Hiatus

August 26, 2010, 10:09:20 PM by ionyka in News.

My blogging hiatus is largely due to time this summer. Work has been crazy busy and left me little to no time for much.

I don't have tons to feature, but there are photos in the photo section from the Ocoee Rafting trip we went on in late July. Also I finished Book 9 of the Wheel of Time series I am reading, onto book 10! Keeping in mind it is the 6th longest written work ever, that says something since I started reading the series back in 2006 (I think abouts).

DragonCon is a week away and some friends and I decided to host a Photo Scavenger Hunt, you can find all the details on its blog: here.

I have also (as you can see to the left) an Etsy Shop. I decided not too long ago that it might be a cool idea to put up some of my favorite photos for sale in print form.

Overall thats the major highlights, I really do need to post more frequently, so I will try and do so.

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This About Sums It Up

May 07, 2010, 04:42:33 PM by ionyka in News.

A Hopi Prayer:

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there.I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet white doves in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there,
I did not die.

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March Madness

March 20, 2010, 10:30:36 PM by ionyka in News.

No, I am not talking about basketball, although I was recently introduced to the whole bracket thing and now understand it better. However I am referring to a handful of things that have been going on this month.

First up was my trip to Cleveland to visit my parents. It was great to see them and hang out without having a holiday theme to the visit. I also got to see other members of my family because it was my Dads birthday. I think it has to be the first time in many years I have been able to celebrate my Dads birthday actually with my Dad. Another plus was that Christina was able to drive up for part of the time, awesome to see her as always. The primary purpose of my trip though was to clean out all of my Boxes-O-Stuff. I had many, but was able to donate much as well as get rid of things I no longer wanted to keep. It was fun going through all my old papers, school things, books, clothing and swimming stuff. The trip itself was really nice and got me motivated to embark on my next item.

After getting through all those boxes, I was motivated to do the same at the condo. So I did, around 3 bags of trash and 5-6 bags to donate, I was very productive here as well! I picked up two really handy items at BB&B during this project that are super great! Tie Hangers that I use to hang scarves, great because they do not fall off the edges, and the Purse Organizer which I put inside the front closet door and is amazing! I can store my purses there and it frees up room in the other closet and around the living room. Great finds and I recommend both!

Raiford got his wisdom teeth removed this past week, so I have been managing runs to the grocery store, pharmacy and Smoothie King to get items that are needed. Most enjoyed so far are individual servings of sundae icecreams, cream of broccoli cheese soup, and flavors of jello. He is recovering but is still swollen on one side, and has become a full time resident of the big couch. Chester keeps him company though during naps.

I went to a concert last night with a friend from work. We saw Alkaline Trio, a long time fav of mine. It was a great show and they played a few songs from their new album This Addiction.

Today I went with another friend from work to visit the Oakland Cemetery to take some photos. Was nice to get outside as it was a gorgeous day today, also the first day of the year I wore capris and sandals. I did not realize how massive this cemetery is. We only wandered around for about an hour and saw about a forth of the whole place. We plan to go back in a few weeks when its really green.

Still to come, I have been invited to the March board meeting here at the complex to discuss the new website and features we want to see. Should be interesting I have never attended one before so we shall see how that goes.

So that is an update for March, hope you enjoyed!

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Pillow Fight!!

March 02, 2010, 12:01:02 PM by ionyka in News.

On the 28th of February 2010, many descended on the slopes of Piedmont Park for one purpose, to battle! Pillows in hand they marched and lined up for what would be an epic battle. Who was victorious? See photos below and you decide:

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Skiing Adventure

February 03, 2010, 12:21:11 AM by ionyka in News.

I flew out to visit Raiford for the weekend while he was out in California for work for 2 weeks. On the Saturday I was out there we decided to take a bus up to Squaw Valley(SV) to do some skiing for the day. Now, I do not claim to be any sort of advanced skier. I have skied many times, although all have been in Western Pennsylvania at either Seven Springs(SS) or Hidden Valley. In doing some research after the fact, I have actual proof that skiing in California is vastly different than Pennsylvania, not just my sore and stiff body to go by. Here is a few things to keep in mind:

1. The height of the slopes at SS: 3,000ft, SV: 8,200ft.
2. Number of lifts at SS: 10, SV: 33.
3. Average snowfall in SS: 100 inches, SV: 350 inches.
4. Vertical Drop at SS: 750 feet, SV: 2850 feet.
5. Typical Snow Type at SS: Man-Made, SV: Natural.

Now the last one may not seem like much of a deal but believe me if you are used to skiing on primarily manufactured snow then you are in for a wake up call. Fresh powder snow has a totally different consistency and I learned this very quickly while attempting my first Blue Line run. After a few falls, frozen fingers and weak knees I was beginning to realize that skiing on a real hardcore mountain is no easy task. We had fun, but even now I am still feeling the effects. I did manage to take a few pictures after we got up the first lift so you can check them out below!

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