first shoot "out"

Last Saturday, I welcomed the even colder weather by going on my first ever field trip for the photography class I was taking.  I got my times all mixed up, and I arrived an hour later.  I thought, great, now I have to make up for it by taking less photos with better quality.  Having gone through the shots, I don't think I did so well.  I do have one or two that I liked, but overall, needs improvement.

Anyhow, sharing photos of the place, Balbriggan Harbour.  It was a nice venue for the shoot, I think.  It wasn't an enormous space that you'd not know where to start, but it had plenty of details of lots of subjects to shoot from.  Here are two that would give an idea of the setting:

Also, as it was a real working harbour, there were fishermen about.  Two of them actually wanted me to take their photos as they thought I was a tourist who was there to sightsee (close but not quite).  One of them kept saying "We're Irish fishermen!" before I took their photo.  Afterwards, the other one told me..."Have you ever asked yourself, what would you say to cheese when you're taking their photo?"  Errrmm...no, I haven't.

two years in Dublin!

A (half) pint of Guinness with the usual suspects on a Monday night to commemorate two years of living in Dublin. After holidays alone, an engagement, a funeral, two weddings, weight gain-loss-gain and several long haul flights, it was fitting to just sit, drink and look back.

Halloween 2010

Growing up, I was never exposed to the idea of dressing up as ghouls and goblins for Halloween.  In fact, I don't even remember when I actually learned and used the word "Halloween".  It was always just "All Saints Day" i.e.  school holiday.

After three nieces and two nephews, I've come to accept that my homeland has taken on this Western tradition as well.  I will admit though, it's not something I can easily join due to my lack of skills in arts and crafts and my imagination takes a while to kick in.  The best thing I can do is take part in some other way.

Yesterday I headed out to the Point Village Market and bought these halloween-inspired cupcakes.  I was in need of something to serve with coffee and these seemed like a good idea.

The main reason why I was there though, was because I stumbled upon Jane Shortall's website promoting their Halloween Flashmob.  Dancers in scary costumes dancing to Michael Jackson's Thriller was their way of introducing a new schedule of dance classes in a nearby studio.  I didn't get a good spot as parents, kids, weekend shoppers were already waiting for the show when I got there, but I do have this photo:

 

So cupcakes and watching dancers were the extent of my Halloween celebration.  Sweets and camera in tow, I headed back home for some coffee, cupcakes and X Factor (guilty!).

Sweeter the second time around?

Years ago I picked up an old film SLR camera at home and started trying my hand at photography.  For a time I was joined at the hip with that camera and even upgraded to the entry –level, then-groundbreaking Canon 300D. 

Somewhere along the way, I lost touch with the shutter button and I sold my little Buddy.  That was when I stopped taking photos.  It got so bad, that even after Allan bought and introduced me to Bear, my Canon 40D, I never really got back into the habit of shooting.

A UWA lens and 50mm lens later (both bought in an attempt to go back), I’ve finally found the courage to pay up and sign up for my first ever photography class at IOP.

 I had my first session last night, and it was heartwarming to know that most of the concepts he went through as an introduction were already familiar.  Like old friends that I’ve long lost touch with.  I know that it will take me a while to take decent photos again (yes, “again” because I think at one point, I finally got it) but if the excitement I felt last night and the eagerness is any indication, then this might actually be the wakeup call I’ve been waiting for.

something's brewing!

Its very likely that something's changing quite soon!  Clue:  it's life changing and exciting and scary at the same time....although I have to say, I'm more excited than scared.

Watch this space for future announcements!
(I hope I didn't jinx it by hinting)

Woohooo!!

My Easter Day.

Easter Mass

I went to mass earlier than usual today, knowing that the special Easter mass in the pro-cathedral was at 11am.  I was particularly looking forward to the Palestrina choir which I've read is supposedly very good.  What greeted me when I got to the church were little pink booties tied to the railings of the church and people with videocameras and protest signs.  There were protesters who were there to express grief and anger over the child abuse reports linked with the Catholic Church.  I've found an online news story for it as well:
http://breakingnews.ie/ireland/abuse-protest-at-easter-sunday-mass-452646.html

It did dampen my Easter spirits a little bit, especially when the ceremony was disrupted by a few minutes when someone walked in in the middle of mass.  However, I understand the anger.  I just hope that people realize that what happened were sins (and yes, crime) committed by another human being.  No one in the Church is perfect and anyone who claims to be has to be doubted.  I just wish that people stop abusing each other, verbally and by any other means (did you read about the churchgoer verbally abusing one of the protesters? And I take offense over the fact that I disgust someone because I go to mass --- I don't support child abuse and I am not doing so by practicing my faith. )

Easter Brunch

After mass I figured I might as well walk around a bit since I already was outside anyway.  A bit of exploring led me to one of the restaurants that I've read about which apparently serves a mean Brunch.  Odessa was just a few apartments away from the main street where we usually walk.  I was pleasantly surprised that their Brunch menu varies from vegetarian breakfast, to full on Bacon-Eggs-and-other-goodies.  I ordered something in the middle, a nice Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict and of course, a cup of coffee.  The restaurant was packed with families and friends brunching together, along with some couples, but dining alone has never been a problem for me, so I didn't mind being alone and sitting in the middle of the far wall.

The price was a bit too steep for Eggs Benedict...but much much MUCH cheaper than Tavern on the Green in NYC and probably just as yummy.  Definitely a must-visit place again for me.

Window Shopping

A few blocks from where I ate was Grafton Street, Dublin's premiere shopping street.  Since most of the shops were closed, I had a small selection of stores to visit.  Brown Thomas was open and I've been telling myself that I should buy better quality clothes, specifically, better quality shoes.  I took the opportunity to see what was in this really high end, designer-laden department store's shoe section.  And then it happened....

I found myself drawn to a beautiful pair of shoes, the kind of I've only seen in magazines and websites, the kind that hollywood royalty wear to red carpet events.  It was a pair of Christian Louboutin peep toes.   Sleek, shiny and beautiful. I held up one shoe in my hand to examine, and I'm certain I must've looked like I was in awe.  I turned it and saw the price tag.  435 EUROS.  Strictly speaking, I could probably afford it.  And if I were serious about quality shoes, then this would be the most serious pair I can buy.  A pair of designer shoes were actually reachable.

But let's be honest.  That much money can probably feed an entire family for at least a week.  It just isn't right.  I've never been comfortable spending a lot of money shopping for myself, I don't think that will change soon.  Its just not...right.

So I put it back on the shelf and walked away....and glimpsed a section dedicated to Manolo Blahnik.  That was when I decided to leave and escape.  The shoes would be lovely, no doubt about that.  But I just can't surround myself with such beautiful expensive things and start to delude myself that it will be okay for me to own a pair.

Easter 2010 was the day I held something I've only seen on Sex and the City and realized I could. But its also the day I realized I can't.

Table for two, finally

So I flew to the US a few weeks ago not because of the lure of the land of milk and honey, but more importantly, to spend time with the other half.  Allan was spending St. Patrick's Day at Chicago and I flew in from Ireland (because I just had to have more than just one Paddy's Day celebration?).

 

It was the weekend when I took photos again and promised to keep at it. Chicago's architecture and the river dyed green gave me the perfect beginner-again practice shots.  Photos posted at my flickr site...but I have to say, this one's my favorite:

the only thing I do

...is work or workout.

There has to be something better than this.

slipping....

Its been a week and half since I started my workout, and I've only lost one pound.  Maybe its not realistic to see significant results after such a short period, but I'm definitely feeling the frustration.  I try hard every workout and I do my best...but these damn calories are so hard to shed!!

I know I must stay focused and not think negatively, but its not easy.  Its a struggle and I'm taking baby steps.  I need to amp it up more and I want to see decent results!  I read before that 2 pounds a week is a realistic goal...in that case, I'm not making much progress.

Housekeeping is a little bit easier, it only took half a day to get everything clean and in order, and so far I'm maintaining it.  I guess that's one positive thing...but I really would rather lose more weight than lose more dirt (at home) !

I must keep my focus...I must keep my focus.

*sigh*

Wedding Craze

I've just revisited Dale and Yeng's wedding blog and it made me even more excited to get things rolling for ours!  Dale and Yeng got engaged last December and their having their wedding at a resort I heard about 2 years ago...when it was still under construction.  Its fun reading about what they're going through and comparing it with what Allan and I have / are going through ourselves.  Makes me think that I'll miss planning a wedding when its all over ..but all the more reason to make sure we execute the ideas we like.  We only get one chance, and we have to make it right...without breaking the bank.

Other friends have also gotten engaged last December, Nobs and Tots, Marlon and Jackie, Joel and Tinay...is it me or are people suddenly getting married?!?  Yes, its probably also because we're at that age...but its just more heartwarming to think its because everyone's happy.

So to all my engaged friends, happy wedding planning!  Don't forget to send me your invites and I promise I'll do my best to attend (budget and time allowing) :)

Visit our wedding blog:  http://allanandsocs.blogspot.com/
Dale and Yeng's:  http://daleandyeng.blogspot.com/

Day 1 Complete.

I knew eating healthy and following this workout plan would not be easy.  Even then, I was not prepared to watch a group of extremely fit people showing you workout moves where they themselves look like they're having a hard time.  How was I supposed to do all of those??

90 Minutes of workout for 90 days.  If you've heard this before, then you know what I'm attempting to follow.  Before Day 1 I was excited to lose weight.  Now, well, I'm more apprehensive.  I don't know if I can keep doing this everyday for the next three months....A few minutes ago I just told myself  "Day 1's over, now you have 89 days left".  Yes, that was me being motivational.

The diet plan on the other hand doesnt seem so bad food-wise.  I'm a little concerned with the amount of preparation required.  I've bought tools to make it all fun (new kitchen gadgets!)....but its definitely not Rachel Ray's 30 Minute Meals.

Day 1 down, 89 more days to go!

exciting times ahead!

This year I will be embarking on several mini projects.  I will stop making excuses and will focus on making things happen.  Not that I have not achieved anything in my 31 years of existence...its just that this year, I want to have something tangible at the end of the year.  Something that everyone can see and acknowledge.  I don't make a habit of posting goals in public -- I suppose I've always been afraid that if I didn't achieve them, then people will be disappointed.  This year, I will make sure that I start and finish what I've told myself I would do.  So at the risk of embarassing myself, I am laying out my goals for the year, in no particular order:

1. Photo project. Those who know me also know that my hobby has become less of a hobby and more of a memory of something I used to do.  That stops this year.  I am putting Bear to good use and I will make Allan proud that he gave me such a wonderful gift.  At the end of the year, I will have something to compile and show family and friends.  
2. The "me" project.  Two years ago, I lost tons of weight.  How all of that happened and why it seems so easy now is still quite difficult to imagine.  This year, I will make it happen again, not just for health reasons but for *gasp* vanity as well.  I'm getting married and I will not pore over wedding photos and agonize about how I looked.  I will be thinner (note, "thinner" and not skinny, I am still being realistic anyway) and I will be absolutely perfect on my wedding day! 
3. Home Economics.  Budget and keeping house need to take priority.  I am a married woman now after all.  I must learn to cook decent, healthier, edible food.  Hand in hand with that would be organizing my grocery schedule and meal planning techniques.  Compared to the first two, this will be my biggest challenge I think.  See, even though I've been on my own for quite some time now, I don't always plan for myself.  I always just wing it and see where my mood takes me.  Well, that mood had better be "in the mood to cook/clean on a regular basis.  I will make my mom and my sister proud.
4. Bring back the music.  My playlist is full of old songs that I absolutely loved, but its time to learn more.  This year, I will find new artists to listen to and I will try and keep up with the new groups and new music that are springing up everywhere.
5. Power of the pen.  I love to blog, and I must make that more evident by bringing this blog back to life.  I did not start this blog years ago just to watch it distintegrate.  One blog entry a week at least!

So there.  Five things that I need to work on this year.  I know the list is not long, but what I lack in number, I will make up with in quality.  I'm throwing this out into the open and I'm hoping that going back to this list will help keep me motivated.

Happy 2010!

By the way, I write this after initial preparations for tomorrow's big day...I've laid the building blocks to tomorrow's diet and exercise routine --- Day 0 body measurements for the "Before" tally, and preps for tomorrow night's soup on the menu :)