Take THAT, Math Gods!!

I did it!! I passed my math assessment re-test and now, unforseen circumstances notwithstanding, I should get accepted into the Optician program for September.

It's been a roller-coaster, and I've had to stare down the Math Demons, but then, all progress comes with a bit of struggle.

As Martin Luther King said:

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

I don't know what the future holds but I'm all for stepping on the staircase again, and seeing where I end up. It's en a long time since I took such a risk. Far too long!

The one regret I have about the timing for this is that I really wanted to take some photography courses now that I have my Canon Rebel XT to play with. I haven't even begun to tap its potential, and I'm not sure I can, all on my own.

However time and money are going to be too much of a barrier as far as I can see, for at least another year.

A least the way the course is set out I should still be able to find time for photography.

Okay, off to crash on the couch and wallow in a great day's work!

Stay Tuned!

Ah well,

Photos From The Aquarium

Had a chance about a week ago to take some photos at The Vancouver Aquarium with my new Canon Rebel XT.

Although I'm still a novice with the camera, and haven't conquered the custom settings yet, I'm thrilled with the photos it took on the automatic settings.

I was also impressed with the zoom results; was able to get some real nice shots of the trainers, and their interactions, as well as some close-ups of the sea lions otters, and dolphins. All this with a mid-range lens. I can't wait to see what I can do when I can finally afford a good telephoto!

The speed of the camera is very satisfying, as well. Capturing dolphins in mid-air has been a dream of mine since my first visits to the aquarium as a child. And I'm thrilled with what I've gotten so far. R. had to put up with me squealing to come and see every few moments, but he did seem to enjoy them. He takes a lot of interest in my photography, and has even helped me out on occasion. Maybe he'll get the camera bug eventually?

I'm looking forward to going again and seeing what else I can capture.

Meanwhile you can click here to see some of the results.

Gardens And Tripods

The weather finally changed this weekend and the cherry blossoms and hyacinths lent quite an amazing perfume to the air. I was inspired to head over to Van Dusen Botanical Gardens with camera and tripod in tow.

I haven't used my tripod much, but I think it truly made a difference to the photos I took. Especially the blossom close-ups. I intend to make an effort to use it more. Perhaps when the tulips come into full bloom...soon, I hope!

You can access some of today's photos here.

Cherry Blossom Time In Vancouver