Constructing the Launch Pad
Originally uploaded by killy.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
2008 Holiday Special
super-RUN
Originally uploaded by ultrakickgirl
WOW
what a holiday! This is Adolfo performing at SouthWest All-Star Gymnastics 2008 Holiday Extravaganza, preparing for a flying round-off and completing it fearlessly. I'm such a goober mama, I was sobbing with tears streaming down my face so profusely that Paola became alarmed and wanted to cry too. But it was an enormous swelling pride that forced the tears and nothing more.
Paola really got into the gift receiving this year, it being her third Christmas. Normally, she feeds off her brother's energy, but for this occasion, she didn't even know he was in the room as she tore paper and shrieked with delight.
My little family is happy and healthy and we are blessed to have each other and our friends nearby. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday as well.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Rocket Building
The family trotted out to the park just as the sun was going down and found a dry spot in the middle of the park. We set the rocket launch pad down, unraveled the launcher wires, attached the clamps to the engine igniter, and prepared for takeoff.
We stepped back and hit the launch button, but nothing happened. We thought we were missing a piece so carol ran back home to pick it up. Meanwhile, adolfo, paola and i were tinkering around with the launch while it was still connected to the rocket and WOOSH!
The rocket blasted off the lauch pad and towards the clouds. It was exeptionally cloudy, and i half expected the rocket to make it behind the clouds, but it peaked and shot the nose cone out and fell gently to the ground.
We stepped back and hit the launch button, but nothing happened. We thought we were missing a piece so carol ran back home to pick it up. Meanwhile, adolfo, paola and i were tinkering around with the launch while it was still connected to the rocket and WOOSH!
The rocket blasted off the lauch pad and towards the clouds. It was exeptionally cloudy, and i half expected the rocket to make it behind the clouds, but it peaked and shot the nose cone out and fell gently to the ground.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Grown-up table
Wow, what a crazy Turkey Day! Got in Wednesday, around 11:00 pm, and proceeded to watch the Boy® be put to bed, then to drink whiskey until 3:30 am while conversing.
Bright and early the next morning, the aforementioned Boy® shyly woke me up (on the couch) with such penetrating questions as 'are you asleep?', 'did you sleep here?' and, 'wanna watch me play Super Mario Galaxy?'. To which the answers were, 'Yes.', 'Yes.', and 'After i make coffee.'
Thursday involved some clean-up and set-up, various bouts of child entertaining, consoling and/or locating, entirely too much small talk, and a wonderful meal filled with turkey and companionship.
That evening, more alcohol consumption and conversation was perpetrated, once again until the wee hours (2:00 am or so).
At a slightly less wee hour (5:15 am) the doorbell rang. Repeatedly. It turned out to be Killy's 70+ year old neighbor lady and her husband, who had been stood-up by a few cab companies and needed a ride to the airport. Since my rental (2008 Malibu) had slightly more trunk and passenger space and considerably less of the detritus of childhood, i volunteered to drive. It turns out they were headed to Florida for a cruise to the Panama Canal. Coincidentally, i was able to tell them that various migratory birds, including several large raptors, are currently in the Panama leg of their route.
So that happened, and i was back on the couch around 6:15, to attempt to sleep. Until 7:45, at which the Boy® once again offered me the opportunity to watch Mario Galaxy occur.
I eventually went home after not enough sleep on not enough couch, too much booze and turkey, and feeling like a 70 year-old myself. I was asleep by 9:00.
Thanks to Los Chavez for a wonderful weekend.
P.S.: I was able to do my good deed for the day: I rescued a wandering dog and reunited him with his owners. Gus, a big, older, sweet but dumb yellow lab, was wandering around Hyde Park entirely too close to 45th, a very busy street. 'I have to put a stop to that', i thought. A quick turn-around and phone call to his owners later Gus and I were headed to my place, he being restrained by my belt as an impromptu leash, me being pulled along by Gus, and his owners were coming from North Austin to retrieve him.
They got him. The end.
Bright and early the next morning, the aforementioned Boy® shyly woke me up (on the couch) with such penetrating questions as 'are you asleep?', 'did you sleep here?' and, 'wanna watch me play Super Mario Galaxy?'. To which the answers were, 'Yes.', 'Yes.', and 'After i make coffee.'
Thursday involved some clean-up and set-up, various bouts of child entertaining, consoling and/or locating, entirely too much small talk, and a wonderful meal filled with turkey and companionship.
That evening, more alcohol consumption and conversation was perpetrated, once again until the wee hours (2:00 am or so).
At a slightly less wee hour (5:15 am) the doorbell rang. Repeatedly. It turned out to be Killy's 70+ year old neighbor lady and her husband, who had been stood-up by a few cab companies and needed a ride to the airport. Since my rental (2008 Malibu) had slightly more trunk and passenger space and considerably less of the detritus of childhood, i volunteered to drive. It turns out they were headed to Florida for a cruise to the Panama Canal. Coincidentally, i was able to tell them that various migratory birds, including several large raptors, are currently in the Panama leg of their route.
So that happened, and i was back on the couch around 6:15, to attempt to sleep. Until 7:45, at which the Boy® once again offered me the opportunity to watch Mario Galaxy occur.
I eventually went home after not enough sleep on not enough couch, too much booze and turkey, and feeling like a 70 year-old myself. I was asleep by 9:00.
Thanks to Los Chavez for a wonderful weekend.
P.S.: I was able to do my good deed for the day: I rescued a wandering dog and reunited him with his owners. Gus, a big, older, sweet but dumb yellow lab, was wandering around Hyde Park entirely too close to 45th, a very busy street. 'I have to put a stop to that', i thought. A quick turn-around and phone call to his owners later Gus and I were headed to my place, he being restrained by my belt as an impromptu leash, me being pulled along by Gus, and his owners were coming from North Austin to retrieve him.
They got him. The end.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
I am very thankful for all y’all’s wonderful friendship over the years! I wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Congratulations Adolph!
Congrats on your new gig at CNBC. I thought your take on Hank Paulson was spot on. Somebody has to stand up to Gasparino.
Presidential Politics and the Anthropotechnical Interface
Some friends of mine and I started up a blog recently, which, as you'll see if you follow the link, is mostly in German. I posted some reflections on the special effects of election night 2008, though, in English, and I thought I'd link over to here. Nothing too profound, but I'd be interested in hearing your comments. (Who knows, maybe I'll even get around to writing the article I envision there...)
Here's the post: Presidential Politics and the Anthropotechnical Interface.
Anyway, I hope everyone's doing well.
Here's the post: Presidential Politics and the Anthropotechnical Interface.
Anyway, I hope everyone's doing well.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
iPlod
The iPlod.
I came up with this phrase, probably not the first, when I was ready to run over this guy yesterday.
"Why was I ready to run him over," you ask. Well I was driving down a narrow lane and I was right behind this guy who was ploding along.....and he just kept on taking up the whole lane...as if I wasn't even there......when he finally realized I was behind him he quickly got out of the way. That was when I saw that he had his iPod in his ears.
Hence the name iPlod.
Now I just have to make a dumb video and post it on youtube for my 3 second of fame.
I came up with this phrase, probably not the first, when I was ready to run over this guy yesterday.
"Why was I ready to run him over," you ask. Well I was driving down a narrow lane and I was right behind this guy who was ploding along.....and he just kept on taking up the whole lane...as if I wasn't even there......when he finally realized I was behind him he quickly got out of the way. That was when I saw that he had his iPod in his ears.
Hence the name iPlod.
Now I just have to make a dumb video and post it on youtube for my 3 second of fame.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
No End To Limitations
..is the name of the latest Manuok album!
It is availabe in CD format on Amazon, and on December 1 it will be available for MP3 download.
I am so proud of my brother!!!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
)
You people have got to get on Facebook!!
It's so weird, I'm meeting up with all these old high school friends and current friends, but none of my college friends are on there... Is this a conspiracy or something?!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
The Kane!
Birthday of The Kane yester-day it was. Happy it was, i hope. Strong the Force is with this one.Yeah, he likes hookers and fart jokes, but care not the Force does. OK, crabs, maybe that rules him out of jedi-ness, but nobody's perfect.
Fuckin' Force, all pious and shit. Who cares about crabs? He's a good guy.
Fuck all y'all, i think The Kane has the Force, and i hope you doubters choke. Yeah.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Paola Isabel Chavez - 2 Years Old Today
Today is Paola's 2nd birthday. Happy Birthday day baby girl! Today, at 3, is her first tea party.
Friday, October 3, 2008
PET Cardiac Stress Test with Rb-82
Here is a screen shot from a volunteer PET cardiac exam I did this last week. It involved laying inside a camera while being infused with a vasodilator called dipyridamole that has some uncomfortable (but rarely fatal) side-effects.
I don't recommend it.
But whatever the side-effects, the research director said I'm not going to die from cardiac failure anytime soon. In fact I've got a pretty healthy cardiac reserve flow.
What they show are comparative sets of blood perfusion images between rest and stress (dipyridamole) conditions.
BTW, the doc assured me that is not an apical defect--as it kinda looks like.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The 35th Annual Adolph Birthday
Adolph celebrated his mid thirty post hurricane Ike birthday with a
Cheese infused bacon/beef hybrid burger.
Followed by beignets and brownies.
All cooked with love by his sis' Annabel.
I am sure it will be a birthday he won't forget even though he
actually forgot it was his birthday.
Cheese infused bacon/beef hybrid burger.
Followed by beignets and brownies.
All cooked with love by his sis' Annabel.
I am sure it will be a birthday he won't forget even though he
actually forgot it was his birthday.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Adolph Might Not Get This Message
because the power may still be out in his Houston neighborhood…
But Happy Birthday!
I wish you electricity and water-pressure! Clean streets and curfew-less nights! Also, tasty cake, good health and high scores.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Update From Houston
UPDATE:
The power returned on our side of the street at about 4 o'clock (sunday). Sadly, this means we won't be evacucationing to Austin (sorry todd and pablo!). It's been a pretty surreal time here in Houston. Seeing the city nearly entirely blacked out while taking a drive last night to visit with Adolp was just crazy. Trees are down all over the city; not just branches and leaves - TREES. We spent our entire saturday cleaning up Donna Lynn street. I started to pull limbs off the street and sweep leaves out of the gutters to keep the water flowing. Next thing i knew half the street was out there cleaning. By the end of the day, we had our entire street cleared of limbs and water. Adolfo IV was responsible for pushing water into the gutters with a push broom. I'll upload pics when we have more time.
The important things is we area all okay and damage to the house was minimal. I lost a little bit of my fence and i just discovered a leak in the roof this morning. We're not sure if our power is permanent so we are charging everything we can and putting foods into the freezer for storage.
The power returned on our side of the street at about 4 o'clock (sunday). Sadly, this means we won't be evacucationing to Austin (sorry todd and pablo!). It's been a pretty surreal time here in Houston. Seeing the city nearly entirely blacked out while taking a drive last night to visit with Adolp was just crazy. Trees are down all over the city; not just branches and leaves - TREES. We spent our entire saturday cleaning up Donna Lynn street. I started to pull limbs off the street and sweep leaves out of the gutters to keep the water flowing. Next thing i knew half the street was out there cleaning. By the end of the day, we had our entire street cleared of limbs and water. Adolfo IV was responsible for pushing water into the gutters with a push broom. I'll upload pics when we have more time.
The important things is we area all okay and damage to the house was minimal. I lost a little bit of my fence and i just discovered a leak in the roof this morning. We're not sure if our power is permanent so we are charging everything we can and putting foods into the freezer for storage.
Just got a call from Killy. He called me from a neighbor’s house because he does not have a land-line at his place. His neighborhood and most of Houston has been without power for the last 24 hours. Who knows when power will be restored. Also, there is little to no water-pressure. I think that they are going to set up a curfew later on in the evening. No reports of zombies or anything…yet.
Friday, September 12, 2008
TEXAS TRIP
Hey ya'll,
I will be coming into Austin the 18th of September at about 1:30.
I will be staying, Paul said I could sleep on his couch, thru to the early AM of the 21st. I am gonna go to the UT/RICE game on Saturday - but other then that I have a flexible schedule.
Would love to see whoever has a spare moment.
Colin
I will be coming into Austin the 18th of September at about 1:30.
I will be staying, Paul said I could sleep on his couch, thru to the early AM of the 21st. I am gonna go to the UT/RICE game on Saturday - but other then that I have a flexible schedule.
Would love to see whoever has a spare moment.
Colin
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Inspiring Art Werks
)
This woman's website is really cool -- deep stuff, beautiful work, great vintage palettes -- don't miss the movies section.
http://www.camillerosegarcia.com/
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Roof Gardens Blog
I just started a new blog on rooftop gardens at http://gothamgardener.blogspot.com/.
Check it out!
Any feedback is always welcome...
Check it out!
Any feedback is always welcome...
Friday, September 5, 2008
Wikipedia
Hi everyone,
If any of you have Wikipedia user accounts, I really need some help with citations for the 'Anthony Freda' entry ... I'm not sure how to prove notability. I went through and added links, but I'm not sure what more I should add. Any ideas?
If any of you have Wikipedia user accounts, I really need some help with citations for the 'Anthony Freda' entry ... I'm not sure how to prove notability. I went through and added links, but I'm not sure what more I should add. Any ideas?
8 bit mario chocolate cake
8 bit mario chocolate cake
Originally uploaded by ultrakickgirl
Adolfo's BDay cake!
Thanks everyone for coming to his party. He had a wonderful time. Hope you did too!
Friday, August 29, 2008
SELECTIONS FROM H.P. LOVECRAFT'S BRIEF TENURE AS A WHITMAN'S SAMPLER COPYWRITER.
Few men dare ask the question “What is toffee, exactly?” All those who have investigated this substance are now either dead or insane.
walk this way
walk this way
Originally uploaded by ultrakickgirl
Happy Birthday Adolfo
OK so yesterday was Adolfo's official birthday and we took him to the Aquarium for a ride on the Ferris Wheel where we gave him his birthday present; a Nintendo DS Lite! We installed Big Brain Academy into which he was promptly engaged. He scored a 45 the first time through but doggedly reworked until he came up with a sparkling 62 before it was time for bed.
Adolfo grew about 3 inches since his birthday last year and he has become a wonderful young boy that we are so proud of.
So give him a call at our home phone to wish him a happy birthday when you get a chance!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
HOLY HILARIOUS
Name them all and win a prize - it's called "Great Showdowns" by Scott Campbell.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTJe4vcH2gFnDmt7dwAVDzLmPs-sGxBiOYmpZXBipHZth2dcdnguEazZRXOlIT-xiMnIwT6oPS1BoW6hyJGkzcyyNhfPfWvxadzyIpqOSldB-cGp1osztrdLhCpGSmXBLZ6GmBXtetzA/s1600-h/GreatShowdowns2-copy.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTJe4vcH2gFnDmt7dwAVDzLmPs-sGxBiOYmpZXBipHZth2dcdnguEazZRXOlIT-xiMnIwT6oPS1BoW6hyJGkzcyyNhfPfWvxadzyIpqOSldB-cGp1osztrdLhCpGSmXBLZ6GmBXtetzA/s1600-h/GreatShowdowns2-copy.jpg
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
All Aboard!
All Aboard!
Originally uploaded by ultrakickgirl
The Chavez's took a mini vacation to Austin this weekend as a last hurrah of summer before the start of school. In addition to spending some time in the water and taking a memorable train ride on the Austin Steam Train's Bertram Flyer, we were lucky to have spent a few moments with some of the most wonderful people in our lives. Thanks Todd for hanging out and being geniunely charming and loving. Paul, you looked great and sounded even better, hope to see you in an air conditioned place sooner rather than later. And congratulations to the beautiful Bonnie and her beaming husband Bruce for your lovely creations, Austin and Avery were beautiful and your house is lovely, thanks for having us. We hope all of you can make it over to Houston some time as we are always here with open arms ready to take you into the madness that is the Chavez household. I'm always looking for an excuse to cook, so don't hesitate.
Friday, August 22, 2008
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Thursday, August 21, 2008
Some O' my baseball shit....Oh yeah.
Story is this.
Was given the assignment to design stuff for the Yankees and the Mets since it was their last seasons in their stadiums....the old ones getting torn down and new ones are currently being constructed.
I made a whole mess of stuff and sent it out into the ether. I never knew what happened with it.
One year later I am given the assignment to make stuff for the same teams for their opening seasons in their new stadiums. So naturally I have to do research...and as I am doing the research I stumble across the stuff I had done a year ago.
So check out the opening page on Nike.com's baseball section.
http://www.nike.com/index.jhtml?l=nikestore#l=nikestore,baseball&re=US&co=US&la=EN
It's all my designs. Some better then others. But pretty cool to get some recognition.
It is also on the MLB teamshop pages for the Yankees and Mets.
I had to order my own samples from the website since I never got any from work.
That's all.
Was given the assignment to design stuff for the Yankees and the Mets since it was their last seasons in their stadiums....the old ones getting torn down and new ones are currently being constructed.
I made a whole mess of stuff and sent it out into the ether. I never knew what happened with it.
One year later I am given the assignment to make stuff for the same teams for their opening seasons in their new stadiums. So naturally I have to do research...and as I am doing the research I stumble across the stuff I had done a year ago.
So check out the opening page on Nike.com's baseball section.
http://www.nike.com/index.jhtml?l=nikestore#l=nikestore,baseball&re=US&co=US&la=EN
It's all my designs. Some better then others. But pretty cool to get some recognition.
)
It is also on the MLB teamshop pages for the Yankees and Mets.
)
I had to order my own samples from the website since I never got any from work.
That's all.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
New Website Launched
Hi Everyone,
It's been too long -- how is everyone doing on here?? Miss you guys!
I just launched a new website today at www.amberfreda.com
Check it out -- any comments are always welcome. There are lots of new photos on here of our recent NYC roof gardens, terraces, brownstone gardens, courtyards, etc.
Three cheers for landscape design in the big apple!!
It's been too long -- how is everyone doing on here?? Miss you guys!
I just launched a new website today at www.amberfreda.com
Check it out -- any comments are always welcome. There are lots of new photos on here of our recent NYC roof gardens, terraces, brownstone gardens, courtyards, etc.
Three cheers for landscape design in the big apple!!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The World's Cutest Niece!
At long last Myra's adoption has been finalized and i can introduce all of you to The World's Cutest Niece. She is an adorable little person who has recently mastered the cheesy photo smile (as you can see).
I have a sneaking suspicion that her big brother has given her some tips in the fine art of photo muggery.
Friday, August 15, 2008
From the NY Times....
Two Georgians Say They Have Bigfoot’s Body.
This I will keep an eye on.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/15/us/15bigfoot.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=bigfoot&st=cse&oref=slogin
This I will keep an eye on.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/15/us/15bigfoot.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=bigfoot&st=cse&oref=slogin
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Brother Ali
I recently went and hung out with Thomas and he hooked me up with some of this guy's music.
Check out this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO18F4aKGzQ
Check out this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO18F4aKGzQ
Saturday, August 9, 2008
One sentence autobiographies
He stumbled into the men’s room, reached down and wondered “How long has my zipper been down?”
Friday, August 1, 2008
)
Vampires
Hey all,
I, once again, may be late in coming to this....
But I have been listening to Vampire Weekend a ton as of late.
There myspace page has great songs on it.
http://www.myspace.com/vampireweekend
I, once again, may be late in coming to this....
But I have been listening to Vampire Weekend a ton as of late.
There myspace page has great songs on it.
http://www.myspace.com/vampireweekend
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
two things; a link -riddled post
One: The 'new posts' icon on blogger.com is truly awful.
I mean, c'mon...
it's a damn plus sign fer cryin' out loud.
Two: You may have seen Firefly, you may have even had Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a guilty pleasure, but you ain't seen Joss Whedon until you've seen Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog. This is some straight-up weird-ass shit, and it is eminently enjoyable. Check it out for the sheer (musical) oddity that it is. (and check out the dot net version for pure geek cred.)
PS: it prominently features Neil Patrick Harris, a much more versatile actor than Doogie Hawser, MD. may have indicated. (y'all gotta find one of these yourselves.)
I mean, c'mon... it's a damn plus sign fer cryin' out loud.Two: You may have seen Firefly, you may have even had Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a guilty pleasure, but you ain't seen Joss Whedon until you've seen Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog. This is some straight-up weird-ass shit, and it is eminently enjoyable. Check it out for the sheer (musical) oddity that it is. (and check out the dot net version for pure geek cred.)
PS: it prominently features Neil Patrick Harris, a much more versatile actor than Doogie Hawser, MD. may have indicated. (y'all gotta find one of these yourselves.)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Damn near chocked....
when I saw this guy's portrait stuff.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/strautniekas/sets/72157604087998529/with/2370936487/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/strautniekas/sets/72157604087998529/with/2370936487/
Sunday, July 20, 2008
I really love the Violent Femmes
just last night i was reminded of just how bad it had gotten and just how sick i had become. But it could change with this relationship. De-derange, we've all been through some shit, and if we're a thing i think this thing's begun.
Yeah, it's been a (really long) while, but i still love me some Violent Femmes.
oh yeah, I had a really nice time in Houston this weekend. I saw Nadine(!), the lovely Annabelle, rKane and associates, and (of course) the ever hospitable Trudeaus, featuring their new(ish) home; which was lovely, despite the crazy, foot-attacking cat, and Chloe who had the good grace not to bark her head off at me. And, of course the family of the hour was Los Chavez who, by way of making me feel welcome, put me to work immediately, and pulled off a wonderful all-adult gathering, which, i hope, was a breath of fresh air for a hard-working, care-taking atomic family unit; the likes of which our benighted country is sorely in use of.
PS: i think i pretty much suck at grammar and punctuation, yet revel in how i am reminded why i am glad i do not live in Houston.
Yeah, it's been a (really long) while, but i still love me some Violent Femmes.
oh yeah, I had a really nice time in Houston this weekend. I saw Nadine(!), the lovely Annabelle, rKane and associates, and (of course) the ever hospitable Trudeaus, featuring their new(ish) home; which was lovely, despite the crazy, foot-attacking cat, and Chloe who had the good grace not to bark her head off at me. And, of course the family of the hour was Los Chavez who, by way of making me feel welcome, put me to work immediately, and pulled off a wonderful all-adult gathering, which, i hope, was a breath of fresh air for a hard-working, care-taking atomic family unit; the likes of which our benighted country is sorely in use of.
PS: i think i pretty much suck at grammar and punctuation, yet revel in how i am reminded why i am glad i do not live in Houston.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Happy Birthday To The Flynn?
This one almost slipped by me! But I think today was is the Colin of the Flynn’s birthday!
Happy Birthday!!!
Elf Quest Movie?
More child-hood memories ruined?
I loved Elf Quest when I was a kid; I still have all of the Graphic Novels, first runs of Siege At Blue Mountain, and the role-playing game!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Town-lake Rooster
Yesterday I strapped on my robo-brace and went for a run (walk,jog,walk) out at town-lake. It feels funny, after so many months, to try to move my body in a way that is like running. I can only move in this funny way for about 30 seconds before I must rest my weirded-out-joints. Anyhow, during one of these resting periods I saw a strange group of birds congregating in the dirt. In the group was about 3 sparrows, a pigeon, a grackle and a rooster. It is not unusual to see mixed groups of birds, but seeing a rooster ‘in the wild’ was kind of neat. I am wondering if it is a good omen, or a bad omen.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Flood creates beauty
As you may or may not know...the mid-west has been getting a fair share of the wet.
As we were out and about we came across these beautiful formations.
As we were out and about we came across these beautiful formations.
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)
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Laura's work at Anderson Ranch
)
)
Laura got a scholarship to Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snow Mass CO.
She had a week to make 5 pieces out of any material.
She picked Unwashed wool.
She ended up with her picture in both the Snow Mass and the Aspen papers.
The Director of the place asked to apply for a residency...1 - 4 months they pick up the tab.
It is lovely to watch someone follow their dreams with their whole heart.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Double Trouble?
Reliable sources have informed me that today is the birthday of The Liz AND The Diana...
Is this true? If so, then Happy Birthday to you both!!!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Happy Birthday To David Fernandez
Well, it is June 20th and I think that means it is David Fernandez’s Birthday. Dave has been AWOL for a while, whereabouts unknown, although it is likely he is in or around the Austin area, hopefully still working on Tabula Rasa).
Wherever he may be, I hope he has a nice birthday! Filled with cake or cake substitute!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Selfish and vain
It is shame how selfish and vain i am.
Were i not i could say things like:
- Killy, congratulations on your recent jQuery victories.
- Shane, nice to hear from you, glad to hear you are dong well.
- Taggart (and especially Elizabeth), congratulations on so many things, mainly your exceptionally adorable daughter
- Adolph and Amber congratulations on your new home. I am so happy for the both of you.
- Pablo, congratulations on yaks and such.
- Colin, congratulations on life in general, and spirit besides.
Alas, i am a selfish bastard, and all i can say is "I made this," and i am kinda proud of myself.
P.S: because i am selfish and vain (don't forget vain) i will ask anyone who sees anything grievously wrong with the above linked site to email me.
Hi everyone,
I know I'm a terrible keeper-in-toucher. Anyway, I hope everyone's doing well. Not much has changed for me: I'm still in Hannover, still working on my dissertation... Ari's starting school this year. Karin's still busy as ever as a teacher. I'm still happy to be where I am and to be doing what I'm doing, but I'm looking forward to some changes too (especially being through with the PhD).
On another note: anyone able to watch the UEFA European cup going on? I'm not exactly the biggest soccer fan in the world, but it's been exciting to follow the matches. I suspect Germany will lose out to Portugal tonight... Any picks for the winner? Netherlands?
And on yet another note: a short essay of mine, "Techno-Habitats and Media Habits: Reflections on Contemporary Children's Television," came out today in an Australian online journal (here). Another essay, "Re-Embodying the Sonographic Experience," came out in the same journal in December (you can reach it through the "Archives" link, issue 11). I'm starting to think of these as part of an incipient series (maybe "Techno-Phenomenology for Parents"). Take a look if you get a chance, and let me know what you think.
Take care, and I'll try to keep in touch a little better.
Shane
On another note: anyone able to watch the UEFA European cup going on? I'm not exactly the biggest soccer fan in the world, but it's been exciting to follow the matches. I suspect Germany will lose out to Portugal tonight... Any picks for the winner? Netherlands?
And on yet another note: a short essay of mine, "Techno-Habitats and Media Habits: Reflections on Contemporary Children's Television," came out today in an Australian online journal (here). Another essay, "Re-Embodying the Sonographic Experience," came out in the same journal in December (you can reach it through the "Archives" link, issue 11). I'm starting to think of these as part of an incipient series (maybe "Techno-Phenomenology for Parents"). Take a look if you get a chance, and let me know what you think.
Take care, and I'll try to keep in touch a little better.
Shane
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Smooth Criminal
The other day Killy and I were talking about Smooth Criminal, and about how some folks need to be more edumacated about bad-ass MJ videos. Also, Cyd Charisse passed away today.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Visit From The Taggart and then from The Killy
It was sure nice to see the Taggart and then the Killy these last couple of days.
Taggart was in town shooting the Hyatt here, and Todd and I met up with him, Paul the Hyatt Guy and Carl Deal. We drank humongous beers and ate tasty tacos!
Then Killy climbed up to Austin. His visit mostly consisted of eating and driving to places to eat, puncuated by a nice trip down memory lane to Carl Deal’s place in San Marcos to pick up an enlarger (an ancient device used to do the equivilent of “Adjust Image Size” in Photoshop). While in San Marcos Killy and I took a swim in pure waters of the San Marcos River….
It was also nice to see Killy’s sister Barbara, who, unbelievably, is fixin to graduate from college!
I meant to get some photos of the Chavez to share with everyone but I forgot my camera. I did get a photo some super tasty BBQ we ate at Smitty’s in Lockhart…
Also, props to Killy for the devastating middle game chess-fu beat down he served me on Sunday morning!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Saw Kung-Fu Panda
Yay!
it was fun to watch at the movies for a few reasons. Unlike previous Dreamworks productions, this was not so dependent on current cultural events so the humor was different and fully appreciated by all the kids. There were about three occasions that I threw my head back and laughed that crazy belly laugh that comes out only when I can't help it. And the kid's laughter made the whole experience all the sweeter because I was laughing with them. The dialogue was still kind of raw, not as refined as the Pixar movies (which I totally LOVE) but nowhere near as crude as earlier DW films. There were a few action sequences that were really well done and fun all the way around and the story was imaginative and involved enough for all. I would have liked to see more background about the other characters, but I was certainly not dissapointed.
Thumbs up from Mommy me...
it was fun to watch at the movies for a few reasons. Unlike previous Dreamworks productions, this was not so dependent on current cultural events so the humor was different and fully appreciated by all the kids. There were about three occasions that I threw my head back and laughed that crazy belly laugh that comes out only when I can't help it. And the kid's laughter made the whole experience all the sweeter because I was laughing with them. The dialogue was still kind of raw, not as refined as the Pixar movies (which I totally LOVE) but nowhere near as crude as earlier DW films. There were a few action sequences that were really well done and fun all the way around and the story was imaginative and involved enough for all. I would have liked to see more background about the other characters, but I was certainly not dissapointed.
Thumbs up from Mommy me...
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
Indiana Jones And The CGI Monkeys
Todd and I watched Indiana Jones and The Crystal Skull last night. I have nothing nice to say about the movie.
Friday, May 30, 2008
YEAH!!!
YEAH!!!
Originally uploaded by ultrakickgirl
Adolfo graduated yesterday! The 90 minute ceremony was torturous for everyone involved, yet Adolfo made it a memorable time by jumping and hopping onto the altar and then Super Saluting the sky when honored for his hard work.
I am so proud of him.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Hello From Barcelona
Hey kids this is Pablo writing you from Barcelona. I am out this way on a semi-vacation with my folks and my sister Susan. We have been here a couple of days and will be staying a couple of days more. So far the trip has been very pleasant. We have rented an apartment in the Barrio Gotico and from this location we have done much sight-seeing and tasty food-eating. There also been some beer drinking. Oh, and soccer watching. And some napping.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Adolfo without meds
Me - Adolfo, when you read this at the celebration you say...Don't HIT people! and you say it with a smile... OK?
Adolfo - But Mama, I have my own voice.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Storm Damage
Storm Damage
Originally uploaded by Pablo Mercado.
Crazy Storm last night smashed into my neighborhood. Weakling trees were unable to resit the 70 MPH winds. Power and land-line telephone service has been down since around midnight last night.
This storm was probably the most amazing one I have ever witnessed. The winds and the hail were terrible! The lightning was orange and green and yellow and frightful! It was spectacular!!!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
in the blossom of life
Okay...since you specifically asked me Carol. I got off my lazy duff and put the pen to paper. It is not as refined as yours. But here it is none-the-less.
Thanks for the heads-up on this Paul, it was fun.
If remembrance serves me correct...there are a few others on this blog that are handy with a pen. Let's see something. (todd, killy, paul, adolpf...)
Thanks for the heads-up on this Paul, it was fun.
)
If remembrance serves me correct...there are a few others on this blog that are handy with a pen. Let's see something. (todd, killy, paul, adolpf...)
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