A Day with Snaperture

Demb Flash Diffuser Pro Vs Lightsphere Cloud

2010-01-18T17:05:00.000-08:00

I am a big fan of Gary Fong's lightsphere product, but I am searching for an alternative diffuser with better versatile that works in different situations (ceiling or no ceiling) and use less power.

I heard a lot of good things about Demb Flash Diffuser Pro and like to compare it with Gary Fong's Lightsphere Cloud.

Test photos are shot with D700 SB-900 manual and manual flash mode.

First Test: bounce with a 30 ft ceiling.

Second Test: bounce with a 10 ft ceiling.

I think Demb Flash Diffuser Pro does a better job on saving flash/battery power and offers more versatile in your camera bag. However, if location has a low ceiling then lightsphere will do a better job.

Happy Shooting.

In Search for a Better Diffuser (Part 1)

2010-01-03T21:23:00.000-08:00

For years, I been a hardcore Gary Fong's Lightsphere users. I have the original cloud, Clear Lightsphere II, and Universal. I was happy with it, but after upgraded to Nikon SB-900, none of it fit even the universal. It draws too much power from the flash, and it is hard to carrry. None of it can fit it my camera bag.

So here I am searching for the best diffuser/reflector that I can easily pack and use it with or without a ceiling....

Here is some I found which is extremely useful (as good as lightsphere) and cost just a few penny.

The bubble wrap packaging solution!

I just purchased Demb Flash Diffuser Pro, I heard a lot of good things with it. So please just back for review.

Enjoy Shooting!

Miracle Does Exist

2008-05-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

It was a tough week for expected parents that your OB Dr. told you that your baby would be 99% miscarriage and told us to hope for a miracle.

The hCG level was abnormal and it didn’t rises normally after a three blood tests. We were told by the OB Dr. that the chance of miscarriage would be 99%. There was a bunch of why questions but nothing got answered. We were confused and I was scared. It was going to be the second time of miscarriage and I started to have doubt in my manhood or Is it something wrong with me or Carrie. I never been that confused and scared and my anxiety weren’t helping Carrie at all. Neither that I was being not supportive nor facing this issue with Carrie. I was running away from the problem and feeling worthless. It was hurting our relationship but I know soon it will be recovered.

The real deal happened last night. Carrie had a bad cramps and abdominal pain when we were watching TV around 11pm. We were rushed to ER and I expected we would had a D&C perform that day. My anxiety was gone because I knew after this miscarriage we will start to rebuild our relationship and new hope. Most importantly Carrie will be safe in ER. I pray after she checked in and I asked GOD to give Carrie the courage and give us a safe journey in this process. I didn’t hope for a miracle to happen, I just don’t want to hope too much and be more disappointed.

After 3 hours or wait we finally got an official ultra sound done. I was watching the monitor and I did see something beating. Could it be our baby’s heart? I can’t hope too much because I don’t believe in “Miracle” nor miracle could happen to us.

The ER Dr (Chin) finally showed up and we told him the story that the OB Dr told us. Dr. Chin told us he has a different story (a good story) and he said there is a baby and it is a living baby.
The joy was indescribable and it was a truly miracle happened. Tears were in our eyes and it was and relieve.

This was a life experience and what a lesson to learn on how I did wrong and how to handle the situation better.

God, please let our baby be healthy and give me wisdom on how to comfort my wife and be a supportive husband.

Carrie:

"You are not alone, together we stand"
"I'll be by your side, you know I'll take your hand"
"And it feels like the end, there's no place to go"
"You know I won't give in"

"Keep holding on, cause you know we'll make it through, just stay strong"

Photoshop Eyeshadow & Eyelashes

2007-12-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

I found some brushes for eyelash and eyeshadow. It is a very usually tools for edit head shot.
http://www.brushes.obsidiandawn.com/people.htm

Before:

After:

Photoshop Tutorial: Eye Make-up

2007-12-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

This tutorial will show you how to add eyeshadow and eyeliner to your picture.

Step 1: Create a new layer then choose "color" as the blending mode for eyeliner

Step 2: Select a brush, for this tutorial I'm using Size 17 with Color "4c4912" for the eyeliner.

Step 3: Start a new layer then choose "Soft Light" as the blending mode for eyeshadow

Step 4: Select a brush, for this step I'm using Size 65 with Color "88952e" for the eyeshadow.

And the final result...

Short Lighting

2007-12-24T11:47:00.001-08:00

Carrie #1, originally uploaded by snaperture.

Short light is type of studio lighting setup, where the face side which is further from the camera gets the main light. see the diagram for details. In this type of lighting setup, the side of the face which is toward the camera gets less light then the side facing away form the camera.

32" x 40" Softbox
20 Degree Honey Comb Grid
42" White Circular Reflector

ISO 200, 1/80 F7.1

Here is the diagram:

Photoshop Tutorial: Smooth Skin Foundation

2007-12-21T15:09:00.000-08:00

Before

After

Here are the steps to smooth skin / apply foundation:

Create a new layer.
Use Filter Highpass and set 9.0 (Filter, Other)
Use Filter Gaussian Blur 3.0
Invert the Image (Image, Adjustment)
Change the blending mode to Overlay.
Add layer mask fill with black.
Select skin use Magic Wand Tool and fill it with White.
(you can also use brush and paint the mask white on the skin area)

Make sure don't select hair, lip, and eyes beacause you want those area to be sharp.

Season of Love

2007-08-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

DSC_3373, originally uploaded by snaperture.

In most of my past relationships I through it was true love but in fact it’s not. If that wasn’t love than what it is? Maybe just infatuation and after the lover’s phase I felt we were nothing in common and sometimes we didn’t even know what to talk with each other. After a while our connection and communication closed and we no longer shared our life. I felt like we were apart in fact we were sleep on the same bed. Love ended and something we were confused was I in love. When time goes by, we have forgotten the feeling of love.

But than what does real love feels like? Maybe it’s when two people seem to know each other for ages. Their conversation never lacks of topics and never gets dull. People don’t have to say anything because they understand each other without words. And those silence and boring moments never feels uncomfortable. True love is when two people complete one another and putting partner in the first place. The most important things are action and communication. Love is a verb, not a noun. It requires actions and not how times you said to a person.

I know this time is "true love" because I never love one person that much before us, and I know I will never love in the same way after us. Therefore I know she is the one and my last one.
She is my best friend who I can share my thoughts, wisdom, and life with. When she is around everything feels better, everything tastes better, everything sounds better, everything smells better, and everything looks brighter.

Feels Like Home

2007-07-25T13:05:00.001-07:00

My Family Room #2, originally uploaded by snaperture.

I have been living in my house for 2 and a half years and I never felt like home before. It was a place to get my work done and sleep. I had no purpose and desire to stay this empty big house. It felt like I was staying in someone else’s house.

When she was present this big cold house no long cold and empty but as my home. The three days she was there gave me the purpose to come home because I knew there was someone special was waiting for me. She didn’t just change my house but she re-defined, she made this house feels like home to me.

I got back from Hawaii last night and I saw her stuffs in my bathroom it warms my heart. Suddenly I can smell her present and I felt I was not alone anymore. I just can’t put it in word to describe how much this moment means to me. It feels like home to me….

I have always felt lucky for all the wonderful things and people I have in my life, but last night I felt extra blessed because of her little things in the bathroom. I wish we can make a lot of wonderful memories here in the house I finally call home now.

Turning Point

2007-07-17T09:55:00.001-07:00

Lean On Him (for Carrie), originally uploaded by snaperture.

“Hi, I heard a lot of good things about you. Just want to drop you a line to say "HI"

We started with a smile in friendster and our course of life has been changed. It was a minor simple greet when the simple message sent, but it was a huge turning point in our life. My intention was simple, I was in the process of networking people, and I assumed the more people you meet the greater chance you can find someone that match what you are looking for. We started the conversations back and fore in friendster and email. I invited her to my white water rafting trip on 07/07/07 and no doubt it was the luckiest day in my life. The real feelings started on the following Wednesday which I asked her to go salsa lesson with me in Café Cocomo. After the first dance I never want to dance with anyone else but her. All I can hear was my heart beat when we were dance because I was nervous and couldn’t breathe. The next day we went to Chez Panisse for dinner, I bought her sun flowers and took our first picture. The weekend was the beginning of our relationship. I took her to Sausalito for breakfast and hiking in Muir Woods. It was peaceful and felt everything was so right. There was a moment that I felt everything has been written by GOD and it required no explanation. And I realize all my fail relationships were a learning curve and preparation for this one. Life is a learning process and I learn how love feels the first time.

"Give your heart and soul to me and life will always be La vie en rose"

Some Kind of Illness

2007-07-12T02:51:00.000-07:00

It is 2:30am.

I just woke up from a dream and can’t go back to sleep. I recently met a woman she is so perfect and I can’t even spot any flaws in her. It is unbelievable and I knew it from the start because she is the one I am waiting for. Love is a wonderful amazing thing, when the least suspected and when you about to give up hope then someone walk into your life and you are alive again.

It does feel like a spring time and the feeling is too strange and illogical. I am suffering from splashes of emotions. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, I can’t breathe, and I dance the wrong steps. It feels like some kind of illness (mentally and physically) or doping. Maybe this is call "falling in love" and looks like I am falling fast and there's nothing I can do to stop it. I hope someone will catch me otherwise this is going to be hurt.

I know I am not going to give up this time and I am not afraid anymore because this time I have nothing to lose other than woke up from a sweetest dream I ever dreamt before.

However, I do enjoy this kind of illness....

La Vie En Rose

2007-07-10T07:30:00.001-07:00

PINK092 Cypress W, originally uploaded by snaperture.

Louis Armstrong - La Vie En Rose (Life in Pink)

Hold me close and hold me fast
The magic spell you cast
This is la vie en rose

When you kiss me heaven sighs
And tho I close my eyes
I see la vie en rose

When you press me to your heart
I'm in a world apartA world where roses bloom
And when you speak...angels sing from above
Everyday words seem...to turn into love songs

Give your heart and soul to me
And life will always be
La vie en rose

Our Dance of Love

2007-07-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

I been trying to search good poem about love and dance. This is the first one I come across.

Our Dance of Loveby Ann Marquette

We danced through our lives to different tunes, different steps.

We searched for a long time for someone special, our one true love, to share our lives.

The paths we walked were varied, sometimes far and wide, at times close and parallel to each other, without our knowing. Until one day…

Our paths crossed and we met. We began a shared dance, sometimes together sometimes separately, but always back together again.

Our hearts, our souls, heard the same music, the same tune. We found we could no longer dance through our lives without each other.

Our steps may not always match, and times may find us stumbling over or against each other. But, our souls will always hear the same heartbeat, the same music.

Our love, and God’s love in us, will keep us dancing the same path the rest of our days.

In community with our Families and Friends, with God’s grace and blessings, we share this our Wedding Day, Our Dance of Love.

Asshole driven development

2007-06-22T12:48:00.001-07:00

This is too funny and I have to repost this.

The software industry might be the world’s greatest breeding ground for new systems of management. From Agile, to Extreme Programming , to Test Driven Development (TDD), the acronyms and frameworks keep piling up. Why?
Some say it’s immaturity: that software is still a young industry and all the change is the path to some true fundamentals. Others say it’s because software people like making things up and can’t help themselves. Well I say this: if we’re going to have dozens of models we may as well have some that are honest, however cynical, to what’s really going on much of the time.
(There is a happy list of these I’m sure, but this is the cynical one).

Asshole Driven development (ADD) - Any team where the biggest jerk makes all the big decisions is asshole driven development. All wisdom, logic or process goes out the window when Mr. Asshole is in the room, doing whatever idiotic, selfish thing he thinks is best. There may rules and processes, but Mr. A breaks them and people follow anyway.

My Japanese Cherry Blossom

2007-05-14T09:22:00.001-07:00

Cherry Blossom (back view), originally uploaded by snaperture.

In both Japanese and Chinese cultures the cherry blossom is full of symbolic meaning and significance. In Chinese the cherry blossom is often the symbol of love, in contrast Japanese represents the transience of life. This concept ties in very deeply with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism that state all life is suffering and transitory.

It means both to me, I chose a Japanese style pattern, a bur smoky pattern with sharp edge cherry blossom. I knew the design is very feminine therefore I added the smoky and dark pattern as a background to make it more muscular. This is not something was gotten because a bunch of friends were getting one. This is a piece of art that I envision and it means something more than a tattoo, it is a devotion to art and my culture.

Sorry Mom I got this during Mother’s day, I know my mom won’t like it but she should loves me as who I am.

I got to EddieTattoo around 3pm and I was more ready than the last one. This time was a lot bigger than the last one and I know it would be painful and I can’t tolerate the pain. After I told Eddie what I wanted, he started to hand free drew it on my arm to make sure the design was according to my idea. When he started I regretted because it was 4 times more painful than last time. When he needled around the collar bone and armpit around I scream so hard. My hand was holding tight and I can’t breathe right because of the intense pain. The three hours seems to be forever and it was the most pain act that I ever committed. But after it was completed, there was a moment of joy and it was indescribable. It was all worth it!

It will be one more piece to complete this arm. It will be done when I forgot the pain, but now “no way Jose!”

more photos

KaBoom 2007

2007-05-13T22:24:00.000-07:00

DSC_0538, originally uploaded by snaperture.

This was the 16th annual KaBoom music festival held from radio station KFOG. According to my friend it used to be free and this was the first year they charged $10 online and $15 by the door. Thanks for Gavin Newsom Administration for doubled the fees on KaBoom.

We got there in Pier 30 by 7:30pm and the concert is almost over, but there were more special in this concert. It is famous for the state-of-the-art fireworks, a digitally-fired, and synchronized to a World Class Rock soundtrack. When darkness falls around 9:10pm the staff turned off the light and the fireworks start. It was amazing they can slow down the firework when they played a slow track. It was the most amazing fireworks show I ever seen. It was a cold night and luckily I brought sleep bag so we won’t catch a cold. But when the firework started nothing really matters. I am sure I will grab a better site next year.

more photos

Love at First Sight, "The Alchemist"

2007-05-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

I am reading "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, it is a bestseller that was first published in Brazil in 1988. It is a symbolic story that urges its readers to follower their dreams.

I love the story of Santiago who encountered love at first sight.

At that moment, it seemed to him that time stood still, and the Soul of the World surged within him. When he looked into her dark eyes, and saw that her lips were poised between a laugh and silence, he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke—the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love. Something older than humanity, more ancient than the desert. Something that exerted the same force whenever two pairs of eyes met, as had theirs here at the well. She smiled and that was certainly an omen—the omen he had been awaiting, without even knowing he was, for all his life. The omen he had sought to find with his sheep and in his book, in the crystals and in the silence of the desert.

It was the pure Language of the World. It required no explanation, just as the universe needs none as it travels through endless time. What the boy felt at that moment was that he was in the presence of the only woman in his life, and that, with no need for words, she recognized the same thing. He was more certain of it than of anything in the world. He had been told by his parents and grandparents that he must fall in love and really know a person before becoming committed. But maybe people who felt that way had never learned the universal language. Because, when you know that language, it’s easy to understand that someone in the world awaits you, whether it’s in the middle of the desert or in some great city. And when two such people encounter each other, and their eyes meet, the past and the future become unimportant. There is only that moment, and the incredible certainly that everything under the sun has been written by one hand only. It is the hand that evokes love, and creates a twin soul for every person in the world. Without such love, one’s dreams would have no meaning.

How wonderful it is to meet someone you love before you knew her/him.

My First Indoor Rock Climbing

2007-05-07T10:13:00.001-07:00

DSC_0402, originally uploaded by snaperture.

This was my first experience of indoor rock climbing in Mission Cliffs, San Francisco. This was a first time ever so we had to attend a safety course in order to allow climbing. I didn’t know that you actually need someone to belay you and it was hard to trust some newbie because my life was depended on him/her. Anyway… Luckily, staff working at the gym was happy to literally show us the ropes and the safety procedures. After the safety course we got our permit to climb. After a couple beginner routes I was tired. We had lunch in Boston Market and came back for some more climbing.
After a good lunch I tried 5.8 (still a beginner route but much harder). I was in the middle of it, so tired, my fingers clung the rock above me with my feet balanced precariously on the edge. I was just hung there without any energy to move on. I told my belay partner “I am done put the break on and I am coming down. “ I sighed. It was tougher than I thought, and my upper body muscle didn’t help me much at all. Even the first time girl was a lot better than me.
Oh well, I have to do it again sometime. Challenge is good for me.

more photos

Margarita Friday

2007-05-04T14:27:00.001-07:00

Margarita Friday, originally uploaded by snaperture.

Today is a “Margarita Friday”, and our company serves margarita for Cinco De Mayo. Just in time I can show off my salsa move that I learned from the class to the co-workers. I was dancing with my co-worker Jamie and shown off what we had learn from the class last night. I also brought some Latin music to make it a better atmosphere. I am still drinking my second glass of margarita and I think I need to stop now.

Why What You Have Is Never Enough

2007-05-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

This is an article from Wall Street Journal.

We may have life and liberty. But the pursuit of happiness isn't going so well.
As a country, we are richer than ever. Yet surveys show that Americans are no happier than they were 30 years ago. The key problem: We aren't very good at figuring out what will make us happy.

We constantly hanker after fancier cars and fatter paychecks -- and, initially, such things boost our happiness. But the glow of satisfaction quickly fades and soon we're yearning for something else.

Similarly, we tell our friends that our kids are our greatest joy. Research, however, suggests the arrival of children lowers parents' reported happiness, as they struggle with the daily stresses involved.

Which raises the obvious question: Why do we keep striving after these things? Experts offer two explanations.

We aren't built to be happy. Rather, we are built to survive and reproduce. We wouldn't be here today if our ancestors didn't struggle mightily to protect and feed their families. The promise of happiness, meanwhile, is just a trick to jolly us along.

"This is an incentive scheme for the benefit of our genes," argues Boston money manager Terry Burnham, co-author of "Mean Genes." "It's a very fundamental trick that's played on us, this lure of perpetual bliss."

Don't like the idea that we're hoodwinked by some hard-wired set of ancient instincts? Blame it, instead, on societal beliefs.

Working hard and raising children may not make us happier. But these beliefs keep society functioning -- and those who embrace them prosper and end up passing these values onto their children.

We're bad at forecasting. Consider a study by academics Daniel Kahneman and David Schkade.
They asked university students in the Midwest and Southern California where they thought someone like themselves would be happier -- and both groups picked California, in large part because of the better weather. Yet, when asked how satisfied they were with their own lives, both groups were equally happy.

"When you're thinking about moving to California, you're thinking about the beaches and the weather," says Mr. Schkade, a management professor at the University of California at San Diego. "But you aren't thinking about the fact that you'll still be spending a lot of time in the grocery store or doing chores. People emphasize differences that are easy to observe ahead of time and forget about the similarities."

When we predict what will make us happy, we're also influenced by how we feel today. If we buy the weekly groceries just after we've had lunch, we will shop much more selectively. The downside: A few days later, we will be staring unhappily into an empty refrigerator.
Maybe most important, we fail to anticipate how quickly we will adapt to improvements in our lives. We think everything will be wonderful when we move into the bigger house. We don't realize that, after a few months, we will take the extra space for granted.
Experience should help us avoid repeating such mistakes. But it doesn't, in part because we don't accurately recall how we really felt, says Harvard psychology professor Daniel Gilbert, author of "Stumbling on Happiness."

One example: We work devilishly hard to get that next promotion, because we're sure it will leave us elated. We forget that, when we last got promoted, it was a bit of a letdown.
With any luck, just knowing we are susceptible to these pitfalls will help.
But you might also try a reality check, Prof. Gilbert says. Suppose you think you will be happier if you move to a small rural town, adopt a child, or quit your job and become a high-school math teacher.

Don't rely on the opinions of people who live in small towns, have adopted kids or become teachers. Instead, spend some time observing these folks -- and see whether they're happy.
Becoming a teacher "sounds quite romantic," Prof. Gilbert says. "But hanging around high-school math teachers may quickly disabuse you of that notion."

SAAAG: Social Picnic

2007-04-30T10:11:00.001-07:00

SAAAG: Social Picnic, originally uploaded by snaperture.

Finally Spring/Summer was here, this weekend was hot we had 90s on Saturday and upper 80s on Sunday. Sunday was my first BBQ of the year and I love BBQ, not only the food instead it is the people. I like social gathering activity and this Sunday was a perfect event for me.
Sacramento Asian Activity Group organized a picnic in Rancho Seco Sunday 4/29. It was a great turn out, and we had about 60 people there. I was late because I was waiting for my friend Iris to show up, but I didn’t miss any fun at all.

Rancho Seco Park is build by SMUD in the early 90s, it serve as an emergency backup water supply in case of fire for the now-closed Rancho Seco Power generating station. It was the main source of water supply for the power plant. The last time I was there was in my high school year. So that means I had not been there for more than 12 years. The park has not changed much at all, just a lot of new housing development along the way to the park.

We had many activities in this event such as BBQ (of course), fishing, kayaking, volleyball, and Texas Holdem. I marinated some of my best chicken wings and grilled for the folks too bad not everyone tried but they were good. I can’t have enough of it!

I played some valley ball, grill, and chat with new friends. It can’t get any better for a Sunday afternoon.

More Photos

Salsa Class

2007-04-27T19:02:00.001-07:00

Salsa Class, originally uploaded by snaperture.

One two three, five six seven.

I registered a beginning salsa class in Vacaville adult school couple months ago and I got some of my co-workers join me. I always love to watch Latin Dance and last year one of my friends brought to a studio to watch live performance. After that I was hooked and been looking for a beginner class and dance party since then.

This is my first real class for salsa and it is a 5 session class. Angeline, the instructor was a tall slim beautiful 25 years old lady. I learned basic steps, turn, side steps and back steps. It was easy because I already knew these steps from last year and from a DVD lessons. So I was the pro in the class yesterday.Most of my classmates are 40-50 years old woman and I know they force their husband to take this class. Probably I am the only guy who wants to learn it. Oh well, hopefully I will learn some new move next week.

Stress = Acid Reflux

2007-04-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Lately I been suffering acid reflux for a while but it is not severe yet. The thing that bothered me the most is at night when I had a glass of wine before I lay down. I stopped to drink wine before I sleep now, there was a time I had acid overflow and my throat got burn and swollen.
I knew this has to do with stress; I just accepted a project for my previous client and working an extra shift at night. Physically, I can handle it with no problem, but stress from the day job and nigh job both add up. I have to change my diet and hopefully I can recover soon.
Here is my plan:

Cut down on only 1 cup of coffee a day
Cut down on wine
Cut down on soda and candy
Stop smoking

And finally I need to find a better way to release my stress.

Finding True Happiness

2007-04-22T13:03:00.001-07:00

Hope Child "Husen" from Ethiopia, originally uploaded by snaperture.

After an exhausted Saturday, I woke up this Sunday morning to get ready for Church. My previous co-worker from HP Troy Fulton invited me to his church “New Song Christian Church” this Sunday. The church had invited a Christian musicians “Andy & Pam Allen” to play during the morning service.

I saw the World Vision booth in back side of the auditorium. It was a Sponsor a child program and it got me interested. There were many packages with a child picture on the table. It was heart breaking when I see all these poor children and think of what they have to go through each day. I want to help, but I wasn’t sure which one to pick. What country? Age? Gender? Who needs the most? Because I knew today I will make a different for one child.

During the service Pam shared their experience in Lesotho, Africa. In their visit they promised them that they would come home and tell their story to as many people as they could in order to help them. I was touch and tears were flowing out from my eyes. After the service I went to the World Vision booth and chat with Pam and she told me most people sponsor younger children and older boys always get left behind. So I ask them to pick me an older boy so I can help him. Pam’s eyes started to get red and so as I. The feeling I had in that moment was indescribable. The joy and happiness that I had was more than anything I could remember. I can’t make a different for the world they live it, but I can make a different for this child and their family. I realized I found the purpose of life and the happiness that I was searching for. The true happiness is not about yourself, instead it is about others and giving. For this event this boy and me's life were changed and we will see the world a little brighter after today.

“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” (Helen Keller)

Here is some information about the child I am sponsoring.

Husen lives with his parents, 3 brothers, and 1 sister. His parents struggle to provide for the family. His father is a peasant farmer and him mother takes care of the household. Despite their efforts, it is difficult to meet the family's needs.

Husen and his family live in a community severely affacted by the HIV/AIDS crisis. In some communities, AIDS affects the entire social structure as a generation of hardworking adults is being wiped out. Frightened children and exhausted grandparents rarely have money for food, school, or medical care. Through sponsorship, I can ensure access to these and other basic needs for Husen and his family.

Husen is in primary school and he enjoys science. He helps at home by caring for the animals. He likes to play soccer. He is in good health.
http://www.worldvision.org/Hope

A little info about Andy &amp; Pam:
Andy & Pam live with their 5 kids in Chico, CA. They tour and work with churches – leading worship concerts and sharing music in church services, along with teaching their CALLED to WORSHIP workshops and training worship teams. http://www.andyallen.com/

Muir Woods Hike 4/21/07

2007-04-22T13:01:00.001-07:00

Muir Woods Hike 4/21/07, originally uploaded by snaperture.

Enjoying the nature is a good way to escape from the busy stressful city life. This hike was planned three weeks ago after the Mt. Diablo Hike. I almost had to call this hike off because of the weather condition. The forecast said it would rain and I was just rolling the dice and hope the rain comes later.

It took us nearly two hours to drive to Muir Woods in Mills Valley. Once we got to Muir Woods, the first parking lot was still not full so we parked our cars and wait for the rest of the group.
Finally everyone was there 14 of us. We paid our park fee and took a group photo and start our hike. It was very crowded as we headed down the paved trail and I ensure the group as soon as we enter the next trail you will not see many people at all. We walked past four bridges which cross Redwood Creek, and started off on the Ben Johnson Trail at the fourth bridge.

Here the pavement ends and the crowds begin to dissipate rapidly. The trail also heads uphill, steadily and somewhat steeply. We turned right and took Stapelveldt and TCC. We stopped at the big rock in Van Wyck Meadow and took some group picture there.
We could have been hiked more but I knew it would rain so we turn back at Bootjack instead of going to Troop 80 then Ocean View. By the time we arrived back to Muir Wood the rain came and after the restroom break we left and went to King of Thai for lunch.

Since Saturday was a Cherry Blossom Festival, before I head back to Sacramento Janet and I stopped by Japan Town to check out the Festival. Unfortunately, it was still rain so we didn’t stay long and head back home.

“Life in Cartoon Motion”

2007-04-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

I started a really good mood today while I am driving to the office because of Mika’s debut album “Life in Cartoon Motion”. Every time I listen to this CD, it just makes me happy. All the songs from this album are very positive and upbeat. Mika sounds like a cross over of Queen, Freddie Merecury, and Bee Gees with a modern mix to it.

I started to enjoy UK music more than what American made. It is more creative and meaningful.
I am so tried all the R&B, Garbage High School Pop, and the country sounds like they always talk about their truck. All of Mika’s lyrics touch on personal subjects and reflects our life. I love these songs and their meaningful lyrics.

“Grace Kelly” (Say what you want to satisfy yourself but you only want what everybody else says you should want)

“Any Other World” (Say goodbye to world you thought you lived in)

“Happy Ending” (This is the way that we love, Like its forever. Then live the rest of our life, but not together.)

“Big Girl You Are Beautiful” (Diet coke and a pizza please)

Mika’s music is very different and original and all of them written and produced by him.

Virginia Tech Rampage, Who Should We Blame?

2007-04-16T20:59:00.001-07:00

Thirty-two people were killed and at least 15 injured in two shooting attacks in the cold morning of 4/16 at Virginia Tech. According to the media it was the deadliest shooting rampage in American history.

Shock, sorrow, and concern about the school safety in American and I am wonder who should responsible for this tragedy? Who should we blame?
Is it the school officials that responded not taking more serious action on the first shooting? Or should we blame the government about the gun control issue? Or should we blame the culture of America?

It is a wake-up call for the university to review their security procedures. I know for sure a small piece of freedom has been taken away from us today.

Tour of De Young

2007-04-16T10:17:00.001-07:00

Vivienne Westwood Exhibition, originally uploaded by snaperture.

I got an invitation from Jane a few weeks ago about the Vivienne Westwood Exhibition in de Young Museum. At first I didn’t recall who is Vivienne Westwood was, but as soon as I went to de Young’s website and see the work she did I know who she is and I can’t miss this exhibition.

Vivienne Westwood is both iconoclast and global icon. In the 1970s, she electrified the world with the launch of punk fashion and went on to become one of the most inventive and influential designers of our time. Fashion to her became "a baby I picked up and never put down." Her early work was really extraordinary and unique.

I always hard to except most of the collection form a designer as fashion and I always see it as art. Maybe my definition of fashion is trends that have already been accepted by the public and the fashion world. On the other hand I think art is more personal, subjective, and less functional value. I found her early collection is overly details (I wished photography were allowed so I can show you what I mean), but I do love her early 80s punk style outrageous designs.

My Reunion Party

2007-04-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

Audria "The Baby", originally uploaded by snaperture.

I hosted a little reunion party at my house on Saturday. I wish the weather was sunny so I can go outside and grill some wings. It was a last minute thing that I came up last weekend when I spoke to Sherry. My intention was to invite as much people who graduated from Sacramento High School as possible and have them bring their significant others to the party. However most people have changed their contact number and some of them already had plans. I didn’t want to change plan even the rain and only few of them show up because I was excited a party and I invited some of my friends and two cats already.

It was a busy afternoon; I quickly managed to clean up my house in an hour then ran to the store to buy food to be made for the party. I made roast pork loin, soba noodles, and special requested from my sister Sharon cream brulee.

Well, I had a good time. I wish more people were attending this party but this was as good as it gets.
Next time I will plan it a little bit earlier, a little more prepared, and ask them to bring more babies!

Today's Shippment

2007-04-12T14:59:00.001-07:00

Today's Shippment, originally uploaded by snaperture.

Wow, what a exciting day? I got my Nikon D40, IPOD Shuffle, SanDisk Extreme III 2GB card, Book "The Alchemist" By Paulo Coelho, and a Starbucks Gift Card.

Maybe I just shop too much last couple week.

My Hiking Buddy - Nikon D40

2007-04-12T11:01:00.001-07:00

My Hiking Buddy - Nikon D40, originally uploaded by snaperture.

I am so excited when I got in my office this morning. A brand new Nikon D40 is sitting on my desk and waiting for me to unwrap it.

I need a light camera for point-and-shoot and hiking. This camera will help to capture more wonderful images for this blog. Its so light weight I can carry it everywhere instead of my Canon SD600 pocket camera. I only grab my big D200 when I've got something more serious to photograph.

AAG Social Dinner @ Tex Wasabi

2007-04-11T10:29:00.001-07:00

We had about 25 people attended this social dinner event. Thanks to Jeney, our group organizer to plan this dinner gathering. I was excited about meeting new professional Asian people in Sacramento regional. It is a wonderful social group if you like to find people with common interests in the same age group. Jeney picked a Restaurant call “Tex Wasabi” and there is so much hype about it because it owned by a reality celebrity Guy Fieri. I don’t really like fusion food at all, and this restaurant offers southern barbecue and sushi? WFT…Food was terrible and sushi is overpriced, I prefer the former greasy Chinese instead. Well, even the food was bad, but I had a good time. I met some new young professionals and met some familiar faces. The people in the group were nice and friendly. Hopefully they will join my next hiking event, and host more activity for this boring town call “Sacramento”.

My First Tattoo

2007-04-09T13:15:00.001-07:00

My First Tattoo, originally uploaded by snaperture.

I’ve always wanted a tattoo ever since I was a kid. About a year and a half ago I started to sketch up ideas. I wanted a Japanese koi fish on my calf but I haven’t found the design I like yet. I got inspired by those full body tattoo Japanese woman and I think the art itself speak stronger than having a tattoo.

It was a warm Sunday Easter afternoon and I was supposed to pick up Karey in San Jose. I took her with me to the Bay Area to my friend’s pot luck gathering, then her friend Paul picked her up from my friend’s house.

Paul is a wonderful tall shy shinny guy who works in a tattoo shop (www.eddietattoo.com), it is a family business and he works there since a kid. When I got there at around 4:30 Sunday I was just waiting for Karey and thinking to head back home and I don’t want to drag too long in the shop. I talked to Paul’s father (I think his name is Eddie), he is a outgoing kind man around mid 50s who loves red wine. He asked me “Are you Karey’s friend who wants a Koi fish?” I was kind of shy and reply “Yes, I been thinking about it. Any good designs?” He showed me a bunch of pictures but it was nothing that I interested it. Therefore I continued my new book and not thought of it anymore. When Karey and Paul finally arrived to the shop I was excited to see them because I felt left out in the shop. Paul’s Dad asked me that have I done any tattoo before and I replied no. They looked me and told me it will be hurt for the first time and the size of the tattoo I wanted to get will be very painful.

I decided to get a little one on my upper arm and test out the water before I commit to a big one. My idea for the first tattoo was represent luck, simple, and artistic. I wanted something match my personality. I thought clover might be a good one to pick but I can’t found a nice one. So it got me really thinking…
For that moment I see a tradition Chinese BamBOo water painting in my mind and that’s what I want.

I was a bit hesitated to do a permanent mark in my arm, and I think I can back out I still can. After googled for more than 20 minutes I found the bamboo that I like. I printed out and handed to Paul and he started drawing it on top of the light table. I was ready because I already have the image of the tattoo on my arm. I rested my arm on this thing while Paul’s dad “needdles” did his work. It hurts, but pain was nothing worse than someone broke your heart. I felt more pain before and this is nothing compare to some depression I had. It went the full range from painful and unpleasant in certain areas, to almost feeling sort of good in others. It was very strange.

I am still thinking what is the psychological effect would be on me to have my first tattoo. It is sort of a life-transition in this Easter Day, I felt like a re-born last night and become a different me when I start my new day tomorrow. And now, I feel different not only my mind, but my heart and soul had been touched, and forever modified in this process.

Eddie's Tattoo 1207 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408) 554-8520

Paranoia

2007-04-08T23:33:00.000-07:00

Paranoia, originally uploaded by snaperture.

The story behind the picture:

"I woke up in a strange little town of unknown by the chilly fresh air from the river. I can’t remember a thing from how I got here only I remember the love from the past life. Why am I here? What is the purpose? I will follow my heart and explore this strange place.I got scare because there are no people around but I have the feeling being followed.
Why? I want to ask for direction, but the city is empty.
Love has been followed me along, it is just my Paranoia."

The alarm clock went off at 5:45am the early Saturday morning. Usually I am not so motivated to wake up that early but for photography it was a piece of cake. However, it turned out rather disappointed. I got a bad news from Joanne (my model) she was overly drunk the night before and cannot make it my long planned photo shoot. There nothing I can do or done but to go back to bed again.
She called me around 9 something and wanted to give me an apology, but instead I told her to go. I knew that I won’t complete this project but at least we can do part of it. The most wanted shot is a bridge shot which only can shoot it during sunrise.
It was an overcast day, a perfect day for outdoor photography. We went to Walnut Grove and about 2 hours later I got what I wanted. It was the style I wanted, the urban suspense photography. It was a new step to establish my own unique style.

More photos about this set click here.

Plants in My Yard

2007-04-06T21:21:00.001-07:00

4x4, originally uploaded by snaperture.

I was watering my plants this afternoon and decided to snap a few shots .

I am Free

2007-04-06T09:33:00.001-07:00

Run 4, originally uploaded by snaperture.

I feel refresh when there is a quality photography time with my friends. Every year we choose a national park to photograph. This year is Death Valley. This is one of the picture I downloaded my friend's website.

We were playing around panning moving blur. Kenneth and I were the model that time. Fun Fun Fun. (kind of funny two 30+ adults running like a kid)

Painful Migration

2007-04-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

Finally I can start blogging in blogger. It took me more than 3 hours to move everything from friendster blog, but it is all worth it.

Lost Connection!

2007-04-04T21:13:00.000-07:00

I saw her last night, and we ate at the same restaurant that I took her out the first time. We rented “Pursuit of Happyness” and made it a quite night of our own. She brought her cat with her and Coco was not happy at all. It was a usual night but what I felt inside was totally different. The connection has been lost and our body language has been changed. I tried to hide the eyes contact because it would be meaningless. It was a silence night and I rather keep it that way.

She recognized the same thing.

Was it the last goodbye?

Idea for the Next Photo Shoot

2007-04-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

Here is the idea/script for my Saturday photo shoot. Joanne will help me as a model/actress to express my ideas out. It will be in Walnut Grove early morning 7:30am. I hope you can wake up in time, so I can complete this little project of mine. Check back here if you want to know what happen and how the picture come out.
"
I woke up in a strange little town of unknown by the chilly fresh air from the river. I can’t remember a thing from how I got here only I remember love from the past life. Why am I here? What is the purpose? I will follow my heart and explore this strange place.
I got scare because there are no people around, Why? I want to ask for direction, but the city is empty.
Finally I found a person and she is what I am searching for.
"

Work from Home

2007-04-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today is my turn in the home office rotation. You know when guest is coming you need to clean up your home. So I did that Sunday, mostly my yard. I got some plants from Costco and planted yesterday. It was hard work but I managed to finish in three hours. Not bad at all!
I turned my live room/studio in a probable work office and we got a productive day. The homies are coming again tomorrow so it will be another day of fun in work. Even Coco loves when I work from home!

Mt. Diablo Hike (Eagle Peak)

2007-04-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

Spring is perfect time for hiking in Mt. Diablo, a scenic 7 miles four hours easy hike in Mt. Diablo was what I need to relax my stress for work and connect with the nature. I organize the trip for the Sacramento Activity Group couple weeks ago and I got some good response from members. Together we had 8 people to hike Mt. Diablo Eagle Peak Trail.
We met in Present Hill Bart Station by 9:30am and arrived in the trail head around 10:15am.
The air was crisp it still felt like a sunny late winter days but I was perfect for this hike. I still remember last about the same time I hiked the same trail and it was hot and sweaty.
My friend Mary was a first time hiker so she didn’t prepare for anything, but this is a beginner hike so she has nothing to worry about. Along the way all the vegetation was green, in three month the mountain will change its color to brown from the hot summer months. We saw a couple snakes along the hike, and one is a baby rattlesnake. It was scary because my friend almost stepped on it, it would be bad if he did. Lucky we have Phil, who is a very experienced hiking with good eyes.
Over all, everyone wants more. I am going to plan some longer trials in the near future. I think my next hike will be in Muir’s Wood. I miss those big red woods!

Death Valley Trip Part 2

2007-03-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

More Photos

The Sunday morning is our last day in Death Valley. Everyone was excited about Zabriskie Point, it is an elevated overlook of a colorful landscape of mud hills at the edge of the Funeral Mountains. The scenery is best at sunrise therefore we pick the spot for our last sunrise shots for this trip. We almost missed the sunrise so I was driving really fast to beat the sun. We got there around 6:15am and I quickly ran over the edge of the view point and started my setup. After a good 30 minutes shooting, Patrick suggested we shoot do a group pictures. So I told him to setup the camera, he was slow and we waited 10 minutes for him.

Finally, we headed back to the Inn and get ready to visit Mosaic Canyon. It was close by to where we stayed about 15 minutes away. We got there and started to hike the Canyon with our heavy equipment. Only the first quarter mile offers good photography so I don’t bother to go any further. On the way back I met a couple photographers, they were using large format. It was interesting, one guy wearing a reflective cape and I was wondering is he shooting aliens?

Mosaic Canyon was our last leg in Death Valley and everyone can’t wait to get back to Vegas to have a nice meal and do some shopping. Especially me, I am very picky about food. We got back to Vegas around 2:15pm. We stopped in the new LV Premium outlets, and I brought some t-shirt in FCUK. Surprisingly, it was more tired in a 1 hour shopping than a 1.5 hrs Sand Dune hike. I told Cherry shopping is not for guy hiking is!

We still had about 3 hrs before we need to check-in in the airport, so Patrick suggested visiting Wynn Casino. The only impress me in Wynn is the waitress, other than that it just a casino for rich people.
We got to the airport around 6:30pm.

Death Valley Trip Part 1

2007-03-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

More Photos

This is our semi-annual major photography outing. Specially thanks to Henry Wong to plan this trip and Steve Kossack’s DVD.

The Death Valley trip began an early Friday (3/23/2007) morning flight to Las Vegas. I took the 7:15am UA flight to meet the guys in Vegas. After we got our rental car then we headed to eat dim sum for our first meal. We ate some awful dim sum and got our water for our trip in Ranch 99.
We made our way to Death Valley from LV (I slept most in that 2 hrs drive). Death Valley is different from what I expect in article, TV, or my though because the word "Death". It reminds me of Grand Canyon. After we check-in the Inn in Stovepipe Wells, we rested a little and started to head to Racetrack for sunset photos. We finally made it out to Racetrack Playa after a 2.5 hrs rough drive. We were off road most of the time and it was a fun driving. We finally got there and lucky it was not sunset yet so we had some time to explore the site. The hugeness and the flatness of the playa are breath taking. The most interesting thing in Racetrack is rocks slide across the ground, and it’s the wind blowing through the canyon that makes them move. You can tell it moved by the mud track trails behind some rocks. We had fun and we had dust all over ourselves. We headed by to the Inn by 9:30pm and all the restaurant were closed in Death Valley, therefore no dinner for Friday night, just beers.

We woke up at 4:30am and get ready to our sunrise destination Bad Water. Bad Water is the lowest point in North America being 282 feet below sea level. Temperatures in here can range from up to 130 degree in the summer to below freezing at night in the winter. The evaporated water leaves a dry and interesting salt formation on the ground. We took a lot of pictures in here until the sun was get too bright for good pictures.

We left around 8am and move on to our next photo spot “Devils Golf Course”. The towering columns of salt stretch for what seem like miles in this devil’s golf course. I carefully walked around and took some photos on these interesting strange rock hard formations from the ground. It was getting hot about 80 degree and I was hungry so I ask the folks to leave and get some lunch. We ate lunch buffet in Furnace Creek Ranch then headed back to Inn to get some rest.

The next photo spot is Sand Dune. We hike about 40 minutes under the hot sun and created our own trail along the hike. The dunes are most photogenic area in Death Valley so it was worth all the hard work and sweat. By the time we finish it was already dark. We hiked back to our car under moonlight. It could be very romantic if I was not with a bunch of dudes. We did a lot on this Saturday, it was somewhat painful but it was fun and good experience meeting the Death.

No Long Commute for a while

2007-03-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

My Boss complains about the progress of the project with the consultants and wants me to work with them closely. Next week I will start working from home or in the consultant's home office.
Hopefully we can code complete in 6 weeks.

Piece of Cake ... ?

2007-03-22T20:54:00.000-07:00

I got this from a good friend of mine and I like to post this message from god. This is not for me but for someone who had a really bad time right now.
Sometimes we ask ourselves:
What did I do to deserve this?
Why does God let these things hapen to me?
Here is the explanation ...
A daughter tells her mother how everything is going wrong for her; She probably failed her Math exam, ... Her boyfriend just dumped her for her best friend. In times so sad, a good mother knows just the thing to cheer up her daughter... "I make a delicious cake." In that moment the mother hugged her daughter and walked her to the kitchen, while her daughter attempted to smile.
While the mother prepared the utencils and ingredients, her daughter sat across from her at the counter. Her mother ask, "Sweethheart, would you like a piece of cake?" Her daughter replies, "Sure, mom, you know how I love cake."
"Alright..." the mother said, "Drink some of this cooking oil." Shocked, the daughter responded, "What? No Way!"
"How about a couple of raw eggs?" To this the daughter responded, "Are you kidding?" "How about a little four?" "No, mom, I'll be sick!"
The mother responded, "All of these things are uncooked and taste bad, but if you put them together, they make a delicious cake."
God works the same way, When we ask ourselves why does he make us go through these difficult times, we don't realize the what/where these events may bring us. Only he knows and he will not let us fall. We don't need to settle for the raw ingredients, trust in Him... And see something fantastic come about!
God loves us so much... He send us flowers every spring... He makes the run rise every morning... And anytime you need talk, He is there to listen! He can live anywhere in the universe... But He choses to live in your heart!
I hope your day is a "Piece of Cake"!

Unhappiness season has moved on

2007-03-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have a very good mood and happy today. Maybe the unhappiness season has finally moved on…

I was driving to work this morning, yes it was a long commute from West Sac to Fairfield, I was thinking I should be release because I finally detach my rebounder and I don’t need her anymore…..
Let me explain….

I was miserable last month about relationship, ex-married, and the broke up. Life seems like the end and I blame myself for it. Soon, rebounder appear, she is very pretty woman and the odd thing is she looks like one of my ex (the one I really love). She looks like her and sounds like her. We both used each other for filling the void of our heart. I knew we will never make a good couple and she is too complicated that I knew it would never work out. We had rules in this game, and I told her that the reason I like her because I got what I had lost in the past and feel good when people find lost things back. My rule is the day I start feeling in love that’s day I will leave.

I leave her couple weeks ago…

Stumbling on Happiness

2007-03-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

I started to read a book call "Stumbling on Happiness" by Daniel Gilbert. Only a couple chapter, but yet the meaning of "Money can't buy happiness" I totally get it. I have a couple questions about happiness and hopefully the book can reveals on how our mind works? and What make me happy?
Friends always told me I am too demanding, yet I am a perfectionist. Satisfactory come from achieving goals, and I always have a plan for me to follow it. Which makes me unhappy, why? Because things might not always goes by what you planned for. To understand and solve this problem I need to know how my mind works? And what is my purpose of life? If I have kids no doubt that they are the purpose, but what is my purpose now?
Here are some of my goals in the next 18 months:
One of my new goal is I am going to do 70,000 push up in a year!
Bike to the top of Mt. Diablo.
Travel alone (never tried before, so it would be a new experience)
Double the size of the company and department.

Company Retreat in Monterey.

2007-03-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

I went to Monterey 3/16-3/18 for company retreat. I had a great time with all those drunk business people. It was nice that I can get drunk with my boss. The whole event was more a supportive event for all the loan officers in my company. We had about 450 people show up for this event and It was a good networking opportunity for me. Being a new hire was difficult to fit it, but I think the environment was natural for me. Hopefully I can make a different and my department will be grow big in the near future.

My Ex is getting married.

2007-03-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

My friend told me to write it out.
My ex is getting married and it’s not like we ended on bad terms, we just grew apart. It has been bothered me for more than 2 weeks now. I feel moody, pissed off, and depress...
I have been dating different type of women in the past 2 years, but I haven’t found anyone serious yet. Each new girlfriend was totally different, and the reason is I want to find out what I really like.
I know I would never get back together and I let it go a while ago, but I can’t get past this right now. Why? I know I have a ton to offer someone, but haven’t found her yet, and that’s ok with me. I guess I feel cheated in a way. They not even dated a year and she is getting married.
Maybe I felt I lost the race, just not fair that I don’t have a serious someone.
Maybe I missed the feeling being in love.
I am very confuse and miserable right now...
Well, I do wish her the best and I am happy for her to find someone she really loves.

鍾意和愛的分別

2006-07-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

This is from an email sent from my friend.
今天去彌撒的時候，神父在講道的時候解釋了鍾意和愛的分別。神父說最大的分別在於以誰為中心，以自己為中心的是為鍾意，以對方為中心的是為愛。就如你只會鍾意咖啡、鍾意雪糕，因為這些東西令你快樂，滿足你的慾望。但若你愛一樣東西，你會忘記自己，以對方為中心，一切都為對方著想，令對方幸福快樂。請想清楚你對你的伴侶的是愛還是鍾意，若你是因為對方令你快樂而把對方留在身邊，沒有想到對方是否快樂，這只是鍾意。若你為了對方願意犧牲自己，為令對方快樂，這才是愛。如果幸運遇上一個同時相愛的人，真的可以完全忘掉自己，因為對方會愛你如己，當然你也必需愛他如己。但真的幸運地遇上這麼一個人的，少之又少，比中六合彩的機會還少。當你遇上這人的時候一定要好好珍惜，還沒遇到的要努力喔。常存盼望，心存感激，定必找到你的真命天子。

See it from the good side.

2006-06-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

Life changed so much since April, job, car, and life.
I currently work two jobs, I am a software engineer in HP (Roseville Campus) during the day and work telecommute for a small company call MortgageDocs at night.
Thanks for the busy schedule I am no longer have what you call “life” anymore. I don't even has time for movie, photography, or dating. The good side is I can pay off a new car in a year and have money to do my yard and marry (in some day).
Last month I traded in my lovely Acura MDX and get a new Sicon Xb. I love the Xb, it is a perfect commute car and I don’t have to worry about mileages and gas money as much as the past. I am not use to drive an economy car, but in this stage of life “nice” has a totally different meaning now.
My darkest nightmare had finally come in a peaceful Monday afternoon.
I was so miserable and the emotions were mix that I had never felt before.
The initial shock was devastating and it felt like I lost a love one.
After a long smoke break, all those negative thoughts changed to positive.
I realize what I did two months ago was right and that is what I wanted all along so I can have my life back.
I am free, and finally I can close the chapter and start a new chapter freely.
I finally escape the prison of the past.
I guess you guys won't see any sad photography from me now.

Dream

2005-10-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

When we were young, we had many dreams, we never thought anything was impossible, we were not afraid to dream anything. However, when we grew up, we slowly began to lose our dreams,we started to accept the "REALITY". We began to accept the constraints and the limitations of this world. We know that there are certain things we can not do, and there are certain things we can't achieve. Did you really think about where these thoughts of impossibility came from? Who told you "You Can" or "You Can't"? I think you know the answer, nobody told you, you told yourself. It is the little voice inside you who said constantly to you that you can't do something, and you always believe what it says. This little voice is your ego, it's meant to protect you from dangers. However its only reference point is your past, it makes every judgment by referring to your past experiences. Therefore, everything it told you is based on your past experiences, not reality. I still have dreams and the little kid inside of me still there.

The Napa wine tasting and photography trip.

2005-07-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

Finally I have time to write about our trip to Napa Valley on July 16, 2005. The weather was nice that Saturday, it was a 105 degree in Sacramento so we were glad that we escape heat. I wish the weather was cooler so we can do more photography. I just lost all the patient standing under the hot sun, but I gather myself to take a couple of good shots.
1 stop: Stags Leap - their wine is alright not too impressive, so I got nothing to say.
2 stop: Miner Vineyards – Their Viognier is the best smell good and very refreshing. I love their Cabs it has 11% Cabernet Frac which made the Cab has a little bit of sweet in it. It is perfect for me.
3 stop: Lunch Time at A&W
4 stop: Silver Oak – Finally I can taste their Cabs. The Alexander Valley 100% Cab was the best 100% Cab wine I ever tasted. I can’t resist to buy a bottle.
5 stop: Opus One - Perfect red but way over price.
6 stop: Dinner and I forgot the name, food is alright.

Crazy Housewarming

2005-07-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

I had a lot of fun during this July 4th weekend. Crazy housewarming party, fireworks, BBQ, and jet ski on the river. The happy hours always go fast than you wanted, so much fun that I can’t use words to express the joy I had on this weekend. My house still has all the laughter and happiness that my dearest friends had brought. I can't wait for the next house party.
Will you come?

Back in the game.

2005-06-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday 6/29/2005 was the first day I get back to cycling. 45 minutes of fast ride (20 mph) is tough (yeah it is aging), hopefully will do better for now on.
I have been putting it down about 6 years now. I been training hard in gym just to make sure I can get back to the game. After years and years of smoking it is hard for me, and quitting smoke is the best thing I did for myself this year. Hopefully I will ride an average of 50 mils a week. My goal is the summit of Mountain Diablo.

Night Shoot

2005-06-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

This is the second event 6/24/2005 for our Sacramento Photography Group. I went there around 8:30pm, at first we went the the left side of the bridge but the view and angle was not nice at all. Therefore we went to Old Sac to get a better view and we did. Not a lot of member show up, but I did get some nice shoot of the bridge. I need this picture for our Group main page picture. A job well done for me (I guess).

Where is the Courage to Change?

2005-06-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

Are you happy being what you have or don't have? A lot of people don't have the courage to change their life. We all have something we need to change, a job situation, a relationship, a hairstyle, but we usually don’t do anything about it until the status quo becomes unbearable. And some of us would even go as far as accepting it as fact. As a result we complain endlessly about our situation.
And sometime we stay where we are because we think it is good enough.
Yes, the art of contentment right, but is it good is good enough? How about great and best? Don't you want things better than good? All of us would like a better life. And all of us are afraid of the changes necessary to make life better.
So where do we get the courage to change?
I wish I have an answer!

"If nothing ever changed, there will be no butterflies."

The "One"

2005-06-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

I went to Irene and Greg's wedding on 6/18/05. I know Irene in 6th grade and we went to the same high school. I am very happy for them it is like a fairy tale story. I wish some day I have my fairy tale story too and happy ever after. Seeing friends getting married one by one just make me wonder why is it that hard for me to find the one. Is it I have a very high standard and picky or the "one" haven't come yet?

What do you think?

Feel It...

2005-06-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

"I hear the words, and then I get to thinking...I don't wanna think, I wanna feel..." Pearl Jam
Stop thinking it could stab the heart like a knife but why not think about it could carve wonderful images into the soul that will last a lifetime.

Something is happening

2005-06-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

I just got a strength feeling ...
Something going to happen ...
That would change my life ...
But I can't figure out what it is.

Maybe it is my imagination ... or a ghost in me.

Swim Meet 6/25 - 6/26

2005-06-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

I was shooting swimming on the last weekend at
Pleasant Hill. This time it has twelve hundreds kids and about 130 sign up. I am the main photographer there and I shot most of them. It is hard because I am not a morning person. I have to wake up at 6 o'clock and work till 4pm for both days. Luckily it was nice weather, I still remember couple year ago it was over 100 degree that was tough.

The Art of Being Single

2005-04-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

Being SingleToo often people want what they want, or think they want at the moment, which is usually "happiness" right now. The irony of their impatience is that only by learning to wait, and by willingness to accept the bad with the good do we usually attain those things that are truly worthwhile. I have a blessing which is sometimes seen as a curse. I am blessed with the gift of being single. For most of the twenty-something young professionals, it seems the world has already come up with it's own set of expectations on how we should live life. The world expects us to finish school in our early twenties, get a job, find the love of our lives by the time we reach our mid-twenties, marry and have kids. But the thing is, not everyone sees their dreams come true in the same way. In this article, I shall try to endeavor to change the way the world looks at being single.
The Art of Contentment.For most of us, being single will be more of a phase than a final destination. This is the best place to practice the art of contentment.Someday, I'm sure most of us will fall in love and get married. But the thing is, love will always be tested. Someone more handsome,beautiful, more charming, richer, funnier, sweeter would come along. If you have not practiced the art of contentment as a single person, chances are you would be tempted to want that and not cherish your chosen one.Practicing the Art of Contentment as a single person means that you take what life gives you, good or bad, you're willing to see it through. It means you don't walk away everytime things get tough because it builds in you patience, perseverance, understanding and a hundred different virtues that people in a hurry will never have. Being single means you would find how it feels to be alone thus, allowing you to cherish every moment you spend with your chosen one. The art of contentment means you wouldn't mind if life had to make you wait for so long to find the love of your life, because you know that the waiting would only make the finding much sweeter.
A Time to Know Yourself Better.Being single is a time of your life when you can get to know yourself better. You can pursue different interest and passions without having to ask another person's approval. It is a phase when you can keep focus on other things, discover your potentials and talents, and see yourself become more than what you expect to be. Allow yourself to surprise you.Stop wasting precious energy trying to figure out why you're still romantically unattached. It's all in the mind. Take the time to go see your friends, spend time with your family, do charity work and you will realize that you are not, and never for one moment, was alone. Try to get to know yourself first before you try to get to know other people.To be truly loved means to be known and accepted for who you are. How do you expect other people to know you and to love you, when you don't know who and what you really are?
A Choice Between Good and Best.Sometimes the dilemmas we face are not between what is absolutely bad and absolutely good. Sometimes, it's between good and best. Treat this stage of your life as a phase to evaluate who is good for you and who is best for you. Sometimes, you won't hear music, or feel magic to know who's best for you. The heart just knows and it doesn't need any romantically charged scenario to decide on the matter. Trust in your heart, and trust that time will eventually lead you to, not to the perfect partner, but to the most suitable partner for you. Being single is a phase of life that we need to be thankful for, because being single means our hearts have yet to choose the best one for us.
Almost a non-committal.Jane Austen once wrote, that it is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man (or in our times a woman), in possession of a good fortune is in search of a spouse (just to be politically correct). Well, that was what the old school wanted us to believe in. Married life is a path most of us would take, however, it is not the only path there is.Relieve yourself of the pressure and stop making every single, straight guy friend a prospect. You have no business "entrapping" them and asking (which is more like "putting a gun in the head") them of their exclusive attention, if you're not ready for commitment yourself. Sometimes, when you spend too much time trying to find a boyfriend, you normally end up marrying the first loser who comes to your door.
Take your time, the world will wait.Being married doesn't guarantee that it will make your life happy. It doesn't guarantee anything at all. Sometimes, it only brings two miserable people together only to make their life even more miserable.Without the right intention, the emotional maturity, financial security and of course, unwavering love, you're better off unattached.
Living Life.Don't put your life on hold for Mr. and Mrs. Right but don't let it waste away with Mr.or Mrs. Wrong. Life is about things that you do and happen to you everyday. It's not about the things that could have happened but never did, or things that you think would happen in the future. Live life now. Live it to the fullest and stop beating yourself up, trying to be perfect on a Saturday night date. Allow life to surprise you with it's most wonderful blessings.