Pacific Islanders 34...SF Buccaneers 14....Way to go Islanders! I was like a little kid waiting for the first game of the season...I thought I would have to wait 8 months before shooting football again...then I discovered The Pacific Islanders with the Northern California Football League. I would text my kids the count down til first game...we were all excited...sadly they couldn't join me for the first game...my support crew...then Thursday I came down with the most horrendous flu I have ever had...My son Austin had to take BART into the city to get me and drive me home from work...spent most of Friday and Saturday morning in bed...but I really wanted to do this game...I was too excited not to...Sadly it showed in my shots...my energy was down...I was weak and dizzy and many times I thought of just heading out early...there is another photographer there so I knew it wasn't like they wouldn't have any shots....but I stuck it out and glad I did...it was a great game! I don't know about you but I see some improvement...had some lens issues with the lens I rented...slow to focus and then it just got worse as the game went on, fortunately I was able to finish....big bummer....There is next week right? I like what I got...I just usually like more.

I had a ball shooting my niece and nephew's basketball game. They are on the Lakers. I am learning this whole Light Room thing thanks to my good friend Denise Olson of Mommy and Me Photography in Pleasanton...here are a few expermints.

My kids and I went to Hawaii last year around this time....had the best time ever! Last week there was a break in the rain...so I put my top down in my little convertable beetle we named Ruby...and the song that played often while there came on the radio...for a few moments I was back in Hawaii cruising around the Island...all that was missing was my little people...If you must know the song was Apple Bottoms Jeans...I'm sure that isn't the name ...but it's all I know about it....lol....I called both kids and we had a moment together. I wish we were there now! Here are a few of my favorite shots that are on this computer...I'll post more soon.

Valentines Day 2009-Moroccan Style

Valentines day 2009....My new favorite restaurant...Tanjia in Oakland, CA a Moroccan Restaurant with incredible food and Belly Dancers! We planned on going to a comedy show...but on a cold rainy night...I was tired...I thought it would be more fun to be in a cozy place...on a couch with pillows eating exotic food and take in the amazing culture...I am not one to bring my camera with me anywhere that isn't a sporting event, for some reason I brought it... I used my new 50 mm lens ....the camera froze when DJ got up to dance with the Belly Dancer and was too shy to get up and do it again for me!....here is our night...enjoy! We sure did!

The Lakers 2009

Wow....these guys played some hard ball....so cute! I was exhausted after just watching them. This is my Niece and Nephew's team...my Niece isn't much into it...but has fun running around none the less. Basketball is a challenge for me and I haven't quite figured out why...I always seem to miss the good shot....here are some of my favorites from this game...My brother in law is the coach...This was my first game of the season.

Day at the Races!!!

My day at the races...how exciting...we went New Years Day...$1 day and I did so well we went back the following 3 weeks....considered putting G.A in a easy to locate spot just in case...lol...it was fun...my $2 bets brought me in about $50 each day...except the last week. yes I vote for the colors and names...actually I wait to see the horses and gage by my intuition....then colors and names! Gotta love the ladies in hats!!!

Pacific Islander Try-outs

I was invited by the President of the Pacific Islander Minor Leauge Football to take pictures of their mini camp/tryouts... I had never really been to a tryout before...our youth football league never had a enough players to cut anyone...only time we cut anyone was for safety reasons. It was interesting...they did some bench presses....jumps....running etc...as you see here. They are HUGE compared to the high school guys...and I thought my high school guys were pretty big...my buddy John Mendoza is probably one of the biggest guys on Concord's team...but if he were an Islander...they would call him Tiny. It was a lot of fun, Austin and Mackenzie went with me... here is a few...you can see all of them on the Pacific Islander's website or click here... http://www.islanderfootball.org/Photo%20Pages/2009_minicamp_photos.html I have to download them on my smugmug...but haven't had the time yet. I will take in some practices...season starts in March...I can't wait! I am missing Football!