P52 - Week 17: Go South, Young Man

I've got a revelation that only my closest family knows about until now...Sue and I are moving...Where? 

Well, if you are a history buff, maybe you know what this statue represents....It is in Gettysburg.

Ok, bigger hint...It is a statue for the Sons of North Carolina that fought in the Battle of Gettysburg...Yup, North Carolina! Yes, these New Englanders have had enough of the snow, and are setting out for new adventures in the Carolinas.

So what's up with dat you say? Well, a year ago, my company moved an hour away, and I've been internally  (and externally) displaying my displeasure with the amount of time my life is wasting away by sitting in a car. Sue and I thought of selling our house to move closer to work, but we decided that if we have to sell, why not move to where we've dreamed of going. We had never been before, and it was a pipe dream. But we went down and loved it. I interviewed, and got a job!

Meanwhile, somewhere in Gettysburg
(I forget the address...)

And if you are wondering why my photography has seemed to take a back seat this year...Well unfortunately, it is because it had to. Since January, I have been pulling late nights studying new things and trying to take me career to the next level. And my hard work has paid off. In case you don't know, I pay the bills by being a Sql developer focusing on data mining and Microsoft Business Intelligence. And after studying, and searching for the next best job, I have re-ignited my passion for technology! That new job is at a company called Agdata in Charlotte. I start on May 20th and leave NH on May 16th. I gave my notice today at DSCI, and I've got a very busy 2 weeks before I go.

Sue and I are excited, as is our family..And it will be really hard to leave everyone. But, they keep telling us we have to do what we want to do for a change.

And so, we go..down the road in search of new adventures.  Stay tuned...

Em

p.s. The Pats are playing the Panthers in Charlotte on Monday night, Nov 18th...I plan on being there with my Gronk shirt....

P52 - Week 16: Whirlwind

I've been on the road for the past week with Sue and my mom, driving thru NH, Mass, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina. A whirlwind vacation for sure, with 4 days to go. Having a great time, but looking forward to getting home. Anyway, I've certainly not had much time to gather my pics, or to blog. So, I'm apologizing right now for my lack of substance this week. But I didn't want to miss a week, so I'm just going to post 1 pic. Taken this morning on cold (32 degree) and windy Myrtle Beach.

Don't give up on me. Next weeks post will have some substance to it. Promise!

Have an awesome week!
Em

P52 Week 15 - Reflecting

I'm sort of at a loss for words right now, which is not too difficult for me. But I had big ideas for a blog this week. We're on our way to the Carolina's for vacation, and a fact-finding mission, and in search of some new shots of America that I have never seen. We were stuck on I-81 heading to Hendersonville NC, when traffic came to a screeching halt for 3 1/2 hours. With no idea what had happened. Nothing on the radio except that their had been an accident. We groaned a bit, but made the most of it, despite being hungry and tired and thirsty. Then, while searching on line on our phones for info about the accident, we heard about the devastation in Boston....And we realize how insignificant our little inconveniences are. We are thankful that our family is safe and sound.  And our hearts go out to the victims and their families devastated by the cowardly acts of terrorism today. God bless them. And god bless the first responders. God bless you.. And God Bless America...
Em

P52 Week 14 - NHPPA

It's official! I am a member of the New Hampshire Professional Photographers Association (NHPPA)!

This is a group of awesome folks who make their living with photography and/or are people like myself who are just plain passionate about photography.

I'm pretty stoked about that! Although, until I get my portfolio complete and reviewed and torn apart, I will be at the "Aspiring Photographer" level. Which, is ok for me right now. I've got a lot to learn, and I know this group of people will help me get there. I'll be working on my portfolio over the summer with the goal of becoming a 'Master Photographer'. I hope I will have time for that because I have recently been hired as an assistant to Peter Lik in New York!
Ok, ya got me. That last line was belated April Fools joke....

I can't believe I missed April Fools this year. My favorite holiday! I've been soo busy with work and learning Data warehousing that I barely had a chance to get a picture this week. What else have I missed? Hey! Where did my family go? Oh, luckily they are sticking by me thru my mental absence...I am indeed a lucky man!

Hey, I always try to pass along something I've learned this week. You know those foolish key tags that every store tries to get you to sign up for and add to your key ring? Well there's an app for that! called bump bump bump bah! Key Ring! You scan your foolish tag and it keeps the bar code info on your phone. So now you never have to walk around with those annoying tags again.

Eureka! I learned that from one of the photographers at NHPPA. Worth the price of admission right there!
Now if I can just figure out a way to get by without my phone, all will be well in the world.

Anyway, sorry I haven't been able to dazzle you with an amazing and inspirational shot this week, but I'll do my best for next week. We're heading out on vacation to NC and SC for some much needed R&R. I know I'll have some shots from the road. So y'all come back now, ya hear?

Stay cool my friends...
Em