Focus

Gretsch Mirror Kit, NAMM 2012

2012-01-22T00:00:00+00:00

Gretsh had this unbelievable mirror finish kit at NAMM 2012 in Anaheim. For those unfamiliar with NAMM, it’s the North American Music Merchants trade show - a private event in an 800,000 square foot exposition room with over 90,000 registered attendees. EVERYTHING on this kit was mirror finish, including the heads. Very little post processing done, probably the coolest thing I saw at NAMM.

Seal Beach Pier

2012-01-21T00:00:00+00:00

Took a rest from the NAMM show for the afternoon and escaped down to Seal Beach, California, about a half hour drive southwest of Anaheim. Sleepy little beach town with big property prices. Had somebody back into the rental car while Katie and I were taking a nap, which was probably the most startling way I have ever been woken up. Panicked, I furiously beat the horn not really knowing what else to do.

Slug Shot

2012-01-08T00:00:00+00:00

Katie shooting Victoria’s new 12 gauge shotgun with a slug round. That’s a solid 1 inch ball of lead. I think you can judge the impact of that from her expression and body language.

Former Work Station

2011-12-30T00:00:00+00:00

This is a picture of my former designated work area (read: cubicle). I had my last day there on the 30th. I made the change and decided to stand while I program, a decision I am very enthusiastic and satisfied with. Likewise, I am enthusiastic and satisfied to be moving on to a new job. Big corporate offices are not my cup of tea.

Rainy Ride

2011-12-29T00:00:00+00:00

It’s been a strangely dry winter here in PDX, which is a welcome change from the light but steady rain. Today was a day where mother nature worked her best to restore averages. Probably the wettest ride of the year. The part that upsets me the most is how the rain somehow amplifies the taste and smell of car exhaust.

Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

2011-12-25T00:00:00+00:00

Katie and I (but let’s be real, mostly Katie) made cinnamon rolls FROM SCRATCH on Christmas morning. Of course, they came out tasting exquisite, albeit a small heart attack to see what the ingredients are and how much you have to use. It’s been a long time since I’ve participated in Christmas traditions. This year we had stockings and a real Christmas tree.

Sword Ferns

2011-11-14T00:00:00+00:00

Sword ferns fighting with each other to be on camera. Three overlapped exposures.

Views from UTi

2011-11-07T00:00:00+00:00

I’ve been working at an international logistics business since about August in the 10th floor of a high-rise downtown. The building I work in is butt ugly, but this one across the street is fabulous. I’m really glad that I get to look at these ornate stone details instead of being across the street staring at the stale bagel of a building that we work in.

Kah Nee Ta Resort

2011-11-06T00:00:00+00:00

About three hours drive southeast of Portland, there’s a place called Warm Springs Indian reservation, nested in the high desert of central Oregon. Katie and some of her coworkers bring their work clients out here on occasion for an overnight trip, to enjoy the casino and other facilities they have. I came along with her this time because Michael Winslow was having a show. He is one of the actors from the "Police Academy" series in the 80’s, known best for his amazing ability to make ten thousand sounds with his mouth. Down the road from the casino is this massive outdoor pool, which is supposedly geothermally heated. Swimming in November. My first time going down a closed water slide (FUCK YEAH). I think I was much more excited than most of the people there to get in on the pool.

Thanksgiving Preparations

2011-10-22T00:00:00+00:00

Katie’s beautiful sister Anne had some great ideas for centerpieces for Thanksgiving dinner. Lots of fall gourds and squash each filled with a variety of fresh flowers. I was jealous of the part where she got to cut all the gourds with her homemade shiv. All of her hard work added a nice touch to the holiday ambiance.