These are my boys...and it's been over a year since I've really done something like this with them, so I figured it was time. They're everything I am and everything I wished I was. Considering how many things I mess up, the fact that they are who they are really amazes me...it's humbling actually. It means I'm not the one in control...someone greater is watching over them. The Lord's grace is abounding and I'm reminded of that everytime I plant my lips on their's.

* * * * *

It's time for race number 2 to start! The last one was so fun and it really got me out there running. One race, two ways to win. This one will last 30 days and will encourage more regular running patterns in each of us. Leave a comment with your email address if you want to run. Starts Thursday at 12:01am. A $10 iTunes gift certificate gets you in like Flynn. Invites go out Wednesday night and it's never too late to join, just leave your Nike+ email address in the comments section. I'm not gonna be proud, I got creamed last time so I have an ax to grind this time 'round :).


Ready? Set. Go!

Thanks to Nick again for his Nike images.

All I can say about the race last week was "WOW." I didn't think the race would be that intense but the 30 mile free for all was over in 4 days! Although I didn't win, I want to thank each and everyone who ran for pushing me to run more in 4 days time than I have in a long time.

Sean McLellan beat out the field with Jasmine Star coming in very, very close second place. Check out both of their blogs, they're doing some great work over there and letting us all in on some fun tidbits about themselves.

For all of those who entered the race, pleaes pay attention: due to a technicatlity (on my part of course), I've discovered the minumum amount you can "gift" someone via an email gift certificate is $10. I'm going to go ahead and honor this technicality by sending Sean $10 (in fact, I already have) and I would encourage all those who are able to do the same. Send your email gift certificates from the iTunes store to sean@mclellanstudio.com and include a happy little note ;)

From here on out the Race Fee will be a $10 iTunes Email Gift Certificate BUT I promise you the races will last longer than 4 days. I'm currently putting together the specifications for the next race...please leave comments if you have any fun ideas!

Malibu, California

Preparation: The Portifino Hotel & Yacht Club
Ceremony: St. James Catholic Church, Redondo Beach
Church Details: Kevin Schimdt
Reception: Rancho Chiquita
Flowers: Marion Curson Floral Design
Cake: King's Hawaiian Bakery& Restaurant
Food & Beverage: Geraldine Gillian
Entertainment: Party Time Entertainment
Vendor Liaison/Coordinator: Elva Mikolaycik
Photographs: Fred Egan (with Sara France)

Yeah, I was one of the first one to buy the iPhone. Yeah, I was also one of the first be a little disappointed (emphasis on little) when Jobs lowered the price $200 before I received my second bill from AT&T. But everyone needs to stop crying about it...welcome to the technology industry. Apple can do whatever they want...the fact is, I personally thought $600 was worh it for the iPhone (and so did 750,000 other consumers)...and I still do when you look at the price of some of the other "dumb" phones out there. Jobs' offer to give me $100 back for being an early adopter just proves that he wants to take care of his early adopter customer base. I like that.

Tip no. 17: Use a smart phone as the hub of your communication for your business. It will increase your productivity and organization immensely.

*Please don't even think about buying an iPhone if you don't use Apple computers. You are missing out on SO MUCH integration and it's a waste of an iPhone to hook it up to Windows.

Seriously, when is the last time your cell phone manufacturer did that? When is the last time your PC maker offered you that when the price dropped on the model you just bought?? No offense to all my PC friends out there, but "What the heck are you doing with Dell?!"

If any of you other photographers are anything like me, you find yourself spending more time than you would like in front of your computer monitors...sitting. And sitting.

 

And sitting some more.

So in the wake of the new iPod Nano announcement, we're going to run...Nike+ style.  The first one to 30 miles wins.  The prize?  I figure we could all use more blog traffic, so all the losers have to link the winner's blog in a post announcing who the winner of the race is.  Also, all the losers must vow to email a $5 iTunes gift certificate to the winner.  You must have an iPod Nano and the Nike+ sensor in order to track your run on Nike.com.  So strap on your armbands, lace up your Nikes and sweat to your latest workout mix.

The invites for the race will go out September 16th...so leave a comment and be sure to fill out the blank with your email address if you want to compete.  This says, "I want to get off my lazy bum and run."  If you receive an invite and change your mind about getting fit and feeling good, then you can decline.

*If you run your personal best 3 mile run and you forget your sensor...it's as if you never ran at all.  I don't want to hear about how you ran 2 miles at the gym with your personal trainer and forgot to wear your sensor (Sara France).  It won't count.  The Nike.com website is the score keeper, it's out of my hands. May the best jogger/runner win.

**Special thanks to my buddy Nick for providing the image above from his Nike shoot in Sao Paulo.