And then it was done

I've decided it is known as Medill Time. Its a strange passage of time wherein days can last forever but months fly by.

And now, it's over.

I know that my experience has taught me invaluable skills on so many levels. And for that, I am grateful and feel ready to venture into the professional world.

I'm also pretty happy to have been able to enjoy this photo op.

 Arch. Diploma. Awesome.

Also this is to show how great we all looked in our purple robes with the strange arm things. 

Updates and looking ahead

It's been over a month since I posted.

I beg forgiveness. May was the last full month at Medill. This of course meant deadlines, meetings, presentations and the like.

June swept in and with it, summer plans, family visits and this fun little thing called graduation.

And in the course of all of that, adventures of the barefoot or photographic kind were tabled temporarily.

But that shall change. I'm thrilled to be spending another summer in the Windy City as an intern. Not only for the fantastic opportunity but also to explore the city some more, on the weekends.

I will post some requisite graduation photos and some others. In the interim, enjoy some flowers!

Happy Birthday, John

There are no words for how nice it is to have family nearby or how awesome it is to feel so at home with them. Thank you so much for that. 

Best wishes today.

Happy birthday, JP

Being the oldest means you have to be the leader. Everyone looks to you for guidance and direction and, should something go wrong, the blame rests with you. I can't imagine its an easy job. But he does it very well.

Happy day, JP. Thanks for being so good to us.

Flowers to brighten your day

Easter at home

Was able to sneak home for the Easter weekend, my first venture back east in four months. It was absolutely lovely to be home, see everyone and enjoy some homemade deliciousness.

Some shots from the weekend.

Hawk Hollow

Another shot from this weekend. 

Took Brady for a walk in Hawk Hollow, where the town did some controlled burning to replenish the soil.

Brady at dusk

Visited my uncle's place this weekend.

I love being able to escape and relax for a bit.

Brady's gotten bigger since I was last there.

Diving in at Shedd Aquarium

I haven't been to too many aquariums, but I've noticed that they all smell the same. Also haven't been to an aquatics show in a long time, but definitely think they've gotten cooler in the interim.

I liked Shedd's layout. At the center is the huge Caribbean reef tank, off which smaller tanks (exhibits?) are branched off, divided up by the type of water. On the lower level are the bigger features - whales, dolphins and sharks. (Though the otters got a lot of love to, because they're cute, I'm assuming.) Considering how b busy it got, I never felt cramped. I think that's a credit to the layout and design of the aquarium.

The site wasn't lying when they advise to get there early. I left around noon and the line to get in the door must've been 100 deep, and growing. They also weren't lying about the visit length. The site says the average visit takes around three hours. I was there for four. Totally worth it. Based on the popularity of Shedd, I'd guess I'm not alone there.

Venturing North

Thought I'd break up the Chicago trips and head north of Evanston.

We're expecting some flurries tonight. Cold weather be damned. 

Spring must be on the way, the bunnies have  made their appearance

Evanston's picturesque light house. 

It opens for tours in a few weeks. I think I'll have to come back

Baha'i Temple in Wilmette. 

Beautiful building. I see why its a popular site for wedding photos.

Amazed at the Museum of Science and Industry

When I knew I was moving to Chicago, I looked into the city's history, including reading Erik Larson's masterpiece, 'Devil in the White City.' So much of my trip to the Museum of Science and Industry was motivated by experiencing the science museum and seeing the Palace of Fine Arts building. 

I don't think it matters what you're going there for, it is going to be a good time. I had a blast. Short of the Body exhibit, I saw and did just about everything, including an up-close look at a U-505, admiring baby chicks and watching an avalanche. 

I also stopped by the Osaka Japanese Garden, just a little south of the museum. Another piece World's Fair history, its a wonderful little escape from the city scape of Chicago's south side.

Exploring Adler Planetarium

My first collegiate science course was astronomy. It was not my strongest subject. So I was weary about my visit Adler Planetarium, but am glad I went. Even if I was about 10 years above their target audience.

Most of Adler's exhibits, it appeared to me, to be built for little hands who like to press buttons. Not that I didn't enjoy pressing the buttons as well, but I don't think it was designed with a graduate student in mind.

That being said, I enjoyed the history of the Apollo's, seeing the Gemini spacecraft and all those stunning photos of the galaxy (galaxies?). I believe astronomy is a very difficult subject, but the minds at Adler hit a nice balance between explaining without talking down to the audience as well as a lot of hands-on stuff and informative exhibits.

Happy Birthday, Mom

It's my mom's birthday. I don't have a photo of her, because she's damn good at dodging the camera. Instead, here's one of her favorites from the post-anniversary party party

Adventures in the Field Museum

Took a trip downtown to visit the Field Museum of Natural History. It was equal parts cool, informative and entertaining. Sue is the unquestioned biggest pull for Field, being the most complete T-Rex. But I really loved the Maori meeting house. It’s the real deal, built in Tokomaru Bay, New Zealand. I was lucky enough to sneak in between field trips stopping by. Its a very calm place with history and tradition built into every part of it.

If you’re in town and have a few hours to spare, I’d suggest you stop by the Field. There is so much to see, quality and diverse exhibits, in a really fantastic setting.

Justin Saper photoshoot

Saper is an aspiring new media journalist and businessman at Medill. 

We hit the Chicago streets for an urban setting. 

I think this one worked pretty well.

Last day of quarter three

Mango brought us treats. Photo taken by Meghan Ann Dwyer.

Broadcasters at Work

Sneaked up to the studio before the broadcasters started to film.

Snapped some candids. 

Broadcasters at work.

Happy Meg

Melissa is trying not to laugh at something silly Peklo just said.

Photography sharing is caring

I love that I occasionally run into fellow photographers at school. Even better that they are really damn good. Getting to pick someone else's brain for a few minutes is fun and enlightening and inspiring. This is Ray Whitehouse's baby, which I shot with his L series lens. Another perk of meeting photographers - getting to play with their equipment. 

Rain drops

Evanston got a little rain today. Made for pretty photos.

Journalism Diet

Brain food while we work on projects, Fritos and Coke. 

I suspect this is another win for j-school.

Hi Keels!

Because I missed the chance to do this with Cambodia,

For some awesome adventures, check out Keeley's blog. It's pretty cool.

Winter's last stand

Had to bust out the boots again as Chicago got a dusting of snow.

This winter isn't going away without a fight.

Huey, the adorable distraction

"C'mon, you know you wanna put down the moot court brief,

and play with me."

Happy Birthday, Chris

Welcome to your second decade, Chris.

Enjoy it, the 20's are a lot of fun.

Full Moon

"Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me"

Mom and Dad have always been very good
at pulling down the moon,
or anything else I've ever wanted.

My neighbor's wheels

are kind of adorable.

Photos to Remember

Sometimes I take photos because something catches my eye. Other times, it is because I am trying to learn a new technique.

And then there are times, I take a photo because I want to remember.

I took this a few nights ago. Because I wanted to remember what it was like to stand on the platform, wait for a train, and just be content.

Sweethearts

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Birthday, Bren

Happy Birthday, Bren.

You're pretty awesome. Hope you know that.

Though you could be a little more merciful at fantasy football.

Winter in the Midwest

Had a snow day last week but spent it doing homework. J-school won that one.

But the 7D and I braved the cold after classes yesterday to catch some of the scenes around campus.

Committed to the story

Rode the bus today for a Loopster story on the CTA and temperature.

Oversized thermometers are awesome.

Loopster is hard at work

We're at the grind again.

Looking for info, waiting for callbacks.

J-school, good times.

The Bartlett Boys

Seattle for a spell

Here's a preview of the Seattle shots from two weekends ago.



There are more photos, promise.

Happy Birthday, Dad

Hope today is as good to you as you are to us.

Love you.

Seattle Bound

Sheababay's headed back to seattle for the MLK weekend.

She's nice enough to bring me along.

I am pretty excited.

Went shopping for Welly's,

to get ready for the Seattle weather.

Pot, Kettle

My roommate likes to give me tips on healthy eating, namely telling me what I am eating, I shouldn't be.

Including my penchant for chocolate milk

Got back from break and found this.

Count it, four empty chocolate milk containers.

(plus two more in the fridge)

Granted it was soy chocolate.

Nonetheless.

She's been barred from telling me against chocolate milk.

60 years

My grandparents celebrated their 60th Anniversary at the end of December.

We had a little dinner in their honor.