Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Day 275


A lot of people have been using the app called "Instagram."

I am a fan of this app and recommend it to anyone who has an iPod or iPhone. The designers of the app have developed a quick and easy way for its users to have nicely edited photographs on their device. I use it on my iPod Touch instead of the regular camera.

Today, I decided that I wanted to use LightRoom to create an Instagram-inspired photograph. After playing around with some of the editing tools, I came up with one that is close to the app. I like it.

I like today's photograph a lot because not only is it my favorite puppy in the world, but you can see me in his pupil. I'd like to get a macro-type shot like that, but I do not think Pongo would stay still long enough for that to happen. Perhaps if I had a cookie...then maybe he would.

Kimmik

Monday, January 30, 2012

Day 274



My post have been slightly boring.

I realize this due to the fact that my life is consumed by my studies. As boring as that may sound, it is actually quite fascinating. I am enjoying the stress that comes with studying nine hours a day (no joke) and only coming up for air when needed. I have been spending a lot more time with Pongo and he is recovering very well. This week we go to get his 16 staples removed. I hope the vet give us good news.

Hopefully my photographs can become a little more interesting. Though I am terribly busy, I will complete this project.

Kimmik

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Day 270



The way fire "dances" is fascinating to watch. Or maybe I am easily amused...

Kimmk

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Day 268



My conversation with the new photography student yesterday at the middle school:
Me: So you like photography? What do you like to take photos of?
Student: Honestly, bricks.

Me: Bricks?
Student: Yes, bricks.

As you can see, that was definitely not an answer I was expecting. Usually, I receive answers ranging from: people, animals, buildings, and the occasional "uhhh...I dunno, anything really." Bricks has never made that list.

After seeing a few photos that the student took of bricks, I understood. She liked the lines they created as well as the imperfection and uniqueness of bricks. She took photographs from several different angles. She said, "I like bricks because no one ever thinks to have them in a photograph." I started to think about them and I agreed with her. I have never had the urge to make a brick the subject of my photograph. As Barney Stinson would say, "Challenge accepted!"

My photo of today is probably not as cool as the student's, but I had fun using bricks as my main subject.

Kimmik

Monday, January 23, 2012

Day 267


Smile for the camera.

Today, I was able to hang around with some at my photography students at the middle school. I love helping them learn the basic concepts and photographic composition. They learn so quickly and I cannot believe how much they have absorbed in a short period of time. We had a new student come in today! One of the "veterans" made the "rookie" a guide to help her remember what we discussed and what we learned. (I posted the sheet here.) It was really nice and thoughtful of the "veteran" to give that guide to the new girl. I am lucky to be surround by such a great group. They rock!

PS feel free to send a real, fully-functioning Diana F+ my way =)

Kimmik

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Day 266


Pongo's first get well card.

Pongo has been the main subject in a lot of my photographs. What can I say? He is my muse, my inspiration, my heartbeat and truly, my best friend. If you are asking yourself,"but how can a dog be all of those things?" then you have never owned a dog like mine. The first one I see in the morning, (usually growling to go outside), the last one I see before I go to sleep, and the one who I spend the most time with in between. He is the best.

Pongo had surgery on Wednesday and thankfully, everything went well. He completely tore his back right ACL and ruptured his back left ACL. Surgery is needed on both legs. I decided to get the right leg first, because it was worse and he barely put pressure on that leg. Pongo is in the recovery stage now, basically on bedrest except to eat and go outside. But during those times, he has to be carefully monitored so he does not tear open or injure his leg while it is healing. That can be tough, k
eeping him on a leash to go outside is not fun for either of us in the frigid Michigan weather. But for Pongo, I will do it. He is a three-year old lab who has the energy to power a small city. Luckily, the vet gave us some sedatives to keep him sleepy.

Charlie, my favorite little kid who I wrote about herehere and probably other posts as well, made Pongo a get well card. Such a thoughtful kid. Charlie called me the day after Pongo's surgery to ask how it went and how he was doing. He told me that he got Pongo a card and definitely had one of those AWWWWW heart breaking moments. I went to Charle's basketball game on Saturday and he played very well. After the game, he gave me the card signed by him and his family, (I love Katy's signature at the bottom) and a big hug. Saying he is a great kid is an understatement.

Kimmik

Day 265


Only 100 days left to go!

Kimmik

Friday, January 20, 2012

Day 264



"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." -Dumbledore

Kimmik

Monday, January 16, 2012

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Day 259





Luna Lovegood is my favorite Harry Potter character.

Kimmik

Friday, January 13, 2012

Day 257



"An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language." Martin Buber

Every day I grow more and more thankful for my puppy. Pongo's a great friend to have. Today, there was snow on the ground and normally, Pongo would be ecstatic. But since he is scheduled to have ACL surgery next week, I have to try and keep his energy level at a minimum. Ask me how that is going...the answer would be, "It's a challenge." Pongo has the energy of a small metropolitan city and it is tough to deny him the chance to play in the snow. Even when he looks at me like that.

I just noticed that in this photograph, you can see his right back knee is larger than his left. It is his right knee that he is having surgery on next week. The left knee will follow a few months after. So I would greatly appreciate it if you send good thoughts and positive energy my way. I am a bit nervous, but I know the surgery will help him.

Kimmik

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Day 254


Pongo doing what I wish I was doing right now, sleeping.

But I must study for my quiz tomorrow.

Kimmik

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Day 252


Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star. -W.C.Stone

Kimmik

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Day 250


So quick bright things come to confusion. Shakespeare

Kimmik

Day 249


I'm getting over having the cold/flu and filling up on the electrolytes.

It seems a lot of people have this cold/flu bug - I hope if you have it, you get well soon. Being sick is definitely not fun. Drink lots of fluids and chicken noodle soup =)

Kimmik

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Day 247





I am often asked if I am majoring in photography.

The answer is, "No, I am studying Physical Therapy."

I absolutely adore photography and everything about it, though I am not pursuing it as a career. I believe that I am a good photographer and probably could make it a full-time job, but I want to studying something medical. I enjoy helping others and as a doctor, I could help people with their rehabilitation and other medical needs.

Today, I was getting over my cold/flu thing I had going on. After getting my school books with my BFF Sarah, I had a sudden burst of energy. I knew I wouldn't last at the gym because of my cold/flu, so I decided to re-arrange my room and clean out some old paper work. I came across my yearbook from the first season I played hockey, I was in fourth grade and believe I was nine years-old. It said my favorite subject at the time was science. If you ask me today, 14 years later, my answer will still be the same. I have always enjoyed my science classes and learning how things work, not only while in the classroom, but outside as well. Therefore, it makes sense why I would be so drawn to Physical Therapy. I want to help people "work" again, help them get back to their previous and hopefully, a better physical state.

Monday, I start my winter semester. It is going to be a hard semester, but I know I can handle it. Most are science classes anyway.

This photograph comes from my Anatomy, Descriptive and Surgical book by Henry Gray, F.R.S. The book is from 1977 and is commonly known as Gray's Anatomy, no, not the television show. Though my anatomy book looks quite different than this one, it is interesting to browse through the pages and see the drawings. This book usually sits on the top of my bookshelf as more of an inspirational piece than a reference book.

Kimmik