two thousand nine

this year is going to be a good one. you know how i can tell? well i can't actually, other than i've decided in my mind to have a positive outlook on work, life, family, love of all kinds. but most importantly, i know it's going to be a good year because i got a new camera for myself for christmas! i keep most of my photos here: www.flickr.com/khakiaraki, but i'll post some here to entice you.

i'd love to be a great writer and make you feel like you were in my new midwestern home by the words i could put on paper, um the screen. however, i feel i can best show you through photographs.

so unfortunately, i get home after the sun has already set and i do no have a tri-pod just yet, so taking photographs during the week is not possible. and for two weekends straight since i got the camera, it has been snowing (also not a good idea to get electronics wet).

so i decided to take pictures of things around the house:

this is mean kitty

and my plant that i've managed to keep alive
and my piano

and i snapped on shot of ol' john through the snow:

then i woke up and caught a sunrise:

over lake michigan

shining across the sears tower and windowed buildings

and came home once before the sun set:

there is NO editing to this photo! this is really what i see!

chicago is so beautiful, even through the snow and ice and sea of black puffer coats with hoods. and i know this will last a few more months yet, but i have a new definition of cold. as long as it's above 0° and not too windy, i'm ok.