Puerto Rico-Day One

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

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

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

The beater burn. Sam can die an accomplished man.

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

Toking it up

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

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

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

Down with Uranium

South Oval protest with better-than-average props.

Walt Special

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

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

England-March/April 2006

more England

Vancouver

Boycott of holiness

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