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Simple math reveals an unfortunate truth: I pay $8.50 in gas driving round trip to Federal Way.

I'm often down in Federal Way, at least once per week, to either hang out at Scott's house or for band practice (they're equidistant from my apartment). After spending $30 for half a tank of gas today, I decided to number crunch.

Federal Way is approximately 30 miles from Seattle. My car gets approximately 30 mpg, so that means I'm burning through one gallon of gas each way. (Hooray for simple division!). Thus, at current gas prices, I'm spending $4.25 each way, or $8.50 round trip.

Time to buy a bus pass?

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I got my new Canon 40D digital SLR camera! Woo hoo!

Before I jump into how fresh the 40D is, I should say a few words about my old Canon Digital Rebel XT that crapped out on me last weekend. It was a good camera. Sergio and I first learned how to really shoot photos on it in Greece, and I took the camera on my last two backpacking adventures. The little guy could only take so much, I guess. Anyone interested in getting into serious digital photography should consider picking up the Digital Rebel. It'll get you far.

Now, upon opening my new camera, I popped a lens on it and ran around the office aiming at coworkers for candids. This did not go over well, so I retired my testing for the time being.

Katrine and I went out for dinner after work, but I got back in time to test out the camera a bit with the remaining daylight.

Better check how the self-portrait is looking (so crucial for the blog):
canon may08 389

Now the beach at Golden Gardens:
canon june08 046

And a late, wicked sunset with a crescent moon:
canon june08 103

I still have a lot to learn, but I think it's a keeper!

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Today my cousin would have celebrated his 28th birthday, but he only made it to 27. We'll remember the anniversary of his passing later this month.

This shit just bums me out.

You can read past posts about Jimmy here, here and here.

Jimmy traveled extensively, and the remarkable picture at left shows him in Peru.