It seems a long time ago that I made my first post on this blog back in the spring. During that time I have talked about gear, shoots, techniques and I hope I have at least brought a bit of humor and knowledge to the ten or so people that read this blog.

Of course we in the states will soon be sitting down to dinner with our friends and families for Thanksgiving. While this is my first Thanksgiving post, it is also the first time I have really taken inventory of what I should be thankful for.

In the realm of photography, I am thankful for auto focus, increase ISO and high def video on DSLRs. I am also very thankful for the skills I have learned in the past year when it comes to working with video on DSLRs and small flashes by both Canon and Nikon.

But, in this economic climate I am very aware and thankful to still be employed in these tough times. While my house is so underwater I think Poseidon will be the only person that could do a refinance, I am so happy to have a home and be able to pay the bills every month. I hope that you are not drowning in these times and you are able to keep your head above water.

I am also very thankful for my students I have had over the past year. Thank you so much for attending class and letting share my knowledge of graphics design and photography with you. I am also very thankful for all the things that you have taught me. I am a better designer and photographer because of you. May all of your images be in focus and well composed.

But most of all I am thankful for the love and time I have had with my family, my wonderful girlfriend and our two crazy huskies, Dream and Yoshi. We have broken all the rules on the American nuclear family and had a blast doing it. It has been a very tough year for us, with many different and odd challenges, but we have made it through it and I am so much better for it. I look forward to our future together.

I hope your time with you family goes well. If you can’t make it home, I hope you are with friends. And if you cannot be with friends, I hope you make new ones. To all the men and women severing our country overseas, and to their families, I wish you a speedy return to your loved ones and a safe and healthy future.

So be safe during this holiday season. I hope you travel plans go well, don’t eat too much, or get trampled by the crowds at the stores. I thank you for reading the blog and I wish you the best in the future.

Sorry to make this short, I think I smell something burning.