Day 61

My boss' father passed away last October. She has a bunch of his old magazine collections, which include a lot of Playboy magazines. While these types of magazines are not for me, I am impartial to them. I think it is really cool seeing the older magazine layouts, advertisements and its overall style -- in comparison to now. My boss' father had stacks and stacks of collectable magazines and books. I am not going to lie, I am fascinated by old objects like these. My boss is organizing everything and will sell them on eBay. 


This weekend I will be in Wisconsin visting a dear friend of mine and her family. They are the types of friends who become family more than they are friends. They are great people and are always there to support me through and through. I am very thankful to have people like them in my life who will always be "my rock" and lend me a shoulder to cry on. They are great second family to have and I love them!


I am not sure if I am able to have access to Internet or cell phone service, but I hope I figure something out to keep up my project. If anything, it will be a couple days before I am able to post, but I will for sure keep up with taking photographs each day. I feel like I have gone so far to stop now. 


Nothing will stop me!


Kimmik

Day 60

I have traveled around the world and the world is beautiful. But I love finding the beauty in a city that the whole world sees negatively.

Today, the weather was fantastic. So great. I decided to make today's photograph an HDR of the Renaissance Center and its surrounding buildings. I think it turned out pretty cool. Probably the best HDR photograph I have made thus far.


I was thinking a lot about the city today because I had a conversation with a 60-year old African American man who grew up in the city. I told him about my 365 project and of the photographs I took of the Motor City's buildings. He told me stories of how he saw the city changed in front of his eyes. It was a great conversation, I learned a lot and gained more appreciation for the place I call "home."

I love this city.


Kimmik


P.S. Two months at this and over 2,100 views! Thank you! Thank you!

Day 59

A growing Georgia O'Keefe?


Kimmik

Day 58

Detroit, concrete jungles where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do.


I am aware that those lyrics are from Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" but I like to apply them to my hometown.

After running some errands, we went to eat at Lafayette Coney Island, one of the original Coney Island restaurants in Michigan. It was delicious. After lunch, on our way back home, I took out my camera to get a few photographs of the city scape. I figure since yesterday's post was about urban decay, today can be its opposite. The buildings seen on the left are the Hammond Building and the Guardian Building (red). On the right stands the Buhl Building and a little bit of the Ford Building. For more information on the buildings of Detroit, visit this great website.


I know Detroit does not have the hustle and bustle of New York, or the glamor of L.A., but those are the reasons why I love it. The commercial that Chrysler came up with for the Super Bowl is probably one of my favorites.


I'm proud to be imported from Detroit.


Kimmik

Day 57

I had a great weekend with even better friends.

This weekend, Fuat and I traveled about two hours north of Detroit to spend the weekend at my hockey teammate's cabin. Saying it was a lot of fun would be an understatement. It was fantastic to spend time with outstanding friends who are truly inspiring to me. 

My hockey team is comprised women who are a little older than me. I am the youngest one on the team, but as most people usually say, "age is nothing but a number." And it is very true because I rarely think about that. The only time I think about my age is when my teammates discuss their prominent careers. I guess I would say I am a little bit envious when I hear about them, but then again, I remember that I'm only 22 and still in school. But the great thing about that, is that it gives me something to aspire to.

One quote I really believe in and try to apply to my life come from the one an only Oprah Winfrey: Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher. Because I know that if I am around positive and successful people, they will inspire and believe in me. And that is exactly what my team is made of. They probably do not know it, but they are such inspiring people to me and great role models. It feels even better to have them to call my friends.

Last year was my first year on the team, but they made me feel welcome and a part of their Team ICES family. I am very fortunate to be surrounded of such a great group of women. I cannot wait for our next season to start back up in the fall. 

Today's photograph is of the Michigan Central Station in Detroit. Its last train departed the depot 23 years ago on January 5, 1988. It has been an example of Detroit's urban decay ever since. It is extremely sad to see a building in ruins that is so beautiful. I would love to be able to get inside of it to snap some photographs, but there are police and customs police who are often circling the building. But this person on youtube was able to get some good shots of the old train station. 

Until tomorrow,

Kimmik

Day 56

The wake from the boat. The water was that color because of the sand on the bottom of the lake. No it was not dirty.

Kimmik

Day 55

Serenity.

Kimmik

Day 54

Remember when you were a kid and looked at the world through a paper telescope?

One of the best thing about working with kids is the simplicity they bring into your life. One sheet of paper can be turned into a sword, telescope or a wand, with nothing more than a small ounce of imagination. While coloring with Katy today, she explained to me how her scribbles represented my puppy and myself. It was cute. Then she rolled up the paper and said she was a pirate and asked me to jump on her ship. I wholeheartedly agreed. Overall, it was a good day.

This weekend is going to be a little tough in terms of my photo project. I will be up north having a relaxing mini vacation with my hockey teammates. We call these types of get togethers "team meeting." I am not sure if I will be able to have internet access up there, but I have a plan to continue posting a photograph a day. I will upload the photographs to my computer and transfer it to my phone, and upload the photograph from my phone onto Blogger. I do not think I will include any text this weekend, so please bear with me. Everything will go back to normal after this weekend. 

Kimmik

Day 53

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. -Roger Caras

Earlier today, Pongo had a playdate with my friend Cindy's dog, Morgan. She is a cute little puppy and is only one-year old. She weighs less than 40 pounds and Pongo is double her weight. Pongo was not really sure how to play with her because of his size. But after about and hour of getting used to each other, they ran and played. The weather was really hot, so the puppies were tired out fast.

The above photograph is of Morgan during the end of their playdate. They rested in the shade of the trees and caught their breath. Morgan is a cute little puppy and Pongo had a lot of fun. When they played, I was scarred that Pongo would hurt her on accident, though he was very careful and nice. I think I need to find bigger dogs for him to play with as well.

Kimmik

Day 52

I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.  -Emma Goldman

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about my future and like Motion City Soundtrack said, "the future freaks me out." As with a lot of college students, planning one's future can be stressful and full of doubts. I, unfortunately, have all of the above.

While there are several different career paths I can see myself taking, I must only choose one. But how do I know which is the right one? I am planning on going to school for Physical Therapy and I feel comforted by that decision. Though, I often toy with the idea of going to medical school for some sort of sport medicine, focusing on photography or even being a rodeo clown. Scratch the latter. No rodeo clown for me. But at least the thought of it put a smile on my face (and hopefully yours too).

I am trying not to drive myself crazy and think about my options or live in an unrealistic world where I think my grades will get me into medical school. While my grades are not the worst, they are not the best, and I do not think they are "medical school competitive" type of grades. But who knows, maybe they will get better or I will not have to work two jobs while going to school full-time. We shall see what the future holds -- until then, I am just along for the ride.

Today's quote helps me to ponder my future career, with the help of my lovely mother. I always have had these big dreams about buying my mother nice things when I have the appropriate income. While driving, a really nice and shiny Cadillac SUV passed us and I said, "Mom, when I'm a doctor, I will buy you a car like that." 

"Why do I need a car like that? I don't want a Cadillac Kimber, use your money for something else. I don't need anything, I have everything I already want," my mother responded.

My mom, grew up in a small village in the Philippines and I, spent most of my childhood in the consumer-driven United States. Though I do not mean to, sometimes I get caught up in material things. We all do it, willingly or not. I believe it is just a habit of nature. 

I always do my best to appreciate the little things in life, like the flower in the above photograph and the quote below it. It reminds me of today's talk with my mother. Mommy's are so wise! And it makes me appreciate my mother that much more and what she has taught me over the years. I love my mommy.

Que Sera, Sera,

Whatever will be, will be

The future's not ours, to see,

Que Sera, Sera 

-Dorris Day

Great words to live by.

Kimmik

Day 51

Monday night family night.


Monday nights are usually "family night" because it is the only time of the week where we are all free. Tonight, after dinner, we went to play a little pool. Though, for some reason, I got really sick. So pool was cut a little short -- just as this post will be. I am happy I was able to capture my brother's shot. My family was getting a little annoyed with me, always putting my camera on the table...but I am glad they put up with it. They're great and I am happy with this photograph. This was not photoshopped to look this way. I thought it came out nicely. 


I shall call it, Ghost Number Five.


Kimmik

Day 50

50 day mark!


It is a great feeling to have hit this benchmark in my project. To celebrate it I decided to make today's photograph have something to do with the theme of "hitting." Luckily, some friends and I played tennis today and it was a perfect opportunity to try and capture some sort of forehand or backhand shot. 

I was able to get a photograph of Fuat serving. He is a very good tennis player and has been playing for over 13 years. The great thing about photographing people who have played a sport for so long, is that they have great technique so they make the photographs look better.

As with some of my photographs, I like to throw a little vignette around it. Though this time, it made the sky stand out. I did not want to do it too much because I did not want to make the sky look fake. But I think it is a nice little touch and it accentuates the sky.


This will not be the last time I thank you for looking at my photo project and I am so thankful that you do. Over 1,770 views in just 50 days. I think that is incredible. Though it would be cool to get some comments on the photographs **hint hint** I set up the comments so readers can comment anonymously and do not need to sign up for any accounts. I know that can be annoying to register for something and receive those spam e-mails.


I am very excited to see what will come of the next 315 days.


It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up. -Vince Lombardi


Kimmik

Day 49

"How could drops of water know themselves to be a river? Yet the river flows on." -Antoine de Saint-Exupery


While spending some time on the water and kayaking, I decided to bring my camera along. I realize that cameras and water do not mix, but it was a chance that I was willing to take. And I was confident that I was not going to drop it in the water. Some friends and I were at Stony Creek Metropark and it is a great place to go.

I knew I wanted to make today's picture have something to do with the kayak's paddle in the water and I am glad that I was able to capture an action shot. This shot was a little tricky because I was trying to paddle with my left hand and photographing with the right. I am just glad my camera did not end up at the bottom of the lake.

That would have been a tragic ending to my photo project.

Kimmik

Day 48

A newspaper is lumber made malleable. It is ink made into words and pictures. It is conceived, born, grows up and dies of old age in a day. -Jim Bishop


After eating a great lunch at PizzaPapalis downtown, Fuat and I decided to go around the city for a little bit. We traveled with the Detroit People Mover, our source of transportation in the city. At one stop, there were four younger kids that entered the People Mover with their mother. The kids were very excited to go for a ride and saw it as more of an attraction rather than just a form of transportation. Fuat asked me if it was something special if we ride the People Mover and in a way it is. The more I thought about it, it is something special to ride it because we do not have many means of public transportion. 


I think that is a say thing to think, but it is the truth. I love my city, but Detroit is not really a place to go and spend the entire day there. People usually go down there for something specific then leave. I mean, you could spend the whole day down there if you really want to, but I think that is rare.


I like this photograph because I really like listening and reading the news. Right out of high school, I wanted nothing more than to be a journalism/photojournalism major. But that changed after a couple years of college; I realized that there were not many journalism jobs available and I knew I was not going to work for the New York Times right out of college. There was no way. So I changed my major to physical therapy (my original plan during 10th grade) and that is what it will stay. I cannot wait to get going with that, though I know it will take a while.

I think I am up for the challenge.


Kimmik

Day 47

When I look at this photograph, the kid in me makes me think of the mice from Cinderella.

I love their squeaky voices and often find myself singing the Cinderelly song. Earlier today, I took out some sewing stuff to fix little Katy's stuffed kitty cat. It had a bit hole in its leg and I wanted Katy to be able to play with her favorite stuffed animal. I also did not want to find any more fuzzies blowing all over the carpet haha.

As Katy napped, I tried to remember what my 7th grade Home Economics teacher taught my class about sewing. Luckily, I did a pretty decent job - but I will not become a professional seamstress anytime soon. 

I think the reflection in this photograph turned out pretty nice. I have come to the realization that I have photographed a lot of "still life" types of photos and will try my best to change that. Most of the time, I am stuck at work and it is all I have to work with that day. 

Tomorrow I will be going to see my awesome doctor and hopefully she will know what is going on with my back. I have been having a little bit of a problem with it lately. I trust she will find the answer. Maybe I could get a photograph of one of the grumpy secretaries at her office...they usually sound mean when I call them on the phone. There are really nice and helpful people there as well -- not all of them seem upset.

But do you ever get that too? When you call some place and are looking for some sort of assistance, but the person on the other end of the phone seems frustrated that you called them to ask a question? I am sure that it is not just my doctor's office, it is a lot of places too. But I think those disgruntled people should probable consider changing professions.

Maybe something along the lines of this....this makes me laugh every time.

Rude.

Kimmik

Day 46

I solemnly swear that I am up to no good...

I believe that I used that quote in a previous post -- I guess I am lacking in originality right now.


This morning I met with the Judge of a local city to photograph his ceremony with the safety patrol kids. Woo photojournalism.

I wanted to use this photograph for today's post but I did not want to use his face or name. Because I do not want to use any photograph with his face on my blog in case it somehow jeopardizes his run for judge or something else. So please excuse the black bar across his face. 


I thought this photograph would be a good addition to my 365 blog and I hope you agree.

Kimmik

Day 45

Rubber Ducky, you're the one!


Before the kids took a bath, I wanted to take a photograph of the ducky swimming through the bubbles.


Short post today...will write more tomorrow. Sorry!


Kimmik

Day 44

"There will always be criticism. I just take it in stride, and at the end of the day, I know that it comes with the territory." - Michelle Obama

Like her or not...like her husband's politics or not, I like her quote. Though I refuse to speak about political beliefs, I enjoy quotes immensely. Sometimes, it does not matter who said the quote, depending on the context. I think in this case, it does not matter. Elmo from Sesame Street could have said it, and I still would have liked it.

The greatest thing about quotations is that you can find one to suit your current feelings and/or use one to explain emotions when your words are not enough.

While there will always be criticism in everything I do as a photographer, employee and person, I always try to take the good out of the bad. Because no one other than myself will ever be my biggest critic. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I wholeheartedly respect that. I really do. It is another one of those features that makes each individual so special. If we all agreed on the same thing, the world would be boring and indifferent.

I am happy to announce that my blog has reached over 1,600 views in 43 days! Unbelievable! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You really have no idea how much it means to me when I get messages saying how much people enjoy my project. It makes it that much more fun. I always like seeing where my "audience" is each week. This week my top five largest audiences are (in order from first to fifth) the U.S., Germany, Australia, Croatia and Canada. That is so cool! Especially Croatia! I do not know anyone from Croatia!!! Special shout out to you! 

Regardless of where you come from, I am so thankful that you come and visit my 365 project and hope you continue to.

Okay -- on to today's photograph! I heard of Pyrat Rum for the first time today. Fuat bought it to give to my mom's friend Eddie. He always has us over for barbecues and the food is nothing less than fantastic. Eddie enjoys good rum, and my mother enjoys a good wine. So Fuat got the rum, I got the wine. It was a nice little present to give them. We had a great dinner and nice conversations. Now I am exhausted from today and know I will be the same tomorrow when I wake up. I expect it to be another long day -- nevertheless, I am up for the challenge. 

"No matter who says what, you should accept it with a smile and do your own work." -Mother Teresa

Kimmik

Day 43

"Her eyes make the stars look like their not shining..." -Bruno Mars 

I know Pongo's not a girl, but his eyes are awesome. I think they are so expressive and I know exactly what he is thinking at all times. Though most of the time it usually is the "Can I have cookie?" look. I love my doggie.

I also know that the link from the quote is not Bruno Mars, but it is a great singer on YouTube, Ryan Narciso. I interviewed him last year for FanBolt and have been enjoying his music ever since. He is also one of my favorite people to talk to on Twitter. We often talk about hockey; he is a Canucks fan and I root for the Red Wings. But in the midsts of the Boston-Vancouver Stanley Cup Championship, I am supporting Ryan's team. I strongly believe that the Stanley Cup belongs in Detroit -- but since that cannot be, it belongs in Canada. I just love hockey, and the only thing that matters is that it is good game to watch. Anyway, before I start making hockey fans upset...I will change the subject.

Ryan's videos and his music are really great. Give it a listen and you will not be sorry you did. 

Kimmik

Day 42

Today was a very busy day. First a photo session with a Judge, work on said photographs, then working for the Detroit Tigers. All on about four hours of sleep.


It was a tough day, but with the support of my friends, (who put up with my crankiness -- thank you by the way), I got through it in one piece.


I decided to take my photograph today of the manholes that often produce steam on the streets of Detroit. It is virtually impossible to drive anywhere in the city without seeing one. When I was younger, I used to think they made the clouds. Probably why I am not a Biology major!

In 12 hours, I must return to Comerica Park to photograph the Tigers game tomorrow. Sundays are often my favorite days to work, because it is Kid's Day and it is really nice to see the families together. My favorites are always the little children dressed up in Tigers gear with their faces painted. Adorable.

Maybe I should get my face painted tomorrow as well!

Kimmik

Day 41

Yummy!


I had an interesting dinner with some friends tonight. I say it was interesting because our six person group was split up into a table of two and a table of four. We had to shout to each other from across the aisle and even joked with our waitress about tying paper cups together to use as telephones. We just decided to be immature and talk a little louder than normal.


Why were we even sitting at different tables you ask? Otherwise we would have had to wait an hour for a table to sit together. Crazy to go out on a Friday night for dinner. Such a long wait. But we had a great time anyway.


After dinner, I decided to go off with my BFF Sarah while the others went out to do their own thing. Sarah suggested coffee, hence the photograph of today. I tried two shots, one without the lid and one with. I let Sarah choose today's photograph. I think she made the right one.


Now I am off to bed because I must get up early tomorrow morning. I will be conducting a photoshoot with a judge and his family. He is in need of photographs for his upcoming campaign. I am honored he believes I am worthy of the fulfilling the job.


Mid-1st Century Roman Philosopher Seneca once said Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. I have spent the entire week preparing and I am ready to take on this opportunity.


Kimmik

Day 40

Batman!!


The 8-year old boy that I babysit had a half-day at school -- so that only means one thing. Play day!

We spent most of the day playing inside. The weather was questionable; I was never sure if it was going to storm or not. So I thought it was best to stay in. We also had a popcorn and movie day, watching Jungle Book 2 and The Tales of Despereaux. 


Since they are kids and cannot sit still for more than 10 minutes, they decided to play with their toys while watching the movie. Charlie went into the costume drawer and ran around the room like Batman.


But it reminded me a little of Darkwing Duck when he moved his cape; not like my favorite DC Comic character. But Darkwing Duck is cool too!


Kimmik

Day 39

Photo session with my puppy!

Today I got some new lights and decided to test them on Pongo. He was a good subject to photograph because he will do just about anything for a cookie. I was happy with the way the photographs turned out.


I just hope the photographs turn out as nice when I shoot the campaign pictures for a judge this weekend! The pressure is on!


Kimmik

Day 38

He is safe!


Earlier today, I went to the beach with two friends. I wanted to choose a photograph from the great time we had this morning, but the one I chose was a type of "still life" with my flip flops in the sand. Kind of cliche. So I decided to challenge myself a little when I went to Charlie's baseball game, the 8 year-old boy I babysit for. 


My goal was to stop action and I really wanted to capture motion...especially with a kid sliding into the base. I was not sure I would be able to accomplish this since the kids are only eight. But I could not believe how serious some kids took their sport. I thought some were overly confident. I mean, it is a sport, so being competitive is understandable, but not saying things that could potentially hurt the feelings of someone else. But kids will be kids right? I guess to a certain extent. 


I am fairly happy to have been able to catch a kid sliding into third base. It took a while to get this shot because the kids do not slide. Luckily, I was ready for when this player did and I was able to change my settings fast enough to capture it.


Fastest guns in the west! ** Cue Western duel music **


Kimmik

Day 37

My new camera!


In 1900 Eastman Kodak developed the Brownie cameras and sold them for $1. It was the first introduction of a lower-priced photography that was available to the public. It's slogan was "You push the button, we do the rest." The camera was intended to be easy to use and affordable.


While this one is not the original Brownie, it is one of the other models that came out. This Brownie Flash Six-20 was introduced in 1946 and discontinued in 1955. It's original price was $6.00. Not bad for the newest "technology" at the time.

After volunteering at my former high school, my teacher and I researched the camera. She found the manual and we toyed with the camera for a little bit. 


I was really excited to have found this camera at a local Farmer's Market. The lady I purchased it from had a lot of old cameras and I will be back to purchase more. I want to start collecting old cameras. I think it will be neat.


Kodak still makes the 620 film that is needed for this camera, so I will look into buying some and trying my hand at some old school film haha. That should be interesting. Keep on the lookout for that post.

Kimmik

Day 36

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PONGO!

Today my Pongo Bear turns three! Which is 21 in dog years. We're almost the same age! haha, but I'm a year older. 


Pongo woke me up this morning the same way he does each day, a little bit of polite growling to let me know that he is hungry and needs to go outside. Those growls turn into deep barks if I ignore him; so it is always best for me to get out of bed sooner. My little alarm clock!


Each year for Pongo's birthday, I get him a new bandana. While I'm not the biggest fan of clothing on animals, I like the bandanas on Pongo. It suits his personality because sometimes he can be a little bandit. Though, most of the time he is a good boy. His first year, he wore green, last year was teal and this year is purple. 


I talk a lot about Pongo because he is not just a "pet" to me, but a great friend. I love my puppy! Happy Birthday Pongo!

Kimmik

Day 35

From the wise Dr. Seuss.


The weather was incredibly hot today...and humid. After going to the casino to have lunch with two friends, I went home to write some birthday, congratulations and graduation cards. I wrote this one for my friend who graduated from high school. I hope she does not sees this before it arrives at her house. But regardless, it is a great quote from Dr. Seuss.


This quote always makes me think of my superstar debut on the theatrical stage. I am of course kidding, but not about my theatrical debut. During my last year of high school, I decided last minute to join Suessical the Musical. I was lucky because they were finished with auditions and parts were already assigned. The director said that he did not think that there was a place for me on stage but perhaps I should consider a position as part of the backstage crew. I did not want to be backstage. I wanted my "five-minutes of fame," haha no, I wanted to be a part of the drama production though. But how is that lucky you ask? Well, because I asked him if he had a Thing 1 and Thing 2 and he replied with a "no." I begged him if my friend and I could be "Things." Luckily he agreed, but not without saying "Just don't get in the way." 


I did not. It was fun. I did not have any lines in the play and just came on stage to bring out props...but with physical comedic humor. I remember bringing the Pillsburry bush to Dr. Dake walking like a duck. It was funny.


I love Dr. Suess books and quotes, they are childish but with mature themes. I loved reading them as a kid and want to start re-collecting his books. My old set was lost somehow...


Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one. - Dr. Seuss


Kimmik

Day 34

Putt Putt. Goofy Golf. Mini Golf. No matter what you call it, it is always a good time.

Today I played a little Mini Golf with some friends. There is a small golf range near my house that we often go to. In addition to the driving ranges, they have two Mini Golf courses. 

Luck was on myside today, I managed to get a hole-in-one three times. I was surprised. We did not keep score of the game, we just played for fun. Maybe next time we will keep score on the other course.

I am not the biggest fan of golf, but playing Mini Golf is more my sport...that is, if one considers it a sport haha. Maybe it is the little characters or the obstacles that tickle my fancy, I do not know. I just know it is enjoyable.

Hopefully the next time I write about Mini Golf I will have more hole-in-ones.

Kimmik

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANN!

Day 33

Mmmmm Candy necklace!


Kimmik

Day 32

Happy Birthday Liah!!

Tonight,we celebrated Liah's birthday and it was a lot of fun. It was a night filled with amazing good and great friends. Of course my camera came along with me. I took a photograph of the cake in the dark and thought this turned out pretty cool. The cake was great. Mint chocolate cake mmm, so yummy!

Today is a short post because I am very tired and must wake up early tomorrow. Sleep well,

Kimmik