My "Daily Picture Challenge"

I like taking pictures. I like a challenge.

I’m also an owner of an iPhone, so pictures are constantly been taken. I average over500 pictures a month. Most are of my kids, of course!

At one time, I had discovered an app that would give a daily challenge in taking a photo. Many of the users would try to be creative when taking the picture of the day. However, the developer of the app gave up, stopped the updates, and the app is no longer available.

Not wanting to give up, I decided to do a search. Surely there was a place online that would do the same thing. But no. Sadly, I didn’t find anything I liked. I had noticed that some sites had lists, so I made my own. I then started assigning them with a day, and then made my won chart for each month. It makes it simple, yet still a challenge.

So far, I’m enjoying it! I haven’t missed a day since starting a few months ago, and I hope I keep going. I've even had help from my kids. In fact, Malachi helped me with the one for this post... we used Christmas ornaments, crayons and paper, plus ice from our freezer! As you might guess, it was fun!

My “Daily Picture Challenge” albums for each month are on my facebook page. Check them out!

~Matt

7 Days of Thankfulness: DAY 1 - "My iPhone!"

If you are into social networking, you may have noticed that many people are doing "Thankfulness Month", posting each day on something they're thankful for. Well, I liked the idea, but I figured I'd do something different. For the 7 days, leading up to Thanksgiving, I'll try and blog about something I'm thankful for. They will not be in any specific order, and may not be the most important. However, no matter what, each post will be about something that has come to my mind for the day. It may be serious, or it may be funny.... depends on my mood! lol

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DAY 1 - "My iPhone!"

Today's post is funny but somewhat serious as well. I'm thankful for my iPhone 3Gs. Now, at first thought, you may think I'm nuts, or crazy, being thankful for something that many may consider a toy or a piece of equipment that one can do without. And I can agree how one can think that. But let me explain.

My smart phone is a tool. A very important tool. Yes, it does allow me to play games, and I could use it to distract me from many things going on around me. It would be very easy to do....  but that's not what I use it for.

My phone is something I've become to depend on, and that's a good thing. I use it for work, both on and off my actual job at the radio station. Since I'm in also in 'sales', I can pull up information and documents at any time. It also keeps me in contact with my freelance clients. No matter what, I'm easily reached. 

It also serves as my back-up brain! With the calendar, I'm able to keep on schedule. (of course, that means I shouldn't have an excuse if I forget a meeting). The notes and notifications also remind me of projects and things that I need to get done. The maps feature help me when needing to locate a destination, it has proven itself when driving the van route for church!

Now, I'll admit I also use it's 'fun' features. I enjoy the ability to take a quick photo at any time. I average about 500-600 pictures a month! It can be a good thing, my kids growth and life is well documented! 

My favorite thing about my iPhone is the ability to be in constant contact with my best friend, my wife, Lydia!!!! I really don't have hard proof to back it up, but I do believe that it is a healthy thing for our relationship. We are able to share thoughts and concerns at anytime. Instead of sending 'love notes' on paper, we are able to chat or talk in real time. We use it to encourage each other throughout the day... so awesome!

There is another important part of my phone... it has a the Bible on it! I don't have an excuse on not reading chapters or verses! The Bible is always with me. 


~Matt

Tech Post: IMO Messenger (Mobile App)

I'm not sure, but I may have posted about this app earlier, but since I use it daily, I want to make sure I tell others about it!

Yes, there is an app for my iPhone that I like a lot! It’s called IMO Instant Messenger. The best part is that it simply has the ability to pull all of messenger accounts together under one app. Facebook chat, Skype, MSN, Google Talk, MySpace, Yahoo, and more! A great way to be able to stay online with each IM client, and not have to switch between apps.

There are several awesome features, including copy and paste! I also like the fact that it keeps you signed on for a week without taking you off after several hours.
 
It’s also FREE! And there is now news that it will be getting an awesome update on Tuesday... hooray! ;)










 
For further reading, here is another article on the app: http://fanappic.com/imo-instant-messenger-advanced-chat-platform/

~Matt

TECH: Springfield Gets Real-Time Traffic Data

I ran across something cool the other day. Last Tuesday, Springfield became one of 130 cities in the nation that got real-time traffic data on Google Maps. This special feature is available on the Google Maps website and smartphone apps, and allows you to see the flow of traffic on the city's main roads.

The idea is great, and perfect for those wanting to avoid heavy traffic. I can see drivers who are constantly making trips around town to benefit the most.

Yes, I think this is a neat feature, however... I encourage those who use it on their smartphone to do so when not driving! Perhaps at a stoplight, but for the safety of others on the road, I don't want you to be distracted while the vehicle is in motion.

Drive safely!!!

~Matt

"Draw Something" Art of the Week!

As I have posted before, one of my favorite games is "Draw Something". It's addicting, and fun at the same time! As you might guess, this game is perfect for me. I love to draw. It's a challenge to do this with your finger on a small screen (my iPhone), and be able to make it easy for my opponent to guess. If you want to play, I'm ready!

Here are some examples of my art from the past week: