Well, my last weekend in Des Moines for a while sure was fun...but I didn't accomplish much for my trip. I did purchase a new Flip video camera for my adventures...but outside of that, I should have gotten more done.
Friday night began with a birthday party for a few friends celebrating January birthdays at the High Life Lounge downtown. I was a tad over-served and was a little sore for a 9am commitment I had made. Oh well, a couple of naps later, I was back to normal. Sunday was a lazy day that started with an early breakfast, then a trip to Costco later in the afternoon. I did get a couple of things for my trip - the Filp camera, some Starbucks Via instant coffee and some candy for my training classes. So I guess I was productive!
Sunday night I had a little get together with some friends downtown at Hessen Haus, a German restaurant/bar with really good food. It was great to see everyone, and it meant a lot to me that they showed up to see me off!
As of right now I still have a trip to Target, picking up contacts, and a few small errands left on my list. Oh yeah, and laundry and packing. But come on, I still have 2 full days, right?
Weekend well spent!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Well, my last weekend in Des Moines for a while sure was fun...but I didn't accomplish much for my trip. I did purchase a new Flip video camera for my adventures...but outside of that, I should have gotten more done.
Friday night began with a birthday party for a few friends celebrating January birthdays at the High Life Lounge downtown. I was a tad over-served and was a little sore for a 9am commitment I had made. Oh well, a couple of naps later, I was back to normal. Sunday was a lazy day that started with an early breakfast, then a trip to Costco later in the afternoon. I did get a couple of things for my trip - the Filp camera, some Starbucks Via instant coffee and some candy for my training classes. So I guess I was productive!
Sunday night I had a little get together with some friends downtown at Hessen Haus, a German restaurant/bar with really good food. It was great to see everyone, and it meant a lot to me that they showed up to see me off!
As of right now I still have a trip to Target, picking up contacts, and a few small errands left on my list. Oh yeah, and laundry and packing. But come on, I still have 2 full days, right?
Wow - this trip is happening fast! I can't believe there is only a week before I leave for The Philippines! I've mentioned before that I want to be totally honest on here, what I'm thinking and feeling about my travels - its not always glamorous and fun. I've been a little stressed/anxious about getting things done, shopping, packing and actually getting to Manila. I'm coming to terms with the personal relationships that will be put on hold while I'm away. I know that I will relax a little when I board my flight in Des Moines; but in the mean time, I'm surviving on lists. To-do lists, to-buy lists, to-pack lists and a list to keep track of my lists (just kidding!).
I think back to when I first heard about this project, I was so excited at the idea, I was pretty sure I wanted to move there. Sadly, that wasn't an option. I'm kind of getting a chuckle over my excitement then - if I am this stressed getting ready for 10 weeks, how they heck would I be if I were moving there for a few years?!?!?!
Last weekend I completed my major buys - a trip to Costco for personal care items (shampoo, contact solution, soap) and an afternoon at Target for a few groceries and to wrap up my personal items. But since Sunday afternoon...my purchases have sat in bags in my packing/staging area in the basement, looking like this:
Actually, its looked more like this:
because of two very curious puppies. Thankfully, they didn't do any damage. I knew it was time for me to start organizing my purchases. My shampoo and conditioner from Costco came in huge bottles (probably way more than enough, but I'll leave any left overs for my buddies traveling after me). I realized that the bottles were too large for even the gallon size Ziploc bags. Boo! I don't want to risk getting shampoo all over my clothes! Then I remembered my mom has a Food Saver - you know where you can vacuum seal bags shut? Light bulb! The roll of bags means that I can make a bag large enough for my shampoo & conditioner bottles!
Let me tell you that vacuum sealers are a gateway drug. It started off with a simple custom bag, and ended up looking like this:
I think back to when I first heard about this project, I was so excited at the idea, I was pretty sure I wanted to move there. Sadly, that wasn't an option. I'm kind of getting a chuckle over my excitement then - if I am this stressed getting ready for 10 weeks, how they heck would I be if I were moving there for a few years?!?!?!
Last weekend I completed my major buys - a trip to Costco for personal care items (shampoo, contact solution, soap) and an afternoon at Target for a few groceries and to wrap up my personal items. But since Sunday afternoon...my purchases have sat in bags in my packing/staging area in the basement, looking like this:
Actually, its looked more like this:
Let me tell you that vacuum sealers are a gateway drug. It started off with a simple custom bag, and ended up looking like this:
 |
| See the notepad? Yup, another list! |
Yes. I vacuum sealed all of my liquids.
Make fun all you want, I deserve it. But here is my logic. I suck at physics, but since the containers are vacuum sealed within the bag, they shouldn't leak, right? And if they did, the spill would be contained to the individual bag!
Or it will fail miserably, but it will be a really funny story!
One Week!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wow - this trip is happening fast! I can't believe there is only a week before I leave for The Philippines! I've mentioned before that I want to be totally honest on here, what I'm thinking and feeling about my travels - its not always glamorous and fun. I've been a little stressed/anxious about getting things done, shopping, packing and actually getting to Manila. I'm coming to terms with the personal relationships that will be put on hold while I'm away. I know that I will relax a little when I board my flight in Des Moines; but in the mean time, I'm surviving on lists. To-do lists, to-buy lists, to-pack lists and a list to keep track of my lists (just kidding!).
I think back to when I first heard about this project, I was so excited at the idea, I was pretty sure I wanted to move there. Sadly, that wasn't an option. I'm kind of getting a chuckle over my excitement then - if I am this stressed getting ready for 10 weeks, how they heck would I be if I were moving there for a few years?!?!?!
Last weekend I completed my major buys - a trip to Costco for personal care items (shampoo, contact solution, soap) and an afternoon at Target for a few groceries and to wrap up my personal items. But since Sunday afternoon...my purchases have sat in bags in my packing/staging area in the basement, looking like this:
Actually, its looked more like this:
because of two very curious puppies. Thankfully, they didn't do any damage. I knew it was time for me to start organizing my purchases. My shampoo and conditioner from Costco came in huge bottles (probably way more than enough, but I'll leave any left overs for my buddies traveling after me). I realized that the bottles were too large for even the gallon size Ziploc bags. Boo! I don't want to risk getting shampoo all over my clothes! Then I remembered my mom has a Food Saver - you know where you can vacuum seal bags shut? Light bulb! The roll of bags means that I can make a bag large enough for my shampoo & conditioner bottles!
Let me tell you that vacuum sealers are a gateway drug. It started off with a simple custom bag, and ended up looking like this:
I think back to when I first heard about this project, I was so excited at the idea, I was pretty sure I wanted to move there. Sadly, that wasn't an option. I'm kind of getting a chuckle over my excitement then - if I am this stressed getting ready for 10 weeks, how they heck would I be if I were moving there for a few years?!?!?!
Last weekend I completed my major buys - a trip to Costco for personal care items (shampoo, contact solution, soap) and an afternoon at Target for a few groceries and to wrap up my personal items. But since Sunday afternoon...my purchases have sat in bags in my packing/staging area in the basement, looking like this:
Actually, its looked more like this:
Let me tell you that vacuum sealers are a gateway drug. It started off with a simple custom bag, and ended up looking like this:
|
| See the notepad? Yup, another list! |
Yes. I vacuum sealed all of my liquids.
Make fun all you want, I deserve it. But here is my logic. I suck at physics, but since the containers are vacuum sealed within the bag, they shouldn't leak, right? And if they did, the spill would be contained to the individual bag!
Or it will fail miserably, but it will be a really funny story!
My travel has been booked for awhile now, but I realized yesterday that I hadn't yet shared it with anyone!
Date: Thursday, February 3rd
Flight 1: 10:07am Des Moines, Iowa (DSM) to Detroit, Michigan (DTW) Delta flight #3012 arriving at 1:13pm (12:13pm central)
Flight 2: 3:35pm (2:35pm central) Detroit (DTW) to Manila (MNL) Delta flight #629 arriving at 12:10am on Saturday, February 5th (9:10am central on February 4th. While this is a non-stop flight, it stops in Nagoya, Japan (NKM) but I believe I will stay on the same plane.
Twenty-three hours of travel, more if you count getting to the airport in Des Moines and transportation from the airport to my apartment in Manila. I'm a little nervous for the flight from Detroit to Manila, at almost 18 hours, it is nearly twice as long as the longest flight I've been on.
***Warning: Upcoming TMI****
I don't pee on airplanes. Even with international travel, it is something I avoid like the plague. On my last trip to India, I did not use the airplane bathrooms once. I planned my dehydration so that I used the restrooms at the airports in Des Moines, Chicago, London and Hyderabad. That's it. This is extremely dangerous as it increases your risks for a bazillion different medical conditions, including Deep Vein Thrombosis. Please don't be as foolish as me. On my return trip, I was bumped up to business class where I was greeted with champagne and the wine kept flowing...I had zero problems using the restroom on board that flight.
***TMI over***
One threat to long distance travel is Deep Vein Thrombosis, so I've decided to get a pair of those dorky medical socks that will (hopefully) keep me safe and healthy on these flights. I'm also interested to see how the stop over in Japan goes. Don't worry, you know I'll be back with a full update!
Here's the plan!
Date: Thursday, February 3rd
Flight 1: 10:07am Des Moines, Iowa (DSM) to Detroit, Michigan (DTW) Delta flight #3012 arriving at 1:13pm (12:13pm central)
Flight 2: 3:35pm (2:35pm central) Detroit (DTW) to Manila (MNL) Delta flight #629 arriving at 12:10am on Saturday, February 5th (9:10am central on February 4th. While this is a non-stop flight, it stops in Nagoya, Japan (NKM) but I believe I will stay on the same plane.
Twenty-three hours of travel, more if you count getting to the airport in Des Moines and transportation from the airport to my apartment in Manila. I'm a little nervous for the flight from Detroit to Manila, at almost 18 hours, it is nearly twice as long as the longest flight I've been on.
***Warning: Upcoming TMI****
I don't pee on airplanes. Even with international travel, it is something I avoid like the plague. On my last trip to India, I did not use the airplane bathrooms once. I planned my dehydration so that I used the restrooms at the airports in Des Moines, Chicago, London and Hyderabad. That's it. This is extremely dangerous as it increases your risks for a bazillion different medical conditions, including Deep Vein Thrombosis. Please don't be as foolish as me. On my return trip, I was bumped up to business class where I was greeted with champagne and the wine kept flowing...I had zero problems using the restroom on board that flight.
***TMI over***
One threat to long distance travel is Deep Vein Thrombosis, so I've decided to get a pair of those dorky medical socks that will (hopefully) keep me safe and healthy on these flights. I'm also interested to see how the stop over in Japan goes. Don't worry, you know I'll be back with a full update!
Whats the (flight) plan, Stan?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
My travel has been booked for awhile now, but I realized yesterday that I hadn't yet shared it with anyone!
Date: Thursday, February 3rd
Flight 1: 10:07am Des Moines, Iowa (DSM) to Detroit, Michigan (DTW) Delta flight #3012 arriving at 1:13pm (12:13pm central)
Flight 2: 3:35pm (2:35pm central) Detroit (DTW) to Manila (MNL) Delta flight #629 arriving at 12:10am on Saturday, February 5th (9:10am central on February 4th. While this is a non-stop flight, it stops in Nagoya, Japan (NKM) but I believe I will stay on the same plane.
Twenty-three hours of travel, more if you count getting to the airport in Des Moines and transportation from the airport to my apartment in Manila. I'm a little nervous for the flight from Detroit to Manila, at almost 18 hours, it is nearly twice as long as the longest flight I've been on.
***Warning: Upcoming TMI****
I don't pee on airplanes. Even with international travel, it is something I avoid like the plague. On my last trip to India, I did not use the airplane bathrooms once. I planned my dehydration so that I used the restrooms at the airports in Des Moines, Chicago, London and Hyderabad. That's it. This is extremely dangerous as it increases your risks for a bazillion different medical conditions, including Deep Vein Thrombosis. Please don't be as foolish as me. On my return trip, I was bumped up to business class where I was greeted with champagne and the wine kept flowing...I had zero problems using the restroom on board that flight.
***TMI over***
One threat to long distance travel is Deep Vein Thrombosis, so I've decided to get a pair of those dorky medical socks that will (hopefully) keep me safe and healthy on these flights. I'm also interested to see how the stop over in Japan goes. Don't worry, you know I'll be back with a full update!
Here's the plan!
Date: Thursday, February 3rd
Flight 1: 10:07am Des Moines, Iowa (DSM) to Detroit, Michigan (DTW) Delta flight #3012 arriving at 1:13pm (12:13pm central)
Flight 2: 3:35pm (2:35pm central) Detroit (DTW) to Manila (MNL) Delta flight #629 arriving at 12:10am on Saturday, February 5th (9:10am central on February 4th. While this is a non-stop flight, it stops in Nagoya, Japan (NKM) but I believe I will stay on the same plane.
Twenty-three hours of travel, more if you count getting to the airport in Des Moines and transportation from the airport to my apartment in Manila. I'm a little nervous for the flight from Detroit to Manila, at almost 18 hours, it is nearly twice as long as the longest flight I've been on.
***Warning: Upcoming TMI****
I don't pee on airplanes. Even with international travel, it is something I avoid like the plague. On my last trip to India, I did not use the airplane bathrooms once. I planned my dehydration so that I used the restrooms at the airports in Des Moines, Chicago, London and Hyderabad. That's it. This is extremely dangerous as it increases your risks for a bazillion different medical conditions, including Deep Vein Thrombosis. Please don't be as foolish as me. On my return trip, I was bumped up to business class where I was greeted with champagne and the wine kept flowing...I had zero problems using the restroom on board that flight.
***TMI over***
One threat to long distance travel is Deep Vein Thrombosis, so I've decided to get a pair of those dorky medical socks that will (hopefully) keep me safe and healthy on these flights. I'm also interested to see how the stop over in Japan goes. Don't worry, you know I'll be back with a full update!
Is a question I am commonly asked. (In fact, I should probably add it to my FAQ page) The truth is, packing for a long trip (3 weeks or more) is pretty easy. Step 1: Open suitcase. Step 2: Pack everything. Step 3: Hope suitcase closes.
I kid you not. I have more packing anxiety over a week long trip than any of my three-plus week adventures. With short trips you have to plan outfits. I'm always left wondering, "what if it rains?" "what if I don't feel like wearing this" "what if I spill on myself?"
Long trips are easy, you just open your suitcase and throw everything in. Well, at least everything that is current season and meets the needs of your trip. Three weeks in Augusta for business, I'd pack all my in-season work clothes, and a couple of pairs of work shoes plus a few pairs of jeans and a couple of t-shirts for the weekends. Easy! Its also pretty comforting to know that if I forget to pack anything (socks and contact solution are two of my most commonly forgotten items), there is always a Target. Love me some Tar-jay.
This trip is a little more complicated. I need to pack clothes for 85 degree weather.
Its January. In Iowa. I have forgotten what 85 degree weather looks like, and need to pull out clothes from last summer to pack. Also - no Target in Manila.
So I new this trip would require a little more planning than I'm used to. Okay, any planning would be more than I'm used to. I started out my planning with a pretty slick packing list from knockknock.biz that the Easter Bunny brought me a few years back from Urban Outfitters.
I was pretty doubtful that I would need everything on the list, but it was a great place to start. I used excel to create two lists, To Pack and To Buy. I ran into a challenge that was kind of embarrassing. When I was trying to estimate how much shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, etc. I would need for 10 weeks, I was completely lost. I'm not really sure when I was recently in the same place for ten weeks. I have all of my supplies for home, and then a tote with all of my travel items. So I did my best when guessing how much - any I can leave any extra stuff for the ambassadors that arrive after me.
Another weird thing is I am packing food for this trip. Certainly not ten weeks of food, but a colleague who is already there recommended that I pack some easy rice and pasta dishes to take for lunch into the office. I have absolutely no intention of turning into the woman I met in India who was living off of peanut butter crackers and bottled water, but working US days means that it will be night in The Philippines, and finding lunch options at 2am isn't easy.
This weekend I got about 90% of my shopping completed with a trip to Costco and Target. At Costco, I purchased most of my personal stuff (shampoo, conditioner, contact solution) and Target was the perfect stop for the rest of my personal stuff plus some groceries like easy mac and rice pilaf. I have it on pretty good authority that butter in The Philippines will be good, but that I won't like the milk; so I made sure all of the items only call for water or butter.
I'm also packing a multivitamin that is high in both vitamin D and calcium. Working nights means that I'll have less exposure to the sun which will limit my natural vitamin D intake, and without a big glass of milk every day, less calcium too. After a quick trip to the doctor last week, she updated my Tetanus vaccination (which will also protect me from diphtheria and pertussis) and provided me with a prescription for a sleep aid. Its not something I'll need to rely on nightly, but I can use it to help reset my sleep pattern after that long flight.
Who would have thought that I'd be this ready for my trip? I still have about 10 days left!
Isn't it hard to pack for that long?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Is a question I am commonly asked. (In fact, I should probably add it to my FAQ page) The truth is, packing for a long trip (3 weeks or more) is pretty easy. Step 1: Open suitcase. Step 2: Pack everything. Step 3: Hope suitcase closes.
I kid you not. I have more packing anxiety over a week long trip than any of my three-plus week adventures. With short trips you have to plan outfits. I'm always left wondering, "what if it rains?" "what if I don't feel like wearing this" "what if I spill on myself?"
Long trips are easy, you just open your suitcase and throw everything in. Well, at least everything that is current season and meets the needs of your trip. Three weeks in Augusta for business, I'd pack all my in-season work clothes, and a couple of pairs of work shoes plus a few pairs of jeans and a couple of t-shirts for the weekends. Easy! Its also pretty comforting to know that if I forget to pack anything (socks and contact solution are two of my most commonly forgotten items), there is always a Target. Love me some Tar-jay.
This trip is a little more complicated. I need to pack clothes for 85 degree weather.
Its January. In Iowa. I have forgotten what 85 degree weather looks like, and need to pull out clothes from last summer to pack. Also - no Target in Manila.
So I new this trip would require a little more planning than I'm used to. Okay, any planning would be more than I'm used to. I started out my planning with a pretty slick packing list from knockknock.biz that the Easter Bunny brought me a few years back from Urban Outfitters.
I was pretty doubtful that I would need everything on the list, but it was a great place to start. I used excel to create two lists, To Pack and To Buy. I ran into a challenge that was kind of embarrassing. When I was trying to estimate how much shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, etc. I would need for 10 weeks, I was completely lost. I'm not really sure when I was recently in the same place for ten weeks. I have all of my supplies for home, and then a tote with all of my travel items. So I did my best when guessing how much - any I can leave any extra stuff for the ambassadors that arrive after me.
Another weird thing is I am packing food for this trip. Certainly not ten weeks of food, but a colleague who is already there recommended that I pack some easy rice and pasta dishes to take for lunch into the office. I have absolutely no intention of turning into the woman I met in India who was living off of peanut butter crackers and bottled water, but working US days means that it will be night in The Philippines, and finding lunch options at 2am isn't easy.
This weekend I got about 90% of my shopping completed with a trip to Costco and Target. At Costco, I purchased most of my personal stuff (shampoo, conditioner, contact solution) and Target was the perfect stop for the rest of my personal stuff plus some groceries like easy mac and rice pilaf. I have it on pretty good authority that butter in The Philippines will be good, but that I won't like the milk; so I made sure all of the items only call for water or butter.
I'm also packing a multivitamin that is high in both vitamin D and calcium. Working nights means that I'll have less exposure to the sun which will limit my natural vitamin D intake, and without a big glass of milk every day, less calcium too. After a quick trip to the doctor last week, she updated my Tetanus vaccination (which will also protect me from diphtheria and pertussis) and provided me with a prescription for a sleep aid. Its not something I'll need to rely on nightly, but I can use it to help reset my sleep pattern after that long flight.
Who would have thought that I'd be this ready for my trip? I still have about 10 days left!
In case we haven't actually met, I should get this out of the way upfront - I love photography.
In planning for my trip to The Philippines, I've purchased some additional gear to make travel photography more fun. I currently have two cameras, a Sony Alpha DSLR and a Nikon Coolpix point and shoot. I usually use the DSLR for big trips, when I know I'll be taking a bunch of photos and the Coolpix stays in my purse most of the time.
My budget didn't allow me to buy the camera of my dreams, but a few simple products were a manageable investment.
1) OP Tech 3/8" Fashion Strap with a weight reduction system - Sadly, this won't change the number on the bathroom scale, it claims to lighten the load of my camera around my neck. (From HB Leiserowitz in Des Moines) We'll come back to this with #2.
Instead of mounting the straps on either side
It mounts one to the tripod mount below
And about 3 minutes, I had the new strap mounted like this
So now it can hang with the lens pointed down. The set up also makes it easy to hang over one shoulder like this:
(Notice: in the 2nd picture of me, my sleeves are rolled up. Obviously, I meant business.)
3) Pocket X-Shot Camera Extender - Ever get tired of saying "Hey mister! Will you take my/our photo?" (also from Photojojo.com) Usually I try to take my own photo like this:
Yeah. With a success rate under 30%, you can see why I'd search for a better option.
This slick little monopod + the timer on your camera lets you take photos of yourself that actually look good.
Photojojo also included a free dinosaur along with my shipment. His name is Freebs, short for Freebasaurus and he will be accompanying me to The Philippines.
So what camera gear do you guys swear by?
In planning for my trip to The Philippines, I've purchased some additional gear to make travel photography more fun. I currently have two cameras, a Sony Alpha DSLR and a Nikon Coolpix point and shoot. I usually use the DSLR for big trips, when I know I'll be taking a bunch of photos and the Coolpix stays in my purse most of the time.
My budget didn't allow me to buy the camera of my dreams, but a few simple products were a manageable investment.
2) Camera Strap Buddy is designed to change the way your camera hangs from your neck. With a normal set up, your camera hangs with your lens in a prime spot to be struck or banged against a wall. (From Photojojo.com)
Instead of mounting the straps on either side
It mounts one to the tripod mount below
And about 3 minutes, I had the new strap mounted like this
So now it can hang with the lens pointed down. The set up also makes it easy to hang over one shoulder like this:
(Notice: in the 2nd picture of me, my sleeves are rolled up. Obviously, I meant business.)
3) Pocket X-Shot Camera Extender - Ever get tired of saying "Hey mister! Will you take my/our photo?" (also from Photojojo.com) Usually I try to take my own photo like this:
This slick little monopod + the timer on your camera lets you take photos of yourself that actually look good.
Photojojo also included a free dinosaur along with my shipment. His name is Freebs, short for Freebasaurus and he will be accompanying me to The Philippines.
So what camera gear do you guys swear by?
Photo Gear
Friday, January 21, 2011
In case we haven't actually met, I should get this out of the way upfront - I love photography.
In planning for my trip to The Philippines, I've purchased some additional gear to make travel photography more fun. I currently have two cameras, a Sony Alpha DSLR and a Nikon Coolpix point and shoot. I usually use the DSLR for big trips, when I know I'll be taking a bunch of photos and the Coolpix stays in my purse most of the time.
My budget didn't allow me to buy the camera of my dreams, but a few simple products were a manageable investment.
1) OP Tech 3/8" Fashion Strap with a weight reduction system - Sadly, this won't change the number on the bathroom scale, it claims to lighten the load of my camera around my neck. (From HB Leiserowitz in Des Moines) We'll come back to this with #2.
Instead of mounting the straps on either side
It mounts one to the tripod mount below
And about 3 minutes, I had the new strap mounted like this
So now it can hang with the lens pointed down. The set up also makes it easy to hang over one shoulder like this:
(Notice: in the 2nd picture of me, my sleeves are rolled up. Obviously, I meant business.)
3) Pocket X-Shot Camera Extender - Ever get tired of saying "Hey mister! Will you take my/our photo?" (also from Photojojo.com) Usually I try to take my own photo like this:
Yeah. With a success rate under 30%, you can see why I'd search for a better option.
This slick little monopod + the timer on your camera lets you take photos of yourself that actually look good.
Photojojo also included a free dinosaur along with my shipment. His name is Freebs, short for Freebasaurus and he will be accompanying me to The Philippines.
So what camera gear do you guys swear by?
In planning for my trip to The Philippines, I've purchased some additional gear to make travel photography more fun. I currently have two cameras, a Sony Alpha DSLR and a Nikon Coolpix point and shoot. I usually use the DSLR for big trips, when I know I'll be taking a bunch of photos and the Coolpix stays in my purse most of the time.
My budget didn't allow me to buy the camera of my dreams, but a few simple products were a manageable investment.
2) Camera Strap Buddy is designed to change the way your camera hangs from your neck. With a normal set up, your camera hangs with your lens in a prime spot to be struck or banged against a wall. (From Photojojo.com)
Instead of mounting the straps on either side
It mounts one to the tripod mount below
And about 3 minutes, I had the new strap mounted like this
So now it can hang with the lens pointed down. The set up also makes it easy to hang over one shoulder like this:
(Notice: in the 2nd picture of me, my sleeves are rolled up. Obviously, I meant business.)
3) Pocket X-Shot Camera Extender - Ever get tired of saying "Hey mister! Will you take my/our photo?" (also from Photojojo.com) Usually I try to take my own photo like this:
This slick little monopod + the timer on your camera lets you take photos of yourself that actually look good.
Photojojo also included a free dinosaur along with my shipment. His name is Freebs, short for Freebasaurus and he will be accompanying me to The Philippines.
So what camera gear do you guys swear by?
 |
| View of the resort |
We spent 7 nights at Dreams Riviera Cancun, and it was planned by our travel agent, Julie McClaflin. The all-inclusive resort was amazing; we drank and ate and enjoyed the sun all week long. Here are some pictures of our trip.
 |
| Tequila! |
 |
The bathroom in our suite |
 |
| Beach |
 |
| More Beach |
 |
| More resort |
 |
| Okay, so we took a lot of pictures |
 |
| View from Meredith & I's room |
 |
| My ma and I pool side, getting ready to learn how to make guacamole |
 |
| Paella by the pool...before a bird snatched one of my shrimp |
 |
| The big pool - my sis played volley ball here |
 |
| I was double fisting drinks and sunscreen |
 |
| Me and my sister at the hibachi grill |
 |
| Sunset from our room |
 |
| Refusing to go home |
Family Vacation 2010: Cancun!
Monday, January 17, 2011
|
| View of the resort |
We spent 7 nights at Dreams Riviera Cancun, and it was planned by our travel agent, Julie McClaflin. The all-inclusive resort was amazing; we drank and ate and enjoyed the sun all week long. Here are some pictures of our trip.
|
| Tequila! |
|
| The bathroom in our suite |
|
| Beach |
|
| More Beach |
|
| More resort |
|
| Okay, so we took a lot of pictures |
|
| View from Meredith & I's room |
|
| My ma and I pool side, getting ready to learn how to make guacamole |
|
| Paella by the pool...before a bird snatched one of my shrimp |
|
| The big pool - my sis played volley ball here |
|
| I was double fisting drinks and sunscreen |
|
| Me and my sister at the hibachi grill |
|
| Sunset from our room |
|
| Refusing to go home |
Three weeks from today I'll arrive in Manila for the start of my ten week adventure! At lunch time, I had a doctor's appointment for one last vaccination before my trip; it was time for a Tetanus booster, which will also protect me against Diphtheria and Pertussis (whooping cough).
It seems like many people I talk to ask if I'm excited for this trip, and I hope my answer doesn't let them down. I always answer honestly and tell them that it ebbs and flows. At times, I'll be all jazzed up, and then I remember another 8 items to add to my shopping list. Thankfully, I'm relying on trusty excel to keep me organized.
Last Friday night, I had the chance to go out to dinner with some executives for The Philippines office and several people on the Manila project team who were visiting from out of town. My conversation with Sam (from The Philippines) was such a wonderful boost to my excitement - I am officially pumped!
I've got some blog posts planned for packing (yes, I'll pack BEFORE the day I leave) and about my shopping and about how I am getting ready for this trip. Tune in soon!
Let the Countdown Begin!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Three weeks from today I'll arrive in Manila for the start of my ten week adventure! At lunch time, I had a doctor's appointment for one last vaccination before my trip; it was time for a Tetanus booster, which will also protect me against Diphtheria and Pertussis (whooping cough).
It seems like many people I talk to ask if I'm excited for this trip, and I hope my answer doesn't let them down. I always answer honestly and tell them that it ebbs and flows. At times, I'll be all jazzed up, and then I remember another 8 items to add to my shopping list. Thankfully, I'm relying on trusty excel to keep me organized.
Last Friday night, I had the chance to go out to dinner with some executives for The Philippines office and several people on the Manila project team who were visiting from out of town. My conversation with Sam (from The Philippines) was such a wonderful boost to my excitement - I am officially pumped!
I've got some blog posts planned for packing (yes, I'll pack BEFORE the day I leave) and about my shopping and about how I am getting ready for this trip. Tune in soon!
Most of my travel is work related, with a little leisure travel thrown in. I'm sad to say that my flight tomorrow is neither. Tomorrow, I will fly to Atlanta to attend the wake and funeral services of a wonderful man; husband to a dear friend of mine.
I only had the opportunity to meet Jeff a few times, and he was as wonderful and charismatic as his loving wife described him. Jeff was an amazing father, grandfather and husband. His wife and I became friends during a trying time in my life; and as she described the love they have for each other, they restored my faith in love. Their love is selfless and kind; I never heard either of them say an unkind word to the other. His romantic gestures were the kind of things they put in fairy tales.
My heart breaks for Jeff's family.
Reason to Travel
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Most of my travel is work related, with a little leisure travel thrown in. I'm sad to say that my flight tomorrow is neither. Tomorrow, I will fly to Atlanta to attend the wake and funeral services of a wonderful man; husband to a dear friend of mine.
I only had the opportunity to meet Jeff a few times, and he was as wonderful and charismatic as his loving wife described him. Jeff was an amazing father, grandfather and husband. His wife and I became friends during a trying time in my life; and as she described the love they have for each other, they restored my faith in love. Their love is selfless and kind; I never heard either of them say an unkind word to the other. His romantic gestures were the kind of things they put in fairy tales.
My heart breaks for Jeff's family.
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