Archive for September, 2008

CFC Mini Olympics
- September 29, 2008 -

This past weekend I went down to U of I to visit my fiance and other friends out there, and my campus church (CFC) was hosting their annual Mini Olymipics event. Though I was on campus for about 5 years worth of Mini-O’s, I had only attended 2. This year, the Indian Christian Fellowship actually formed their own team to particpate, so I joined up with them to give my support. Mini O’s is such an amazing type of event, as it brings pretty much everyone from within the church together for all these different competitions and events. It really draws a lot of eyes to see hundreds of people people gathered around an open field (looking crazy), laughing and competing in all these weird games.

Although there were tons of people out there with their dSLRs (I’m constantly surprised by seeing so many undergrads with there cameras…where do they get the money?), but the official photogs for the event were Dan Lee and Christina Lee, so go check out their shots. Of course, I also had my gear with me, so I grabbed a handful of shots to keep me busy. I didn’t stay the whole time so this is just a small piece of what went on there. Enjoy!

These people are serious, no joke!

These are the ones with the most control – you mess around, you get sprayed.

I used to be an ISR guy when I was on campus, so this is my crew – I seriously thing we’re the coolest ones :)

The first “competition” is the chant, where teams create their own chants and perform it in front of everyone. Best chant gets the most points. These seem to be getting more and more hardcore at each new Mini-O’s.
Here’s Dan Lee doing his thing.

Obviously my fave – Jabba Wockees Inspired (done by an ISR group)

Like I said, each time it gets more complicated with different props and such. This group brought out a sheet a cardboard and had this guy do flares throughout the chant.

Here’s my friend Taniya, who is now a freshman at U of I. She used to be a cheerleader in high school, and they used that to their advantage.

This must be the longest game ever. The premise was to take a hula hoop and throw it around a team member, who was quite a distance away. That person could not move their feet and had to keep their arms to their side. The distance was a bit far, and with the wind, it took forever for people to do this. Funny to watch, but still a long game.

A couple times throughout the day there is something called “Spirit Points”. The main ref (Suggey) would run around through each team and they would scream/cheer/do whatever they could to get his attention and get some points.

There was also an “area competition” (as small groups in the church are broken down into about 6 different areas). One leg of the race was this triple push-up…it takes a LOT of arm/upper body strength to take care of this.

The final leg was a race by the pastors of each area. Here’s the ISR area pastor pushing ahead.

But coming down the stretch, he cramped up and couldn’t finish, allowing the FAR PAR pastor (my small group leader when I was a freshman…small world!) to pull past…

I told you that people will do anything to get some spirit points – this team was ready to do some bribing with cupcakes…

It was fun for all ages too!

And here’s the squad ICF got together:

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Modern Events

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[09.29.08] Monday Night Recap
- September 29, 2008 -

• [Night?] OK, more of a midday recap, because I took the day off to fight a cold and odd 3+ day allergic reaction.  And because of it, you guys win with a bonus post later tonight!
• [Photo Challenge] A couple more days left for September’s Challenge.  I’ll try to get the October challenge up by the end of the week…we’ll see how I’m feeling.
• [Fogo de Chao] On Thursday I got lunch with a friend at Fogo de Chao in Chicago – my first time to a Brazilian Steakhouse.  I never was a huge steak person, but I must say I was satisfied.  In addition to the food, our attention was taken by a few rather large men sitting next to us, one who looked very much Brian Urlacher of the Bears.  Towards the end of lunch they got up to leave and my friend asked to get a picture with Brian, to which he responded “I’m his brother, Casey”.  Sure enough, Brian does have a younger brother named Casey who plays for the Chicago Rush.  I wonder how many times that happens to him…
• [U of I] I made the trip down to U of I with a couple friends this past weekend to visit my fiance.  An extremely busy weekend with so much madness and very little rest.  Here’s a sub-recap…

• [Allergies] 24 years of my life and never had a reaction to anything.  But somehow at the end of the drive to U of I, my upper-left lip started swelling up.  It wasn’t going down, so I took some benedryl.  It started going down, then my upper right and lower left lip started to swell, so I took more bendryl.  I continued taking benedryl which helped through Saturday.  I stopped at around 3ish, and when I woke up the next morning both my arms had mosquito bite-esque spots from my wrist up to my biceps.  So I took a few more bendryl which helped for awhile, but later Sunday it started flaring up again, this time my entire face and my back and sides.  Another night of Benedryl and now I’m doing better, but got red spots still.  I went to the doctor, who said it was some allergic reaction, and referred me to an allergist.  So now we’ll see when I get an appointment and find out what this madness is all about.
• [Mini-O's] My campus church (CFC) hosts a mini olympic event every year, which is a fun time of competition between all the different small groups of the church.  Here’s a tease, and I’ll post the rest later tonight:



• [Dinner and a Movie] My fiance and I left mini-o’s before the final competitions, and got to spend a little time together.  First up was Tropic Thunder.  My review-  highy unimpressed.  The previews and the first 10 minutes for funnier than the movie as a whole.  For dinner, we went to Jim Gould’s, where I continued my steak-eating.  Nice food, a bit pricey but definitely satisfying.
• [Midnight Ball] Well…it was more like 10pm, but I got a chance to play some ball with the guys out there.  Word of advice:  Never eat a steak dinner before playing ball with people who have never seen you play before – it doesn’t do well for their view of your skills.
• [CFC] A line from Pastor Min’s message on Sunday morning that caught my attention:
  • (is doing good and going to church enough?) “Christianity is not that superficial.”
• [Dead Battery] Yep.  After church, went to get lunch, then swung by the place I was staying, packed up the car, turned the key…nothing.  Completely dead.  We called a tow (through my friend’s AAA), who came by, and jump started the battery.  Now we just need to drive it to an Auto zone and check if the battery is fine.  Driving down the road, coming up a red light, brake…dead.  In the center lane.  Called our friends to come and give us  jump, before they get there the tow comes back with the girl shouting “Don’t worry, I’ll help you guys!”  She turned around, got out of the car, and gave us a head start in pushing my car to a nearby walmart.  We jumped it again in the parking lot, and drove it all the way to the car center just before it died.  Awesome.  We got there just before they were closing (becuse they were short staffed), and they were nice enough to do a quick battery replacement for me.  Luckily we found out about the battery before even getting on the highway…that would have been rough.

• [MLB] Everything is set for the playoffs!  With the Brewers win over the Cubs and the Mets loss, the Brewers picked up the wild card spot, meaning the Cubs are playing the Dodgers in the first round this week.  I’m excited!  Craziness in the AL, with the White Sox totally crumbling at the end of the season are still 1/2 a game back.  If they win their game today, they will be tied with the Twins and have a one game playoff to see who makes it in to October baseball.  Woo hoo!
• [Fantasy] It’s not a good sign when you’re kicker is the second highest scorer on your team.  I got rocked due to the bye week…I’ve got a lot of ground to make up in the next few weeks.  Wish me luck!

Alright, my head cold and the benedryl are taking its toll on me, so I think its time for a rest before I post my pics on Mini-O’s.

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: [MNR]

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[08.09.22] Monday Night Recap
- September 23, 2008 -

• [Photo Challenge] A little over a week left in the challenge, so get ‘em in!
• [The Office] It’s back!  TV has been rather boring outside of sports lately, so I’m greatly excited about the 1-hour season premiere of The Office this Thursday.  I watched a couple episodes from last season over the past week to get hyped!  So, what shows are you guys looking forward to?  Anything I should get hooked on?
• [Cubbies] We CLINCHED!
• [Bears] I don’t want to talk about it.  We should be 3-0.
• [Fantasy] After an 0-2 start, I broke out with a killer week this time, having the top score in the league, and the 2nd highest overall!  My team is pretty stacked even though I don’t have all the high-profile big name players – my guys just produce.  I’m looking to take this thing from here on out!
• [Rest] Yep…finally a weekend of rest.  I like it.  Got to hang out with my nieces on Saturday, watch my Cubbies, and on Sunday I had church, Bears (I said I don’t want to talk about it), some dancing, and then spending time with my fiance.  These are nice breaks in a busy schedule.  Won’t have another one of those until December, I think.
• [Revival] My home church is hosting a revival retreat (themed “Refocus”), and I wanted to give you all a heads up!  It’s an amazing time to regain that energy and focus to push through the rest of the year and finish strong.  It’s open to anyone and everyone, so spread the word and make sure you’re there.  The retreat will be held from October 2nd-4th, and you can check the site for more details.
• [Pic] Ummm…a post without a pic?  That would just be rude.  I messed around with some off-camera lighting on Saturday with a self portrait (I need models…) of sorts…what do you think?  Head shots can be fun/interesting, don’t you think?

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: [MNR]

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Liza and Shibu :: engaged
- September 17, 2008 -

Liza and Shibu will be having their wedding in India next year, and they wanted to be able to celebrate with their family and friends here in the US with a formal engagement ceremony.  Normally (in our community) these things would host anywhere from 75-150 people or so…not these guys!  My estimation would be 300+ joining them to celebrate at India House in Schaumburg, IL.  Although there is something special in the small, intimate events, I do love seeing so many people come together to celebrate the lives of two people progressing in unity.

One thing most people know of Indian events is there is plenty of color everywhere!

After the formal announcements by the fathers comes the handshake…or hug!

In addition to the formalities, Shibu and Liza had some special events planned – they had a few songs by their close family and friends and also a skit put on by Liza’s church friends.

The skit was a reenactment of how Liza and Shibu met…pretty hilarious!

Liza closed it all off with a special song dedicated to her fiance.  How special is that?

Shibu and Liza, thanks for allowing me to document another step in your lives.  I wish you guys all the best as you plan and prepare for your upcoming wedding and married life!

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: engagement

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[09.08.15] Monday Night Recap
- September 15, 2008 -

• [Photo Challenge] Already got a couple submissions so far, so keep ‘em coming!  About two weeks left in this month’s challenge.
• [Storms] Chicago got hit by a tropical storm over the weekend, and it was madness!  I pulled out of my house on Saturday morning to find my entire sub-division flooded (not too deep, though).  On the drive to the wedding there were so many road closures with flooding, and we actually saw a car with water up to the headlights!  And today, my normal 15-20 minute commute to the train turned into an hour in the morning, and an hour and a half on the way back!  Very upsetting.
  And to think while we all were concerned/complaining about this, down south Hurricane Ike was raging through.  It’s crazy to think of how powerful and uncontrollable the weather is.  It gets me thinking that regardless of how big and great we think we are, there is always something greater.  We are weak people.  Perspective is always good to have in life.
• [Persecution] Also on a serious note, there has been persecution going on in Orissa, India.  In recent weeks, Hindu zealots have burned churches and houses, killing many.  Even still, evangelists and missionaries are still there, some fleeing into forests for safety and protection.  More than anything, just lift up prayers for those enduring the pain and struggle.  We are so blessed with the freedom we have here.
• [2.1] Apple came out with the 2.1 update for the iPhone, which was supposed to fix many of the bugs.  The too that I’ve already noticed (of which I am pleased) was the typing and contact search are more receptive (it used to stall) and battery life has greatly improved even with 3G on all day.  Of course, my battery did die yesterday at around 7pm, but I think thats because I was checking my fantasy stats every 5 minutes starting at noon.  Have you guys had any positive/negative changes with the update?
• [Paris] I was flipping through the channels, and stumbled upon previews for Paris Hilton’s upcoming reality show: “My New BFF” on MTV.  I was seriously shocked.  Is this really what reality shows have come to?  I guess its a good thing because it will force me to watch TV less.  Anyone actually interested in watching this show?
• [Caroline and Chris] On Saturday, I helped Kenny Nakai out with wedding out in Evanston, Illinois at the First Presbyterian Church.  This was a much different “second shooting” role, though – Caroline is Kenny’s sister, and he was groomsman!  I was greatly impressed with his ability to be both a groomsman and the primary photographer.  Obviously, an update will come later, but we all need a teaser (I wish I could tease you with more…but it will just have to wait):



• [D3] I feel a little dirty.  With Kenny serving his groomsman/brother duties at the wedding, I would occasionally shoot with his D3.  I never thought I would shoot Nikon…and it sucks because I was (obviously) greatly impressed.  Impressed enough to switch?  I think not.  Now we just wait patiently (like we have for the past YEAR) for Canon to announce the next great beast.  Rumors say its going to be announced this weekend…follow the evolution here.
• [Bears] I don’t want to talk about it.  2nd and 1 at midfield at the end of the game…2 incomplete passes and a failed run to turnover on downs.  Seriously Turner?  Of all the times to start passing?  I’m not a fan of your play calling there.  I digress…
• [Fantasy] 0-2.  Starting to get worried.  I’m very dissapointed in Tavarius Jackson…there’s a problem when you’re up 15-0 because your kicker hit 5 field goals (big ups to Longwell, though)…he needs to get the ball in the end zone.  Insult to Injury – I played the Cardinals D (11 pts) instead of the Giants D (25 pts). And Romo has already thrown 2 TDs and 132 yards…playing those two would have given me the win!
• [No Hitter] How crazy is this.  Carlos Zambrano, 12 days of rest, throws a no-hitter for the Cubs against the Astros in Milwaukee.  10 K’s, 1 walk, and he hit 1 guy.  He also went 1-3 with a run offensively.  To make things sweeter, the Brewers continue to slide, making the Cubs magic number now 7! A question:  which is a more exciting performance – a no-hitter (a la Carlos Zambrano yesterday) or 20+ strikeouts (a la Kerry Wood in 1998)?  As an added bonus, Ted Lilly took a no-hitter through 7 today, and the pitching staff held a 1-hit, 1-run victory.  THIS is the Cubs I remember…
• [United Center] On Sunday, I made my first trip to the United Center in my life.

  

  And I was there for Disney on Ice…how sad.

  

  It was pretty decent actually (if you couldn’t tell from these amazing iPhone pics).  It was mainly for my niece and fiance’s nephew, but most of the siblings came as well meaning there were 2 kids and 9 adults.  What I learned from it:  Disney does some amazing marketing.  The entire show was basically a demo/preview of a trip to Disney World (showcasing the different rides/events, characters and music).  They were able to make a profit by getting people to pretty much watch a live, 2-hour commercial.  Now that’s amazing.

• [Booked] I didn’t think that it would happen so quickly, but I’m pretty much booked (either with shoots or personal commitments) through the remainder of the year!  If you’d like to get a shoot in this year it might be difficult but definitely let me know ASAP to see if we can find a time slot.  Otherwise, let’s start planning for 2009!

  
  ***DUE TO MY OWN WEDDING, I WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING REQUESTS FOR AUGUST2009***

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: [MNR]

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Sudha and Stinson :: portraits
- September 9, 2008 -

When Sudha e-mailed me about taking some portraits of her and Stinson (and their daughters), I was all about it!  A question I’ve been getting a lot recently has been “Can we do an e-session even though we’re already married?”  My answer is pretty much, “Ummm, of course…but its not an e-session (ie. engagement session), but just some lifestyle portraits”.  Regardless of how long you’ve been together, everyone could use some great portraits.  And even with a family session as we had, its always fun to pull the parents for a few moments to get just a few of just them.

Stinson and Sudha have been married for 10 years now, and it was so encouraging to see such a strong relationship.

We made our way out to the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, which is BEAUTIFUL!  (Thank you, Sudha, for opening my eyes to this place!)  With so many acres of land out there, we only skimmed the surface.

This is their youngest…I LOVE it:

Don’t you just love reflections?

We tried to break off occasionally to get a few with just the two of them, which is a lot more difficult than I expected! Every time we pulled away for a few moments, one of the little ones would come running out to find out what we were up to!

We did manage to accomplish our goal, though.

Sudha and Stinson, it was my pleasure to serve your wonderful family this way.  I had a blast spending the afternoon and connecting with you guys!

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Modern Portraits

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[09.08.08] Monday Night Recap
- September 8, 2008 -

• [Photo Challenge] In case you missed it, I posted the next challenge, so go check it out here.
• [Submissions] I’ve also posted the recent submissions for August’s challenge.  This is definitely my favorite, by Matthew Gordon:



• [Cubbies] They’ve lost 7 of 8.  A big thanks to the Brewers for sucking it up as well.  We’ve got 19 games left, 6 at home, and 15 against the Cards, Astros and Brewers, with the last 3 at Milwaukee.  My heart is pounding just thinking about it.
• [Bears] We did it!  I don’t care what people say (Colts missing their starting center, Peyton hadn’t played at all in the pre-season, etc.)…we still beat them.  Manning looked so confused with the Bears defense and couldn’t get anything going – that’s a really good sign for us.  Also, Rookie RB Forte had a good showing as well.  Great start, guys!
• [Fantasy] You can follow my fantasy competition here.  Week1 gave me a loss, with Brandon Marshall suspended for this first game and Fred Taylor literally doing nothing worthwhile.  But it’s just one game.  If anyone has any insider information, I’d be happy to receive it.
• [E-Myth] Continuing my reading plan, I finished “The E-Myth Revisted.  It’s a really good book for new business owners or budding entrepreneurs.  I also think it touches on important structures for any sort of organization.  It definitely goes on my must-read list.  My favorite quote from there is:  “I believe it’s true that the difference between great people and everyone else is that great people create their lives actively, while everyone else is created by their lives, passively waiting to see where life takes them next.  The difference between the two is the difference between living fully and just existing.  The difference between the two is living intentionally and living by accident.” (emphasis mine)
  

  

  (pardon the poor iPhone quality image) I don’t think I’ll be doing reaching 12 books this year, but I’m going to keep trying.  Any suggestions on good books?  I’m not much of a fiction reader, but I might be open…it just needs to be a semi-easy.quick read.

• [Budget] I set up a poll last week to see people’s take on budgeting, and was impressed with the results…half the people at least semi-check a budget, and only a quarter hate numbers (I expected it to be much worse).  Now, I’m not financial genius or anything, but I do realize the importance (and freedom) of budgeting, so I wanted to give some quick tips on making a quality budget.
  • Monitor your spending for 3 months.  Using an online management system like Mint (which is free), or Quicken or just checking your bank statements, keep track of all your income/expense for three months.  Don’t change any habits, so you have a realistic view of what you do.  Once you do this, break them into categories (Food&Dining, Apparel, Entertainment, Education, Utilities, Gifts, etc.  Search google and I’m sure you can find numerous lists of budget categories for personal finances), and evaluate your priorities.
  • List out debt/loans/etc. Things like credit card debt, school loans, mortage, etc.  Also find out the interest on each of these.
  • Figure out your recurring bills. Phone bill, subscriptions, cable, electricity, car payments, insurance.  Things you are required to pay regularly.
  • Set some goals. Are you saving for something?  House?  Car?  Toy?  What’s it going to cost you?  When would you like to meet that goal?  How much does that mean you need to save per month?
  • Set your budget. With all that set, this is what I’d recommend as the following steps for your budget.  Start with your monthly (gross) income and go from there
    • First, pay your taxes (probably around 30%)
    • Then, set aside your tithe/giving (around 10%)
    • Next, separate out your current bills
    • After, pay of your debt (you can do the highest interest, pay off whatever you can in full first, put it towards the largest amount, etc. but put as much as you can towards that)
    • Then put aside your savings (in an interest bearing account…like ING)
    • Then break out the remaining amount into your budgeted categories based on your spending trends (after evaluating your needs versus your wants).
    • For the next 6 months, track your spending on a weekly basis and strive to stay within your budget.  If you are good with then, then it will probably become a good discipline/habit for you moving forward.

  This is really a rough overview and each step can be broken into a lot more detail with more clarity, but I just wanted to give everyone a general basis for your financial planning.  It’s not the most exciting thing, but the benefits are huge.  Questions/Comments/Concerns?  Let me know!

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: [MNR]

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NMP Photo Challenge: September
- September 6, 2008 -

Just wanted to let everyone know that the September challenge has been posted already, so check out the Challenge Section (Extras->Photo Challenge) above.  I’m giving a bit of time for any last minute entries for August but get them in as I’ll be posting the submissions for August by Monday.

Oh…and so this post has an image, here’s one of the challenge images:

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Personal

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SOLD: 8GB iPod Touch for $150 (OBO)
- September 4, 2008 -

Since I recently picked up the iPhone, that pretty much meant I had no use for the iPod Touch I purchased less than a year ago.  I posted that I was open to selling, and got a few inquiries, so I wanted to post an official ‘for sale’ on it with full disclosure.  Email me at info(at)natemathai(dot)com if you’re interested with your offer.  It’ll most likely go to either the first response or the best offer (if someone goes way above and beyond the others). The iPod Touch has been sold.

Specs/Details:

-  8GB iPod Touch
-  Factory Restored (latest update)
-  USB 2.0 cable for sync/charge
-  Original Box and User Docs
-  Hardshell clear case (purchased for around $25…included, but you can buy another if you’d like)

-  back is branded with ‘nmathai photography’ – not seen if its in a case, and does not affect use
-  aluminum is a bit ‘cloudy’ – unnoticeable with case and does not affect use

Images:

(1)  Clear Case
(2)  branding/cloudy backing
(3)  User Guides and USB charger/sync cable
(4)  iPod Screen
(5)  8GB iPod Touch (front)
(6)  8GB iPod Touch (back)
(7)  Original Box

Any additional questions, just post in the comments and I’ll get back to you there.  I’ll let everyone know when it’s sold.

If needed, I’ll ship it out, but buyer covers shipping fees (continental US).  I’ll accept cash, check (must clear first) or Paypal (CC through Paypal accepted too).  E-mail me at info(at)natemathai(dot)com if interested!

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Personal

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Who Would Shoot Me… (Jasmine Star)
- September 3, 2008 -

I posted before about how I would start posting occasionally who I would love to have shoot my wedding if there were no restrictions whatsoever.  So, if there was no restriction on money, time, availability, etc., I want want each person that I post about (and many more, actually) to shoot my wedding together, because they all would bring something that I truly admire or want.  In actuality, this is a combination of who I would want to shoot my wedding as well as who I’m inspired by in the industry.  (side note:  the photographers are listed in no particular order, except for the last one being my actual photographer.  I love you all equally :) )

Ok, so for the inaugural post, I would want Jasmine Star.

Jasmine has one of the most amazing stories (which I will probably butcher trying to explain it) that I’ve heard.  She started out in law school, and in searching for her own wedding photographer found a passion in the industry.  She then went full force in learning, and in less then a year became BluDomain‘s Photographer of the Year…and she is only finishing her second full year shooting!

Jasmine’s images are very crisp and clean, but what I love most about her is her copy.  This girl knows how to write!  I follow so many blogs (near 100, I think) and for many of the photographers I skim the text but the way she writes pulls me in.  It is so clear how invested she gets in her clients – understanding their story and seeing the love in the relationships.  Although I’ve never been a huge reader, I’m a sucker for quality type.  So that coupled with her amazing images make her an obvious choice.

Check out her work:  blog | site

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Personal

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[09.02.08] Monday Night Recap
- September 2, 2008 -

• [Ummm...] Yes, I know it’s Tuesday.  Yes, I know its Tuesday night.  I’ve been near perfect (if not perfect) about getting these up on Mondays since I started last year.  Oh well…better late than never, right?
• [Photo Challenge] August is over, so get your submissions for that challenge e-mailed into challenge(at)natemathai(dot)com.  I’ll post the next challenge within the week and get these submissions up as well.
• [Cubbies] After some dramatic, come-from-behind victories last week (Aramis with a grand slam in the 8th, Soriano with a solo-shot to take the lead in the 7th the day after), we had a rough weekend.  Even still, we’re 4.5 games up on the Brewers, and I think the magic number is around 20-something…we’re coming down the home stretch!
• [Liza and Shibu] On Saturday, I shot the engagement ceremony of Liza and Shibu at the India House Banquets in Schaumburg, Illinois.  Here’s a little tease for you all:



• [College Friends] Two years later, and we all still hang out…that’s a good sign, right?  11 of us got together on Sunday (missing one in Atlanta) for some fun times of freeze tag, water balloons, and volleyball in the park, followed by pizza at Barnaby’s.  No pics…I wanted to avoid getting yelled at for bringing the camera everywhere :)
• [Blogging Friends] I’m a blog junkie, where in addition to my own blogging, I follow 25, 50, too many blogs, many of other photographers, others on finance, business, marketing, technology…and the list goes on.  I decided I should give a shout out though, to a couple of my non-photography friends’ blogs that post regularly so you can go check them out.  Not listed?  You haven’t posted enough!

1. {Rincey}  It’s 100% personal.  But she’s an amazing writer and completely knowledgeable about all things pop culture and beyond (she’s a journalism major).  She’s been blogging for quite some time to (longer than I have I think) so she’s very well-seasoned.  One of the few blogs I read all the copy to.
2. {Jason}  A more recent blogger and long-time friend, he’s started one to document his families current move back to the Chicagoland area from Bloomington/Normal, as well as his journey in starting his insurance agency.  And more than just personal info, he’s dropping some good info on finances here and there, so definitely check it out.
3. {Sibi}  My brother-in-law is trying it out now, and already has some quality information up there.  He’s a Mac/Tech addict so you’ll definitely gain knowledge on quality products and apps coming out.  He’s also occasionally giving some wise financial tips as well.
4. —>  I have a couple other friends who have blogs, but don’t update regularly, so they don’t get posted.  Oh well, such is life. :)

• [Google Chrome] So it seems Google is launching its own web browser (a-la Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer).  I’ve tested it out for a couple of hours earlier today, and its very bare bones (they wanted it minimalistic).  It’ll take some getting used to, and I’m sure there will be much more to come since this is just the first beta release.  The one thing I do like:  Most Visited Websites when opening a new tab.  Each time you open a tab, thumbnails of your most recently sites appear in a grid for you to click to go directly to it instead of having to type the address in.  More than the browser itself, though, I feel like if this browser can surpass that of Firefox/Safari in usability, Google’s Android begins that much stronger of a force.  Just my musings…awaiting for the release on OS X.
• [Budgeting] In planning for a wedding/future, I’ve begun the budgeting process with my fiance, which leads me to the following poll.  Please humor me by selecting your current ‘state of budgeting’, and if you’d like explain why you’re in that situation in the comments below.

[poll=2]

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natemathai | filed under: Modern Events, Personal, [MNR], engagement

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