2011 In Review

It's hard to believe 2011 is coming to an end tonight. What a difference 12 months make. It is hard to believe how much my life has changed since last year. Last year at this time I was living alone now I share my home with 2 monsters, a big yellow beast, and my new fiance. Luckily I have a nice new bigger kitchen to accommodate the new additions.

I did a little bit of travel in 52 weeks I took photos in 20 different locations. Can you tell I love to travel? I have 2 travel goals 1 is to visit all 7 continents and the other is to visit all 50 states. I made progress towards both goals this year. A trip to Argentina in December (it was also supposed to include Antarctica but circumstances beyond my control prevented that from happening). I also knocked 2 states off my list Kansas and Missouri. Part of my travels this year allowed me to spend time with friends which is always a treat - I caught up with my cousin in NYC, a trip to Disney in August with a friend I have known forever and during September I managed to celebrate my birthday in 2 countries and on both coasts not an easy feat.

Some of you may be wondering if I have a favorite photo out of all the pictures I've taken this year. I can say that I actually do. This is it.

2011 has been an amazing year full of surprises and fun. I look forward to 2012.

Week 52: Portland

Wow what a sense of accomplishment writing that blog title. Week 52 yup that's right I did it. I managed to take at least 1 photo every week. I'm not sure whether my photography got any better along the way but I did challenge myself. I am going to try and keep this going next year. There's already a lot planned for the year trips to NYC in January, Russian River Valley in February, Boston in March, there's something going on in August I'll remember what that is eventually, and a trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons in September. All great locations for photography.

Week 52 brought a trip to Portland to visit with a friend from high school that I hadn't seen in 20 years. It was great catching up and I definitely want to go back to Portland and explore more. This trip was a quick visit to VooDoo Dougnnuts and then off to do some hiking at Multnomah Falls. While only a little over a mile it isn't the easiest of hikes but we did it and the view along the way was worth it.



See that tiny spot to the left of the falls - that's where we are headed.





The view from the top - it was worth it.

Week 51:Merry Christmas

I apologize for not sending Christmas cards out this year. I had every intention to take this photo before I went on vacation but I didn't get around to it. Once I got back I had other things on my mind. While I wasn't able to go home this year for Christmas I am very lucky to be spending the holidays with people that I love. Merry Christmas from me, Dave, Paddy, Koda & Tag (the cats were smart and hid from the costumes).

Paddy is a good sport although she really doesn't like the costumes all that much.

We do reward her with attention and bones.




She devoured this one.

Location: Seattle, WA
Camera: Canon 7D

Week 50: A Special Post

This week's photo was supposed to be of Antarctica but as some of you probably know I didn't quite make it there. Mechanical difficulties with the boat prevented me from reaching my 7th continent. It was a bit of a stressful week not knowing whether the cruise was going to leave and then trying to figure out what to do instead. After looking at all my options I decided just to come home early. It was disappointing that I didn't make it to Antarctica but it is better to go with a ship that works than a broken one.

Dave's been trying to cheer me up since I returned. He got a penguin costume for Paddy she was very unhappy with that but it made me laugh. I got a blu-ray copy of Happy Feet - haven't watched that yet but I'm sure I will like it. And to top it off today we went for a stroll at gas works park and he proposed. I have to say that this worked to cheer me up.


I've been trying to decide if I will do a 52 week project again next year. Not sure I can do that and plan a wedding at the same time.


I didn't take this one so officially it should not be on the blog but I figured I can cheat this once.


Afterwards what better way to celebrate our engagement than to go on a Santa themed pub crawl with friends.






Location: Seattle, WA


Camera: Canon 7D

Week 49: Don't Cry for Me Argentina

The trip I've been planning for a year finally arrived this week. A week in Argentina - Buenos Aires and Tierra del Fuego. I did a catamaran tour around penguin island and saw all sorts of wildlife. Such an amazing place with the mountains surrounding the boat. I did remember to put the camera down and just enjoy the scenery at times. So many pictures you just can't capture. I will definitely go back at some time.

I took so many photos I couldn't narrow it down to just one so I am cheating and posting 2 photos.







Location: Ushuaia, Argentina
Camera: Canon 7D

Week 48: Are You Ready For Some Football

Second yearly tradition of going to a Seahawks game the Sunday after Thanksgiving with my dad.

Got great seats for the game. Too bad the weather wasn't better, a teeny bit cold but that's what you get for football in November in Seattle.

Week 47: Thanksgiving

I am hosting my second Thanksgiving in Seattle in a few hours. What started out as a meal for about 12 has grown to 20 people over the last few days. I think there is plenty of food and if not I'll make PB & J sandwiches. This is what the place looks like now. In a little while it will be filled with friends and food.

I have a lot to be thankful for below is just a small sampling of what I am thankful for this year.

My Family. I love the fact that my sisters and I get along so well. I have an amazing niece and nephew. I wish didn't live so far away from them but it just makes the time that we spend together all the better.


This guy. He has definitely been a nice addition to the year. Funny how things happen when you least expect it.

Friends. I have an incredible set of friends that span the globe. Some I only see once a year some fewer than that but I know I can count on them if I need anything.

Monsters. They're both staring at me as I write this. I'm not sure they are very thankful at the moment they still are getting used to the big yellow beast.



The big yellow beast. Even though she torments the cats I think I will let her stay.



A job that enables me to travel. Hard to believe I've been with the company for 6 years and I still enjoy going to work every day. The travel I do for work earns me frequent flier miles and hotel points that I then use for me, my friends and my family.

I hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving.