Spring?

The weather's been crazy here in Seattle. As I write this, it is snowing outside....and just last week it was a warm 72 degrees at the Kubota Garden.

Spring Training 2008

We secured tickets to three games this year, and with great timing.......Friday and Saturday games with Barry Zito and Matt Cain pitching in Scottsdale and a Sunday stint by Tim Lincecum in Surprise (AZ).

Barry looked good...probably not yet in the zone, but you see he's trying to get there...Matt was in the zone, and you really don't realize how big a guy he is 'till you see him live. On both days, my brother and I enjoyed the hot Arizona weather.....lemonades, hawaiian noodles, hot dogs....Giants fans don't really know how spoiled they are until they visit the other stadiums.....which is what we discovered in Surprise......not that much selection with food....but hey, parking is way easier there than it is in Scottsdale.

Tim was doing really good, as well. You just listen to the Rangers fans react to his pitches and you know he's pumping "....look at this kid.....how does he whip out 96 on that small frame?....." You just survey the crowd and it was easy to make the conclusion that the stadium was dominated by Giants fans.

This was a short getaway for me. I had a lot of work all the way to Thursday evening before I left and I dig back into it come Monday morning....and with that Sunday night flight, I needed all the caffeine I could take to get my day started.

But hey....I ain't complainin' :)

Package Tex

It's that time of the year in my workplace where you could get an opportunity to attend a conference...which this year happened to be in Texas. We stayed at the Gaylord-Texan...a resort hotel...or as we came to call it: the "Biodome". The whole place is under one roof. If you stand in the center atrium, just make a 360 degree turn and you'll get a glimpse of everything Texas...from the Alamo and Spanish churches to accents meant to remind you of the lone star state's cowboy past.

This year also happened to be the year I get to speak at one of the conference's sessions (last year's abstract was not selected) and I personally think I did alright. We met with a lot of vendors and I am still feeling the effects of being stuffed with caravans (well I gotta use a tex reference, right?) of food and drinks.

Still.....I can't really say I've been to Texas since we never really strayed that far from the "Biodome"...can I at least say I've been to DFW? :)

2007 year marker

I can't believe I just celebrated my second year with the company this past January. It feels like I only relocated here last week from California and now I'm on year two? Anyway....yep, that photo is me trying to reason with my buddy, Abe. I kept telling him to stop gambling away his chips on gut shot straight draws...but, hell he's a stubborn one, but very amusing and fun, especially after a couple glasses of scotch! And he's one aggressive poker player!

The year was generally all work...busy at the office, but hey, not all the time! :)

South Dakota

This was probably the highlight of my year. I actually took a weeklong vacation, believe it or not. The last time such a thing happened...I can't even remember. Yes, I'm that bad about vacations. My old boss teases me that I'm probably the only person she knows who does not know how much vacation time I'm entitled to or have...which is true. Anyway, the South Dakota trip was a photo expedition that was really more than about taking pictures in magnificent and historical places. It had bits of awareness and soul searching throughout the experience and I think I really came home renewed and fulfilled.

Digital Printing

I've finally found the courage to venture into digital printing. Technology in this area has improved so much that high-end printer capabilities are now available for desktop use. The third party industry has also thrived with black and white printing and I've really enjoyed discovering carbon-based printing. The low point of this one I guess is when the printer manufacturers began to take notice and I know Epson has started its legal battle with third party cartridge makers. Anyway, personally I think this has helped keep me encouraged in photography and I look forward to improving in this area in 2008.

Commute

The company I work for promotes using public transportation and provides us with free bus passes. I've made an effort to ride the bus every now and then, but honestly not as frequently as I probably should. Riding public transport gives me memories of when I was a heavy commuter back in the Philippines...where it's anything but dull when you compete with the masses for all the trains, buses, jeepneys, and tricycles during rush hour. Every day was an adventure :)

So 2008 doesn't look like a long year for some reason. I feel like I can already see 2009 in the horizon...strange, huh?

Home for the Holidays 2007

I had left the night before so I could miss the morning traffic in Portland. I got as far as Salem and stayed there for the night. The following day I thought I'd spend the day doing detours whenever I could, so I did drive around Salem, Albany, and Roseburg, just driving around for no particular reason. I had a GPS unit so getting back to I-5 was never a problem :).

The weather was very bad this year and as I got closer to the CA border and into the higher elevation of Ashland OR, snow began to fall. I was probably near the summit when traffic went into a complete halt as some trucks stopped in the middle of the road, fearing slippage, to put on their chains. Despite my brother's advice for me to bring chains, I didn't bring any...I was just plain stubborn about it, I guess, not to mention the fact that I have a big nail (well, actually a screw) on one of my front tires (alas, a spike for the snow ;) ).

Anyway, police finally arrived and guided a small group of us cars around the trucks and allowed us to proceed. As soon as we were free and clear I realized why the trucks decided to make that dead stop: the next 12 miles were steep downgrades. Still, I continued at the best pace I could manage, until I was the only car on the road (literally). Anyway, I got through just fine. I have to give credit to the road crews at OR. The roads were pretty much sprinkled with gravel so I knew I wasn't in any serious danger.

On my return trip, I actually got to see these de-icer trucks that travel in pairs (or sometimes as a trio), systematically shovelling roads and spraying gravel.

Thanksgiving Holiday

Unable to drive down to California this year, I kept my options open for the Thanksgiving holiday until I woke up in the morning and decided to go to Anacortes. Downtown was quite interesting and you will see a lot of these tributes to the town's history (see photo) in almost every block on main street. I also visited Washington Park and enjoyed how they arranged the park so that you can drive in and park in the woods and be within walking distance from the water.

After starting at Anacortes, I drove to the Deception Pass bridge (and the park nearby). I went further south into Oak Park, then Coupeville, and finally to Clinton to get onboard the Mukilteo ferry. While on board I treated myself to Ivar's Clam Chowder (mmmm) :)

I spent a roll of Tri-X trying out a Yashica Electro 35 GSN I got off of Ebay. As soon as I got home I mixed chemicals and developed the roll (along with a couple of other rolls in my drawer).....I had an undeveloped from my test of another rangefinder, a Fujica 35, as well as a 35mm Welta camera.....plus a 120 roll from Thess' Mamiya that we tested when whe came here to visit.

I watched a lot of movies during this time.....several unwatched DVDs and also No Country for Old Men at the nearby theater.

South Dakota

I can't believe how much time had passed since I returned from my South Dakota trip. As soon as I got back to the office work just took over. However busy I was, though, I always found myself bringing up a memory from the experience.

The Sacred Landscape workshop was a weeklong trek that started in Sturgis and ended in the Badlands. This workshop, organized by photographer Doug Beasley, focused on the immersion process that a photographer goes through when photographing subjects and locations. There were suggested locations, but the group pretty much disbanded and to roam and photograph anything and just meet at specified rendezvous points.

Sturgis – Day 1. We all met at the local Days Inn, ate lunch, and then proceeded to our first location: Bear Butte. We were greeted at the educational center by a native Lakota who gave us the historical background and significance of the mountain. She even performed a purification ritual (burning sweet grass) for us. Knowing more about the mountain made me realize that it was the equivalent of a church. Native Americans came here to pray, and like in Catholic churches where you can burn a candle for a prayer offering, you will see strips of cloth hanging on tree branches. It was windy and the light was rather dim at first, but suddenly changed to a magnificent late afternoon soft light (patience pays) and we were all gaga over the fortunate event.

Spearfish – On the way to the spearfish canyon lodge, we spotted this old truck and took a few snaps. We stopped whenever we thought there might be something to photograph. Once at the lodge and after dinner, I went out for a smoke and found a spot in the terrace beside the lodge. An old woman went out to light up as well. Initially I just tried to give her privacy and just walked about the terrace. On my return walk, I felt that she was waiting for me and so when she finally did approach me we exchanged greetings and she started to talk about her disappointing evening. Every time I’d try to respond in conversation she would float in and out of different stories in her life, oftentimes being apologetic for doing so. I certainly didn’t mind and let her know. I honestly felt good to have been there for her. It seemed like she had been carrying all these thoughts and stories in her head and found it best to share it with a complete stranger. After our second cigarette, her daughter appeared behind us. “So there you are…I’ve been looking all over for you….” She laughed and said goodbye…her daughter came up to me and thanked me for keeping her company.

Mickelson trail, Mystic, and Hill City – our objective was to take the scenic route to Custer. The park along Mickelson trail was completely empty and we stopped to take pictures of forest landscapes both near and far. It was a beautiful sight. The trip towards Mystic took an unexpected turn and we found ourselves lost in an endless dirt road. Our GPS lead us to a closed road the first time….and next lead us to a road that became narrower and narrower until it pretty much became obvious we had to drive through the woods (definitely not a good idea)….eventually we backtracked and our GPS was finally able to steer us back to civilization (paved roads) J. We stopped at Hill City for a snack and checked out the local museum where they had gems and prehistoric bones on display. Just a few miles from our rendezvous point, we were greeted by a full moon…and of course we had to stop for a while to say hello…..and click.

Custer – The Custer State Park Game Lodge is a historic place that had been a retreat for a couple of former presidents (from one of the first ten….I think). The following day we drove through the park and ran into donkeys and buffalo (at close range).

Hot Springs – The funny part about stopping at Hot Springs is the log cabin we spent the night. I think the place may have been historic, but probably just not maintained as such (or not kept historic)…nevertheless, we had a nice evening cookout (burgers, hotdogs, salad, wine).

Pine Ridge and Wounded Knee – Pine Ridge is, as the locals say, pronounced as if it were one word. At the Wounded Knee memorial is a large marker that talked about the massacre that took place in this sacred land. I knew so little of Native American history. I was saddened to read about this one. I never knew chemical warfare dated back this far with the small pox-infected blankets. And the memorial where the massacred people were buried was just a small area in the cemetary bordered by chicken wire. There wasn't even a sign and people casually entered (perhaps not knowing what they were stepping on). I couldn't even enter the gate.

Kyle – The Lakota Prairie Lodge seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. A few of us, after checking in, drove around and discovered this old church in the middle of some crop fields. We stayed there ‘till sunset, sharing stories, walking, feeling the wind, listening to prairie dogs chatting and cows mooing in the distance…it was a really peaceful experience. If there was ever a time to clear your head of whatever was bugging you, this was it.







The Badlands – our first stop was at Sheep Mountain. By this time, driving dirt roads had become a real pleasure (and it was great our rental was a Subaru Outback).

Circle View Guest Ranch – this was our last stop and after dinner we were able to talk to the local rancher. It was interesting to listen to the rancher’s family history and how it all began in the early days of the new world, migration, and how it has survived through generations.

The following day we took one last trip as a group to this spot for agate hunters. The sky was magnificent. After one last group discussion, we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. It was sad to say goodbye….the week felt like an eternity, and yet, was too short.

Bumbershoot 2007

I love music fesitvals. I came in for the Saturday festivities and was very pleased. The poster art exhibit was really cool. It's really evolved into a community (and respected industry) of its own (I bought a few pieces :) ) There was a sea of shops and booths. And the food...wow! As different bands performed at all the multiple stages, I pretty much had a workout just walking all over the grounds. I stayed 'till night time for the main act: Rodrigo y Gabriela!

Charlotte

The Historic Roseland Plantation was one of the places I visited in my short trip to Charlotte, NC. The grounds were actually closed that day, but the gardner was kind enough to let me in to take a few shots. Charlotte really has that "southern feel". Driving past the city I went through different neighborhoods and discovered in one end of town a lot of old bungalows (lots of brick) and quite a number of boarded houses. The other other side of town was a totally different story with large houses and beautifully placed trees and gardens.

Of course, my main objective was to watch a concert :).....but I did get a few snaps here and there.....

Purple Hazzz

I thought about which picture to post from my recent trip home to the bay area and decided on this one from the ballpark. That evening had a light purple haze and a full moon. I had just arrived from my long drive from WA and felt really great to be back at the ballpark.

Driving Back

It was another 13 hours...but honestly it didn't feel like it. My body was recording the exhaustion, but my mind was still willing and able. I left at 6:30am and was at the Oregon border by 11:30am. I was overtaking a long trailer just when the "Welcome to Oregon" sign came up (so no pix of the sign here :( ). By 4:30pm I was in Portland...just in time for the rush hour traffic :(.

Anyway...I made it :).

Road Trip: First Drive Down to CA

>Program Start...
>Depart WA 11pm WED 06-27-2007

>Arrive Portland OR 1am THU 6-28-2007

>Driver status: tired

>Initiate drive_more: start

>Enter drive_more memo: rest and avoid am portland traffic

>Arrive Eugene OR 2am THU 06-28-2007

>Initiate locate_motel...

>Motel found: Super 8

>Driver status: sleep

>Program Sleep Mode

>Program Reconnect...

>Driver status: charge complete

>Depart Eugene OR 6:30am THU 06-28-2007

>Arrive CA border 11:07am THU 06-28-2007

>Enter arrive memo: woohoo :)

>Arrive SF 4:26pm THU 06-28-2007

>Program End...

>Standing by for next command...

Strength in Words

While driving to the airport on Saturday, I was listening to the public radio station and heard a story about poet Nikki Giovanni and the convocation she delivered at Virgina Tech. It was so moving I was driven to tears. The emotion was the same when I read it in the University website.

Her words were uplifting and released with such potency that it made me believe in the power of the written word once again.

(Nikki Giovanni, delivered at the Convocation, April 17, 2007)

We are Virginia Tech

We are sad today

We will be sad for quite a while

We are not moving on

We are embracing our mourning

We are Virginia Tech

We are strong enough to stand tall tearlessly

We are brave enough to bend to cry

And we are sad enough to know that we must laugh again

We are Virginia Tech

We do not understand this tragedy

We know we did nothing to deserve it

But neither does a child in Africa

Dying of AIDS

Neither do the Invisible Children

Walking the night away to avoid being captured by a rogue army

Neither does the baby elephant watching his community

Be devastated for ivory

Neither does the Mexican child looking For fresh water

Neither does the Iraqi teenager dodging bombs

Neither does the Appalachian infant killed

By a boulder

Dislodged

Because the land was destabilized

No one deserves a tragedy

We are Virginia Tech

The Hokie Nation embraces

Our own

And reaches out

With open heart and mind

To those who offer their hearts and hands

We are strong

And brave

And innocent

And unafraid

We are better than we think

And not yet quite what we want to be

We are alive to imagination

And open to possibility

We will continue

To invent the future

Through our blood and tears

Through all this sadness

We are the Hokies

We will prevail

We will prevail

We will prevail

We are Virginia Tech

Going under the hood

I don't know what got into me, but after reading articles on the web about some guys who've upgraded their Compaq Presario laptops, I looked into it and found myself shopping for new parts. The low cost of AMD chips, memory, and hard drives was really tempting and I just couldn't resist going under the hood :)

So far everything's working great so I'm glad I didn't break anything (getting to my V2000's processor required me to disassemble a great deal of the board's components). Upgrading from the Sempron to the Turion processor, 512MB more memory (for a total of 1.5GB), and a 7200RPM Hitachi drive really brings out obvious performance gains.

Bottom line: sweet!

:)

Markings Complete

The day finally came. Session 2. Completion of my Giger tattoo by Micah Parker. After constantly looking at the partially finished sections of my tattoo for a month, I was dying to see it in its entirety. We had the whole afternoon dedicated to it and while I was able to tolerate the pain through it all, I'd be lying if I said it was a picnic. After a number of hours, it did start to get sore. And as Micah layered through all the shades and details it certainly did sting.

After finishing the tattoo, my arm had to be treated with some sort of vitamin extract and sealed in a wrap. After about four hours, the wrap came off and it had to be cleaned with warm water and soap, then let dry.

I know I just sat there all day, but I honestly did feel exhausted and once I had finished cleaning my arm and lay on the bed to rest, I fell asleep for a couple of hours.

Of course, as soon as I woke up I just had to go in front of the mirror and look at my tattoo again :) .

It certainly was the artistic expression of Giger's biomechanical I had wanted. I remember in my first session Micah asked why I chose to come to her for this tattoo. I knew the answer, but for some reason was slow to respond (or maybe it was because I had just re-acquainted myself with the feeling of a high-speed needle on my skin ;) ). I wanted to combine several elements from his work and needed someone who could do an interpretation of the fused elements. I definitely wanted an artist who was familiar with Giger's work. Prowling cyberspace for a tattoo artist who fit the profile, I stumbled upon Micah's flash art. My search ended there. Of course, I didn't explain this story the same way when I answered Micah's question. (If I remember correctly, I think I said "...I saw your work on the web and that was it, I knew where I was gonna go for my tattoo...").

Going through the images in my digital camera, I wanted to post this last one I took before I left Micah's studio. 'Just the right image I want for the completion of this entry.

Thanks Micah :)

Centerville stop

I'm back in Utah today for the completion of my Giger tattoo. With some time on my hands, I stop over here in a local Starbucks in Centerville. Last night I was watching the Warriors on ESPN (I know this part should be a Mos Eisley entry...but...nah). I am thrilled that they've reached the playoffs and as a fan I at least get to watch them on national tv wherever I am...and they creamed the Mavs!

Sling Heaven

Woke up this morning and watched the local news...the bay area morning news! Thank the heavens for the Slingbox. My brother setup a unit at his home and wallah!...I am able to watch the Warriors and Giants LOCAL broadcasts (sweeeeeet).

I just watched the evening news...the bay area evening news! Ah yes, KTVU, KRON ;)

Spring Training 2007

This year's trek to Arizona lands me and my brother in a soldout game against the Cubs. Both Barry's were playing (Zito pitching in the photo), temp was 75 degrees, we got sunblock on (this time, yes :) ), beer's cold, priceless ;) Linden and Klesko continue to hit really well and Sweeney hit a home run in the 8th (or was it the 7th?)

Oh....and by the way...we were cruising AZ on a Mustang :). It had a really good kick and we took turns driving and abusing all that packed heat in the hood. (pix below of my brother on the wheel)

Tomorrow we visit Peoria AZ to watch a road game against the Padres.

It's time

"Alright!....No one messes with the Duke!"

Hahahaah......exactly what I had in mind when I saw this in the mirror.....and before I finally got a haircut :)

Rain to Snow to Water

Last night the temperature was so cold it turned the heavy rain to snow...and so morning came and I found my car covered in snow. The temperature was begining to heat up though and by the time I started my car and brushed off the white powder, the snow around already started to melt into water.

drive to work