I Got Nothing

Drove up to the new office today hoping for a repeat of Tuesday, but the cloud cover was thicker than a few days ago so I didn't even bother with any pictures. Our prompt for Picture B&W was "watered down" which brings me to my weak attempt to come up with a picture that qualified. It's sad to say that it was my best shot of the day, but sometimes, that's the way things are.

At least there is always tomorrow.

The Beauty of Black and White

This is what I love about black and white, when you see it, it makes the simplest of things beautiful. Of course you do need good light.

A New Point of View

My first official day in our new office was met with a most gorgeous sunrise. For most of May, the cloud cover did a job on the sun, but today there was nothing impeding the rising sun. This is now my new view on the last leg of my journey.

Don't Be Fooled

This little donut shop may look like a hole in the wall, but inside this building are the best donuts in town...possibly the best donuts in Southern California.

Moving Day

Last day in our office at work. We're moving to the big times, the 12th floor across from the South Coast Plaza where I'll have an office, with a view. In remembrance, our CEO spray painted these words on the wall

I know this is going to sound lame, but I was so inspired the whole day by those words. I wanted to go and sign my name in a commitment to my co-workers, my customers, my CEO. I also know it's no comparison, but I thought about the Declaration of Independence and what gave it meaning and purpose. It wasn't just the words that Thomas Jefferson so eloquently crafted, but it was also the signatures of the men who were willing to put their lives on the line by signing the document.

It is in our signature and our written word that we can be held accountable. While I wasn't put in such perilous situation, I wanted so badly to sign that wall. To hold myself accountable, to make a commitment.

Worn Out

I wore her out playing tug of war with her.

Waiting

You can tell the novices from the veterans.

The anxiety is gone, replaced with resigned acceptance. Humor helps, a lot, too.

Let it Shine

Proof that light makes most anything beautiful

The Desert Sun

Headed out to Palm Desert to see our Baby Love. The setting sun was spectacular,

...especially since we enjoyed it with the top down.

Our Newest Arrival

We've been blessed to have a new batch of babies in the family. We were able to visit with this little lady on Friday.

Putting the Top Back

When I bought my bug almost four years ago I told Brie that I would drive with the top down as much as possible. When the weather is right it's a wonderful feeling to feel the air whirl around you and catch the sounds and aromas that you miss with a hard top. Yesterday as we headed to my brother's I asked Brie if she wanted the top down. I held my breath, afraid of the response. I was happy when she replied affirmatively.

It made the stop at In-N-Out even more satisfying.

It as a lovely drive and a good day in SoCal.

Beginning and end

Beginning of the day...

And the end...

The Sunrise Made Me Do It

Normally I don't go to the office on Wednesday but today was an exception because the managers were going to get a sneak peek of the new office. Curiosity got the better of me and since there really isn't a good reason for me to go in tomorrow, I thought I would go in today instead of tomorrow.

I got off on a little late start because I was trying to get some pictures of rim light. After take a few shots, I realized I was setting up side lighting, not top lighting. Oh well.

The sunrise was gorgeous, so much so, that I got a little distracted and ended up missing the exchange to the 57.

That little mistake, added to the fact that I had already left 5 minutes later than normal, cost me 20 minutes. I still got in before 7am so I was good.

Upon arriving I found that we were to get our pictures taken for our name badges for the new office...no exceptions. Good thing it was a good hair day.

At 11:30am sharp we met in front of my bosses office to head over to the new office. Right now I have a nice cube way in back where very few come bother me. In the new office, I'm moving up in the world and will once again have an office of my own...with a view no less.

While on one hand, I won't deny it is exciting, on the other hand, it's an office...at work so my head will be turned away from the view for most of the day. My feet are on the ground.

I'm mostly excited about the chairs because right now the chair situation at work is pretty pathetic. Most are no longer adjustable, some are tilted forward so you feel as though you are going to do a face plant straight into the floor. It'll be nice to have brand new furniture.

After lazing around for almost two hours, I finally got up and took a few pictures around the house. Right now, this is what I have in my heart.

The Morning After

Went to bed exhausted, but slept surprisingly good despite the headache that came on after the end of a day of fun. It was a beautiful spring morning so cool and fresh outside. I cracked the sliding glass door open and could feel the breeze and hear the birds sing as I worked.

I loved the way the sun rays showered light upon my flowers.

Enjoyed a cup of coffee with my cupcake. When I opened it up, I found a rainbow inside. It was a lovely surprise.

Got a lot done at work. It was a good Monday. Looking forward to the rest of the week.

Feeling Like Friday

It was a good day. Productive at work and got enough done that I could log off at precisely 4:04pm and not feel guilty. My Picture B&W class assignment was to take architectural photographs. Since I couldn't "see" the last assignment, I was determined to not let this one slide by.

First stop, Brea...

Yes, I went a little crazy.

Okay, not quite right. None of the pictures really fit the bill, but I liked them anyway.

Next up, Fullerton....

Bettah!

Then continued on to Santa Ana. Didn't get many shots and still not quite right, but I'm definitely going back. Next time though, I need to bring change so I can park for longer than 16 minutes.

On the drive home...

And the best shot of the day...

Thursdays are the Hardest

Thursday's are the hardest for me. By the end of the day, I'm tired from getting up so early, even if it's only twice a week. This week is was three times and I can feel it. Doesn't help that I keep going to bed so late.

I was trying to finish up a project for my boss today so I worked through lunch. I brought a sandwich with me so around 1:30ish I was close to finish and rewarded myself with a quick coffee. It was so good to get out of the office, even if it was just for 15 minutes. When I come in so early, I need to take a break or else I feel like I've been in a cave all day.

As I was out, I saw a small engine plane coming in for a landing. It seemed to be a busy day for planes coming in.

Although I am excited about the move to the new office, I was sad that I would miss the sight of the planes coming in for the landing.

I was tired and hungry so I texted Brie, asking her if she wanted go to Frisco's for dinner. "Yea!", she texted back.

Made the mistake of eating ALL of my chicken sandwich when I normally eat half and most of my fries. It was just so darn tasty. Even now I'm still regretting it. I must never ever do that again.

Once again, the curtains caught my eye.

 I loved how I could see the yellow of the sun peeking through. I had to go outside and see the whole thing.

My alarm was set for 5am, 6am and 6:30am. When it rang at 5am, I thought for half a second about getting up and going into the office, but I closed my eyes instead. I turned the alarm off at 6am and told myself I would get up at 6:15am. Didn't happen. 6:30am, the alarm rang again. I got up at 6:45am. 

When I came downstairs, the sun was shining and I was greeted with this sight. I was so glad I stayed home.

When the sprinklers went off, the reflection of the sun reflected off the ground. I was even happier. Happy it wasn't gray. Happy I stayed home. Happy I have a job that allows me that luxury.

For lunch I made a sandwich and sat outside reading in the patio. It felt so good.

Later in the day, both of the two meetings I was going to go into the office to attend got cancelled. I was even happier. 

At 6pm, I took my camera and went in search of the light. My top was still down from the day before. There was no reason to put it up. My happiness overflowed.

Looking forward to tomorrow.