Photography workshop #3

Brought home a lot of new information, and technique to use with the Canon and Lumix. Even though my Lumix isn't a 'real' DSLR, more like a hybrid, what i am learning applies to it.

The only problem I had is this: What is the use of RTFM when TFM is incorrect? The Lumix manual is wrong on how to set up choosing focus zones. I spent almost an hour, going step by step according to the manual over and over, without any luck. I was beginning to think the camera was broken. Turns out, the manual was wrong. It forgot one very important step. Set the camera to CUSTOM first.

Bad news is my Canon is acting up. It's probably coming to it's "End of use" life. Aikidomayland really pissed me off last night with "Well, why did you buy a defective camera?" It's not defective.. it's an old, much loved, much used digital SLR. And I tried to explain to him about that, and then he said just use the Lumix in the class. *sigh* Once more I tried to 'splain to him about the Lumix not being a DSLR, but a hybrid, and he just can't get his head around that.

Her majesty wearing the latest fashion

Here is Ziggy, zonked out, sporting her cone.

I wonder if she can get HBO on that thing....

Ziggy's back home

And her corneal graft was a success. Now the poor muffin has to wear a cone. I just watched her do a circuit of the room backwards. She looked like a furry Nautilus.

Ziggy Update Redux

The ophthalmologist looked at Ziggy's injured eye, and she will be getting a corneal graft in about 30 minutes or so. She was feeling better after having a topical anesthetic put in her eye. Started purring and kneading on her 'blankie' I brought to the Vet.

The good news is my quick thinking to take my contact lens saline and flushed her eye after the fight. But that allowed the tear to float and not be apparent.

Prognosis: Excellent. She might have a slight cloudiness on the graft, but her vision will not be impaired. Her eye wasn't punctured, and the retina is in good shape.

When the vet was prepping a sedative for Ziggy, I asked if he could get one ready for Aikidomayland as he appeared more stressed than Ziggy!

Update on Ziggy

We took her back to the vet. The good news is the eye isn't infected, the iris is responsive, and her vision isn't impaired.

The bad-ish news is she needs to see an ophthalmologist. There is a good chance the flap, which isn't infected or swollen, can be reattached. If not, cleanly removed. She has appointment at 4:30 this afternoon.

Again, I can't stress enough about having pet insurance.

Ziggy wasn't so lucky afterall

It seems that Simba did tag one of her eyes. We had to take her to the vet (Very Expensive Technician). She had some minor surgery on it, with hopes that we won't have to take her to an ophthalmologist, whose name is coincidently named Ziggy, for further treatment.

Obligatory photograph. It's an older one, but her eye is light sensitive right now, because of having to use Atropine.

Good news on the Simba front: there is nothing physically wrong with him, and he was as smoochie a boy that you could imagine, even meeping and sucking up to the vet. So, we were referred to a homeopathic pet specialist. I called her, and her answering machine said she wasn't taking any new patience. I left a heart felt message, asking her if she could refer us to someone, as the situation with Simba is rather desperate. She called back almost immediately, and after taking a long history of Simba, put together a homeopathic calmative and stress reducing formula. He has it in his water, I snuck some into his food and he ate it. Also used some on Ziggy, as she is a bit stressed from her half day at the vet. She is one tough critter. They gave her intravenous sedative... and the little bugger was still fighting them, so they had to give her anesthesia!

*looks at the bill* Ouch. And Aikidomayland groused about me getting pet insurance. He isn't grousing now.

Welcome to the U.S.S.of Arizona

Racism, and racial profiling, has now been signed into law in Arizona under the guise of immigration reform.

I guess my Tex/Mex Native American with a touch of Eurotrash self, or my Asian husband won't be visiting the U.S.S.A.

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Now playing: Cheech and Chong - Born in East L.A.mp3
http://foxytunes.com/artist/cheech+and+chong/track/born+in+east+l.a

Photography Workshop with a Pro

I think I have learned more in the 4 hours I have had with him so far, than I have learned in 20 years. It’s not so much not reading the manuals (although I did confess to him I had tried on several occasions to do so, but after reading the same terms over and over, the eyes glaze over and the brain goes numb. He said this is common occurrence)

The Canon is much less intimidating. And I have learned new tricks with my workhorse DMC FZ50. And I get ‘homework’ after every session.

Last night, there was an incident with Simba.

He tried to go after Ziggy, and when he was denied that, he attacked Lucy. I don't mean wrestled with her, but attacked. There was/is clumps of fur under the pew bench.

Ziggy has a small scratch on her eyelid, but is otherwise ok. Lucy is also unscathed, with the exception of a few shallow scratches which I checked and cleaned with sterile saline.

Simba was uncontrollable. With Alan's help, and Wing sporting some scratches and bite marks, we managed to get Simba into the pet enclosure and shut the door. We left him alone for about 5 minutes.

Then I went out to see him. He knew what he did was wrong, and was scrunching himself down as small as possible, stress licking his lips and he looked terrified. I put my hand on his back and he was shaking like a leaf. I bent over to be on his level, and spoke softly and soothingly to him, stroking him until he uncoiled. About 5 minutes after that, he relaxed and was more like his usual self.

I have called the vet, and have found out that yes cats can and do suffer from Post Traumatic Stress. He has classic symptoms... Nightmares, rages, fear, shakes. Not to worry, we will take care of this and him. I have already made an appointment with the vet for Saturday at 10:20 am to make sure there isn't a physical reason for this behavior.

A sign of improvement

Tai Chi last night: The instructor did the warm up exercises before the routine, unlike the other one, which would have use do a 20 min set, and then doing the exercises. I would end up with a spasming back, and gasping in pain. Last night, doing the warm ups first, and then the set, I ended up with weak left leg like usual, but no back pain. I think I will stay with the Monday class. I don't mind having a 'lazy leg' the next day, but I don't miss the need for Nurofen+ with breakfast the day after.

McGuyvering for Photography

I like to do macro photography. Most of the problem is light when shooting indoors. Bounce flash works but only so well. The Macro Light ring works but it tends to give everything a bluish cast, and I really like to keep processing down as much as possible.

So this is my solution. I got a pack of Opaque white plastic 'picnic' bowls. I cut a lens sized circle out of the bottom (ended up having to use two for best results. results may vary depending on the thickness of the plastic bowl) and fitted it over the lens.

Macro shot without the light disperser.

Macro Shot with the light disperser.

And since the disperser/bowl extends only as far as the lens, I can get very close up shots.

Thank you, Photoshop

I have been getting this odd behavior from my computer. When doing graphics work (Adobe Photoshop, Corel Paint Shop Pro, TwistedBrush) and web browsing at the same time, my screen would go solid grey, sometimes I would get a loud humming coming from the speakers, and the computer would hardlock.

About 15 mins ago, it did it again while I was using Photoshop. I performed a hard reboot, restarted Windows normally, then restarted Photoshop. I got greeted with a message inside of Photoshop that there was an issue with the GPU driver. I immediately used the native Win7 'updated driver', and it said all was well. So, I decided to use the ATI Radeon panel to check for update, and lo and behold, there was one.

Here's hoping the update puts a halt to that grey screen lock out.

With cooler weather

Comes stock pot cooking. Tonight, I am making 3 Burner chili, mostly as request by Aikidomayland . (I'd make 4 Burner Chili, because I think it would burn a hole in his stomach.)

Had to put Simba outside, because he thought all the dicing and slicing was for him. :D

Simba update

His majesty, reclining on his throne of the hour.

Simba has come a long way. Now, he is not flinching when hands come near him, and now loudly demanding lots of petting, and brushing. He was startled by the brush, and hissed at it when it was on the footstool, but then he realised it wasn't the enemy... then he fell in love with it when he felt the brush on his fur. Then he started to bliss out, purring, rubbing his head all over the wall.

We are now into the 'they must learn limits and discipline stage of their rehab. He doesn't like it much, but he can be a boisterous Bengal all he wants, but he must learn manners and what he isn't allowed to do. It's working, but he doesn't like it much. He gets so sulky.

Trip to the Rx today

there are only a few things more frustrating than to have a doctor twiddle his thumbs or keep proscribing the same useless methods to correct a problem.

Even before the back drama, Dr N had been just slowly upping my dose of Thyroxine and telling me to change my diet, and exercise more. Well, I did to the point of my heel splitting open on more than one occasion, and fainting because of very low caloric intake. So what did he say the last time? Diet and exercise and see this dietitian! I did,and was told my diet was near perfect.

So, Tuesday I called to make an appointment with Dr N to go through the same old useless "diet and exercise" while my weight kept going up my health declined, only to find out he no longer practiced there. Ok, hows about I make an appointment to see whoever is taking over his cases.

Enter Dr H. Saw him today, and explained about the history and the visit with dietitian. He, unlike Dr N, admitted that I am limited in what exercises I can do due to spinal implant, and partial paralysis in my left leg. Hully gee, that sort of surprised me, as Dr N kept on that if I kept pushing myself I would suddenly become a super athlete(?) totally disregarding that nerve damage isn't fixable by pumping iron, or trying to run, but I digress.

I discussed my history prior to the back drama, about how I used to teach 5 90 min dance classes a week, and have at least one weekly one hour performanc, and my weight kept creeping up. Dr H was rather surprised that all Dr N did was slooooooooooowly increase thyroxine and kept telling me to 'diet and exercise' when I was obviously doing some very 'cardio' activities already!

So, I asked him "What do I have to do? Wait until I balloon up,slide into diabetes, or have a heart attack before something is done?" I told him that Aikidomayland has been on the almost identical diet as I have been on and he has lost 3kgs! Imagine my surprise when Dr H actually took what I said seriously. We discussed different things, including gastric banding, but agreed that I don't have a problem with appetite or what I eat so that was dismissed (I fessed up that while I ws living in NY, I was borderline Anorexic, so NOT eating wasn't an issue with me).

After discussing all the alternatives, I am on a slightly adjusted Plan of action! Thryroxine increased to 150mgs a day, and a new medication to help with the insulin resistance. Diabex. It will lower my blood sugar, forcing my body to use the excess insulin, hopefully also forcing my metabolism to start behaving accordingly and start losing weight. Then the insulin levels will go down.

An IM conversation with Wing

Me: oh, Alan says I can't have MY robe back until he gets one
Me: lol
Wing: hmm...could tackle him and get it of him
Me: he is NAKED under the robe
Me: you can tackle his tackle, I'm not!
Wing: not like you've not seen everything before
Me: Right, I'll tackle him after you strip naked in front of YOUR mother
Wing: er..no
Me: well... there ya go

For the first time in almost 30 years

I have HOMEWORK!

I'm less confused using the Canon, as I told him that I had tried to read the manual over and over but my eyes would glaze over. He said that is a common problem and complaint about said manuals.

Note to self:

Remember to mark the date you have started wearing a new pair of contacts, as even though these aren't dailies, they do have a 'use by' date.

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go

Well, go tomorrow.

I was told to bring all my camera gear that I use, including lenses, filters, monopod, tripod, slide rail, batteries, chargers, etc etc. I spent over 90 minutes yesterday rummaging everything up, then spent another hour re-arranging my kit backpack to most of it would fit in. Can't quite get everything into it but I will carry my workhorse (Lumix) on my neck. I was also told to bring some samples of my work. Oy.

Elation and terror in equal measures.

Did anyone see my heating pad?

Between my overdoing it (ok,t didn't seem like overdoing at the time, just cleaning a carpet, and deconstructing a part of my bedroom to find all my camera gear) and the 10c drop in temperature mixed with rain has made my lower back (think surgical scar area) scream blue bloody murder. Have feeling sleep will have to be drug induced or I will look forward to phantom cramps down the left hamstring, and spasms just under the right back ribs. *sigh*

Big day Wednesday

And I have a lot to get done. Must gather and go through all my camera equpiment, including battery chargers, lenses, filters etc etc and ahve them ready for the class/workshop. Also have to rummage up the camera manuals, too.

What the hell have I gotten myself into? And is there a blanket I can hide under?

No, I don't work for them

The jeans I got from Make Your Own Jeans arrived yesterday. Laundered them, and wearing a pair of them now.

Anyone who has other than the media created 'ideal' body shape (legs too long, butt to round, legs too short, too tall, long body, short body etc) will relate to this. Getting jeans that fit comfortably and look good is a chore and frustrating.

I also got tired of spending $120 (no, not a typo) for jeans that were painful to wear due to abdominal and spinal scars. Cured that by ordering jeans from MAKE YOUR OWN. For half the price, I get jeans that look great fit! Halli-frickin'-leuia!

Well, it's official

I am all signed, sealed and to be delivered to Greg Edwards in about a week.

Pteradon sized butterflies are roosting somewhere south of the sternum, and north of the navel.

An opportunity

I have the opportunity to take a 5 week photography course/workshop with a professional photographer, 4 people in the class.

It's a good opportunity.

I'm taking it.

This really pisses me off

Getting this whenever I try to get certain audio books from Audible: "We're sorry. Due to publishing rights restrictions, we are not authorized to sell this item in the country where you live."

Grrrrrr

Why is it...

That "Con Clothes" smell worse than day to day wear clothes when it's time to wash them?

*bleh*

SwanCon 2010... she iz ohvair.. almost

The last day of the 'official' con was crazy hectic, and had some of the best programming of the Con.

Just before the closing ceremonies, there was a technical glitch, and "SuperScott" to the rescue 1. He has nary a problem working a crowd, and if he ever decided to enter politics, the opposition wouldn't stand a chance... but I digress. Scott in a stroke of brilliant marketing, decided to hold a trivia contest with is book "Ancestor"* as the prize.

The sacrificial lamb, aka John Samuel, whose head was auctioned off (to be shaved or dyed an outrageous color) was lead to the altar, and he was shorn by Scott Sigler, amid much laughter, catcalling and photo/videoing. The auction earned over $300 of Cancer research.

Screen Cap of the video I shot

(I showed John a pic of himself afterward and he said "Oh good lord.")

The closing ceremonies was great. The committee panel and the guests looked exhausted, and considering how tired I was, I am sure their "Zombie" appearance was well earned.

From L to R: Ian Irvine, John Samuel (minus his hair), Delicious Irony, John Green, and Scott Sigler.

We made our way around, said g'bye to friends (more like a See ya later!) and wished our GOHs a happy trip, and come back again! (Will be seeing Ian Irvine at "World Con")

This was one of the cons I was a bit saddened that it was over, not relieved to go home and sleep. I did come home, unloaded backpack, sat down and checked out the photos I took, and then waves of exhaustion hit me. I crawled off to bed around 9:15, grabbed "Infected" and started reading it, and made myself put it down after 1/4 of an inch into the book, pulled the blanket over my head, and promptly fell asleep until 7am this morning.

Will go through the photos taken and post a SwanCon 2010 gallery for those who are interested.

1: Now you just know I am going to use a photo reference and make a comic/cartoon of this, or at least try to, yes?

*Do NOT start reading this unless you have plenty of time... it's that gripping! And yes, this book was released in Australia before the US. Nyah!

Lumix Life

I have submitted 14 photographs so far. A panel of professional photographers looked at them and have approved of 6. but I haven't a clue as to which ones! This isn't the final cut, but I can hope!

Taking a plunge

I have entered some of my photographs in the "Lumix Life - Australia in Focus" contest. It's for Panasonic Lumix camera owners only. These are the ones I have submitted so far. .

Wish me luck!