San Francisco part 1

I have been to many places, but none quite like San Francisco. I have been here since Friday and have been enjoying it quite a bit. The city is amazingly diverse and even though its been cooler than I am use to in Florida it has been refreshing.

Carolyn and I have done some of the touristy things such as a bus tour and seeing the pier, but we have also visited an amazing local Chinese restaurant where they served homemade pot stickers that we went back for a second time.

We have a few more days here then we are off to Anaheim, but I already can’t wait to come back and visit.

Below are a few pictures from our bus tour. some of you may recognize one of the locations.

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Childhood and trying

There is a game that is played in a classrooms and conference rooms across the country and the world. It involves just a few items, Tape, Spaghetti and a marshmallow. The idea is in 20 minutes to build the tallest tower possible and put the marshmallow on top.

Now I’m going to ruin the lesson of this for a lot of teachers, but I feel its an important lesson to learn. According to the Junior Achievement PDF about this activity.

“The Marshmallow Challenge is an activity done to help business leaders realize the power and challenges of team problem solving. Thousands of groups have done the activity and there have been some interesting statistics that have come out of these studies.

1. One of poorest performing groups on average are College graduates with Business Majors (an average of 20 inches.) The reason…they have been told that problem solving is a linear solution where you plan, and then execute a plan. They work to the very end, place their marshmallow on top and have either an “aha moment” or more often an “oops moment”.

2. One of the best performing groups is another group of graduates…graduates from Kindergarten. Kindergartners average 30 inches. Why, because they have a natural instinct to prototype. Much like when playing with blocks as a toddler. They start with the marshmallow and build up. Plus they don’t have the natural power struggle within their teams that adults develop.

Imagine that something Kindergartners do better than adults. I bring this up because as we grow up we forget that trying and failing is OK, that its allowed. Many artists and scientists realize this. They sink hours, days, or years into a project and sometimes many times it fails. Sometimes we don’t get the results we want and some times that picture just doesn’t look as good as you wanted it to. But that’s OK. Life is about trying new things, and something we all seem to have forgotten is life is hard.

A few semesters before I was supposed to graduate college I was put in a situation where I failed, I tried it again and failed again. Now based on my earlier post you would assume, “:Nate you tried again and passed right?” Not quite. instead I took these failures and learned that that may not have been the right path for me. I graduated with a different degree and it lead me toward what I do now at Disney.

Every day I encounter people right out of college who, “just want to get on with their lives” They want to move into a well paying job that is based on want they did in college. The truth is a large percentage of people out there are not doing what they got a degree in, but they are happy. Those of us in that situation tried a few things and realized what we spent years working on was not what we enjoyed doing and again that’s OK as long as you learned something from those experiences.

I tell you all this because today’s photo is another one from the Kennedy Space center. This one is of one of the shuttles. It took years of trial, and error to design a craft that could go and come back from space safely. If it were not for the brave men and women that were willing to put everything on the line to try that terrifying experience out we would not have many of the modern marvels we have today.

So my challenge to you is be more child like. try different things and tell your self its OK to fail as long as you learn something from it and keep moving forward, in the end you will be better for it.

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Bubble tea

Back in high school, I was introduced to bubble tea at a Chinese restaurant near the school. I only had it once or twice. Then, when I met Carolyn, she reintroduced me to bubble tea at her favorite Chinese restaurant. 

For the past five years since we moved to Florida, we've struggled and searched for a great bubble tea place. We've only found sadness and disappointment. 

Until today.

Last week, we saw a sign advertising fried chicken and bubble tea. We finally got to try it today. After the first sip, we were sold.

Next time you're near the Publix in Davenport, stop by for some bubble tea.

Have a great day everyone.  

 

 

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A Madmam with a box

Some of you know that me and Carolyn are Doctor Who fans. Last night the first episode of the new season aired, Carolyn and I are getting ready to watch it tonight. 

This season is important, it's the first time that the doctor had been female. It is being played by Jodie Whittaker. I for one am looking forward to seeing this change. The show has been on since 1963 and has had many great actors play the role. It's time to see what an amazing actress can bring to this iconic role. 

 There are many people that are not happy with this and say the Doctor had always been male and should remain make and to all them I say, get over yourselves are you that stuck in your way that you won't even try accepting this change? At least give it a try, if the acting and the plot are terrible then they are terrible, but don't write something off just because of change. Change happens and will continue to happen, it's a part of life.

 Today's photo is of Carolyn and my preparation for the episode.

 Have a great day!

 

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Failure Rate

In everything we build, do or buy there is a failure rate. Doctors talk about failure rates when consulting with patients, manufacturers talk about failure rates when building products and teachers talk about failure rates when reviewing tests and quizzes.

Failure rates are something that is part of life and we just hope that the failure rate of the product we are dealing with is small enough that it either doesn’t make a difference or that we are not the one effected by it.

I learned that when it came to building the space shuttles everything was engineered to a 999 failure rate which means only 1 in a thousand parts will go wrong. That sounds like an impressive number until we stop to thing that there were over 2,000,000 parts that went into each space craft. 2,000,000 parts that each needed to be build and installed with the the finesse of a fine Swiss watch. That 1 in 1000 means that 2000 parts could still fail, and sadly in a few instances of our exploration of the universe things did fail.

Nothing can ever be perfect and nothing is ever a 100% guarantee, but if we build and work towards a failure rate instead of a success rate we are setting our selves up to fail. So I challenge you today to go into the day not thinking about the failure rate, but working to improve your success rate. If you are already operating at a 999 success rate strive for a 9999 success rate. You will find that it is difficult, but ultimately rewarding.

Today’s photo is a Door off a landing capsule that illustrates how many parts go into a space craft.

Have a great day everyone.

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A day around the world

Every year EPCOT has the International Food and Wine Festival. It is one of my favorite times of the year to go because you get to try different foods from all around the world. The festival lasts longer and longer each year and has many different things to try each year.

This year I have been a few times already. I have tried foods from India, China, and many more. With this all said, EPCOT is still an amazing place to visit even when there isn’t a festival going on. The architecture and stories are amazing, however there is one thing more amazing than that and that is all the different Cast Members from around the world you can meet. It’s always great to take a few minutes and learn something from the many cultures that exist.

Next time you are in Florida and visiting Disney I challenge you to stop and talk to at least one Cast Member from another country, you might be amazed at what you can learn.

Today’s photo is simple it is a plaque from the Morocco Pavilion. This pavilion is unique in the sense the it was originally sponsored by the Kingdom of Morocco its self. All the tile in the pavilion was handset and overseen by the king. This sign is often over looked and that’s what drew me to it.

Till next time Have a great day.

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Space

Today’s Post is short, I was visiting the Kennedy Space center at Cape Canaveral. It is always amazing to check out the what we as humans were able to accomplish in shush a short time. Today’s photo is the Saturn 5 rocket and lander at the Apollo/Saturn V center.

More photos to come tomorrow, until then have a great evening.

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ESCAPE

3…2…1… The 60 minute timer starts. You have just been told that you are trapped in the jungle, or space, or an asylum and have 60 minutes to get out or something horrible will happen.

What do you do first?

To some this may sound terrifying, to others exhilarating. If you haven’t figured it out yet I’m talking about an escape room. I have been to roughly a half dozen and they all have been amazing. Each one brings different challenges and gives you an opportunity to work closely with a group of people. All the ones I have done have been with friends or family so far, however depending on where and when you book you may end up getting to meet some new friends.

If you haven’t done an escape room yet I highly suggest you try one, pick on anyone, drag a few friends with you and have a fun hour I promise you, you wont regret it.

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Birthday of a Kingdom

Today we celebrated an important birthday, it wasn’t for a person, however it was for something that has had a huge impact on my life.it was Magic kingdoms 47th birthday.

Magic Kingdom has played a huge part in my life for many years. As a child I found it awe inspiring I mean what kid wouldn’t. That walk up to the train station, the walk down Mainstreet to see Cinderella’s Castle. It’s incredible.

For me personally I proposed to Carolyn next to the Castle and after our wedding we went there for a few hours. This was followed up by a photoh shoot in a few areas of Magic Kingdom before the park opened which was absolutely magical. 

I also had the pleasure of working in Adventureland for a few months as part of my career journey.  I loved walking with the Cast members who did glow. We would walk before the parades which was amazing.

I mostly go to Magic Kingdom now for Special events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Both are a lot of fun. I suggest checking out both, however if you can only check on one I suggest Halloween as the time to come, there are not many chances for families to dress up together and enjoy the park.

Magic Kingdom may not always be my favorite park to go into, however it will always hold a special place in my heart. I will always look at it with fond memories.

Today’s photo is from last nights Halloween party. I know I did one of these a few weeks ago, however I felt like another one was due. 

Have a great day.Today we celebrated an important birthday, it wasn’t for a person, however it was for something that has had a huge impact on my life.it was Magic kingdoms 47th birthday.

Magic Kingdom has played a huge part in my life for many years. As a child I found it awe inspiring I mean what kid wouldn’t. That walk up to the train station, the walk down Mainstreet to see Cinderella’s Castle. It’s incredible.

For me personally I proposed to Carolyn next to the Castle and after our wedding we went there for a few hours. This was followed up by a photoh shoot in a few areas of Magic Kingdom before the park opened which was absolutely magical. 

I also had the pleasure of working in Adventureland for a few months as part of my career journey.  I loved walking with the Cast members who did glow. We would walk before the parades which was amazing.

I mostly go to Magic Kingdom now for Special events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Both are a lot of fun. I suggest checking out both, however if you can only check on one I suggest Halloween as the time to come, there are not many chances for families to dress up together and enjoy the park.

Magic Kingdom may not always be my favorite park to go into, however it will always hold a special place in my heart. I will always look at it with fond memories.

Today’s photo is from last nights Halloween party. I know I did one of these a few weeks ago, however I felt like another one was due. 

Have a great day.

  

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Tea cups

When I was little I used to love riding the tea cups. I would bring my dad on them and spin the tea cups really fast. As I grew older I would try the tea cups and I found myself getting queesy riding them. 

I rode them twice with Carolyn in my life and the second time I did not feel well at all.  

Tonight I sit here observing, watching as my wife and my best friend spin wildly and I think to myself.... They are crazy. 

 Have a great night and enjoy the photo.

 

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Tea room

Last year my friend and I were shopping for Christmas gifts for our wives when we drove by a place called Celebration Tea Room. We both did a double take and the plott d to bring our wives there that afternoon. 

It was an amazing Experience, the food was great and the family that runs it is amazing. since then we have been back roughly once a month Ever since. We have both had many different foods there from Tika Masalas to a traditional high tea. I make it a point to bring friends and family when the time allows.

 The tea room is divided into 4 sections, the tea bar when you walk up, the little shop filled with fun teas and tea themed items.

The two areas to dine are divided into a Victorian style room and a wonderful Alice in Wonderland inspired room.  

I highly suggest you take a trip over there if you get a chance, today's photo is from inside the Alice in Wonderland room.

have a great day.

 

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Salads

Growing up I was always a picky eater. To this day I still don't eat seafood. Salads we're something I would eat but it had to be specific dressings, and it comes kdnt have tomatoes or many other veggies in it.

Fastforward 10-15 years and I have become a lot more adventurous with my salads. I will try just about any dressing and Iove different kinds of salads with many different fruits and veggies. I still don't eat enough of it but when I get the chance to eat at a place like Sweet Tomatoes that gives me the choice of what to add I would t ever turn it down.  

Sweet tomatoes as they put it has "55 feet of veggies" where you can "have a little of this. A lot of that. Salad a la you "  

I was first introduced to sweet tomatoes by a friend of Carolyn's. I was skeptical until I tried it.  

They also don't just have salads they have great soups and breads and deserts . 

If there is one near you I suggest giving it a try lunch is only $9.99 for all you care to eat.

 

With all that being said I now present today's photo. 

 Have a great day everyone.

 

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a Garden among Lego

In Winter Garden Florida there sits a relatively quite little park. This park Has been around since the 1930s and has been purchased and repurchased a few times. It’s name has even changed. I am talking about Cypress Gardens.

The park opened in 1936 and was for many years the water ski capitol of the world. The gardens were planted by Dick Pope Jr. and his Wife Julia. and over the years the park grew and was greatly appreciated by the locals. When Dick and Julia retired they transferred the property to their son who sold it off due to competition from the up and coming Walt Disney World resort.

It changed hands a few more times and was reopened in 2004 only to have that company go bankrupt in 2006.

This however was not the end. in 2010 the Merlin group owner of the Lego land Franchise purchased and reopened the park.

You may be wondering why the history lesson. Well as many of you know I love Lego. A few years ago Carolyn and I decided to go check out Lego land here in Florida for the first time. As we walked through the quaint park we were pleasantly surprised to come across this sign for Cypress Gardens. Neither of us had heard about this place and we decided to explore it. What we found was a calm serene landscape of amazing trees and plants including a 75 year old Banyan tree. We spent a few hours wandering lush landscape and taking in the quiet beauty. We liked it so much we upgraded to annual passes just for the Garden.

I am sad to say we only made it back once more that year for the gardens, however we enjoyed walking the quite Garden together just as much as the first time we were there.

Many people come to the Orlando Area for Disney, or Universal or one of the many many other well known attractions. Lego land its self is a lot of fun, I will say more on this tomorrow, however the beautiful little gem inside the park is worth it for anyone who loves plants or just wants to see what a classic Florida attraction looks like.

Today I have two photos from the Gardens, Please enjoy.

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A long flight to Galaxy's Edge

It’s been amazing working at the place where dreams come true for so many years and to see so many cool projects happen over that time. I worked at Downtown Disney as it transformed into Disney Springs, I worked at Disney’s Hollywood Studios when Star Wars Launch Bay opened, and I worked at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park when Pandora - The World of Avatar Opened. I have seen many attractions change over the years and many construction projects.

It’s truly incredible what can be accomplished when people come together to see a vision through. Star Wars Galaxy's Edge is an amazing undertaking that should be amazing when It is complete. It has been awesome to watch Disney’s Hollywood Studios grow and change, and yes, right now it is feeling some growing pains however it will come out better for it.

Today’s photo is of my lovely wife Carolyn and our good friend Emily who are huge Star Wars fans in front of one of the amazing posters.

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Sand Castles

Beaches are a lot of fun some people go for the sun, others go for the ocean, as a kid i use to go for the sand. I was not a huge fan of swimming in the ocean, but I loved making sand castles. It was always enjoyable making and rebuilding elaborate sand castles. I would spend hours doing this and then trying to protect the castles from the water.

I was in Coco Beach a few months ago and I saw these sand castles set up. The kids were having a great time building sand castles. They were running around and it brought back the fun days I use to have a kid doing that.

Till tomorrow enjoy the rest of your day.

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A roadside lookout

Sometimes you need to forget to remember. How many times have you been somewhere and then years latter forgotten about it. I was fortunate as a kid to travel to many places, we would go for day trips through New England or sometimes over night. We would go to mountain tops and caves and camp grounds. It was something that as I grew up I kind of stopped doing.

I tell myself I am to busy or its to far, when the truth is I feel more comfortable sitting at home.

It took me a little while to realize where this photo was taken. While I dated Carolyn I spent the better part of two and a half years driving eight to twelve hours driving to West Virginia. Every time I came up over a hill from Pennsylvanian to West Virginia there was a look out that I would sometimes stop at to use the facilitates. It wasn’t until maybe the 5th trip that I actually got out of the car and went up the look out and it was beautiful. I needed to stop there with Carolyn and on this particular car ride we did stop.

I hope you enjoy today’s photo.

Till Tomorrow keep enjoying your days.

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A magical trip part 2

in

In a continuance of taking a look at some of my old photos with a new eye, we travel to Venice. Not Venice Florida but Venice Italy. This city was incredible. It was built on the water and even thought its sinking a bit today it still stands. The streets were narrow, the squares were crowded and the seagulls were rampant.

I know that doesn’t sound fun, however The architecture is amazing and the food was great. It was also interesting to see how many older aspects of the city persist such as the gondolas.

That’s it for today. Till tomorrow keep having fun.

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A magical trip

The year was 2006. I had just graduated high school and was embarking on a 44 and a half week European Journey with my grandparents and my brother. This was my first and to date only trip to Europe. It was amazing trip with over 48 hours spent in the car driving from country to country. I don’t remember the names of most of the places I visited and at the time I didn’t think to write them down. I did however have my camera my little 8mp camera.

I took lost of photos, looking back many of them look like they were taken from someone who just pointed and shot. That being said as I was going through them today there was one that stood out as a perfect candidate that for HDR, something I have been playing with more and more. I had a lot of fun pulling colors and making this a magical shot.

What do you think?

Till tomorrow enjoy the magical majestic mountain.

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An evening sunset

Sunsets in Florida are always quiet beautiful. When I see them i am reminded how lucky I am to live in a state that is warm most of the year has many colors to offer.

Sometimes I can even capture that moment when a sunset appears a bit dreamy. That’s what today’s photo is. I was walking to Le Cellier in EPCOT a few weeks ago and looked up and saw this amazing shot.

Next time you are walking along and see a sunset remember that it is a thing of beauty. Take a second and enjoy it.

Till tomorrow remember to keep enjoying the beauty around you.

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