Best Pics of 2005

I had a real boring journal up, and it just doesn't do justice for this year.  In an effort for more people to check out my blog, nemoorange.blogspot.com, here's an overview of my 2005.  I picked out my best picture from each month and I'll provide a little background info to help you along.


Instead of having a normal 4 weeks for winter break, I was at home for 7 weeks, waiting to go to London.  This pic was taken the first day of 2005, New Year's Day.  I spent the night at a friend's place in West Chester, PA.  A fun, cold, backwards night.  Yes, she's passed out, but I still like it.  blog post


I arrived in London in late January.  It's hard to put the whole experience into words, but this pic manages to say a lot.  Taken in Brighton during a cold, wet English day.  A bit of mystery and awe.  Those people on the shore were a couple of the fellow students who were in the same program.  I miss it all.blog post


While in London, I took the oppurtunity to explore the city.  I would hop on the tube with a map, pick a destination, and just start walking in a given direction.  These fowls can be found in Hyde Park, where they viciously combat one another for the attention of passer-bys.  It was incredibly easy to take it, as you can walk right up to them, if you've got the courage.  I've never been afraid of swans, but those suckers can be nasty.  I love the way the light hits, but the background is all clouds.  That's England for you.  blog post


While I didn't travel as much as many of the other students, I did get to go to a couple great cities: Edinburgh,  Barcelona, and Paris. . While up on top of the Eiffel Tower, I managed to capture the incredible view.  This one is of the Arc de Triomphe and surrounding streets. This shots weren't just the point and shoot kind. To get a good long exposure, I had to balance the camera on the ledge of the railing, pinning the security of the camera on my wrist strap. Factor in the high-attitude gales, cold air, and the strobe lights going off, and you'll get an idea of how ridiculous it all was. Nevermind any notions of vertigo (I've got nerves a la Steven Segal).  But it was all worth the trouble. blog post


The European experience ended in April and I returned home in May.  There, I sat around for the entire month, getting back into the American summer.  I did meet up with Erin and we spent the afternoon at the Philadelphia Zoo.  I hadn't been to that place in 10 years.  It was still a treat. blog post


In June I started my summer job.  It required me to drive 40 minutes every day.  It would have been longer, but I figured out a route using only back roads.  Each day I would pass by this hilly, grassy area:  Kirkwood Preserve.  blog post


Over the summer I got to go to a couple Phillies games.  Dollar-dog day had to be a favorite.  This pic was taken at the annual fireworks game, which has been a family tradition for years now.  I was going nuts, trying to figure out the best way to shoot fireworks.  I couple of them came out great, like this one.  blog post


I finished the summer with a cross-country road trip to Denver.  My roommate, Mike, set out a week, hopped in his Jetta and made it there in 2 days.  This pic was taken inside Rocky Mountain National Park.  Being from the east coast, I've never seen such landscapes.  Every day the sun would beat down in the morning, then rainshowers in the afternoon.   You can't tell, but us two are about to pass-out.  We hiked up this little mountain, and with the thin air, it was ridiculous.  But this pic stands as an acheivement for the two of us, as we did it, made the trip, climbed the mountain, and made it back. blog post


September means back to school.  This year marks my last at JMU.  At this point, I've been to so many parties, it's hard to figure out what happened when.  I love this picture as it manages to capture the energy of the girls, dancing barefoot, drunk on liquor.  Nevermind the fuzzy blur or terrible composition.blog post


Homecoming is always a great event at JMU.  Wake up really early so you can start drinking.  Here's Andrew, who has more barbeque skills than most Southern states.  A very fun day.  blog post


The JMU campus is lovely in the fall.  I often sit under a tree like this one, reading, just enjoying it all. blog post


My friend Rat is a silly guy.  First off, his name is Rat, which should give you a good indication of his demeanor.  This one was taken after a long of drinking.  The neighbors have a half pipe in their basement.  I tried dropping in like six times, and each time I ate it.  My side was hurting for a good week.  blog post

So there you have it.  2005 for David D.  For future updates, always check out the blog.  I try to post a couple pics one every week.  See you in oh six.