical wedding, the happy couple wanted to keep things as simple as possible, with only the closest family members and friends present; so the photography wasn't an all-day affair. I shot the wedding vows, and their reactions to each other while John took most of the "formals" in front of the beautiful fountain (seen in the pic above).

Afterwards, we took some more pics around the park before heading to Churchill's Pub nearby. It featured some traditional British dishes and of course other dishes. Their Strawberry Daiquiri's were good though...my usual standby.

All in all, Michael and Robin had a marvelous time, and they both looked liked they were walking on Cloud 9.

And that, among other things, is the reason to go to a wedding.

President Barack H. Obama

2008-11-05T14:06:00.001-08:00

IL_CST_11052008
Originally uploaded by Barack Obama

WOW.

I was literally in tears. A new day has come and from this point of view, one can literally say that this country is now The Land of Opportunity.

4 rallies, meeting our new Vice President, photo after photo of election coverages and collecting articles...this is truly a day we will all remember.

Congrats President Obama! We'll see you in D.C!

Biden's case for Obama

2008-11-02T20:18:00.001-08:00

Biden's case for Obama
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

If James Taylor wasn't enough that week, I found out later that Senator Biden was going to speak at a rally in Raleigh, at Meridith College that Thursday.

It was a small venue, it seems and he was scheduled to speak at 7 pm, and despite all of that, I was off at around 3:30pm, and I wanted to follow my mapquest directions to the college.

It was around 4:30pm and to my astonishment, there were a line of cars heading into the college parking lot! Geez, I should've known. We didn't get a good view at all in the rally in Greensboro the month before (September), and I thought, darn it, I bet I'm not going to get a good view again...

Or so I thought.

After parking the car, via campaign volunteers directions, waiting in line, I arrived at the outdoor venue, and saw that the lawn directly in front of where Senator Biden is speaking didn't contain a lot of people yet. I was thinking...hell I better take this chance.

It turns out that taking this chance paid off...the place where I was standing, I was so close to the podium, I can almost taste it! Well, meaning that my lens, the 150 mm ones can finally get a great shot of the Delaware senator. The ones that these lucky newspaper and media photographers get to take. Dang it, I need one of those press passes...

Normally, I wouldn't stand for hours, for anything. However, on that night, I didn't mind so much anymore since I was standing so close to the podium, it was fantastic! Plus, I was also in the middle of reading his book, "Promises to Keep" so the wait was actually not bad at all. It was very good so far.

And when Senator Biden finally came out past 7 pm, the stand up wait was all worth it...I scored two campaign signs, a Clean Coal hat, a bottled water, and some great shots of the crowd, the signs waving in the air, and of course, some shots of Senator Biden.

What I wanted to ask him, since I know he will be coming around to the crowd directly in front of him to shake hands, was where he and Senator Obama stood on the issue of funding Medical Research. My husband is a research scientist and is in a furious tirade because not enough money is being funneled into it....mostly because the government is spending it on an unnecessary war.

I was pumped too, hoping to get his autograph on my book, after his rousing speech, and maybe some straightforward answers regarding that topic, which by the way is very important for health care, and waiting almost an additional 20 minutes for him to come my way to shake his hand...

"Hello, how are you?" he smiled and shook my hand. It was a very firm handshake too...I've heard many times that a firm handshake means that the person is genuine.

And darn it, I couldn't say a thing. Except that I was feeling fine, and that I wanted him to sign his book for me.

What's wrong with me?????

*Sigh* Well, I didn't get to ask my question but, meeting Senator Biden in the flesh was priceless, politician or not. In his book, he calls politics a noble calling, and in a way it's true because you're helping to make people's lives a bit easier. It's because of the government that your salary is the way it is, for most jobs; because of government crimes are kept to a minimum, if at all possible (impossible for a city like Chicago or New York City) because of government, our education standards, health care, regional infrastructures, and the way all of them are paid through the taxes we pay...It's all because of the government.

As much as I am a cynic about politicians, most of them being in it for their own selfish ambitions (you know that's true) and not in it for the best of the people; I am hopeful that Senators Obama and Biden will bring about the change that we need...real change. Starting with the face of leadership...we are so diverse in this country, but when it comes to our leadership, there isn't a lot of change.

I am however, sick of the fear mongering machine of the GOP. Neither of the top two candidates have any relevant experience that the office of President will require, (that's why they have advisers, cabinet members...), and I could give a rat's eye about the "gaffes" of the "experienced" candidate...Senator Biden (he took office in 72, so if they want to talk experience, then Biden would be the qualified candidate) is now getting a bit more coverage and what are they saying about him? Nothing of substance to really matter. Most of them are not even relevant.

What's that? The comment he made about someone or something happening to test the mettle of a President Obama?

Take a look back at past Presidents of the United States, and look at the records...from George Washington to George W. Bush, each of them had something happen in their administration that tested the mettle on all of them.

So it will be for a President Obama or McCain, whoever wins this election, so come on media, learn your history why don't you?

As for me...I shall treasure these pics of the rallies I have gone to, and hope that I shall see a day that we will all remember for years to come.

The election of two guys who actually care about the well being of the citizens of the United States.

James Taylor's concert: my far-away version

2008-11-02T19:09:00.001-08:00

James Taylor's concert
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

I love my 150 mm lens, otherwise this shot wouldn't even be possible.

It was a Monday night, the first day at my new job, and what's more, John was able to get two tickets for the free James Taylor concert! Whoo hoo!

Campaigning for change, for Senator Barack Obama.

It was a lovely evening, and of course, James Taylor did not disappoint.

"There is nothing false about hope.": The Closing arguement for Barack Obama

2008-10-29T15:45:00.001-07:00

"There is nothing false about hope."
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

It is now 6 days before the 2008 Presidential Elections.

Thank goodness, because after more than a year of listening to the national news which 90% of it's contents consists of nothing but presidential hopefuls, winding down to Senators Obama, Biden, McCain and Gov. Palin, I am more than ready for this election to be over with. The political punditry was also a bit wearing to hear, from CNN, to ABC, to NBC, CBS, and others specifically the outspoken host of the View for the GOP, which is disgustingly nasty to hear, as if her opinions are of the right and everyone else is wrong.

I've heard constant bickering between partisan pundits arguing their case for their candidate, and there were times that I wanted throw a shoe at the television. (Never mind that it cost $3,000) Mainly because some of the opinions and soundbytes I've heard were far from the truth.

It wasn't until last week when we received in the mail an issue of Newsweek, which not surprisingly, featured yet a few more stories about the election and one of them stood out: The Case for Barack Obama, written by Fareed Zakaria, one of the very few non-partisan pundits, (for lack of a better word) that I actually listen to. Zakaria is not affiliated with any party; the only affiliation he has is simply, the truth. It's refreshing.

We've all heard the usual attack lines. This year was a bit more heated...starting with experience, then it went to are you tough enough to take on the Republican attack machine, then it went to guilt by association, religion, mocking the notion of hope, animals and cosmetics, dangerous characteristics...

I guess the economy, national security, the war in Iraq, education, health care, foreclosures, raising taxes or lowering them, took a route to the back burner, and with issues so important to us, you would think they would be of substance to talk about instead of the possibility that one may be a Muslim.

Which is exactly what it all boils down to, instead of talking about the issues, the nonsenses are of no consequence whatsoever. So what gives? How many times have I turned on the television to CNN or otherwise, and heard these reporters bickering back and forth about past associations, or lipstick on a pig, bitterness and religion, "too dangerous a personality" to occupy the White House...

Then came time for the VP picks, and while one made a really honorable choice, the other picked his out of pure cynicism, either that, or to one up the opponent because he didn't make the same kind of choice. A week later, they start to make one of their final pitches to the American people; one speech is about the hope for America's future; the other is about the mockery of hope and keeping the status quo intact, at least that's what I gathered after listening to that speech.

As for the experience issue, Fareed Zakaria makes a relevant case on the lack of experience both candidates have:
Let's be honest: neither candidate has past experience that is relevant to being president, except that they have now both run large, multiyear, multimillion-dollar, 50-state campaigns. By common consent, McCain's has been chaotic and ineffective, while Obama has run a superb operation, and done so with little of the drama and discord that usually plague political machines.
Experience has since gone out the window since the GOP nominee decided to pick a running mate that is not only unknown, but has little knowledge if anything, about the fundamental issues when it comes to national security. Saying I can see Russia from my back yard does not count for foreign policy credentials. That's what advisers are for, and every sitting and former Presidents has had them.

On dealing with other countries, Zakaria says: On foreign policy, Obama is cool to McCain's hot, discriminating about the fights he wants to pick. He argues for greater international cooperation and the aggressive use of diplomacy. He sees a world in which America doesn't have to get adversarial with everyone and tries instead to work with other countries—of whatever hue—to solve the common problems we face.

Politics as usual? Or common sense? Speaking of which, we should also take a moment and go back to history when Thomas Paine penned Common Sense questioning the notion of the possibility that a country which is located an ocean's distance away from its mother country, can come up with a whole new system of government of freedom for themselves; the same idea, of a "revolution" to form new forward-thinking ideals to propel this country to it's future...electing part of the status quo with old fashioned ideas, despite the fact that our culture has gone through significant changes during the past two decades will not solve the problems of today, and if we do not vote for change now, we'll be back four years later, and talking about the same things again.

There are the endorsements from prominent politicians, and citizens of this country: people say that the opinions of famous people do not matter to them, but some of them, let's be honest here, you can't help but wonder if just maybe, they may be on to something: starting with Oprah...yeah, she's a billionaire, but think of it this way: when has she ever talked about a politician? Electing your leader is a big deal, more than electing a senator or governor, and quite frankly, when you look back she has not done endorsements of any kind, for a politician.

Then there's Senator Ted Kennedy; not only of the Kennedy dynasty, but one of the most respected Democrats in the history of their party. Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, the daughter of JFK, whom also never publicly endorsed a presidential candidate, with the exception of her Uncle Ted, when he ran for the Democratic nomination against President Jimmy Carter back in 1980; until this year. Finally to the most recent endorsement, and this one is from one of the most respected Republican member: Gen. Colin Powell.

Enough said. When you add the major newspaper endorsements from around the nation, the endorsement of a well known former Democratic president (Jimmy Carter),and more shadows of doubt against the GOP's own nominee for president since he chose someone who is woefully clueless about our important issues facing this country, for his running mate, clearly the candidate on the receiving end of endorsement is honored, humbled, and most importantly, not taking any of these endorsements for granted.

By now, we all know Senators Obama and Biden's stories, since television has repeated them time and again; we know that they were part of the middle class that fights hard every day to keep their heads above the water, we know that they will fight for the most important issues that faces us today: health care, education, ending the war in Iraq; we know that they will save us more money through their tax cut plans; we know that they are aggressively for diplomacy to countries that oppose us, we know that they want to look for longer term solutions for energy use on the only planet that sustains life.

Forget the possibility of a person following a certain relgiion, forget the country where his relatives came from. Shouldn't his ideas to put our country first be a top priority? As for putting your country first: the GOP has the best intentions when putting that campaign slogan out, but lets face the truth: if we can pay 10 billion a month on the war we shouldn't be in, or 700 billion to bail out Wall Street and the "ailing" banks, is it not putting country first when we should be spending that kind of money on seriously underfunded educational programs, medical research, health care reform programs, and social security?

Is it not "socialism" that we were brought out of the Great Depression when FDR was President of the United States? Is it not right to "spread the wealth" to everyone especially those who care for their ailing loved ones, those who have to work and go to college at the same time, the single parents who are struggling to balance work, find a babysitter, and school; don't we little guys deserve a break, at least for a little bit, and not continue to see the wealthy spend in excess while the middle and lower class continue to struggle to make ends meet? If I was making more than a quarter million dollars, I have no problems paying the higher tax, because that's the way it has been for years: the more you make, the higher your taxes are. Period.

We've all heard the character argument; something I did not want to hear in this campaign; and there you will find the most obvious...one talking about the issues, the other is not. One worrying about how and why so many people are losing their jobs and not being able to pay their bills, the other questioning his patriotism. One talking about how we are going to dig ourselves out of the 700 billion dollar hole, the other questioning his past relationships with university professors. One talks about proposing more transparency in government, the other demands to know why he chose to associate himself with "shady politicians".

Years of "experience" is nothing when you have the heart of cold stone and the wrong ideas to run this country. Experience takes to the back burner when you have one that touts his military background vs. one who touts his understanding of what regular guys like us goes through because he has gone through that himself. Experience is not a part of the equation when one repeatedly distorts issues that should not be in the campaign conversation while the other repeatedly hammers the issue about how his tax cuts will help people making under $250,000 catch up, if not a little bit.

You've heard the speeches from both the DNC and RNC, all three Presidential debates and one Vice Presidential debate, watched their reactions to the recent economic crisis, and of course the gaffes of the VP candidates, and yes, I am talking about both of them. One of them, because she was a relatively unknown candidate received all the media attention, leaving the other to enjoy talking with the voters out there, without so much interruption from the media. Lets be honest here too: I think Senator Biden enjoyed the lack of coverage. We have listened to so many opinions on so many stump speeches, and listened to countless late night comedy show material, mostly poking fun at the GOP because, let's face it, they provide easy material for these comedians.

I would like to take the time and correct the GOP's presidential nominee; you like to say that you are the underdog, but guess what? A person that is of another race other than Caucasian with an exotic name will always be the underdog, no matter how you paint yourself.

We now have a chance to propel this country to a promising future, a promise that will give the next generation the confidence that they can go on to be whoever they want, including President of the United States. Isn't it time to end our Founding Father's nightmare and work together as a whole nation and not divided? Isn't it time for more government transparency, dignity, and honesty?

They said many times that this campaign was a longest of long shots: they never get a shot like this, and this is the first time that this candidate has ever reached so close to winning the highest office. I sit here, witnessing this extraordinary year in politics with the hope that in picking Senator Barack Obama, our country will renew it's promise and continue it's idea of being the country of opportunity.

North Carolina State Fair

2008-10-28T19:08:00.001-07:00

North Carolina State Fair
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

It has been a very busy week. More than a week.

Started off with the Veggie Dinner on a Saturday; then the NC State Fair on Sunday; the James Taylor concert Monday, as well as my first day at my new job; the Biden campaign rally in Raleigh on Thursday; and driving out of town for a fun-filled wedding weekend in Savannah, Georgia.

So for this blog anyway, it starts with the NC State Fair.

I've never been to a State Fair before; even in Illinois where their Fair is more than 2 hours away. It does help when you live near the capital of a state; in this case, Raleigh, North Carolina where the fairgrounds is located.

Then again, maybe I have been to a fair: when John, his mom, and I arrived at the fair on a sunny Sunday morning, it pretty much looked like the Puerto Rico Fest, the St. Mathias carnival, the Taste of Chicago...the rides, the food; the only difference is, is the animals and contests.

Starting with these ladies from a local dance group.

This group was one of several that performed in this tent called the Folk tent where there were as many folk singers as dancers. John and his mom, both being show viewing buffs (John's acting background certainly contributes to this as well), loved every single one of them.

One thing about the Fair this year is the question of turnout. With the economy the way it is, people are not spending a lot of money. If they are, expect them to be very frugal, some may bring their own lunches instead of buying (we didn't do that unfortunately), they're cutting back on the games, cutting back on buying crafts...wow, we need our economy to turn around, and soon.

All in all, they kept the admission price at a minimum, ($7 a pop) while you pay a bit to see big names perform in the main arena. For free though, you get to see prized animals, veggies and fruits, honey straight from the honeycomb, and even a painting pig...who knew?

James Taylor!!!!!!

2008-10-26T21:30:00.001-07:00

DSC_0195
Originally uploaded by Barack Obama

Most of the musicians that I like today, I first saw them on Sesame Street.

Yes. I said Sesame Street. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

After years of listening to James Taylor's music, imagine my delight when I received an invitation from the Obama campaign (I was probably one among many) to watch James Taylor in a free concert tour in support of Obama.

How can I say no?

In that email I received were the days that we can pick up the tickets. Taylor had planned on visiting Charlotte, Asheville, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh. We tried to pick up two tickets from one of the location on a Saturday, but of course, they ran out; however, there was another chance to pick them up that Monday, the day of the scheduled Chapel Hill concert at Fetzer Field at UNC.

Good news and bad news: it was my first day on my new job at UNC Hospitals, so I couldn't pick up the tickets, but John however, was able to. Whoo-hoo!

So not only was Monday a new beginning with a new job, it was the continuing of a "meet famous people" streak. If not meet, but at least get to see them in person.

I brought our camera of course, and wondered if we're going to get lucky in terms of seating. The seating was decent to say the least, and the sound system was excellent. However, we were too far away for our telephoto lens to get a decent shot of James Taylor. But, we were able to score a few good shots. Maybe.

This shot of James Taylor (a shot from an area I would've killed for) came from the Barack Obama photostream on flickr.com.

As for the concert? It was absolutely wonderful. There is nothing better than listening to great music despite the fact that it was a weeknight. He performed his famous hits, and added a little "Go Obama Go" tune in. I swear I thought someone was going to break out the candles.

It was very nice of James Taylor to throw these free concerts in North Carolina; mostly because North Carolina is now a battleground state and this is the state where James Taylor grew up (his dad worked for the UNC School of Medicine) and he was delighted to see that the turnout for this election in his home state is overwhelming.

Overall, a very good evening.

McCain Defends Obama and Voter registration fraud?

2008-10-10T18:44:00.001-07:00

John McCain, Republican Presidential candidate, after all these years, finally reach this point
Originally uploaded by Yan Zhang [in DC]

I know...hard to believe eh?

I'm watching Larry King Live right now, and there was a clip of Sen. McCain at a campaign stop today, telling the audience that they should not be afraid of Obama being President of the United States.

This comes after numerous reports of people shouting expletives about Obama saying "Treason!" or "Kill him".

*Note: check out ABC News and CNN for the full reports.

Now, I'm not being partisan here, but I will defend anyone who says or does the right thing, Republican, Democrat, or any other party. Not too long ago, I was impressed with the fact that McCain condemning the fact that someone used Sen. Obama's middle name in a derogatory and offensive manner, while introducing McCain in a campaign event in Ohio.

That being said, I am impressed with what Sen. McCain said today in a campaign stop. I don't agree with his negative campaign ads, but at least he's doing the right thing here in defending Sen. Obama
against riled up attendants at his rally.

Of course, in defending Senator Obama, Senator McCain got quite a few boos and hisses, but you can't knock a guy for saying the right thing.

The other major news of today is a Voter Registration fraud investigation against the organization Acorn. Lots of bogus forms showing up in fake names or fake addresses, or forms that just seems silly...silly enough to be flagged and questioned.

Here's the reality of it though: first off, once you turn in your Voter Registration form, they have to look at it, verify your information, and once they approve it, they send you your card at the address you noted in your form. Here's the other thing: when you go to the actual polls to vote, you have to show a government issued ID. Period. This is a government form you're filling out, and you need a government issued ID to fill out the form, especially for an election.

So the prospect of Acorn being investigated for fraud is pretty ludicrous. They're not going to willingly turn in an obviously bogus Voter Registration form. Hmm...hard to figure. But, that's my take on it, because I've been through it...when I voted for the Primaries earlier this year, I participated in the One-Stop Early Voting event, and in filling out my form and turning it in, they asked for my ID, but, I had forgotten it in my car, and they told me that I had to show it in order to present validity in my form. Surprise, surprise...needless to say, I had to run back out to my car and get my Driver's License.

I'll be glad when this election business will be over...

*Thanks to the flickr.com member with this pic of Sen. McCain.*

Week in the Life: Sunday

2008-10-05T21:06:00.001-07:00

Sunday Find: New Polarizing filter
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

End of the week for this week-long project, and I must say, I had a lot of fun embarking on it.

So now, to cap off this project is the happenings of today.

*Cubs lose! Cubs Lose! Why????
*At least the Sox pulled through...let's see how long that lasts. They were able to go all the way before, maybe it will happen again?
*Day trip to Southpoint Mall in Durham for lunch and Wolf Camera.
*Found a polarizing filter for our camera to give the sky a bit more depth when taking pics outdoors. You can already see the difference in the pic above.
*Tried to catch "A Flash of Genius" at the movie theatre, but missed the first 45 minutes of it, and it was a long wait for the next one.
*Sen. Biden will be off the campaign trail for a little while because his mother in law passed away...we're praying for you!
*Sen. Obama "dealing" with terrorists. Now what person from the McCain campaign came up with that wacked out lie?
*Wanted to watch Fareed Zakaria's Global Public Square (GPS for short) when we returned, but then we had to go out and wash both of our cars. (To remove the extra gunk off the muddied tire from earlier this week)
*Started looking up Scottsdale, Arizona, where John will be going for the ACNP meeting (American College of Neuropsychopharmacology)
and I will be tagging along for the ride.
*Found out that the Grand Canyon is about a 3 hour drive from there.
*Also found out that one of Frank Lloyd Wright's home Taliesin is near there too.
*Seriously need new lens for my glasses. The scratches are annoying as heck.
*Went to McAllister's Deli to pick up dinner; I ordered a veggie spud, with extra veggies.
*Watched "School House Rock" with John; brought back so many memories of Saturday morning cartoons. For me, SHR came on right after Bugs Bunny and Friends on ABC.
*Watched Planet Earth where they recently discovered a huge cave somewhere in New Mexico.
*Watched another Planet Earth where it featured life on the North and South Poles. Very interesting to watch the wildlife.
*I'm upstairs pounding away on the keyboard while John is downstairs watching "Semi Pro" starring Will Ferrell.
*Contemplating on what this week will bring.

This week will be semi fun for me. I have to get some bills paid, and look up some more camera equipment, which includes getting another camera. John wants to get a Nikon, while I want a Canon (my dad highly recommends Canon, he still has his old Canon AE-1 film SLR) In addition, my new job is supposed to call me back regarding drug testing among other things, so there's that to do. Then waiting for my Truman College transcript to come so I can head to Durham Tech to finalize my enrollment.

While I'm at it, I should start considering entering a few photo contests. See what happens. I've been making a bit of headway now.
First, I have to find one.

Week in the Life: Saturday afternoon

2008-10-04T21:50:00.001-07:00

Reading about Sen. Biden
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Today, we had to take in our rings to Kay Jewelers to get it replated, cleaned, and inspected. It's free to do it, a part of their lifetime guarantee of their jewelry. Pretty cool eh?

Another weekend free, one of my last few that I'll have for a while. While it is nice to have your weekends free, I do kind of miss having a regular week day off. I can't do a lot of things on the weekends because places get really crowded.

I just bought Joe Biden's book "Promises to Keep" last Sunday at Sam's Club. I first heard of that book when he was interviewed for a CNN special. I started reading it this morning. It's really good so far, and he kind of reminds me of Garrison Keillor's writing; it's like your grandfather sitting you down and telling you stories of the days past. I love stories like that.

We originally wanted to go out and celebrate my getting a new job, but, I was so tired and worn down from the week, all I really wanted to do is just go home and do nothing.

Which of course, isn't always possible.

I received a call from Jessica today and she congratulated me on getting that job. Of course, I keep her updated on my goings-on and told her about my troubles at work. Turns out that she's going through the same thing; you see, she works as a Radiographer, taking X-Rays at different nursing care or Assistant Living Facilities. The firm that she works for, sends their Radiographers around to these facilities on doctor's orders to get these diagnostic tools and send them back to the doctor's office. Since a lot of these facilities are in the suburbs, she does a lot of driving.

She was telling me about how some of these nurses cop an attitude to her whenever she asks them for help on something, and how they ask her silly questions like "why does this need to get done?"

Uh, because their doctors ordered it to be done? What? Why else would someone drive all the way to that facility to take an X-Ray? That's why I said that those are silly questions. Mostly they are for diagnostic reasons, and a nurse of all people, should know what they are for.

Just a couple of days ago, I heard a report that there is an increase of Nursing Home or Assistant Living facilities abuse. Physical or mental or even financial. When I hear this, I am not surprised at all. It's really sad. I have a huge problem with people who are not there to give quality care to the residents or patients.

It's the same thing with politicians. There are those who are in it for their own self-interests, but for others, it's about helping the people out. There are very few who are willing to do that however.

It's sobering to know that your best friend thinks the same way, on almost all things, as you do.

Besides that, these things happened around the house today:

The cat did a number on our bathroom rug and John had to wash it and get new cat litter.
Party going on at our next door neighbors.
John paid some bills.
John did some yard work and let the cat out for awhile to enjoy the outdoors.
Then later, when we were about to take a nap, the cat meowed one too many times for us to let him out again.
Linking Obama to terrorists? The opposition says. Well, it's exactly one month to the day that the elections will happen, and now someone is seriously getting desperate.
Cubs and Sox have to win the next game if they hope to continue on the playoffs.
Planning a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, in December, where John will be going to a 4 day conference. The Grand Canyon is located a couple hours away.

Napping until you feel like you can't? My idea of a Saturday.

Week in the Life: TGI Fridays

2008-10-04T14:25:00.001-07:00

Week in the Life: Guilty Artsy Pleasure
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Yes, I know I'm posting this on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

But yesterday, Friday, was fun.

It didn't start off great. It was just my normal Friday workday. Still had to deal with a lot of testy people. Except for two who are really great to work with, at least, in my opinion. It's unfortunate that I I'll be leaving them in about a week or so, depending on what happens.

I kept up my project by taking pics yesterday though, which includes this one here.

I was at work when I got the call. They said I had an offer. They told me that I didn't have to answer now, since I was going to wait for the next one early next week, but I thought, nah, I'll take this one now, since it will determine my next step. I accepted the offer, and went back to work.

Of course, I didn't tell anyone, I just went about my business and pretended everything was okay. I did have a run in with someone from the house where I work, and she asked me if I can work Saturday (today) to fill in the shifts. I told her I couldn't because I've already made plans.

She didn't look very happy with me when I said that.

Well, what was I supposed to say? Oh, sure I'll drop whatever I'm doing this weekend to work. NOT. I've worked hard all week, and it's time for a day off.

At least when I start this new position, I'll be able to do my own scheduling. Tuition reimbursement, PTO's, Retirement plans, and the rest of the perks. Plus, I'll be part of an interdisciplinary team. What more can you ask for?

You can imagine the relief that swept over me when I got the call that afternoon. Now I feel that I can finally be back to normal. Besides, I was too used to the environment. I need to be back in that environment.

So after work, I decided to head over to Kohl's and do a bit of shopping. At first, I wanted to get a new pair of shoes. Shoes for when I start my new job. But then I saw these cute artsy shirts that I changed my mind and put the shoes back. I figure I can save the shoe for when I get paid next Friday.

You know the old adage, good things come to those who wait? Well, I think that Friday was the day. Ever since volunteering with my best friend Jessica, at a hospital in Chicago when we were still in high school, we decided that the medical field is the right choice for us. At least for us, we wanted a career that will give back to society in a way. I was passionate about helping people get better.

However, it's very hard for me to do my job when it's obvious that other people are not invested in it...in other words, they're just there for the money instead of the patients that they take care of. It really gets under my skin. That's why there are a lot of problems in certain places like Nursing homes or Assistant Living care facilities.

So, shopping in my favorite store to get a bunch of new tops is one of my favorite ways to celebrate.

When I returned home, I relaxed for a little bit, still feeling as if a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders. Then the news of the day arrived.

Bailout Bill is passed by the House.
Campaign trails are back in full force after last night's debate.
The verdict is that reviewers are saying that both VP candidates have done well.
Both Chicago baseball teams are struggling in the Playoffs.
Remains are found near the Steve Fossett plane wreck.
Sunny days deserved to be revered.
Leftovers are really good for lunch the next day.
Gearing up for the trip to Savannah, GA.
Want to attend Conversations with the Carters next month.
Seriously looking into buying a Canon Rebel.
Missing Chicago now more than ever.
Have to email Dan & Carolyn and tell them my good news.

I love Fridays.

Week in the Life: The Debate of the Year or at least the month

2008-10-03T20:31:00.001-07:00

Week in the Life: The Debate of the Year or at least the month
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

The verdict?

Whoo-hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The debate had far exceeded my expectations. They both held their own, and Sen. Biden kept his integrity and even showed a surprising show of emotion towards the end.

I had said that Gov. Palin will do fine during the debate, and she did.

They both had very different stories. Stories that we can all relate to in one way or another. There's something funny about fate taking you down such different roads. And sometimes, those roads converge and a clash of differing opinions rule the agenda.

As in those two who debated last night.

They have very different ideas on how this country should work, and last night, they showed it and defended their top two candidates on their positions.

For those of you who watched the debates last night, it was obvious who came out on top. Being elected at the tender age of 29 as a Senator, and then becoming Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, there can be no comparison when it comes to experience in the crucial issues that faces a president of the United States.

Senator Biden certainly came out on top.

As much as both tried to relate to us "regular Joes" out here, being themselves (their verbosity certainly showed it last night), the difference is that one ticket is to fight for real change in America, while the other ticket stands to keep America as it was...

They may be VP candidates, but then again, this is no ordinary election. We've had ordinary for a long time, and it's high time for a change.

Now, getting back to Sen. Biden's emotional moment...he said, and note that I'm paraphrasing this, that the notion of him being a man, that he doesn't know a thing about raising children alone, is absurd, and that he knows where these single parents come from...he was one after all. Not knowing if your children will make it, he said, and it was this point where he almost broke down in tears.

That struck a chord with me. A woman. Who worries every day whether she will make it to the next week when she has bills to pay; worried about paying for her schooling, worried about the health of her own father. A woman, who is voting for the first time in her life because of the substance of two candidates.

It seems to me, that Sen. Biden has found his voice.

There are those who work in government to push their own self interests, and leaves out the ones who really matter. But then there are those who fight for us to ensure that we get a fair shake. Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden chose to make their careers as politicians to fight for us at home.

The battles of war in the Middle East are not the only ones. There are wars going on in every single state in our country, the biggest one being the economy. Others include health insurance companies refusing to pay for pre-existing conditions, maternity, and catastrophic illnesses; schools being underfunded; Vets coming home and finding out that their government is not on their side when it comes to getting the proper medical care.

It's funny that one party charges the other for being too liberal and that they spend way too much money.

But is it spending way too much when it comes to finding and creating new jobs, education support, and many others that will help the American people? Like I said, I don't mind paying higher taxes, as long as those taxes are going to causes that will help us.

Don't you think that it's high time for a change?

Thursday's Debate

2008-10-02T15:39:00.001-07:00

20081002_JRB_debate_walkthrough-10
Originally uploaded by Barack Obama

Honestly, I don't know how much attention that this debate has received...since the last time a woman was selected as a VP candidate.

As with any task, and I'm talking about both candidates for VP; I'm sure that they will do fine...Gov. Palin had plenty of debates, and Sen. Biden debate plenty of women before I bet...including Sen. Clinton during the presidential primaries this year and last.

We will probably not see another debate like this anytime soon, unless a woman is actually the nominee for president the next time around.

The wonderful thing about us having to choose our leaders? We can always unchoose them as well. Simply not vote for them. Not bad for my first year voting! I'm glad there are candidates worth our salt.

Tonight will be very interesting. The media keeps questioning the integrity of Sen. Biden and how he will handle Gov. Palin. Come on guys, it's not as if he didn't debate a woman before right?

My friend Nick, whom I roped in watching the debates with me, expects to get a laugh or two tonight. My husband expects that this debate will be the most watched VP debate since Ferraro. I'm kind of feeling nervous about this, because it will be likely that Gov. Palin might lay a bait for Biden to take.

Beware the Barracuda.

Week in the Life Wednesday: Long overdue car bath

2008-10-01T21:16:00.001-07:00

Long overdue car bath
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

What a goofy day.

Got myself stuck in the mud. For the first time in my 13 years of driving. But of course, I still got the lecture from the men who roll their eyes every time a woman messes up the car. Getting stuck in a semi-ditch is no different.

Ah, but there aren't any ditches in Chicago, which is possibly why this is the first time I got myself in this situation.

Other goofs today was getting a major headache from work. All the yelling is kind of intolerable, but had to bite the lip and push on.

The highlight was coming back to the group home where I had my car parked and saw that it's been moved. 2 of my coworkers had moved it for me. It's southern hospitality at it's finest. I thanked both of them profusely for doing that for me. Otherwise, it's either A: have my husband come and bail me out. Or B: call a towing company. I'm glad that I didn't have to do either.

Other highs came in this fashion:

Senate passing the Bailout bill.
The Olympic committee determined that the Chinese Gymnastics Women's team is of age.
Chicago Cubs lost...dang it.
Found a couple of really good food and photo blogs.
Dreaming of the possibility of the Ultimate Cross-Town Classic: Cubs vs. Sox in the World Series
msnbc's political cartoons are too hilarious
Just when you thought life is about to get you, you encounter the lighter moments that calm you down.

Pretty much a metaphor getting stuck in the mud this morning: it's when you realize that certain things in life have to be taken seriously.

Tomorrow is a pretty good day to start.

Faith is a pretty good motivator.

Week in the Life: Tuesday Thoughts

2008-09-30T21:27:00.001-07:00

Tuesday Tinkering
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Second full day of having the freedom to take this computer to anywhere in the house where I darn please.

I like it.

Really tired from working all day...worked by myself in a room earlier today, and my charges kept me running around...literally. Needless to say, I was relieved when I came home this afternoon.

Then I hear the news of the day:

Bailout deal is back with some compromising.
Expectations are mixed for this Thursday's Vice Presidential Debates.
Gov. Palin is under more scrutiny (finally!)
Both the Chicago Cubs and White Sox are in the Playoffs!!!!!!!!
Still couldn't believe the bill wasn't passed on account of hurt feelings after a speech. (What the hey?)
Made some more friends on Facebook.
"Flash of Genius" is opening this Friday.
Got a call from a coworker who said she couldn't cover my 4 hours during the day on Thursday. She suggested that I talk to HR. I should have thought of that before!
Checking back and forth on the Obama/Biden website for any more rallies that will be held in the Triangle area.
Looking for more info on the upcoming NC State Fair, now that a coworker mentioned it to me earlier this afternoon while on the way back to the house.
Talked to my best friend Jessica today; she has since changed her hours, had her daughter's birthday party is on the fast track on getting her husband's citizenship. Whoo-hoo!

Funny how I only took one photo for this Week in the Life series yesterday, but then I took a ton more today. What a difference! My final thought on today?

Good things comes to those who exercise patience. Something I have to remember time and time again. Even when I hit a brick wall.

Week in the Life: Tuesday Thoughts

2008-09-30T21:26:00.001-07:00

Tuesday Tinkering
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Our Own: Paul Newman

2008-09-30T17:45:00.001-07:00

R.I.P. Paul Newman---Great Actor and Greater Humanitarian
Originally uploaded by merriewells

Just wanted a little time out to pay tribute to the late Paul Newman, who passed away last Friday.

I think that actors are as good as the projects that they choose to work on. They act for the sake of the art, not the sake of attention.

Paul Newman chose to do both. He's not only a great actor, he was also a great humanitarian, and even came up with a food line featuring salad dressings and more, with all profits going to charities that were dear to his heart.

I salute anyone who choose to do good for humanity. Thank you, Paul Newman.

(And thank you to the flickr member who shared this pic)

Tuesday Tickler: They're finally realizing that Sen. Biden is also running!

2008-09-30T17:24:00.001-07:00

20080927_Greensboro_NC_Rally0059
Originally uploaded by Barack Obama

Talk about not having the attention.

I was watching Lou Dobbs briefly tonight, and he asked this question for the nightly poll:

When is the media going to realize that Sen. Biden has made more misstatements than Gov. Palin?

I guess that they're finally realizing that Sen. Biden is also running. Remember? Sen. Obama's running mate?

To be honest, I think that Sen. Biden is actually enjoying the inattention. It gives him more time to talk to the people, without media constantly scrutinizing.

This kind of situation is actually laughable. It seems that since Gov. Palin is technically the most experienced in terms of having executive position, yes out of all four candidates, but her first impression for the whole country was a mockery...literally.

While the Democrats sought to show the main differences between them and the Republicans ideals during their convention in Denver, the following week, all the Republicans can do is mock, mock, and more mocking, culminating in Gov. Palin's highly anticipated speech mocking the whole idea of change in our country.

Not the kind of impression that any of us need.

Now there are reports from everything from the Washington Post, Huffington Post, New York Times, Newsweek and the like, saying if not indirectly, that Sen. McCain might have been in over his head when he chose Gov. Palin. As for Sen. Obama's VP pick? It's all went pretty well for him, even though he's criticized for his many "gaffes". But then, the lot of us are not paying that much attention, since it's all about the two top contenders anyway.

But it's pretty amazing when you look at the history of it all: the Democrats have shown us that they were the forward thinkers: two non-consecutive terms, the New Deal, the decision to drop the Atom Bomb, the first Catholic and incumbent member of congress to become president, they were the ones who chose a woman back in 1984 as a VP nominee, they also took Rev. Jesse Jackson seriously when he ran for the nomination back in 1988. It was President Clinton who left office with a huge surplus.

And here we have two Democrats: one who was raised by a single mom, and one who still takes the train to work when he clearly doesn't have to...when are we going to find another like those men?

All eyes turn to the government as they try to get us out of this modern day potential economic meltdown, and to this Thursday when Sen. Biden squares off against Gov. Palin in their one and only debate (maybe). While I'm sure Gov. Palin will do fine in the debate, the very fact that they had to change the rules, is quite laughable to me.

Why change things? This is the lion pit of politics. If you can't take the heat, then stay out of the kitchen right? Didn't Sen. Clinton say that not too long ago during the primaries when she saw that so many people were criticizing Sen. Obama?

Gov. Palin already showed us that she's tough...I think that Sen. Biden will be fine. Maybe he'll get the attention of the media after this Thursday's debate.

I'm just glad that the media is finally realizing that there is someone else on the ticket.

Week in the life: Monday mangle

2008-09-29T20:19:00.001-07:00

Week in the life: Monday
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

I mentioned in my last post that I had a pretty good day, until that afternoon.

This is the first of the week long challenge called Week in the Life, where the challenge is to take as many or few of the pics describing our typical week and of course documenting it.

This is my mission and I chose to accept it.

This pic was taken earlier this evening after I finally calmed my fuses. I was so angry that I forgot that I had this new laptop that was waiting for me when I got home. Normally, I don't forget something like that. Oh well.

This is basically my daily routine...in front of the computer while listening to the News (Bailout deal is NIL today...try again by Thursday), checking out my email and Facebook to see what my friends are up to. Now with the laptop in tow, things have just gotten a lot easier. Wireless. Love that concept. I'm just glad that I finally caught up with it.

I'm surrounded by soothing and way-out art (all original pieces mind you, by John, his mom, and his best friend Eric) which also calms me, and, though you can't see it, incense. Sandalwood is my favorite. In fact, we're due to get another 5 packages. They last us at least 5 months if not three.

Coming to a peaceful home is my goal...at least some of the time. Today though, for the rest of the nation, Wall Street plunged about 776 points today; and then the news from D.C is that Congress didn't pass the bill because some of the GOP took offense to a speech that Speaker Pelosi gave earlier today.

Hmmm...sure blame the Speaker of the House on a speech to cover up the real reason why you don't want the bill passed. My goodness, is honesty out the window when you become a politician?

I think it's appropriate to name this one the Monday Mangle. Especially for those individuals who have their retirement funds on the teetering edge.

Here is my daily routine:

Wake up at 7:30 a.m.
Shower, dress, kiss John's sleeping form, grab my lunch, purse, and then head out the door into the car at 8:10 a.m.
Arrive at work @ 8:30 a.m, and finish up the morning routines at the group home.
Between 9 a.m-9:30 a.m, drive our residents to their day program.
Between 10 a.m to about 2:15 p.m, chasing, feeding, hygiene, playing, teaching and fulfilling goals.
Then @ 2:30 p.m, drive residents back to their homes, work on afternoon goals, then go home at 4:30 p.m.
Arrive home around 4:45 p.m, to check mail, email, and Facebook.
Make dinner around 5:30 p.m
Make note to call Durham Tech the next day to find out some crucial admissions questions.
After that, plan to send out for another transcript.
Try and not stay up too late, listening for any other startling news.

Welcome to the new week.

Manic Monday: Chief Watermelon

2008-09-29T16:01:00.001-07:00

Chief Watermelon
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

I was still boiling mad from last week.

Then going to work today was great until this afternoon when I got a rude brush off after asking a simple question.

Geez, I don't know what her problem was, but darn, channel the anger where it belongs...on a pillow, pounding on a piece of meat...

Then I get home and was on my flickr stream when I spotted this pic that I took last year during my honeymoon. It cheered me up obviously.

What a life I lead. I always try to get along with everyone, but more often than not, I am often on the receiving end of someone else's bad day. These days, I don't know if it had something to do with the economy (for those who I am talking about, they have some pretty big investments on the stock market), or what, but how in the world do you react to someone's bad day? I don't get involved of course, but I think it may be nearing the time for me to start putting them in their place...in other words, killing them with kindness.

Somehow though whenever I have a bad day, I come home and spot a photo that cheers me up all over again. The photo above is a perfect example. I still have to finish that album; because every time I turn around, there's another page that I realized that I haven't done yet.

And it's funny, I haven't eaten any watermelon for a long time, until I started working for my current job. Watermelons are such a summertime fruit. My favorite fruit since childhood.

I've heard of watermelon carvings, but then John and I took that week long in paradise the day after our wedding, and one of the first things we saw after we settled in, was the watermelon carvings in one of the main dining areas.

And since I had plenty of pics to take, I started shooting to my heart's content. (We took home more than 900 photos from that vacation alone) Now, every time I see one of my watermelon pics, I think of that honeymoon in paradise. It's no wonder that looking at this pic makes me smile.

But that was my Manic Monday. The week has just started, and I am embarking on a week long project called a Week in the Life. You can read more about it here aliedwards.typepad.com.

Semi-live from Greensboro...

2008-09-28T09:42:00.001-07:00

20080927_Greensboro_NC_Rally0255
Originally uploaded by Barack Obama

I wish I could say that I was able to get this photo. However, I wasn't that fortunate.

See the direction where Senators Obama and Biden were waving? John and I were in the crowd, about 20 yards away, on the other side of the parking lot...although our actual view of them were obscured by a bunch of trees.

We weren't so fortunate this time...if only Greensboro had this in a stadium like UNC did when they hosted Senator Obama when he came last May, and at that time, he was only competing in the Primaries. We would've had a better chance to get a really good view of both candidates on stage when they were speaking. Oh well.

This rally took place yesterday afternoon on a cloudy Saturday...which kind of fit the mood actually, of the country since talks in D.C were still going on as they spoke, hammering out the proposed $700 billion dollar deal...which we taxpayers are footing by the way. The only way I would support this kind of proposal is if, they put in a stipulation saying any CEO will NOT get away with a huge severance package. That would be considered a slap in the face on us little guys.

And we little guys pay enough as it is.

I mentioned that I was pretty impressed with Senator Biden. He's pretty much himself and hasn't changed one bit. So, when I got the email from the official Obama\Biden website that they were both coming to Greensboro to speak at the rally, I just had to jump at the chance. Now John calls me a Political Junkie.

Not so fast...only until Election Day. And that's not far from now.

From a photographer's perspective, I actually want to go on one of these campaign road trips and see what it's like. It's not easy living out of a suitcase, I wonder how these guys do it?

I was among the many millions that tuned in to last Friday's first Presidential Debates, my husband, who's actually more of a political junkie than I am (he told me that his former mentor worked with Senator Edward Kennedy a long time ago...talk about an exciting job!) said that it's nice for once to have two articulate candidates for once competing for the top job. I was impressed with both of them, yes, even McCain, although it was obvious that McCain was a bit uncomfortable engaging us in his dialogue. Obama however, not only looked at the moderator (who's been in the business since I was practically born) but at the audience and at the camera talking to the millions at home watching the debates.

Now that's impressive. He wants us to be involved in the conversation, which we should be. I've heard from many people that Obama didn't do so well in the very first debates that came out...this is the third time I've seen him debate, and if he did poorly before, he certainly improved. He didn't back down, he didn't flinch. and the question a few months ago was is he tough enough to take on the Republican Attack Machine?

Well, judging from the debate...yes.

Listening to them speak yesterday, with Senator Biden at his side further convinced me that my choice for President is the right one. If they both win, and I hope that they do, if nothing else could be done, here's what I hope that will be done...end the war, take care of the Healthcare problem in this country, and take care of the economic mess.

Is that too much to ask from the little guy?

The day was a bit gloomy as I said, and for good reason, what with the looming huge bill that we taxpayers have to foot in for the Bailout. I actually wouldn't mind paying higher taxes...IF they can give us something in return like having healthcare that doesn't leave a huge dent in our wallets. In other words, free or at a drastically reduced price. Canada is doing it, France is, England is...why can't we?

Now the thing to look forward to is the VP debate that's coming up this Thursday. When the rally was over yesterday, we had lunch at Jimmy John's, and John talked to a lady in line who said that she couldn't stand Gov. Palin and expressed hope that Senator Biden will not be intimidated enough to talk tough in front of her.

I think that he'll be fine. It's Gov. Palin who agreed to all of this, and as they say, I hope that she will be able to take all of the heat that Senator Biden will obviously have coming into it.

And in listening to both of them yesterday, I have the confidence that they will have their A-Game.

Motherload of Museums

2008-09-21T18:32:00.001-07:00

Smithson institute
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Now that I finally got a regular schedule, time to do a little catch-up. I mentioned on my last entry that I found out today that they are reopening the Smithsonian American History Museum on November 21st.

Ah, that's going to take too long!!!!! I can't wait that long!

Anyway, John and I took a trip to Washington D.C for the 4th of July weekend, and I was pleased as punch because D.C is one of those cities that I always wanted to go to.

I've heard about the Smithsonian so many times, and of course, how can you not want to visit at least one of those museums when you're in town?

Aviation, National Archives, National Portrait Gallery...practically any subject you could think of is there...it was even more impressive when I saw it in person. So, what do I do? Take so many pics it's not even funny. I loved it though.

First Smithsonian stop was the Aviation museum. From the Wright Brothers' replica of their original plane, to NASA space toys, it doesn't disappoint the visitors who step through their doors. The actual Spirit of St. Louis plane; the plane that broke the sound barrier, the piece of spacecraft that crashed into the Pacific after our first moon landing (or was it our first orbit around the Earth?), I was floored.

Second stop, was the National Archives, where the original documents of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence were displayed. How appropriate too, since this was the 4th of July weekend. My feeling was, when I looked at the seriously faded sheets of parchment, containing the writings of our Founding Fathers, laying out this new concept of government, was one of pure emotion. What they have gone through to get this country started I will never know, and no historian can even comprehend to capture when they write about these guys.

Of course, there were so many museums, and so little time to visit them, we couldn't see them all, especially the one where I wanted to the most: the American History Museum. Where they house the actual military uniform that George Washington wore during the Revolutionary War. The actual Stovepipe Hat that Abraham Lincoln wore during his presidency. The actual Star Spangled Banner that waved when Francis Scott Key saw it early one morning, during the War of 1812, and inspired him to write what is now known as, what else? The Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem.

And of course some lighter exhibits that also shaped our American history like the very kitchen that Julia Child cooked in when she hosted her flagship show: The French Chef. One of the many sweaters that Mr. Rogers wore when he was doing his show since 1969.

Honestly, I can't wait until it opens again.

Counting down...5 weeks to go

2008-09-21T18:04:00.001-07:00

26
Originally uploaded by Barack Obama

Today, I found out that the Smithsonian American History Museum will be reopening it's doors on November 21st.

That's past Election Day for us. And hopefully, the person I'm voting for will be the President.

My weekend ends with Sen. Obama's visit back to the Tar Heel state...Charlotte to be exact. Wish it was in Chapel Hill, it would've made it easy for me to go listen to him.

In light of this recent news of the government bailing out our largest banking company, the talk finally minused animals and cosmetics and other nonsense. At the beginning of the week, even after more downturns of the economy with more banks at risk of going under, Sen. McCain states that "the fundamentals of our economy is strong" during one of his stump speeches.

Ouch.

That's not resonating well to the rest of us little guys fighting to make ends meet.

I think Sen. Obama finally received the break that he needed, and that's turning the talk back to the issues. Finally!

Then again, by last Friday, I read a disturbing article saying that racism may cost Sen. Obama the White House.

Here's what I hope for this election. We are way past the age where racism was rampant in this country. But then again, and people do not talk about this surprisingly, Sen. Obama is also half white. Our society is a melting pot, filled with not only blacks, whites, but Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans,...we are all here and not going anywhere anytime soon. I hope that people will vote according to what these candidates stands for and not by the color of their skin. We, as Americans are smarter than that.

More and more people according to the numerous other articles I'm reading are having more confidence, and faith that Sen. Obama will take us in the right direction, and guess what? They're going by issues and not race. I would've voted for Obama even if his skin is in rainbow colors.

Yesterday, I had a unique experience and saw the very end of the taping of Good Morning America's "50 States in 50 Days" which took place in where else? UNC Chapel Hill! I got quite a few shots of the weekend anchors taking pics with the students. So cool to see! I also taped that morning's segment before leaving my house yesterday morning.

So that, adding to the pics of our first glimpse of Sen. Obama back in May, adding to the pics of my meeting former U.S President Jimmy Carter, adding to the pics of all of the pics that I took of the painting's of Presidents in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C, and all of the articles that I've started collecting for this year's most important election in history, and I think I have a whole new project in the works.

But before I get started on it, I need to see how this election will turn out. Stay tuned.

Voting Urban Girl with everyday issues...

2008-09-14T14:57:00.001-07:00

Urban Girl
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

...that she wants the government to pay closer attention to.

Okay, so now I've finally got the dish on Senator Joe Biden. Finally. And here is my conclusion.

Personally, he is just one of your regular guys. Period. Born and raised in Scranton, PA, became a Senator at the ripe old age of 29, endured trying periods at work and at home, had a hand in voting on many Foreign Policy issues, and had the reputation of being very verbose on the floor and as the sitting Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. They've played a clip on the latter, which I thought was a light moment during the special that CNN aired last night about our two VP nominees.

*Chuckle*

My husband tries so hard whenever he's working on a science paper to make it sound clear, concise, and as little verbose as possible. So in trying to make something less like a boring lecture, he makes it lighthearted but at the same time, to the point. I can only imagine a politician trying to do that on the Senate floor!

Now the question is:

What are all four of you going to do for this country??????

I wrote on my MySpace page sometime last year answering the question of who I wanted to meet one day: and one of my answers was Senator Obama. I went on to say that to forget about "Rock Star Politician" status, where does he stand on the issues, and why should I vote for him? Does he share the same values that the rest of America has? Can he unite everyone and discuss seriously about the issues at hand? Can he return our government to be on the side of the people, and not have government stand in our way?

Like many Americans out there, I have put together a list of issues that should be addressed.

*Affordable Healthcare for all Americans.
I think it's unfathomable that if we're supposed to be the "richest" country in the world, we can't seem to fix the healthcare of our most vulnerable citizens. Why are these hospitals, clinics, care facilities charging so much? People are filing for bankruptcy because their medical bills are too high. This especially hits the hardest on the lower income citizens and senior citizens who are trying so hard already to make ends meet. In countries like Canada, France, England, and Monaco, their healthcare system? Free. Why is that? They're paying higher taxes, but they have free healthcare. I don't mind paying higher taxes if we can get free healthcare. Why can't we have that same system? Because here's the bottom line: healthcare should be our fundamental need to sustain our lives, and without it, you would have people with very short lifespans!

*Crackdown on Insurance companies
Someone needs to do something about these price gouging maniacs who denies coverage for "Pre-Existing" conditions, treatments that a patient desperately needs, and not make it so hard for us to seek care when we need it. There are people out there who do not want to go get their yearly checkup because they want to save their insurance for when a big emergency hits...God forbid. More should be done in supporting Preventative Care, Maternity riders, and adequate coverage on major treatment procedures so a patient will not have to worry if their procedure will be covered. They're going through enough already.

*Support your Veterans when they come home!!!!!!!!!!
Sure, they have a GI Bill that will take care of college expenses, but another big issue is the healthcare of our Vets when they return from the battlefield. They need to shine light on Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders. Hold on a second, because I'm not done yet...give more support from the government to those veterans who do not have families to go home to, help them find housing, re-integrate them into society, and help them find work, whether it be on a military base, or a civilian job. We see a lot of homeless vets out there that doesn't need to be. Don't you think we owe it to them since they've put their lives on the line for the rest of us?

*Support more Women's rights
Reversing Roe v. Wade? Yeah, just go ahead and try that and you'll have an uproar on your hands. You can't just dictate to anyone what they should do with their bodies, especially if it was a case of rape or incest. It's like someone coming up to me and saying that I can't punch holes in my belly button, nose, etc. Or put a tattoo on, or anything. Just like we can't tell anyone what our religion should be. Yes, there is adoption, and yes there's the question of reducing the number of abortions in the case of just irresponsible behavior on the woman's part, but a lot of women out there are making their own choices and often without the consultation of anyone: we're not living in the Dark Ages anymore.
More family support: more flexibility in scheduling especially for those careers that often take you away from your family for extended periods of time. Supporting Day Care centers for those single parents out there: why do they charge so much? Government should be funneling more money there so lower income and single parents can breathe easier knowing that they won't have empty wallets for all of the other bills to pay. How about more work at home projects so people with young children can stay home, and saves gas too.
Support our Education system: improve curriculum in school, and even garner more support for after school programs for parents who have to stay at work til 5 or 6 p.m so the kids are not on the streets doing nothing but wreaking havoc. This way, crime among our children can reduce if at all, especially in rougher neighborhoods. And speaking of neighborhoods, what about our churches? They work hard to serve their communities everyday, more support should be funneled to them too, so they can better serve their communities, and of course, all of these organizations that ask for government funding for these programs, should be transparent in where the money is being used.

*Take a hard look at Diplomacy and learn it...
War, war, war. The recent report stating that our president had authorized troops to go into a country without their government's permission to loot out the terrorists, is just asking for trouble. What happened with the word diplomacy? Does anyone know the meaning of that word anymore? We need to talk to these world leaders, even to our enemies to try and see if there is some kind of compromise that can be brought to the table. I think it's just ridiculous that we are making war a first option now, and not the last.

*Take care of all the problems at home first before we can go out and fix the others
Spending some odd billions of dollars on other countries when we Americans are losing our homes, losing our jobs, fighting to make ends meet, fighting to take care of our ailing relatives, our school systems are still failing the students, abandoned pieces of properties a haven for criminals, and setting up a stricter position on gun control to LAW ABIDING citizens and doing extensive background checks on suspicious individuals who try to buy weapons to deliberately hurt people.

*Government accountability...
Personally, I'm tired of our tax dollars being spent on wasteful things...so why not have the government set up a website or give a weekly or monthly report on where exactly our tax dollars are going? There's nothing to hide right? Unless of course, you're one of those guys who spend our tax dollars on vacations for yourself and family instead of channeling that money where it belongs.

*Address our immigration issues
Too many are coming here illegally and committing crimes. But then, there are those trying to save up a ridiculous amount of money to actually become citizens of the U.S. My best friend is going through that right now with her husband. She told me that the money is for back taxes, administration fees...what the heck? No wonder people are hesitating to become citizens here because our government is charging way too much to become citizens! And how can they come up with so much money when they can't work a proper job with adequate pay to get that money? Not to mention that they have to pay other bills on top of that.

Well, those are my beefs with our government. So, Sen. Obama, McCain? My challenge to you is this: what are you going to do for this country? Will you guys put the government back on the side of the us, the people?

There are substantial differences between these two candidates on these issues. I've already made up my mind. At the end of the day, when all of us have cast our votes, I hope you will see those differences, and I hope America is ready for a real change...

**One Final Thought
We, as Americans take our many freedoms, and thoughts for granted. This country was founded on the agreement to disagree. The first Continental Congress argued back and forth about what would be best for our country. It took them a long time, and at great personal risk: technically, they were committing treason to the kingdom of Great Britain. If ever they were caught, George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and all of the rest of the signers of our Declaration of Independence, would've been hanged, or put in front of a firing squad, or...

What? That's what they do to traitors! No use in sugar-coating it right?

We, as Americans are extremely lucky that we get to complain, and protest about everything wrong about this government. From the riots of the 60's, anti-war protests, protests about abortions, or protest against their companies who are not paying their workers the wages that they are promised. You even get to vote on your next leader without the fear of being killed.

In other countries, if your mouth opened in protest, especially against the government, that might be the very last thing you will do. To this day, thousands of people are either killed or missing in their respective countries because they spoke out against their country's government.

Just thought you might get a little perspective on how important our elections are. **

Independence Forever!

Finding the Balance: a look into the reality of parenthood

2008-09-13T08:45:00.001-07:00

Bouncing baby boy....
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

I have a bone to pick with "Miss-Do-It-All" Republican VP nominee.

Let me first tell you my position here before I go any further.

*My primary job is taking care of adults with Developmental Disabilities. I work as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

*I do not have children yet myself.

*I am a Godmother to one though. (She's a cutie!)

*I took care of my sister when she was an infant at the tender age of 12.

*I'm surrounded by friends and relatives with their bundles of joy!

Now, lets look at reality here.

Taking care of a baby is a lot of work. Believe me, I know. I took care of one myself. At age 12. It wasn't one of those paid-under-the-table kind of thing either for a wealthy family. In fact, when it's your own sibling, and you have a sick father who can't go anywhere near her, and a mother who has no choice but to go out there and work, I don't think that getting paid to do this is not an option in their eyes. You don't have the option. Period.

But what if it was a baby with Down's Syndrome? Or Cerebral Palsy? Spinal Cord Injury? I could go on and on, with so many stories I've come across working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois. Realities. This is not made for television. This is real life, and I hope Mrs. Alaskan Governor will open her eyes to the harsher realities of what a lot of people go through.

It could fill a book. A Harry Potter sized book. Or rather Gore Vidal book. Ooh, how about War & Peace?

The point is, the question was raised, by many women, is that how can you be the Governor and raise children? Especially when one is about to have a child herself, and one who is not even old enough to walk and develop himself mentally in a normal pace like most children at that age.

Now don't get me wrong, a woman can do it all...but the reality is this: children take a lot of your time. In fact, it's a full time job. There's so many hours in a day. 24 hours? Suddenly, it's not about you anymore. You've brought a new life into this world. They don't know a darn thing about the basics: eating, using the toilet, dressing themselves, making sure their teeth are brushed after eating, taking a bath.

Unless you are one of those people who think a baby can automatically do all of those things by him/herself once they take their first breath and that loud cry that you'll be hearing for the next oh, 5 or 7 years if that? Oh, and did I forget to mention the fact that you still have to keep an eye on them when they enter school and they learn about a lot of neat things, and will face social issues, and one day you'll have to sit down and give them "the talk".

Yeah, that takes a lot of your time. And the reality is:

Lost time is never found.

Once a day is over it is over, and you can't turn back time to do something over. (unless you're a genius and can invent a time machine)

We have the ability to freeze time...photography. Like the pic above that I took of one of our friend's son last summer. Cute isn't he?

I am fortunate enough to choose a career that will let me work the graveyard shift if I needed to, because once the children arrive, I plan on being home with the kids, and be involved in every thing that they're doing. Sure, it doesn't make a lot of money. But if one day you could sit back and say that you've done right with your kids, wouldn't you say that you're glad that you've made time to be with your kids?

Tell that to the single mother who has no other choice but to leave her's with Daycare or grandma while she has to work. Or father for that matter, because I have friends who were in that situation. Tell that to both of them and you'll get a laugh.

The bottom line is, they have no choice. Especially when your child is also Developmentally Disabled. The doctor's appointments take a lot of time in and of itself. How do you do that if both parents are working, and one is required to be in board meetings, staffing meetings, policy-making meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings. God forbid that there's a state crisis like a weather-related disaster (like Hurricane's Ike, Hanna, Gustav, Katrina...) or Earthquake, or a terrorist attack.

By the time you're done with all of that, it's time to go to bed!

What is missing? Oh yeah, your family. My, I'm so wrapped up in running the state that I forgot that I have a family at home that I need to spend time with.

Those careers that are the money making machines: acting (when you're successful that is), lawyers, doctors, Wall Street investors, CEO's of big name companies like Exxon Mobil or something...sure you have the big paycheck...but where has all of your time gone?

Those people can take one look at their bank account and not bat an eye when paying for this bill, or that bill, with no worries. Why? Because they have a lot more money than they know what to do with.

But that is not the reality for the rest of us. Sure, you've sold the Governor's jet, but if you live in a town that's far away from where your office is supposed to be, with the gas prices skyrocketing these days, the taxpayers are still paying for it.

Sure you can distract your kids by buying XYZ Boxes, Wii's, Playstation 56 or something, closets full of clothes than they know what to do with, or how about giving them one of those IPhones where you can do everything but snorkeling with it?

Who's playing catch with them? Or soccer? Or Hockey, miss Hockey Mom?

The thing about these candidates running on a platform of change when their record is leaning towards, not understanding where the rest of us Regular Joe's are coming from, I don't buy that platform at all. Sure you don't want us to ask you how can you run a state or country with four young children in tow, but don't you see how much time your kind of career is taking you away from those children?

For the rest of us working class Americans, that is not the reality. We're not making as much as the members of our government. With certain careers come sacrifices, and often we do not have a choice but to give something up in order to keep that job that you've worked so hard in getting.

And guess what? Even after you have been the best parent to your child, teaching them how they should treat others and such...once they become older, all of a sudden they have their choices to make, and sometimes, those choices end up not being the best choices for them. Some even end up in jail and not motivated to do anything for the rest of their lives. And you're left wondering why?

Which is the case of teen pregnancy.

Sometimes those questions need to be asked. Because it's one thing to have children, because anyone could have them; but it becomes a different ballgame once you realize that they don't come with instruction manuals and becomes the biggest job of your life, far more important than any career. You look into the eyes of that child, and you're looking into the future. It's up to you to try and leave the world a better place for your children.

Want a different analysis? Check out this article from the Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/11/AR2008091103630.html

Friday Favorite: Regular Joe

2008-09-12T22:48:00.001-07:00

Sen. Joe Biden Walks a Day
Originally uploaded by seiu_international

Wow.

I just read a CNN report citing that VP nominee Senator Joe Biden is one of the least earning Senator serving in our government.

It's still a 6 figure number, but John tells me that it's not that much money in the big scheme of things. Check out the article.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/12/biden-tax-returns-revealed/#more-18293

In reading the comments after this article was written, there were some mixed feelings...people who say that they can live on this salary, others cheer because they've finally found a man with honesty written all over his face.

Gov. Palin during her interview with Charles Gibson stated that Obama is regretting his VP choice.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, and I'm a monkey's uncle.

I'll take Sen. Biden any day. $160,000 as a Senator, and he's been a Senator for quite a long time. Certainly I thought that he would make more than that after that long. Plus he supplements his income as a Law professor. His wife doesn't really make that much either, although I could sure use that salary too, only $60,000 a year. I mean, that's how much a median incomed RN makes!

He even said himself that Sen. Clinton would've been a better choice for VP.

I don't think so; Sen. Obama knew what he was doing when he chose Sen. Biden. What a humble man.

Regular Joe Biden, you have my support.

A Tough Act to Follow

2008-09-12T17:36:00.001-07:00

Labor Day -4
Originally uploaded by Barack Obama

Over about 60 interviews.

That's the record of Senator Joe Biden, who sadly I haven't really heard about because of the attention given to Gov. Palin.

42 appearances on Meet the Press. Quite a few on Face the Nation, This Week with George Stephanopolous (okay, I think I totally destroyed that name), maybe a few interviews on 60 minutes, and I think Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer? (Please correct me if I'm wrong on this!)

This is Senator Joe Biden. You know, Senator Barack Obama's running mate???

The only time I've ever heard about Biden is when CNN will air a special on him this Saturday.

I've only heard his name a handful of times, and that's including the primaries. But listen to this formidable description of him.

"Joe Biden is a rare mix. A leader who has worked for decades in Washington, but has never lived there. An expert on foreign policy, whose heart and values are firmly rooted in the middle class; one who has stared down dictators, and spoken for America's cops and firefighters. He is uniquely suited to serve as Barack Obama’s partner in the urgent mission to bring about the change America needs to put our country back on track."

"* Like Barack Obama, Biden has been an outspoken critic of Bush’s handling of the war in Iraq.

* Biden’s leadership was instrumental in helping to bring stability and peace to the Balkans. In 1999, Biden wrote a resolution endorsing the air war in Kosovo that was passed by the Senate.

* Biden is a leader on the congressional effort to end genocide in Darfur.

* In the late 1990s, Biden led the effort in the Senate to bring Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic into NATO and to pass the Chemical Weapons Treaty.

* Biden has been instrumental in crafting almost every major piece of crime legislation over the past two decades. His Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 put more than 100,000 police officers on America’s streets and has been credited with bringing down crime rates to the lowest in a generation.

* In 1996, Biden authored legislation to create a national registry of sex offenders, which tracks people convicted of sex crimes involving violence or committed against minors.

* Biden authored and passed the landmark Violence Against Women Act, the strongest legislation to date that criminalizes domestic violence and holds batterers accountable.

* Biden was a strong supporter of the Family and Medical Leave Act, cracked down on deadbeat dads, and has been a consistent champion for equal pay.

* Biden was one of the first to introduce legislation to address global warming and he co-sponsored the most aggressive piece of climate change legislation in the U.S. Senate.

* Biden is a champion on the issue of making college more affordable by using the tax code to reduce costs.

* Biden was successful in passing a provision that prevents budget cuts to military facilities while the nation is at war, one of his key priorities, ensuring that all veterans have top-notch medical treatment in a fully-funded VA health care system.

These words straight from the official Obama/Biden website.

Wow, if this doesn't qualify Senator Biden to be President of the United States, should, God forbid, something happen to Obama, I don't know what does.

I know the same argument can be made about Gov. Palin. In all honesty, I think she may need a few years in our National congress and see what that involves, before she can evaluate her own credentials. She's surrounded by 3 Senators who actually have been on the national scene for longer than she has been Governor.

Yesterday and today marks her first ever interviews with ABC News' Charlie Gibson. Gibson himself is up there with the toughest journalists ever to face the cameras, along with Ted Koppel, Barbara Walters, Walter Kronkite, Peter Jennings, George Stephanopolous, Wolf Blitzer, Tom Brokaw. I could go on an on. But Charlie Gibson scored this one, and let me tell you, I wasn't kidding when I said "tough journalist".

Biden has answered enough questions about his. It's time for Palin to answer hers.

The obvious questions are her qualifications, her explanation of her comment about the war being God's plan, what makes her a government reformer, the things that all of us have been asking for a while since McCain picked her. But there was one that really struck me and my husband when we saw this interview yesterday: that if she is in agreement with President Bush's Doctrine.

Her response? A little testy. In what respect Charlie? she asks. To be honest, I got lost in her jumbled answer, which seemed to lean towards...yes. And Charlie Gibson let her know it too: he repeated himself in a different context and her answer was still a bit jumbled.

In short, I don't think that she knew what they mean when they say the President's Doctrine. Anyone who's had experience with military and foreign policy or studied them, knows what that is.

Our conclusion? Memorized answers. Unless she's just a quick study. But her answers seem a bit insincere, if not a bit too overconfident. Uncomfortable answers and repetitiveness. Plus some of her positions in what she believes and claims are contradictory. Unfortunately, and this includes Senator Obama as well, politicians have a long rap sheet of contradictory answers. So, sorry, Palin receives an F.

One of my friends brought up an interesting point talking about whether someone is experienced enough to be President of the United States.

How can you have experience to be the President of the United States unless you were actually the President of the United States?

Only two men can say that. Grover Cleveland won two non-consecutive terms as President; Franklin Delano Roosevelt won four consecutive, the longest serving President in history.

After Geraldine Ferraro was picked to be Walter Mondale's running mate, she was on the national news the next day giving interviews. A historic choice for the Democratic party at the time in 1984.

So my question is, what's Gov. Palin's excuse for a long wait? You're on the national scene now, there's no avoiding the press!

Senator Biden wins this battle for now; Gov. Palin needs to play a lot of catch up if she is ever to win our favorable opinion of her.

Friday Favorite: Leapin' for Obama

2008-09-12T10:13:00.001-07:00

Leapin' for Obama
Originally uploaded by Delta Niner

Here's a little jolt of the positive for a change of pace in this "silly season" of politics.

This pic, from a flickr.com member, was exactly how I felt, and probably millions of others when Sen. Obama received his party's nomination. Even though, this pic was taken in February.

This is an all-too-important of an election for people not to be able to participate in. Now that we know obviously who the main game players are, we can be sure that there will be a lot more going on in the remaining 53 days until America makes this ultimate decision.

While I do not affiliate myself with any party, because quite frankly, there are so many complex issues that all parties stand for, you find yourself contemplating on what is best for yourself, and not affiliate that to any party.

Parties were the last thing on the Founding Father's minds...well most of them anyway. It was George Washington's nightmare. He was against any sort of party, and stressed that parties should not rot our government. If he, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson were to come back and see all of this party divisiveness, I bet you that they would call for a news conference in front of the whole of the Senate and House, and the judiciary and call an immediate end to it, and remind all of us once again, why our nation was born...and with John Adam's temper, which, from my understanding is worse than John McCain's, we're all going to have an earful.

The only way this party system will change is if someone in our government will be willing to change it. I hear all of this talk about reaching across party lines to work with others to pass certain legislations.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the government supposed to work together anyway for the good of the country?

I think from what I'm hearing at least that our two candidates seem to have a thing in common: bipartisanship.

Good idea? I think so, because it should have been happening anyway in government. Both Senators have been known to use bipartisanship.

And after carefully examining these two candidates, I've come to the conclusion that both of them have a fight on their hands. Two polar opposites in their viewpoints on how this country should be run.

While come election day when we find out who came out on top, some will wind up disappointed, while others will be leaping for joy, like the woman in the pic above.

And then you stop and realize how lucky you are to be able to choose your own leader...if he's chosen the right way that is (recall Election 2000). Not a lot of countries can say that.

Remember 9/11/2001

2008-09-11T14:00:00.001-07:00

Sugar Plantation Flowers
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

I thought about finding a picture about the lost Twin Towers, but then I thought this would suit better.

I was 22 on that date.

Working my first really serious job.

I was still trying to figure out what exactly I wanted to do with my life, what kind of person I will end up being, and what, exactly will be my contribution to society.

Well, fast forward 7 years later, with a lot of life changes along the way, but all that I've went through is nothing compared to the what the many families have gone through 7 years ago, when they parted with their loved one for the last time either on the morning of 9/11/2001, or the night before.

They've called it the New Pearl Harbor, the Modern Day of Infamy; a scene from one of those action movies...call it what you will, but I can't remember any other time in my life when the whole of the country, literally stopped in it's tracks and all eyes turned towards New York City, be it on the television screen, or from New Jersey across the shores of the Hudson River, or in my case back in Chicago, people were looking eastwards in the direction of New York City.

Just when you think you're invincible, when you have all of your life planned out? This happens, and you're left scratching your head and wondering...why?

The shock soon turned to anger, turned into let's get the people responsible for this.

The world as we knew it then, turned in one fell swoop, a dangerous place, and as a result, I can't even imagine the casualties that that day resulted.

Unnecessary casualties.

Even now, seven years later, people are still dying from the affects from that day...the first responders and citizens who were caught in the thick cloud of smog that resulted from the fall of both towers.

I even saw something remarkable today: both Senators Barack Obama and John McCain and his wife Cindy, all walking with New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, to the Reflection Pool memorial at Ground Zero on their way to lay roses in it.

Reaching across party lines even for just one day? I dig it.

No doubt that what happened on 9/11/2001 will go down in history as the worst attack on U.S soil.Both in New York, D.C, and in the middle of Pennsylvania when a husband utters the words you might only hear as a cry of war: Let's Roll.

As time wears on, and the elections are coming down to a little more than 50 days left, partisan, faction, party politics aside, we the people, and the rest of the world will remember this 2nd Day of Infamy.

God bless those lost souls.

Joining the Conversation

2008-09-10T13:02:00.001-07:00

Senator Obama rally in Chapel Hill
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Geez, I'm glad that Presidential Elections are every four years. The things I've been hearing lately have been, in the words of CNN's Jack Cafferty: Getting Ugly Out There.

Now that I'm voting, I find myself voicing my opinion in ways I haven't dared to before. Like Facebook. I think I've replied to how many Discussion Board questions on the CNN pages.

The issue about this? Well, I've just answered it: issues. After Sen. McCain made his surprise pick of his VP, the talk has gone way OFF the issues. Now we're back to square one, dissecting and misconstruing words used in speeches. Then Sen. McCain's staff says that this year's election is about personalities and not the issues.

Ha. Tough talk coming from the party that seemingly doesn't want to speak about issues.

I've defended Sen. McCain once earlier this year when I saw a report that a famous radio host used Sen. Obama's middle name in a derogatory manner, when he was warming up the crowd for Sen. McCain. Sen. McCain himself said that those words are unacceptable to use, repudiates them, and criticize the man who said it. And of course, the man fires back at McCain and said that he will withdraw his support. Kick a guy when he's down huh?

Now sadly, Sen. McCain's campaign is going lower and lower, and if he goes lower than that, well that might be the new Limbo record. And maybe a permanent back injury at the tender age of 72.

I'm voting this year because I've finally found the right candidate that is qualified to lead this country. You can't deny is appeal to us "little guys" out there.

With all this talk about Gov. Palin this and that, like I said, has gone off the issues, and goes to trivial issues like lipstick.

???

Stay tuned. Like I said, come November, all politics will be off this blog, and more to the fun stuff...unless I hear something else outrageous coming from our government.

(And more is happening as I speak.)

The importance of Human Rights

2008-09-07T15:52:00.001-07:00

Praying for Tibet - Bodh Gaya
Originally uploaded by Elishams

You may notice some changes to my links on your left hand side.

I used to have "All Things Photography" links, which includes some of my favorite blogs, a camera shop, and scrapbooking shopping sites and mags. Don't worry, it will still be included.

Lately though, I've been drawn into the most delicate (and I don't say that lightly) and embattled forefronts in our country: politics.

I've always been a believer of being open-minded about this subject since there are a lot of complexities of the subject.

Let me tell you first that I am a first time voter this year. I didn't want to participate at first because a lot of our politicians are more of the same: scandal-ridden, do-nothing kind of government. Then I look at poor third world countries and I realized: those are the direct results of a "do nothing" government.

Let me also tell you that I am a firm believer of Human Rights and an embracer of all cultures. Which brings me to the subject above.

Tibet.

What a beautiful culture, and a long laundry list of history throughout the centuries. But the recent attacks on Tibet by the Chinese brings to question of Human Rights. Democracy fits in our modern world; other countries should live and let live. In other words: leave Tibet alone.

Which brings me to another new link on my blog: The Carter Center. Their mantra? (You scrapbookers out there should know that word :-) ) Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, and Building Hope. Those words are their mission. I've spent a few weeks this year reading quite a few of Former President Jimmy Carter's authored works, and I have to say, it's quite impressive. And his years beyond the White House proves it. You might recall that I've posted a story about going to a book signing in Clayton, NC a couple of months back, when Jimmy Carter came out with a new book, the same week that Sen. Barack Obama came and spoke at the Dean Smith Center at UNC.
So cool to be at both events, it was fantastic!

But Human Rights and the belief that everyone should have them, no matter where they live, is the change that we need in the world, and as long as there are people out there who are working to fight for this change, I firmly believe that this wish will come true.

I take the words of Martin Luther King Jr. a bit further: judged not by the color of their skin, but the content of their character.

We are all equal under our Maker's eyes.

My hope is that one day, people will realize that raising fear to vulnerable, and less resourced countries, is not the answer for Human Rights.

For countries like Tibet, you have my prayers.

Friday Favorite: Ah, to go to the Olympics and the age-old "Age" question

2008-08-15T11:32:00.001-07:00

gold medal winner Nastia Liukin
Originally uploaded by CC2008NN

You know the downside to having the Olympics in China? The time difference. I've been staying up late for the last week watching the finals in Gymnastics, Volleyball, and swimming, knowing my dumb %$#@ has to be at work in the morning.

That's the coolest thing about being a photographer. You get to go to events like this; the lucky ones anyway. And for me, it's not even about being paid to do it either...I'd love to go these kinds of events just to say that I've been there and capture it forever on film: or digi whatever comes first.

Out of all the sports in the Olympics, Gymnastics has become my all-time favorite. Somehow, I was able to remember watching the 1984 games when Mary Lou Retton was on the U.S team, competing for the gold...and pretending I was doing vaults on our couch cushions. (Hey, I was 5 years old at the time, give me a break!)

But alas, since I wasn't taking in enough milk, gymnastics were certainly not in the cards for me. So watching it every four years during the Olympics sufficed for me.

This pic, by a flickr.com member, who happens to work for Associated Press is from last night's Women's All-Around Gymnastics Final where two U.S team members, Nastia Liukin scored Gold and Shawn Johnson scored Silver; and one Chinese member, Yang Yilin came in third with Bronze.

To be quite honest, this year's Chinese Gymnastics team is very good; a little too good, if one may say so. Alas, there is only one thing that I keep seeing that's ailing them: their age.

Or lack thereof.

For us Asians, the bottom line really is that we look young for our age. They keep debating about whether China's team is way too young than they say they are, when they really should look at genetics: we just look younger than we are. The women are often underdeveloped when they're teenagers; I certainly was. No chest, no butt, nothing. And when you're living in a country where vegetables and fish are the Fast Food, where biking is more common than driving, where they have dozens of martial arts exercise practices (incorporated into their everyday lives mind you)...don't you think that they may be on to something?

I saw a video interview with 1996 Olympiad Gymnast, Dominque Dawes when they asked her take on China's "Age Issue", and she said, quite frankly, this wouldn't even be an issue if China did not win the team Gold, and the U.S did. The bottom line was: the Chinese team were actually good. Not to mention their sheer discipline: more discipline I wish I had, and always showing grace under pressure.

As for this year's U.S team? Well, the only time I see any of them smile is if they win. Other than that, their faces are stubbornly, and annoyingly serious. My husband made a comment about that last night while watching the Gymnastics finals. A little smile once in awhile doesn't hurt!

I'm glad that China at least got in the top three. Don't get me wrong; the U.S always deserve their medals...just for the effort of competing in the Olympics, which is a really big deal. But the Chinese team is so good, it would be a crime for them not to win anything. The Chinese already scored a gold medal in putting on the most impressive Olympic Opening Ceremony of the centuries...and I do mean centuries, for as long as the Olympics existed. If Chicago ends up winning the 2016 Summer Olympics games, they'll be extremely hard pressed to come up with an opening ceremony like that...or any country for that matter.

Here's to the U.S & Chinese Gymnast teams! Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

It's been 11 years...

2008-08-06T08:11:00.001-07:00

It's been 11 years...
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

And a few weeks since my last post...I guess working has taken me completely (well almost) off the computer.

I've been remembering the good old days. Especially since another old friend of mine (since GRADE school) contacted me a couple of weeks back. More on her later.

I finally joined Facebook a couple of months back when I became convinced that a lot of my former classmates were appearing on it. Slowly, one by one; I've met Adam (guy on the right) during freshman year at Amundsen. Even though our friendship got off to a rocky start (save that story for another post), we became good friends ever since then. I also met Christopher during our freshman year, through a mutual acquaintance. Also a very nice guy, we remained friends throughout our school year; and Jessica, I met through Adam, during our sophomore year. We became BFF's since then (Best Friends Forever, for those not caught up yet on INet abbreviations and texting), and kept in touch beyond high school (even though she left a year earlier than the rest of us did).

So imagine my delight when I found Adam again, by chance: on Classmates.com. Then earlier this year, I found Chris again, through Facebook. Come to find out, Adam is a Foodie, so when we met up again for the first time (in 2005) we had dinner at our old high school haunt: Garcia's Mexican Restaurant in Chicago, along with his girlfriend, and my future-husband. I tried to get Jessica to come out with us, but, as she had, had her daughter at the time, that kind of fell to the wayside.

And then there was last year...Jessica was my Matron of Honor, and I wanted to invite Adam and Delia to my wedding, so it was a very nice reunion last May. This year was another one, when John and I took a trip to Chicago for John's graduation from UIC; the celebration took place at Penang's in Downtown, and I had just found Chris on Facebook, so I invited him along for the dinner.

Resulting in this photo. Besides talking about the old days, and the present days, and some merry drinking...hmm, hmm; we had a fantastic time.

Reunion=reliving. Love both concepts.

Chateau du Rojek

2008-07-10T07:10:00.001-07:00

Upstairs
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

No, it doesn't look like much now.

But when it's done, it's going to look awesome.

This house is one of those hidden gems you find in the middle of a big city like Chicago, located in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area.

After A.J's dinner in Greektown, Joe and Karen invited all of us to see their still-under-construction abode, which wasn't very far from the restaurant actually.

After circling round and round trying to find a parking space (man, I forgot how much of a pain in the you-know-where that was), I met everyone at the front of their house, and from the outside, it looked like it was built in the 40's; totally built with bricks, and very unassuming. In fact, I thought it was quite small.

But then we stepped inside.

Just goes to show you that the looks on the outside can be deceiving. Inside was a whole different story all together. The living, dining, and kitchen area are all in one central location, opening everything up, and not to mention, there's two rooms off to the side. Another surprise was that the house is practically set up like a loft...because the ceilings were high. In some of the rooms, there was some exposed brick, which I think will eventually be covered with drywall once everything is done, which judging from the looks of the supplies lying around in the house currently, I think they're actually working on the drywall.

Then we went upstairs, Noe, Arlene, Joe, Karen and I did, and my jaw dropped again...it was HUGE! Skylights were installed, which is going to look fantastic once the house is done, and since they're facing eastwards, they will get the first sun in the morning...I'm jealous; and the master bedroom is situated at the front of the house, while two other rooms are set up near the stairway (which didn't have the railings yet, so we really had to watch our step, especially Arlene, who's pregnant with her second child...man, John and I need to get on the ball in the children's department...), and right in middle, is potentially a sitting area, or something, I don't know what will happen with that space once everything is set up.

The biggest surprise of all, was their basement.

Joe told us that it used to be a crawl space. I looked around, at the huge basement space, and I couldn't believe my eyes. This used to be a crawl space?! I thought. Joe went on to explain to us how they did it: literally digging up a lot of mud and then laying down the concrete...took weeks of work, they said, but, looking around now, it was obviously worth it. A whole floor worth of extra space, it was incredible!

I was really amazed at the work that they were doing...they decided to totally gut the house and then rebuild on the inside, redesigning the space. That's a lot of work, and here I thought redesigning an already-made album was time consuming...I have nothing on these guys (Adam and Delia as well...they're renovating their house in Evanston, one section at a time), and they said that everything will be done in two weeks, and of course, all are welcome to come back and see it once it's done.

The final thing we saw was the back yard. It was surprisingly large, despite being surrounded by the huge apartment building across the way, and two houses on either side. Heck, I'd have a vegetable garden here and still have room for the barbecue, not to mention have the kids running around.

My verdict? It's going to look fabulous when everything is done.

Joe and Karen invited me and John back to stay with them when we come in September, which I hope we do come back in September for John's awards ceremony. Well, since AJ and Erika will be in California, and Noe & Arlene's at least an hour's drive to their house in Frankfort, Illinois, and with my family in the city, look out guys, we may just take you up on that offer!

Of course, in touring the house, Noe & I took a ton of photos, to which Joe remarked that he felt like he was being interviewed for a DIY home network show or something, lol. Hey, I couldn't help it...besides, there was a little project that I saw in a book that I'm dying to try out, and these photos of Joe & Karen's house under construction will be perfect for that. The project is a book about building a house, and all the details that went into it...the floor plans, the information about the company that's helping build the house, all the materials involved...and on the front, a photo was taken and turned into chipboard letters announcing the address of the house. It looked too cool not to try it out. Now, the only thing I need is a Zutter Bind-It-All system so I can create the book myself. (Which I'm sending my dear old brother to the store this Saturday to get. I can't find it out here in NC unfortunately.)

Times are changing fast, and besides weddings and babies, getting a house is a BIG time deal. I can't wait to see it the next time we're in Chicago.

Thanx Joe and Karen!

The reward of happiness...

2008-07-07T13:30:00.001-07:00

Flashbacks through pics.
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

...is just too priceless.

Priceless because it's being able to look back on the memories, the good times, and of course your bad days.

I'm sure A.J and Erika had their bad days. But it's the good days that I've chronicled in A.J and Erika's album. Good days that have photos to go along with it.

Sorry for the big gap...John and I just returned from a weekend getaway to Washington D.C. I'm uploading pics as I speak.

The hardest thing was choosing the best photos to go with the memories. John had a bunch of old photos from their early days in the Biology Colloquium, and their days when he and A.J were rooming together. Then eventually as the years went by, so did the accumulation of photos, and even more so when I started dating John. You see, I can't let a good time pass by without catching it all on camera first...

...because in the end you get to see first hand, the smiles on people's faces as you see on the photo above, reliving the fun times. That for me, is priceless. Everyone loved the album, and Erika was delighted when I showed it to her before giving it to A.J. Even I didn't realize just how many photos of them, and their kids (Kaden actually, since I didn't get to see Brady when he was born) until I undertook a mass inventory of my photos. (Is that even possible?)

Joe even remarked that I should have a job doing this. If only it was that easy...

At the very end of the album, was a page with a photo of all of the guys (from when we were celebrating John's Dissertation), with the exception of A.J, and since all of them were there at the dinner, I had each of them sign it (I had John sign it before I left) and let me tell you, it was pretty funny at the table because they kept hunching over and looking at the album under the table, trying to keep it out of A.J's sight. I think at one point A.J had a confused look on his face while looking at the guys hunched over the album earlier.

All in all, the trip to Chicago, ending with my giving the album to A.J was a huge success. I hope to make more of these in the coming years, because honestly...I really enjoyed it. John was going to pick out a graduation card to give A.J, but i told him that an album would be more meaningful. What can be better than a memory book?

If you can believe it, there was only one thing harder about doing the book than choosing the photos...trying to keep it as masculine as possible. I was looking through my stash and found a lot of feminine colors of cardstock, and patterned paper, so I had to struggle for a bit finding the right guy colors...pinks and yellows were definitely out of the question, lol. In the end, I thought using the same colors for different page themes worked the best: evergreen for the Colloquium photos, beige for the photos of A.J & Erika as well as the wedding pages, dark blue for the photos of AJ and the guys, and baby blue for the baby photos (and it's a good thing both babies are boys!).

I was also showered with compliments, much to my embarrassment, because this night was supposed to be for A.J, not me, but I appreciated every last one of them. It's nice to know that there are people out there that like your work. It's thrilling. I wonder what my next project will be...

Toasting the graduate

2008-07-03T07:54:00.001-07:00

Toasting the graduate
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Erika gave a lovely toast; and unfortunately, I couldn't take a photo of John's celebratory dinner because my camera was out of battery power.

It was so nice to see almost everyone in A.J's family and friends coming out to celebrate his crowning achievement.

John's "Hooding"

2008-07-03T07:51:00.001-07:00

Hooding
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

John's ceremony. It was a very good view from where his mother and I were sitting.

The doctor who's about to hood John is his mentor, Dr. Rasenick, who I must say, has one of the coolest mustaches I've ever seen.

Tale of two photos: John & A.J

2008-07-03T07:45:00.001-07:00

Ajith Joseph, MBA
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

I had hoped to be able to post two photos of two graduations...my husband John, and his friend A.J. But, this blogger won't let me.

Last May, we were in Chicago, celebrating John's graduation from UIC. A crowning, or I should say, "hooding", conclusion to his long stint. Long hours working in the laboratory, to working two additional jobs to make extra buckos, therefore potentially sacrificing his social life...but I think it was a good thing though...because we met at one of his two jobs. And afterwards, we invited all of our friends, including one lost one, to a dinner in Chinatown at Penang's. I was happy that everyone came, because graduating college is a big deal.

At both graduation ceremonies, I took our tripod so I can guarantee myself great shots without my shaking hand being the culprit of a blurry picture. At John's ceremony, his mother and I made sure that we were sitting at the very front row so we can get a good view of the stage, and possibly, the graduate in his seat, which we did on both counts, and the photos turned out great...until one of the security guys came and said that I couldn't have a tripod.

I was steaming. I looked at another photographer, who had set up right behind the graduates, with his tripod, but of course, he was working for the university. Why can't I have good shots of a graduation ceremony?

This is what I call, "unreasonable". And weird. I don't see any reason not to have a tripod at a graduation ceremony, especially if it's not in the eyesight of other people. What's up with that?

John's ceremony was ridiculously long, and they awarded the PhD's their diplomas last, so I had the tripod put away...until it was John's turn. Then, it was all over, I took so many pictures of him at the ceremony...that it drained all the battery power for the rest of the day, and I was only able to get a few photos of the dinner before I finally couldn't take any more. More on that later.

For this last trip to Chicago, I brought the tripod again, stuck in my carry-on suitcase, but when I realized that security may question my carrying a tripod in my suitcase onto the plane, I decided to check it in at the last minute. I wanted to get in and move on, because the airport was quite crowded.

I went with A.J's wife, Erika to the ceremony after having lunch with my friends, Adam and Delia in Evanston, and of course, couldn't get that front seat this time, but we sat at the very top of the stadium. I had to use the same lens too, my 45-150 mm lens if I hope to get a decent shot of the stage. It worked very well for me at John's ceremony. A.J's shots were pretty decent considering where we were sitting. And, with 450 students receiving their MBA that afternoon, the diploma awarding took a lot longer than expected, and Erika had to get home to feed the baby.

By the time all that was over, and I left Erika's house, it was already 6pm, and the surprise dinner that she was throwing for A.J was at 7pm. Not to mention, that I had a few finishing touches on his graduation gift that I had to tackle before giving it to him that night.

All in all, it was a good afternoon, spending it with dear friends.

My 2nd Chicago trip this year...part 1

2008-07-03T07:18:00.001-07:00

Kaden, Brady, & Erika
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Finally get to meet little Brady!

That was the first on my agenda. I meant to come to Chicago at the end of March to visit Brady when he was born, but, lack of moola stopped me.

This pic is slightly blurry, but adorable at the same time, catching both kids smiling, and mom Erika, beaming with pride. Now that, is classic.

This was the first leg of my trip.

Back to Chicago...again!

2008-06-26T08:38:00.001-07:00

Us, minus John, Jennene, Jeff & Priya, Mike, Rich, and Rod
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Friday Favorite: Ginger!!!...and her pending move to California.

2008-06-13T08:01:00.001-07:00

Ginger!!!
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Cute dog huh?

This is my photo, but the subject is the point of today's Friday Fave: Ginger!

I haven't seen her in 5 months, but she is one of the most friendliest dogs I've come across.

As I type this, I'm hard at work on a graduation present for Ginger's owner: AJ, who will be graduating from Kellog's School of Business with his MBA next Saturday. But, it's really for both of them, he and his wife Erika, and their 2 adorable boys Kaden and Brady, because next month, they are moving to California for AJ's new job for a pharmaceutical company, doing the business side.

My husband John has known AJ for a long time, (since the 90's, can you believe it? I was still a teenager!) AJ, Noe, Joe, Jeff, Richard, Mike, Rod, Bharat, and Ras all met in a school organization called the Biology Colloquium (I bet I didn't spell that right) and even when they all moved on with other activities at UIC, their friendship stayed just where it is. And I think they like it that way.

As the years passed, one by one, they settled into more than just careers, or going to to grad school: women started coming into the picture; namely me, Arlene (Noe's wife), Karen (Joe's wife), Erika, Priya (Jeff's wife), Manjima (Bharat's girlfriend), and Jennene (Ras' girlfriend), and later, a series of weddings (starting from 2004), lots of football get-togethers and socialized drinking...

Since 1996, 12 years ago now, that constituted for a lot of photos and memories, and looking at my ever-growing stash of supplies sitting there on my side of the den, and the constant pressure from the hubby to use them all up before I buy some more (hah!), I thought that this would be a nice gesture, and as a way of thanking them for all the great memories.

And Erika indulging me as I took photo after photos of Ginger. I'm a sucker for dogs and cats...if you haven't already noticed. Sure, they have their own camera and printer, I don't know how many they have of both Kaden and Brady (who was born at the end of March), but I ended up taking a lot of pictures of Kaden as well. What better way to use up all those extras, than to use it on a gift they will all enjoy?

Ginger was one of my favorite subjects to photograph, and I miss seeing her around, especially the one time when she almost took a hot dog out of my hands once when I wasn't looking. (It was pretty hilarious actually) I've had that happen to me several times actually, only it was with an Alaskan Malamute, and a Pomeranian.

I think people have some idea, but it's very peaceful when you have an animal in the house. I think the move will be very good for all of them.

And I can't wait to see their reaction when I give this to them next Saturday.

Now, to finish my uploading.

Praying for Kennedy

2008-06-02T07:18:00.001-07:00

Ted Kennedy Pumps You Up!
Originally uploaded by SanMan

I had the news turned on this morning at work, when a report came up about Senator Ted Kennedy undergoing brain surgery at Duke University Hospital...my neck of the woods! Or at least, near my neck of the woods.

Having to go through any devastating illness is heartwrenching, especially for a family that has endured so much already. You have to admit though, at least he was the lucky one who survived all those years, whereas some of his siblings weren't so lucky. One of the good guys seated in our government, who fights for the rest of us "regular" people, and now the table's have turned: we're all fighting for his recovery, so he can at least be granted a few more years.

I've worked in the traumatic brain injury ward previously, and I've had the privilege to witness a lot of fortunate recoveries, albeit a long one, and I hope that Kennedy has the same. The subject is personal for me: one of my cousins passed away from brain cancer maybe 10 years ago. My first real job was working with individuals with developmental disabilities, and now, it's still my job.

Here's to a speedy, and safe recovery, Sen. Kennedy.

Meeting Former President Jimmy Carter...if only but a few seconds

2008-05-20T08:18:00.001-07:00

Former President Jimmy Carter
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

I think I'll say this for a lot of events that will eventually take place in my life, but never had I felt this much excitement since our wedding last year. (My wedding that is) Only this time, I was actually able to sleep through the whole night. The night before the wedding: I didn't go to bed until 5 in the morning.

Having the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet a man who once ran the country...well, can you sit still?

After years of reading about the Commanders-in-Chief, past and present, it's exhilarating to actually get to meet one. Ronald Reagan is gone; Gerald Ford is gone so the only options left is to meet George Bush one and two, the ones who messed up our friendly ties to the Middle Eastern countries, and Bill Clinton who, for all that he has accomplished during his years in the White House, had messed up morals within his Own House.

Jimmy Carter, a relative unknown before securing the nomination to run for President, a peanut farmer, a family man, a wonderful humanitarian (check out his website for the Carter Center), you kind of forget that he once ran the highest office in this country.

After buying his latest book from Sam's Club, they had offered me an already signed copy of his book, but I turned that down. I wanted to meet the man himself.

So, setting off for Clayton, after printing out the directions from Mapquest, I risked damaging my car even more, not mind how much gas that this trip alone was going to take, was willing to wait to eat lunch until I returned home, and decided to endure intense heat in the car since my air conditioner wasn't working, not to mention wait in a LONG line that stretched all the way from the front of the store to the back door of the store...all to see a man in his 80's, keeping his mind up by keeping himself involved with what's going on with the rest of world, besides us here at home.

I didn't accept the autographed copy of the book (called "A Remarkable Mother") simply because there was no alternative than to meet the man himself.

A sweet-looking old man with whom you actually want to sit you down and tell you hours & hours worth of stories about his experiences: from the Navy, to running a family, to running a state, to running a country. You want to hear him speak about the countries he's traveled to, about the famous Camp David Accords, about farming in general, maybe his views on religion, and maybe even sneak in his insight about this year's elections. His hair was stark white, and even looked like he was frail, but you couldn't tell that he was in his 80's by his signature. Still fluid and sharp, no shaking. And his famous smile, a smile parodied so much during his election (the peanut with a grin), looks so genuine, that you feel like giving him a hug, if nothing else.

If it weren't for those mean Secret Service men guarding him, I probably would've gotten a photo with him as well. One of them bumped into me when I took the above photo of him just when he was smiling at my camera. Why does life have to be so unfair????

Oh well. I already had one of his books, called "Sharing Good Times", one of his earlier works, which now, thanks to Jimmy Carter's "John Hancock", was just made more valuable.

It's so sad that for some of us when we grow older that our minds slowly goes. After taking care of so many people over the years, I'm left wondering what would've happened to him if he didn't win the the highest office in this country, thus leaving his mark for posterity for all time. Would he travel as much? What if he just retired from the Navy and just ran the family peanut farm for the rest of his life and not gotten involved? Some people love the quiet life which is good.

For some however, that's not the case.

Now, the economy is in shambles, our reputation with the rest of the world because of these scandalous actions by our politicians. Where is the love man?

As for meeting one of the greatest humanitarians in the world, this something I'll always treasure.

We will be here on Friday...

2008-05-06T08:59:00.001-07:00

Chicago Medical District
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

...at the University of Illinois at Chicago campus. Well, we'll actually be inside the UIC Pavilion watching John get his PhD. We'll also probably visit his old lab afterwards.

Our trip to Chicago is incredibly tight: as soon as we get into town, I'm heading straight for my parents house, grab my brother and we're doing some errands including stopping at our old alma mater, Amundsen, so I can pick up my transcripts; then on to Truman College so I can do the same there; then stop at Philippine Plaza on Ridge & Clark to pick up some much needed items to take back with me to NC; then pick up my dad at work so I can check out his shoulder which he fractured a while back; Yahoo messenger my cousin in the Philippines so my dad's family can finally talk to him after so long; go across the street to John's friend Craig's house so we can have cocktails and dinner; then prepare for the next day, which is John's commencement.

We sent an Evite to our friends to join us in Chinatown at Penang's, so hopefully they will be able to come that Friday night. I know it's been more than 4 months, but I miss every last one of them.

It will be a trip of magnificent proportions. I'm so looking forward to it, and taking lots of pics!

Mission: Meet an extraordinary former President

2008-05-01T22:00:00.001-07:00

President Jimmy Carter - speaking up for Palestine justice
Originally uploaded by Krpasevananda

I was watching the late news this evening when I saw a report that former U.S President Jimmy Carter was in Durham today at a book signing.

I wanted to scream foul! Why is it that we're always the last ones to find out about this????!

My husband and I are fervent admirers of this remarkable human being that walked this planet Earth. When we moved here in the East Coast, I told John that one of the places that we absolutely have to go to besides Washington D.C, is downstate to Atlanta, Georgia to visit the Carter Center, Presidential Library and Museum.

I read one of his earlier published books, "Sharing Good Times"; a poignant biography of his marriage to Rosalynn, and the philosophic look at just...sharing good times. It's one of my absolute favorite books, one of the first that I started reading after forcing myself to break free of the "Harry Potter madness." There are billions of other books out there.

I read that, and "Dreams from my Father" by Senator Barack Obama afterwards, also a poignant biography of life, and what would've been, if things were different. I felt privileged to listen to Senator Obama live.

Then, much to my delight, just an hour ago, I found out that former President Jimmy Carter will be in Clayton, NC for another book signing. So what do I do? Made a quick search on Mapquest and found that Clayton is only a 45 minute drive from Chapel Hill. The event will be at noon, tomorrow, on Friday. At WalMart this time.

I was happy all over again. Monday, I listened to a future President of the United States (at least, I hope so, if he gets the party's nomination); now, in 12 hours, I will get the extremely rare opportunity to meet a former President of the United States. How cool is that?

I'm such a dork aren't I? But I make no apologies: when do you ever get the opportunity to meet such an extraordinary individual? The man received a Nobel Peace Prize...you would be crazy to pass up this opportunity. The chances of John and I meeting him when we go to the Carter Center or anywhere else? Zip. Am I willing to sacrifice $20 that I just spent on gas to go over to a small town in NC to meet Jimmy Carter? You can count on it.

Now, I just need to make sure the battery on my camera is charged. Stay tuned!

An incredible experience

2008-05-01T10:42:00.001-07:00

Change we can believe in
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

Wow.

That's the one word I can think of to describe the events at the Obama rally at UNC.

I mentioned that we saw Senator Obama on television so many times, but never in person. So, when the opportunity came to get those free tickets to his rally this past Monday, I was ecstatic beyond belief, John was too, he couldn't believe that I was able to get tickets.

I will be the first one to admit that I was a bit skeptical at first when I heard that Sen. Obama was running for President of the United States, the toughest job in the whole country. I was actually afraid of another *Jesse Jackson* campaign, which, if any of you remember, he lost the nomination for his party. That was back in the late 80's if memory serves me right.

This year, 2008 is another era, another generation practically. Those of us who were too young to remember Jesse Jackson's campaign are now older, and a new kind of politician has emerged. The kind of politician who is different than everyone else I have seen, coming from Illinois. The state of Illinois has been bedridden for so long with corrupt politicians, and when you add that to the 8 years of G.W. Bush and the way he won the election of 2000 in the first place (John is still pretty peeved about that by the way), I completely lost faith in our own United States government.

The result? I decided to leave my voice out of politics.

Much to the chagrin of my husband John who got a bit upset when he asked me whether I voted or not. This was while we were still dating of course. And I answered, just as angrily, that when the government does not work for the good of the nation, young & old; middle & lower class workers; EVERYONE is created equal, no matter what nationality in which you were bred; corporate companies that controls the laws leaving ordinary working class people like us with the short end of the stick; it kind of leaves you scratching your head and saying: what the *&^#?!

Think about this: the mortgage crisis, health insurance companies teetotaling the system most of the time leaving families with devastating illnesses almost destitute, our continued dependence on oil without finding an alternative solution, not enough social organizations that will give less-fortunate citizens a chance at a decent life, and our veterans that served in WW 2, the Vietnam war, the Korean War, the Gulf War, and now the war in Iraq...for too long, our veterans have not gotten the proper medical care they so deserve after receiving debilitating injuries on the battlefield. I guess the military doesn't understand the principles of "workers compensation".
I should know: as a CNA, I've seen the end result of what the consequences are by the government not giving these deserving VA's the help they need.

Also the end result of all the other issues that I mentioned above. I'm sure I can speak for the thousands of others with the same problems that my family and I encountered. In Chapel Hill, there are LOT of For-Sale signs in front of home, just from my driving down Franklin St. alone; gas prices are now tipping the scales of over $3.50 a gallon; no health care coverage for me because I was not working for 4 months, and now with this new job, it will be awhile until I can get health insurance, and even then, the premiums leave a gaping hole in your paycheck: that gaping hole can be better used for other things like extra money we will now need for groceries...if we have to now limit the quantities of rice we have to buy, or that the price of flour has gone way up because of the limitation of the planting of wheat, now you know that we have a food crisis on our hands.

Why do even have these kinds of problems in the United States of all countries?

After reading all of what Senator Obama stands for, and his plans to fix all of these problems; not to mention looking on countless blogs, websites, even a MySpace page of Indian-American actor Kal Penn, a staunch Obama supporter who uses most of his page space to support the senator when he could use it for his own promotion as an actor, and listening to numerous media coverage of Sen. Obama, I've become convinced that this is the kind of politician that Washington D.C needs.

Why? Courage for one thing; Senator Obama was one of the very few who opposed the Iraq war from the very beginning. That's what did it for me; and after getting to know the candidate and his issues in detail, the rest pretty much speaks for itself.

In listening to him speak in person, live, in front of a massive crowd of believers of change in our government in Washington, I've reaffirmed my belief that I had made the right choice. Despite all that has happened to him lately with all of the unnecessary media coverage of petty issues that doesn't matter, or I should say, should not matter to the citizens, he has handled himself well, and I have no reason to doubt his willingness and toughness to take on the lion's den that is Washington D.C.

The one phrase that has stuck with me during Monday night's rally was that Senator Obama said: "...he has spent more than 25 years in Congress and you mean to tell me that is the best he can do?"

The best you can do: that's the problem with most of those politicians, so many years of service, plenty of opportunity to do the right thing for the people of the United States, and yet a lot of them have failed at that. The very reason why I did not participate in the political process.

If you are not an Obama supporter, as you are reading this, that's okay. The beauty of this country is that we can agree to disagree, and somewhere in the U.S Constitution, I believe there is a clause talking about Freedom of Speech. There are many who believe that the candidate that they are voting for is right for this country. The very fact that you don't have to worry about unfair passage of the torch to someone who is clearly not capable of running the country (hereditary governing), is beauty in and of itself. Get out there and make your voice heard when the time comes for you to choose who should run this country. Give each candidate a hard look and then decide for yourself.

Our experience at Monday night's rally is once in a lifetime. I'm hoping that Senator Obama gets the nomination, and if he does and he wins in the General Election in November, these photos that I took on Monday night will be priceless treasure; and it will still be as such if he doesn't get the nomination.

"Independence Forever!"--John Adams.

Piedmont Farm Tour Part 1

2008-04-28T23:09:00.001-07:00

Little Goats
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

First stop was a place called Celebrity Dairy Farm, located near Siler City, NC.

What's charming about Celebrity Dairy was the fact that the main house is also a Bed & Breakfast, and they served lunch for the visitors that stopped by. Wish I'd have known that, otherwise I wouldn't have bought lunch at the Weaver St. Market earlier.

I went to towards the back and saw the animals and the farm equipment, and let me tell you, I've never seen such a large herd of goats. Most of them were really young goats too (kids they call them), and they were all clamoring for your attention. They'll nibble at your hands or try to get to your shoes. Whatever they can do to grab your attention, which is cute.

The picture above is just part of their large goat herd; playful aren't they?

They didn't have any of their dairy for sale that day (not that I noticed anyway), but their food came straight from the farm: salads and meat and of course, their cheese, all for 5 bucks a plate. They also have souvenir t-shirts and a vegetarian cookbook for sale. (And no, I didn't buy the cookbook...didn't have cash on me that day, but what I lacked in cash, I more than made up in the photos I took that afternoon)

They use the typical farm equipment, and in the back area were three barns and pens for the animals, and a storage house for their farm equipment. They even have a foot-operated wash area for you to wash your hands in if you touch the herds of goats. There was even a cat who hung out with the goats during the day. If you go to the front of the house, you will see a chicken coop, the first thing you see when you come onto the property. Since it was a nice day, the flock was outside basking in the sunlight (or what little of it was showing that day...it was cloudy most of the time) and paying us visitors no mind at all.

I didn't see their vegetable garden, since I had to cut the visit short in order to visit the other farms in the southern area of Chapel Hill. Not bad for my first farm trip, plus I got to see lots of animals.

The drive out of the farm, leads you onto a quiet country road, leading you back onto the highway, and you can't help but drive a bit slowly (which is okay to do because of the serious lack of traffic on those country roads) and look at the other farms that you pass by before you get back to the chaos. Farms that are not on the annual tour of course, but you can see their herds of cows and horses, grazing on the grass, new vegetation springing out from their pastures separate from the herds.

Then you see the old farm buildings, a stark contrast to the more stately look of the houses often found next to them. Sometimes you see a cat or two hanging out at all entrances to the house looking for the next opportunity for a good meal, whether it's the field mice, or good old fashioned cat food from the *big house*.

Along the generations old road leading you back to the path of civilization, you get a sense on what people did back then to survive. Travel was much slower, and food was hard to come by, unless you have a farm. I imagine the many harvest parties, cotillions, weddings, and other get-togethers the lady of the farm would whip together in a seamless effort to entertain guests when they're able to come.

Celebrity Dairy deals with both: entertaining and education, while at the same time, letting us be relax and take in the fresh air in your lungs and food in your belly. I give this farm a 4-star rating.

Friday Favorite: Upcoming encounter, Monday night

2008-04-25T23:22:00.001-07:00

25April2008_Kokomo2
Originally uploaded by Barack Obama

I've never exercised my right to participate in the political process, despite the fact that it is "very" important to make your voice heard.

But when year after year, you hear the same old story of scandals, and politicians in it for their personal agendas, and not in it for the people who votes them into their respective offices in the first place, well, it kind of leaves you scratching your head and saying; okay why should I participate?

That was my personal view, despite numerous protests from my husband, of why I do not vote.

Until this year. You know him: Barack Obama.

Somehow, I was able to secure tickets for John and I to see him at a rally right here at UNC Chapel Hill on Monday, all thanks to the One-Stop voting poll at the Morehead Planetarium located right next to UNC.

After watching all of his rallies, filled to capacity with people, the chances of me actually seeing him in person seems next to no chance at all. Then last night, while watching the news, they reported that Senator Obama will be in Chapel Hill on Monday, and that tickets, free of charge will be available the next day to pick up at the Planetarium.

Yeah right, I thought, thinking back to last week when Sen. Obama was in Raleigh for the same kind of event and just when I was going to take a drive to Raleigh to pick up the tickets, I heard the report on the news: the tickets were already gone. *sigh* So much for that idea.

So when I called the Planetarium this morning to inquire where we should get the tickets for Monday night's rally, the lady told me that they were going to be stationed at the west entrance, and that I should look for a "long line".

Great. Well, if I can actually get two tickets after a potentially long wait in line, I guess it will be worth it...I mean, this may be the only chance we'll get to see a Presidential candidate. So, grabbing my John Adams book to read in anticipation for the long line, I jumped back into my car, and rushed back down Franklin St. (after dropping my husband off 10 minutes before) towards the Planetarium, where just this past Wednesday, I registered and voted for the first time since turning the legal voting age (18).

To my surprise though, when I arrived at the designated place, I needn't have brought the book at all. I was able to get the tickets in under a minute flat, and they let me have two when I told them that my husband would be going as well. It was kind of like getting tickets to a rock concert or something (something I haven't been to yet), and I was so excited about getting them, I called my husband at work and told him what I had done.

Both Senators Obama and Clinton were supposed to have a debate in Raleigh on April 27th, but it was canceled; and for good reason: the last debate between them didn't go so well because of the latest "heresies" waged against Obama for the last few weeks: Rev. J. Wright, the "bitter" comments, and it took 45 minutes, before any issues concerning the American people were actually discussed, much to our disappointment. The debate only lasted for two hours, two hours that I wanted to hear about important issues facing us today.

To be honest, George Washington & John Adams, were they to come back and witness all of this political mudslinging, would weep at the sight of it: they would of course praise the fact that in keeping with today's times, a woman and an African-American have the chance in obtaining the highest office in the country a far cry from their own experience when women were still considered inferior and powerless, and African-Americans were still in bondage (kind of ironic too, since the Declaration of Independence cried "All men are created equal), but they would strongly disapprove of the divisiveness of the two opposing political parties of today: something both of them warned against, when this country was just getting under way, and Washington was still President.

Now, with tickets in hand, and giving the rest of the 35 minutes that I had left on my parking meter to a lady who had just parked behind me, she too had come for the tickets for the Obama rally, I rushed back home, excited at the prospect of something new to look forward to in this otherwise quiet place.

It seems at last I have found an individual who will work to fix the forever on-going problems in Washington D.C, and after reading about his accomplishments as a senator representing Illinois, this Monday will probably be the only chance to meet him in person, and before then, I will make sure the battery is charged, and have adequate room in my memory card, and maybe just maybe, I will get a picture with him.

Change we can believe in? I hope this is the year we can finally see it.

Preparing for a road trip.

2008-04-24T09:21:00.001-07:00

John's contribution to the Science world
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

The very last thing that John has to do: his hooding ceremony at UIC which will be in two weeks. You know what that means....road trip back to Chicago!

Hmm...on second thought, maybe I should fly. But then again, with the gas prices going up and all, I think I'll banish the thought.

John actually finished last semester, but graduation ceremonies only occur in the spring, so, a long overdue trip is well worth it. Plus, with my becoming employed again, we can go through this with a refreshed sigh of relief.

Since our departure, several things happened in Chicago: my dad fracturing his shoulder, a campus shooting in DeKalb, and the joyous birth of a beautiful baby boy named Brady.

But besides visiting our friends and family, to see Chicago again is nothing but a delight, a highlight of the most boring 4 months of my life, except for last weekend when I did the Piedmont Farm Tour. What a relief knowing that I can step into familiar surroundings once more. More importantly, to see John in a black gown with the PhD hood, to date his most prized accomplishment so far in life, would be a sight to see, something I would probably never see again...unless our own children get that wild hair and pursue the highest educational degree.

Now John's work is forever etched on black and white print, bound in a dark gray book, his contribution to the Science world, which he hopes will merit an important discovery one day for the good of the health of mankind.

I can't wait to come home.

Friday Favorite: Sweeney Todd

2008-04-04T07:48:00.001-07:00

Johnny Depp and Sacha Baron Cohen in Tim Burton's "Sweeney Todd"
Originally uploaded by fuxoft

Ever since my husband John took me and his mom to the stage production of "Sweeney Todd" I was curious to see what they did with the movie starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Cohen, who played the character Pirelli, with candor, hilarity, and outright brilliance.

This production still, posted by a flickr.com member captures Todd's and Pirelli's encounter. It came out in the theater for the holidays, but I wanted to wait until it came out on DVD. John wanted to see it of course, but me, who is not a big fan of musicals, decided it was better to wait.

Movies give more story depth than the stage production, particularly the one we've attended back in February...I couldn't even understand half of what they were saying because the theater was so small, and the audience so intimately close to the stage, and the orchestra was way too loud...hence why I couldn't understand half of what they were saying. It's frustrating when you're trying to get the gist of the story and you can't hear a thing. I told John that.

As per my previous post, I mentioned that way back when John was an actor, he was in "Sweeney Todd" and played this young man named Tobias. In the movie, they picked a boy to play him, which was brilliant because he's supposed to be very young. For the stage production, they put way too much makeup on the man playing Tobias, and over-acted the very last scene of the play right after they...well, if you didn't see the movie, I'm not going to spoil it for you.

It's funny, after all these years (John played Tobias in the 80's if you can believe it) John still remembers every single song from the play and at one point he serenaded me with "Joanna" the next morning. He still has a wonderful singing voice, great for Broadway quite frankly, but alas, he says his acting days are long gone.

My favorite was Sacha Baron Cohen playing Pirelli in the movie: I loved him in "Borat" and thought he was hilarious in "Madagascar", and despite the hilarity of the song he sings in "Sweeney Todd", he has a very nice singing voice. As do all of the actors in the movie: Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Helena Bonham Carter (who is married to Tim Burton, who made the Sweeney Todd movie by the way), and the boy who played Tobias. John gave his nod of approval of the singing voices. "Very good portrayal," he said. Johnny Depp most of all, because he never really sang before this movie, and for someone who never sang he did a fantastic job.

There was just one problem with the movie itself, and Tim Burton is well known for it too: the gory scenes where Sweeney slices his victim's throats and all this blood gushes out of them...DIS-gusting! I guess that was the one thing I didn't have to see in the stage production, but unfortunately because of today's technology, you see lots of it in the movie...for those "gore" fans out there, it certainly makes up for it. I guess without all that blood, it would do the story itself a serious injustice.

All in all, a very good movie, for a musical anyway. I wonder what Roger Ebert had to say about this movie...

I'll tell the tale of Sweeney Todd...

2008-03-17T20:02:00.001-07:00

Tobias
Originally uploaded by rcano1979

...and a pretty gruesome tale it was, when you see the play, or watch the movie starring Johnny Depp & Helena Bonham Carter.

John played the character Tobias, the young assistant to Pirelli, one of the unfortunate victims of Sweeney Todd.

I'm continuing John's theater album with doing individual character pages that John played. On each page, I have both title and photo already glued in place, and after completing all of his characters, I can go on with finishing the rest of the page. The arrangement of the page depends on the play itself...depending on which element in which I may pull in order to make the page and his character in the play really stand out.

For those who've seen "Sweeney Todd", you'll notice that Todd sends his victims sliding down into the basement; therefore I fashioned the title as a word that's going down a slide, leading you to the photo at the bottom where you see the character, Tobias facing the audience.

John looked a wee bit *crazed* in that photo.

Another only copy of that photo left from John's acting days. The adhesive I use all the time for my photos, without fail is double-sided tape, not only because it's way better and cheaper than buying those expensive glue runners or adhesive dispensers, but if you ever needed to remove the photo for some crazy reason (with today's technology, there are gadgets out there that will scan your old photo and repair all the little glitches that time put on it), you can easily do that, and not worry about taking a piece of your patterned paper or cardstock with it, so long as you're not aggressive with it that is.

Ever since discovering that tape, I felt a whole lot better about sticking photos onto a page. What's worse was, it's been in existence as long as the Scotch company has been making tape...go figure. Where was that tape when I was doing my early albums, eh?

The photos from this play are also black and white, so I didn't want to overwhelm the page with so many loud and crazy colors. Neutral ones seem to work best, so the photo will stand out.

A theater company for UNC performed the Sweeney Todd play a month ago, and one of John's co-workers played a minor character in it, plus it's been such a long time since he himself performed in that play, it was for pure nostalgic reasons he wanted to see it again. I found the play to be quite gruesome, and it really didn't show the gory stuff (thank God), and now with today's technology (CG and all that) the movie version of the play is sure to show the gory stuff that you don't see in the play. It will be interesting to see the movie version of it, and with Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd and Helena Bonham Carter playing Ms. Lovett, no other actors could be more perfect for those respective parts.

Watching the play itself gave me a whole new inspiration for my yet unfinished pages for the play. I hope John likes what I come up with.

Friday Favorite: Roses

2008-03-15T11:08:00.001-07:00

Faded
Originally uploaded by junsjazz

Yes, I know it's Saturday.

I was so busy studying, I completely forgot about submitting this photo for my weekly Friday Favorite.

This one, submitted by a flickr.com member is done, I suspect with a macro lens, something I've been coveting for a while now, since I found a bunch of macro pics on flickr. (Just click on the photo for more pics by junsjazz on flickr)

Alas, the macro lens I want to get is way out of my price range for now. $500, at least; but the next best thing to get is the macro filters, which run at about $30-50 each set.

I'm two steps closer in getting it; and once I do, I'll finally have some fresh set of pics to post on flickr.

Spring is officially about a week away, and the trees on our apartment complex are beginning to bloom now, although the other trees are still bare. It's been sunny here for the past couple of days, and I took some time off the books to go for a bike ride.

The good news is that the police had also caught the maniacs who killed two college students in the past couple of months; one from Duke, and the other from UNC, which is a relief for the rest of us; one of them had the other victim's cell phone and wallet on him which is why the police were able to find out.

So, for those unfortunate victims, I dedicate this rose in their memory.