Photo of the Day, February 28, 2010

Foreground: Irina and Ryan cheese it up for another one of our "patented" self-portraits. Irina's wearing a nice little baby-blue t-shirt she bought in a surf shop at the beach. She's also wearing a purple string of plastic Mardis Gras beads. The story behind those beads is that there was someone sitting on top of the archway gate/entry in front of the San Diego Zoo, and tossing Mardis Gras beads down to zoo patrons. To be frank, he was only tossing beads to cute children and attractive women. Needless to say, Irina got a string of beads.

I'm wearing yet another clearance-sale polo shirt. This one's from Esprit.

Background: You can see the expanse of the San Diego Zoo stretch out behind us as we take the cable car from one end to the other. I was happy to discover a "sky ride" at the zoo, because frankly I love them. It was peaceful and romantic up there. We could see all of San Diego from the highest point, or so it seemed. The breeze was blowing lightly, giving us a break from the scorching heat. We could also peer down into various animals' homes and see what they were up to. Most of them were sleeping.

Photograph of the Day, February 27, 2010

Foreground: Irina smiles at the camera as Dr. Ahmed watches a crowd of people singing karaoke in the courtyard. The pink scarf around Irina's neck is hand-made Chinese silk produced at the oldest and most renown silk producer in China, which has been making silk textiles for Chinese rulers since the days of the emperors.

Mid-Ground: Gates built in the 15th-16th Centuries provide shade and spatial dimension for visitors of Beijing's Temple of Heaven, a 237-square-hectare area containing temples, altars, gardens, bridges, and a man-made cyprus forest. Vendors and street performers provide entertainment as Chinese citizens and tourists wander the grounds daily for exercise, inspiration, relaxation, and sight-seeing.

Background: Built atop concentric risers of carved marble in the 1400s, the main temple on the grounds rises high over the other structures in the area, and can be seen from virtually every point within the Temple of Heaven. It is a massive structure, and a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture.

TRUE FACT

Who is the number one rated male vocalist among entomologists?

Why, it's Jon Cicada of course!

Silly Boy in the Tub -- sorry, they were filmed portrait instead of landscape, you'll have to turn your head!

A Visit to Metropolis!

There is a little town in Southern Illinois named Metropolis, yes, just like the city in which Superman, aka Clark Kent lives and works. Every year in June they host the Superman Celebration. It's a big deal with former actors and actresses involved with Superman movies and TV shows, costume contests, art contests, etc etc. Although we wanted to see the celebration in June, we thought we'd travel on down early to see if we could spy the Man of Steel himself, and check out the city so everyone can visit in June and join in on the fun. This is what we found!

Ryabetes and Other Stories

Part One: Ryabetes

I have gained about 10 lbs since my diagnosis (now at 143 lbs.), which most of you already knew since I've been there for a while. Even more significant is the fact that I bought a new pair of jeans yesterday and ended up getting a pair with a 30-inch waist. So in a month's time, I've gained no weight, but have returned to a more normal frame/stature. On top of that, I'm up to running 5 miles a day, so this is not "two inches of fat" but rather "two inches of health." I feel better every day, and if I keep up with my exercise diligently, I find it really easy to keep my blood sugar under control. So yippee.

Part Two: Other Stories

In other news, as per the following picture, I am still engaged to the world's most beautiful woman.

Finally, as amazing as it might be, I think I have uncovered a latent ability to draw. (Apparently autoimmune diabetes in adults isn't the only latent thing in my life.) Now, understand that prior to a few weeks ago, I couldn't draw at all. So as you see my work, cut me a little slack. It's not excellent, but it's not half bad for a guy whose handwriting is cartoonishly awful and who has always been ashamed of his inability to even keep his crayons inside the lines. See as follows.

Some Fun Pictures

Here are just a few pictures of our latest fun! Enjoy!



She's holding the Snowman's hand, by the way. (Sydney, Frosty the Snowman, and his pet dog Rainbow)