Retrospective: October 2009

I've been meaning to do this for a long while (months, in fact), but a delicate balance between schoolwork, studying, sleeping, and just enough recreation to maintain sanity has prevented me from having a large enough block of time to catch up. In any case, here's what Eden and I have been up to for the last few months.

The month opened on a relatively mild fall, with weather staying warm and pleasant, and providing some wonderful colors as the foliage changed.

I did get a chance to slip back home for a quick weekend visit on the second, to spend some time with the family and see the last bit of a Hounds show. Alas, the break was over far too quickly, but it was still a worthwhile trip.

I've taken advantage of the local arboretum that is just up the road from the dorms to find some peace in the mornings and a relatively steady supply of photo subjects. Even when the birds are scarce, it makes for a zen way to start the day.

Eden swooped down to Klamath Falls on the 20th to surprise me with a few days visiting. She managed to make it all the way here before her phone started to die, spending the last few scraps of juice to call me from Snell hall. We spent the time exploring the local sights, including a trip down the the Lava Beds national monument area.

Another great place I've found for photo opportunities is the local skate park. Natural lighting plus rapid movement makes for good practice. The skaters there are amazingly age tolerant; one of the younger regulars is perhaps six, and the others are careful to work around him as he rides around the periphery.

Halloween made for a fun finish to the month, as nearly everyone on campus got into the spirit in one way or another, including staff. Personally, I decided to abuse the small collection of equipment I've been building and go as a newspaper photographer.

2009-10 Picdump [Show images on map] [Fullscreen slideshow]

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Daily Post (Josh) 2010-01-31

Eden had an early class today for marketing her business, so Jen and I actually ended up getting back to campus at 3, after an excruciating drive. Reflecting back, I've driven nearly 900 miles in various vehicles in the last four days, so the cold sweat agony that was tinged with unpleasant tingling and sparkly vision probably shouldn't have surprised me, but I guess I'm just not that smart. I just can't believe how much potential pain is tied up in this foot issue.

The gastric issues that started up last friday are continuing; feels like my stomach is dumping massive amounts of acid again. I had thought this was simply a reflection of the unspeakably rich and tasty ingredients in the various chocolate creations, but now I'm not so sure. My distress is rapidly approaching the volume and type of pain I experienced in the months leading up to my gallbladder's revolt. I'll have to watch this in the days to come, to be sure that something else isn't going horribly wrong.

Daily Pic (Josh) 2010-01-31

"Early Morning Knitting"

Daily Post (Josh) 2010-01-30

Even though I don't normally care much for Dim Sum, it was a pleasant way to start the day today, as the family gathered to celebrate Cassie's birthday early. The chow mein was especially tasty, although the grease level in the dish was not a kind addition to my already fitful stomach. I think we were all feeling a bit of gastric distress from the wonderfully rich concoctions of the night before.

We spent most of the day driving through the gorge. Even with the overcast, slightly drizzly weather, it was peaceful and relaxing. Eden inherited my Rebel XS as her first SLR yesterday, and we had a good time exploring a few of the available settings as Cassie and Nick aped for the cameras. Between the short amount of time and a migraine resurgence on my part, we only got a chance to go over a few concepts, but I think it will be a wonderful hobby for us to share.

Our bedtime migrated a bit, however, as we found out around 11:30 that most former members of Circled by Hounds had reformed to a new band, Tarish. Given that the new band's posted photo was simply a CBH shot with Vash cropped out, the vanity text for the new band is 90% cribbed from CBH, and the reasons given for CBH splitting do not jive at all with this new move, there were more than a few hurt feelings to go around. Unfortunately, I think our collective impressions on the integrity of those we had considered good friends were damaged beyond hope of repair. The crew ended up shuttling over to Vash and Jess' house just short of midnight to commiserate. For all that the occasion was a bit somber, it was still nice to see them before I had to leave town.

Daily Pic (Josh) 2010-01-30

"Birthday Breakfast"

Daily Post (Josh) 2010-01-29

Jennifer and I dashed for the car just as soon as class let out today, heading north for Portland to surprise Cassie for her birthday at the ChocolateFest. It was a great opportunity to let her meet my friends and family, and to give them some idea of who the people I've been prattling on about are.

The event was absolutely swarmed with people, and had an incredible variety of quality confections. While I enjoyed nearly everything I picked up, I have to comment on one of the several chocolate covered bacon concepts. I only ended up trying one, because the experience of tasting some of the most delectable chocolate utterly ruined by horribly low grade meat tempered with awful chemical smoke flavor was just stunningly painful.

While not all of Cassie's friends were able to make it, it was nice to spend the night with old acquaintances and new. One of Cassie and Nick's prior shipmates, Scuppers, even made it out. Wonderful character, there, and a bountiful source of stories.

Daily Pic (Josh) 2010-01-29

"A Very Patient Princess"