Sunday, April 25, 2010

Ultimate Frisbee


Mike
Originally uploaded by kiki5253

I was invited to attend an Ultimate Frisbee game today at Magnuson Park. My friend was playing on the team and thought I might enjoy taking a few pictures of the team. He was right, of course.

Today was a great day to be outside. Unfortunately, my allergies kicked in and I'm paying for my lovely afternoon outside. In spite of that, I was able to get a few good pictures.

It was definitely easier to get pictures of Bad Pull because the game was in the afternoon and there was plenty of daylight. The soccer game was extremely difficult because it was late at night and the only light was from the stadium. I'm not very practiced at low-light photography and I'm not so sure my camera is the best for those types of events.

One day, I hope to pick up some more/new equipment that I can use in a variety of situations. Low light, Daylight...up close, far away...high speed or low speed.

Anyway, enjoy the new pictures!

-Cheers!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Thoughts on a Sunday Afternoon

Have you ever known that you were supposed to do it and then not? What were your reasons? Mine are mostly out of fear...I don't want to change. I don't want to admit that things aren't going as well as they could. I don't like to admit that I have no control over some situations. I don't like the feeling of being vulnerable.

I want to fix everything myself. I want to feel accomplished and I do when I complete something on my own. I want to be someone who's strong. I want to have courage and to be someone that people admire. I want to do good. All of these things conflict with the things I don't like.

Being someone who's strong and courageous also means that I need to be someone who's vulnerable...someone who can adjust to change and someone who can readily ask for help when they need it. There is no shame in asking. There is only shame when you don't speak up and don't seek what is needed in order to get better.

Why is it then, that it's so hard to ask for help? To see a counselor...to admit that there's something wrong takes a lot of courage. Why is there such a social stigma? I have always felt the need though, that if I have a problem that I need to fix it. This is the expectation I have come to have of myself and of those around me. This is the expectation that everyone else has of me. It's frustrating when you ask for help and get shot down. That when you need it, it doesn't come in the way you expect it to appear. It's frustrating when you feel like you're not meeting expectations; your own or those of everyone surrounding you. I know why I don't ask God for help when I should. I need to get over it and I need to grow up.

Why is religion seen as a crutch? Just like seeing a counselor is like having a crutch. We call people weak if they can't do it on their own. Isn't that an unfair expectation? That everyone can handle each and every situation without assistance from someone or something? How do those who make that claim, get by? I wonder. I wonder if they have the same problems. If they ever feel like they don't know what to do. Or if they ever feel like they're in over their heads and need help. Where does their help from from? They're not on crutches are they? Maybe we all have an inherent need for a crutch...or for someone to carry us through the difficult moments in life. Is that really a crutch then? Are we really weak when we say we need help? Help comes in many different forms. Does the help that you choose determine whether or not you're weak or strong?



I lift my eyes up to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from You, Maker of Heaven; Creator of the Earth.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Mary Poppins!


Mary Poppins!
Originally uploaded by kiki5253

I went to New York last night and watched a performance of Mary Poppins on Broadway. It was exciting and fun. It's always a pleasure to be whisked away into a fairytale of sorts. There are so many wonderful things about the books, Disney movie and theatre production.

And of course you have those ever popular songs! You can't help but laugh when you watch the production. I was amazed the most by the sets. Things would break and then with a *snap* be put back together. Ah the magical world of Disney!

-Cheers!

Twitter for my Blackberry

Finally! A full app!

Twitter for Blackberry Smartphones!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

My Last Week


Mural in the Rotunda
Originally uploaded by kiki5253

I spent a good portion of this last week in Washington D.C. I've always been interested in our Nation's History because, while it's short compared to some, it's rich and full of many events that shape not only our lives as Americans, but the world.

On the west coast everything is spread out. That's just the nature of this side of the country. But on the east coast, everything is much closer together. In 4 hours, you can drive to NYC - and travel through many historical cities such as Baltimore. In 4 hours over here you can go to Portland, but there isn't as much in between. Granted, I slept through most of the journey because I didn't want to be carsick...err...bus-sick. But it didn't quite click in my head that you could be in the White House and look directly across the river at Robert E. Lee's house in Virginia. Think about that....during the Civil War...your neighbor is essentially your enemy.

I leanred a lot about our country's history this past week. It's incredible to see the changes that have happened over time. History came alive at the National Constitution Center. I guess you could say it kind of renewed the feeling that I have a civic duty as a citizen of the U.S. Freedom...the freedom I have to do what I want, when I want and how I want...was bought with great sacrifice. The rights I have today weren't just given as gifts...they were fought for...tooth and nail and that's something I shouldn't take for granted. I'll admit that I have been fairly apathetic these past few years when it comes to politics and change in the government. A lot of times it seems like things are hopeless....that when it comes to voting...sometimes it feels like I'm voting for the "least worst" candidate. Or that party lines are so divided that it's hard to think that anything good will happen or that change is possible. There are a lot of things that need to be changed...Health Care was just one of the many things that needs to be overhauled and it's hard to figure out where to begin and what will be best for our nation.....but this goverment was founded for the people and by the people. We are the voice...each individual person...that's the point of the system that was designed when the constitution was written. That the states would be represented (the sentate) but also the people (the House of Reps - based on population). Hey...if the House of Reps is based on population...then you better get your Census 2010 on and participate! No one will speak for you if you don't do it yourself.

Just a little food for thought...

Enjoy the pictures!

-Cheers!