On Sunday I was given the opportunity to be the family photographer for the March of Dimes. One of my favorite things is to provide service for others. So being able to combine my love for photography and helping others brought me great joy.
Happy to be home back in the USA! Land of free toilet paper! You don't know how much you miss something that you take for granted everyday until it's gone. Have you ever seen the Seinfeld episode where Elaine is asking "Can you spare a square?" from under the stall door? Well Manila is that episode except no one has a square to spare. Toilet paper I guess is a high ticket item and many rolls are taken out of public and private restrooms, so they just don't put it in the stalls. If you want it, you have to buy it or act like a blond from the US and then maybe you can score some for free. So if you ever plan on going to Manila, you might just want to bring a few rolls. Oh the creativity that goes on when you are in a pinch. Sorry I didn't get any pics of the stalls in manila, but I think you get the idea. I did get one of the toilet control panel at the Japan bathroom. I will have to post that soon. Hope all is well.
-T
Many of you know that I have spend the last week in Manila on business. Today I went to Manila's Chinatown and US memorial. Here are a few of the photos. Oh boy I am tired and looking forward to getting home and see all of you!
A few weekends ago I went to visit my niece and her friends were over to play. While playing I kept remembering my childhood and how we used to play with cars and tracks such as these. With so many sibs we came up with alternate games that later resulted in my mom hiding the tracks for good. I like to say we were creative children seeking an outlet. :)
Here are a few pictures from that day.
Oh and for those of you wondering, I leave Friday morning (4/18) for Manila. I hope to have enough time to share some shots from that trip.
UPDATED!
One of the things that I had to give up when I moved to California was the frequent outings with my niece. Today is her birthday and I think birthdays are one of the most exciting days of the year. This being an extra special year for her I decided to pull out all the stops and get "Hanna Montana" to sing her a song. With the help of my friend Jamie I was able to video tape Hanna singing for Alicia. Oh what a treat that was for her and I. First thing this morning I called her to wish her a happy birthday and have sister #1 play the video for her. She was a little confused at first but as the song progressed she caught on. "Tia Tanni, I don't think that is really Hanna Montana, she isn't that fat." Oh the days of looking like a 15 year old girl have come to an end. :) Making her birthday surprise was a big treat and I am happy to know that my nieces still think I am a little crazy :)
If you leave me a comment I might just post a pic for you of "Hanna Montana".
Peace out!
Again, Happy Birthday Alicia, your Tia Tanni Loves you!
More ILP meet up pics by popular request.
You might not what to show these to small children. :)
Last weekend I was able to meet up with some other photographers from Southern California in Santa Barbara. This was just a blast. I really enjoyed being able to talk with other photographers about things that I wonder about while shooting that my friends and family can't answer. Thanks ILP for the great forum and the knowledge that we have been able to share.
Here are just a few of the shoots from that day. Maybe later I will post more if you ask to see more. I would love to here your comments.
Have a great week!
-t
I can't help but to blog about this. On the way into work this morning I was hearing about a reunion tour of a group that hasn't been together for more then 15 years and I jokingly thought to myself (ok really I said it out loud) New Kids on the Block. Oh yes you heard me NKOTB is going on tour and is releasing a new album. When I was in junior high I remember attending two of their concerts. Oh great fun! I wasn't as bad as my friends who had the dolls, sleeping bags, and t-shirts (oh wait I had one of those) but I did follow them and knew all their songs. Like many girls I had a crush on Jordan Knight! He still looks pretty fine for being almost 40.
NKOTB Rules!