The Whirlwind Subsides

In the time between this blog and the last (august 11) many changes have taken effect.  First and foremost I became a dad again, this time to my own little girl.

On September 7, 2011 at 1433 Liliana Elise Olivas came into this world.  Whether the experience I've gained in raising my son made my outlook different or not, I didn't feel frightened by having her in my life or what my life would be like when she came around.
I looked upon my family and though, OK, I think I'm done having kids.  Not for any selfish reason but because my family life feels complete.  I have a boy, a girl, wife, two dogs and a frog, what else could a man want for? Good looking out God :).

Besides the home life, school is almost over, though not over enough.  I really lack the ganas to read for class but do so out of fear, (getting called on and not prepared isn't one of those things you forget once it happens to you in law school).  The only class I find interesting is Preparing for the Bar.  It seems very realistic (rather than theoretical) and I can use the principles our professor shows us in a practical way come Feb 28th.

Back into the Breach

It's really been a month since I've written?!? 
I hope you all (all four of you) will mind the irony of writing to complain that I don't feel like writing. 
Being forced to write (papers for class that should not require papers) kind of turns me off to writing for fun.  The stress of having a deadline for an informative paper for a pass/fail class seems silly to be but, I do what is asked. 
I begin thinking about being forced to write when I'm a lawyer.  I hope I will have the motivation to write (seeing as it will be my JOB) and not be beaten down by it as I am now.  On the other hand academic papers are not exacly legal briefs. 

Next Monday marks the beginning of the end of my Law School adventures.  after 16 short weeks I will have my JD and plundge head first into bar prep.  While I will miss actually going to the school, it is not the classes that I will miss, instead, I wil miss my friends and organizations I'm involved in.  The social aspect of school has always appealed to me, not so much the classes, as my grades show.

Besides the school, and work, it's HOT outside.  DAMN HOT!  100+ heat for about a month.  Keep cool and stay thirsty :)

D

Full Frontal Nudity

And the beat goes on... and the beat goes on.  This coming Tuesday I will take the Marital Property Exam.  Thank God I took it pass/fail.  It promises to be challenging and, luckily we will have notes, books and whatnot to rely on.  The ability to use our notes will make the curve more shallow and as long as I don't COMPLETELY miss the target I should get my P and be done with it. 

Besides summer exams, summer school is just about done.  I have one ADR class remaining (week long sit in the cold room and have a negotiation competition for three credit hours) then I will have three glorious weeks of summer to play with my son, wife and zergling.  And by play I mean get our house ready for the arrival of Liliana. 

Now that you have been updated on my life, here is what you're really here for:  ( o Y o )

A few nights ago I had a "Momento-esque" dream.  Funny thing was I didn't realize I was dreaming until I woke up. 

1.
I see a light from behind my closed eyelids.  What is that? I think to myself and begin to open my eyes.  I am temporarily blinded by the sun streaming in through the window and wonder whose bed I'm in and more importantly where in the hell I am? 
What happened last night? I ask my inner voice as I swing my legs to the side of the bed.  My pajama pants clinging with static to my legs as I step onto the wood floor.  My eyesight is returning and I can see the room I've landed.  To call it nice would do it a gross injustice.  The king-sized four-poster bed is one of three articles of furniture in this glorious room.  Sheer white curtains surround the bed on all sides.  The linens  too are white and smell of lavender.  How did I get here? 
I push the curtain aside and move about room.  A dresser and desk are the only other furniture pieces in the room.  No TV, No Phone, No lights, (like Robinson Carusoe it's primitive as can be, I sing to myself).  I see a continental breakfast waiting for me on the desk.  The water glass is sweating.  I move to it and drink it down in one gulp.  I didn't realize how famished I was until I begin eating the breakfast without regard for who put it there or whether it was poisoned or not.  It didn't taste poisoned and I couldn't imagine a more tranquil place do die.
I sit at the desk and kick back.  I closed my eyes and the darkness that envelops caused a flash.  I see people but it's like looking through think fog.  A man in a white shirt.  A lady in a yellow dress.  Were they dancing?  A knock at the door startles me back reality.
The visitor knocks again and I move toward the door.  I look through the peephole and see a man in a polyester white jacket with black piping, a steward.  He must be here for the dishes. 
I let him in and he moves sliently to the desk, picks up the tray and starts to head out. 
"Um, Excuse me" I say to him and he looks at me quizically.  "where am I?"  he smiles, it's what I was afraid of.  "English?"  I ask with my hands up hopefully.  He smiles again, his teeth reflect years of smoking and the absence of a toothbrush.  He points to his chest.  I see the crest of the hotel I've landed in and notice the name: Serenity. Usually the name of the location you're staying at is below, but curiously enough, this does not. 
He gestures past me and continues about his duties.  I watch him walk down the hall and head back to my into my room. 
...

My Underutilized iPhone Camera

While I love using my Nikon (D80 or D90) I often times overlook the incredible resolution and crispness I get from my iPhone 4's camera.

Contemplating evolution (SO3 Ranch)

I'm one of those "wired in" kinda guys that will not leave his house without my phone.  This past weekend I didn't feel like lugging around my D80 while going out w/ my friends, but I felt like taking pictures.  So, while toying w/ the idea of just using my iPhone for a few weeks to capture shots, I pulled out my phone and fired a few ones.





While it does not have the control and will require quite a bit more post production to get the look I want, this phone will get the job done.

Shooting Skeet 

Nailing shots, I have learned, is being in the right place at the perfect time at the perfect angle.
If any Apple programer are out there, find me a why to set my ISO and shutter speeds and we'll be cooking w/ gas :) Though, that will be asking quite a bit coming from a point and shoot PHONE.

Poker w/ Professors

 MOST of the people reading this blog have a phone on them at this very moment.  Some may even have iPhone 4s as well. I want to challenge you all and at least twice today, while checking your email and Facebook status, shoot a picture of where you're at (let's hope it's not in the can) and upload it to FB.

You might be amazed at what you discover when you look up from your social media and actually become social.
Albeit, many may check statuses while, shall we say, indisposed, (please spare us THOSE pictures); instead while at dinner, in traffic, waiting in line at the store, fire a shot and upload what you see to your FB.  

Gib Lewis in his trophy room (SO3 Ranch)

I really look forward to seeing what people come up with and how you guys view your lives or what you think is pleasing to the eye.  

Call it a social experiment; we can see who can jump on and post a picture of where we are at and what we are doing at particular time.  Example?  At 1:37pm (CST) I will most likely be at work.  I could take a picture of my workstation, co-worker, the classified door I have to pass through and leave my phone and all recording devices behind. 

"Studying" at Half Acre Hall, Flying Saucer- Ft. Worth

Texas Sunrise

Or we could set an alarm and fire a shot 6:42pm (CST), some of us may be out with friends, getting dinner, on our way home from work, on our way to school.

Texas Sunset

So for the rest of you wired-in folks out there have fun with this little experiment and good luck playing with your cameras phones.  I hope to see plenty of interesting, quirky, inventive and imaginative pictures.  Forward this along and let's see just who is up for it. 

My Trip to Six Flags Over Texas

Last Friday, the building I work out of was closed for some reason or another.  Having the day off and not having anything really to do I treated myself to an afternoon of thrill rides at Six Flags Over Texas.

The climb

I could not remember the last time I went to Six Flags, some things change yet some things stay the same.

They recently "updated" the Texas Giant thus prompting my motivation to go.   I loved the Giant ever since I first rode it.  Many would complain about the roaring headache this wooden beast would give its riders but for me I found it pure excitement.



While waiting for in the line the anticipation of riding this incredible feat of modern engineering what I couldn't get over was how quiet the roller coaster actually is.  The rattle and squeaks that came from the old Giant were replaced by a slight whisper from the rails and fearful screams from the riders. 

From wood to steel

When I saw the 79• drop I knew I was in for some fun.  I was not disappointed.

The anticipation is palpable

The 79• DROP!

This drop started the show and the thrills continued the entire ride.  Where some rides slow down in the middle (to keep us passengers from flying off) this Giant pauses long enough to inhale before it takes your breath away again through it's high angle turns and plenty of "hang time".

Coming out of a high angled turn

"Adios"

The update created an extremely fast and exciting ride that glides like a skater over ice (yes it's that smooth).  

As I rode roller coasters a scene from "Parenthood" came to mind.  An old lady described how some people love the Merry-go-round and others loved roller coasters.  (metaphors for life)  Where the merry-go-round is fun but it's safe and not exciting. The roller coaster will surprise and excite you and is not as safe.

I came up with this metaphor while walking in the park:  We live our lives normally waiting/planning/working toward goals  (ie we wait in line).   As this line progresses we see alternatives to these goals but the steadfast will remain (deciding to skip this ride and try again later or carry forward).  Once the goal is in sight we can either choose to take a small reward or put forth the effort and strive for something better. (do we ride the middle now or wait for the front?)

High Angled Turn

The ride itself begins with the climb.  We wait, we anticipate, we regret, we have anxiety build, but there's nothing we can do at this point.

The drop is what happens to us some idle Thursday at 1:37pm when we discover our well-laid plans go wrong and we scramble to get back.  The stress that we face and hardships we endure are all part of our ride.  WE have the choice to either fight the ride, (we'll end up w/ a headache) or raise our hands and realize our path is set and enjoy it as much as we can.

'57 Bel Air Converted train

What is YOUR Theme Song?

My good friend asked me what's theme song.  I hadn't thought about it for quite a while and I told her the concept of theme song reminded me of Ally McBeal.  (no Ooga-chacka babies here). 
To answer her question my currently them song is "The Lazy Song" by Bruno Mars.

This song inspires me to take a moment for myself and relax. 

I like the idea of theme songs and often times have a soundtrack running through my head.  For the past week it has been Toby Keith's "I wanna talk about me" and "Just the way you are" by Bruno Mars.  Back when I started law school I had "Dear Prudence" - Beatles and Across the Universe Soundtrack versions running in my head.  The Prudence (juris if you mind the pun) kept my grades up, perhaps I should start listening to it again.

Theme songs should inspire us and keep us moving forward on our journey.  Like Rocky's theme did for him.  In my studies I learned about Salsa (music not food).  It's origins came from the Cuban Son as part of the practice of Santeria.  According to what I read the spirits would take over the body and force the person to move.  When you think about this Theme songs possess our bodies and vitalize us with positive energy.  It's music wonderful?  To quote Dan Koffman "not all art hangs on walls." 

What is your theme song?

The silence is deafening

My family left for Brazil last week for three weeks of cooler weather (it's winter down there).  I have kept busy though, with school during the week, mediation classes last weekend and Drill this weekend.
Having the family gone means the house is REALLY quiet.  Usually the house has my wife watching something, my son watching/playing something, and me finding some place quiet to relax after work.
Now, I have all the silence I can handle and its deafening.  My dogs are no good for conversation.  They hang out at home all day and don't watch much TV or read anything.  The other day we discussed why Jake enjoyed sleeping under the bed and why Stewie likes to sleep on it.  It turns out, Jake likes having the darkness so he can get those extra few minutes before the day starts and Stew likes the comfort.
To-MAY-toes, To-MAH-Toes.
With my family gone it's not much different for me.  I'm still working and schooling like I used to, except now I get to pick what to watch on TV or play as many games of Starcraft 2 that I want.  The solitude is overbearing at times though.

I took a lazy day yesterday, I woke up and, to quote Bruno Mars:  "Today I don't feel like doing anything..." It was what I needed.  I relaxed played Portal 2 attended a meeting for the betterment of school, then had lunch/drinks w my friend Martin.
Besides the drive to and from Fort Worth (hour+ in 100 degree heat, return trip), the day was relaxing.

When I got home I return my couch and power up the PS3, flipped between portal 2 and the mavs, (don't really watch until the 5 min left of the 4th quarter.  Why do they HAVE make it so close?  Incredible game, congrats Mavs, now do it two more times.

Emotion Project

While I know humans can express seven basic emotions:  Happy, sad, fear, surprise, anxiety (anticipation) , anger, disgust.  These pictures expressed the closest representations that I could find in my library.

Anger 

 He was hitting a piñata, not an enemy.

Anticipation

Fear

Happiness

Sadness

Disgust

(Look at the second row) This picture needs explanation.  I had bowled the best game of my life BUT, I could finish because the alley "closed"

Surprise/fear/anxiety

Jude started moving when Aiden was holding him.

10 days off

School officially ended for me on May 10 after taking my Legislation final.  Since then I finished two audiobooks (hey I have a 40 minute commute to and from work).  Both were quite enjoyable.  I finished the Five People You Meet in Heaven.  I liked the story and how the author explained his belief of the afterlife.
I like to believe that we are all interconnected in intangible ways and effect each other through our actions, not matter how routine they may be. 

The second book I finished was Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.  This book was the only way that I would have EVER read Jane Austen, willingly.  Smith wove a zombie plague into one of the English language's greatest works of literature.  I longed for the kitana wielding Elizabeth to slay zombies and on occasion ninjas.  This addition made the book interesting as I loathe banal discussions about society. I felt w/o the zombie addition it would have been like the Real Housewives of Meryton.  I really enjoyed Elizabeth and hope my daughter won't put up w/ anyone's crap either.  I have a feeling she will be as headstrong as both of her parents. 

School starts bright and early on Monday.  This will mark the first time I've taken day classes w/ "daddy's money."  As I will be coming to and from work to attend these classes I look forward to odd analysis my classmates may come up with when dealing w/ martial property.  As for the me, I will attempt to keep my snarky comments to myself. 

When is a door not a door?

When it's a ajar.
ba-dum chink!

dave 

What a Weekend (Part 2)

Saturday my nephew Sebastian turned 1.
The weather could not have been better.  We're talking low 70s and scattered clouds (for May that's REALLY nice weather).
I learned a few things while shooting:
1. Shooting manual has it's disadvantages
2. Photos are better when they don't know the camera is on them...(usually)
3. I love the sun.
4. After shooting for 2.5 hours your back may start to hurt.
5. It's all worth it when you get that perfect shot.

My Boy

Jaci

Emily

Jaci and Aramis

Sebastian and Jamil

Da Cake!

Birthday Boy

Cake, couple and Kid

Minha Sogra Querida

The Party

Batter UP

It's heavier than it looked

Still Radiant 

Mother and Son

The Rojas Family

What a Weekend (Part 1)

Starting with Friday Texas Wesleyan School of Law had its graduation.  It was motivation for this last push toward December 9, when I finally graduate.
I didn't have time to take pictures after the ceremony (as I had to get back to work).  Additionally the light was HORRIBLE for shooting at a distance.  These were the good ones that I managed to get.

Light Writing

What do you do when you have a lightsaber and a dad that loves to take pictures?  

First attempt

Right effect wrong person

Great face

A's are easy w/ the saber.

It looks like a G but it's supposed to be a C

Mini flashlights are much easier

Add caption

Ghost imaging

More fun w/ lights

My sister in law