Pause for the little things....

....like love.

She says it best.....

Amazing performance

it almost makes me cry...

The Hunger Games

I recently read a book, for the very first time,

              The Hunger Games

                (The first book)
And during those two in a half days it took me to read it (I never read books that fast), it consumed my soul.

WARNING- If you have not read this book, and you plan to I will be talking about some character traits and struggles that may be best discovered by reading the book yourself. There will be no story line plot spoilers.

The book was all I could think about during those days, and a few days after. The characters and scenery that  the author portrayed were so rich (in characteristics, not money) and real. Although the book is set in a sort of alternate reality, you can't help but feel that the situations are realistic and heart wrenching.

In the moments I wasn't reading the pages of the book, I was constantly watching and noting my surroundings. When outdoors I felt as though I was going out to hunt my game, and I was constantly watching my back; survival mode. I started questioning my peers, and my trust with them. I wondered how different those people would be if our world was like the world in the book. I was confident I could take on any battle at any point and time.

(I have a very large imagination)

I absolutely loved the main character, Katniss. Not only was her name unique and symbolical, but she was realistic and raw, yet hopeful.
It was hard to earn her trust or catch her smile.
She was honest and upfront.
I couldn't help thinking that I would be similar to her if I was in her situation.
I also couldn't help thinking how thrilling and real being in her situation would be. I would never be bored, and life would feel so important and edgy.

I also know that it would be very painful, physically and emotionally. And if I was ever put in a position like hers, I would regret thinking that in an instant.

This book is an easy reading level, and if you have not read it yet (and you are still reading this post...) you should defiantly check it out.

It was absolutely wonderful, and I can't wait to read the other books.

   Good luck in  your journey through the Hunger Games,

          And may the odds ever be in your favor.

Photography: Trial and Error and Error....

I LOVE photography.

I love to look at it, I love to practice it, and I love following blogs with good photographers. 

But I have yet to take a class, and I feel my skills are lacking. I really want to get good at it!

You see, I love to practice on my dog (because he is so cute), but whenever we take him out to good photography spots, he gets a little too excited, and most my pictures end up like this:

or like this

(he loved chasing the birds)

Every now and then I catch an okay one

Or a goofy one

By they are few and far between

Now I have read hundreds of tips online and such, but I want to know what really works for you!
What quick and successful tips do you have for taking pictures?
(It doesn't have to be just action/dog shots, I like taking still shots too)

We did have a lot of fun at the park though :D

Also.......

I celebrated my birthday not too long ago, and look at my amazing cake!

Yes, its a Mrs. Pac Man

And yes, that is an upside down stuffed Mario mushroom in the background.

It was a great 22nd birthday!

Anyhoo, have a great week and leave me your photography secrets!
 ( please ;D )

P.S. These are a couple of my favorite photography bloggers. Their blogs are not focused around photography, but they always include multiple excellent photos in each blog post all taken by them!

http://manditremayne.blogspot.com/

http://tracys-trinkets-treasures.blogspot.com/

http://russandselena.blogspot.com/

The Conclusion, of Facebook...

Well it has been close to a week now since I did it,

I took the plunge,

I deleted Facebook. 

I don't feel conflicted or left out like I thought I might....

I also don't feel relieved or like I 'have more time'. 

I just feels ........ normal.

And I like that.

I copied all my pictures to my computer, so there were no strings attached.

Goodbye social networking drama that I despised like so, 

Goodbye.

Simple Mathematics Folks

Yes, that's all it takes; Addition.

When did we learn that again? First...Second grade?

So please tell me why I CONSTANTLY see people adding their tips to their bill incorrectly.

A $115.75 dollar check plus a $16.05 dollar tip does NOT equal $123.05! How do you even get that??

Okay, lets take into consideration that you are a bit tipsy. So a few drinks makes you completely forget the basis of your entire math knowledge?

Let's all just slow down, take a deep breath, and actually pay attention to what we are doing.

A 'lil bit of restaurant ranting for ya. 

You.Are.Awesome

Are you ever like.....
           "Damn, I'm awesome!"


if so....
   What are you doing that makes you say that?

I wanna know what brings you to that high point. That thing that gives you adrenaline that makes you feel on top of the world.


For me its usually right after I successfully jam out to a good song....
.... or after I beat an Expert level Sudoku puzzle.

I'm pretty sure this little guy thinks that phrase every day....

Or at least he should think it....because he is!!

This is one of Snoop's favorite places in the house, with one of his beat up toys that he left there.

Have a great week!

Pacific Beach, California

I have decided to (every now and then) do a review on one of the beaches here in Southern California (mostly sandy-eggo beaches).

I am going to start with one of my favorites (so far): Pacific Beach....or as absolutlyeveryone calls it here, PB.

Recently I decided to practice my photography skillz with my new-ish camera, so I headed down to PB with our roommate to take some photos. 

There are sooo many reason's why I love it here in PB, but to some it up: They have good bars, lot's of CLEAN sand, not too many bugs, and the place is full of color. 

Now, when I say "full of color" I really do mean it. Many of the people who hang out here have very colorful personalities, and don't mind showing it off.

You may get a random person asking you an off-the-wall question here and there,

and I can guaranteed that 15 bucks will get you a 'love the free world' tie-dyed t-shirt!

But, that is why I love it so much. People come here to relax, be themselves, and have a drink or two. 

Sometimes I look into that ocean blue and just know that I could stare into it forever.

Not to mention I absolutely love the old town rustic scenery

 

Now if you are planning a trip to Southern California, and would like to make a stop at good 'ol PB,

Here are some places you should DEFINITELY check out.

 Moondoggies

Yummy food, good pours, live bands/Dj's, indoor AND outdoor seating, and GREAT prices.

This quiet little bar will also quickly turn into a hoppin' night club on the weekends.

Kabuki Sushi

If you like sushi, this place is cheap and delish.

(right across the street from Moondoggies)

And the Lahaina Beach House

This place has been here for years. You can go inside, order a burger, fries, and a pitcher of beer, and then sit on the patio that is just feet from the ocean blue. 

Great drinks, good prices, and an AMAZING view.

I remember my parents coming here when I was a youngin'. Defiantly a great place to hang out, BUT cash only so be prepared.  

Another great place to go in PB (that I do not have a picture of) is Miller Field. 

This place has tasty food, good prices and a nice bar.

Now....where NOT to go.

Awful food, service and prices. 

Don't even waste your time.

(this is really the only place I have had an awful experience at)

The rules in PB are similar to rules at most all the San Diego beaches

And although the parking can be a little rough at times, 

it is totally worth it. 

Because in MY OPINION there is no better place to put your toes in the sand and just relax.....

<3