Dinner at IHOP

We went to IHOP down the block and our waitress was Charmaine. I had breakfast for dinner and Heather had some chicken strips, but she got too many.

A group of three women had a monster laughing attack at the table next to us and just couldn't stop laughing. Heather and I just looked at them and they started speaking in Spanish. I asked them, "Algo paso muy chistoso?"

They busted out laughing even more. It surprised them that I spoke Spanish and were tearing up and then they went about their eating. As you can see, Heather was having trouble finishing off her cold water, so I took a photo.

Ooops, Charmaine made a mistake

and somehow some funnel

cake ended up on our table :) Darn. I hate when that happens. Heather decided that it was time to "share" my funnel cake with her. She doesn't like whip cream so it ended up on the side.

What's your favorite place to eat out?

Trip to Downey

We got to the fields and watched the end of another game before the rest of our team showed up but we got a front row parking spot! :)

Our team beat North Torrance, 5-0, and Camarillo 13-0 (1 Grand Slam). That's the end of pool play, and we play at 1:00 pm tomorrow in single elimination. We followed one of the parents back to the hotel since we were clueless as how to get around the area.

Hmmm...a wedding downstairs.

We're Off!

Heather and I are leaving for our final tournament before Nationals. We've not been to Downey before so I've had to print out directions. Wish her luck!

Do you use Yahoo Maps, Google Maps, Microsoft Maps, or something else?

Friday the 13th

One of my friends flew today and was mentioning that it was "Friday the 13th," and that maybe they shouldn't fly. The plane just happened to be delayed because it needed a "repair."

I don't believe in stupidstitions so nothing happened on this end, but did anything happen that YOU might attribute to THIS day?

The Photo Dude

This is me shooting at the State Championships. One of the parents took a photo of me where I wasn't supposed to be so I extracted myself out of the picture.

Got a canon 30D with the 70-200 mm with an extender (on my leg) for the longer shots and the other camera with a 28-135 for the closer shots. They laugh with the two cameras but it's a pain in the butt to have to change lenses.

For the crowded shots I use a 16-35mm since I can be right in front and still get the the whole shot without having to back up :)

What types of photos do you like to shoot?

The Split in the Road

In my communication with someone today, the topic of "what-if" came up indirectly. What if this decision was made instead of that one. I replied that "WE" would both do the "what-if" scenerio in our head and no matter what was chosen, there would be that what if I went down the other road question.

The poll (take it!!!) I had, if you are a regular, then you'll recall the question: "Do you believe things happen for a reason?" Well, that was just a twist of: "Do you believe you run into people for a reason?" Which I already had in mind to write about...

I got teased today because this person was "right under my nose" or as I mentioned vice-versa. But, of course I can be a pita, and just say, my car has reverse too :) Or, the question that I was asked yesterday at my business meeting: "Sam, the blue pill or the red pill?" That depends, which one goes down easier?

People come in and out of our lives, but some just make a bigger impact and you can't get them out of your mind. Who is the first person that fits this description that you can think of?

Daily Stuff

Heather called and asked if I could take her to practice today. It's been a week since we've had practice so it felt a little weird with "all" the time off :) We had a light lunch before practice, and played a little football beforehand.

Looks like we got lucky and get a 2:40 pm game so we aren't going up Friday, but Saturday instead and save some money. I got teased that everyone was going to crash my room if we had an early game on Sunday. I would be lucky to get the bathtub as a bed.

I got to play with an iPhone. It's pretty slick! Spent about an hour playing with everything. I just had to get used to the touch screen location since I was goobering up everything I typed. The browser was cool. Of course, I tested it by loading up my blog and it looked exactly the same. The minute/data plans are what will burn a hole in your pocket though. :)

Memories

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Seems like everyone is out watching this movie! I was out and about and got asked to go see this movie with someone but I declined. It was kind of late. They wanted to go see it at midnight, but I'm not a die-hard Potter fan. I'll wait a little for the crowds to die down just a little bit.

Have you seen Harry Potter, yet?

The Bodies Exhibit

Heather and I enjoyed the exhibit. The lady that took the tickets re-iterated that there was to be no photography allowed, and they had people in lab coats making sure that we didn't inside. You are given the option of buying the audio phone to hold up to your ear, but we skipped that.

The detail was amazing. The bodies were free standing and you could see every blood vessel, muscle, fiber, etc...very cool. I read the little signs while Heather went from display to display. There were many body parts in glass containers with little notes showing what each item was. In the lung display, you see what smoking does to you and a big glass box placed next to it with a sign that says, "Each pack of cigarettes shortens your life 2.5 hours. Put yours in here." There were a lot of packs tossed in.

No blood and gore, although they had a warning about the babies/fetus displays (about 20). You could skip it if you wanted. At the end I picked up the only thing that you could actually touch - a brain, and placed it in Heather's hand. She immediately put it back down. Overall, we spent about an hour inside with no crowding. We sat down at the tables near the end and signed the guestbooks before we left.

Barry Bonds and the Record

Barry Bonds is only 5 homeruns from breaking Hank Aaron's homerun record (755). This is a major record taking YEARS to accomplish.

Many are saying that it won't mean much since he has been accused of using steroids. But I'm looking at it from a media standpoint since it will be all over the news and I want to see who actually gets "the ball." Will they keep it or sell it? Will someone get hurt in the mad scramble for the ball? Will there be a lawsuit because someone will claim they had it taken out of their hand?

We will be up in the San Francisco area soon, and some are planning on a game when we have down time between our softball games. I bet all the games will be sold out, though.

Big Deal or Not?

Can I take your Order?

Dude: How much are nachos?
Clerk: $3.00.
Dude: OK. Give me a nachos with jalapeños.
Clerk: How many?
Dude: uh...about 10 or so.
Clerk: 12 Jalapeños. Napkins?
Dude: Yes.
Clerk: Will you be eating them here, or leaving the fields?
Dude: Huh? uh...here. I'm watching a game.
Clerk: Here ya go. Is that it?
Dude: That's it.
Clerk: That'll be $13.00.
Dude: WHAT? You said they were $3.00!
Clerk: There is a "basket" charge of $1.00 to hold the nachos, $2.00 for the cheese, $2.00 for the Jalapeños, $1.00 for the napkins and a $2.00 on-site consumption fee.
Dude: You gotta be kidding? What if I eat it "off-site?"
Clerk: Still $2.00 because we have to charge you the "off-site" fee.
Dude: That is only $11.00 what is the last $2.00 for?
Clerk: My tip! I had to make the nachos for you. I provided a service by assembling the ingredients.
Dude: That's a huge rip-off. Nevermind, I don't want them anymore.
Clerk: I've already custom made your nachos for you. I can't take them back.

Well, it wasn't that bad. But they charged for the jalapeños and don't even think of asking for more ice in your cup! :) You want some nachos?

Body Exhibition

I'm taking Heather to the Bodies Exhibition, on Wednesday. It looks really cool! Has anyone seen it in person? It's a bummer that no photography is allowed in the exhibit, but I can probably guess why. It's in our area for a little bit (La Jolla), and since we have a break from softball it will give us something else to do that's fun.

It reminds me of the on-line exhibit of the convict that they sliced up into a bazillion pieces to form a 3D Body. They have both a male and female version and you're able to view every aspect of the body.

What kind of exhibits do you like?

My Brain

My Brain is Yellow

Of all the brain types, yours is the most intellectual. You crave mental stimulation, and your thoughts tend to very complex. Your thoughts tend to be innovative and cutting edge, though many people don't understand them. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about science, architecture, and communication. Sam comment: and basically I think about everything else, too.

What Color Is Your Brain?

Do you like taking these types of tests?

Back Home

The 200 mile drive back was pretty uneventful, and only one CHP that even came close to pulling me over but he just rode on by at 80+ mph. One of the best parts of the trip for me is when I start seeing signs close to home! As always, Heather slept all the way; this time she was wearing her medal from the ceremony. While while I was driving I really noticed the temperature drop from 100+f down into the 60's as we got closer to home. Heather even mentioned that she had gotten cold, but didn't reach for the blank.

We arrived safely at her mom's place and I helped her unpack and then headed over to a get-together at a local sports bar that I had been invited to earlier. For a second, I was debating going but I told the guys that I would be there so I went.

Only five of us but it was nice relaxing evening with pizza, wings, cheddar fries, and drinks. We didn't stay long since we were all tired from our long day and drive. They're opening up a game room next door to the bar so that should be fun! Ok, I'm really sleepy now. Night.

They Did It!

The girls were in the lobby and ready to go at 6:30 a.m! They had an early 8:00 a.m. to see who would be in the Championship Game today and it was a close one 1-1 through 7 innings and then the girls won the game in extra innings (ITB), 3-1, ending Scripps Ranch's hopes on a double play at the homeplate. An excellent "nail biter" for sure!

After winning that game they had a four hour wait to see who would come up from the loser's bracket to face them in the final game. It just happened to be the same team, Scripps Ranch.

This time the score was a decisive 8-0 for Bonita Valley and was ended early (5 innings) by the "mercy rule." So far the team has accomplished two-thirds of their goal with only the National Championship to claim and that "Jump in the Pool" remaining.

The coach said "No practice until Thursday," and the girls let a big cheer! :) Great Job Girls!!!

Almost There

The girls won their game against Escondido Extreme 8-0 in 5 innings! Semi-Final game tomorrow at 8:00am and Championship game at 3:00 p.m. Cross the fingers! :)

Bonita Valley 14U Gold Going to Nationals

[Photo 20070706230] Oh Yea! Heather's team mercied South Hunington Beach in five innings (11-2) to qualify for a spot in the National Championship! Heather got a MONSTER double to DEEP left over the fielder. I have no idea where that came from. :) Obviously a great game by the entire team! Our next game is versus Escondido Extreme in the Quarter - Finals tomorrow at 8:15pm but the coach is making the girls have a "mini-practice" at 10:00 a.m. on that 7/7/07 day!

I got kicked out of the dugout by the umpire for the first time :)

Got by the security at the opening dayceremony/parade to get some great shots, followed by a celebration BBQ at "Camp BV" Then we all headed back to our hotel to gather around the tables [Cell Photo 20070706] :) Some Funny Stuff!

Got lost somewhere in Lancaster in the A.M. I'll update this a little later.

First Game Jitters

116 DEGREES. But, if you both play in it, might as well win it!!! The girls took a first inning 2-0 lead and held them to win it 5-0. My aunt and uncle came down and found a spot right in front! Dang...they put their chair up right under some trees and watched. They are still down there watching the team we are going to play next. I love how my uncle asks a billion questions about the game. My aunt still calls it baseball, though.

Our next game is at 3:00 p.m. pacific time. Heather and I are in our room enjoying the AC cranked all the way up, or is it down? hmmm 65 degrees cool :)

Did you watch the game on the internet?

The Quest for a Spoon

I "procured" some breakfast for Heather down in the lobby area, but I forgot to get the spoon! A couple of attempts proved unsuccessful and the Heather gave it a try but they were on to us!

We would not be deterred and we walked next door to Jack in the Box to get THE SPOON. I saw somebody we knew going through the drive-thru and I ran up to the order box and said, "ONE BIG MAC, please!" and then ran away! :)

Here's Heather enjoying her fruit loops, the new breakfast of champions! I'm having french toast. :) Oh wait, [VIOLENT STRUGGLE, CHAIR TIPS OVER] Uh, Heather just took my french toast! LOL

Starving Kid

The girls crashed our room since I had a lot of photos on my laptop and they wanted to see every single one of them. It's funny how critical the girls are when they see their photos. :) Everyone headed out to get dinner, and then my aunt and uncle called telling us that they had arrived safely. We had a VERY bad connection because it kept losing packets or something. I just heard bits and pieces. We agreed to call it a day and see each other at the game tomorrow.

Heather and I ended up finding a restaurant and found the fields (uh...I got lost and stumbled into the fields) We came back and I played a prank on someone :) Heather went with some of the girls to watch a movie in the room, while the adults were down in the lobby area talking at the tables.

We did see a woman that appeared to be at the hotel to render "services." She was the only there 15 minutes and we all just watched as she came in and left.

Good night!

HOT HOT HOT

We've been here an hour and it's 106 degrees "out there." Heather just hooked up the PS2 in our room and I brought all the games. Looks like Dave is going to do the "live" games so that people can watch our 14U team as they play. I'm glad we have an early A.M. game.

Check out the awesome "market" they have in the lobby. The absolute essentials that you'll need when you stay at a hotel, huh?

We're staying at the Marriott. Heather noticed the "Elite Member" key that they gave us but I'm sure everyone gets one. :) The wind has picked up and it's hot plus windy. It felt like when you open your oven, that little rush of hot air.

My Aunt and Uncle are driving down and should be here tonight for dinner. The last I checked they were supposed to be here around 7:00 p.m. Pacific.

What is missing from the "market" display?

Happy Independence Day

Today was our final practice before States and John is giving the girls "the talk." Pretty much they have to do well this weekend to qualify for Nationals. Their first game is against Los Alamitos. They've played them twice winning both (7-0,1-0) but they are a good team and so are the others since only 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place finishers from each district are there.

After practice, I dropped off Heather at her grandmas house since they had a party planned and I headed off to the bay downtown. I was invited to go watch the fireworks at 9:00 p.m. down by J-Street marina but I politely declined since I was determined to see them by myself somewhere on the roof.

Could I sneak to the 7th floor, go to the stair access and climb the metal ladder (hope that it's not locked) to the roof without anyone spotting me. I've done it before and WITH a camera AND another person!..Only thing preventing that would be some guards with a 9mm. :)

Random Couple

Many times when I'm out and about, I people watch. If I see couples, then I wonder how long they have been together and try to guess. Sometimes if a friend is with me, I ask them to play along with me and see who could get closer to the actual time. Of course this involves someone actually asking the couple and that would be me.

Today, I was out by my lonesome and I spotted Diego and Alejandra. Complete strangers, but I snapped this photo of them in the restaurant. I originally guessed weeks to myself since they were very playful, and affectionate.

Diego saw me and approached me. I introduced myself and shook his hand. He was intrigued by my camera and asked me a ton of questions. I asked him if I could take more photos of them and he said that he didn't mind.

Before he left they stopped over by my table so that I could get some last photos. I put down what I was eating and picked up the camera that was sitting on the chair. Diego asked that I pose them but I told them to be themselves. Diego was ok, but Alejandra was kind of tense and stiff. I said, "I bet I can get you to smile!" She kind of looked at me with that I don't think so look but then I snapped one more photo. I showed it to them. Nothing fancy ... but they liked it. They've been together for two years. My second guess was 1-2 years.

Diego gave me his phone number so that I could schedule a photo shoot with them. It instantly reminded me of a time several years ago when my ex and I were shooting in La Jolla and I noticed a guy walking with his girlfriend. I got my trusty camera out and captured him proposing! They were so excited and ordered prints from us. I wonder how they are doing...

Preparing for a trip

I wanted to get everything ready today for the trip tomorrow to Lancaster for the State Championships. One thing that I've put off is the oil change, but I had $10 off discount plus my little punched card thing so I took my trusty vehicle in.

I get a window cleaning and vac with the oil change but I prefer they not do the windows since they just kind of smear the dirt around. I'll take care of it when I wash the car at home and do my own windows.
I listened to Heather's iPod and shot random pictures while I waited for them to finish and headed off to the next thing on the list: EAT! The three month, three thousand mile thing is just too soon for me. Don't bother to put that little sticker on my window please! :)

Every when do you change your oil?

Eight Random Things About Me

I don't normally answer these types of things but I've been trying to do things that are out of my element. I was tagged and so after procrastinating for a week or so here it is:

1. I learned to play two musical instruments well: the trumpet(4th grade), and the guitar (6th grade). I gave up the guitar because it was too big to carry around. I stuck with the trumpet through the 11th. The trumpets are still in the garage collecting dust.
2. I don't get sick very often, but if I do, then it doesn't last very long.
3. Spanish was my primary language with English being my language, but I now dream in English.
4. I was kind of shy, so to overcome this, I ran for class president my last two years of high school and was elected; haven't gone to one class reunion.
5. Pine-sol is evil and triggers some weird memories.
6. I'm on-time or early giving myself plenty of "pharting around" time.
7. I like taking photos, but don't like them taken of me. If you've shot one of me then that says something.
8. I like to help others in whatever way I can.

Counterfeit Money

I was at the taco shop and a kid gave the cashier a $100 as payment. He looked at it and I could see he thought it was fake but took it anyway. After the kid ordered and left, he pulls the bill out of the register and holds it up to the light and looks for the threads. The cook feels it and he says they just got ripped off. Finally, a customer says, "Oh there are a lot of those going around right now." Of course, I had to add my two cents and I offered to buy the fake $100 for a $1.00 :) Luckily I'm a regular there...

We had one of our last executive board meeting after the practice. Probably the last of the season regarding some issues. Seems we found a solution that should work.

If you had a counterfeit bill would you try to pass it? [You can post anonymously :)]

Nice Day in San Diego

Heather had asked me if I would take her and her friends to the Coronado beach the other day and since we had a "free" non-softball day, I agreed. She got this shot of downtown San Diego from the Coronado Bridge. It's a little hazy but I like the way it turned out. The extreme left building is where I have worked for the majority of my adult life.

The girls wrapping it up, I walked down to help them carry the stuff back to the car. I definitely need to vac the car now. They actually saved me a drink in the cooler! :) But they finished all the sour worms not one left for me.

Highlight on the way home? Greeting random people on the street. One lady approached the car and started talking to me, she couldn't stop laughing and neither could the girls.

I have no idea how this photo got onto my memory card. :)

The fundraiser was from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and we stayed the whole time. Heather went to the Padre game after she finished her meal. A team mom took the jazz band photo while I ate my ginormous jalapeno burger! Overall a good day!

What are you doing for the 4th of July?

Trying something new

I just saw that blogger added polls to the customize layout. I would have preferred that it be available in a particular post so that you can show the various polls that you have had instead of one displaying all the time. Hmmm, how about a title besides the question? I want to put in "Sam's Crazy Polls!" But, I still like the new addition.

Don't be chicken since these polls are fun and anonymous...

100 Degrees?

It sure felt like it at the fields today. We had all seven teams in Escondido and three made it to the championship game. Only the 14U (Heather's Team) took 1st. The 12U Gold and 12U Silver lost close ones to Poway in their championship games.

The Manager gave the girls a new goal: Win State, Win Nationals as UNDEFEATED Champions. That's a tough one! Five tournaments down, three to go!