30 November 2007
a smidge on Advent
A small bit about the season, in case you're like me and didn't/don't know much about it. To read the full article you can go here.
The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life.
One Picture, Two Perspectives
Straight on.
A different point of view. Photo by Roberto.
29 November 2007
Pictures of Pictures
A project I did in which I photographed people, and then took pictures of them with their pictures.
28 November 2007
online albums from CR
In case you'd like to see more photos from Costa Rica in an album format.
This one.
&
This one.
&
This one too.
25 November 2007
Better luck next coach
Well, they lost and we won: OSU and OU, respectively. And it seems Coach Gundy is continuing the tradition of lackluster execution we've all come to enjoy and cherish here in the Sooner Nation. 
The day ended surprisingly well. Saw this sunset right about the time OU was making a killer three-down goal-line stand against the Pokes. Poor Cowboys. So many players. So little talent.
The "greatest band in the land" at pre-game. And they sported their new all-red uniforms that they debuted at the Macy's Parade last week. I think it's a change for the better, but maybe you have to have been a Pride band nerd to appreciate the new threads. 
Singing the Chant. 
The Schooner doing its usual P. & Circumstance. This was the last game that the current ponies will pull the wagon. Next season they'll have new mini ponies to haul the cart around. The guy who was sitting behind me at the game is in charge of driving the ponies to the games. He said the new ones cost $7k each. But I'm sure our deep pocketed leader, DB, will find the funds necessary to get the new steeds on the payroll. Just maybe. 
U-S-O. Spelling is a non-issue in Stillwater, I suppose. 
That's better. 
A cold and yet supportive patron. Sadly I have no cold weather OU gear. Had to wear my Derby County Rams hat, which is sort of like OU, only the Rams are a British-based soccer team that can't win (this season at least). 
The post-game Sooner Magic hung thick in the air. 
What you like to see. The new high-def screens and firework stations at both end zones is a bonus too. And at least now I know it's not MY tuiton money paying for that crap.
Next stop San Antonio. We beat the Tigers once. Don't see why a repeat W is unlikely.
24 November 2007
Season's Greetings
The months of the year come and go. Inexorably they traipse onward, chronologically and unwaivering. And with the months come holidays and societal celebrations and birthdays and anniversaries and all manner of events for reflection and worship.
But for a number of the world's populace, there exists a certain set of months that hold distinct promise and reason for thanksgiving. I'm talking about the people in blaze orange and camouflage (no, not OSU fans, though I understand the confusion). I'm talking about the men and women in tree stands and blinds, purposefully exiled to the fringes of establishment with the sole purpose of "bagging" creatures.
I'm talking about deer hunters. And so it is that the season is upon us here in North America, come blaze orange clothing shortages or firearm mishaps.
And for one such patron of the wild, a roamer of the plains — the Stealthy Leopard, if you will — the deery season brought with it some pleasing fortune if not a rack of antlers as well.
But first, you'll see the Stealthy Leopard practicing his craft in the back yard of Anytown, USA, to the concern of several neighborly passersby. 
20 yards. Aim for the vitals. The 'Leopard's instrument is tuned to hurtle the projectile at nearly 300 feet per second. 
The older brother Leopard takes his mark. He is calm and collected and feeling instead of thinking, just like Obi-Wan prescribes. 
Success. The Leopard spryly pulls his points from the foamish counterfeit. He is ready for the woods of reality. 
The prize. The Leopard's trophy taken in western Oklahoma (and with a Boomstick instead of the Long Bow). The townsfolk will eat heartily for many moons this fall season. Well done, hunter and gatherer.
19 November 2007
There and back Again
Made it safely back to the OK today. Quite strange to be suddenly here after being in the 'Rica for these months. Kind of like everything's different here. But it's not really everything that's different...it's me who is different. Or seeing things in a new way at least. I think it's kind of like on the Matrix: "...it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself..." I don't know. Something like that. I'm still processing. Here are a few things. 
Mid West sunset from 30,000 feet. 
In case you forgot where you landed, this is here to help you out. HELLO! But you have to appreciate those Texans' zeal. Or do you? 
Typical CR layout.
Mid West suburb norm. Hmm. A bit different.
Jumbo-sized. Makes San Jose's Pista look like a Go Kart track. And this one has fewer holes I'm guessing, too.
17 November 2007
Hiking to the Cross
'Tonio and I hiked up a mountain this morning. It's near San Jose and in a place called Alajualita. You might remember this as the place where I was robbed back in October. So, lots of memories. Thankfully there were no repeats of thieving greatness today though, and we enjoyed a crisp if not blustery day on the CR mountain side.
San Jose valley panoramic.
Antonio using all his senses to absorb the scenery. 
It was RATHER wet. Not much rain, but lots of mist and a sodden path. 
The "I'm cold" pose. I guess...
The first cross, farther down the mountain. There are three dispersed on the trail.
Cross at the top. The sights from the summit were spectacular. Sadly, the clouds were too. But what can you do. That's hiking in the rainy season. 
Big man. Big cross.
Decoration. 
Foliage.
More SJ
Downtown mural.
'Cruiser tow-truck.
Pay phone.
16 November 2007
Jueves
Siblings. Look at those chubby knees!
Bath time. 
Shenanigans on the Bridge of Uncertainty. 
Maycol, Manuelito and Roberto (L to R).
Moises displays his craft. 
Selenia too.
Brock and Antonio retell David and Goliath. I think they were cast pretty well.
Friday in the S.J.
Bus and peds. 
Banco Popular.
Museo Nacional and a lonely amphitheater. 
Strike up the band. 
Wong's Chinese Restaurant. Always a classic no matter what country you're in.
Sitting in Traffic at 5 o'clock
15 November 2007
Four
Freddy.
Neighborhood art.
Screen door.
Fun at others' expense.
14 November 2007
Dusk in La Carpio
Same scene, Different Weather
Sunny barn.
Foggy barn.
Little Luis
Okay, so one more from Sunday's game. Love this little guy.
Johnny
Smile.
Pray.
Munch.
Scowl.
Coronado
Gated Moo-moos.
Wet clothes and rusty roofs.
Foggy rings.
It wasn't at home (thankfully).
Cattlehand wheels.
Bicycle
Another from Sunday's game. This one didn't go in, but don't worry, there were two others that did.
11 November 2007
Panoramic of glory
Went to my last Saprissa game this morning. It's surprisingly cold here right now (60s and windy/rainy) so the game was a bit crisp (comparatively speaking). But we put our opponents away 2-1 for a handy (or footy) victory. I felt compelled to get a panoramic of the stadium, so here it is. This was before the game, hence the empty seats.
Around the Hood
Local scene on the block. 
Clean clothes. 
Earp.
Cash Crop
Where the magic starts. I like mine with plenty of milk and sugar, thank you.
Bath
COLD water. 
Cozy contentment.
08 November 2007
Update
A swinging Lapiz.
Roberto with zoom blur effect (for Dan-O). 
Cake Envy: it's a hard life being the youngest. I feel your pain, Meely. 
I asked for lunch and this is what I got. 
We played a game with kids, but another local insisted on playing too. 
"Kings of the hill." or... "Yes, more stray dogs." 
Park and church. 
Staring into the sun. 
Costa Rican countryside. Not bad.
p.s. the photo below is a BOY. his name is Brayon. just to clear up the confusion. though the locks make it tricky to discern. and aren't you glad there's something here to look at that isn't just snotty crumbs?
01 November 2007
Snotty Crumbs
