Mother’s Day 2012
On a beautiful sunny Sunday I jumped in my Kia Soul and headed to central Texas to celebrate Mother's Day with family. Along the way I stopped in Gholson, Texas to pick up my Granny and take her to my sister's house for a family gathering centered around a lot of good cooking. After we ate, we stepped outside to do some skeet shooting. My brother-in-law and nephews gave my sister a new shotgun for Mother's Day. We had a great time together and before I left, I got my Mom to try out my ENO hammock. Now I think she wants one.
Student Shows 2012
The number of students I help support continues to grow. The undergraduate program is the first in our college to fill with new applicants and we have more and more students interested in our new MFA program . I still enjoy all the chaos because there’s never a dull moment. The VIST Show (undergrad) and Viz-a-gogo (graduate) are important events for the students. This time of the year is like the high-holy days for our department. Prior to the screenings, scholarships and awards were presented to those who produced the best design portfolios, or exhibited exceptional work during the past academic year. 2012 marked the third year the graduate show, Viz-a-gogo, did not take place on campus.
My ENO Hammock
A couple of months ago I stumbled upon a company called Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO). The company's main product line is a variety of compact outdoor hammocks designed for camping, hiking, or just being outside. What really sold me on the idea was spotting several students using ENO hammocks on campus. I talked to a couple of students who owned one and decided to get one of my own. It worked out perfect in the backyard. If there's a nice breeze outside, you'll find me, Ruben, or both of us (it's a two person-sized hammock) hanging out in the backyard in my ENO hammock.
Wine, Roses, Family and Friends
My birthday celebration continued into the weekend when Esteban, Kelly, Liz and Vann came up from Houston to join Ruben and me at the Messina Hof Winery for their annual Wine and Roses Festival. We had a great time and plenty of laughs. Afterward, we took everyone to the MSC so they could see how much it has changed. The following day my parents came into town for my birthday. My folks gave me a cool antique 3D Realist viewer...and of course my Mom had to make me a cake. Did I mention I love my birthday week?
My 43rd Birthday
Yeah! Once again it was time to celebrate my birthday! Over the years I've learned never to complain about growing older...because it beats the alternative. *wink* My first birthday surprise came from my graduate assistants, Jessica and Cassie. They presented me and Kevin with a birthday cake (Kevin's birthday is on the 23rd). When Ruben and I returned home from work I was surprised by a house decorated to celebrate. Ruben gave me a set of sandbags for my light stands. Later that evening, Glenn came over and gave me a very-large softbox for my strobe-kit. It was a little too big to use at the house, so I took it to the studio at the lab to take a couple of test shots. Later in the week, Bill took Kevin and me to Downtown Bryan for a birthday lunch...and desert. I love my birthday week.
The MSC Reopens
On April the 21st, Aggies around the world gather for Muster - a day for remembering students and former students who have past-away within the year. This Year's Muster marked the rededication of the Memorial Student Center. The MSC had been closed for the past three years for a $125 million expansion and renovation. On the morning of the 21st Ruben and I headed to campus to observe the rededication ceremony and take our first look at the new MSC. They did a great job modernizing what many consider the "living room" of the campus. *sigh* It doesn't feel the same, but this is also the MSC for the next generation.
eJournal
Mother’s Day 2012
May 13, 2012 On a beautiful sunny Sunday I jumped in my Kia Soul and headed to central Texas to celebrate Mother’s Day with family. Along the way I stopped in Gholson, Texas to pick up my Granny and take her to my sister’s house for a family gathering centered around a lot of good cooking. After we ate, we stepped outside to do some skeet shooting. My brother-in-law and nephews gave... [Read more]
Student Shows 2012
May 2-5, 2012 The number of students I help support continues to grow. The undergraduate program is the first in our college to fill with new applicants and we have more and more students interested in our new MFA program . I still enjoy all the chaos because there’s never a dull moment. The VIST Show (undergrad) and Viz-a-gogo (graduate) are important events for the students. This time of the... [Read more]
My ENO Hammock
May 3, 2012 A couple of months ago I stumbled upon a company called Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO). The company’s main product line is a variety of compact outdoor hammocks designed for camping, hiking, or just being outside. What really sold me on the idea was spotting several students using ENO hammocks on campus. I talked to a couple of students who owned one and decided to get one of my... [Read more]
Wine, Roses, Family and Friends
April 28, 2012 My birthday celebration continued into the weekend when Esteban, Kelly, Liz and Vann came up from Houston to join Ruben and me at the Messina Hof Winery for their annual Wine and Roses Festival. We had a great time and plenty of laughs. Afterward, we took everyone to the MSC so they could see how much it has changed. The following day my parents came into town for my birthday. My... [Read more]
My 43rd Birthday
April 24, 2012 Yeah! Once again it was time to celebrate my birthday! Over the years I’ve learned never to complain about growing older…because it beats the alternative. *wink* My first birthday surprise came from my graduate assistants, Jessica and Cassie. They presented me and Kevin with a birthday cake (Kevin’s birthday is on the 23rd). When Ruben and I returned home from... [Read more]
The MSC Reopens
April 21, 2012 Every April 21st, Aggies around the world gather for Muster – a day for remembering students and former students who have past-away within the year. Muster 2012 marked the rededication of the Memorial Student Center. The MSC was closed for the past three years for a $125 million expansion and renovation. On the morning of the 21st Ruben and I headed to campus to observe the rededication... [Read more]
GLBT Guerrilla Happy Hour
April 19, 2012 In a lot of large urban settings you’ll find informal social groups made up of GLBT professionals who gather at nearby “traditional” bars, transforming them (simply by their presence) into impromptu “gay” bars. Such events/happenings are commonly called Guerrilla-Queer-Bars. The whole purpose is to offer a social activity for those who want more than... [Read more]
Mud Bugs and Music
April 14, 2012 My boss and friend, Bill, spends most of his weekends as the tech-sound-&-lighting guy for two local bands. When one of these groups plays at a nearby venue, Bill invites us to come to the show. Saturday evening, shortly before sunset, Ruben, Glenn and I took Bill up on his invitation and headed to the Icehouse at Lake Bryan for a relaxing evening of eating crawfish... [Read more]
Easter 2012
April 7, 2012 This year, my annual Easter-visit with the family had an unusual twist to it. Saturday afternoon, my Dad and I attended a wrestling show at a nearby beer-joint called Sambo’s to watch one of his co-workers perform…I mean fight. My Dad wanted to attend the event to support his friend/co-worker, Mutt Johnson. Mutt (his stage name) is an amateur wrestler and member of the... [Read more]
