Christmas is over.

Christmas is over :( BOO! It went really quick this year, and it really didn't feel like Christmas time. This is Oliver hanging out after everyone has gone. To say the least, it was some trauma for the little guy this past week. First there was a dog in the house who wanted to play (note: cats do not play with dogs), and then a small and energetic boy came. Needless to say, Oliver stayed on our bed high above both for several days.


Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.
And my Flickr account here.

Don't stare at this too long...

LancPhotoMeetup-0041, originally uploaded by miviman.

Check out this photo. It was taken by a member of the Lancaster County Photo group that I'm in. We went to the Lancaster Science Factory for some shots and I'm still trying to figure out where this would have been.

I didn't see a room with a trippy green thing in it...

You can see my photos of here: Photo Rob

Pirates! I've got questions.

Seriously, who would have thought that being a pirate today would be so lucrative.  Granted, there are tons of cyber-pirates out there stealing data from our computers right now, but I'm talking about the kind you find in boats.  Do you think they offer a course in colleges for this sort of thing?  Who's exactly in charge of determining the course of action against pirates? Do we have anti-piracy laws for these 'sea dogs'? 

 

I'm really taken back by this.  There are millions of dollars worth of goods being stolen.  What about re-routing these shipments?  Yes, I know it will take a lot longer and cost more money.  Wouldn't you rather throw millions of dollars to something that is actually working for you not against you?  All of these ransoms are becoming inhibitors and encouragement to future pirates.  I'm sure it's a difficult task to take on and hi-jack a massive tanker or cargo ship on the high sea. 

 

Sorry for all of the questions.  I guess I'm still the 5 year old that always asks 'why?' 5 billion times...

 

 

Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.  

 

Great music!

I was on a Flickr account page of a photographer that I've been following.  He does some 'unique' work and I find it inspirational.  I'll never be able to do what he does most of the time, but it's good to try new things and learn from others. 

 

Anyways, he did some shooting of a musician/artist and had a link to his website.  It's awesome stuff.  Thoroughly enjoyable!!

 

Please go here.  The video is pretty cool too (especially the end!).

 

 

 

 

Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

Christmas in 13 days!

Today's post is all about Christmas.

Not so much as to the meaning of Christmas, but about what people do for Christmas. Every year there are some things that we do that are the same. Some things change. For instance, every year, we go get a real tree. This year, a difference is that we'll actually be in our own home to celebrate. Hardly monumental, I know, but it's the little things that create tradition. One tradition that isn't so little with my wife's family is Swedish dinner. It's awesome. Clearly not healthy, but great! Swedish meatballs, pork & barley, meat korv, potato korv, herring... Stuff to help you last through the winter!

So, even if you think something your family does is an idiotic waste of time, join in. Join in because it's what you're going to remember for a very long time.



Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

Deltec Homes New Model Home

Deltec Homes New Model Home, originally uploaded by rbpeterson2.

Deltec Homes new model home is now open. It is quite nice. If you are in the Asheville, NC area, I would recommend checking it out. You can see it here.

My new job search is now in full swing. It is amazing how many different job boards and forums are out there for job seekers. How do all of these places stay in business? I guess it doesn't take much money to run a website... ? In any case, I've found a few opportunities that interest me, at least on the surface. You never know until you actually talk to someone about the position. I'm focusing in the Operations / Supply Chain end of things. Getting back to my educational roots, as it were. I think being in Sales definitely has helped me see that what you're selling isn't always that the customer is buying.

I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

Wicked Long Time

So it's been a wicked long time since my last post... which was... Yeah, that long ago.

I've officially let most everyone at my current work know that I'm looking elsewhere. It goes back several years really. In my very first interview with my now boss, I told him that I was not planning on being a sales person for life. I needed to move up in the world and if it worked out, I would move up within the company. As it turns out, not too much upward mobility. Not a huge deal though, there are other pastures out there - I'm not necessarily looking for a greener one, just another one that is green.

Thus the delay in posting. My daily 'struggle', as it were, has been looking for a new career opportunity. Which, on the on set doesn't really sound too time consuming. I was thinking of looking online and in the paper every once and a while, not giving it much time or thought. Kind of a, "If I see something that interests me, then I'll go for it" kind of thing. I wouldn't say that I've escalated to a full-scale "Operation New Career" DEFCON 5 or anything. Maybe I've gone from a 1 to a 3. So, increased urgency, but nevertheless, it's still by my choice which makes the pressure and urgency all self-imposed.

This past weekend was great! We got a Christmas tree on Saturday in record time. No joke. We were walking by the racks were the pre-cut trees are, and both A. and I saw a tree and said, "This one's great! But too bad it's tagged." Seconds later, to our surprise, the "tagged" tree was tagged with a price tag - not a reserved tag! A. went around to other trees to see if there were any other viable options while I stood quasi in line and tell people that they can get in front of me... 20 minutes later, we're on the road back home. Good stuff.

Another great thing; saw my best friend since 5th grade. He and his wife might be moving to the area - yay! Big YAY! And, they're "with child." Kind of weird at first to know that the kid you used to play GI Joes with is going to be a dad. Oddly enough, that was the first thing I thought of. The mind is weird like that. So, now, not only do I have find myself a 'job' but I'm on the hunt for him as well! He hasn't charged me with the duty, but what else are friends for, right?

Well, it's now 8:01 AM on a Monday morning. A wicked cold morning. Like 18 degrees when I woke up cold. B-r-r-r.

I'll get back to work now... I'll do better with posting. I apologize.


Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

Something to think about...

“There are risks and costs to a program of action. But they are far less than the long-range
risks and costs of comfortable
inaction.”

John F. Kennedy (1917-1963)

35th President of the United
States

The Human Calendar

So, I can't even begin to tell you why I've been so delinquent in my postings lately. Some of it trivial, some of it life altering - most of it just not being around! I've collected quite a few items to share that I've found out there on the internet, so I'll start posting these soon. First up: The Human Calendar.


Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

Supersonic Camera

This is pretty cool!

 

Cough Caught on Supersonic Camera:

http://gizmodo.com/5069798/cough-captured-on-film-using-supersonic-photography-technique

Go Penn State!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rob Peterson <rbpeterson.ii@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:33:49 -0400
Subject: Go Penn State!
To: rbpeterson.ii.365230@gmail.com

PSU pulled out another win - in the horseshoe of Ohio State! Of all
places, Joe Pa was able to get a win someplace that he hasn't been
able to since 1978. They are still listed at #3 in the BCS, but I'm
sure they'll be moving up. Not to mention, they have a huge
opportunity to go 12-0. Kudos to Clark, but it wasn't Clark that
finished the game as the PSU QB, it was Devlin. So what happened to
Clark? Lame excuse came during the game tha siad he was hit hard and
was 'foggy'. But, looking at how upset he was and by the way he was
moving on the sideline, the only thing he was foggy about was how to
connect to his receivers. Hopefully, his HD vision will be coming back
next week for Iowa.

--
Sent from my mobile device

--
Sent from my mobile device

The Hill

Wow. Ex-Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan is getting grilled today on the Hill...

I'll be traveling to a Log Home Show in Chantilly, VA tomorrow. I'm not 100% sure how the turn-out is going to be with the current economic conditions. However, I believe there is still a lot of people out there that have a longer term mindset; do what you can now while you can - the future price is only going to be higher. Same with the stock market... That's why Warren Buffet is out there spending billions of dollars. Must be nice! :)



Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

So McCain was going off the wrong side of the stage, and as he turned to show that he knew he was wrong, he made this face. Don't people know there are a few hundred other people wielding cameras that can capture moments like this that last forever?! It is quite a funny picture though. Makes me laugh. Hey, those who can't make fun of themselves are too fragile for 'public' office...
Photo credits: Jim Bourg/Reuter (can also be found online here)


Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

Farm show

So we went to the farm show... lovely time. There are always a lot of interesting people at the farm show. Good folks out for the evening enjoying the local produce, animals, and food. The food draws the real crowds. Where else can you can get a sausage sandwich, waffle fries, pizza, gyros, chili and a milkshake all in one place?

I've been doing quite a bit more in ways of photography. I tentatively may be shooting some friends... they have 3 kids so it might be hangout and take pictures in the 'natural' environment while they play and what not. Always a good time though.

Today is training day at work... 9-12 and then 2-3. Awesome!

Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

Warfield

Spent a day at the Warfield's. They have a very happy little girl and another on the way... Here she is playing at the playground having a grand time! You can see more: here.

Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

Funny commercial

I love this commercial... watch it again. It's funny!


(you can also see it on Mastercard's website; scroll to find "Robot Dance")

Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

Reading for kicks

Sorry it's been a while since my last post. I really don't have an excuse... I've been busy with stuff, but nothing of such great urgency that it would cause me to not write something -- anything.

I've been reading and studying more about photography as of late. It is interesting the number of different approaches you can take to learn to do something. Some just do it and learn 'on-the-job', which is good for experimenting. Some have to learn from being with or watching someone else do it, until they get comfortable doing it themselves. I do both of these approaches, but also do the learn-by-reading method. It's always been something that I believe in; if you can read it and read it to understand it, you can do it.

I think that is a problem with a lot of people... they want things done for them. No one seems to want to actually 'do' (let alone learn!). It ties into our 'now' society that we've created with fast-food, drive-thru's, instant coffee and instant downloads. There are some people that haven't read a book since high school. Not bad if you're a freshman or sophomore in college; really bad if you're turning 50 this year. Reading for fun/enjoyment or to gain knowledge doesn't seem to happen anymore. So my challenge to the 2 people that may read this is to go and read a book between now and the end of the year.

Currently reading: "Sell and Resell your Photos" and "The Kite Runner".
Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

Great weekend.

Two great friends.

Our friend C. visited today. She's been a great friend since high school. We all have lasted through college and through post-college higher education living hundreds of miles away from each other. After a fun weekend (like the one we had this weekend), you come away from it feeling very blessed that you have such people in your life. It's intriguing when you think back to the number of people that you've introduced yourself to and been introduced to by others and why some people stick with you.

I'm very happy that I have a lot of friends that if I needed to call them for something, they woudl be available for me. I hope you do, too!

Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

Office Visitor

So, I was walking by my coworker's cubicle and something was scurrying across the desk...

This nice 'little' fellow was clearly lost. After several shots, I took him outside where he belongs.

After all of the hype of the VP debates; who was going to freeze-up, who was going to mis-quote and put their shoe in their mouth... all of the big ideas that both VP candidates were going to ruin their tickets... a bust! I thought they both did a pretty good job answering and side-stepping questions and turning answers that pointed towards their running mates. It definitely wasn't the circus that the media was portraying. But, you have to ask yourself, "how often does the media drum 'it' up?" ['it' being most things thought to be crucial in society]

Have a good one!

Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

OpenOffice

I found this today and it's quite cool. If you're tired of paying Microsoft, I suggest you look into this. It's completely compatable with Microsoft docs... Check it out:
http://www.java.com/en/download/openoffice.jsp

Enjoy and happy creating!

It's the weekend!

A. 30th birthday was a success (in my book). A. and I took off work yesterday for her birthday, so that's one good thing! I woke up yesterday morning really early and put 'the gift' on her side of the bed on the night stand. She woke up and said, 'I see a bow!'. So she opened up her gift from me bright and early in the morning. I got her a pair of diamond stud earrings. She's been wanting them for some time, so why not on a milestone b-day? I must say, they look quite good on her!

We originally took off for the birthday and to go hiking, but being 66 and raining, we had to find something else to do. A.'s parents came down for the weekend; dinner out last night; and then the weekend is up in the air. It's now supposed to be rainy all weekend (I think we're to get aroun 1.5" tomorrow), so we won't be doing to much outside. Guess we'll have to stay in and watch football!:)

Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

One day to go...

Only one day to go to A.'s birthday! Well, I guess only one night really... Today's surprise was quite funny. I took our spare key to our car and told her to close her eyes. I then led her to the garage and opened the door. I told her, "once I hand you what I'm holding, you can open your eyes.". I handed it [the key] to her and she felt around it with her hands and her eyes got big. I stepped away and there, in the garage was a new Volvo XC90!! Oh, yeah, a brand new Matchbox Volvo XC90 :). Laughter followed :).

Funny. Priceless. I'm glad she didn't have a heart attack!

Delivery Day

A. big gift is coming today. I have to have it delivered to work, so it's not sitting around on the front porch at home. Not to mention, the vendor that I ordered it from requires the purchaser to actually sign for it - not a neighbor, receptionist, or spouse - the actual purchaser. Which is good in a way. Takes some liability away from them I guess...

A lot of financial happenings as of late. I got a call from a developer who is fairly sure that the project he's working on is going down the tubes because the lender may be going bankrupt. I'm trying to research some lenders for him, but things are a lot different than they were a year ago - even 6 months ago. Save your pennies - 2009 is going to be farely bumpy as well.

Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

Wallpaper

I'm using this as my desktop at work right now. It was created using a process I call "70MPH". That is, put a slow shutter speed on your camera, place the camera safely so you can take a picture out the window - all while traveling in your car at 70MPH. Disclaimer: Please have someone else drive while you're performing this task - do not drive & click!

I think I'm over the Steelers losing to the Eagles this past Sunday. I can't believe the speed of the Eagles' defensive line. They didn't show that kind of speed against the Cowboys last Monday night (when they got trampled), but I guess a morale buster like the Cowboys loss will strike a fire under you to ultra-perform!

There has been some big news going on here at the bank, we've been sold. Not a huge deal at this point, but we'll see what the future holds. There is quite a bit of information in the press release and an online article.

The countdown continues for A. big 3-0 birthday. Her big gift should be coming tomorrow (cross fingers). I haven't told anyone what it is, other than the people that I've collaborated with on the specifics of the gift... i.e. using my connections to get a deal or two! ;)

Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

Happy Anniversary!

Here's a little spider that I found while hiking with A. at Governor Dick's park. I've often seen these spiders around but never know how to find out what kind they are...

Today was the big 0-6 for A. and I for our anniversary... this is a short day to write... my apologies.

:)

Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

I think these old barns are really cool. This one in particular is from the 1800's with some updates added to it. I particularly like the cut opens for ventilation. This is one of many of 1000s of tobacco barns that are in Lancaster County, PA.

I got up extra early today and fertilized the yard and washed the car. All exciting, I know... so, now I have to hang a canoe in the garage, finish the car up and hopefully get out for some exercise somewhere. A. and I are celebrating our 6th anniversary this weekend, so we'll have some good grub tonight when we go out to dinner; Rosa Rosa Restorante Italiano.

Enjoy your day!

Don't forget to visit my photoblog here.

Mowing in the fall

Isn't it unbelievable how frequently you have to mow in the fall? All of a sudden, the grass decides to take on a life of its own and it's hard to keep up! I just got back from NC on Sunday night, mowed on Monday morning and I did it again this evening! (Monday, I had to mow twice since it was so high.)

I digress. I've picked up a new t.v. show this fall and dropped Heroes. Heroes is a good show, but I can't keep up with it on the day that it's on and I have usually watched 1 show earlier that night so it makes me think I've seen enough t.v. by that point. The new show is Fringe on Fox. It's a bit X-Files-ish/CSI/Knight Rider(the older good one)/A-team-ish. Yeah, hard to believe a show with that mix would actually be good, but it is!

I got A.'s big 3-0 present today. She's either going to be excited or upset; t-minus 7 days til we find out which one it will be!

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Great website

I found a great website today pre-work hours whilst browsing the internet. It's a photographer's website and he offers many tips and tricks on all things photographic. His website: http://www.johnpaulcaponigro.com/

A. and I went out last night as part of her 30-days of surprises. The original intent was going to the Country Barn & Market, and go into the pumpkin patch and get our own pumpkins. They only do that on Saturdays. Strike one. Well, this was a two part surprise; the other part was to do country line dancing. There was supposed to be an hour beginning of instruction and then they let you loose! We got into the big barn to get our country line learning on... these people that were already there - pros. Seriously, if there is a pro country line dancing circuit, these people were on it. We watched for a little bit, but feeling quite intimidated when the instructor said, "Now, I can show y'all a great shortcut for the jazz-box." The what? Everyone else there was shaking their heads up and down like they knew what he was talking about... Strike two.

So, we went and played miniature golf instead! A. shot 3 hole-in-one's! Three! I won't say who won the game! :)

Greener Pastures

I have an assistant.  As of next Thursday, I will be saying, "I had an assistant."  In a mutually agreed benefit to both of us, my assistant has found another position.  I am quite sure she will be happier with her new employer - her husband!  As they say, all's well that ends well.  It has certainly ended well.  So, I wish her well and best of luck.

 

 

Amazing

Check this out:

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_1173.html

 

Quite amazing!

Back!

Coming back to the office is always interesting. I've been out of the office for 2 entire days but the amount of messages, emails and 'other' items that accumulate during that period seem to amount to a week. How does that happen? So, a busy day indeed.

This morning, I got to mow my lawn - twice. It was too long with all of the recent rain to be able to mow normally. I raised the deck up one notch and mowed in one direction, then lowered it to the normal position and mowed perpendicularly to the first pass. Two hours later, a fine looking yard!

It's starting to feel like fall - my favorite season! Enjoy the weather!

Seminar day

Today is the finance seminar. This is the 20th seminar that I've done at this location! It doesn't sound like that many to some people, but considering I drive from PA to NC, it's quite a few miles!

Normally, things go fine. There have been times that something goes wrong. A year or so ago, there were caterpillars all over; one time during the spring, it was raining a lot and there was a leak in the roof at the hotel. It wasn't known until the ceiling tile collapsed down into the seminar! Todays excitement, fire alarm! Nothing like getting behind your schedule with a fire alarm. Hopefully, the rest of the day goes well :)

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Asheville, NC

Have you ever gone to a place in the United States and thought, "I can't believe this is in the U.S." That's Asheville, NC. If you've never been here, it's great. There is a huge amount of culture, natural parks, and tourist-type things to do. I'm here every 2 months for a financing seminar. It's a good excuse for a mini-vacation :)

I played a round of golf today. By the 12th hole, I was getting into a pretty good groove -- missing birdies and making pars :) It was a good time. But, when you're not at work in an office, and playing a game, when wouldn't it be a good time?

So, I got down here yesterday. When I went to check in, the hotel folks didn't have my reservation. Total bummer. So, while other people are waiting behind me, I'm assuring the nice young lady behind the counter that I always have a room for the seminar, and I'm here every 2 months for the past 3 years... She kept telling me that they didn't have a room and I didn't have a reservation. Finally, after about 10-15 minutes of me talking, there was a room available. ?? Yeah, it's magic apparently. I didn't get my normal room, but I got another that's equally as 'nice' as you can expect from a hotel built in the 70's.

I'm off to dinner... bon apetite!

McCain - Palin

So, the Republican team is in town today. There are quite a few people headed to see them this afternoon, just as there were when Obama-Biden were in town last week. I'm not 100% sure why our area is a battleground area. The demographic for our area, combined with the population, I think the would be better suited to go to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh surrounding areas. But, alas, I'm not a political strategist.

On a positive note, I've got a short work week this week with a corporate sales meeting one day, and then some traveling for two days. Effectively making my work week two days long. Awesome.

Some recent 30-days of giving for A. - chick-flick night. "PS I love you" and "Definitely, Maybe" were the chosen flicks. Surprisingly, both were done quite well. Definitely was better for me; more humor, more upbeat storyline, better use of angles for shots, etc. PS was somewhat of a downer, but a good story. Overall, definitely chick-flicks :)

Football

Football season is here! That's great! My two teams - Penn State (for college) and Pittsburgh (for the pros) - won this weekend, so it's all good! Football always makes it seem like fall way before it really is... it even smelled like fall outside.

Big news over the weekend - Freddie & Fannie placed into conservatorship which really wasn't a surprise that it happened, but at the same time, it will be interesting to see what changes are made in the lending world. And, if and when those changes occur, how it will impact my job specifically. Writing on the wall or paranoia?

Hannah has arrived!

It's been quite the rainy and dreary day today - which makes for an indoor lounging around kind of day. Well, lounging begins when all of inside house chores get done... awesome. It's rained now for about 7 to 8 hours straight with no immediate sign of letting up.

We have some friends that are getting married today... they are going to have tons of luck!

Before the rain really started, we went to a great little place called The Fractured Prune. Great donuts! You can check them out: http://www.fracturedprune.com. Tempting to go everyday :)

Wow!

So, there has been quite a bit of a shake-up at work in the last week. I can't really give too many specifics, but as yesterday's post implied... "thankful to have a job" type thing... I'll say know more.

This month is A.'s birthday. It's the big 3-0. Yikes! Most people make a big deal about it, but I don't think that she is, at least as of yet. I'm doing 30 days of gifts, and so far so good. They haven't been anything huge, or too important, but it's a fun idea.

Please feel free to share any ideas that you may have... :) I'll make no guarantees, but I'll at least make a consideration!

Another day, done. Keep on living!

Another day...

It's another day to go to work... blah. But, on the upside, at least I have a job! :)

As usual, our Tuesday (yesterday) involved going to the local farmer's market. If you have one nearby, you should definitely check it out. Not only are the foods their fresh and local, it's amazing how inexpensive they are. Initially, that was my main reason for going there. Let's be honest, who wants to pay $3 for a head of lettuce when you can get it for a $1 for the exact same thing (except it's local and probably hasn't been sprayed with something to keep a prolonged shelf-life)?!



I don't really eat radishes or green onions (unless they're actually cooked in something). But look how great they look!


So go find a farmer's market and support your local farmers! :)

Missed a day already!

So, I missed a day of posting already! But, in my own defense, it was a holiday weekend and I was in NYC visiting my good friend C.

The weekend was great, with only one disappointment. So, I read this story in a magazine about a guy who went home one evening to his folks. He was discussing "life" with his dad and they started talking about how great 'grandpa's donuts' were back when he made them. So, they dug out an old recipe and made donuts. This guy loved making donuts so much that night that he decided that's what he wanted to do. So, he started making donuts in the night in his apartment (which his roomy hated) so that he could deliver them nice and fresh in the morning. Well, they took off as he started making donuts for more and more places. It got to be a stretch to deliver donuts on his bicycle, so he had to move out of the apartment and get an actual bakery. Great story, so I thought I'd go check out these donuts and support someone who is so passionate about their craft.

Well, being the holiday weekend, they were closed. Totally not expecting that; 1) it's NYC, and 2) I would think that he would have someone else running the shop by now! Oh well, gives me something to visit the next time.

I'll be sure post a photo on my photoblog: rbpeterson2.com.

Welcome year 29!

This is it! The start of my 29th year of existence. I guess technically, that would have been about 9 months prior to my actual birthday, but let's not get technical.

First, I would like to thank those who made it possible; namely, my parents! Thanks Mom! Thanks Dad! :)

Seriously, though, I have a very blessed (and lucky) life and hopefully will be able to share this with you. I hope to post a photo and some item of text about me and what's going on daily. If you care to share in the ride, great! If not, no big deal either.

You can also see my daily photo-only blog at: http://www.rbpeterson2.com/ - feel free to critique, it's the only way you get better!

So, here's to my first post!

Cheers!