Sacar Fotos

NOTICE: I'm not going to post on this blog anymore

2006-09-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

After converting my blogs over to Blogger Beta I thought all my problems would go away. The flashy adds seemed so alluring. They held so much promise...

Sadly Blogger Beta is not for me, friends. It's plain crimping my style to be honest.

Thus, I made a weighty, executive blogging decision (aided by the expert IT advice of B. Leard).

But have no fear, the legend of Sacar Fotos will continue, just in a different place (and not in Beta format).

http://justpixels2.blogspot.com

At the above link you will find the continued photographic documentation from a man aged not 23 years, in his quest for artistic excellence and autobiographical photojournalistic provocation in the Sooner State and abroad.

I do hope you'll stay tuned at the new URL. And as always, thanks for viewing.

NOTE: My other mostly textual blog, Johnnie Stu will remain unchanged.

Vance Air Force Base

2006-09-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

The army band played a change of command ceremony up in Enid today. We SAT DOWN and played in CUSHY chairs in the SHADE for the whole ceremony. I love the Air Force.

Quite a different experience than the Army's style of march-around-and-play-in-the-sun-while-standing-in-the-heat-for-
hours-with-a-STUPID-beret-that-provides-zero-facial-protection-
while-listening-to-DULL-speeches-by-pompous-officers-who-DID-NOT-get-
to-their-positions-because-of-their-riveting-speech-writing-skills.

Go chAir Force. Into the wild blue yonder, brothers. I'll play for you anyday...

This could have been you Doug...

A two-star general gave the key-note. Hence the flag.

Cock Fight

2006-09-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

A few from the archives

2006-09-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

Me and my hermano, circa 1994. I think this was taken at Baccalaureate.

Week in the Word 2003. Good work. Good fellowship. Good times.

1999 Norman Christmas Parade. Check out my superb horn angle — 10 degrees above level.

Granola in action — December 2000. Quite the amazing junior drummajor (and later senior drummajor).

My old jeep — an '85 CJ-7. Not a bad first vehicle.

A win's a win

2006-09-05T21:44:00.000-07:00

A few shots from Saturday evening's game. (Student Media)

Horses are so pretty...

And they have so much to give...

Our old friend, Mr. Williams, making a sideline appearance. I wonder if he pays for his tickets?

Super Paul goes horizontal.

These shots make me cry, and then swear at the camera's autofocus. It's always on the most perfectly timed, pristinely framed images that the focus goes bizerk. Why? Please inform me. I have such simple questions...

"To Protect and Serve"

Even Boomer and Sooner were disgusted with our poor defensive tackling.

"Well, you know Craig, basically I carried the entire team and single-handedly prevented a loss to a backwater, lackluster football program..."

Adoption

2006-09-01T22:57:00.000-07:00

This week I answered the call of the International Student Office at OU. I filled out the paperwork, pretending to be my dad (they don't give this privilege to students), and adopted two international students.

I adopted (or rather my dad adopted) Jose', an engineering student from Peru. I hope we can hang out, talk futbol and practice our respective secondary tongues. Should be good.

I also adopted Mo, a Chinese international business student. Her field of interest is the U.K. I figured I know a guy who could give her some authentic Brit flair. Right here in Norman, USA.

Mo came over Friday night to the Stu headquarters for dinner. Sam's sister, Susanna and her husband, Pete, are Stateside right now and came over to sup with us as well. A truly multinational gathering. And we had lasagna. We're so diverse.

But it was a great time. We learned about Chinese culture, chommed prime vittles and, it appears, helped welcome an out-of-towner to Norman in a meaningful way.

Good call on the student adoption bit, Doug. It's looking to be a win-win.

And there are plenty left unadopted even now. Just pretend to be your parents...they'll never know.

It's football time in Ooooo-klahomaaaa

2006-09-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

Back in the saddle. I'll see you on the sidelines...

Rangers 3 — A's 0

2006-08-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

We had great seats, courtesy of B. Leard. Thanks again, sister.

Mr. Stairs on the scoreboard, only moments before his 400+ ft. homer.

Some mid-game girltalk. But I'm sure they were talking baseball...

Tex at the plate.

Venerable superfans, basking in the post-game delight of a classic Ranger victory.

El Yunque

2006-08-26T23:44:00.000-07:00

I've been on a bit of a panoramic kick lately. Here's one of the Puerto Rican rainforest. Over 200 inches of rain per year.

Thursday night at the range

2006-08-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

Arizona and New Mexico — Aug. 8-13

2006-08-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

Milt was in Arizona on business so he stopped by to bowl a few frames with us in Tucson. He put up some pretty good numbers too: a respectable 131 in the second game.

Playing with the cousins in their Phoenix backyard.

Me and the cousins: Isabela, Karina and Malena.

Lots of retirees rolling around in golf carts on the Phoenix (Sun City, actually) streets.

The new Cardinals stadium.

The amazing cacti. Great photo opps with these bad boys.

Just east of Flagstaff, AZ, lies the Meteor Crater. 4,000 feet across and 550 feet deep. And it was formed in seconds by the estimated 150 ft. diameter meteorite. Pretty crazy to think what the concussion would be like. Our brochure said it was more immense than 20 million tons of TNT exploding. Sheesh.

Panoramic of the crater. It's a large hole.

Saw this car at a rest stop on our way to Santa Fe. Good to see some Okie plates in Arizona. The stickers are pretty entertaining...

Oh good, only 700 more miles to go...

Just west of Albuquerque on I-40. At one point the whole arc of the rainbow was visible.

San Miguel's chapel in Santa Fe. The oldest church in America, apparently (c.1600s)

Those Santa Fe peeps are quite green friendly, offering a host of flexible fuel options. Ethanol is soo the way forward, dude.

Uppercrust Pizza in Santa Fe. The best I've had in my 22 years.

The hostel we stayed at in Santa Fe. Not bad for $15 a night. I met a guy named Lee who was bunking in my room. He's on his way out to San Francisco to work on an organic farm/zen meditation center. The place is called Green Gulch Farm. He extended me an open invitation. RUF internship? Pshaw. I always wanted to see San Francisco...

Mhmmm...Nutella crepes...

I made three Ferrari sightings in Santa Fe. This old school Testarossa was NICE.

"I love driving it, it is so choice. If you have the means I highly recommend picking one up."

The Last, First Day of School — Fifth Year's a Charm

2006-08-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

A taste of Singapore (courtesy Mr. Ling)

2006-08-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Whenever Dan has gone home in the past, I've told him to take pictures of his Singaporian homeland. And he has always failed, returning Oklahomaside with nary a photo of his life back home. Boo, Dan. Bad form.

But, this time, he came home from his several week stint with some quality photographic documentation. Good work Dan-O. And now, a taste of Singapore.

Some REAL "chinese" food. Probably just "food" over there.

Dan's "other" friends. The summer me, if you will.

Sorry, Danny Boy, I couldn't resist. You'll have to explain this one yourself...

The Ling residence. Theirs is the right side of the duplex. Hopefully my plans to visit next summer will work out!

Inside the entry way of the house.

Dan's front yard. A mower's delight.

2006-08-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

The Ramsay Family. What a good bunch of people. Well, apart from that one on the left. But we don't much like to talk about him...

Rolling over and still rolling

2006-08-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

The Beast rolled over 183,000 miles today. I bought it seven years ago with 153k. That averages out to about 11 miles per day. Not a lot of driving these past years...But she's been a good vehicle. And no, Jonathan, it doesn't get 12 miles per gallon. More like 22. I'm like, soo more environmentally aware than that, man.

But, it'll be up for sale soon, actually. Gotta fix a few things on her. I'm thinking of asking between $1,800-2,000. We'll see. Maybe more like fifteen hundred in the end. Any offers?

Hail to the Bus Driver

2006-08-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

In the military, they say you can see the world. Well, for a strapping, young Army Reserve bandsman like me, that world is pretty small (thankfully). I'm left, instead, with dramatic, pitfall-laden tours to Colorado, Georgia, Kansas and Oklahoma City, all the while brassing my way through march after march, anthem after anthem.

But, every so often Ares stirs the temporal waters of man and everywhere, army bandsmen heed the call to arms.

Thus I found myself receiving additional battle training on Tuesday, prompted by the compelling words of my unit administrator.

"Hey Stuart, you wanna learn to drive a bus?"

"Sure."

Though the temporal waters have stilled and my training completed, it's only days, months or years until the call will be heard again over the grassy Sooner plains — a call the bandsmen will answer.

And the bandsmen came riding-
Riding-riding-
The bandsmen came riding, up to the old inn-door.

And they rode with a jewelled twinkle,
their trombone butts a-twinkle,
their clarinet hilts a-twinkle, under the jewelled sky.

Brother's Colorado Vacation Pics

2006-08-15T22:52:00.000-07:00

Aaron with Josh in tow.

Brotherly love.

The fam: Aaron, Laura, Carson and Josh.

p.s. I should have some more pics up soon of my trip out West.

Cacti, dust and lightning

2006-08-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it's a desert. Really.

I made it to Tucson on Tuesday, poised for the start of packing up my friend Julie's stuff and rolling back to Norman later in the week. When flying in to Tucson I wondered who came up with the idea of living in a veritable arid wasteland. Not that the terrain is uninteresting, it's quite compelling, actually. Just seems kind of an extreme environment from which to launch a civilization. But so is Tatooine and we all know what good things come from there.

But Julie's living in the dorms here at the Univ. of Arizona (git 'er wildcatted!) for her internship at Kitt Peak Observatory. The campus is nice. Lots of Spanish architecture. Stucco and terra cotta dominate the campuscape. And palm trees. Much different than your oaks and maples that bolster OU's grounds.

Ironically, a big thunderstorm fronted Tucson last night, with MUCH lightning and some hearty precipatation. I thought it odd that I should leave Oklahoma for Arizona and get rained on upon my arrival to the desert.

Flying in to Tucson. Pretty desolate. The green circle is a golf course.

This is some of the only green grass I've seen here. I can't imagine how much water this turf drinks to keep its color.

The university's campus corner.

Oasis of life: Trader Joe's. How I've longed for your wholesome goodness since visiting your well-stocked aisles in Seattle.

$3 for bottles of wine! I also got various samplings of delectable nut butters (cashew, soy, sunflower seed and peanut). The guy at the cash register said TJ's is trying to expand to the Midwest. We can only hope and pray.

Julie giving her talk on Cataclysmic Variable Stars — the topic of her research this summer. The guy on the left who looks like a cross between Father Christmas and Willie Nelson is her adviser. He's a cool guy, obviously, from the do'.

The rain pushed us off the street into a coffee shop. Julie played the piano and some of the other internship kids danced.

August 5, 1972

2006-08-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

Happy 34th anniversary ma & pa.

Stuart Family Reunion '06

2006-08-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

Last week marked the _th official Stuart Family Reunion (I don't know how long we've been having them — a long time). Lake Tenkiller was the location of choice, up in north-eastern OK. A clean lake and a nice area. We have a reunion every other summer and it's always a grand time, seeing the numerous relatives and re-figuring out who's who.

This year, I decided to hold no pretenses and admit right away if I didn't know someone. "I'm in the Don Stuart side of the family...Dan's youngest son. Who are you again?" The trick is to use that "again" word in there, signifying that at one time you knew their name, even if you've really no idea who they are, how they're related to you or if you've even seen them before in your life.

But it's always a joy to mingle with everyone from far and wide (Oklahoma, Colorado, California, Kentucky, Kansas, Arizona, Washington, Massachusetts, Florida and of course, Texas — someone has to live there...)

Highlights included late nights of Mexican dominoes (a family tradition), introducing the fam to the glorious game of Kungen (my team dominated, of course), sailing on Lake Tenkiller and observing my relatives interact with Sam. As usual, my briton brother-in-law was quite the familial novelty, his cheek and witty humour adding, no doubt, to his intrigue. Good looks AND a sense of humor. Hot damn. Quite the double threat, no?

Oh, I also found out that two of my relatives fought for the North in the Civil War and marched through the South with Sherman's army (much to Sam's chagrin). I guess that means we're Yanks through and through...sorry Samuel.

Here are some shots of the action.

The Don Stuart Branch
My grandpa, Don Stuart, had four siblings, two of which are still living. The reunion encompasses each of my grandpa's siblings' families, as well as my grandpa's line, which happens to be the most prolific. My grandpa Don died in 2003, but certainly his lineage is alive and well. This mass is testament to that. There were 42 people from his side alone.

9 new babies since the 2004 reunion.

Sailing on Lake Tenkiller with Uncle Bob. Powerboating is fun, but for my money, you can't beat windboating. Fortunately we had hearty breezes to fill the sheets.

Cousin Malena.

Me and my co-pilot, Cousin Karina. Some firefighters were doing training nearby and we got to check out their helicopter. The kids got to grub around on all the controls and a few even got to go for a ride in the chopper. We heard about this ride A LOT for the rest of the day.

Nephew Carson in the pilot seat.

Touchdown after "the big ride."

My bro grilling some venison steaks and sausages from the deer he shot in January. Baby Josh is supervising.

Sam hitting the frisbee golf course. For the record I finished one under and Sam a paltry five over.

Some sweet Kungen action.

Bocce ball.

Me and Grandma Stuart

Grandma feeding the kiddos some ice.

My cousins, the Cordovas, who live in Arizona. I'll be visiting them next week out in Phoenix on my way home from picking up mi amiga Julie who has an internship in Tucson this summer. Should be good times on the road.

And what do you know, Milt showed up at the reunion. He was a big hit. I was even a bit jealous with all the compliments he got on his attire. His style is quite unparalleled.

Singapore or bust

2006-08-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

Well, some hours of packing followed by an early morning wakeup saw the venerable Mr. Ling moved out of the dorms and off to the Singaporian motherland. Bon Voyage, Dan-o. Perhaps by the time this posts you'll have endured your 28 hours of traveling to bask in the east asian equatorial bliss.

See you in a few weeks, brother.

~J.

Dan's improvised guitar/clothing bag.

Some things

2006-07-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it has finally arrived. The 2006 Sooner Yearbook. It's odd seeing the physical embodiment of so many hours of work. I pored through it today when it arrived in the post. So many things look soo good.
But of course the errors shriek out at me like demonic gremlins. "Didn't catch us in the editing process!!! HAHAHA!!!" Eat me, gremlins. I'm proud of it. And by the way, Annie Petzinger, I have your yearbook. It was mailed to my house, remember?

An ad in the Norman Transcript from the other day. Yibble.

The definitive Jonathan Ramsay.

We all get those aberrant glacial masses in our ice machine trays from time to time. I thought I'd have fun with this particular glacier. I sprinkled sugar all over it and let the girls enjoy some sweet, cold licking on a steamy summer day.

first shave

2006-07-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

Dan borrowing my razor for an unroutine facial hair removal. Whew. Kids. They grow up so fast...

Typical drill weekend

2006-07-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

We played for the annual division dining out on Sat. night. Basically this is when all the officer/enlisted higher-ups of the 95th division dress up, eat, drink and hob-nob. "Oh, Colonel Mustard, you're looking positively smashing this evening..."

During the dinner program they showed a slideshow of 95th division soldiers deployed in Afghanistan. I shifted back to a thought I'd had before of transferring units and becoming an army combat photographer (this job really exists).

Part of me wants to get a first-hand experience of what's going on "over there." Taking photos amidst the action would certainly offer such a perspective if not much more. But then I think I'm pretty happy just honking out sousa marches. Yeah, I think I'll stick with what I know.

Spc. Kimmel and I.

chase(euphonium), me(t-bone), josh(trumpet) and patrick(trumpet).

You've heard of the war on terror? Boy howdy.

Me and saxamaphone player, Spc. McWhorter. This weekend was her last drill with the band. In August she leaves to get retrained as a military policewoman. This job pretty much ensures an all-inclusive vacation to sunny Iraq. But that's what she wants to do. Be careful, McWhorter. We bandees will be thinking of you.

Parting Shot

2006-07-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

Not to belabor the point, but this is my favorite scenery shot from Maine: near Swans Falls in Fryeburg.

Home again, home again, jiggedy jig

2006-07-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

We made it back safely to Okiehoma this evening, somewhat tired and QUITE hot. I'll miss those 60 degree evenings and frigid river swims. The real kicker now would be to experience a Maine winter — many feet of snow and days of below zero weather. Sounds great to me.

But it's good to be back. And I have my mowing cut out for me as it seems the grass has exploded in my absence...

God's temperature: 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

The fam, from left: Aunt Jill and Uncle Reuben (he's my mom's bro), me, Ma and Pa.

Mommy Stu handling a behemoth crustacean at the lobster store.

The mean two pounder.

Imagine a commute to work with this scenery.

_______________________________________

Talk like a New Englander: a few words from up north

caw = car
seerup = syrup
Mass = Massachusetts
Mainah = Mainer
wicked hot = "really hot"
sammich = sandwich
fayah = fair
winnah = winter
summah = summer

A Religious Experience

2006-07-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

Sunday in New England

2006-07-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

Our old church — White Mountain Chapel, in Conway, New Hampshire.

The Saco River beach in Fryeburg. COLD water.

The good life.

2006-07-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

Portland Headlight — Port Elizabeth, Maine

This is the oldest lighthouse in America, and George Washinton, in part, commissioned its construction in 1787. We made the hour drive from Fryeburg to Portland today and saw some sights, including the lighthouse.

Where's Milt?

2006-07-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I got a neat email from Milt today, filling me in on his most recent summmertime escapades. Seems he's having such a wonderful time...

He attached this picture of him on his trip. Do you know where he might be? Indeed, where is Milt?

2006-07-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

Maine Farmhouse

This is a clip I shot Thursday of the land around my uncle Reuben's house. With some additional commentary.

Family History Revisited

2006-07-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today began the fulfillment of a trip long in the making — 17 years, to be exact. My parents and I arrived in Fryeburg, Maine this evening, our former town of residence, and a place we've not seen since 1989 — the year we moved back to Oklahoma.

In the '80s, my fam lived in Maine for about 3 years, calling Fryeburg (and its one stop light) home. Since '89, none of us has been back to visit. It's good to be back here after so long, though I was merely a young lad of five years when we left Maine.

I'm wracking my memory trying to remember things here. Unfortunately, I don't recall a great deal. But I do know that everything seems much smaller now than it did in 1989. Interesting how that works.

We'll be here through next Wednesday, and so far the trip's off to a poignant, enjoying and sentimental start. Primarily I'm excited that it's 68 degrees and raining right now. That alone is reason to celebrate.

Here are some shots from Wednesday.

Mama and Papa Stu, celebrating entrance into The Pine Tree State.

My uncle Reuben's farmhouse in Fryeburg where we're staying. It's over 200 years old and sits on 10 acres. Very quiet and contenting.

Here she is, the old Stuart family home. Lots of memories here. The people we sold it to still live here and they've done some nice improvements to it over the years. Looks pretty good. We're going to try go over and talk with the owners sometime during the trip for some reminiscing.

Not a sign you'll see in Oklahoma.

Driving on I-93 in New Hampshire toward Fryeburg. We flew to Manchester, NH, rented a car and rolled 2.5 hrs up to Fryeburg.

The cast before takeoff at Will Rogers. Unfortunately, the whole fam couldn't make it for the trip. Some day we'll all make it up here together.

Vibrant Maine foliage. Green is the dominant color up here. On ground level, it's pretty much the only thing you see.

Trees...bushes...shrubs...ferns...trees...bushes...shrubs...ferns...

10 easy tips for better gas mileage

2006-07-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

With prices at the pump continuing upward, there's little a consumer is to do. Or is there? Yes, yes, friends, there's much you can do. Follow the ten easy steps and you'll be skipping to better fuel economy like me (I've filled up twice since early May).

1. Get a bike
2. Ride it everywhere (with a helmet)
3. Revel in your improved fitness after observing step #2
4. Ask yourself this question: is 20 miles to the gallon really that great? (No, no it isn't. Get a car with at least 30 mpg)
5. Set a walking or biking limit. Example: I will walk everywhere I need to go that is within three miles of my house
6. Schedule more transportation time to allow for your walking or riding places
7. If you have a kid, get a kid porter that you can attach to your bike
8. If you have two kids, get your spouse to get a kid porter on his or her bike also
9. Sell your car (you've got a bike, remember?)
10. Ditch the house, the flashy job and the city. Join a tree-hugging, bio-diesel producing colony where you can walk to work — where you thresh corn (for the bio-diesel of course).

America's Holiday

2006-07-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

Mr. Ling proudly celebrates his first July 4 in the United States.

My folks made some tantalizing homemade ice cream. I got first licks though Dillon (the dog) was pressing me to share the creamy goodness.

Sam and cousin Isabella after swimming. Isabella lives in Phoenix and got COLD after swimming. 90 degrees is a cold spell to her.

Sam giving Abby some Pina Colada. The holidays aren't just for humans right?

230 candles on the birthday cake

2006-07-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

Maritime Bliss

2006-06-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday we got the real deal. Rolling out to Buena Vista, Colo., we rafted about 15 miles on the Arkansas River, navigating Class III+ rapids (though the river is really low right now — about 1,200 cfm, our guide said).

I've never been rafting before, but three paddle strokes into the journey and I knew it would be a great time. Before launch, my boat's guide, Avery, a student at CSU, asked us who wanted to sit in the front. "We need some strong rowers in the front," she said. "And you'll also get really wet."

Me and Sgt. Pritchett volunteered for the front spots right away. Why not get the full experience of the river? Avery's premonition of getting wet proved very true. The 45-degree water poured over the bow QUITE often soaking me and Pritchett from the get-go.

We stopped for lunch about halfway through the trip, enjoying tasty sandwiches, chips and cookies. Before eating, the guides let us jump off a 30-foot rocky outcropping into the FRIGID river water. The jump was the easy part. The water temps the difficulty. From the 85+ degree air temperatures I vaulted off the top into the sub-50s flux.

I'm not sure what erratic beats my heart took when the temperature variation set in, but after surfacing, breathing became nearly impossible. Breaths came in short, uncontrollable gasps. Motor skills diminished, limb control slowed and debilitation mounted. I was shocked how spent I felt after swimming back the 20 endless feet to shore, battling the current and my own body.

"Hey Stuart, I missed your picture. You jumped too soon," said Jamie, a sax player who took pictures of everyone as they jumped. "You wanna do it again?" she asked casually.

"Sure," I said slowly, still panting lighty from the ordeal.

Thankfully the second time wasn't as bad, my body having forgiven me for the disturbing previous jump and becoming slightly more acclimated to the arctic waters.

Other excitements of the day included big horn sheep sightings, my guide twice falling out of the boat (if the guides fall out during a tour, they have to buy a 12-pack for the rest of the rafting staff to enjoy) and a person in my raft being ejected in some rapids (she hit some rocks but is ok).

It's been a long time since venturing to Buena Vista. I've forgotten how stunning the surrounding Collegiate Peaks are — 13 peaks over 13,800 feet and eight over 14,000.

Pictures can't pay them justice...you have to go.

Another rafting shot. I highly recommend the rafting experience. I didn't hear the forward paddle command given by our guide which is why everyone else is paddling in this picture and I'm just riding easy.

Mt. Princeton near Buena Vista, Colo. Evevation: 14,197 feet.

An old bus belonging to the rafting company that guided us. The Collegiate Peaks are in the distance.

Colorado Springs sunset.

Royally Gorgeous

2006-06-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

The Royal Gorge Bridge, near Canon City, Colo.

Sgt. Stuart on the bridge. One passerby asked me if I was on vacation or actually on duty. "A little of both," I said.

Fellow bandees: Bryant, Josh, Stephanie and Chase.

1,054 feet to the bottom of the canyon. You can see the bridge's shadow across the expanse.

A shot through the bridge slats to the Arkansas River below where some rafters pass by.

Cars just get through how they can. Thankfully not many pass over because the whole bridge sways uneasily when they go past.

You can take the tram over to the other side instead of walking across the bridge.

I took the train to the bottom of the gorge. It takes about six minutes to get to the bottom on the 30 person transport.

Looking up from the canyon floor.

The venerable t-bone section. Lots of latent brass power here. Thankfully we got to wear sunglasses during the concert.

Another Ralstonesque shot with the bridge in the background.

______________________________

Friday morning saw us up and moving, driving northwest to the Royal Gorge for a concert (our first of the trip, actually). Friday marked the last day of the annual Ride the Rockies cycling tour. Starting in Cortez, Colo. this year, riders finished the 419 mile, 6-day trek in Canon City, Colo.

Their route to Canon City on Friday led them on Highway 50, crossing over the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge. We showered them with stirring music just after they crossed the 1,054 ft. expanse over the Arkansas River (it's the tallest suspension bridge in the world, people). Two thousand riders participated in the tour so we had quite a crowd of bike enthusiasts who permeated the concert area.

A number of current and prior service military guys came up to us between songs, having just completed the bike tour themselves. They offered words of thanks and encouragement.

"Thanks for all you're doing for the country," a retired Air Force colonel offered. Another guy gave us compliments on our playing and said he'd been an Army bandsman in the mid-70s. He was a trumpet player though. Pshaw.

We took the accolades in stride, showing respect to those offering them, but it always gets me thinking when people give the band a lot of praise. Are we fighting? Nope. Are we physically contributing to the Army of One? In a sense.

Then I realize it's not about us as individuals necessarily. It's about the bigger picture and how we make people feel about what we represent. I guess I'm ok with taking the compliments. I may not deserve them like others do, but ultimately it's not about the band.

Unfortunately, my braces are wreaking havoc on my tromboning abilities. Anything in the mid-range (from first-line B-flat to the octave above) and I'm WORTHLESS. Flubbed attacks, growling tone. It's like being at Irving Middle School in the 6th grade band again. Pretty depressing. And the lovely sores developing in my mouth from the mouthpiece-to-braces contact are especially brilliant. I want to offer my solemn apologies to those I've possibly criticized over the years for their inept playing abilities as a result of their braces. Sorry. I just didn't know.

But the Royal Gorge is amazing. The bridge is somewhat rickety, swaying a good bit and buckling under the weight of passing cars. Sort of eerie. I saw some people being escorted across by family members, obviously VERY afraid to be traipsing the bridge's wooden slats stationed some 1,000 feet above the canyon floor.

I took the train to the bottom of the gorge to scout around down there and to get pics of the bridge above. I couldn't get very good pics of the bridge in perspective with the canyon floor. It's too flippin high. It just looks like a little matchstick casually laid over a petty, six-inch crack. The photographer's plight.

I also saw some boy scouts there visiting from Texas. I chatted with them a bit, their curiosity and excitement refreshing. Reminded me of my days in troops 777 and 792 when I too would don the tan cloth and red neckerchief of the BSA. You can't beat a good scouting trip.

A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. I still got it...

All in all an entertaining day. I'm thankful I can see stuff like the gorge and play for interested people. And get paid too.

Colorado pics

2006-06-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

Rolling up Pike's Peak with the band commander, Mr. Bennett in his Corvette. I wasn't really paying attention to what he said at this moment.

From the base of Pike's Peak you drive 19 miles to the summit. The elevation changes from about 6,500 feet to 14,110 at the top. For the runners, you can participate in the annual Pike's Peak Marathon, running UP the entire mountain and back DOWN again. I think that would be painful.

Typically I come back from trips with ZERO pictures of myself. Or at least none on my own camera. So I thought I'd do better and actually come home with some of ME. So far so good. At the top I noticed my resting heart rate was about 74 bpm. 12-14 beats faster than it is in Oklahoma. Sheesh. The bod's not used to the altitude.

Good times with snowballs on top of P.P. Kind of odd throwing around frozen water in June.

The narcissistic Aron Ralston shot. Now I just need a prosthetic arm and to climb all of Colorado's 14'ers alone — in the winter.

You can also ride the train to the top. Pretty cool if it weren't 30 bucks. I'll just ride in Corvettes thank you.

Some of the bandees enjoying dinner in Manitou Springs, a quaint town at the base of Pike's Peak. From left: Bryant, Gayle, Joe, Elisa, Jamie, Mr. Bennett (he gets a title cause he's the commander, and he's old) and Josh.

Sunset over the frontline of the Rockies.

Colorado -- take one

2006-06-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

NOTICE

Due to crappy dial-up internet connections, the posting of photos will temporarily be interrupted. Please check back soon for further photo documentation of the Colorado experiences. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Thanks,

JDS

I rolled up to Colorado Springs ("The Springs" to the locals) on Saturday, launching my two weeks of army annual training. The drive was uneventful apart from alluring signs in west Kansas promising "the plains' largest barn," and the "six-legged steer." Oh yeah the "world's largest prairie dog" was especially enticing as well.

So far it's looking to be a pretty bodacious two weeks. Sunday we had the day off and a number of us drove up nearby Pike's Peak for some scenic stimuli. And there was plenty to go around.

I rode with Mr. Bennett, the band commander. He drives an '03, 50th anniversary edition 'Vette. It's alright. It's got a glass top that we removed for the drive up to the mountain's 14,000+ elevation. A good idea, but unfortunately we forgot the sunscreen. I now have a moderately burned forehead.

I watched the temperature gauge drop as we ascended. From 91 degrees at the bottom to 48 degrees on top. With a wind chill. A wonderful and refreshing experience to be uncomfortably cold in the northern hemisphere in the month of June. Can't exactly get that feeling in Okiehoma.

At the top we threw some snowballs. I accidentally landed one through the sunroof of a fellow bandsman's Lincoln. I was aiming for the windshield. An innocent gesture. It splatted on the backseat leather. Whups.

It's interesting how much geography has a bearing on my emotional state. In many ways I feel more content in a location like this. I'm overly thankful for the life of blessings I have (and don't deserve) in Oklahoma. But there's something unshakable about this Centennial State that is especially meaningful to me.

Maybe it's just the six-point beer...

All in all a delightful trip thus far. It's good furthering relationships with my fellow bandees as well. There are some new people in the group and it's been enjoyable getting to know them more.

It's early to bed tonight. We have 6 a.m. PT formation in the morning. Pshaw. What is this, the army?

85 minutes of rubbish, 8 of glory

2006-06-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Sam and I hit up Coaches Thursday for some Copa Mundial action. Not much happened until into the 80th minutes as Wayne Rooney's magical appearance off the bench stirred England to put up two licks against Trinidad.

The lanky, sometimes coordinated, 12-foot Peter Crouch finally headered one in off a setup by Beckam, changing the momentum for the better.

Then the Brits managed goal two in the three minutes of final stoppage, completing Sam's projected spread of 2-0. Unfortunately, in Coaches, in the early p.m., nobody much cared that the rest of the world was watching the match. The PGA tour droned just adjacent to the football match on the Coaches big screens. This country's priorities are out of whack.

Donating Memories

2006-06-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

This week I've been cleaning out my closet at the parents' house. There are loads of old clothes I've not worn in ages. Today I took a payload of boxed wearables to the Goodwill. Among the pile of old threads I found my pair of Pride marching shoes, from the good ol' days — my freshman and sophomore years (seems like a LONG time ago).

Those shoes carried me through a lot. I glide-stepped my way across Owen Field numerous times, feeling the squishy soles impact the sacred grass. Those kicks kissed the turf of the Cotton Bowl, the Rose Bowl and the Sugar Bowl, and eight-to-fived 6 miles in the Tournament of Roses parade. Lots of good memories in those puppies.

Look closely on the soles and you can still see the faint remains of horse manure — a gift from the 'Roses parade...it was a virtual minefield.

Los Sobrinos

2006-06-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

My bro rolled up to N-town this weekend for some free, grandmotherly babysitting of his children and general relaxation. He and I sat on the roof and smoked some Backwoods.
Carson played in the mud left over from the huge hole project (see previous post) and Josh just kind of hung out and made lots of noises — the usual. Good times.

Cold water...

Asundry

2006-06-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Some plumbing guys came this week to replace a portion of the neighbor's sewer line. Unfortunately, part of it ran through our yard so they had to dig a nine-foot hole on our side of the fence. Today they filled it in after fixing the pipes.

I was out getting some photo documentation of the event and Bobby offered me a spot behind the sticks of the backhoe. "Wanna try it out?" he offered casually. Apparently he lets his 8-year-old run the thing.

"Sure," I said.

"It's just like a video game," Bobby assured me once I was strapped in.

Quite fun. The controls are really responsive and sensitive. I didn't help out the hole-filling effort greatly, but I think I look pretty cool behind the controls, no?

Last night I finished the last of my personal momento from Puerto Rico. The fruity, 70-proof liquid went down with nary a buzz (though with a slight shudder).

Anybody up for another trip?

This week marks my one-year cell phone anniversary. Pretty amazing really. This time last year I was just breaching the cellular communications world. So far I'd say my wireless experience has been positive. I feel I'm more connected with folks and the convenience factor is a definite.

Still, I find answering the thing quite toilsome at times. Not really sure why.

If you call me though, please leave a message. It's more meaningful I think. Thanks.

You'll notice the scratches on the phone's face. Those are from my bike wreck in May. Ouch. Fortunately the device is quite durable too.

memorial

2006-06-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

I had drill this weekend — the usual band bit. We ventured northeast to Claremore, Okla., playing for a ceremony at Rogers State University.

Afterward, I made a special visit to the town's cemetery, where my grandpa Harley is buried. Walking around a bit, I found plot 35, and the intended marble headstone. I was 13 years old the last time I put eyes on it.

Memories scrolled in my mind. I see Harley sitting, relaxed in a chair while reading Zane Grey westerns. I smell and taste fresh peanut brittle — fruits of his confectioner hands. I feel him give me a hug and hear him say "don't do anything I wouldn't do" as we say goodbye after a visit.

The visit took only 20 minutes, but proved peaceful and poignant. A simple truth reached me. My grandpa was a strong Christian man, faithful and honest.

We will speak again.

Puerto Rico-a last look

2006-05-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

Landed stateside just after 8 p.m. CST on Tuesday. After being back in Norman for not even four hours I'm longing to be in PR again.

In typical fashion, the group melded nicely toward the end of the trip, putting aside this and that to get along and really enjoy one another.

It's always a special feeling following a trip such as this. My sentimentalometer is waxing. I think it will be most noticeable that I'm not in Kansas when I wake up in the morning, deprived of my other 13 compadres.

We had comraderous times in Viejo San Juan Monday night, our last on the island. Everyone danced and truly enjoyed him or herself.

If possible, I recommend such study abroad options. Good for pushing your comfort-zone limits in dealing with people not like you, and gaining quality cultural insights. I feel quite blessed in being able to go.

After looking through all the PR photos I posted up over the past days, I feel I've not properly represented San Juan. I showed the beautiful, the exotic and the pristine — as any honky tourist can. So, I thought I'd show more of what you won't see in guidebooks, but what is a viable part of Puerto Rican culture.

I can see I need to improve my abilities to capture the unsightly with the dazzling — reality vs. perceived reality.

I took this series of photos around Condado, the area of San Juan where we stayed. Some of the graffiti even appeared on our hotel.

Now I'm looking forward to resting following the sojourn. It was a highly draining excursion for being so vacationy. But, it was definitely worth it.

I've a better appreciation for our territorial neighbor in the Greater Antilles.

!Viva la Puerto Rico!

Puerto Rico-almost home

2006-05-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

Today's the last full day of the trip. Quite a nice time I've had these past 14 days. I've grown in my understanding of Puerto Rico, a culturally distinct entity of the 'States, I have a broader appreciation for the latino masses on our own mainland, and most importantly, I've gotten acquainted with authentic rum. Bacardi shat aside, I've tried the good stuff. And by good I mean I can tolerate it in a mixed drink. Sorry, even the best brew still tastes slightly like turpentine to me.

Here are a couple of pics from Sunday. We went on a classic booze cruise, stopping our 46' catamaran at various sites for snorkeling and what not. The booze was all inclusive but I didn't much feel like partaking. Instead I made a hobby of applying sunscreen to my milkish epidermis.

My faith in sunscreen has been renewed. While the usual farmer-tan parts have gotten darker these last weeks, my uniform tan remains nil. So, paranoid of potential radiation overload, I lathered on 13.62 gallons of SPF 50 throughout the day. The reasoning was sound and thankfully I came away with nary a burn, save an uncomfortable tops-of-feet burn. That one always sneaks up on ya. I've probably sunscreened my feet four times in my life. It's just not natural.

All in all a good time yesterday despite being a mind-numbing tourist draw. Nothing very authentic about the experience. Although I did have an interesting discussion with the boat's captain, Saso. According to Saso, Ricky Martin's dad was on our cruise. Not only does he have a pop-star son, but a kick-ace speedo to round out the combo.

When pulling into the dock, we threw fruit to the Iguanas on the shore. Pretty weird seeing tens of Iguani scaling it through the high grass for some citrus leftovers. Look like mini-dragons.

Puerto Rico-what day is this?

2006-05-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I decided to scrap my story over Reggaeton. My decision wasn't dramatic but very theraputic. My findings over Reggaeton were very inconclusive, frustrating even. And I care little for the music.

So, I've opted for doing a story over the two Spanish forts in Old San Juan — Castillo del San Cristobal and Castillo del Morro.

The Spanish started builing El Morro in 1539, finishing it some 250 years later.

Sounds like a government project, no? Construction on San Cristobal began in the early 1600s.

They're both massive multi-tiered forts, designed to ensure Spain's firm control over strategic Puerto Rico.

One can see the worn steps of El Morro, beaten down by centuries of foot falls. Think about how many steps that would take?

Huge, green fields lead up to the walls of El Morro. The outside expanses are a popular recreation site. Lots of picnicing and kite-flying in the robust sea-breeze. Quite nice on a sweaty day.

I'm thoroughly enjoying myself here, but the lack of a schedule is vexing. Days, events, places, people — all fuse into thick, intangible refried beans.

What day is this? can be heard at any time of the day or night among class members.

I've given up trying to follow the days. I think I'll just enjoy myself with the remaining time and hope I get to the airport on time on whatever day I'm leaving.

Style

2006-05-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

We've had several free days in a row now. I've taken a trip-low amount of pictures the last 48 hrs (only 15 pics in two days! My highest was 450 on Tuesday during the music festival — yes I know this is a lot of pictures) so I thought I'd conjure something with the ones I have.

The floor tiles are from Univ. Sagrado Corazon, and the blue brick can be seen covering the streets of Old San Juan.

Puerto Rico-belated update 1

2006-05-24T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well, things have been busy. Late nights a la discoteca and early morning starts have made me prioritize and cut out the chaff. Unfortunately, the blog falls into this category.

But, here are some more pics of the continuing PR action. I'm here till the 30th and we're on the less busy portion of the trip now so that's nice. I'm trying to get more info on Reggaeton for my story and fulfil my class reqs. It's always fun writing about something you have zero knowledge about.

Why pick something I don't know about you ask? Good question. Still working on that one. Just got to keep working toward getin 'er dun.

On the bright side, I got to interview some young ladies about reggaeton when we toured Universidad de Segrado Corazon in San Juan. It was a tough interview, but I got through it. A true journalist's plight.

Photo info (in no general order): Camuy Caves, Lei Lo Lie Festival (syncopated music and colorful dancing), bike riding through the forest, trash on the beach (don't think it's perfect here), me and my classmates (Ariana and Will), sunset over El Morro (the Spanish fort that protected San Juan from the sea), a firethrower in Old San Juan and a family on a Sunday afternoon swim in the river.

Puerto Rico-Day Four: island of Vieques, Bio Bay

2006-05-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

Hopping a "quick," one-hour ferry over to the island, we landed about 11 a.m. and began our evaluation of Vieques, Puerto Rico's largest island. Some cute kids entertained us on the ferry. I played thumb wars with the hatted one.

After landing, we ate lunch.

Parmesan, salsa chicken with beans and rice finished in my estomago, much to my delight. The quaint patio venue added to the meal.

Transportation around the 13 mile-long island was provided by a 15 passenger van that we managed 18 into. That's always fun cramming three more hot, sweaty Sooners into a situation like that. The AC was sketchy and the day hot. Some complained. I thought it was pretty fun. It's all part of traveling in a group.

Our driver, Angel, stopped as a local fruit stand for refreshments. They had all kinds of goods. Mangos, bananas, plantains, white yams, hot sauces, grapes etc. Good selection of what-not.

A museum came next on the island. We got a private session with the curator, RObert, about history of the island. Vieques used to be the Navy's primary bombing test site. In the 40s the gov't quarantined about 18,000 acres on the island, turning it into a "wildlife refuge," and has been bombing the shiznit out of it ever since.

The locals hated the military's presence. The noise, the environmental impact, the relentless shelling of the island's east side were common abhorrances.

Robert, the guy in the picture, was one of many who ventured out onto the LIVE bombing range to protest the gov't activities. He snuck past the million-dollar security systems in the late '90s, was nearly killed by artillery fire and arrested thereafter (one of three arrests).

May 1, 2003 marked the day Uncle Sam and Co. pulled out of Vieques. The locals are happy. Robert said it was a huge and entirely non-violent victory for those in opposition to the Navy's presence there.

Quite interesting. Can't imagine being in the sights of a 5-inch artillery cannon.

Next came the beach on a Vieques. Beautiful water and surrounding coutryside and nearly deserted too.

A host of animal life lined the shoreline. Barnacles, sea urchins, snails, crabs, fish. I got the token few sea shells to complete the package.

We ended the day with our night-time kayak tour — "Bio Bay." A 2.5 hour paddling escapade into the world's only bio-illuminescent lagoon. Quite the experience, paddling in pitch darkness in a two-man craft as tiny organisms light the water in green luminescence with every agitation. Swimming among the critters was best though.
Really great.

Puerto Rico-Day Three-the rainforest

2006-05-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

Today's headliner was our El Yunque tour, a plunge into the only tropical rainforest in the US foresty system. 28,000 acres of protected land. The rainforest, on the east side of the island, receives over 200 inches of rain a year, compared to the arid west that receives about 30 inches. The west part of the island "looks like Texas" according to our tour guide.

We hiked through dense jungle and eased our way into the 65 degree pools at the base of a waterfall. Cold at first but very refreshing in the long run.

Later we took a sit on Luquillo Beach near the forest. Clean, white-washed sand and pristine waters. AND, $1.50 Medallos and $4 Pina Coladas. The boisterous ones in the class had plenty of both. I saved my intake till this evening. Though I'm tiring of Medallo Light (after two rounds). The group concensus is that its flavor resembles a six-point Coors. I might venture to other alcoholic waters on my next go round. Perhaps tomorrow will tell. Oh, and I'm working on my tan. Can't you tell.

A chap came by playing the guitar on the beach. Through a translated conversation I gleaned that he is Hector and from Casablanca. He's played the guitar for 30 years. And he's short.

The group is experiencing the classic, cellular break down. Susie and Sally always hang out. Betty and George are fast friends too, but don't necessarily like Susie. Etc. Etc. I think you know the trend. But it's not bad. I'm trying to avoid a label and put some time in here and there with various social prides. So far so good. 12 more days to go...

Did the first of my interviews tonight for my story about Raggaeton music in Puerto Rico. Got to chat with some locals. Good times. It's fun talking to locals, and writing the story gives me reason to talk it up. Look forward to visiting the Discoteca on Saturday for some more interviews and what not. Wish me luck.

"Dame mas Gasolina!"

Puerto Rico-Day Two-"Ponce es Ponce..."

2006-05-17T22:15:00.000-07:00

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Wednesday, the first official day of the two-week tour, had us up and rolling down the road at 8 a.m. Blah.

Our tour guide/driver for the day was Ronald, a lively native who took his calling seriously, but was laid back as everyone else here. He knew a little bit about everything relating to Puerto Rico. Road marks, history, current socio-economic problems. A well-rounded individual with a disarming persona and infectious laugh. Unfortunately, he's not driving for us again during the trip.

To be brief (cause it's 1:15 a.m. and I have to be up at 6:30 a.m.), the day featured Ponce sights. Named after Ponce de Leon, the dude who settled Puerto Rico, it's a nice city of 250,000 in PR's southwest portion. There is a saying among proud Ponce residents. In English, it goes "Ponce is Ponce. Everything else in Puerto Rico is a parking lot." Very Texanish I thought.

The drive to and from San Juan yielded nice mountainous views and once in Ponce we hit a coffee plantation museum and saw how it was grown and produced in the 1850s. Typical slave labor with cool water-powered engineering thrown in.

The mansion-tour of the creators of the Don Q. rum company came next. Built in the 30s in Spanish style artchitecture. Has 14 rooms, 5 bathrooms and was built with air conditioning. All for $85 grand. Don Q. makes numerous brands of rum, producing 45,000 gallons of the devil's drink daily.

We rounded the day off with authentic comida. Some good stuff from a local open air restaurant. Come' arroz, una tomale, frijoles, plantains y una Medalla cerveza. Oh, I also got a free beer-bottle coozy with the restaurant's name on it. Score.

The day's disappointment: Eating at Subway for lunch. How boring. It was convenient though and we had little time. Boo capitalism. Damn corporations and their evil exporting franchises.

Puerto Rico-Day One

2006-05-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

A 5 a.m. wake-up call and six hours of travel saw my Puerto Rico class land safely in San Juan. Our descent into the city afforded a nice view of the urban city-scape.

I've not done much since landing this afternoon, but our accomodations are cushy and the wireless 'net is streaming comfortably.

Some of my first impressions:

1. The whole U.S. terrirory thing is weird. Very American but very latin-american too. Lots of Spanish and English spoken. I'm paying for stuff with dollars but it doesn't feel right.
2. I've never been on an island such as this. It's pretty big (about 35 miles x 12 miles), but it's different to think you're surrounded by water.
3. Lots of Rum. The self proclaimed "Rum capital of the world" no less. I suppose somebody has to make the claim. Why not a random island in the caribbean?
4. Gas is sold per liter (roughly $.70 per right now).
5. I really like speaking Spanish. This trip is a good teaser for Costa Rica next year.

New Orleans

2006-05-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

A few pics from my dad who is down in the Big Easy writing checks for State Farm. He said the whole eastern side of the city is deserted. One can drive for miles past abandoned homes and buildings. Kind of eerie.

Big bro's fishing trip

2006-05-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

Happy 30, brother! My bro closed shop on his second decade of life on Monday. To celebrate, he took a long weekend in northern Arkansas for fishing and good times with the boys (I had to make a Brokeback reference to my bro, just for good measure). I might point out that when I turn 30 you'll be crowning 38. Being the youngest has some merits.

Pride

2006-05-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

The beater burn. Sam can die an accomplished man.

2006-05-09T20:17:00.000-07:00

The soon-to-be Barnes' having dinner at the Negus/Stuart household.

Toking it up

2006-05-09T19:25:00.000-07:00

Had my first encounter with the hookah over the weekend. Felt like I was inhaling pure steam. Orange, sweetish flavored steam. Overall a pretty relaxing experience, though I couldn't shake the juvenile, law-breaker feeling. But, I think this feeling will subside after more hookahing.

OKC Marathon Action

2006-04-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

The marathon relay crew post-race. Our team put up some decent numbers, finishing 25th of more than 100 relay teams. Go Brass Monkeyz! I did my 12 kilometers (7.6 miles) in 1:00:40. Not too bad considering my lack of preparation. I really enjoyed my portion of the race and running on a team. We should get an RUF team together for next year.

The bus from downtown to relay point three — the start of the 12km leg. I've never seen this many people on this type of public transportation at one time in the U.S., much less Oklahoma.

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The masses at 5th and Broadway before the race. About 12,000 people ran, jogged, rolled, limped or hobbled in the event.

Capitol building at dawn. Got this one on the bus going to my relay point.

Adam, the venerable group leader, takes it in to the big house on the final stretch of the race. Our team finished the ordeal in just under 4 hours. We didn't qualify for Boston...

The classic shot you've seen before. Makes me want to go out and be somebody...

San Juan diggs

2006-04-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

The back-porch view of where I'll stay in Puerto Rico. May 16, please come soon.

Down with Uranium

2006-04-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

South Oval protest with better-than-average props.

Walt Special

2006-04-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

My hermano and his familia went down Orlando-side last week for some Disney action. Here you see my sister-in-law and nephew on the famous pachyderm's ride.

Average Drill Weekend

2006-04-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

Me and Spc. Kimmel cheeling before playing at the OKC Heart Walk on Sat. morning.

Sgt. Horton and I after the Sunday morning PT test. A couple of high-speed NCOs right here.

The classic, Army donut curl. Highly effective for toning and overall fitness.

Meet Sgt. Smith. He's a two-dimensional Army propoganda standup who lives in our band hall. Whenever things slow down and we're not too busy, Sgt. Smith provides quality entertainment for the troops.

Mhhhm...Sgt. Smith sure likes donuts.

In addition to the PT test, we also had a semi-annual weigh-in. I'm good to go according to Army regulations. 72 inches. 157 pounds.
Actually, I think I'm allowed to weigh about 195 according to Army regs, so I've got some room to grow.

Seattle

2006-04-15T22:35:00.000-07:00

England-March/April 2006

2006-04-15T22:21:00.000-07:00

more England

2006-04-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

Vancouver

2006-04-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

Boycott of holiness

2006-03-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

To the blogging faithful,

I won't be posting again until after Easter. I sacrificed gratuitous internet use for lent. See you in a few weeks.

Cordially,

~San Juan

Italian Greyhound

2006-02-27T21:56:00.000-08:00

"Stanley" at play on the South Oval. He weighs eight pounds.

Round me up, Jimmy

2006-02-25T22:40:00.000-08:00

The first RUF Dive-In dinner was a hit, albeit not very dive-ish. Jimmy's Round Up is actually pretty nice with good service. My burger was tasty.

Afterward, we saw the 'Kong. It's like, all he wanted was a little love and someone to believe in him...

Wink

2006-02-25T22:37:00.000-08:00

Rugby game spectator.

Mardi Gras

2006-02-25T22:12:00.000-08:00

Nerds in uniform.

Here I am freezing my war wound off prior to the start of the parade. It was about 30 when we stepped off, with lows reaching the mid-20s toward the end of the ordeal.

Me and Dennis, a fellow trombone player. He's a prison officer in northwestern Oklahoma and could kick my ace.

Crimson and Cream lineup

2006-02-20T22:06:00.000-08:00

A montage of my Sooner bball pics.

p.s. What a great bloody play by Bookout!

A simple celebration

2006-02-15T22:45:00.000-08:00

Laura and Sam cooked a tasty dinner for V-day festivities. Wilted bacon salad and prawns for starters. Then some rockin' baked chicken with baked oranges. Fruit + oven = amazingness. Baked fruit is the real deal.

Post-dinner, Laura tried a chocolate sticky pudding that was more on the indiscriminate mush side of things than the intended product. It was good, albeit fantastically rich. Sam stomached two bites before pulling the too-sweet card.

Overall a nice, low-key evening with the Negi. Simple celebrations are good sometimes, too.

Catan backlash

2006-02-13T20:57:00.000-08:00

We played some Settlers at my bro's house in Dallas this weekend. My parents (the Settlers rookies) were on a team and throttled everyone. I set up the board poorly and thus the game lasted three hours. Wheat and brick were in HIGH demand. I had ore out the ying-yang but couldn't get anything for it. "I have three ore for one brick and one wheat...please!" You'd think with my million development cards I'd have something to show for it besides Largest Army. But no...just five points.
Overall, with my intro to the game this weekend, I give it two thumbs up.

Texas delights

2006-02-13T20:28:00.000-08:00

We went to eat at a Japanese steakhouse in Las Colinas. Very tasty. I enjoyed everything, including the soup, salad and plum wine we had pre-meal.
We toured the Gaylord Texan as well. The grossly massive hotel and convention center in Grapevine. A guy at my bro's church works in the accounting department at the Texan. He said the net profit of the hotel alone is $1 million per day. Those Gaylords know how to rake it in.

Pokes corralled in Sooner rout

2006-02-09T11:38:00.000-08:00

I rolled out to S-town Wed. for some sweet Sooner bball coverage. I've never been in Gallagher Iba before. Quite impressive. I'd be intimidated. It was a great game. I had a grand time. Got to use the new yearbook camera, too. I covet it daily. I shot 1.6 gigs of photos. Pretty average.

Go Sooners...Pistol Pete is retarded.

(Student Media photos)

Husky

2006-02-06T20:37:00.000-08:00

DOTD (Dog of the Day)

connections

2006-02-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

Sam and Laura talk with Joy Negus (who is waving for the picture), all the way over in Nottingham, England. Although we're headlong into this digital age, it's still odd to speak with someone who is 5,000 miles away with nearly instantaneous audio and video. It's also odd that it costs NOTHING to do it. Skype is a beautiful thing.

Beam me up, Scotty.

Eis-wine goodness

2006-02-04T08:16:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday my folks got around to opening the bottle of wine I brought home from Germany (courtesy of the Belschners) in August. I was obliged to have some of the 350mL cache as payment for my importing fees (I did carry the bottle about 6,000 miles getting it back to Oklahoma).
There was no particular reason for opening it, which is always sound justification for popping a cork.

Overall rating: A+

The Goodness

2006-01-31T20:18:00.000-08:00

This makes me happy.

Okie Warming

2006-01-31T20:04:00.000-08:00

What happened to this winter? This was back at the beginning of December.

Resting easily

2006-01-31T19:51:00.000-08:00

I came home with a new mattress set on Saturday. After getting fed up with sleeping on a rectangular shaped piece of crap that I've called a mattress for the last 6 months, I couldn't take any more. And neither could my back.

I figured it was a wise investment considering we spend about 30 percent of our lives sleeping (so I'm told). And what do I think about my purchase?

After careful evaluation, I couldn't be happier.

The new kid in town

2006-01-30T22:02:00.000-08:00

The Yearbook's newest purchase. She's a Canon EOS-1 MKII N. This is the Ferrari of the professional digital camera world. At $4,000 just for the camera body, it better be. She'll do 8.2 frames per second at 8 megapixels. A work of art.

Setting the Stage

2006-01-24T20:08:00.000-08:00

Aaron sets the decoys, luring in the ducks on Saturday's hunt.

Fruits of their labors

2006-01-24T20:02:00.000-08:00

Abby (bottom left), Larry (left) and Aaron with the fowl. Not a bad day's venture. That water — it was cold, and I was standing in it too. It took 30 minutes for my feet to regain feeling after wearing non-insulated rubber boots in the calf-deep slop.

2006-01-23T20:58:00.001-08:00

Das Weiner Schnitzel. I want one.

Friday morning

2006-01-20T22:17:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by johnniestu.

A good thing about waking early.

Big Dan is back in town-albeit somewhat jetlagged

2006-01-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

singapore colors

2006-01-18T19:13:00.000-08:00

singapore colors
Originally uploaded by johnniestu.

Xing

2006-01-18T19:08:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by johnniestu.

Northern OK sunset

2006-01-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by johnniestu.

Kyle's new job

2006-01-18T19:05:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by johnniestu.

Injury

2006-01-18T19:03:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by johnniestu.

Tim got a mean mover's cut on his hand.

Ugly, but effective

2006-01-18T18:54:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by johnniestu.

Shredded

2006-01-18T18:54:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by johnniestu.

The tarp wasn't quite tied down and the healthy Okie wind took it to town.

Cinching it back up

2006-01-18T18:51:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by johnniestu.

On-site engineering

2006-01-18T18:50:00.000-08:00

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Originally uploaded by johnniestu.

No more moo moo

2006-01-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

I'm almost entirely certain that I've developed a mild case of lactose intolerance. I've noticed some problems over the last few months and the symptoms have been consistent. I don't get sick upon consumption, but when I eat dairy products, things just kind of slow down if you know what I mean.
This is apparently a very common problem among adults according to my uncle (a doctor) and a person can develop an intolerance at any point in his or her life.

For the past month, I've been off dairy in order to see if it's really the problem. It's been hard to give up the cheese especially. It's also hard at times to avoid eating dairy products in various social situations. I can sympathize with vegetarians and vegans more now, in a small, non-dairy way.

But, in the past few weeks, I've turned to alternative foodstuffs, namely those made from the "hippie bean" -- soy.

I've tried Silk and some soy yogurt, both of which I liked quite well. I think I can survive. Dairy will always be there for me -- a second-string QB -- but I guess soy products might be staples in my fridge from now on.

Starting QB

2006-01-11T18:40:00.000-08:00

If he were on the team, the Pokes might be tempted to give him playing time with the kind of season they had.