Category: Shaycam.com

Over the weekend I realized that I hadn’t really shared about my love for soccer. It all really stems from the countless hours and games I have played since I was just a little kid. As most kids do, I started by playing in AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization). I only bring this up because I watching the MLS CUP on my TiVo the other day and I realized that they didn’t really have televised, English speaking games on regular television (in America) when I was a kid. They didn’t have major sponsorships or half time shows. But as I watched the MLS CUP, which was in Frisco, Texas, I realized things have changed. Though I don’t believe soccer will ever be as big as baseball or basketball in America, I do believe it is making a “comeback” so to speak. The stadium in Texas was packed and then the band Under The Influence of Giants played a song during the halftime show. It was very interesting as well that the people at Adidas are marketing teams with indie bands. They have these things called “MLS Mashups” which they take indie music and make soccer videos to accompany the music. So, all that to say, I think someone in the soccer world is doing a great job of bringing this sport to the American culture. Soccer has always been the “world’s sport”, but has never gone far in America. I guess I am just saying that I think we will be seeing more soccer in America in the next few years. And to that I say, “heck yes.” I love soccer. It just makes sense to me. No stoppage time for commercials, no wimpy know it alls, 90 minutes of running, and no cheerleaders.

Soccer: My favorite past time.
Here’s some of the best goals of 2006:
(this is not one of the mashups from above, just a video someone put together on YouTube)

Bethany and I went and saw “Stranger Than Fiction” last night, and we were both very impressed. I think for me, I’m always drawn to movies that have to do with writing and literature. There is something very attractive to me about these kinds of films. For instance, I highly enjoy films like “Dead Poet’s Society” and “Finding Forrester“. Maybe it’s because I like learning about the English language, or even that I appreciate great writing, which all of these films have. “Stranger Than Fiction” combined both a movie and a book. (Please don’t worry, I won’t spoil any of the movie for you, I’m not of those types). It was the kind of film that you just watch and are happy as you watch it. The characters are so well written, and the actors well chosen, and you find yourself highly engaged with emotions of the characters. It’s not like watching an action film, or sci-fi where you almost disconnect from what’s happening, this film is really about the common man. That’s what I think all of these more literature driven movies have in common: the common man effect. We can appreciate when the characters are just like we are. They don’t have some super power or crazy job, but they are just a part of their own life story. That’s what made “Stranger Than Fiction” so good. It just had great dialogue, which was very simple and pointed. In fact, it was so good, that it made want to write about it, so there ya go. I guess if you are a reader, writer, or just appreciate movies with good writing, you should really go check out this film, I highly recommend it.

According to the news, some guy “flew the coop” today in my area. Basically, some dude esacaped from a local detention facility near my town.

I thought it was fitting that they include this message on the road signs because of this event.

Guy: “.. So, what did we learn?…”
Kids: “… Don’t smoke crack!…”
Guy: “…Good!…”
Posted by Shay at 4:08 PM

Long and Winding Road, originally uploaded by shaycam.

I’ve been having a lot of crazy dreams the past few nights. Two nights ago it was about how I road in a boat all the way to Norway, but across the ocean I could see America. I remember being really frustrated because I forgot my camera in the U.S. But I remember as well riding around and looking at all faces of kids and people who barely spoke English, though some of them did speak English. While riding around I started to remember as well that I forgot to get a passport. I couldn’t believe that they even let me into the country. It was kind of crazy to say the least.

Last night was even more weird. It was like I was trapped in my adult body, but was acting like a child. The dream was complete with my in-laws, random bullies that I thought were from my childhood, and pretty much anyone that was important to me in this life. At one point I seriously thought I was a child. I was like screaming and complaining about every little thing that was going on. Putting my head in to a pillow or yelling at people was common in this dream. But the weirdest part was that my brain made up a Kiefer Sutherland movie. I remember (in my dream) watching a movie about Kiefer as a little kid who had some random experience which made him think he was hero and when he grew up he actually becomes a hero. I know that such a movie doesn’t actually exist, but my dream was vivid!

I don’t exactly know why I’m dreaming so much lately. I assume it’s because I have been taking medicine for my current illness, but these dreams are too real. That’s what I don’t like about dreams, it’s like sometimes you go places and see things that you probably wouldn’t otherwise go or see… then you wake up. I can’t help thinking, “darnit!.. I really was digging on Norway.. that place was cool…” and then of course I wake up. So depressing. Ah, whatever. It’s not a big deal, they are just dreams. Dream away.
Posted by Shay at 10:01 AM

Since I grew up with these guys and they are some of my favorite people, I thought this video by Clayton of the band Dizmas was appropriate for today’s blog. They are currently recording their new record and more videos of their recording sessions can be found by clicking here. Peace.

the hurting tree, originally uploaded by shaycam.

I’m a little bit tired right now, but I felt the urge to blog a bit. I went and got my hair cut today, which makes me happy. Sometimes I just can’t take it getting all crazy and long. Often I think that I am going to grow it out, but that never happens.

But beyond getting my hair cut I spent some time walking today. There is this place that I have always wanted to go check out right near my apartment and I finally grabbed my camera and went over there. Apparently it’s a pretty happening place, because it has trash can, parking spaces, and even a drinking fountain. It’s kind of hard to explain, but it’s nice, and it makes you feel like you’ve gone someplace that few people go, but really I think lots of people go there. As I said, I brought my camera along and I snapped a few pics along the way. If you get some time in the next few weeks, go take a walk, because I’m telling you, the year is almost over. Yeah, we’re still 2 months out, but these are going to blow by and we’re going to forget Fall.

I like November. It’s just an interesting month to me. Really, I like the first day of November. It’s like the only month that I almost always remember the first day of. I think I even had a blog about it last year. November is always the month we are all trying to get through. Cause we all know that if we make it to the third week of November we’ll find a few days off of work and school and then BAM!, one month later, Christmas. As well, November marks the end of carving pumpkins, Halloween costumes and generally the colors orange and black. The only carving you’ll be seeing is the mom’s across the country that are getting ready to make pumpkin pie, mmmm… pumpkin pie. Then they’ll be some mom’s who will actually roast the pumpkin seeds and throw salt all over them, mmmm.. pumpkin seeds. And for you Starbucks lovers, the first week of November marks the beginning of ALL the Christmas stuff. As a previous Starbucks employee for 4 years, I saw many store Christmas turnovers. Everyone will go and see what kind of special gifts Starbucks will have this year. They’ll even have Christmas music to please your Christmas spirit for 2 whole months. Yeah yeah, go ahead, get your Egg Nog Latte, oh and don’t forget your pumpkin scone! And don’t be suprised if you are asked if you would like to buy and Espresso Machine ($399) or a pound of coffee while you’re there.

November, what a month! I’m sure it gets sad sometimes because people forget about it. I mean, they remember Thanksgiving, but they are probably all too busy shopping and trying to finish out the year right at work, that it just because becomes the month that gets us to December, almost like a bridge from October. Don’t forget November this year. Enjoy it. Relax a bit. December will come, and then we’ll really be in for it. Alright, now go take on the new month!

Well.. if you need to read about my most recent adventure, then goto shayandbethany.com. But for now.. here’s some backgrounds for your computer:

Click the picture to download your favorite one in a BIG size!

Lots O’ Pumpkins

The Sunflower

Lots O’ Small Pumpkins

I realized today that I stopped writing. I used to write about anything and everything. Maybe I forgot what shaycam.com was for. When I started shaycam I just wanted a place to share my thoughts on anything and everything. Now, so many times I fear that I have nothing good to say, nothing worthy of someone’s time. I think to myself, “well.. I don’t want to post today, no one will have time to read that pointless banter..” Yet, that’s not the point. Maybe it’s actually that shaycam is more for me than it is for others. It’s not a pride thing, it’s just sometimes I need to type and think out loud. And whether someone joins my thoughts by reading it, then that’s cool. Actually, it’s a lot like Doogie Howser. At the end of every show we would see Doogie (a teenage doctor), typing away at his computer. Typing about his day, typing about his previous experience. They were his thoughts, and just because we were able to sneak into his room and see what he was typing was cool. It was cool with him, and it was cool with us. That’s what I wanted shaycam to be. I would always tell my mom that I wanted a computer like Doogie Howser. Well, I’ve got one, and I need to continue my quest to be like Doogie (which is a great name for a human being, might I add). Just had to get that off my chest. I look forward to many “open-minded” thoughts on shaycam.com.

As well as writing whatever, whenever, I used to draw things on paper because I didn’t know how to. I really felt that if I tried hard enough I would one day start drawing incredible portraits of people with sweet shading and features. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works, at least for me. My friend Zach could always draw. It was frustrating growing up around someone that would “sketch” something I probably wouldn’t be able to draw in my lifetime. That’s probably why I got into photography. I figure, let God do the drawing/designing and I’ll take photos of it. Many people have very successful businesses in photography doing just that. I guess we’re always steal God’s ideas anyway, it’s not like we came up with a tree, or even sky.

All that to say I wish I could do things I really can’t do. I wish I could write like many famous authors, I wish I could draw like many famous artists. But this is all I’ve got right now. I’ve got a few words on a webpage I made and some photos of stuff that God made. It’s who I am. That’s the best I can do right now. So be it.

OK, I woke up this morning to find some guys outside of my apartment trimming back the palm trees. I just though this was a hilarious opportunity for me to capture a candid shot of this guy. Now remember, I’m on the 3rd floor.. haha. Good times. Ok, that’s all for now.