the list of things i haven't even begun to talk about

I'm out and about, using the new Nikon to strike up conversation and talking points for my blog, since I am a very photographic kind of guy. I figure if I'm covering the news, I might as well cover the news here, too, plus accomplish a little extra: include commentary. As you know, I'm not allowed to really do that on TV.
I have been looking at Gary's blog... I read Sarah's of course... I have an appointment to get to Lucas' soon... Trishy, I just got to yours today and was stunned to find you're moving to Tennessee.
With this post-college era, and a newly wed to boot, I'm finding the need to be a little more intelligent with my life and thoughts, rather than the stroll-along style I've been doing. For me, it's been the 'life as it comes', rather than a life of 'thinking' sort of routine. I'm impressed with Gary's approach. So today I spent my time at work... working on a story of a protest. Ahh, the perfect start to this new motivated thinking lifestyle. I've really never been the guy to protest. I think that goes against the "people pleaser" attitude that I have. I thought this picture was a perfect example of what the protest was about: angry about the alleged contamination at the former Kelly Air Force Base site that apparently has been causing increased cases of cancer. (Although a federal study found no such link.). This lady's in motion, she has a real heart for this cause. She's bearing it all, including a cross. I admire people who take their Saturday mornings to march for their beliefs in the blazing 200 degree weather. But, unless it's me covering such an event, I would not be a person to participate in a march. I don't consider it to be a lack of enthusiasm for my beliefs, but other than rousing media attention and drivers honking as they pass by, what does this accomplish? Maybe it's to help continue the passion of the marchers themselves. Maybe it helps motivate them. Whereas some of us may find motivation in the newspaper, or a book, the internet, or friends, these people get their juice from other people yelling and chanting alongside the street.

One thing people should be protesting against is this latest crisis in the Middle East. I sat at McDonald's this morning, while Lorenzo (my photographer) slept in the car, and watched CNN as they talked to this lady living in Lebanon who's from Corpus Christi. The US Embassy in Lebanon was trying to figure out a way for the 25,000 Americans living and working in Lebanon to evacuate amidst the Isreali bombings taking place there right now. I remember when I went to Okinawa, Japan after graduating from high school, and on the way back to the states, this one woman I talked to still stands out in my mind. She said she's a newspaper writer who lives (I don't remember where) but that she'd never go back to the states to live, ever again. The lady in Lebanon reminded me of this woman I talked to on the plane. It's just astounding to think of all these people, US citizens, who live in other countries, a "world away" who don't even claim the US anymore. I guess it's your decision what you choose to claim, but if I'm stuck in a country where bombs are constantly exploding on the soil next to you, I'd rather be in the US anyway, thanking God for the troops who are protecting us overseas (...now whether you agree with this war or not, please for the sake of this world appreciate those troops). Does troop support classify me as a conservative or liberal? Fuck that. I hope that classifies me as a decent human being.

I'm very excited about new opportunities that I'm paving for myself with the use of this new digital camera. I wish that I could spill over into the newspaper photographer category. I think I'm a decent photographer who can capture news in a very unique way. Of course, it'll take some time to really hone my skills.
To other news... I wish that http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/pet would have tons of fewer entries for lost puppies, or those who need homes because their owner is moving to an apartment and can't have dogs, or whatever. I think that there are too many animals without homes as it is. To read about animals not having homes, it breaks my heart. I think both Barker and Hailey are
lucky to have us, as we are so very lucky to have them... but I wish there could be more luck for every other animal that doesn't have a home. As someone who is very much not a protestor... but a believer in many, many good causes like animal protection and animal control... (Make a Wish Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters are just a few others I really feel strongly about)... I think work behind the scenes is a job better suited for me.
It takes all kinds. The noisy, the quiet, the media hogs, and the silent workers, to get all kinds of things done. Only thing that would be so much better, especially now, is a little cooperation with militants waging war with people who may not see eye to eye, but could agree to disagree and walk away. But I guess, like animal overcrowding getting under control, those things are only in the dreams of people like me who are silently work for a better cause.