Friday Foto: A personal favorite

It occurred to me that every photo I have posted until now has been more artsy than anything else. This week's photo is different. This is perhaps one of my favorite photos I have ever taken (and probably Kelly's least). It is of Kelly in a tent laughing and exhausted after making up the campsite... all with the bling on.

When I left for college at the end of the summer in 2001, I had just begun to date Kelly. She left for Presbyterian College, and I for Berry College. We met up the first weekend we were both free and went camping in South Carolina. This was our first trip together, and my first trip in college. When I look at this photo, I truly understand how a photo tells a thousand words. I don't just see a girl laughing. I see the memory of sitting around a campfire talking until the fire died. I see our first hike together. I remember how annoyed I was when I had to escort her to the bathroom at 3 a.m. because she was scared to go by herself. I see my life as it was, with my entire college carrier in front of me, without a single clue as to what I wanted out of it. I remember getting so excited about teaching someone all about how to camp; instructing on proper tent set-up, lantern lighting, campfire cooking. I remember feeling so good seeing how impressed she was.

When I look at that photo I don't just see an early memory of my wife. I see a whole chapter of my life that has closed. But this is not sad. It's like a favorite book. You hate to finish it, but you can always go back and reread it. Sure, it's not going to be as good as the first time, but it can be just as good for other reasons... we mature, we learn to read between the lines.

New Year, same me

You know every year I make these wide-open new year's resolutions to change myself or my habits. I get so caught up in the attempt that when I fail, and ultimately I do, I get even more discouraged then before I started. Not this year, nope. I have finally discovered that I am fine the way I am. Sure, their are things that I would like to tweak, and tweaking I shall do... but nope, no TLC Overhaulin' episode featuring Ben's life ending in incompletion this season. I'm (and most of my friends, whether they see it or not) are at a time in our lives in which it is imperative to get that compass reading on life and make sure we are walking down the path we want to be. I like to get that reading ever so often... something resembling slightly what others might call a 'reality check'.

Thanks to you all who have made really nice comments to me about my new website. I appreciate it more than you know. It encourages me to be better and better. If you haven't seen the site yet, stick your head in the toilet and flush. You deserve it. No really, check it out... and check it out often, I plan on updating the site as often as possible. Hope everyone has a great rest of your week. Check ya later.

Wanna see something cool?

Check this out!

www.benjamingalland.com

I will update the site regularly and will keep you posted when I do. So, check back often. Have a great night.

Friday Foto

I took this one jsut this week. This is a single photo with minor photoshop corrections on color. I love the oaks in beautiful light.

Last work day of 2005! Finally! Next year prooves to be even better than before. I am very bsy at work, so I'm sorry posts have been slack lately... I promise to pick them up. Happy New Year!

It's all over

My wife went through withdrawal last night when she finally realized that Christmas was officially over. I tried to console her, informing her that It was perfectly OK with me if she wanted to buy me more presents so we could celebrate all over again this morning. But really, it is over. Is it sad? Yes, but really, this was probably my favorite Christmas (besides the year I got the rock tumbling kit... man, that thing was awesome). We had a very successful soiree. I recall it lasting for roughly 5.5 hours. That's pretty amazing, keeping everybody in the same little house for that long. We sustained injuries, except for a slap to the face of a goat. The house is still in one piece, except for a 'small' hole in the back deck. All in all, I conclude it was a success.

Sunday was perfect. Midnight mass was beautiful. Christmas morning was complete bliss. Nice and quiet, simplicity at it's best. I made out with some nice gifts. Even my puppy got a nice new collar.

Kelly and her dad are spending this week tiling our kitchen floor. Oh, how I wish I could help. He has to leave on Thursday, so they are going to get as much done as possible. If you have ever tiled, you know that tiling is the easy part. It's laying the grout that is a pain. That, will more than likely, fall under my job. It's all good though.

So what was your favorite Christmas memory/present this year? You have to answer both, so lets go! My favorite memory was initiating Christmas traditons with my wife that will now last a life time. My favorite gift was a pipe carving kit. Your turn.

The Waiting is Over, Merry Christmas

Now I sit. One of the hardest times I have found to stay awake is that time between Christmas Eve dinner and Midnight Mass. It's worth the waiting, but man is it hard. Sleep beckons with the aid of a full tummy, yet I wait, knowing I will soon don the traditional coat and tie, venturing once more out into the cold night air. Midnight Mass is a special thing though. In the midst of all holiday parties and presents and fellowship, it's nice to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

Last night we had our Holiday Soiree. My wife swears that she will never do it again, but come on, we all know she is lying. I have to say, it was a blast. I really appreciate all you guys, thanks for coming out and celebrating the holidays. See, to me that's what it's all about. I like to consider last night a celebration of our friendships that have held strong through the years. Some new friendships, some old. Some broken, some made-up. Some inter-mingled, some cross-referenced. Some weird, some perfectly fit. That's what the holidays are all about to me. Fellowship. Yeah, we may drink a little, party a little too hard sometimes, but when the day ends (i.e. morning begins) I know each and every one of you is still there. So thanks, from me and from Kelly.

Below is the link to the photos from last night's Holiday Soiree. Remember, if you like one of the photos and would wish to make a print of it, just email me the photo number, I'll send you the original. The one on the site is too low of a resolution to print out well. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. I know we will here on the ol' Galland front. Thanks to you all, for making last night really special.

Pictures from the Holiday Soiree: Part Deux

Winding Down...

Well, I just finished writing this nice long post and the power went off for a split second and I lost the whole thing...

But, I'll write again, I will. Who's ready for the Holiday Festivities to begin? After the success of our last party, we have decided to throw another... hence, The Holiday Soiree, part Deux. Of course, you are all invited. Tired of the transit strike in NY, NY? Come on down for a nice relaxing sit by the fire. Tired of the liberal front in Cali? Come on out for some politically incorrect redneck jokes. How 'bout you Mid-Westerners? Come on over, and well, get a life!

One bad thing about being married to a HS teacher is that you catch all the crap that's going around. I hate being sick. I have stuffed myself with so much medicine that my skin's turning blue. I am GOING to be chipper and full of holiday cheer(s) come Friday night, nothing is stopping me.

I am sorry that I haven't posted much in the past week or so. I have been trying to wind things up for the end of the year. However, I haven't forgotten about y'all. I have something nice in store for you as a little Christmas present... So stay tuned. I hope everybody has safe holiday travels. Ciao!

Perfection

As this weekend comes to a close I think about all that I did. Despite the rain, Kelly being sick, me beginning to catch whatever she had, I found perfection. We stayed a couple of nights at the Village Inn and Pub, a little hotel on St. Simons that doubles as a great place to get a drink. It's a gorgeous little place, very quaint and neat. I highly recommend it to anybody looking for a nice place to stay or drink. While Kelly shopped all day on Saturday, I spent the day installing new countertops in my house with my dad. Kelly was so surprised and loved them. She liked the pearls I gave her too. We had a great dinner at Georgia Sea Grill, although Kelly's cold was really getting to her. The rest of that evening was mostly spent with her sacked out and me playing with the iPod she got me for our anniversary.

Perfection is a funny thing though. This afternoon I was thinking about it. What makes something perfect? I used to think it was something without flaw, without imperfection. I disagree. I think perfection is a state of mind. This weekend it rained non-stop, Kelly was miserably sick for most of the time, and now I'm catching it... however, I classify this weekend as perfect. Perfection is achieved by learning how to deal with the imperfections that life brings us. It has taken me a long time to realize this, and I can't guarantee that I'll always remember. You see, rain happens. Plan and simple. So many people don't seem to realize that it will end, it always does. If we can stop worrying about how wet we'll get when it rains, and while it rains, we just might be able to enjoy it for awhile. Yeah, rain sucks... but don't you always take something from it?

Well, now that I have rambled on enough, I think I will go to bed. Not, however, before I mention that today is my one year wedding anniversary. I'll spare you all with the "I can't believe it's been a year" speech, and just say this. I have learned more about myself and my wife in the past year, then I did in the 4 years we dated. Has it been fun? Yeah. Has it been stressful? Yeah. Has it been all worth it? Yeah. I consider myself lucky to have enjoyed the rain and the sunshine thus far with Kelly by my side.

Friday Foto

Here's a straight out of the camera shot, no frills attached. This was taken down around the village on St. Simons Island. Just a little something that makes you feel all warm in side on this nice cold day. They say that a big cold nasty storm is passing through the South East these couple of days.... I haven't seen it.

I got a busy, but fun weekend ahead.... I can't wait to fill you all in on Monday, so be ready! I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Interesting

So, did you hear about that guy that was acquitted from first degree murder in Colorado? They have a law, dubbed the "Make my Day" law, that gives freedom to those who, in protecting their home/person, wound or kill someone else. Well, this one was a stretch, and the media thinks so too. In 2004 Gary Hill, 24, shot and killed John Knott, 19, after he and three others unwelcomely entered Hill's house and assaulted him. Now, if that was the whole story, no prob... however, the guys wasn't shot in the assaulted man's house, not even his yard. Apparently, after he was assaulted the 4 guys got into their car and drove off. Hill got his gun, ran out into the street and shot at the car, hitting the driver, Knott, and killing him as the car ran into a tree. After a year or so of litigation, the court has acquitted Hill of all charges claiming self-defense under the "Make My Day" law. Pretty interesting huh? If you want to read more about it, go here.

What do you think? I personally think justice acted correctly. Even though he fired from the street, not his personal property, I believe he was acting in self-defense... tricky though, I could definitely argue both sides pretty persuasively. Comments?

Favorite thing about Christmas...

Let's get some activity on the blog today. What is your favorite thing about Christmas. It can be anything... food, family, presents, trees, flannel underwear, etc. I would have to say one of my favorite things (because you can't pick just one really) is coffee cake. I've always had coffee cake, or crumb cake as I call it, in the morning while opening presents. My dad always makes it. This year I get to make it for Kelly and I. I am excited. It's life's little pleasures you know? So, comment below on you favorite thing about Christmas.

Man, I am so excited about this weekend. I've been looking forward to it for a while now. Not only is it my anniversary, but it marks the official countdown to Christmas! Friends start coming back in town, you can almost feel Christmas morning approaching! So, I've decided to give you guys some special treats between now and Christmas. I have now idea what they will be. Maybe some photos, maybe some funny jokes, maybe some original poems, maybe a good story, I don't know... but I'm doing this as a thanks to you out there, all my loyal and devoted readers. You make my heart warm!

So, I've officially decided I am going to help out with the local Boy Scout troop here on St. Simons. I am an Eagle scout and graduated from this troop that I helped start back in HS. It's kind of said, because I have heard that it is not what it used to be. I guess I gave myself a nice year to settle down and now I am getting into the black hole of volunteer work. I tell something though, one of the main reasons I am doing this is for the camping! I mean sure, I care about furthering the minds of young kids, teaching them morals and all that jazz, but just between you and me.... it's the camping. OK, and the S'Mores.

Monday, Monday

Ahhh, what a nice weekend I had. I finished up my Christmas shopping on Saturday and went kayaking on Sunday. I was supposed to go kayaking with another guy, but he cancelled out and I was about to do the same... But, I went, and it was worth it. I put in at 12th street on East Beach and kayaked to Village Creek landing. Exactly five miles. It's amazing what you accomplish in five miles of paddling 6 inches off the water. I was sitting there just thinking of all this and that that I needed to do when I got back, this coming week, before the end of the year in order to get my life nice and in order. Then it came to me. I spend so much time trying to figure out what I can do to make it so I'm finally living my life that I haven't realized that I am living my life. Make sense? I think that sometimes I get caught up in trying to have this life that I think I am supposed to have, that I loose sight of the fact that I am currently living it. Their will always be things that need to get done. If I tried to do all the things that need to be done, looking for that time when I can just sit back and relax, I would be waiting a long time.

Man, I'm excited about this upcoming weekend. It will be my one year wedding anniversary... lots of plans in store. Sunday marked my one year out of college anniversary. Pretty crazy. Been out of school for more than a year. Have a great week!

Friday Foto

And here you are. This one I took last Friday down in the village. I was riding my bike through the are the day before and noticed the sun was perfect. I went back the next day with my equipment and snapped several shots. I got a couple real nice ones. I really like this one.

I'm dragging today, with the lack of sleep I got last night. I was awake for about 3 hours after blogging. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Christmas is getting closer, yeah!

Not again

So, I thought that since I was tired and fell asleep so fast that I would actually have a good night's sleep... Wrong! I can't sleep.

So we went to this Oyster Roast tonight hosted out on Altama Plantation. This is about 20 miles north of St. Simons Island, some property owned by the Jones family, the same family that owns Sea Island. I love this place. As a kid in the Boy Scouts we used to go camping out there a lot. If you ever get a chance to make it out there, you really should, it is an awesome place. What makes it so cool? Only the several hundred acres of nothing. There's a house on it, a bee farm, several ponds with loads of fish, and nothing else but woods to explore. It's awesome.

So, I got some new music for you. Ever heard of Jamie Cullum? He's a pianist from England. He plays with a jazzy, funky style that I really like. He's got attitude, in his music and in his lyrics... but he can because he's good. The song "Get Your Way" off his new CD Catching Tails has been getting a lot of play on the radio waves lately, you may have heard it. His music is very piano driven, but nothing like Ben Folds Five (another contemporary piano driven band). I urge you to check him out, if nothing but to broaden your horizon.

A little aside... Turner, took your advice on the nightcap to aid in sleep. Did nothing but make it harder to type... perhaps a bigger one next time? Good night.

Surprise for the readers!

I thought I would surprise you all with a photo! After a long last wait by some, here is our Christmas tree. We are very proud of it, being our first tree and all. Just for the record, "A Christmas Story" is the best movie ever! I would give anything for a Red Rider BB gun! Too bad those things couldn't put a hole through a Coke can from point blank. Ahhhh... Merry Christmas to all... I'm pumped about the season.

Insomnia attack

So the past couple of nights I haven't been able to sleep. Oh yes, I have been tired, but no sleep has come. So, I stay up watching the TV, reading, or surfin' the net. Tonight, I decided to share it with y'all. So, what's happening? I'm ready for the holidays. I can't wait for Christmas. However, before that I get to celebrate my one year anniversary. I'm really stoked about that. I have a lot planned for the weekend, and will fill all you in after the weekend. It's weird, it feels like ages since I left my last job with The Darien News. When you are unhappy, time seems to last forever. When I think about my wedding though, it seems like yesterday.

So, what's everybody getting for Christmas? How about giving? Anything you are getting someone that you are really excited about? This Friday I'm going to see The Chronicles of Narnia movie. If you haven't ever read any C.S. Lewis, you really should. He has an unbelievable way of describing the complexities of religion via the written word. My personal favorite is The Screwtape Letters. It is a very interesting take on religion. The book is a collection of letters written to and from Satan and another devil named Screwtape. Screwtape is assigned to a human on earth, much like guardian angels, but trys to make them sin. He writes to Satan about how he is doing, and Satan writes back with advice, pointers and precautions. It's marvelously written and really opens ones eyes to how Satan acts.

Good night.

Fun with themes

Prompted by an earlier email, I thought I would engage you readers in some conversation. So, we are throwing another Holiday Soiree. "Holiday Soiree II: The Return of the Sticky Chicken", if you will. How about giving the party a theme? One suggestion was really tacky Christmas sweaters for guys and long denim skirts with cowboy boots and/or bikinis for girls. Who's in for that one? My suggestion? Dress up like your favorite appetizer... I would definitely be a pig in a blanket. Man, can anything be better than little wieners wrapped in oven-toasted bread? Let the comments fly! Props to Bum for the idea!

Rainy days and Mondays

They're both bad, but when they collide it's something quite un-harmonious. I had a good weekend. Had a nice dinner Friday night with some friends, went and got a couple (said lightly) drinks afterwards and turned in before 1. Saturday was an almost perfect day. The weather was so beautiful... the only thing making it not perfect was the temperature; it could have been colder. We went Christmas tree shopping. I though this was going to be an easy, painless task. I grew up working at a Christmas tree farm every year, so I would consider myself a semi-professional when it comes to the ole' tree. Little did I know that since this was our first Christmas tree, it had to be perfect. Lucky for me we found one... after looking at EVERY tree that Home Depot had (you think I'm kidding?). I had other husbands giving me the I-feel-for-you look, and their wives patting me on the shoulder telling me to have a little Christmas spirit. I have plenty of xmas spirit, but this 6-7 foot Fraser Fir looks just like the last 15. But, we wound up finding the perfect one, and we were both happy. Plus, God had pity on me and I found 20 bucks on the ground, so no more complaining from me. Saturday night we decorated the tree. I'll attach a picture later in the week. It really is gorgeous.

So, who has been following the Saddam trial. I usually would follow something with that much importance, but I'm not... and that brings me to my next topic. I'm not following the trial because I feel he has no chance. The media is so saturated with negativity towards Saddam, I doubt he can possibly get a fair trial (not that he deserves one... go ahead Goat). I think they are just giving him this trial out of procedure. Thoughts? Views? I'd love to hear them.

Friday Foto

I reached back into the archives for this Friday Foto. I was thinking about it all week, something from this era in my life. My buddy just back from Argentina and he had me thinking about the time I lived in Florence, Italy. This picture was taken while on a trip to Cinque Terre. I actually know the girl in the photo. She was traveling with us and had been sunbathing on the rocks . It was bright outside and that led to great backlighting as seen in this photo. I took this with 35mm black and white film. I later scanned it into my computer. This photo was taken in 2002, around March perhaps.

I hope you all have a great weekend. It's supposed to be gorgeous down here, hope everybody can get outside for some play time.

Quantum Leap

Man, did anybody used to watch that show besides me? That was the best show EVER. I used to love staying home from school "sick". I would sit in the recliner and watch Quantum Leap, then The Hulk, then my favorite show of all times, McGuyver. Then, you stop for a nice lunch of cereal, and back to the TV... Unfortunately afternoon TV watching sucks. It's filled with soaps.

So, some scientists in Austria have invented the quantum byte. I don't know much about quantums or whatever it is called, but the must the US has every been able to make is six bytes, not eight. Apparently, an eight byte structure of some sort is wicked fast... like the super computer in "Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy" that can compute the meaning of life. Wow... but can it wipe your ass? That's what truly matters. HA! Who cares about quantums?