Coming Home from the Reno Conference

Sleeping John
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

I was at the Reno conference last weekend and had a great time. It was kind of sad to see how it has shrunk over the years. I'm thinking registration must have been right around a hundred. But I'm so glad I went as the workshops were great. I met some nice folks and we had fun at karaoke too!

It was the weekend of the baloon race and would have loved to get some pics, but those things take off before the sun rises!

All in all it was a great weekend. Here's Jon who was sleepin in the back of the car on the way home. I snapped this one with my phone in the rear view mirror. We all got sunburnt on the way home - but there was too much luggage in the trunk and we had no place to put the boot that covers the convertible top!

Hmmph. I guess that's what happens when you stick too many folks who love shoes and outfits in one car.

Driving to Yosemite, Tahoe, Reno (And Back)

I love Lake Tahoe and Reno. I don't go that often (really). I know. Doesn't that sound like something a gambling addict would say.

"I don't go very often. Just Wednesday through Tuesday".

But, really, I go about 4 times a year. I was sitting around thinking it would be nice to take a mini vacation so I did. Rob would love to go on these little serenity junkettes with me, but I know he had things to do around the house. He starts school next week, so he's feverishly working on house projects.

Besides, when I go for a drive.. I go for a DRIVE. I went to Reno via Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. I was gone the whole weekend and put about 750 miles on my car. Crazy I know. Actually in the end, I think I'd just hang out in Reno. I know it seems sort of .. less glamorous than Lake Tahoe, but there's more to do (I'm not into hiking, other than to the mall).

Some random thing happened on the way home. I was driving outside of reno, I think it's called Elko. And, came across a stranded motorist. He was driving from Fallon Nevada (No Where) to Sacramento. Oh my gosh, it was my friend Rick from the S&C Fellowship. I was all. Nuh uh. How weird is that. He was stuck without a jack, so the one from my car fit his Ford, and he was changed - off and running in no time. How's that for a higher coincidence?

So with the Reno conference coming up next week (see link above), I think I'll have another opportunity to hit that fabulous Price is Right slot that kicked my ass. I'll be the next contestant, come on down, or I ain't leavin.

(oops. That sounded like something a gambling addict would say)

ciao.

I Don't See It

I'm looking at this story in the news about this aparition of the Virgin Mary in a chocolate factory. It seems some of the chocolate dripped and created this little statuette but, I'm not seeing anything holy about it. Hmm. I'm either blind or jaded... but I hope it brings her tremendous happiness.

Leatheryby's Summer

Serena All Purple
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Here we are hanging out at Leatherby's our favorite ice cream place in Sacramento. Mikey and Hannah my nephew and neice are visiting from San Diego. Here's Serena all purple eating lemon ice cream, her favorite.

I hope you're doing well. We're having a great summer.

In Austin

Rotunda Ceiling. Beautiful.
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Rob and I are on our whirlwind tour of Texas. We are in Austin now after Houston and San Antonio. Rob had a good conversation with the University of Texas today and they suggested he finish his undergrad at Sac State. So, we're in Sac for a while at least!! I know that makes some folks happy. But, we're loving Austin. It's like we've died and gone to Texas. It's a very nice place and the real estate is comparitively cheap. We're loving the fellowship we've met here and of course the liveliness of the music and art here far surpasses any place we've lived. But I start my job at the Internship and Career Center at UCD soon - so no worries. We're in California NOT Texas.

We'll be home this weekend and we'll tell you of our adventures when we see you :)

Getting Ready To Head Out...

Texas Flag
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Going to Texas next week to see friends in Houston, San Antonio and Austin. Rob and I are looking forward to our Honeymoon Tour of Texas so be sure to check back here for tales of our escapades and of course .. pictures.

We love you, will miss ya, and we'll see some of you soon.

Ciao.

Enough

Lebannon.Destruction
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

The bombing continues in Lebannon. While President bush's policy of silence continues likewise.

I agree that no country should have its soldiers kidnapped and that no terrorist group should be given free reign to terrorize its neighbors, the level of destruction is simply now too great.

At some point the world should look and see how devastating this campaign is going to be to a fledgling democracy. I hope someone, anyone intervenes and asks Israel to stop their campaign. It's clear that they have made any point they set out to make about reprisal.

It will take years and years to repair this infrastructure. And, human life that's been lost already is irreplaceable. Please Mr. Bush. Say something. For a change.

I'm So Happy I Could -- JUMP

Weezy in the Sac
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Well. After 8 months, I FINALLY got a job. Well. As I said, to my closest friends.. sometimes I looked hard.. and sometimes.. well.

But all that is neither here nor there, because I couldn't be happier. happy happy happy.

I'll be back at the University of California - working in campus at the UCD Internship and Career Center. A great place to be. So - yippee. I'm planning a celebration trip to TEXAS. So, if you're from there, be looking for me in meetings.. soon.

Ahh the North Hall Picnic

J and L
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Had a great time at the North Hall picnic. And, I have to say - as I've already let the committee know - they did a great job. I wasn't sure the change in location was going to work. For years we've had it at a smallish park where we had our own area. Moving it to a big park didn't turn out to be as problematic as I thought it might though.

Here's two lovelies enjoying the day. Including the little dog we nick named Sister Patril, because those ears are wide enough that if a little breeze came along.. this pup is taking flight!

All in all - a greatttt time.

Bunny and J Hanging In The Summer Sun

Bunny and J
Originally uploaded by ChristopherSolis.

Well, it's been far too long since my last post. And, since I didn't want you all to think I'd been hanging out doing nothing - nothing could be further from the truth. I've been busier than I've ever been. Mostly doing program and social stuff (certainly not employment work!).

But, I've been having the summer of my life! Here's Bunny and J hanging out at Pride 2006 in Sacramento. We had a parade this year and Bunny along with his partner Ginger drove their fabulous '66 Buick and we had a great day.