On Wednesday, my teacher gave the class our next assignment. We have to do night photos. These are longer exposure shots where cars on the road end up looking just as streaks of light. Well I decided to go up to the corner of Ten Mile and Van Dyke to get some shots of the intersection. The gas station on the south west corner is empty and dark. I set up my camera, which needed to be on a tripod (Thanks again Cris) and set up for my first shot. I took the first shot… the shutter needed to stay open for 30 seconds (which seems really long when you are standing in the dark and cold on a street corner feeling out of place and trying to blend into the shadows). I then took three more and then moved the camera to get a slightly different angle. It was then, as I started to take my next picture, that I hear another car pull into the gas station. I looked behind me and saw a Center Line police cruiser pulling up. There were two officers in the cruiser and they seemed to be right about my age. The officer driving rolled down his window and asked me what I was doing. I told him that I was just getting some night photos. He was on his cell phone (as a side note, has anyone else noticed how often cops seem to be on cell phones lately?) and quickly finished his call. His partner (the better looking of the two) just kind of was sitting there looking around. The first officer then asked me a few questions about what I was doing and if I wanted to make money with photography or if it was just a hobby. I answered all of his questions and he seemed satisfied with my answers and wished me good luck. Then he rolled up the window and stared to pull away. The officers stopped short of pulling out of the lot and kind of just waited there for a few seconds. I think that was because two guys were on bikes waiting at the corner and they wanted to make sure they didn’t do anything to me. I took just a few more photos and headed home. The really funny thing about this is that when I was leaving the house mom and I were joking about me getting thrown in jail for taking these pictures. My boss at work and I were also joking around about that happening. I would still like to get a few more shots but I don’t know where to go (maybe somewhere where I won’t be so noticeable and get another visit from the police). After I have had a chance to edit/enhance the photos at school I will add one to my photo page.

A few weeks ago I started my new class. It is intro to photography and has been pretty interesting so far. I have learned a lot about shutter speeds, aperture and ISO. I now can take a photo in any kind of light or lack there of without having to use the flash. A warning to the family… I will be taking more photographs at gatherings. I will be known as the girl with the camera to her face. Anyway, my first assignment was to take random pictures to get use to the camera controls. We also learned to use some new software to enhance the photographs. The first picture is the one right from the camera. The second one is after I used light room for enhancing and the last one is the result of me being creative in light room. I am sure there will be a lot of photos posted on my site over the next few months.

So it’s been a little bit since my last post…. I know you have probably read this before! Well a few things have happened since then so I will fill you in on them.

School…

I have been out of school for a while now. I got an A in my last class, which I really enjoyed. I currently am waiting to hear back from the director of the new program I am in. I just declared a new (second) major and they went and changed the program around. So I have a few questions that I was hopping to get answered before I register for the next semester (which is July 1st). But I think I have figured out things on my own and will be signing up for one class. I am now in the media and communication arts program in the photography specialty… so beware that I will be trying to take more photos at family gatherings and such.

Work…

At the end of May (the 31st) I finished my eighth year at DSI. I can’t believe how fast the last eight years have gone by. Just before my anniversary date, I was told by the H.R. Manager that the “big guy” wanted to know what his “key players” plans were for the near and far future. I guess I am one of those players because I was told to type up my goals for my job, what I liked/disliked about my current position and my goals for myself and the company for the next few years at least. After thinking about it for a little bit I came to the conclusion that I am pretty happy here but would like to get more involved with the marketing aspect of the company. So I typed up my document and discussed it with the H.R. Manager. Well it seems that management really does listen. I have already been handed a small project of gathering information for a promotional idea we are working on. I was also just informed that I will be assisting with the design of a booth for our salesmen to use at trade shows. I have also been working on a few pages to update our web site. I was also told to look for a better camera for myself at work. He has also been talking about having me spend some time with the professional photographer that we have used to learn a few things from him. I am very excited about this possibility. As I mentioned above I am in the photography specialty and my next class will be introduction to photography. If I get to work with this guy it could really help not only at work but also at school and maybe make a good connection to use in the future… you never know. The boss also told me to look for a video camera so that I can go along with our technicians and video record the job to use on the web site and at trade shows. So unless something unexpected happens I think I will be at DSI for quite a while still.

Life in General…

I am now just a few days away from leaving for Boston. I really can’t wait. I know I have been driving people crazy by talking so much about the trip. There are so many things that Cris and I want to do while we are there. Like I have said before I am going to try to blog every day while on vacation. I will even try to post a few pictures along the way. We are sure to have plenty of pictures to pick from. Both Cris and I will have digital cameras, plus I now have a small digital video camera to use. Snapfish is really going to love me in the next few weeks.

Abby is about to turn three (as far as I can tell her birthday is July 3). I can’t believe that she has been with me for almost three years… I didn’t get her until September. She has been such a great dog. She is super cuddly and extremely good with kids. Almost every day when I take her for a walk kids flock to her. Kids I don’t even know seem to know her. And I have to say I am pretty impressed with how many of the kids ask if they can pet her before they touch her. I have also noticed that she is more protective of me and the house. She has been barking more but only when she sees someone she isn’t really familiar with.

Well I think that is enough for now. I am sure more things have happened but I really can’t think of anything else worth mentioning. Until next time…

I have been in my current class for a while now but I haven’t really had anything to post about. This is an Adobe Layout class. It has been fun at times and a little boring at times too. Though one project we did was a series of three print ads. My teacher gave us a packet of information on some musical groups. We had to pick one that we wanted to do an ad for. Then we had some photos that we could pick from and the information needed for the ad. Then she let us loose. We first had to do a Four Color Ad, and a Two Color Ad for a magazine and then we had to change up the design and do a Black and White Ad for a newspaper. It was nice to get to do my own thing. All the other projects involved recreating a specific page and that wasn’t too much fun but taught us how to use the program. Right now I am working on recreating a Good and Plenty box, which is harder than one might think. Once I get it done I will try to post it here. Then we have two more assignments and then the class will be done.

Well it has been quite some time since my last post. Part of this was due to a hosting change and just life being crazy for those who have assisted me in running this page (thank you Scott and David for all your help….. I owe you guys a beer next time I am in town!) and things being a little crazy in my life. But since my last post a few holidays have past, I turned another year older (i’m now 27), a new year has started, my new niece was born on January 14th and she is a cutie, I found out that I have another nephew on the way, school ended and has started again and life seems to be getting back to normal (whatever that means). I was very happy when my last class ended. I did enjoy the class but the final paper posed a challenge and I was tied to my laptop and desktop computers for about four weeks working on it. But before that essay we did a descriptive essay. We had to write about a memory, person, place or experience. We had done a journal entry just before this essay to get us ready for it. I had just gone to a hockey game and decided to write about my “first” hockey experience. I really don’t even remember my first hockey game so I kinda made it into more of a “story” for me to write. Well with out further ado here is what I wrote.

Hockey Experience

I remember watching hockey games on television with my dad and brothers when I was growing up. We were definitely a “hockey family”. Then one day my dad told me that he and I would be attending a game in person. I was so happy and excited, I just couldn’t wait to go. My first hockey game was an experience that I will never forget.

I will never forget my first experience of watching a hockey game at Joe Louis Arena. It was a special time with my dad. The Wings won the game and all seemed right in the world.

The other week my teacher had the class do a creative writing journal (which we have to read two out loud in front of the class for points and any others are extra credit. I didn‘t read mine though I kind of wish I had). She gave us three choices to pick from. Now you have to understand, she is a big fan of horror movies and books. She has kind of a twisted mind but it makes things interesting. So the three topics we could pick from where…

1. You are in outer space and your ship blows up but you survive and are stuck out there. Describe your life, are there any regrets, is there anything you wish you had done and so on.

2. You are walking down the street and find a human skull…. What is your reaction, what do you do?

3. Who is one person that you would love to give a life sentence in prison to and why?

I went with option two. Now some people took it very literal but I went with a more creative idea, which you will read in just a minute. Now remember it is just a story… I would probably react very differently if this really were to happen. Happy reading!!!

I was walking down the street the other night with my dog Abby. It was a clear cool evening. The moon was out and full in the sky, casting a white glow all around. We had just rounded the last corner and were in the home stretch. I noticed that all the houses on the block were dark. It seemed as if no one was home anywhere on the block. Then all of a sudden Abby started tugging on her end of the leash. I looked up ahead and saw a round object in the grass a few yards up. Figuring it was a ball I started guiding Abby toward it, but as we approached the object I could tell it was larger than just a tennis ball. We took a few more steps and that was when I saw two empty eye sockets staring at me. The object in the grass was a human skull. I quickly looked around to see if I could see anything else. The moonlight lit up the yard but it looked as thought it was just the skull. Using some quick thinking I reached my hand into my pocket and pulled out one of Abby’s “poop” bags. I used the bag to protect my hand as I picked up the skull. Then Abby and I turned around and headed towards the police station, which was just a few blocks away. Once we got there I realized there was no place for me to keep Abby so we walked into the station together. The cop at the front desk looked up when the door closed and he wasn’t all too happy to see Abby standing there wagging her tail. But he changed his mood when I showed him the skull. He took a few pictures of it and wrote up a quick description of the skull. He then got some information from me. When I was done, I turned to leave but the officer stopped me. I thought maybe he needed something else but when I turned toward him he was holding out the skull for me. I looked at him with wide eyes and jaw on the floor. I asked him what was I suppose to do with the skull. He just looked me dead in the eye and told me that I would receive a phone call if anyone reported a missing skull. I walked out of the station, holding the skull, dumbfounded. Abby and I began to make our way home with skull in hand. Once we got home I realized that my Halloween decorations outside was missing something. Just one more item and it would look complete. That was when I noticed that the skull would look great with the tombstones. I began to hope that I wouldn’t be receiving a phone call from the police. Then I would be able to have a new decoration.

Let me tell you, my Halloween display looks perfect now. Glad I never got that call!

The following is the first essay I wrote for my English class. It is a narrative essay. For this assignment we had to think about an experience in our life that changed us. Such as something that made us get over a fear, cause a fear, change your out look on life or that made you come to a new realization. You will see in a little bit what I decided to write about. Now keep in mind that I had to embellish a few things or just use my creative license to make it a little more interesting to the reader and to add more details. I might have also forgotten some things; however I hope you enjoy. I will be posting a journal entry that I did in a day or two.

Making Plans

After losing my three remaining grandparents in seven months I came to a stunning realization. I realized that my parents are now the “older” generation in the family and that the next step is for my brothers and I to make funeral plans for them. This is a sad, yet natural part of life. This is a responsibility that I am not looking forward to having. I still remember the day I helped my mom make plans for her mother’s funeral.

My grandmother past away at our house on July 7, 2007. She was put under home Hospice care after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We watched her on a downward spiral as her health diminished over a period of five weeks. The last week was the hardest as we watched the small frame of my grandmother seem to just fade away. The night she died there was a eerie, yet feeling of relief throughout the house. My mom knew that she no longer had to struggle taking care of her mother anymore, which she had been doing for the last five years or so. My mom, dad and I knew that she was in a better place and was no longer suffering. We also knew that she was back with her husband and other family members that had past before her. But we also knew that the house would have an empty feeling in it now that she was gone.

The next morning the three of us headed out to the funeral home, a place that we had visited too often lately. The funeral home was almost too quiet and I began to feel a little out of place being there. It also felt very cold in the lobby. Just as I was wondering if the air conditioner was on full blast, a very nice and very tall gentleman named Ron greeted us and took us to a private room to begin the planning stage. The room was very simple with white walls and a cream colored couch. I noticed a large round glass table in the corner of the room. The room didn’t feel very comforting. It seemed more like an office room in a hospital than somewhere to make final resting plans for a loved one. We sat at the table and Ron began going over all kinds of information about my grandmother. I realized at that moment that I needed to find some stuff out about my parents and keep notes. Next, Ron took down the information that we wanted in my grandmother’s obituary. Ron then left the room to do a rough draft and left us to pick out what set of holy cards we wanted to use. I remember thinking that I would have to pay attention to the sets that my mom liked so that when the time came I would know what she would be happy with. While thinking this I got a little choked up and felt as if my heart was in my throat. This brought tears to my eyes and I had to look away from my parents. I took a few moments to compose myself and went back to looking at the cards with my mom. Finally we decided on a set and sat waiting for Ron to return.

I remember sitting in the chair thinking that I wanted to be anywhere but where I was. The room seemed to be getting smaller and it seemed as if time had stopped. I had also noticed a stale smell in the air. It was as if the same air was being filtered throughout the room. Finally Ron came back and broke the silent tension. He went over a few more items with my mom and then took us to another room. This was an experience that I wasn’t quite ready for. When he opened the door and we walked into the room all we saw were wall to wall caskets. It kind of made me take a step back. I guess I hadn’t thought of having to pick out a casket for my grandmother. Ron went over a few things that we had to keep in mind and then left us to make our decision. My parents, having done this recently just went on about their way looking at different caskets. It took me a few minutes to adjust my self to get over what I was doing and help. We were talking in a hushed whisper as if we weren’t allowed to talk at all. We kept going back and forth on which one to pick. Did we want a wood one or a metal one? Did we want one that had white on the inside or one that was a light pink? All the while I kept thinking that I was going to have to do this some day for my parents. It felt somewhat unreal and again made me want to be somewhere else.

We finally came to a decision and got Ron. He went over a few details of the casket we had picked out and told us that we had made a good choice. I was thinking that he probably said that to everyone and had to chuckle inside. We then went back into the uncomfortable and stale air room to finish our plans. Again time felt as if it was standing still. Yet almost two hours had passed since we first walked into the empty funeral home. It was at this point that I realized the hunger growing in my stomach. We had such an early appointment at the funeral home that none of us had breakfast before we left the house.

We soon left the funeral home but had to go to the florist next. This seemed like an easy step but it had me thinking about what kind of flowers my mom or dad would like and what colors would look best for them. I felt like I had a knot in my stomach and my eyes were wet with tears. Once we got to the florist my mom made me decide what the grandchild arrangement would be like. This was a humbling experience. I had to pick out something not only from myself but also something from my brothers and their wives. I ended up picking an arrangement that had some of the most beautiful pink and white flowers that I had ever seen. I could almost smell the floral scent just from the picture but maybe it was just the flowers that were around me.

Our next step was to go to the church and get those details taken care of. The car was quiet on the drive to the church. Only the soft sound of Oldies on the radio could be heard. Once we pulled up to the church we were all feeling pretty hungry and worn out. The heat of the day was starting to rise and was causing us to slow down just a bit. We spoke to someone at the church who wasn’t very friendly. I remember standing there thinking that this is someone who has an important job at the parish and he seemed bothered to have to help us. At one point I wanted to ask him if there was someone else that could help us. Here we are, a family dealing with the loss of a loved one and he could not even find enough manners to have us sit down while he spoke to us. Then he told us that he was busy and asked if we could set up an appointment for the next day. He did give us a book to go over so we could have some of the details ready for the meeting the next day. We then had to decide who was going to do the readings and be part of the funeral in other small ways. The hardest part was figuring out who would be the pallbearers. My mom is an only child and has only the three sons. We decided on two other males in the family who we would ask but that left one open spot. I decided to offer myself to fill the position. My mom thought about it for a minute and agreed that it would be a good idea for me to also be a pallbearer. As soon as the decision was made I kind of asked myself what I was thinking. Could I really be such a honored part of my grandmother’s funeral?

This experience made me realize that some day in the future I will be making these plans for my parents. But this experience has also prepared me for what I will come across when it is time to make these kinds of plans. It will never be an easy experience but at least I know what kind of details I will need to have ready. I am very glad that I got to be such an important part of my grandmother’s funeral.

School has started again (I started on August 23rd). I am taking my English class that I dropped last semester. I have to say that this class has started dramatically better than it did last time. This teacher is more laid back and younger. I think it helps that I decided to take the class over two days instead of all four hours on one day. One aspect of this class that is taking some time getting use to is reading my stuff out loud in front of the class. Now I don’t really have a problem speaking in front of people, I just have a hard time reading what I have written. We do journals every Thursday and we have to read at least two of them out loud for points. Any others that we decide to read we receive extra credit. That is another thing with this teacher… there are a lot of ways to get extra credit. If we decide to read our essays out loud we can also receive extra credit. We have already done the rough drafts of the first essay. I will be getting mine back from the teacher today to do any revisions and then get the final draft ready to turn in on Tuesday. It is nice to be writing again. Though they are essays it is still writing. This essay was a narrative essay, which is sort of like telling a story only it is not fiction. Though I am not looking forward to the final paper we have to do. I don’t remember how long it has to be but I think at least like 8 pages. At least the teacher lets us pick what topic to write about and the door is wide open. She will let us write about anything we want. Well if I write anything that I feel is done well enough I will post it here for everyone to read.

Here are the answers to the questions people asked me. This are only my opinions and I do not mean to offend anyone.

1. Why is orange your favorite color?

I’m not really sure when it really started but shortly after high school (which my school colors were orange and black) I was just drawn toward orange colored things. Then it helped that when I became a NASCAR fan I started to lean toward Tony Stewart. Also orange goes well with the other colors I really like which are blue and purple.

2. What is your favorite 80’s or classic rock song right now?

I would have to say that my favorite classic rock song right now is Fooling by Def Leppard. Though in a close second would be Carrying On My Wayward Son by Kansas and Renegade by Styx.

3. Out of all the concerts we have seen together what one is your favorite?

I would have to say that it is a tie between the John Mayer concert (even though we ended up leaving early due to Sheryl Crow) and the Styx/Def Leppard concert.

4. Why did you choose multi-media for you major and public relations for you minor?

Well that really isn’t the case. The multi-media program is kind of a stepping stone to the public relations program. Though I will not be going into the public relations program. I have decided to go more into the media and communication arts. The next degree I will be going for is heavily base in photography.

5. When do you think you are going to graduate college with your first degree?

I am hopping to be done with this degree no later than the fall semester of the 2008, which means I am hopping to be done in one or two more semesters.

6. What game is your favorite to play?

Well my favorite board game would be monopoly, my favorite computer game would be rocket mania or secrets of olympus.

1. Who will win the 2008 Daytona 500?

Ok just to be crazy I will say JJ Yeley.

2. I asked you this last time, but maybe your answered has changed) Who will win the Winston/Nextel/Sprint Cup in 2008?

I believe that I said Reed Sorenson and I am going to stick with it. I really see him as an up and coming star of NASCAR

3. How do you think the Red Wings will fair in the next season?

Well I am not really sure. It is no secret that I am not happy about the goalie situation. I think the wings need to get a few big rough guys to go with the finesse of Zetterberg and Datsyuk. I am hopping that they make it thru at least the second round of the playoffs.

4. Early yet, but who do you think will win the Stanley Cup in 2008?

Of course I want to say the wings but I am going to say Nashville.

5. How many pairs of jeans do you own and why that number?

I have 10 pairs of jeans. I have four that I wear most of the time plus a few that are different sizes (which is a woman thing I guess).

6. Have you ever bought men’s clothing for yourself to wear?

Yes. Most, if not all, of my sweatshirts are men’s. That way the are bigger and cozier. I also have some long sleeve t-shirts and short sleeve t-shirts that are men’s.

7. What are your top five albums currently? (I know this answer probably changes from month to month, that why I added “currently”)

#1 Fall Out Boy - Infinity on High

8. What are you top five movies currently?

#1 Time to Kill

9. Who is your favorite actor?

Well there are a lot of actors that I really like and looks have a lot to do with it. But as far as who I think is a good actor I would have to stick with some of the oldie but goodies such as Tom Hanks, George Clooney and Matthew McConaughey.

10. Who is your favorite actress?

Sandra Bullock, Reese Witherspoon and Amanda Bynes.

11. Do you have a favorite TV show that is currently on the air?

Yes…Supernatural, Heroes, CSI:NY and America’s Next Top Model

12. Is there a TV show that is off the air and that you really miss?

This will be the first season without it but I will greatly miss Gilmore Girls. I also miss Will and Grace.

13. Do you think the Tigers can make it back to the World Series?

Given their recent slump I have a fear that they may not. But if this years team is anything like last year they will pull a few surprises once the playoff start.

14. Are you holding out hope that you won’t find out if Harry Potter lives or dies in the last book so you can see the movies without knowing the ending, or do you just not care?

I don’t really care. I never got into the Harry Potter thing. I haven’t read any of the books or seen any of the movies.

15. What was the last book of fiction you read?

Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich. I am currently reading Mary Mary by James Patterson.

16. Was there a book that you had to read for school that turned out being something you really enjoyed?

I can’t think of one. Though I watched 1776 in seventh grade and it is one of my favorite movies to this day.

17. If you played on a sports team and had any choice of uniform number, what would it be and why?

I would pick 7 or 8. I am not sure why but these numbers seem to be lucky and happen to pop up a lot in my life.

18. If you could change you first name, what would you change it to?

I have always wanted a more unique name. After being in my fifth grade class room where there were five Jennifers in the room. I am not sure what I would change it to… maybe something like Bailey or Avery.

19. Do you like the idea of couples naming a son after the husband (meaning a junior or further down the line if applicable?)

I am undecided on this issue. I understand a father wanting his son to carry on not only the family name but also his name. Then on the other hand I think the child should have his own identity. One thing I don’t understand is when parents have one son and give him some name then name their second son after the father.

20. What was the last movie you saw in the theater?

I think the last movie I saw in the theater was Step Up like forever ago.

21. Is there a movie that is currently playing that you just absolutely MUST see?

There isn’t one that I absolutely HAVE to see, but there are a few that I would like to see… The Bourne Ultimatum, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Oceans Thirteen, and Knocked Up.

22. What is your general opinion of Barry Bonds?

I don’t really have an opinion of him. Let him have it for the few years he will have the title. But then A-Rod will pass him and his light will go out. We will never really know what happened through out his career and people will talk about it until the end of time (Pete Rose anyone?).

23. Why is the sky blue, the leaves of trees green, and chicken feathers white? OK, just kidding. Well, not really, why do are these things the color they are?

This has to do with light waves and how much of a light wave an object absorbs or reflects. Or something along those line.

24. Are things between you and Jeremy getting close again?

No we are just going to be friends. Due to distance and other things it is just too hard to have a relationship so we have decided to just be friends.

1. Did you consider any one particular teacher a big influence in your life?

I don’t think any teacher was really and influence. No one made me say “wow that is what I want to do with my life”. However, there are some teachers that made a impact on my life that I will always remember. Those teachers would be Mrs. Cain, Mr. DeFusco, Mr. Errante, and Mr. Cross.

2. What one place in the world would you want to visit for three months, other than the USA?

I would really like to go to England. That is one place I would like to spend some time at and not just a quick vacation. A second choice would be Poland.

3. If you could live any where in the USA other than Michigan, where would it be?

Well I haven’t been too many places in the US to really know of a place I would like to live. Though I wouldn’t mind trying out the east coast. If it wasn’t so expensive to live in New York City I think that would be pretty cool.

4. What is your idea of the perfect way to spend ONE DAY, if all expenses were paid?

I would wake up in a hotel suite in New York City (maybe the penthouse suite at On the Avenue Hotel) and have breakfast in bed. Of course Abby would be with me. Then we would go down and take a walk though Central Park. After getting back to the hotel I would drop Abby off at the dog spa (which I don’t think the hotel has but hey this is my day). Then I would go and do plenty of shopping and grab lunch along the way at the Hard Rock. Then I would go see some of the sites (getting souvenirs along the way). After all of that I would get dinner at some nice restaurant then go see a play. After that I would go back to the suite and Abby would be there waiting for me. We would curl up in bed watch some TV then fall asleep and wake up back in our bed in Michigan.

5. Is there any politician, past or present, that you especially admire?

Well I have been fond of John Adams. We truly have him to thank for our independence.

For those that were wondering… I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth. I have just been kind of busy. But I am posting to kind of catch everything up.

Work… Things have been a little tough at work lately. We have been getting a lot of cancellation notices. Though I did get my own key for the Hi-Lo. We also received a phone call the other day of a possible high priced job. We have to bid on it but we have done a lot of work for this company in the past and my boss doesn’t think we will have any problems getting it. So keep your fingers crossed for us.