nostatic at all...

Well, middle school registration was supposed to be there, and we were there early (as usual) but there already was a line and the powers-that-be (ie vice-principal) suggested (insisted?) that we come back tomorrow, giving us a clipboard for an appointment. And that was it...paperwork in hand but left without registration. Back tomorrow...

Despite the worry of big crowds (which were there) and snafus (which weren't there), registration for middle school was finished after a solid half hour of filling out more forms (to go along with the 30 or so pages of paper that I brought with me). The only drama was getting to work afterwards only to discover that I'd left my bag at school. Hmm, that takes me back. Actually, it literally took me back as we drove back and I thankfully found the bag where I'd left it. So far Santa Monica is looking honest...

Well, not literally, but it felt like it. 0500 wakeup for 0900 meeting at the lovely Ft. Irwin outside of Barstow. While the base is fine, Barstow creeps me out. And I found out today that I'm far from the only one...

While I'd like to sing John Denver, my bags aren't all packed but the movers showed up promptly at 0830 so I have to be ready to go. Farewell west LA. Over 4 years in this building (in two different apartments - what are the odds in a 6-unit complex). An incredible number of changes and ups and downs. But now it is time to head further west for the benefit of better schools. Westward, ho...

And later that same day...

New home in Santa Monica. The only downsides are the lack of closet space and the traffic noise. The upside is the view. While perhaps not that inspiring, about 9 blocks away the palm trees end - because you hit ocean:

One of the first entrants to the new place, today basking in some afternoon sun filtered through prayer flags.

The view from the new bedroom at sunset.

The traditional end-of-summer came and went, but other than a quick spin to NBC Seafood for dim sum, it was more unpacking and dealing with associated loose ends. At least the majority is done, there is a surprising dearth of boxes at the moment, and the week begins a day late. It could be worse...

Tomorrow begins 7th grade at a new school. Not sure who's nervous, but as long as I don't get "the call" at some point during the day everything should go fine. The am will bring the 8 or so block walk to school, and another page turns...

same as the old light...

As in the first day of school. As in he did. Survive.

Continuing in the grand tradition, zoidberg3 became aware today (ie my new wireless network is active). Instead of DSL this is cable and so far I'm not impressed. But such is digital life...

A walk west, exploring things.

The weekend went...away.

Those funny white lenses you see...well it turns out that they make some pretty darn good photos. I suppose you shouldn't judge a lens by its color.

along with a few other shots

And associated environs. Digging in the dirt...

Well, at least the one in front of the apartment that I see when looking out my windows...

I was lucky to dodge this fate during my racing days. Not fun, though the rest of it certainly is.

before, and after

Coverage, we all need coverage. No, not health...effort. Need...more....projects...

I have an older series of these. This one with the 5D2 and 135/2. A little more unwieldy than the Pentax, and no IS with this lens combination. And of course no framing - I could have fired up liveview but I can only do so much while driving...

ambien shots - odd

I swear, if another person comes into a meeting hacking and sniffing I'm going to cold cock them. A big shoutout to those earlier in the week who came to work sick. Now I'm coming down with it. Just in time for the weekend...

Even if you're sick you can walk around and take pictures. Avoiding others of course...

After almost 2 years, back behind the wheel. If only I could have found the VDC button...

Deep Tracks indeed. A little Leonard Cohen (who I've never really listened to before - silly me).

I remember you well in the Chelsea Hotel,
you were talking so brave and so sweet,
giving me head on the unmade bed,
while the limousines wait in the street.
Those were the reasons and that was New York,
we were running for the money and the flesh.
And that was called love for the workers in song
probably still is for those of them left.
Ah but you got away, didn't you babe,
you just turned your back on the crowd,
you got away, I never once heard you say,
I need you, I don't need you,
I need you, I don't need you
and all of that jiving around.

And more XM goodness...

The piano has been drinking, my necktie is asleep
And the combo went back to New York, the jukebox has to take a leak
And the carpet needs a haircut, and the spotlight looks like a prison break
And the telephone's out of cigarettes, and the balcony is on the make
And the piano has been drinking, the piano has been drinking...

I've had a non-linear route in Tai Chi, having started classes back in '06 only to have a motorcycle crash induced hiatus. Force of will got me back and somehow the crush of work in '08 and '09 haven't gotten too much in the way of things. So as we finish Tai Chi Sword, I asked what was next (we rotate through different parts of the curriculum). Turns out sticky hands is next, and actually I've already done that. After that is 40 movement, and I've done that. The only thing I haven't done yet is Tai Chi fighting set (108 moves I believe) and that won't be in the rotation for about a year. So the plan is some private lessons to work through the 108, and then...well...I'm done. Well, with this class curriculum at least. Maybe Chen or Wu style next...and of course figure out how to keep practicing the forms I already learned. Time marches on...