tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38833450866531318772016-09-07T23:29:39.686-05:00Adventures of a Stay at Home DadAlexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.comBlogger301125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-6184595666548948952012-02-08T00:57:00.001-06:002012-02-08T01:00:06.319-06:00'Itsu Baby!We tend to be a bit obsessive about our passions. Whether it's a poker obsession or costume fabrication, we dive straight to the deep waters. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu wasn't any different. Marcel started, Lana joined and I wasn't too far behind them when I saw how much fun they were having.<br /><br /><a href="http://twitpic.com/47kbw6" title="After 15 days of being wrapped & splinted from surgery, m... on Twitpic"><img align="left" alt="After 15 days of being wrapped & splinted from surgery, m... on Twitpic" height="150" src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/47kbw6.jpg" width="150" target="_blank" /></a>We're still training and we still have a pretty intense love for the sport. As soon as I felt comfortable with my newly mended finger, I hit the mat. I lost some serious flexibility and strength with that finger. According to my orthopedic, it won't get any better. It aches now and then, especially when it's cold but it hasn't slowed down my love for the sport. Hell, <a href="http://yourpassionconsultant.com/consultants/marlana/success.html" target="_blank">Lana</a> trained all the way up to thirty seven weeks pregnant. I think the only thing that stopped her was a sudden realization that she may break her water on the mat if she didn't stop soon. Did I mention we're expecting a baby boy any day now? I'm sure she'll be back on the mat the first opportunity she gets. Marcel took a small break when <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ3c7OowxEM&list=UUZbPX_UmIYVUVdSdSj2AQPQ&index=1&feature=plcp" target="_blank">a new obsession</a> took over his brain, but he's back on the mat too. When I break out the mats for drilling, it's really hard to do anything with the little girl constantly trying to get your back or get an arm bar. Not too long ago Lana asked her, "Guess what happens when you turn five."<br />Her response was "I can go to Itsu?!" To say it's become a family love is an understatement. :D<br /><br />So with all that said, I think I'd like to start posting more often but don't be surprised if more posts are going to be directly related to my passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Call this a re-dedication to posting I guess. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/6839759029/" target="_blank" title="jeffglover28jan2012 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="jeffglover28jan2012" height="160" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6839759029_01de75353f_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>I recently went to the <a href="http://www.solismartialarts.com/" target="_blank">Solis Martial Arts Academy</a>'s New Year's Tournament. To my stunned surprise, I received my blue belt from my instructor, Master Henderson of <a href="http://www.hendersonsata.com/Hendersons_ATA/Home.html" target="_blank">Henderson's ATA</a>. Just a few weeks ago, Mr. Solis arranged for <a href="http://www.jeffgloverbjj.com/" target="_blank">Jeff Glover</a> to come out for a seminar. I have to say, I had a great time. I've decided to really dedicate my game to honing deep half guard as a viable tool for me. For the next month I really want to commit to <i>getting </i>there. I've decided to focus on one primary thing this month and three things from there.<br /><ul><li><u><b>Deep half guard transitions</b></u> (from guard, side control bottom, bottom mount, etc.)</li><li>Homer Simpson sweep</li><li>101 Shutdown sweep</li><li>Outside Hook sweep</li></ul>As far as mental state, what I've honestly been focusing on a lot is really increasing my intensity level when I roll. I'm really trying to make a conscious decision to be aggressive. Attack, attack attack, and attack some more. It's a lot harder than I thought.<br /><br /><u><b>Tonight's Solo Drill</b></u><br /><ul><li>Balancing on stability ball</li><li>Long step with stability ball</li><li>Spider guard pass on stability ball</li><li>Guard pass stepping with stability ball</li><li>Shrimping </li><li>Crunches</li><li>Unstoppable drill </li><li>Dips (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0066TDPSS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0066TDPSS">Power Tower</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0066TDPSS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />)<br /></li><li>Pull ups (Power Tower)</li><li>Leg ups (Power Tower)</li></ul>Anyway, that's all I got for now. I'm tired and in need of a shower. Plus I wanna read some more <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451210875/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0451210875">Wizard and Glass</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0451210875" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. 'Night!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-55088512660393280272011-02-23T13:25:00.001-06:002011-02-27T12:09:47.959-06:00Screws to the Finger<a href="http://twitpic.com/3stqsc" target="_blank" title="Pretty blue & purple now & I can almost close my hand... on Twitpic"><img align="left" alt="Pretty blue & purple now & I can almost close my hand... on Twitpic" height="150" src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/3stqsc.jpg" width="150" /></a>It's been quite an adventurous past month or so. I've been meaning to write a little something up but it's been rather difficult with just one hand.<br /><br />Last month, on the 20th, I was drilling at Jiu-Jitsu class. We were working on standing guard arm bars when my partner started giving some resistance and wondering how to counter. I really didn't think anything about it until he really laid into breaking my lapel grips. Now something to keep in mind; I was hanging from him like a baby monkey. I stand at 5'4" and he somewhere around 6'2" at least. I'm sure it looked pretty comical.<br /><br />So he grabs my hands and just starts ripping away. I'm trying to keep em of course when one of my knuckles pop a little and I get a nasty finger sprain - or so I thought. My left ringer finger swelled up pretty fast. I could move it enough to finish most of the class but bumping it made me a little dizzy now and then. I still thought it was just sprained. When it was time to roll I even managed to for one round. By the time it was time for the second round I couldn't close my hand so I quit for the first time in class. I think that hurt more than the finger.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5454095455/" target="_blank" title="alex_xray02 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="alex_xray02" height="240" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5454095455_f3a9ba1772_m.jpg" width="191" /></a>The next day my finger and palm looked like a rainbow of colors. I was still thinking just a sprain. Fast forward two weeks and I was beginning to suspect it was broken since I still couldn't make a fist, my finger couldn't flex out all the way, it still hurt like a bitch and it looked - crooked. So I sucked it up and went to my family doctor. She took one look and confirmed what I feared. I had officially broken a bone in my body for the first time. She chastised me for waiting so long, then sent me to Radiology.<br /><br />I honestly expected a hair fracture or two. I was a little shocked when I saw it snapped clean in two. I was told I had two options.<br /><br />Option One: I could let it finish healing. I would lose about half an inch on my finger length, I might not be able to hyper-extend it or close it all the way again, I would lose gripping strength and it would be crooked. Forever.<br /><br />Option Two: Surgery. Full anesthesia. They'd open my finger up, remove the new bone growth (you can see it in the x-ray), straighten it out, then screw it in place. Full recovery with no side effects other than an even stronger finger.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5466595290/" target="_blank" title="alex_xray03a by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="alex_xray03a" height="183" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5466595290_b99898cfa9_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>I went with option two. It really wasn't much of a choice really. Did I mention I'm left-handed? I also like to think of myself as something of a shitty artist too. I love to draw, I <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/tags/sculpting/" target="_blank">sculpt</a>, I do a lot of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/sets/72157625996134293/" target="_blank">digital graphic work</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/tags/woodwork/" target="_blank">woodworking</a>, I <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/tags/sewing/" target="_blank">sew </a>and quite a bit of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/tags/fiberglass/" target="_blank">fiberglass work</a>. The point is, I love working artistically with my hands. So I really kind of need my finger. Nevermind I can't really write my own name without gripping the pen like a one year old. Plus? I really miss Jiu-Jitsu. Badly.<br /><br />I was pretty nervous about the surgery. Waking up was very disturbing and disorienting. I laid down listening to Before He Cheats in the operating room and woke up in a bed with my left arm in a cast. So now I'll forever carry around two screws.<br /><br />My follow up appointment is next week so hopefully this half cast will come off and I can go back to Jiu-Jitsu, finish <a href="http://twitpic.com/3q2ojw" target="_blank">the ocarina's I started</a>, finish <a href="http://twitpic.com/3tqf4m" target="_blank">the poker table I'm building</a> and work more effectively on the few digital projects I got on the back burner.<br /><br />I haven't been completely idle though. I can still type even if I do get laughed and pointed at by Marcel whenever he sees me typing with <a href="http://twitpic.com/42cmit" target="_blank">my thumb</a>. I even managed to create and update my Obsidian Portal site for my GURPS Shadowrun 4th Edition Conversion. It was mostly copying and pasting since the work was already done but it still took a couple of days.<br /><br />If your a cyberpunk fan (and I know you secretly are even if you don't know you are), then take a gander.<br /><br /><url="http: campaigns="" gurps-sr="" target="_blank" www.obsidianportal.com=""> <a href="http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/gurps-sr" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.obsidianportal.com/images/banners/op_banner1_468x60.png" /></a> </url="http:><br /><br />I'm totally geeking out on<a href="http://www.obsidianportal.com/" target="_blank"> Obsidian Portal</a> lately for lots of reasons but that's for another post later. <br /><br />So I'm out for now. It's time for some more Vicodin and maybe even some food.<br /><br />Oh, this post? One-handed with a thumb punch now and then. Go me.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-80666150600844826352011-01-10T13:24:00.001-06:002011-01-10T13:33:47.892-06:00Paper Mountain<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/3026370182/" target="_blank" title="sortingbooks01 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="sortingbooks01" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/3026370182_4cd3f5a505_m.jpg" width="160" /></a><i>Warning: The following post is link heavy so be prepared to use those tabs. :D </i><br /><br />I realized the other day, staring into my mountain of books, that I've been on a pretty long sci-fi trek the past year. The more I thought about it though the more it really just makes sense. Science fiction is my first love when it comes to books.<br /><br />My love for reading started with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Man-Signet-Classics/dp/0451531671?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Invisible Man</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0451531671" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> when I was around eleven I guess. I ordered it out of our weekly reader. I remember being lost in to the misery of the invisible man and shocked by the ending. That book put me on course to fall in love with science fiction. I devoured <a href="http://www.amazon.com/War-Worlds-H-G-Wells/dp/1936594056?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The War of the Worlds</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1936594056" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> when my dad gave me his worn copy. I soon discovered Ray Bradbury through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dandelion-Wine-Ray-Bradbury/dp/0380977265?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Dandelion Wine</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0380977265" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Martian-Chronicles-Ray-Bradbury/dp/0380973839?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Martian Chronicles</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0380973839" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. It was probably somewhere around <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Man-Ray-Bradbury/dp/0380973847?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Illustrated Man</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0380973847" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> I discovered Robert Heinlein and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Harsh-Mistress-Robert-Heinlein/dp/0312863551?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0312863551" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. It wasn't long that I soon discovered Isaac Asimov and his Foundation series.<br /><br />So it's now a whole new year and I've decided to try something a little new. On our road trip I got to catch up on my reading. I'd been reading the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hunger-Trilogy-Boxset-Suzanne-Collins/dp/0545265355?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Hunger Games Trilogy </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0545265355" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> with Marcel after it was recommended to us by Helen. I really enjoyed the first book. It was very reminiscent of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Die-Matthew-Woodring-Stover/dp/0345421450?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Heroes Die</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0345421450" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> to me but with a younger audience in mind. So with all the science fiction I've been consuming lately I've also been reading a great blog by <a href="http://www.thewaythefutureblogs.com/" target="_blank">Frederik Pohl</a>. Then the idea hit me. This year I would make a point to go back to my roots. I'm gonna go back to those classic science fiction books I fell in love with and even read the ones that I missed.<br /><br />I hit google and found a great list of <a href="http://classics.jameswallaceharris.com/ByRank.php" target="_blank">The Classics of Science Fiction</a>. I'm gonna try to write a little about the experience as I go so stay tuned. Every month I'll try to post a little something about my progress and whatever else I'm reading. I'm aiming for at least one book on the list a month. That should still leave me room for the occasional horror novel, friend recommended book, etc. So here's a short list (duplicated from <a href="http://classics.jameswallaceharris.com/ByRank.php" target="_blank">The Classics of Science Fiction</a>) with just the top twenty five. I've also compiled the list on Amazon listed as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/lm/R2M9MJNE48QCZT/ref=cm_lm_pthnk_view?ie=UTF8&lm_bb=" target="_blank">Classic Sci-Fi Mission 2011</a>. <br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr> <th width="60"><h3 align="center"><b>#</b></h3></th> <th width="120"><h3 align="center"><b>Citations</b></h3></th> <th width="120"><h3 align="center"><b>Year</b></h3></th> <th width="315"><h3 align="left"><b>Title</b></h3></th> <th width="315"><h3 align="left"><b>Author</b></h3></th> </tr><tr> <td><div align="center">1</div></td> <td><div align="center">25</div></td> <td><div align="center">1953</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Demolished-Man-S-F-Masterworks/dp/1857988221?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Demolished Man, The</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1857988221" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Bester, Alfred</td> </tr><tr> <td><div align="center">2</div></td> <td><div align="center">25</div></td> <td><div align="center">1953</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Human-Theodore-Sturgeon/dp/0375703713?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">More Than Human</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0375703713" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Sturgeon, Theodore</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#333333"> <td><div align="center">3</div></td> <td><div align="center">25</div></td> <td><div align="center">1965</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dune-40th-Anniversary-Chronicles-Book/dp/0441013597?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Dune</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0441013597" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Herbert, Frank</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#333333"> <td><div align="center">4</div></td> <td><div align="center">24</div></td> <td><div align="center">1951</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Foundation-Trilogy-Boxed-Second-Empire/dp/B004HJAE8S?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Foundation Trilogy, The</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004HJAE8S" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Asimov, Isaac</td> </tr><tr> <td><div align="center">5</div></td> <td><div align="center">24</div></td> <td><div align="center">1960</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Canticle-Leibowitz-Walter-Miller-Jr/dp/0060892994?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Canticle for Leibowitz, A</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0060892994" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Miller, Walter M.</td> </tr><tr> <td><div align="center">6</div></td> <td><div align="center">24</div></td> <td><div align="center">1968</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stand-Zanzibar-John-Brunner/dp/0765326787?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Stand on Zanzibar</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0765326787" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Brunner, John</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#333333"> <td><div align="center">7</div></td> <td><div align="center">24</div></td> <td><div align="center">1969</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Left-Hand-Darkness-Ursula-Guin/dp/0441007317?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Left Hand of Darkness, The</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0441007317" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Le Guin, Ursula K.</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#333333"> <td><div align="center">8</div></td> <td><div align="center">23</div></td> <td bgcolor="#333333"><div align="center">1895</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Time-Machine-H-G-Wells/dp/1936594110?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Time Machine, The</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1936594110" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Wells, H. G.</td> </tr><tr> <td><div align="center">9</div></td> <td><div align="center">23</div></td> <td><div align="center">1898</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/War-Worlds-H-G-Wells/dp/1936594056?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">War of the Worlds, The</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1936594056" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Wells, H. G.</td> </tr><tr> <td><div align="center">10</div></td> <td><div align="center">23</div></td> <td><div align="center">1953</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Childhoods-End-Del-Rey-Impact/dp/0345444051?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Childhood's End</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0345444051" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Clarke, Arthur C.</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#333333"> <td><div align="center">11</div></td> <td><div align="center">22</div></td> <td><div align="center">1950</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Martian-Chronicles-Ray-Bradbury/dp/0380973839?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Martian Chronicles, The</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0380973839" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Bradbury, Ray</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#333333"> <td><div align="center">12</div></td> <td><div align="center">21</div></td> <td><div align="center">1953</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Space-Merchants-Frederik-Pohl/dp/0312749511?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Space Merchants, The</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0312749511" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Pohl & Kornbluth</td> </tr><tr> <td><div align="center">13</div></td> <td><div align="center">21</div></td> <td><div align="center">1957</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stars-My-Destination-S-F-Masterworks/dp/1857988140?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Stars My Destination, The</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1857988140" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Bester, Alfred</td> </tr><tr> <td><div align="center">14</div></td> <td><div align="center">21</div></td> <td><div align="center">1970</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ringworld-Larry-Niven/dp/0345333926?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Ringworld</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0345333926" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Niven, Larry</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#333333"> <td><div align="center">15</div></td> <td><div align="center">21</div></td> <td><div align="center">1974</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/DISPOSSESED-Ursula-K-Guin/dp/B000Z04510?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Dispossesed, The</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000Z04510" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Le Guin, Ursula K.</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#333333"> <td><div align="center">16</div></td> <td><div align="center">20</div></td> <td><div align="center">1949</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nineteen-Eighty-Four-George-Orwell/dp/0452284236?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">1984</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0452284236" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Orwell, George</td> </tr><tr> <td><div align="center">17</div></td> <td><div align="center">20</div></td> <td><div align="center">1952</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/City-Clifford-D-Simak/dp/188296828X?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">City</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=188296828X" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Simak, Clifford</td> </tr><tr> <td><div align="center">18</div></td> <td><div align="center">20</div></td> <td><div align="center">1954</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mission-Gravity-Collectors-Gollancz-collectors/dp/0575070943?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Mission of Gravity</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0575070943" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Clement, Hal</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#333333"> <td><div align="center">19</div></td> <td><div align="center">20</div></td> <td><div align="center">1962</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Man-High-Castle-Philip-Dick/dp/0679740678?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Man in the High Castle, The</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0679740678" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Dick, Philip K.</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#333333"> <td><div align="center">20</div></td> <td><div align="center">19</div></td> <td><div align="center">1932</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brave-New-World-Aldous-Huxley/dp/0060850523?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Brave New World</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0060850523" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Huxley, Aldous</td> </tr><tr> <td><div align="center">21</div></td> <td><div align="center">19</div></td> <td><div align="center">1956</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/City-Stars-Arthur-C-Clarke/dp/1567231608?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">City and the Stars, The</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1567231608" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Clarke, Arthur C.</td> </tr><tr> <td><div align="center">22</div></td> <td><div align="center">19</div></td> <td><div align="center">1961</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Strange-Land-Robert-Heinlein/dp/0441788386?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Stranger in a Strange Land</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0441788386" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Heinlein, Robert A.</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#333333"> <td><div align="center">23</div></td> <td><div align="center">19</div></td> <td><div align="center">1971</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Your-Scattered-Bodies-Go/dp/0739441884?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">To Your Scattered Bodies Go</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0739441884" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Farmer, Philip Jose</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#333333"> <td><div align="center">24</div></td> <td><div align="center">19</div></td> <td><div align="center">1973</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rama-II-Sequel-Rendezvous/dp/0553286587?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Rendezvous with Rama</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0553286587" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Clarke, Arthur C.</td> </tr><tr> <td><div align="center">25</div></td> <td><div align="center">19</div></td> <td><div align="center">1975</div></td> <td><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Forever-War-Vintage-Dexter-Filkins/dp/0307279448?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Forever War, The</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0307279448" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td> <td>Haldeman, Joe</td> </tr></tbody></table><br />Anyone wanna read along? I just ordered the first two books on Amazon and they should be in by next week! :DAlexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-73668905445443021052011-01-05T09:56:00.000-06:002011-01-05T09:56:22.042-06:00Colorado Christmas<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5297857543/" title="christmas2010__122510_0119b by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5297857543_6a7775f418_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="christmas2010__122510_0119b" align="left"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5326695707/" title="christmas2010_02 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5046/5326695707_d7e9970762_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="christmas2010_02" align="right" /></a>The holiday season is gone and it's a whole new year. We had a pretty good Christmas. We decided to surprise the kids with a road trip to Colorado. I'd been talking for years how I always wanted the kiddos to experience a real white Christmas. Yeah, it snowed in Houston that <a href="http://alex9275.blogspot.com/2008/12/holy-cold-day-in-hell-batman.html">one year</a>, but it didn't really give us that full experience I grew up with. Snow-covered houses, sledding on the hill in my backyard, building snow forts for snowball fights, etc. Playing Laser Tag in the snow pretty much sucked though. The damn laser would bounce off the snow nevermind try getting the straps on and off with gloved hands and a snowsuit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5283241644/" title="20101220_gardenofthegods_0156 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5008/5283241644_843f97731f_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="20101220_gardenofthegods_0156" align="left"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5289008933/" title="gardenofthegods_083a by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5162/5289008933_b1365a92f0_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="gardenofthegods_083a" align="right"/></a>As it turns out, we decided to go during a record-breaking warm December and drove in during hurricane winds. The next morning we were greeted by news stories how the winds blew roofs off homes and semi trucks off the road. For the most part, we all slept through it except Lana who just gave us that look. She was the lucky one who got to drive through it while the rest of us napped. Needless to say, there was no snow on the ground. So we enjoyed the local surroundings without the snow. We took in the local cuisine, we climbed rocks, and we eventually found our snow. There was even a small adventure involving a trip to a small place called Hartsel where we had some <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5289622576/in/set-72157625526529203/" target="_blank">awesome tamales</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5289011813/" title="gardenofthegods_102a by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5285/5289011813_4c843320d5_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="gardenofthegods_102a" align="left"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5289023335/" title="berthoundstop18 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5202/5289023335_286768f176_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="berthoundstop18" align="right" /></a>We had to drive a few hours out, resupply at a local goodwill for proper snowsuits and gloves, and take the scariest drive up winding mountain roads, but we found it.<br /><br />Our original destination was <a href="http://www.site.thefrasertubinghill.com/" target="_blank">Frasier Tubing Hill</a>. We set out on our mountain trek through the scariest and most breathtaking mountain drive in the afternoon but didn't get close to our destination until late. Then I managed to take a wrong turn somewhere around the rest stop where we played in the snow. I ended up on some lonely road winding up the mountain just beyond the locked down mine. The truck started sliding down the road when we all decided this was not a good idea. Thankfully Helen was paying attention and realized I missed my turn so we decided to try one more time to find the place.<br /><br /><a href="http://twitpic.com/3iozaw" title="The lil girl dragged me up the lift every time. She would loo... on Twitpic" target="_blank"><img src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/3iozaw.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="The lil girl dragged me up the lift every time. She would loo... on Twitpic" align="left"></a>When we got close to the place, we saw the most amazing thing. It was a massive hillside covered in snow, divided into half a dozen sledding lanes. The best part? A conveyor belt took you to the top. We immediately turned in and decided this was the place. Turns out we were at <a href="http://www.coloradoadventurepark.com/" target="_blank">Colorado Adventure Park</a>. We hit the hills until the park closed. The little girl and I went down the hill together and she almost made it to closing time. She would point to the hill she wanted to hit next, I'd drag her in the tube to the conveyor and she'd drag me to the top as she ran her way up again.<br /><br />Overall, I have to say it was a pretty amazing trip. We played most of the trip by ear as far as schedule went once we got there, but that's how we roll. We have more fun that way and get to enjoy stuff we would have completely missed out. I'm pretty sure the kids walked away with some really great memories. I know I did and I'm really looking forward to going back.<br /><br />Still reading? How bout some <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/sets/72157625526529203/with/5289011813/" Target="_blank">more pictures of our Colorado trip</a> and a crazy video of Livie and me going down the hill?<br /><br /><table align="center"><tr><td><iframe title="Twitvid video player" class="twitvid-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="360" src="http://www.twitvid.com/embed.php?guid=HGBDY" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table><br />Well, that's all for now. I'm off to play in the garage. It's time for attempt No.2 on the wooden ocarinas. :DAlexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-84978717194018530302010-11-28T16:21:00.003-06:002010-11-28T16:29:06.214-06:00Post Turkey<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5215722274/" title="sanatonio_mitierra05 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5215722274_890c81471d_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="sanatonio_mitierra05" align="left" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5215133249/" title="sanatonio_mitierra07 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5215133249_b2b4e0f877_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="sanatonio_mitierra07" align="right" /></a>Lana recently did a <a href="http://www.passionforparties.com" target="_blank">Passion Party</a> out in San Antonio for some friends and came back telling us about the most awesome Mexican food restaurant she'd been to in a while. So, spur of the moment, we decided to load up the kids and head out for a day or two. Marcel was out for Thanksgiving break so there was no "Please excuse Marcel's absence..." note to write. <br /><br />The food was incredible and the atmosphere was just as good. If you've never been to <a href="http://www.mitierracafe.com/" target="_blank">Mi Tierra</a>, you should stop in next time your in San Antonio. They even have <a href="http://alex9275.blogspot.com/2004/12/santa.html">Menudo</a> on the menu - at any time. I didn't try it, but I will next time. When you walk in the first thing that hits you is the smell from the bakery. Then you notice the crazy stuff hanging from the ceiling in waves of streamers, tinsel and color. The mariachis playing in the background only add to the festive and welcoming atmosphere. I <i>loved </i>it. I can't wait to go back. We stuffed ourselves on tamales, Guacamole, Spanish Rice and Refried Beans. We skipped desert only because we planned on hitting the bakery on the way out. We took tamales to go for breakfast. Don't judge, be jealous.<br /><br />The wall photo? I took a picture of it because it looked so much like my grandfather and I really wanted my Dad to see it. Am I crazy Dad or does that look like him??<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5215169631/" title="sanatoniozoo_0102 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5208/5215169631_19db30d570_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="sanatoniozoo_0102" align="left" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5215161087/" title="sanatoniozoo_0053 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5087/5215161087_2b618c4a6c_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="sanatoniozoo_0053" align="right" /></a>After devouring our breakfast of tamales, waffles and cookies, we headed out to the <a href="http://www.sazoo-aq.org/" target="_blank">San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium</a>. We had never been to it before and were more than awestruck at just how amazing the place was. We managed to get there just a few minutes after it opened and managed to see just about every exhibit before we left. We were honestly a little bit in awe at everything about the place. The staff was friendly, the paths were clean and shady. The animals themselves were in fine form with the chill in the morning air. My favorite part had to be the <a href="http://www.sazoo-aq.org/animalexhibits/lorylanding.html" target="_blank">Lory Landing exhibit</a>.<br /><br />You walk into the exhibit and feed these beautiful parrots from Australia. Having been exposed to a parrot before, the little girl took a little coaxing to go in. She loved looking at them but didn't want them anywhere near her hands. These little parrots were anything but shy. They'd bully, squawk, and bite their way to anyone carrying a little cup of bird crack (a.k.a. Lori Nectar). They were quiet amusing. Except the dirty bird. Their was one weird bird who kept putting his nasty little tongue in my ear. His buddy was content to perch on my head but the dirty bird insisted on tonguing my ear now and then. There are pictures and I even posted a few of them in my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/sets/72157625487572058/with/5215762772/" target="_blank">Zoo in San Antonio</a> set. We had a good time. So much so that by the time we walked out of the zoo we were animal'ed out and voted against our usual trip to the <a href="http://wildliferanchtexas.com/" target="_blank">Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch</a>. With aching legs and grinding knees in one case, we hit the Japanese Tea Garden next door and grubbed down on some barbecue just down the street.<br /><br />It was a great couple of days and the best part is nobody had to burn sick days, vacation days, or worry about being called in to work. I know my woman's job isn't always stress-free and as easy as she makes it look, but I'm grateful she rocks it out. She's damn cool and pretty funny in cause you didn't know that already. And she can probably take you in a fight. :D<br /><br />With turkey day gone now, it's time to get back to our Jiu-Jitsu and walking to work off all the thousands of excess calories I consumed at Calvin's and Louan's place. I think I'll kill the ham they were nice enough to let us take home first though while I wait for Marcel to get off the Xbox. I need to beef up my Modern Warfare killin skills so he won't laugh at me anymore.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-49040810279125682942010-11-19T15:28:00.000-06:002010-11-19T15:28:03.738-06:00Hey Look, a Post!So I just haven't really gotten around to posting lately out of pure laziness. I sit down with the intention to post but get easily distracted. Here lately, it's youtube videos on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Or I'm working in Illustrator.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5187743043/" target="_blank" title="citymap_textured by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="citymap_textured" height="240" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1026/5187743043_b986383c5d_m.jpg" width="185" /></a>With <a href="http://www.owlcon.com/" target="_blank">Owlcon</a> just around the corner, I've decided I really need a new demo game. I'm going for a sci-fi game this year I think. I already got the plot sketched out but I figured I needed to make it a little more complicated to finish - so I decided it needed maps. Cool maps. Cool maps made in Illustrator. I've always been more comfortable working in Photoshop. I've even gotten pretty darn good with Indesign in the past few years. So I thought, why the hell not? I should beef up my Illustrator skills. So when my friend pulled out a <a href="http://greyhawkgrognard.blogspot.com/2008/05/city-of-greyhawk-maps.html" target="_blank">pencil drawn map</a> that looked like it was photocopied about a thousand times before he downloaded it for our RPG game, I thought that would be a great place to practice. With that done, I quickly moved onto my Heroes Die map for my main RPG game. I have to say, I really love the program and wish I had worked in it more often before. I'm more than a little disappointed Owlcon didn't hold their annual logo contest. I was really looking forward to the challenge and thought I had a good shot. I don't know if my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/3994126318/" target="_blank">win from last year</a> would make me ineligible but I was gonna try. So with my Illustrator skills beefed up, I'll eventually get around to making my new sci-fi GURPS demo for Owlcon. Eventually. I still have the Shadowrun game to start writing (we start in two weeks now!).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5187749301/" target="_blank" title="halloween2010_14 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="halloween2010_14" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5187749301_54cb967339_m.jpg" width="160" /></a>When I don't have RPG gaming on the brain, we've been running around a lot from Jiu-Jitsu class to Jiu-Jitsu class. What happens when you have a family with OCD tendencies and an activity they all enjoy? Massive consumption of said activity or at least as much as the body will take before screaming out in mercy. We've only just hit our two month mark but our love for the sport is only intensifying. Lana hasn't tried getting me in a rear naked choke in her sleep yet but I don't sleep with my back to her anymore either. You never know. I still remember our poker days and her raising me in her sleep. Without sounding too hokey, it's become something of a lifestyle change. We're eating better, we're active constantly, we've found the motivation to walk and run often in the mornings, and have even <a href="http://www.orbring.com/shop/gymnastics-super-mat-2_panel-4x8x1-3-8-v-4-blue-red-black.html" target="_blank">purchased mats</a> to bring our habit home. We've been moving towards a healthier lifestyle and the Jiu-Jitsu has been the thing we all love enough to move in the right direction together. If you've never tried it, you should come by and at least watch a class. Tell<a href="http://www.hendersonsata.com/" target="_blank"> Mr. Henderson</a> we sent ya. Hey, you even get a free trial period. ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4961695209/" title="marcelbdayparty12_06 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4961695209_30a3eeb269_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="marcelbdayparty12_06" align="left"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/5188346776/" title="halloween2010_02 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1004/5188346776_803f0e1d29_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="halloween2010_02" align="right"/></a>So what else did you miss while I was M.I.A.? Quite a bit actually. The kids had their birthdays. We did the double birthday party and all their friends made it out. It was a pretty darn good time and I even got a few pictures of the kids throwing down a game of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Twilight-2010-Zombies-2nd-Edition/dp/B000HX1NBA?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Zombies!!!</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000HX1NBA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> For Halloween, Marcel decided to go as a mobster. This year will always be remembered as,<br /><blockquote>"Hey, you remember that Halloween we had to force Livie into costume? Man, she kicked and screamed like we were making her eat a hamburger!"</blockquote><br /><i>(My child gags at the smell of meat in case you were unaware of that.)</i><br /><br />Once she was in the costume though, she <i>loved </i>it. She played the cute card at every door and even got more candy by just standing there longer nearly every time. Marcel looked heart-breakingly handsome and too grown up in his suite.<br /><br />So other than that, we're just having fun. Lots of time at parks walking and running. Lots of time rolling around on mats getting sweaty, grinning around our mouthpieces. Lots of gi washing and rushing from class to class. There's been lots of impromptu park picnics. I have to say, it's been lots of fun lately. I hope my kiddos remember this time together as fondly as I do now.<br /><br />Well, I'm out for now. I got some Black Ops to play. I gotta get online before all the kids get home from school. I hate being destroyed by trash talking nine year olds.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-33771663550882883722010-08-25T17:13:00.000-05:002010-08-25T17:13:08.251-05:00Feeling Fit<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4927661708/" target="_blank" title="jiujitsu_013 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="jiujitsu_013" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4927661708_af73c8ddaf_m.jpg" width="160" /></a>So Marcel is back in school now. He was pretty eager I think to get back to school. I think he was pretty eager to show off his newly acquired height and sporty new haircut. I have to say, I really dig his new look. We're waiting for the next round of stalker girls. Last one I saw did a drive by on her bike with a cell phone in hand. I would have died laughing if I hadn't felt so bad for Marcel trying to crawl under the dashboard of the car while the little girl tried to steer her bike and take a picture at the same time. It was a moment I'll remember for-EVER.<br /><br />After a little prodding from friends, we enrolled Marcel in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class this summer. Knowing how much he really enjoyed <a href="http://alex9275.blogspot.com/2009/10/good-day.html">Karate</a>, we figured it would be a good fit. Well, turns out it's become the latest family obsession. Shortly after we enrolled Marcel, <a href="http://www.passionforparties.com/" target="_blank">Lana</a> and I joined up. We'd been looking for a family activity that we can all enjoy together and this just fit perfectly. Being big UFC fans since UFC 14 (back <i>before</i> it even got banned!), we were eager to learn first-hand stuff we'd only seen on the big screen. Even Olivia loves it. She comes home as excited as we are and randomly attempts to grapple anyone near her. Every time we're there and their Tiny Tigers are drilling she comes home with a few more "moves" she likes to try out on her bubba.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4927063251/" target="_blank" title="jiujitsu_009v01 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="jiujitsu_009v01" height="180" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4927063251_80823ba2fd_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>The clincher would have to be the school we signed up with though, <a href="http://www.hendersonsata.com/" target="_blank">Henderson's ATA Martial Arts</a>. Everyone's very helpful and there's a real sense of camaraderie. It's a family place. Their professional, friendly, but most importantly, patient. I always feel a bit like the special kid in class but everyone always makes an effort to help, students as well as instructors. I can't say enough good things about the school so if you're looking for something fun to learn, <a href="http://www.hendersonsata.com/" target="_blank">Henderson's ATA Martial Arts</a> is the place. Tell em the Camacho's sent ya. :D<br /><br />It's been pretty nice getting back in the groove of a regular workout with the family. We're all hitting the pull-up bar often, we do a regular regime of abdominal workouts, and even added gi chin-ups. The Jiu-Jitsu mats are being ordered tonight so we can start drilling at home. It's pretty darn exciting. :)<br /><br />I'm out for now. I got a mountain of laundry to do. I think I'll read a bit more first though. Totally diggin <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Banner-Souls-Liz-Williams/dp/0553586769?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Banner of Souls</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0553586769" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" />. Later!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-64654896189212966292010-07-17T19:57:00.000-05:002010-07-17T19:57:48.151-05:00River Rats<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4803209150/" target="_blank" title="guadaloperiver_05_1 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="guadaloperiver_05_1" height="180" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4803209150_2c0030cf70_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>So about a week ago, <a href="http://www.passionforparties.com/" target="_blank">Lana</a>'s mom starts asking us about our schedule and when would be a good time to head out to the Gaudalupe River. After a little shuffling around, we loaded up and headed out. The kids were actually well behaved in the back seat despite the long drive and their reward was a three hour raft ride down the river. It was really pretty pleasant despite it being a Friday. I expected the party crowd to be out in force. Obnoxious folk who can't seem to have fun without being drunk always perturb me especially when in public but it was actually pretty laid back. Marcel caught his first glimpse of publicly exposed boobs. I pretended to not notice him noticing but he was pretty alert after that. Besides the occasional exposed boob, the loud country music (which I was very happy with), and the water cannon snipers, it was very relaxing and good family fun.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4802578993/" target="_blank" title="guadaloperiver_35_1 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="guadaloperiver_35_1" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4802578993_c0246f28ef_m.jpg" width="180" /></a>We did have to keep a close eye on the little girl of course. First off, <a href="http://yourpassionconsultant.com/consultants/laurarinehart/success.html" target="_blank">Laura</a> was kind enough to think ahead and found a place who would allow our little girl on the raft. <a href="http://www.jerrysrentals.com/" target="_blank">Jerry's Rentals</a> hooked us up and set us loose (These kind folk come highly recommended for numerous reasons). Olivia, like her brother at the same age, is under the impression she is a fish. She can swim and even breath water, when she wants to. We made sure her prison orange life vest was well secured. I saw that look in her eye when she started easing her way to the edge of the raft. It's that look in her eye when she's found a lost crayon. When she thought we weren't looking, she jumped head first into the river. I jumped in right after her, ruining her plans by yanking her out of the water as quickly as I could. I'm told by Lana she was grinning the whole while. I didn't really notice with my adrenaline pumping so hard and my face buried in the water wake of a kicking toddler. After her one get away attempt, she was content with leaning over the raft to play in the water and the pit stops on the river shore to play.<br /><br />I can't wait to do it again. I'm thinking midweek next time though. The great thing about Lana's job is we can do stuff like this in the middle of the week when most people are sitting behind a desk wishing they were at the river. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4803200954/" target="_blank" title="vwbus66restore_002 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="vwbus66restore_002" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4803200954_f17df1e4d2_m.jpg" width="160" /></a>Hopefully when we make this trip next summer it'll be in the bus. The guys are nearly done already! They're waiting on me to order the <a href="http://www.wolfgangint.com/Parts/Front+Safari+Windows/Type+2/" target="_blank">Safari windows</a> so they can start welding them in. From there, it's new battery trays installed and new seats from a 1995 Dodge Ram 1500. I'm pretty excited about the idea of cranking her up again. In the next few days I'm gonna be heading over to their shop to strip the tar out of the back and take measurements for the side scoops I'm gonna fiberglass. It's coming along nicely!<br /><br />Off to watch a little TV now and maybe even do a load of laundry or two. With the little girl going through potty training, I have an over-abundance of dirty clothes these days.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-62441027444796010932010-07-11T15:26:00.000-05:002010-07-11T15:26:33.859-05:00Lazy Sunday<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4781346587/" target="_blank" title="johnathanbdayparty10_04 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="johnathanbdayparty10_04" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4781346587_efe43d3aa7_m.jpg" width="160" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4781351779/" target="_blank" title="wavepool24_1 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="wavepool24_1" height="180" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4781351779_8f185d32eb_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>It's official. Marcel was walking by me in the other day, brushing past me in the living room, when I noticed it for the first time. I had a basket of clean clothes and the little girl was trying to bully me into put on "Toot and Pudds Dad EEEEE!!!" but there was no mistaking it. He's now taller than me. I knew the day would come but I don't think you're ever really prepared to look up to your son. I'm not a tall guy by any stretch, standing at 5'4", but he's only 11 damn it. I think I still got the Daddy Battle Aura though. You know, that thing that allows all fathers to tower over their children at critical moments. Everyone probably has that moment in life when they say, "I could have sworn he was taller than that..." I call it the Daddy Battle Aura. It's a 15 point Advantage.<br /><br />I can't believe he's growing up so damn fast. His face is losing that "kid" look. I see a teenager looking back at me sometimes and I know what fear is. He hits my pull-up bar often and his shoulders show those subtle cut lines and I can see hints of abs that want out when he stretches. Man, I am <i>not </i>looking forward to having an angry teenager with raging hormones who towers over me and can bench me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4781984488/" title="johnathanbdayparty10_07 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4781984488_1a3be733a4_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="johnathanbdayparty10_07" align="left"></a>We've been keeping pretty busy around here. Between birthday parties, <a href="http://www.passionforparties.com/" target="_blank">Passion Parties</a>, and Roleplaying with the guys it's been hard to make free time to post. I think I'm gonna try to make more of an effort to post a little more than once a month but no promises. The thing is, every time I sit down at the computer I usually end up loading up Indesign or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/OP-GURPS-Character-Assistant/dp/1556347405?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">GURPS Character Assistant</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1556347405" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. I've got my hands full when it comes to gaming projects lately. Between running an awesome game of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Die-Matthew-Woodring-Stover/dp/0345421450?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Heroes Die</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0345421450" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> GURPS-style, preparing a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Shadowrun-20th-Anniversary-Catalyst-Game/dp/1934857319?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Shadowrun</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1934857319" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> GURPS conversion, helping Oscar convert <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Furies-Calderon-Codex-Alera-Book/dp/044101268X?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Furies of Calderon</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=044101268X" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> books to GURPS, and finishing up my new GURPS GM quick sheets 4th edition, my computer time is packed with gaming goodness. That's not mentioning the reading and character updating for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/World-Darkness-White-Wolf-Studio/dp/1588464849?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The World of Darkness</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1588464849" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> or the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Trader-RPG-Rulebook-Warhammer/dp/1589946758?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Rogue Trader</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1589946758" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> game I'm in. I'm pretty darn happy about the quality and quantity of gaming I've been doing lately. It wasn't that long ago I was grasping at any hope to roleplay, no matter how unlikely.<br /><br />I'm out for now. I got a list full of stuff I should be doing (dishes, laundry, lawn work, running CAT5, etc.) so I'm gonna go procrastinate somewhere else. Txt's have been flying and it looks like <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Steve-Jackson-Games-1408SJG-Munchkin/dp/1556344732?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Munchkin</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1556344732" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> or <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Twilight-2010-Zombies-2nd-Edition/dp/B000HX1NBA?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Zombies!!!</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000HX1NBA" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> with friends. :DAlexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-81504953508495588802010-06-11T18:48:00.003-05:002010-06-11T19:38:50.516-05:00Summer Bus'in<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4660026767/" target="_blank" title="coldspringcarshow_04 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="coldspringcarshow_04" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4660026767_4ebd879b53_m.jpg" width="160" /></a>I've had cars on the brain a lot lately. A friend of mine I hadn't heard from in a while called me up a few weeks back. We talked for a bit, then he told me he decided to start doing auto body work again. First thing I thought of was my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/sets/72157608579763223/" target="_blank">1966 VW Bus</a> sitting in the garage. Turns out, my bus was the first thing he thought of too. He was pretty eager to get his hands on it and the very next day we had it towed to his place. So I've been stopping by nearly everyday, visiting with him and my now dismantled Bus. I can't help but be very excited.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4660080143/" target="_blank" title="dubcarshow2010_088 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="dubcarshow2010_088" height="160" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4660080143_5601b02fee_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>The Bus has been sitting in my garage for nearly five years. I honestly was just a little intimidated with the amount of body work that was necessary being that I had no experience with real body work. I can do wiring and I can even do engine work but the thing freezing me in my tracks was the body work. I can build fiberglass armor pieces, custom helmets, even formfitting masks from body filler and fiberglass, but real automotive body work that has to withstand the test of time and elements on a daily basis. The bus has small patches of rust, a dented nose, rusted battery trays that needed replacing plus safari windows that needed welding to install. Turns out, he's done all that before so it's working out well. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4660062725/" target="_blank" title="dubcarshow2010_054 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="dubcarshow2010_054" height="160" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1283/4660062725_253cbbc50e_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>It's a little scary seeing it in various stages of dis-assembly but it's coming along <i>fast</i>. They even tolerate me hanging around all the time and getting in the way. I'm pretty excited about the idea of driving the bus in the very near future. I've even got the seats, I think, picked out. Dodge ram trucks have the style of seats I want. Long bench-style with a 2/3 shotgun seat in the middle with fold down armrest if the middle isn't occupied. A bonus? The fold down armrest has cup holders plus a compartment for miscellaneous stuff like CD's nobody uses anymore.<br /><br /><table border="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="3">I do have my homework cut out for me while the guys knock out on the bodywork...</td></tr></tbody><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><ul><li>Custom Fiberglass dash for double DIN stereo</li><li>Find and purchase front and rear seats</li><li>Prepare engine for reinstallation</li><li>Custom Fiberglass firewall with speakers & amp</li><li>Custom Fiberglass air intake scoops</li><li>Find bumpers</li><li>Order gaskets for doors and windows</li><li>Order Safari Windows</li></ul>My favorite part...<br /><ul><li>Pick the color!!</li></ul></td><td width="10"><br /></td><td valign="top"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/2993435815/" target="_blank" title="bustrip 014 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img alt="bustrip 014" height="180" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2993435815_1e5f367040_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table>Besides having Bus brain nearly constantly, it's been a pretty good start to summer. Our garden is blooming like crazy with peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Marcel is now out of school and we're looking to do some camping. We spent a bit of time scoping out some prospective spots a few weeks back with Lana's Dad after the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/sets/72157624182347030/" target="_blank">Cold Springs Car Show</a>. I've also decided to take my photography to the next level by grabbing the first few pieces of real lighting gear. I'm thinking two strobe lights with soft boxes, a wireless light sync, and a muslin frame. That should get me started. Who wants to be my first model??<br /><br />Off to work on my <a href="http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" target="_blank">GURPS</a> Heroe's Die game before the little girl wakes up!!<br /><br /><table border="0"><tbody><tr><td>And just because - How my lil girl avoids brain freeze...</td></tr><tr><td><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.twitvid.com/player/RICVX"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.twitvid.com/player/RICVX" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" allowNetworking="all" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" height="344" width="425"></EMBED></object></td></tr></tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-8774417770677396502010-05-01T00:11:00.012-05:002010-11-28T18:13:42.113-06:00Still Growing Strong<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4566669499/" target="_blank" title="garden2010_006 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="garden2010_006" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4566669499_3d84b14dcd_m.jpg" width="170" /></a>Things are coming along rather nicely in the yard. I think I've spent almost every day for the past week or so with Livie playing in the backyard. I've got the farmer's tan to prove it. We wake up sometime around 9-10am, grab a bit to eat, put our shoes on together and make our way outside. The little girl has become quite the little helper. I pull up weeds and she plants them in a small pot. I take down low-hanging tree limbs and she drags em to the pile. When I water the plants, it's her job to make sure the mud is good and mushy. Sometime around noon, we break for a sandwich. We usually sit on the porch munching away on a grill cheese or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It's pretty damn nice. To make matters even better, we're seeing some real growth in the garden. I can't help but feel pretty excited about it all even if a lot of the seeds I planted didn't come up. Of the seeds I started, this is what I got growing so far:<br /><table border="0" width="200" align="left"><tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4567298856/" title="garden2010_002 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4567298856_7e015926e2_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="garden2010_002" align="left" /></a></td></tr></table><ul><li>Alpine Strawberries (Christmas Stocking Stuffer that came with a little pot, pack of seeds and soil)</li><li>Cucumbers</li><li>Jalapenos</li><li>Rose Moss</li><li>Cockscomb</li><li>Bachelor Buttons</li><li>Morning Glories</li><li>Yellow Hibiscus (Clippings I took from an apartment complex last year)</li><li>Cardinal Climber</li><li>Salvia</li><li>Black-Eyed Susans</li><li>Forget Me Nots (Christmas Stocking Stuffer that came with a little pot, pack of seeds and soil</li><li>Burning Love (Christmas Stocking Stuffer that came with a little pot, pack of seeds and soil</li></ul><br />Most of the stuff I managed to coax out of the ground are pretty hardy stuff and pretty easy to grow from what I've read but I must say I'm still pretty darn happy to make it this far. I've never really been into gardening until the past year or two, so to get anything to grow and stay green for any length of time is quite an achievement for me. Most of our veggies, we bought from Lowe's or Walmart.<br /><br /><table border="0" width="280" align="left"><tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4567298366/" title="garden2010_001 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4567298366_c6140958b0_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="garden2010_001" align="left" hspace="20"/></a></td></tr></table><ul><li>Tomato (Early Girl)</li><li>Tomato (Cherry)</li><li>Tomato (Big Boy)</li><li>Bell Pepper (Yellow)</li><li>Bell Pepper (Red)</li><li>Basil (Globe)</li><li>Basil (Traditional)</li><li>Cabbage</li><li>Strawberries</li><li>Yellow Squash</li><li>Zuccini</li><li>Rudabaga</li><li>Watermelon</li><li>Cayanne Peppers</li><li>Mint</li><li>Beans</li><li>Jasmine</li></ul><br />It's all so green and still growing! The tomato plants have baby tomatoes, the Cayenne Peppers have peppers, The Cucumbers, Strawberries, and Cabbages are getting big and even the unknown bean plant has pods growing. I'm just giddy over it all. Honestly, it's a little hard not to make clippings of everything I see and like these days. I have clippings of stuff I have no idea what it is. Right now my prize plant, besides the Hibiscus clippings I've kept alive and growing for a year now, is a little pecan tree <a href="http://www.passionforparties.com" target="_blank">Lana</a> gave me. She was helping a friend move an air conditioner unit to their mom's home, when they started talking plants and trading. My woman, knowing I've become something of a plant junky and knowing how much I love pecans, brought me home a pecan tree still sprouting from a pecan. <i>That's</i> love. :)<br /><br />So what else has been going on? Not a whole lot really. You know us, we're obsessive personalities around here so it's been mostly plants on the brain. I was so excited about the stuff growing in the yard, I just wanted to show ya.<br /><br /><table border="0" align="center"><tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4567302122/" title="garden2010_008 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4567302122_4a7d8d86ed.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="garden2010_008" /></a></td></tr></table><br />Well, I'm off to write up my GM notes for my GURPS game. Tomorrow starts early and I got a sinister plot to flesh out. Man, I love the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Die-Matthew-Woodring-Stover/dp/0345421450?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Heroes Die</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0345421450" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> setting. :)Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-64069060114738162112010-04-18T19:58:00.007-05:002010-11-28T18:15:39.556-06:00Catching Up<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4532296617/" target="_blank" title="transcotower05 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="transcotower05" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/4532296617_557d27377b_m.jpg" width="160" /></a>All is well, despite the long absence here. My computer's CPU decided to die after a small power outage hit a few weeks back. After being nudged gently by Lana, I decided to just do a full rebuild so now I'm running a brand-spanking new system. Everything from the Motherboard up to the operating system has been upgraded and I'm one happy Daddy. I can finally take my camera photos that have been accumulating for the past month off my card! I've fallen pretty far behind on processing my pictures since access to Adobe Raw and Photoshop were only on my computer. I think the count was a little over 700 photos that needed to be processed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4532580137/" target="_blank" title="bubblebath01 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="bubblebath01" height="160" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4532580137_abc4f1f562_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>When I'm not off roleplaying, I've been keeping pretty busy lately in the yard with <a href="http://www.passionforparties.com/" target="_blank">Lana</a>. Last year we attempted to plant a garden but we really just weren't prepared for numerous things. This time around we <i>planned</i>. We drew out a flower bed, constructed it, then decided we needed another. I dug out last year's <a href="http://alex9275.blogspot.com/2009/03/balls.html">Ghetto Greenhouses</a> and started planting seeds. We weeded, tilled, sweated, and even painted and planted the fiberglass ball pots I made. I have to admit, I absolutely love it. I get to plan stuff like flowerbeds, fiberglass plant containers, concrete pots, play in the dirt and watch stuff come to fruition. To make it even better, it's become something of a family activity.<br /><br />The weather is starting to warm up and I have to say I'm looking forward to sweating it out this year. I foresee lots of trips to the Houston Garden Center, <a href="http://alex9275.blogspot.com/2008/06/ribbit.html">Maas Nursery</a> and Lowe's. It hits that sweet spot the same way trips to Office Depot and Nan's Games and Comics does. For those really hot days there's always a pit stop at the local <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=29.9983,-95.179068&num=1&sll=29.998831,-95.176598&sspn=0.077321,0.128059&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=29.998689,-95.179067&spn=0.013417,0.01929&z=16" target="_blank">Snow Cone Shop</a> to help us cool down.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4532839430/" target="_blank" title="downtownlibrary01 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="downtownlibrary01" height="160" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4532839430_51b8effc16_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>For those that don't know, I loooove snow cones but I am picky. They have to have <i>real </i>shaved ice. No exceptions. I remember on the weekends as a kid, when my dad was stationed in Hawaii, we'd pack up in the car and drive out to the beach. I loved playing in the sand, boogie boarding and snorkeling, but I always looked forward to the drive home. We always stopped at this little snow cone shop on the way home. It was just a little shack on the side of the road but they served real shaved ice and they'd even put a scoop of ice cream at the bottom. It was heavenly. I've never forgotten those salt-water sweaty evenings covered in sand, eating a snow cone. I remember wearing my brand new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gremlins-Special-Edward-Andrews/dp/B000P0J0A6?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Gremlins</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000P0J0A6" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> hat, basking the glory of an awesome day with my family.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4532364213/" target="_blank" title="easter2010_14 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="easter2010_14" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4532364213_8a3bb8a6ee_m.jpg" width="160" /></a>Since then, I'm always on the hunt for a good snow cone shop. I even went so far as to get my very first job at a snow cone shop, <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=flamingo+chill&sll=29.994489,-95.208721&sspn=0.107341,0.154324&ie=UTF8&hq=flamingo+chill&hnear=&ll=29.884709,-95.40081&spn=0.214918,0.308647&z=12" target="_blank">The Flamingo Chill</a>. I hadn't been back in years but I hear Oscar, the guy who owns the place, is doing pretty damn good for himself. I worked their the first few years they were in business and remember the place fondly. I had a great boss, he paid me more than well, and I could have almost all the free snow cones I could want. I even remember talking him into selling his snow cones with a scoop of ice cream at the bottom. I do believe it was one of the first places in Houston, if not <i>the </i>first place, to offer that. Anyway, it's a great place run by good people you'd be proud to call friends.<br /><br />So if you're ever there, ask for Oscar and tell him Alex said hi and thanks for everything. :D<br /><br />Now I want a snow cone. Grab me a tamarindo with picosito while your there, will ya?<br /><br /><table align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=flamingo+chill&sll=29.998689,-95.179067&sspn=0.013417,0.01929&ie=UTF8&hq=flamingo+chill&hnear=&ll=29.89721,-95.367165&spn=0.214893,0.308647&z=12&iwloc=A&cid=11568135100111028156&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=flamingo+chill&sll=29.998689,-95.179067&sspn=0.013417,0.01929&ie=UTF8&hq=flamingo+chill&hnear=&ll=29.89721,-95.367165&spn=0.214893,0.308647&z=12&iwloc=A&cid=11568135100111028156" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small></td></tr></tbody></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-9060317066828038412010-03-08T14:19:00.005-06:002010-11-28T18:17:43.354-06:00The Bird Has Flown the Coop<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4390801861/" title="owlcon2010_04 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4390801861_cf6fb81037_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="owlcon2010_04" align="right"/></a>After a busy few weeks I feel a little human again. <a href="http://www.owlcon.com" target="_blank">Owlcon</a> was pretty damn good this year. It's been a while since I've been very involved with gaming conventions so it was nice to actually run a game or two this year. My convention buddy, Marcel, didn't make it out with me this year. My dad had some time off from work and things just worked out that it fell on Owlcon weekend. While I was a little sad to not have him at Owlcon with me, it's nice knowing he enjoys spending time with my dad. I'm happy knowing he's getting to know just how great of guy my dad really is.<br /><br />He was slotted to run a game of Heroscape this year but I managed to wheel in all three bags by myself and tossed together a quick map that made more than a few people stop for picture or two. While I may have thought it a little sad compared to maps Marcel and I have built in the past, most people who saw it thought it was pretty neat. Next year will be massive. I'm going for height next year, and lots of roads. I might even shoot to use<br /><b>Everything I Got</b><br /><li>6 Rise of the Valkyrie<br /><li>2 Swarm of the Marro<br /><li>6 The Road to the Forgotten Forest<br /><li>6 Fortress of the Archkyrie<br /><li>1 Thaelenk Tundra<br /><li>1 Volcarren Wasteland<br /><li>Nearly every small expansion to Wave 6<br /><br /><br />The convention overall went really well. Every year it just seems to get bigger. I've been to a lot of gaming conventions in the Houston area and Owlcon remains the one to go to. A lot of those conventions come and go, but Owlcon has always remained rock steady. I can't wait until next year.<br /><br />This year was a bit special to top it off. Since I won <a href="http://alex9275.blogspot.com/2009/10/good-day.html">the logo contest</a>, I got to see my design on hundreds of gamers!! I can't really say I was wild about the purple but hey, it was my design on hundreds of gamers!! It was a very cool feeling. To make it all the more better, GURPS game I ran went really well and I even got to catch up with an old Army buddy I used to work and game with. Back when I still wore Army greens to work instead of pajamas, Matt and I used to hobble along company PT runs together at Fort Campbell.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4390734549/" title="boomarangday04 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4390734549_a7e9e540e3_m.jpg" width="240" height="171" alt="boomarangday04" align="left" /></a>We went to AIT together and somehow managed to get the same duty station together for our first (and last) assignment. Both of us not being strong runners on our PT tests, we ended up doing mandatory PT at the ass crack of dawn together. During our off time, we played GURPS at my house. It was myself and few guys from the different departments in the hospital. To say our game sessions were gritty and realistic is an understatement. We <i>knew</i> what an open leg fracture looked like, what a septic infection <i>smelled</i> like, the <i>sound</i> a lung made when treating a tension pneumothorax. It was fun though, even when we were reminded by Lana that not everyone appreciated the shop talk at the dinner table. We gamed together, worked together, got drunk now and then, and enjoyed many meals Lana cooked up. He helped shuffle family and friends from the airport when Marcel was born. It was good times. It's always nice to catch up. In between games we ate, talked a lot and threw down a mean game of GURPS at the end of the evening. There's even plans in the works for another game here soon.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4396837386/" title="dragonbornpally01 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2800/4396837386_af8db012e7_m.jpg" width="171" height="240" alt="dragonbornpally01" align="right"/></a>So now with another Owlcon in the books and <a href="http://www.passionforparties.com" "target="_blank">Lana</a> back from her yearly Passion Parties Convention, we finally get a little bit of a breather. Catch up on laundry, stock the pantry back up, mow the lawn, unpack bags, etc.<br /><br />Well, I'm off to paint my D&D mini!! Might even get around to those <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Warhammer-000-Rulebook-Games-Workshop/dp/1841548758?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Warhammer 40,000</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1841548758" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> Orkies sitting on my table. :)Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-16037999755380270072010-02-09T09:25:00.007-06:002010-11-28T18:24:25.495-06:00Riding High on the Dice<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4314572302/" target="_blank" title="012910_minis_0020 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="012910_minis_0020" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4314572302_9d450a598f_m.jpg" width="221" /></a>Schedules have been pretty crazy around here in case you've stumbled by and noticed it's been a while since my last post. Here lately, any free time has been consumed in gaming of some sort. In the past few months I've managed to play:<br /><table border="0"><tbody><tr><td><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Core-Rulebook-Gift/dp/0786950633?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Dungeons and Dragons, 4th Edition</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0786950633" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /></li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Mutants-Masterminds-Heros-Handbook-Kenson/dp/1934547417?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Mutants & Masterminds</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1934547417" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> (D20 but with superheroes)</li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/World-Darkness-White-Wolf-Studio/dp/1588464849?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">The World of Darkness</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1588464849" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> (Vampire the Requiem, Geist)</li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Warhammer-000-Rulebook-Games-Workshop/dp/1841548758?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Warhammer 40,000</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1841548758" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> (Space Marines FTW!)</li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Warmachine-Prime-Remix-Privateer-Press/dp/1933362154?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Warmachine</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1933362154" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> (niiiiice and crunchy rules)</li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Rogue-Trader-RPG-Rulebook-Warhammer/dp/1589946758?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Rogue Trader (Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1589946758" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> (sci-fi RPG)</li><li>Poker No Limit Holdem (I even won a game!)</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><br />So it's been lots of reading for me lately - and driving. The group I've been gaming with lives on the other side of town but I really don't mind the drive so much. I get to listen to my iPod mixes the whole way and I catch up with my dad on the drive there. It's good to be gaming again. The creative juices are flowing again, I've always got a book to chew on, and I really dig being able to hang out with folks of like minds. They're a good group of guys. So if I haven't posted in a while it's only because I've been way to busy trying to keep up with household stuff, read the latest gaming book, and schedule gaming time in between. Then there's <a href="http://www.owlcon.com/" target="_blank">Owlcon</a> to think of too. :)<br /><br />I'm really looking forward to Owlcon this year. I'm only running one game (a <a href="http://owlcon.com/2010/events_ttrpg.php#GURPS%204E" target="_blank">GURPS demo</a>) this year so I won't have to sweat writing a game, NPC's, setting plot speed, etc. Marcel earns his GM wings as well, running a game of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-41712-Heroscape-Master-Set/dp/B0001ITVZQ?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Hasbro Heroscape</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0001ITVZQ" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. It'll be another proud daddy nerd moment I can't wait for.<br /><br />I just wanted to come in and say all is well in our world. It's gonna be a badass year. Lana's in the zone knocking <a href="http://www.passionforparties.com/" target="_blank">her business</a> out the park, her convention is right around the corner, Marcel's doing awesome in school, and I'm rattling the dice at least twice a week. All is good.<br /><br />Well, I've got some Chaos Space Marines to stalk on eBay while the little girl is still sleeping so later!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-43668983512247122722010-01-04T23:50:00.001-06:002010-01-04T23:51:50.563-06:00In the Year Twenty Ten<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4246334195/" target="_right" title="shaving03 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="shaving03" height="160" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4246334195_ee6a6c9179_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>So it's a new year and it's the first post in the year twenty ten. I love saying that - "In the year twenty ten". It sounds so prophetic or almost biblical. Something <i>world-altering</i> should happen and hopefully for the best.<br /><br />My world just altered a little just an hour ago. It was just a small thing but I felt my world shift just ever so subtly. Marcel got his first lesson in shaving. He'd been growing a bit of peach fuzz and we decided a shaving kit was perfect for a gift from us this year. So he now has his own black bag to toss under the sink now. I'll now have to worry about him stealing my razor or leaving a dirty sink. Oh, and he's no longer my little "Boogie". Did I forget the part that it became all too apparent that he's quickly becoming more of a man every day?<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />I hear the sediment so often, mostly from people without kids, that goes something like, "I bet you'll be so happy when you won't have to __________." That big blank being change their diapers, clean up after them, finding a babysitter, help them with their homework, worry if they're not feeling well, etc. Parents know how silly such a statement is. You never stop wanting to help them, you'll always feel the need to clean up after them even when their old enough to do it themselves, you'll always want to baby them just a bit when their feeling down. Every parent knows that you never stop wanting to be an integral part of their life. The time they'll spend with us at this very moment is here only once, then it's gone <i>forever</i>. My kids have made me a better man and I owe them more then they'll ever know.<br /><br />So will I be happy when they're all grown up and I'm "free" to do what I want, when I want? It's almost insulting. I'll be proud of them for who they are but I'll always ache a bit for the time I've had with them when they still called me "Daddy". Even the diaper blowouts and temper tantrums.<br /><br />So what do I want out of this new year? I'm going to avoid the phrase, "Not right now." I want to seize the time I have with my kids more often even if it's just sitting on the floor and playing Mega Bloks with her or showing him how to shave without getting razor burn.<br /><br />Well, I'm off to get some reading squeezed in before I call it a night.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-53453990626042191252009-12-29T15:42:00.003-06:002010-11-28T18:28:17.900-06:00Puzzling Around<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4225651429/" target="_blank" title="christmas2009_092 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="christmas2009_092" height="160" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/4225651429_90dfd7ff8a_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>Another Christmas for the books. We've managed to recover mostly. Wrapping paper and empty boxes have been bagged, most of the chocolate cookies are gone, and the new toys have all found a comfortable spot with the rest. Oh, and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/sets/72157622941720016/" target="_blank">Christmas pics for 2009</a> are finally posted.<br /><br />We spent a wonderful Christmas at home with <a href="http://www.passionforparties.com/" target="_blank">Lana's</a> grandma and dad. Don's doing great for those that remember his <a href="http://alex9275.blogspot.com/2009/07/in-one-hundred-years.html">little emergency room visit</a>. We baked cookies and slathered them in frosting, watched Christmas movies with the kids (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Frost-Remastered-Deluxe-Buddy-Hackett/dp/B001CO32FS?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Jack Frost</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001CO32FS" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Story-Two-Disc-Special/dp/B0000AYJUW?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">A Christmas Story</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0000AYJUW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" />, and then nerded out out to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/District-9-Two-Disc-Sharlto-Copley/dp/B002SJIO54?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">District 9</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002SJIO54" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" />. We even remembered to leave Santa his share of cookie tax before calling it a night.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4226412024/" target="_blank" title="christmas2009_055 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="christmas2009_055" height="160" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/4226412024_e0957f4e79_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4226398706/" target="_blank" title="christmas2009_033 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="christmas2009_033" height="160" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4226398706_882173dc08_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>Now the only problem is finding our regular groove. I think I would have spent the entire past week in pajamas had I been able to get away with it. I'll eventually get back on track I guess though I'm in no particular rush. It's rather nice not having regular jobs and being chained to a work schedule. :)<br /><br />I did manage to pick up a new-but-old hobby. When Lana and I first got married we moved away to the far away land of Tennessee. I was just a newly promoted PV2, straight out of AIT, at my first duty station and neither of us knew anyone. Before we made friends with the people I worked with at the hospital, we found puzzles when we ventured out at 3am at Walmart. Looking back, it was really a pretty darn wonderful time. It was just us and we were both on my night shift schedule. We'd sleep all day and spend the whole evening together watching movies, playing scrabble, or putting puzzles together. On my off rotation we'd pack up and head out for three or four days and forget I was in the Army. I even have the Article 15 to prove it. <br /><br />Lana bought a big value pack of puzzles at Walmart for us to do as a family. We tackled the small one first. We moved on quickly to the 1,000 piece puzzle. While it may not be what some call fun, I enjoy it. It's especially fun when Lana scoots up on the other side of the table. It becomes marvelous curveball of fun when Marcel sits down. Maybe you don't get it, but that's okay cause I do.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-16748437736695689912009-12-14T19:58:00.002-06:002010-11-28T18:31:12.784-06:00Santa Town in College Station<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4186210524/" title="christmas2009_santaswonderland15 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4186210524_a8e56f9b77_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="christmas2009_santaswonderland15" align="left"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4186220510/" title="christmas2009_santaswonderland53 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2771/4186220510_f88224320e_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="christmas2009_santaswonderland53" align="right"/></a>So we finally got a majority of the Christmas shopping done. <a href="http://www.passionforparties.com" target="_blank">Lana</a> and I spent an early morning wrapping presents together while the kids slept the other night. We're usually pretty late on the boat, but Lana's been all over it this year. This year, we did the bulk of our shopping through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. So now we're just biting our fingernails and hoping it all gets here in time. I'm told by my Amazon account that it should all be here before Santa, so we should be good. The only trouble we have right now? Keeping the little girl from unwrapping the other presents under the tree. She can't seem to help herself. The moment she knows I'm not watching her she's tearing into a present. The next week or so will be a battle of wills that will end with us probably hiding the presents until Christmas Eve.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4185463395/" title="christmas2009_santaswonderland65 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4185463395_e3a784335a_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="christmas2009_santaswonderland65" align="left"/></a>Other than that, we're really just counting down. We haven't made our trip out to <a href="http://alex9275.blogspot.com/2008/12/christmas-crazy.html">Prestonwood</a> yet but we did drive out to <a href="http://www.santas-wonderland.com/" target="_blank">Santa's Wonderland</a> with some friends. It was really pretty impressive. I only wish I could have set up a tripod for some extended shutter speed shots but they don't allow you to get out of your car on the road that goes through the lights display. Once you've done the lights display, they even have a little Santa Town. They had live music, a Santa, and even a mechanical bull. Most importantly, they had funnel cake. :)<br /><br />Other than that, it's been a bit lazy around here as we bunker down waiting for Christmas. I've been reading the<a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Die-Matthew-Woodring-Stover/dp/0345421450?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Heroes Die</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0345421450" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> books again and not been getting a whole lot of other things done. It's a bit dangerous to have books accessible through my phone at my whim. I'm going to write my <a href="http://owlcon.com/" target="_blank">Owlcon</a> <a href="http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" target="_blank">GURPS</a> 4th Edition Demo game based off the setting written in the first two books. I've decided the adventure will take place in the years between <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Blade-Tyshalle-Matthew-Woodring-Stover/dp/0345421434?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Blade of Tyshalle</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0345421434" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Caine-Black-Knife-Acts/dp/0345455878?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Caine Black Knife (Acts of Caine)</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0345455878" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" />. Now I just have to write it in umm... three days? That's when the preregistration opens up which means maximum exposure to gamers. I do work best under pressure...Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-76202233167316686312009-12-05T13:41:00.000-06:002009-12-05T13:41:39.140-06:00Giving Thanks Twice<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4160207397/" title="christmas2009_005 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4160207397_33f8f30482_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="christmas2009_005" align="right"/></a>Thanksgiving is over - sort of. Like most folks, we're still living off leftover turkey but thankfully the sweets are long gone. Unfortunately a good portion of it went down my own gullet. We ended up actually celebrating Thanksgiving twice this year so it was a double helping of gut-busting food. I even made <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/sweet-potato-pie-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Pie</a> this year thanks to Alton Brown. I've recently discovered I actually enjoy cooking. I don't have the natural palette for it <a href="http://www.passionforparties.com" target="_blank">Lana</a> does, but I know how to follow directions. I can't tell what needs to be added or in what quantities but if given good directions I get usually make something eatable. I've come a long way from paying my little brother to make me grill cheese sandwich.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4160209683/" title="christmas2009_006 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4160209683_f1da5bab7b_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="christmas2009_006" align="left"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4160961494/" title="christmas2009_004 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/4160961494_c9d7960269_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="christmas2009_004" align="right"/></a>Even with crazy schedules, we managed to get the Christmas tree up! I brought down all the boxes from the attic room with help from Marcel. We sat around the fireplace listening to Christmas carols streamed through the TV from our home network, watching our family photos on the slide show, while we hung ornaments. Livie decided they were all too nice to hang and it was a constant battle. We'd hang two and she'd take one off. It ended up being a pretty lengthy task but that's all right. I'm not sure how many more Santa years we're gonna get out of Marcel. I think that he already secretly knows who the real Santas are and it does make me a little sad. Maybe that's why he hasn't said anything. Normally I wouldn't give a kid that kind of credit for being that sensitive, but Marcel's that kinda kid. I'm a lucky guy and I have a lot to be thankful for.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4160211471/" title="christmas2009_009 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/4160211471_85f63756f0_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="christmas2009_009" align="left"/></a>So now we're on Santa countdown with the calendar. The kids move the little bear every evening together. Marcel reads the day's hint and Olivia looks for the spot to move the bear. It's really pretty damn cute. So at some point Lana and I need to finish our shopping. Olivia will be pretty easy but Marcel gets tougher every year. He claims he doesn't really play with his toys anymore but I can't help but notice the G.I. Joe's scattered across his bedroom floor in a very reminiscent fashion of a good ol' ass whoopin dropped down by his heavily armed and loved Halo figures. So I think maybe this year I'll grab a few <i>Collectible</i> action figures that he can continue to urmmm, "display" in his room.<br /><br />I should go. The living room just got really quiet and when I rolled my chair out as a bluff move, I heard little feet take off running.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-85988543970632434622009-11-13T11:18:00.000-06:002009-11-13T11:18:42.113-06:00TINSTAAFL<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4095628297/" target="_blank" title="hibiscusflower06 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="hibiscusflower06" height="160" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2586/4095628297_f9e6460c95_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>I missed Veterans Day. I can't believe I forgot about it and let Marcel go to school. I'm not sure when it became okay for kids to go to school on Veterans Day but I don't send <i>my</i> kids to school but this go around I actually forgot. My father served in the Army and racked up four MOS's. One of his brother's served in the Army and had the privilege of becoming an Airborne Ranger. Another served in the Navy. I served in the Army as an Army Medic. So to say I felt bad about sending Marcel to school on Veterans Day is a little bit of an overstatement.<br /><br />I was taught as a kid that we live in a country of incredible opportunities - if one's willing to do the work. Our country is based off the premise that the opportunity is provided for you to elevate <i>yourself</i>. Without going into my father's private life too much, he knew what it was to live in poverty and did something to change his life. He didn't ask for government handouts or welfare. He <i>worked</i> for it. I'm not sure what's changed in American mentality but I suspect it has something to do with the fact that most people believe that their government should provide for them what past generations worked for and earned.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4100236793/" target="_blank" title="karate_yellowbelt40 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="karate_yellowbelt40" height="240" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4100236793_5c1a91b97c_m.jpg" width="160" /></a>Anyway, I felt bad about sending Marcel to school. So I picked him up from school early the following day and took the kids out. We had a little rehash talk on the road about his grandpa. I can't think of a better example of hard work and dedication than my own father's story. Marcel knew his grandpa's story already but I thought it important to remind him that the privileges most take for granted are <i>not</i> free. Not the freedom to express ourselves, to worship (or not worship) as we choose, medical care, welfare, social security, etc. Someone has to pay for it even if it's not you. Sometimes with a hit to our wallets, sometimes with blood. There's no such thing as a free lunch.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4101033648/" title="houstonzoo_noschool_41 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/4101033648_41447b46aa_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="houstonzoo_noschool_41" align="left" /></a>That was our little discussion on our way to the <a href="http://www.houstonzoo.org/" target="_blank">Houston Zoo</a>. Of course, we talked about his newest girlfriend too but I know this stuff he'll remember even if he seems bored by it now. It was a fantastic day for a zoo trip too. The weather was absolutely perfect. It was cool enough that most of the animals were out and playing. This trip was made particularly easier since we had our iPhones loaded with the <a href="http://www.houstonzoo.org/iphone-app/" target="_blank">Houston Zoo App</a>. Olivia makes friends everywhere she goes and at the zoo was no exception. She talked to the women sitting beside us as we ate, she made friends with the kids on the playground, and even charmed our waitress when we had dinner afterward. She kept Marcel and me pretty busy. Marcel and I were a bit disappointed that the Kipp Aquarium was closed but we did get to see the piranha at least. The kids were so worn out, they both fell asleep once they were in the car.<br /><br /><table border="0" align="center"><tr><td><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.twitvid.com/player/A49AA"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.twitvid.com/player/A49AA" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" allowNetworking="all" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></td></tr><tr><td><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.twitvid.com/player/0FA32"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.twitvid.com/player/0FA32" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" allowNetworking="all" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></td></tr></table>Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-9098185038809954952009-11-05T12:54:00.000-06:002009-11-05T12:54:30.660-06:00Fun and Games<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4077748155/" title="halloween2009_52 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/4077748155_d7360e4894_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="halloween2009_52" align="right" /></a>With <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/sets/72157622619322390/" target="_blank">Halloween</a> now behind us I find myself a little restless with nothing to work on that has a real deadline. Sure, laundry needs to be done every few days and the dishwasher has to be run every evening but nothing that really says, "Get Your Ass <i>MOVING</i>!" The kids enjoyed their candy far too much, Marcel's still running around wearing his mask, and Olivia still tries to squeeze her witch hat on daily. All the good candy is long gone but the kids (and me) are still chipping away at the left-overs. It's mostly tootsie rolls and suckers left now but we'll manage, I'm sure, to make sure none goes to waste.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4077745829/" title="halloween2009_50 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4077745829_9ed82d662f_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="halloween2009_50" align="right" /></a>I guess I just didn't realize how much taking them trick or treating together meant to me until there was the real threat Marcel would be trick or treating without us. He'd gotten invited to a really large Halloween birthday bash - with trick or treating to wrap it up. I guess I just kind of assumed he'd always want to spend Halloween with us. I guess I'm just being a bit too sentimental. He ended up trick or treating with us since the party was actually just going to do a group hayride but no trick or treating so we got him for one more year. We'll have to do something enticing next year to make sure he decides to stick with us on Halloween I guess. I'll resort to bribery, you're damn right.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4078511074/" title="crosbypark_77v02 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2791/4078511074_5aecbcbe36_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="crosbypark_77v02" align="left" /></a>So now I want to make something again. I had fun making the mask but honestly it wasn't difficult. I didn't do anything new. I made a plaster face mask, I sculpted the mask on top of it out of clay, then I made a mold from latex and plaster. From there I just mixed up a batch of milkshake and glassed the inside. Done. No real challenge.<br /><br />With that said, I've decided to try my hand at making a few more poker tables. I'm going to give myself a deadline to make and see how it goes. To help the ball get rolling I went and sold the other poker tables I made to help grease the wheel and motivate me. I'm feeling more confident with my woodworking abilities these days. After making Marcel's wooden swords and tossing together a few push sticks for the table saw I'm ready for a new challenge. This go around I'm going to try to make pedestal bases. These poker tables are now attempt five and six. We'll see how it goes especially since I can't leave good enough alone. I've taken numerous <a href="http://www.homepokertourney.com/tables_build.htm" target="_blank">poker table building plans</a> and bastardized them into my own so there's no real detailed directions out there (that I've found) for what I plan on building. It's nothing too complicated other than a mishmash of a few plans but it will definitely be a challenge. The fun part is the planning right now. I'm using Illustrator CS4 to layout my lumber cuts and 3D Studio Max to visualize the dimensions. Does it get geekier than that?<br /><br />It's nearly nap time, so I'm outta hear for now. I've got poker table plans to finalize and a workout to do while the little girl recharges.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-54208619555821685302009-10-26T11:18:00.005-05:002010-11-28T18:32:43.667-06:00Everyone Wins!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4046220927/" title="karatetourney_20v01 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4046220927_cb2c38c208_m.jpg" width="240" height="196" alt="karatetourney_20v01" align="left"/></a>So Marcel and <a href="http://www.passionforparties.com" target="_blank">Lana</a> have been doing the whole Karate thing lately. It's pretty neat and they really enjoy it. Yesterday they participated in their first tournament. So I canceled my gaming day with the guys and charged up the camera for a day with the family. I had fun watching them despite having to chase a crazy toddler up and down the bleachers. All things said and done, she was really well behaved and in a great mood. There were a few scary moments when I thought I'd get the stink eye from other spectators but thankfully her super power cuteness was too much for anyone to resist.<br /><br />While Marcel was going through his Kata in front of the judges I made the mistake of pointing him out to her. She proceeded to yell at the top of her lungs.<br /><br />"Hey Bubba! Hi Bubba! Whatchu doing Bubba?!..."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4046938190/" title="karatetourney_59 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/4046938190_fc65eec019_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="karatetourney_59" align="left" /></a>Then she decided to make a break for it despite being on my shoulders while I attempted to take pictures. When she saw her mom it was even worse because I made the mistake of getting in close for a few good photos. It was a steady stream of,<br /><br />"Hiii Momma!! Whatchu doin' Momma?! Hey Momma!! Hey Momma, What u doin Momma?!!"<br /><br />We were all of thirty feet away and my child was yelling at the top of her lungs while Lana did her Kata's in front of the judges. Luckily she trained for that too. Marcel took down a second place and Lana came home with first. I was very proud of em and 'Livie was too I think.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/3994126318/" title="owlcon03 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3994126318_6a3f50660a_m.jpg" width="194" height="240" alt="owlcon03" align="right"/></a>In other good news, while on the way to the tournament I found out my <a href="http://www.owlcon.com/" target="_blank">Owlcon</a> logo won! I'm not sure which version they'll go with yet but I was stoked to know mine was picked. It's the second time I've submitted a logo and a second win. Not too shabby if I do say so myself. My first submission was back in <a href="http://www.owlcon.com/OldOwlCons/OwlCon2004/index2.htm" target="_blank">2004</a>. So I'll get in for free this year and get my snazzy shirt for free this year. I'll probably end up running a game or two anyway though. I'm really excited about Owlcon this year and I'm already counting down. Until then, I need to learn 4th edition <a href="http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" target="_blank">GURPS</a> just a little better. I plan on hitting the conventions heavy this year. I got the gaming bug again. It's good to be roleplaying regularly again and even better to break out of my usual comfort zone to try new games. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4047085622/" title="halloween2009_16 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/4047085622_c2489c189c_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="halloween2009_16" align="left" /></a>I'm off to to a little touch up paint on Marcel's Halloween mask. He decided to be The Blue Spirit, from the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Avatar-Last-Airbender-Complete-Collection/dp/B000FZETI4?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Avatar The Last Airbender</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000FZETI4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> this year. It really hasn't been too difficult. The mask came along really well, I had plenty of scrap wood laying around for the swords, and I just had to sew a mask. It's been pretty fun putting together all the skills I've accumulated over the years and seeing results I can be proud of. Marcel actually made the comment that the mask is <i>too</i> shiny. My fiberglassing and bondo skills have come a long way :)Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-1622577944660331762009-10-19T13:35:00.003-05:002010-11-28T19:21:03.911-06:00Halloween Spirit<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4026712230/" target="_blank" title="jessejonespark29 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="jessejonespark29" height="160" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/4026712230_55e3d4d2ee_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>Halloween has yet again snuck up on us. Honestly, I've been very disgruntled this year about Halloween. I know I shouldn't still be so bothered some asshole would sink so low as to steal something me and my family built together, but I have. I <a href="http://alex9275.blogspot.com/2008/11/missing-my-reaper.html" target="_blank">miss my reaper</a>. More than missing my reaper though, I miss feeling that my home and the things I place in my yard are safe from losers with no sense of morals. I <i>really</i> hate feeling that way but there it is still. So I've decided to not put out my pimp <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/2977546515/" target="_blank">headstones</a>. I might change my mind later and just put them out a few nights before Halloween but as of right this very moment they're staying in the garage. Blaaah.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/4025957961/" target="_blank" title="halloween2009_08 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="left" alt="halloween2009_08" height="160" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2612/4025957961_2400dab35f_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>What really sucks about feeling like this is that I really absotively love Halloween. I love <i>making stuff</i> and Halloween is such an awesome outlet to really just have fun. So despite feeling upset every time I look at my unfinished reaper or headstones, I decided to make Marcel's costume this year. He decided to go as <a href="http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=the+blue+spirit&gbv=2&aq=0&oq=the+blue+sp&aqi=g2" target="_blank">The Blue Spirit</a> from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Avatar-Last-Airbender-Complete-Collection/dp/B000FZETI4?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Avatar The Last Airbender</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000FZETI4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" />. Thankfully it's a pretty simple costume. The most difficult part is going to be the mask I think and I've already got that sculpted out. Next will be to make the mold the evening, cut out the swords, and shop for the black outfit. I think I can get it done in time but since I put off waiting so long I doubt I'll have time to do anything for myself or <a href="http://www.passionforparties.com/" target="_blank">Lana</a>. I'm sure with the boxes of costumes and props we can toss something together.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />But it hasn't been all gloom for me. After lifting weights for the past four months regularly (I took about a month off when Don was staying with us) I'm finally seeing some real progress. It's little things like seeing definition in my shoulders, noticing my pecs are a little thicker and my arms just ever so slightly bigger. The big thing for me has been no more gut!! My belly no longer hangs over my belt! After some gentle nudges from Lana, we went shopping for jeans since all of my jeans were at different stages of decay. I've dropped four whole pant sizes. The last time I wore pants this size I was in the Army fresh out of AIT. It's definitely renewed my vigor for staying on task with my weight-lifting. I've even started a regular jogging routine and feeling pretty damn good about it. Sally and I head out just after Marcel is off to school. It's a two mile jaunt through the neighborhood. It's not exactly a thirteen minute two mile run I did in the Army but it's a start. Most importantly, I feel <i>great</i> about it. <br /><br />Well, off to fold some laundry!Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-68073545492347713352009-10-06T17:27:00.001-05:002009-10-06T17:30:17.467-05:00Taming the Yard<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/3988564892/" title="pottygirl_02 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3988564892_b610fab6b6_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="pottygirl_02" align="left"/></a>So it's been a while since I've posted. The monster that's been taking up a majority of our energy these days is our backyard. We finally got the dead tree that fell over on Father's Day taken care of. With that out of the way I was able to put the fence back up. Feeling a little feisty, I decided it was time to attack the backyard grass with the lawnmower. One thing led to another and we eventually ended up with a new gas weed eater but renewed eagerness to try another round at this gardening stuff.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/3987807931/" title="bouganvilla01 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3987807931_43d95ca006_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="bouganvilla01" align="right"/></a>With so many other distractions on our plate the past few months we let the backyard go a little wild and out of hand. I forget how big our yard is sometimes. We sit on two lots both on a corner so it's a bit overwhelming at times. The plan this following spring is to plan ahead and take it a little slower. I wasn't prepared at all last go around and my imagination was larger than my knowledge and skill base. Maybe this time around I'll manage to keep some of the plants I put in the ground <i>alive</i>.<br /><br />Other than that, it's been pretty quiet around here if you ignore the chainsaw buzzing and lawnmower roar. Marcel's been home sick the past few days. I'm hoping we all dodge the bullet but I doubt we'll be so lucky. Poor kid is home from school and he hardly has the energy to take advantage of the Xbox sitting under the TV he's so exhausted. I even managed to beat him at a few rounds of Gears of War.<br /><br />Well, it's time to clean the kitchen and dose Marcel up again so I'm outta here. Just thought I'd stop by and say whatup...Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-3331003692280283682009-09-09T16:41:00.022-05:002009-09-09T19:21:37.950-05:00Return to Sender<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/3905043026/" target="_blank" title="buttercupyellowhibiscusclippings01 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr"><img align="right" alt="buttercupyellowhibiscusclippings01" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3468/3905043026_d7414e6496_m.jpg" width="160" /></a>I've been attempting to try my hand at gardening and so far have failed in almost every instance for one reason or another. I haven't given up though because I'm stubborn like that. Here lately I've been trying to successfully root clippings. I'm told it isn't that difficult. Well, it looks as though I might actually have gotten a few of mine to root! The one pictured to the right is a clipping I took from an apartment complex parking lot. It's a buttercup yellow single bloom Hibiscus. With <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/3798871997/in/set-72157608541369373/" target="_blank">Ribblette</a> in the house, Hibiscus flowers are in high demand these days. Out of the dozen or so clippings I made it looks as though a few might take. Yup, that's a small bit of green growth branching out of my clipping. :)<br /><br />Now I'm hoping my other clippings will yield a few as well. I've got clippings for triple bloom buttercup yellow and peach hibiscus so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.<br /><br />Everyday we walk to check the mail, we grab a few blooms off the hibiscus we have in the yard. I'm hoping next year to add a lot more.<br /><br />Speaking of checking the mail...<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Maybe it's just me but I just can't fathom bad customer service when dealing with a dissatisfied customer who truly wants to do business with you. I guess I should start at the beginning.<br /><br />A few months back Marcel decided he wanted an ocarina from <a href="http://www.songbirdocarina.com/" target="_blank">Songbird Ocarina</a>. So He shelled out his money to me and I placed the order online for him. That was on July the 17th. So he waits patiently, running to the mailbox every day when he gets home from school. After a few weeks I email them on August the 3rd to ask about the status of his order and receive this reply later that same day,<br /><br /><blockquote>Hi,<br /><br />Is this Alex XXXXXXXXX? I'm sorry I thought I emailed you to inform you that the Majora's Mask are backordered. We are a little behind in production but your order has not been forgotten. It has just been filed until we take the ocarinas out of the kiln; as soon as they are done, we will ship one out to you right away!<br /><br />Let me know if you have any further questions and/or concerns Thank you for your patience!<br />Rosalyn</blockquote><br />I felt a little better about our decision to order from them even though <i>I</i> had to contact <i>them</i>. Mistakes happen and I understand. So here we are, over a month later from our last communication (that I initiated) and more than two months after our order and still no ocarina or word one from them. Marcel has all but given up on the damn thing ever coming in and I'm to the point of giving him his money back since I'm doubting they'll offer a refund. So I call them.<br /><br />I was told that they did ship it. I wasn't provided a date, shipping method, or tracking number, just a "we're sorry" and they'll ship another one out to me. Never did they mention expediting the shipping, refund, or offer tracking to insure it arrived.<br /><br />I'm disappointed to say the least with their customer service and will not be ordering from them in the future. I'll buy Marcel's Christmas present Ocarina of Time from another artisan. Blaaah.<br /><br />Okay, I'm done bitching. Off to fold laundry while the little girl is napping.Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3883345086653131877.post-9740876820957763142009-09-01T16:30:00.007-05:002010-11-28T18:35:49.914-06:00Birthday Madness!<object width="425" height="344" align="left" hspace="10"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hvbU3nJQjY0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hvbU3nJQjY0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>August is finally over. The cakes were finished on schedule, Olivia is now free from her cast, and Don is now in the comfort of his own home. It's been an insane month, to say the least.<br /><br />I was very happy with the cakes and even happier with how much the kids seemed to love em. What I didn't think about though, was Marcel's cake gave everyone black teeth since the fondant was colored with black food gel. Once the girls realized this, Olivia's cake began to go quickly. I did warn everyone that the pumpkins were basically jawbreakers. I'm not sure who ended up with Jack Skellington but I do know the cake slices looked pretty cool since each piece got a few headstones and pumpkins.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/3879393464/" title="marcelbdayparty11_041 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2492/3879393464_ce3bf6c81c_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="marcelbdayparty11_041" align="left"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/3879393096/" title="marcelbdayparty11_038 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/3879393096_4f2be08ba2_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="marcelbdayparty11_038" align="right"/></a>The aftermath of of the birthday party? Lots of boxes, wrapping paper, way more cake than I should consume by myself, and two very happy children. I sent home cake with anyone who would take some but I'm still left with far too much temptation. I think next year I'll be using a lighter recipe. The recipe I used was intended for stacking layers but I didn't really need anything that dense. Lessons learned I guess. I did have fun though. Cleaning up wasn't really bad at all since I had a lot of help from everyone before the left. I just wish they had taken more cake.<br /><br />I wasn't sure we were going to be able to pull off the cakes but I'm happy we did. I always feel like I'm not doing enough for the kids when I think about all they've done for me. Between all the other crazy stuff going on recently I felt this birthday needed to stand out in their memory just a little bit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/3878616679/" title="marcelbdayparty11_126 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/3878616679_b715531d49_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="marcelbdayparty11_126" align="left" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexcamacho/3878617961/" title="marcelbdayparty11_133 by Quietly Scheming, on Flickr" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3878617961_1d69c03245_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="marcelbdayparty11_133" align="right" /></a>They're getting big so fast. It might seem a little weird but I think having Olivia so far apart from Marcel gave us a different perspective on this whole parenthood thing. So many parents look forward to their kids growing up and moving out I find it a little sad. I feel like if they could feel what I feel, they'd maybe realize what they have before it's gone. I enjoy Marcel's sense of humor. I'm amazed at Olivia's boldness and moments of shyness. Marcel shocks me with his tender-heartedness while infuriating me in moments he displays that family temper. I see so much of Lana and me in our kids but then there's so much of that which makes them so unique. I wouldn't trade this experience of parenthood for anything. It just doesn't last long enough.<br /><br />So now that all the craziness is behind us we're looking forward to a little boring normalcy around here or at least a few moments of respite. I'm looking forward to a little hum drum scheduling for a little while.<br /><br /><blockquote>"Sometimes, it's the boring stuff I remember the most."<br />--Russell, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Single-Disc-Widescreen-Edward-Asner/dp/B001KVZ6FW?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwlittleboxo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Up</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwlittleboxo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001KVZ6FW" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" /> </blockquote><br /><br />At least until Halloween. ;)Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01305821101589665202noreply@blogger.com0