I took my Canon SD 870 IS to Burning Man and a couple uses after I came back, the lens wouldn’t retract anymore. Since the cost to repair these cameras is usually around $200 (close to the cost), I thought I would try to repair it at home.
Before I cracked the case open and attacked it with Dust Off, though, I Googled a solution! Banging the side of the camera hard against the palm of my hand was successful. Whoo!
I think I’m done traveling to LA for quite a while. Between Sushi Decompression, the Long Beach marathon, business meetings and seeing family I have already been down to LA 4 times this month and I. Am. Done.
Sushi Decompression on the 4th was a ton of fun, though. Seeing everybody wearing clothes, clean and with hair was quite a treat (as was the after-party at Robert’s house - thank you for hosting!) Here are some pics:
On the 18th, Rick and I celebrated Oktoberfest at The Old Vienna Inn with a couple friends. It’s a huge party, everyone eats family style and we met a very cool couple from Riverside who were celebrating their 1st wedding anniversary. Rick forced everybody to have Jager shots and a good time was had by all. The food was amazing, too (from what I can remember) 
By the way, History class is going quite well. We had a test recently and I scored 60 out of 60. w00t! Who would have thought I’d do so well at a subject I always said I’d hated?
No plans for Halloween as of yet. The thought of relaxing, watching movies and passing out candy is quite appealing, though.
And for your viewing pleasure, here’s a picture of Rick’s cat, (Fat Man) Puddin’:
Rick and I went down to Long Beach on the 11th to pick up my running number, timing chip and and attend the TTES pasta party. Training with the American Stroke Association’s Train To End Stroke team was a great experience and has changed my life. The pasta party was full of fun people, good food and was a great source of support for the marathon the next day.
I finished the half marathon in a little over 3 hours (I swear 20 minutes of that was waiting in line at the 2-mile portapotties!). Gene finished the full marathon in a little over 6! I’m so proud of the both of us. But I don’t think my knees will let me do anything like it ever again 
