Have you seen "The Gates" in Central Park? if not, i've posted a few pictures on the webpage from this past saturday. Besides seeing the art, it was great to try out my new camera. No problems. I even took a few movies since "The Gates" looks better in motion. But i might argue that some of the images do okay with showing movement.

Though extremely cold, the park was full of people who had come out to see the temporary art installation. And sun always helps it feel warmer. I bought lunch on my way over to the park. Actually, I picked up a small sandwich and some water in Grand Central Terminal. I mention this only becasue while i was there, i saw some of the squash tournament that was going on inside. So weird. Not squash; the fact that they were playing inside Grand Central.

And i was in Grand Central becasue I started out the day at Scandanavia House, which is nearby. They had an exhibit called "Modern Finnish Churches" that I've been meaning to see. There was a dozen or so designs shown that were pretty interesting. The churches were from the late 60's to the ate 90's, mostly the results of design competitions.

On sunday I had brunch with some friends, a few of whom were visiting from California. We eventually got into Cafe Lalo for some yummy food. (it's the cafe from "You've Got Mail!") While my eggs and salad didn't quite fill me up, Christina gave me a big portion of her waffle that made my day. It was sooooo good. There's nothing quite like a tasty meal. But don't worry, i've been going to the gym again.

Happy V Day. whatever.

it's been a month since i visited this page, but i'm under no obligation to report here at any specific frequency. and it's february, and what really goes on in february? it snowed, it melted, it snowed, it got bitter cold... you get the picture.

but i guess some stuff did happen. My church had another three-day fast. I made it. My project at work finished construction documents and id now in construction. I returned to the gym this morning after a long hiatus. I scooped out litter boxes for the first time this morning.

Sadly, my camera broke a while back. I don't know what happened, but it refuses to extend the lense. I'm sure it's probably fixable, but it gives me a great excuse to go for the upgrade that i've been thinking about.

I would have had a new camera by now, but i took a long time to research for a replacement. I've been scouring the reviews at Cnet.com, and user reviews at amazon.com, and even advice from some local camera shops. Basically much of my free time has been devoted to this decision. I wanted to stick with Olympus, since I've really enjoyed my last camera, but ultimately I decided to go with one from Konica Minolta. I pretty much decided this a week ago, but it took another week for me to go through with it. Indecisive Josh. I had to decided which features were most important to me since no camera does it all. oh, here's what i got:

konica minolta dimage a200

My goal was to have a new camera so i could take some pictures of "The Gates" in Central Park by the artists Cristo and Jean-Claude. If you haven't heard about it, then i pity and look down on you. The piece opened on saturday, but i haven't seen it yet (because i don't have my camera yet!).

The last thing I'll mention is the party I went to this past saturday. A friend from the choir at church invited me to his place for some papayas that friends requested him make. and isince this was a Christian party, I guess i shold refer to it as a fellowship, not a party. Seems strange to me, but i guess it's to avoid the alcohol that "party" connotes. It was pot-luck, so there was an overwhelming amount of food to be had. I made a pistichio torte that went over pretty well. Not bad for the first time making it. Some people sang and played guitar, we hung out and chatted, but it turned out that much of the focus was on games. There were three simultaneous games going on for a good chunk of time. We played 2 rounds monopoly, a round of trivial pursuit, half(?) a game of risk, and there was some informal taboo going on. Sometimes people forget how fun simple board games can be.

but, alas, games are for the weekend. right now it's time to work.