I can’t wait for 2009 (and all that it represents) to be over. I don’t think I’m alone; I imagine this is a year most people would like to forget. And since I can’t personally end war, cure disease, fix the economy, create jobs, solve the health care crisis, create cheap and abundant oil or regulate the temperature of the earth, I will have to focus on other ways of making 2010 a better year.
Here are my 5 steps for leaving 2009 in the past:

It’s only one year. When …

Love ‘em or hate ‘em (in which case, stop being such a Scrooge, holiday-hater!), it’s that time of year again: colorful lights and outdoor decorations are brightening up the cold, dark nights in Wichita. Several local non-profit organizations have set up elaborate displays to help raise money, while others are simply dressing up their own homes for fun. Don’t miss the sights at these spots around town during the next few weeks:

Lights on the Lake at Heartspring (29th Street N. between Rock and Webb): This popular attraction is a fundraiser …

Great Plains Transportation Museum | Photo by Chad Paul

Maybe this isn’t so much of an informative piece as it is a public plea for someone to take me on this date. Is that too much to ask? I’ve always considered it the epitome of the perfect, picturesque winter rendezvous. I don’t know if hipsters ice skate, but expect a progress report soon.
An evening at the Wichita Ice Center is a great option for couples who are tired of the stale dinner-and-a-movie on Saturday and makes for an awesome, no-pressure first date activity as well. It’s …

I’m fairly new to digital photography –  I received my first digital camera in 2007. Only after shooting in “auto” or various “scene” modes for a while did I decide to actually read the manual, learn what ISO, shutter speed and aperture meant and go “manual.” Knowing what the terms mean and actually putting that knowledge into some kind of artsy beautiful action is whole other monster though. After stumbling around, reading lots of articles on the internet, exploring other photographers’ work and becoming intimidated rather than inspired I decided to look into taking classes. …