Kristin's News

Really, I've moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:40:00 +0000

Seems there was a teething problem with the first post of the new blog site but it's up and going now!

Remember to update your bookmarks and feeds as this really will be the last post over here on Blogger!

Kristin's News now lives at www.oceansbyanderson.com/blog/

I've moved!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:01:00 +0000

Kristin's News has a new home! From now on my blog will be at a brand new address:
New Home of Kristin's News

Please update your bookmarks & feeds - I'm hoping it's more awesomeness than ever! First post is already up - go check it out :)

Goodbye January

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:28:00 +0000

You will not be missed by me.

2010 was meant to be a great year, but so far it's brought a lot of stress, a lot of time away from Dave, a lot of things that are hard to think about. For each step forward, I was bounced back a couple of feet when I hit a wall I didn't see sneaking up. It kinda sucked overall.

Dave's been in Perth since the 11th and that's just too long. Unfortunately, it's going to be even longer with no definite date on his return yet. It's not all bad: he's been working hard, he's had weekends off, he's been able to spend some time with friends & family. All good things.

The Furkids and I have been holding down the fort pretty well. I spend every day at the dive shop (I finally took today off as town is dead and it was windy) as we are running a very small crew over this quiet season. The Girls and I get to the beach most mornings before I come in to work and then we have a big play in the afternoons. The kittehs mostly just cry at me for more food - even when their dishes are still full. Lobo has been a cuddle-bug and usually sleeps most nights with MatildaLily & me.

Yes, Ms Thing has decided our bed is just fine for her, too. I've given up kicking her out as it's less annoying than when she throws 3/4 of herself onto me in the wee morning hours!

I have been trying to be good about having a bit of camera fun each day, hopefully you've checked out the Retro January posts :) Here are some more bits & bobs from this month.

Dora working some OCF

Da Boofa

Tilly-Monster

Dora being a total goof

January wasn't *all* bad and even though there's a lot of things that aren't sprinkled with fairy dust, all in all, I survived, had some smiles & laughs and believe that February will be great!

Daily KJA - 31 January 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:31:00 +0000

So I'm making soup and I need some Cajun spice, right? We have about 50 million jars of spices in the cupboard so I start the treasure hunt and stumble across a bottle of paprika that is no longer the color of paprika and is seemingly a solid mass.

"Hmmmm", I think to myself because I'm that kind of deep thinker on a Sunday morning, "I wonder when this expired?"

Best before 2003.

Hmmm, indeed.

Which prompted me to then go through every jar. 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009 and even the rare 2010. No idea why 2006 and 2007 are missing. Oh, and there's a couple of 1999s that really make me think "We hauled these stupid things from Coral Bay to Exmouth and have never used them?" Yes, a couple were even still sealed.

But my favourite find was the Cinnamon & Sugar from 1996. That baby started in Perth, moved to Coral Bay for three years and then made the migration with us to Exmouth in 1999 - by then, already three years out of date. It's survived Category 5 Cyclone Vance, numerous intensive pantry cleanings and four or five rearranging events. It looks like maybe two shakes were ever used. Ten years later, it's time has come. Buh-bye!

Note to self: when deep cleaning or re-organizing, please read Best before dates AND toss stuff as appropriate, hmmm, OK? Thanks.

Here's some of the 30+ jars I tossed as they surround the yummy vegetables destined for my killer soup

Canon 1DIII, Canon 24L MkII 1.4 @ ISO400, 1/60, f2.5

Daily KJA - 30 January 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:05:00 +0000

Our banana plant

Canon 1DIII, Canon 24L MkII 1.4 @ ISO800, 1/200, f2

Daily KJA - 29 January 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:44:00 +0000

Tanks. I dream about tanks. Carrying them, filling them, lifting them, carrying them some more. Unfortunately, not diving with them as I am still in the shop (20 days running, if I were to count backwards) and not out on the boat.

Canon 1DIII, Canon 24 MkII 1.4 @ ISO 100, 1/500, f1.4

Daily KJA - Retrospective January 15 - 28, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:32:00 +0000

January 15 - Harry in the backyard, early morning

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L 2.0, ISO 100, 1/640, f2

January 16 - sunset across the road from the house

Canon SD1200 IS

January 17 - My new dive shop buddy

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L 2.0, ISO 1600, 1/125, f2.2

January 18 - kangaroo in the bush

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L 2.0, ISO 1600, 1/320, f2

January 19 - a lovely couple who had been diving with us brought us some cool drinks to say Thank You

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L 2.0, ISO 400, 1/160, f2

January 20 - Harry's turn for some OCF

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L 2.0, ISO 100, 1/250, f2, Canon 580II, Elinchrom Skyport Triggers

January 21 - One of the many annoyingly LOUD white cockies in a tree across from Exmouth Diving Centre

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L 2.0, ISO 200, 1/640, f3.2

January 22 - more sunrise. I know I do a lot of these. I'll probably keep doing a lot of them, I just love how different each morning is and watching the sun rise over the Gulf simply makes me happy.

Canon SD1200 IS

January 23 - big crab claw on the beach. I was surprised that neither dog was remotely interested in it. They each gave it a cursory sniff and then wandered away.

Canon SD1200 IS

January 24 - boy it was bright in our backyard this morning. Here's another weed shot.

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L 2.0, ISO 100, 1/640, f2

January 25 - another from our backyard. I'm still enamored with the subtle differences in the light, the shapes of the weeds, the backgrounds. My neighbors, should they be inclined to peek over the fence, would think I was very strange belly-crawling through the dirt with my Big Girl Camera!

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L 2.0, ISO 100, 1/1000, f2

January 26 - Australia Day morning was pretty amazing

Canon SD1200 IS

January 27 - kangaroo by the road to the beach where the Girls and I walk most mornings

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L 2.0, ISO 100, 1/800, f2

January 28 - Boofmeister

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L 2.0, ISO 100, 1/250, f2.2, Canon 580II, Elinchrom Skyport Triggers

Wow, all caught up now! Only a few days left in this first month of the new decade, I can't believe how fast it's gone already. Now that I'm back on track with at least my photo-a-day, I'll be popping at least a new photo up here for the remaining 3 days of this month so don't be a stranger.

Then comes February - very cool-o-rific changes are a'comin' that you won't want to miss!

Thinking out loud Thursday #4

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:01:00 +0000

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Several of you mentioned that the cool tv show I brought up in last week's TOLT post was first a series of books by Alexander McCall Smith. My bad, I meant to add that in here and just simply forgot. I still haven't read them, but they are on my list! Just clickity click the book below to see the list on Amazon, should you be so inclined.

More dangerous Australian animals
Because it's not enough that scary, ugly things in Australia will kill you, Nature gives you The Deadly Platypus

But OMG don't you want to just snuggle those little guys anyway? That silky looking fur - squee! Those cutie patootie little heads, especially the squooshy wrinkly one - double squee! Those itsy bitsy feet - squee to infinity! Grab an epi-pen and damn the danger, I say!

Doing your part to give back?
Cake Wrecks has just thing to celebrate

Makes you feel all warm & fuzzy inside, no?

Australia Day 2010
Well, I worked at the dive shop all day so of course my celebrations were pretty low key, especially with Dave away in Perth. But I had many friends lament that it was just a bit of a non-event day, really. I've never quite acclimatized myself to Australia Day. For me, and for many if I'm to believe what people tell me, it just doesn't have much ooomph.

It's a day off and what's not to love about that? Especially when it lands on a Tuesday so you get a four day weekend instead of just a lousy three day weekend. Did I mention that I was working today?

Lots of people get together, have bbqs, drink a bit, head to the beach, enjoy the company of friends -all wonderful things. All great ways to spend a day. But, I dunno. It lacks some sense of occasion, or ceremony, or, well, something.

But at least this guy was trying to promote that Aussie Day spirit

Secrets
Shhhh! I have a secret!

Normally, I'm not a fan of secrets. I find they usually end up with hurt feelings or some mis-communication or just plain nah nah nahness. Secrets, on the whole, have a way of getting out of hand and biting one on the butt.

But this isn't one of those kind of secrets. Well, it shouldn't be. This isn't a closely held secret either. Quite a few of you guys know it. Part of a good secret for me is being able to share it with those I know who will be all "YEAH! That is an awesome secret!! Wooohooo!"

I'd like to shout from the rooftops about it, but, of course, if one openly shares a secret, it's not really a secret so much as an announcement, right?

So, for now, I'll revel in the fun and camaraderie that comes from sharing something so totally awesome with people who make me happy. If you are one of those people, come over here and let me whisper my super cool secret in your ear...

I have another secret!
Only a very few people know about this one - even fewer than the other one I have.

This is also an exception to my dislike of secrets. This one is going to put a big smile on someone's face in the near future and I can't wait to let the cat out of the bag!

No, I don't try to put Harry in a bag, but this post needs more photos and he's saying Oooo, delicious secrets!!

When I Win Lotto #1
I will have clean sheets every night.

Yes, yes. I know I could actually do this now, before the Big Win, but I know myself well enough to know that I am not going to ever love doing the kind of laundry time having fresh sheets every day would entail. Pretty sure the Hubster isn't going to volunteer either. The only way this is going to happen is with a lovely housekeeping staff.

Remember, one must only set realistic goals in one's life!

Promises, promises
I know you've heard it all before but I truly promise that some cool stuff and far more newsy posts are coming soon. I'm having some technical glitches that are pushing my timetables back a little bit, but [cross fingers here] I am hoping to end January with a big treat and start February off with super coolness!

Daily KJA - Retrospective January 1 - 14, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:55:00 +0000

Well, this idea didn't go as smoothly as planned, but hopefully February will work better! I have committed myself to taking at least one photograph each day of this coming year. Each month I might have a theme, or maybe it will be just random snippets from my day to day life (that's what January's are). I would like to share at least one of each day's photos with you and I have a grand plan to do so...in the meantime, January slipped away.

I did shoot every day, so Step One - CHECK!

I didn't post them up or actually get them processed each day, so Step Two - NO CHECK!

Which means that I'm now presenting you with multiple posts filled with January goodness to make up for it.

January 01 - flower on the neighbor's tree that hangs over our back fence.

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L f2.0 @ ISO200, 1/200, f2.0

January 02 - Dora & Tilly in the swamp at sunrise

Canon SD1200 IS

January 03 - sunrise

Canon SD1200 IS

January 04 - Lobo

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L f2.0 @ ISO1600, 1/125, f2.0

January 05 - Behold, a vicious mud lark on our patio. Notice no cats on guard duty.

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L f2.0 @ ISO200, 1/400, f2.0

January 06 - MatildaLily in the backyard

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L f2.0 @ ISO200, 1/640, f2.0

January 07 - surfboard and a palm tree at Exmouth Town Beach

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L f2.0 @ ISO200, 1/2500, f2.0; Totally Rad Action lovin'

January 08 - Flock of seagulls, Exmouth Town Beach

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L f2.0 @ ISO200, 1/6400, f2.0

January 09 - random doggie left locked in one of our dive shop trailers. Story here.

Canon 1DIII, Canon 24L MkII 1.4 @ ISO200, 1/400, f2.0

January 10 - pink & grey gallah outside Exmouth Diving Centre

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L 2.0 @ ISO200, 1/1000, f8

January 11 - Dora putting up with me as I play with some off camera flash

Canon 1DIII, Canon 24L MkII 1.4 @ ISO200, 1/250, f2, Canon 580II, Elinchrom Skyport triggers

January 12 - weed in our backyard, early morning

Canon 1DIII, Canon 24L MkII 1.4 @ ISO100, 1/2000, f2.8

January 13 - 2nd random dog this month left in unsuitable conditions outside Exmouth Diving Centre. Story here.

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L 2.0 @ ISO200, 1/500, f2

January 14 - two pink & grey gallahs outside Exmouth Diving Centre

Canon 1DIII, Canon 135L 2.0 @ ISO200, 1/200, f8

Stay tuned for more!

Thinking Out Loud Thursday #3

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:16:00 +0000

Heartin' Howie
I admit it. I'm a Howie Long fan. I liked him in his 1998 movie Fire Storm. I've probably watched it 20 times.

Think of me what you will.

Now he's doing ads for Chevy in the US and I like them, too. They mostly make me have a little out loud laugh.

And Howie is aging very, very well. Heck, I'll say it. Howie is HOT. He does, however, need to get some more current hot photos of hisself up on the web coz my search didn't find much worth popping in here, unfortunately.

Some people, of course, take these ads far too seriously and get all het up about them. Check out Pickuptrucks.com for a few of Howie's ads, a little commentary about smack talking and don't forget to read the comments - I think some people need to get out and drive their trucks more and not take advertisers quite so much to heart (and, hey, c'mon, leave the Howie-man alone, he's doing a job!)

Why keep it?
Highlighters that don't highlight anymore. Why is it so hard to throw them out when all they do is make a weak bit of colour over top of your text? Do other people have a problem tossing them in the bin, or is it just us who simply return the weak ones to the pen jar so we can be frustrated again next time (or so the next person is)?

Coming clean time - I've been the only Shop Dolly for the past week and It's taken me six days to toss an orange one. Perhaps it's time to re-instigate my Ten Items Out a Day Plan II...

Photographer awesomeness
There are some mind-blowing photographers out there. Zack Arias is one of those above and beyond his photography skills. He seems to be a genuinely interesting, interested and involved guy, and that's a special and rare thing. His blog is filled with enormously useful information for other photographers and he encourages everyone who comes across his path to be better...be a better photographer, be a better person, be a better member of community.

These posts from 2009 are something special and worth your time to check out:
August 12th
August 14th

His white seamless technique series is a must read for photographers.

He's got a new blog for his 2010 365 Project and I try to check it out every few days. His image for January 17th really struck me and then I saw that he had added a link to show the setup. I'm always interested in how a photographer achieved something that resonates with me so I clicked. And was blown away. To be able to see that, spur of the moment, just having your normal day? Just wow.

When less is more
Why when you order a pizza and add a topping do they charge you extra but when you order a pizza and have them remove a topping, they don't charge you less? It's especially galling when you do a ditzy moment and ask them to remove the wrong thing.

TV worth watching
I've just started watching a new (to us!) series -> The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

In a televison sea of absolute crap, it is a breath of fresh air (and I'll mix my metaphors if I want to!). And look, they even know how to use an apostrophe, you know gotta watch it now.

Two Boofs

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:07:00 +0000

Yes, I've been terrible about blogging this past week. I have some cool stuff in the works and some real posts coming up soon, but in the meantime here's our orange kitty.

So cute sleeping kitteh with his little paw all squished up by his mouth

and then
I am so not amused, Mother.

Thinking out Loud Thursday #2

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:09:00 +0000

Welcome to the second installment of TOLT (hmmm, maybe that acronym isn't the greatest...or maybe it works "I TOLT you that!") I've got two pressing questions tucked in here this week - one about cheeseburgers and one about hugging. It doesn't get much more eclectic.

Finding My America is far more than just a journey across the nation. Jane has a strong, powerful voice that pulls you in and makes you feel and makes you think. Whether she's talking about the people and places she's meeting or reflecting on herself, she's someone you want to meet.

Defining a cheeseburger:
I've had a couple of really long days and I didn't quite make it to the supermarket, so I decided to order dinner from Planet Burgers, a little mobile van that sets up right outside Exmouth Diving Centre Wednesday to Sunday.

This is my verbatim order (coz I'm fussy):
I'd like a cheeseburger with only lettuce, tomato, pineapple, jalepenos and a little sour cream & garlic sauce on it.

The nice lady read it back and it's all good. I was sitting with a couple of friends when I ordered and one of them laughed when he heard me order "that's not a cheeseburger!" he exclaimed.

Now, as an American, I've heard this before so I understand what he's saying. I think it's crazy and nonsensical, but I understand. The first time an Aussie said this to me I was like "What do you mean it's not a cheeseburger??" and that got great laughs and many "Oh, you Americans!" type comments. Fast forward to last night.

The lady brings me my food and as I get her cash, I overhear her having a big of a guffaw with my friend about that not being a cheeseburger. So I say "I know that you all think this isn't a cheeseburger but that doesn't make sense at all. It's a burger with cheese so "cheeseburger" and then I want the extras on it. If that's not a "cheeseburger" what is it?"

She says, with a perfectly straight face "Then it's not a cheeseburger anymore! It's a hamburger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pineapple, jalepenos and sour cream & garlic sauce. A cheeseburger is meat and cheese on a bun with optional mustard and onions."

What say you? Is this yet another Crazy Aussie thing...or is it a Crazy American thing? Who's right? What is a cheeseburger?

Funny ~~cat~~caption of the week

see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Please don't make me explain it. Just take a moment...

Hugging - When do you do it?
I'm pro hugging. I like to be greeted and to greet with a hug. It feels nice. It feels like the other person is truly interested in you and happy that you are near them. It's a little connection. I'm even pro hugging for more casual friends. I think it's a positive and shows that you're happy to know them, perhaps would be amenable to becoming better friends.

I'm pro-hugging newly met friends, too. I think it sets a good precedent for future encounters. Sometimes I find it tough to go from a non-hugging status quo to the next stage in the relationship that includes hugging when you see each other. What if the reason we haven't been hugging is because this person isn't a hugger and then I overstep and make them uncomfortable? No, better to start at the outset, I reckon.

As pro hugging as I am, I don't seem to do it that often. I'm not sure why. I think it has to do with reading other people's signals. I'm a very good body language reader in a wide variety of social settings. Hug time isn't one of those, unfortunately. I really want to go in for a quick Hello Hug, but most of the time I pull myself up short, unsure and unwilling to take the chance my Welcome, Friend Hug will be unwanted, or even rejected. This hasn't actually happened to me, but the thought lives in the back of my brain.

And then, because I pull back I'm sure it puts the other person in a sticky spot - initiate over the slight hesitation or forget about it altogether. And now we both feel a little awkward. Or maybe I just imagine we both do and it's really just me.

So, what do you do? Are you a Hello Hugger?

For the record, the next time you meet me, if you're not totally anti-hugging, go ahead and give me the Secret Hello Huggers Cue coz I'm happy to hug, I just need a little reassurance!

We are possessed

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:48:00 +0000

Seemingly by spirits that demand every ~~idiot~~ person ~~on the planet~~ in Exmouth leave their random animals with or near us.

Not 20 minutes ago a random lady comes into the dive shop. "Is your dog in your car?"

Umm, no. It's like 43C here today.

"Well, someone has left their dog in the car across the road and I thought it might be you or one of your divers."

I look out. Sure enough, there's a blue Land Cruiser with a dog tied to the backdoor.

"No, it's not one of our people. That car hasn't been there very long." I know this because I've been in and out of the front door about a zillion times today and for some reason every time I come near the door, I am compelled to look over at the tree across the road where I last saw our last Left Doggie, like maybe he's come back or something.

The lady says his water is hot and asks if I can give him a new bowl of cool water. Sure can. Have the water dish from the last dog left in unsuitable conditions right here.

Ol' Zeke seems perfectly happy under his car, waiting for his family to finish at the pub or wherever they are. I'm keeping an eye on him in case he's a chewer, though I'm not sure I'll be fast enough to stop him. The lady rang the numbers on his collar and left messages, so hopefully he'll be headed home to the air-conditioning soon.

Happy 3.1 Anniversary to Us!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:35:00 +0000

Hard to believe it was three years ago today that Dave and I were in ~~sunny~~ ~~rainy~~ sunny Cozumel for our first wedding celebration. We had a fabulous time with good friends and family surrounding us, a live three piece Mexican band, good food and amazing weather.

The bride - ME! - had nothing but sunshine all day long, but the groom - DAVE! - and some of the guests got poured on coming to the ceremony site from the hotel. It made for some amazing sky backdrops during and after the ceremony. And it bucketed down after dinner at our reception.

I know, you're still looking at the title and thinking "3.1?" What the hell does that mean? We are a two continent couple so we had two weddings - our first was this one on 11 January 2007 and our second was back in Exmouth, Western Australia, on 2 February 2007. Who says you can only wear the dress once?!

It's a little confusing to all involved, but on the upside, we have two chances to remember our anniversary (for the record, we both forgot both last year) I remembered this one this year & tucked a card into the car with Dave as he had to leave for an extended trip to Perth early this morning. His exact words, via mobile phone from 400kms down the track, after reading the card "is it our anniversary today?"

Yes, he had to leave on another Perth trip on our anniversary. Guess I'll be having a toast with the furkids to celebrate tonight.

That's not a camera bag!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:41:00 +0000

Today started as any other day. I got up, went into my office, worked for a while, headed down to the dive shop, came back to my office, worked some more.

I've got the NFL playoffs on but I don't really care about any of these teams so it's just kind of there. Sounds like something interesting is happening so I glance up to check it out. Out of the corner of my eye, something tweaks my brain "hmm, that doesn't look right"

So I lean back and look at the wall behind my tv, the wall where I hang camera bags. Appears hubby's been redecorating for me coz that certainly isn't a boring ol'camera bag!

Dog gone

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 05:25:00 +0000

I was going to tell you all about our phone calls trying to track down the shire ranger (who doesn't exist at the moment), the police (who don't come to work til 2pm and all calls go to Karratha, a town four hours north of Exmouth) and about the incredibly RUDE man who aggressively gave me a super hard time about the dog in the trailer (he told me flat out that I was just going to sit here and watch Doggie die of the heat) but I won't.

I'll just say that Dave and I did get Doggie out of the trailer with a little ingenuity & slices of beef. We tied him on a nice long rope to a tree with lovely shade, a soft spot for snoozing & added a big bowl of water. After cooing at him for a while, he settled down to watch the world around him.

I then went back across the street to the dive shop, answered the ringing phone and looked out the door to check on Doggie. Gone. He'd chewed through the lead and taken off in a matter of seconds. Cheeky mutt.

So now he's wandering around Exmouth sporting part of one of our good leads (it's red, if you see him) and a decidedly girly girl pink collar with pretty bones on it.

Hopefully, he's trekked straight back to his home like our Girls would do.

If you see him, I would really like our collar back :)

Dog in a trailer - what are people thinking?

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 01:03:00 +0000

Today's post was going to be very different (and now I've posted this same thing on both blogs!), but when I got to Exmouth Diving Centre today to get ready for the day's diving, things changed. Because someone has left their dog locked in one of our trailers.

We don't know whose dog it is and Doggie isn't wearing a collar. He's very frightened & stressed: tail tucked way down between his legs, growls whenever a man comes near the trailer and gives me cautious, hopeful looks when I get close. He doesn't like to look at you and tries to stay away.

Whoever left him did put a dish of water in with him, at least. I fed him a couple of slices of ham that he ate eagerly after oh, so very gently taking it from my fingers. He seems to be a good boy.

We are keeping an eye on him as there's no shade over the trailer and we are hoping his owner comes soon. Thankfully it's nice and cool with a breeze blowing so he should be pretty comfortable for the morning - if laying in a steel trailer by yourself can ever be considered comfortable. Of course, now that I write this, he's crying & throwing himself against the sides of the trailer.

Poor Doggie.

Stay tuned for updates.

Thinking out loud Thursday #1

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:24:00 +0000

Welcome to the first of my 2010 Thinking out Loud Thursdays. I tried to come up with a better alliteration as it seems to be all the rage, but I've never been a huge fan of it & it shows, I think LOL Pretty much this is going to be a (weekly? monthly? who knows how interested I'll be as the year progresses) random collection of things I've thought or seen or been interested in over the past week. I expect it to be a real hodge podge with no real meaning, but maybe you'll find something interesting, too. So hang on, here we go!

I don't know about you, but my computer is ugly. I think I could be more productive if I had something super cool. I want one like this:

Check out SchultzeWORKS

Sweet Hubby moment: A quick phone call a few minutes after he knocked off work - "I have just enough money in my hand for each of us to have a couple of beers. Would you like some?" and he remembered my favourite choice (a big deal, he tends not to remember details so much!)

Saving mashed potatoes:
Have you ever made mashed potatoes that turned out to be just slightly not the right texture? Really yummy but just a little too smooth? I did the other day. (Yes, I said "I"!) But hubby discovered (by accident?) how to fix them right up so they are darned near perfect.

Pop them in a glass baking dish - we used the lid of one so we had a longer, thinner layer rather than a big mass - and put them uncovered in the oven (set to about 180C) for half an hour or so. Make sure not to brown the top. Perfect!

How about jumping rope to get fit?
Dave and I had a little jump-rope-a-thon the other night. Basically we learned that we suck at it. We're not in grade school anymore, Toto. We probably need a little more practice before we try out for the team.
Now this is jumping rope.
Watch the whole thing coz it's just simply amazing!

I see you visualizing exactly the kind of person using this (from There, I Fixed It)

Treadmill time.
Dave has been super good about jumping on the treadmill for some real running action. I'm taking more of a feline approach, as illustrated by Boof.

I love sharks.
Some super cool research on Hammerhead sharks was released this week.

Women's razors.
I know, weird topic, yes? But sometimes I think about these things. Like the other day when Hubby brought me home my very own Ladies Shaver. I'm guessing he did it coz he's not totally behind my using his all the time.

I'm not a huge razor fan. I mean, yes, I use them as needed, but I've never watched one of those ads for the 14 bladed, ergonomically designed, space shuttle tested, engineered by the tops shaving minds on the planet, add a battery to get a buzz (what the hell does the battery powered razor offer over a non-battery powered razor anyway?), demonstrated by some strong jawed male model with a way past five o'clock shadow and thought "Oh my god, that's it! I must have one of those razors RIGHT NOW and my life will be complete!" or, errmmm, "Oh my god, that razor is just thing my husband needs and our lives will be complete!" Perhaps that's just me and ~~I'm~~ we're missing out.

Anyhoo, so Hubby brings home the lady version. Because, obviously, the razors for men won't work on a woman and I've been deluding myself all these years. It's taken a team of 100s and an R&D budget of millions to create the male version, but it's still just not quite right for the fairer sex. Nope. Better do it all again for the ladies.

So, what's different? Well, the women's version is H-U-G-E. Remember those big fat crayons & pencils we had back in kindergarten? The ones our tiny hands just couldn't control very well, but we were all told "It's OK to color outside the lines. That's creative!" Well, now we can relive that experience in our showers. I'm not sure how being creative with our shaving technique is a good thing or how having a honkin' big handle is meant to help those with presumably dainty hands, but what do I know - I'm not in marketing or R&D.

But at least it's a pretty colour.

How can I be four days behind

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 07:10:00 +0000

Amazing, my skillz. It's January 4th and I'm already four days behind this new year. Must be some sort of a record, really. I do hope there's a cool prize.

I had great intentions of making sure I did a blog post at least every other day. I also had great intentions of taking some photos just for fun every single day. Actually, I am doing OK on those, I just haven't really gotten good at downloading, editing and uploading them to share...baby steps. It's always nice to have room to improve, I guess.

So far our 2010 has been interesting.

A tree jumped out of a driveway while Dave was backing up and hurt the back of the Land Cruiser

We've had a water leak out the back that has turned the patio into a bit of a swimming pool; the air-conditioner in the living room coped with the heat - we've been between 46-49C for days now - by leaking a bit of water down the wall and said water may have slightly dripped into a powerboard so now we're pulling all of our cords (you have no idea the sheer number) out and waiting for it all to dry before Dave goes touching anything; I've been out on the boat guiding customers and yesterday did something painfully bad to my ear; for some reason some of the email I try to send to the dive shop simply comes right back to me & we can't figure out why so I spend more time resending via Dave's address just to get it where it needs to go; our treadmill (Dave's been running almost daily, me, not so much) just had its shock absorbers go kaput so now it works but without any incline. Boof does not seem bothered.

We could all learn a lot from Boof.

Since Christmas we've just been doing what we do. Working at the dive shop and out on the boats, taking the Girlies down to the watery place, trying to stay cool, catching up with friends for a few drinks & conversation.

I'm still getting used to one of my new lenses so have been dragging it to the shop and around the house whenever I can. The other day after getting back from our dives there were three emus across the road from Exmouth Diving Centre. Several of our clients headed over to take some photos and one of the girls got adopted pretty quickly as the emus begged for food. Once they saw the only thing to be had was a camera, they resuming plucking scraps from the grass next to where the food van parks five nights a week.

MatildaLily continues to be a most uncooperative subject and her new thing is completely ignoring me when I have a camera

Lobo puts up with me, but I'm pretty sure it was mostly because it was too danged hot for him to get up and move away

Dora isn't super keen on photos, but she's a smoocher when I try to get a shot up close with her...this is the outtake from the other day, but I like it.

Photography is picking up again and I'm spending a lot of time working with clients, answering new emails and creating new options for my brides & portrait clients. I am so looking forward to everything this year!

Welcome 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 09:36:00 +0000

Two weeks ago I had an excellent plan for my first blog post of the year. Then real life crept back in and most of what I thought about where I'd be on this momentous day turned out to be...well...different.

2009 had its ups and downs and mostly I'm pretty happy to see it gone. Again. Seems like the past couple of years have been like that. But I have hopes for 2010, my 40th year. I don't expect it to be all butterflies, sunshine and fairy dust but I'm hoping for a little more of that mixed in, at least. I've got a few more battle scars thanks to '09, but I also have some more strength, some more character, some more sense of who I am and who I want to be. Those are good things.

I know first posts are supposed to be all about the resolutions we're making so here are some of mine. You know, so there's a record!
#1 I'm going to find some more of my wild child, find some more fun, laugh more. I want to stop comparing myself to others or worrying about what others think so much. I want to be confident that I am actually lovable and valuable as just me, even when I don't fit the mold very well.

#2 I turn 40 this year and I am going to get back to the Fit Me. Maybe not the Fit Me I was when I was 23, but the Fit Me who takes better care of herself so she can get out and enjoy everything in life with those she loves. Yeah, Baby - 40 is gonna be fabulous!

#3 I'm going to be more organized, hoard less stuff and keep things tidier in my physical space. Fierce, that's my new motto. Except for my desk. I have a system.

#4 I'm going to wear clothes that are not work clothes sometimes & not put my hair in a sloppy ponytail or under a hat every day. I know, hard to imagine, but I do own things that don't say "Exmouth Diving Centre" or "Ningaloo Reef". Not many things, but some. I may even wear more pink. I will have to buy new shorts.

#5 I'm going to grow my business, Kristin Anderson Photography. I love it, I love my clients, I love experimenting, I love just having a camera in my hands. I love everything about what I'm creating. I want to do it every day! It's my purrfect job (ok, sorry, I had to try to figure out how to stick this photo of a tiger in here)

OK, nuff of the corny "first day of the rest of my life" post. At least I found a use for some of the photos I'd never looked at that I shot with my then spankin' new Canon 40D & Canon 70-200L 2.8 IS lens at the Denver Zoo back in 2007 - see, I've already started organizing & tossing stuff by cleaning a hard drive today! I think that means I can safely put a tick next to #3 above now, right?

It's going to be 43C here tomorrow, I'm going to be out on the boat guiding divers and who knows what else. One thing's for sure, there will be another post of nothing much at all and another photo or two...that's another resolution I'm aiming for :)

Happiest New Year to You All - bring on 2010!

Day 1 of the new year and Dora's already over the whole Mom with Camera thing!

I've got New Year's Pressies for you!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:38:00 +0000

Head over to Kristin Anderson Photography Blog for your chance to win a cool book!

But you've only got 12 hours to be in with a chance! I've got a couple of copies of Dane Sanders Fast Track Photographer to give away FREE and I'm doing it before midnight tonight so hurry and enter -> Yes! I want to win :)

Christmas Day on the ocean

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 23:21:00 +0000

We didn't really have a big Chrissie planned since none of our family was with us - Dave opened some presents early, the Girls & I went to the beach for a big play and then we headed out to a couple of our secret spots in Exmouth Gulf for some diving, fishing & hard relaxing!

It's a hard way to spend the day - gorgeous blue skies & ocean, a deserted island, perfect temperatures, a bbq lunch on board...beats the heck out of what the Midwest had!

I did my first dive since way way back in August. It was a pretty short one since the secret site we were on was very tiny and the day was more about spending time together than spending time underwater. I only shot about 15 frames and most of those were just potshots for giggles so no fabulous stuff, just a few happy snappies to share - of course it wouldn't be a Christmas post without Christmas trees (worms)

Happy Holidays!!

Ho Ho Ho - Merry Christmas to Everyone

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 10:19:00 +0000

A quick kitty & puppy holiday greeting to celebrate Christmas & the holidays. We hope that you all are having a most joyous festive season.

We tried to do a group shot but in the end decided that everyone looked happier with individual portraits! (Honestly, I think the kitties can't wait for next Halloween - mom and I have decided that Drag Kitteh costumes are high on the list of possiblities!)

The Merriest of Christmases to you all!

Merry Christmas Eve to Everyone!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:36:00 +0000

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

A little birdie told me

noreply@blogger.com (Kristin) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:23:00 +0000

"Nice car you got here, Lady"

This is what was waiting for me as I tried to go to work this morning

And he would not get out of the car, moving from the door to the front window - evidently waiting for me to get in and drive him somewhere!

And now for a bit of random: have some fun playing in the snow by clicking here! Thanks to my friend Amber for sending me the game!