The "M" designation

The DMV today was not as busy and though I was doing a redo of a motorcycle exam I still felt a bit nervous. This is my second visit to this DMV since I failed my exam the first time. Good news is I passed it today. The exam was not really tough but tricky if you're not careful. At least 5 of the 25 questions weretrick questions. Knowing that going in helped me pass it this time. Afterwards the DMV employee proceeded to cut my driver's license and explained that the paper she's giving me is my temporary one until the new one (which will now have "CM" as designation arrives in the mail in about 10 days. Woohoo!

Life Changes..New Chapter..

We've reached another milestone in our lives that a repeat of a life event needs to happen.  We likely have been wanting to make the change long before this time but was convinced that nothing different will come of it.  I'm talking about 'Divorce'.  This is not the first time we've ventured into this territory.  The first time happened before I moved to Texas (15 years ago.)  We've lived together for the last 12 years as brothers and sisters.  It's as platonic as platonic is.  We both love each other dearly but no more than siblings do.

I haven't been able to tell anybody from my side of the family.  Is it embarrassment?  Is it the feeling that I might be seen as week?  Who knows.

The first time this happened, I was really afraid of what might become.  Katharine was only 2 years old and the thought of not having access to her scared me.  Kelly assured me that this will not happen since she knew that it would be devastating for both father and daughter if the relationship or access to the relationship was severed.  I remember telling Kelly, "ok, let's do what you want!" after her assurances.  No hesitation, signed the papers not even reading what it stated.  Fast forward seven (7) years later, we remarry and stay married until this year.

Over the years, I did not want to be alone.  I cannot imagine being anywhere else.  I do not know where to go; where to live; which direction to take; etc.  I had a job then so that was not an issue but the mere thought that I was moving out of home base (or her home as she always put it) was scary and stressing. This time is different.  Amazingly enough, I am not afraid. I have been unemployed for ten (10) months with no prospect but one or two phone interviews and from the looks of it could be a few more weeks/months of looking.  But like i said, I am not afraid. I'm actually looking forward to being somewhere else. Staying here prevents us from moving forward with whatever dreams we probably have been wanting.  This does give me an opportunity to fly home and see Dad and Mom since we missed our trip last year due to reasons I can't even remember now.

So many things to do.. not enough time.. limited resources.. but keeping my head high!  Moving on..!

Labor Day 2014

Lazy day. Even the dogs are not up to doing anything. 

How much napping do they need?

What a pain in the a@#!! Today is not going well... I need to vent!!!

After much dawdling I took what is now a required course in having a motorcycle license; the Motorcycle Safety Foundation training course (MSF).  At the conclusion of the two-day course we were given completion cards to submit to the DMV so one can apply to have the "M" designation added to the driver's license.

Pain #1
At the DMV, the person at the counter asked to see my ID.  I handed him my regular driver's license (which is a primary ID according to the DMV website) and proceeded to process my application.  Somewhere during his typing, he asks me for further ID to which I stated I did not have anything else other than what I gave him.  He informed me that he cannot do so without another form (such as a US passport) to continue.  I did not ask or challenge this person's request even though I am aware that my regular ID is all I really needed and left.  Since I did not have a US passport, I proceeded to apply for that and noted it would take another 4-6 weeks for the passport to arrive so I thought I'd wait and do the DMV thing afterwards.  Dangit!!

Pain #2
Yesterday, I was happy to receive my new passport since it only took about 2 weeks altogether.  I noted that they did not return my US Naturalization document so I immediately went to the travel.state.gov site and read that if the supporting documents were not sent with the new passport, it will be sent in a separate mailing.  I also emailed them to inquire and received a reply to expect the separate mailing anywhere within two weeks.

Pain #3
This morning, I planned to do the DMV application and brought my new passport as proof.  I proceeded to load the car with my stuff and just as I was about the start the car, I realized the MSF completion card was not where I had left it.  I practically turned the car upside down looking for this thing.  I went back into the house and went to my paper stack (even though I am sure I did not bring it into the house) but could not find it. After much digging, I decided to go to the MSF training area itself to talk to the instructor and ask for a replacement.  To make a long story short, I found out that to get a replacement card I have to send an envelope with a note and a return envelope and $15!  This about sent me through the roof!  The guy on the phone told me that "the state tells us to charge this amount!"  So now I again have to delay the "M" designation.  Arggghhh...

Simple lunch

I've never really thought how a simple PBJ with chips and a side of grapes can be filling. 

When on vacation...

Kelly and Katharine went to Sandestin, FL for a one week vacation before school restarts. While they were gone, Kelly's parking spot was where my bike freely parked instead of being squished infront of my car. Maybe I can convince Kelly to park outside?  Or maybe not..

Early lunch ride to Lake Texoma

Ride with the Dallas Honda Group. We had an early lunch (fried catfish) at Windy's Catfish in Bryan, OK. The bridge pictured here is Carpenter's Bluff Bridge which was on our way back. The bridge is about a quarter-mile long and only one lane. The fifth picture below shows the old wood planked bridge before being renovated. 

Caribbean Cruise 2014

For this year, we had the chance to go on a Caribbean Cruise aboard the Norwegian Getaway.  Wow, what a ship!  The ports were St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Nassau, Bahamas.

d' Nyadow Prodyek

(Found this draft in my draft folder..  must've been from early 2011)

Uli sent me his pics for his moped project. He got it for $20 and was not running until he acquired a $5 carburator. The bike started right up and apparently sounds great. It was used by a friend's contract workers moving back and forth between job sites. Uli stated that he took it around the block and it ran well. He's just a bit embarrassed by the way it currently looks. He had to remove the fairing because the previous owner did not take care of it. He's looking to have a fiberglass shop outside the village redo the fairing.

Happy Father's Day!!!

Ok, so I'm one day late but it was a fun day nonetheless. We started the day with brunch at Aparicio's - which we've never had to make reservations for so we had to wait a little. Went home for a little nap, then on to Central Market to prepare supper for my in-laws and bring it over to them.  The temperature soared to 102 so there was no outdoor activity this day.

Just like my mother's day posting, I thought I'd update on what we now look like on our restaurant meals.. kinda looks the same..

Maybe they're texting each other..

David Graduates!!

Katharine and I flew out to San Francisco over the weekend as my nephew David was graduating and headed to high school.  It seems just a couple of years ago that Kelly and I were babysitting him so mom can go out with friends.  His graduating class is close and they seem saddened by the fact that they will not see each other after the weekend.  I was totally impressed that he had a couple of awards during the ceremony; whether Chitchi knew that or not I just didn't ask anymore.  David's become an independent individual (but dependent on his mom in certain things) and I know he will accomplish alot of things.  I am so glad my sister asked us to come and attend his ceremony.  We love you David!!

Goose's Early B-day Party

Our very good friends Tera and Michael McClelland hosted Katharine's birthday party. Three of Katharine's classmates/friends showed and they were treated to a concert by musician Celeste Moyer, turkey burgers and hotdogs, a delicious and hearty serving of Vicky's chili, and a couple of movies all done out in the backyard. Tera and Michael went above and beyond what we expected. Katharine and girls all had a great time.

Black and White Pictures

Testing the camera's ability to take B&W.  Interesting..

The picture of me looks like I'm pissed off.. what the hey..??

Happy Mother's Day!!

So we go to lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant called "Aparicio's" and it dawned on me that whenever we go out for a meal, this is what we look like..

Katharine's headphones I believe is permanently stuck to her ears. In order to get her attention, anything within reach - such as a rolled up piece of paper or a salt/pepper shaker you can throw at her would work.  Otherwise a loud, sustained, booming voice may be able to penetrate those headphones.  Kelly on the other hand continuously checks her email, facebook, text, email, facebook... I'm guilty myself for checking Words With Friends more than most.. I have two opponents I trade winnings with.. I just can't afford to lose..

Gone are the days of sitting for a long meal with meaningful conversations, entertaining stories, etc.  But then again, it all changes when the food arrives...

Aperture.. Shutter Speed.. Focus..

My attempt at manual photography using the new camera.. (depth of field)

f1.7, 1/40 sec, ISO 1600

f22; 2 sec, ISO 1600