Tish's grandpa had a stroke yesterday. We had to call an ambulance to bring him to hospital. It was all so sudden and overwhelming. One minute we were chatting it up, and then Paw was unresponsive and barely breathing. He is currently at the hospital near by right now and will probably be hospitalized for next 5-8 days. He cannot talk much and seem have one side of his face paralized. It is so strange to watch him sleep so much and looking so vunerable on the hosiptal bed when he has always been the macho, 10 foot tall guy.
Please keep him in your prayers.

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Tish and I did early voting today. It was a good turnout but we got out of there in less than 15 minutes! Thanks to a good team of volunteers, our "cheat sheet" (we printed out a ballot early and filled it out), and the fancy new voting machines City of Frisco employs.

So ba-bye hanging chads...


...HELLO robo-vote!! (not the official name)

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TSA Convention 2008

I have been looking forward to the TSA Convention ever since I heard about it about 4-5 years. My friend Scott has been attending since he got licensed. It doesn't matter if it is in San Antonio, Houston, or Fort Worth... he is there every time, for at least 2 days. Now I understand why.


My first TSA convention was a great one. It was also my first official function as an "architect", therefore it was extra exciting. I arrived in the Fort Worth Convention Center at approximately 8:30am (time of the first CEU seminar). My first one was "Designing for the Silver Tsunami". Pretty clever title for a seminar about senior living design. I chose it because it talked about things that are a little out of my comfort zone, yet relate to something I used to do (high-end residential). I was surprised about what I have learned. Senior Living is a very similar animal to Hospitality (unless you are in "assisted living")... and that the buildings are becoming more comtemporary and innovative (they have game rooms for Wii's!) recently, as our society and culture evolve.

My second lecture was a keynote by Dr. Jeff Salz, an Anthropologist that has traveled the world in most extreme conditions. A few quick hits from the speech:

"Stories you tell (spaces you design) defines you..."
"Life is dance, not a journey..."
"Change is happiness..."
"Look at things through a beginner's mind, a child's eyes"
"Leap before you look (risk)..."
"Work is (should be) what you love in visual..."

It was one of the best speeches I have ever heard. He was charismatic, insightful, and inspiring. It was poweful. Many attendees shared my opinion.

I later found out that Dr. Salz's price tag for one of these keynote is well over $10K. I was not surprised.

After that was the trade show and lunch break. Most of the booth were nothing special. Since Patrick and I were starved, we got in line for our $10 hot dogs and chips... After being in line for 20 minutes or so, we were told they do not take cash!! Wonderful. A trusty Corner Bakery downtown FW ended up getting our business for half the price!... :-)

My second was about Zero Net Energy Housing. It was presented by UT's very own Michael Garrison. He presented his studio project that utilized photo-votaic cells (off the grid) as the only source of energy. It had some very intriguing details and methodalogies on energy harvesting. However, there was one problem.... the small modular home cost almost $500K to build. Well, at least they are trying. One day, especially with the advantage of mass production, zero energy homes just might take over this country by storm.

The second general session was James Timberlake. His firm Kieran-Timberlake recently won the AIA firm of the year honor. He talked about how his firm approach a project and the profession as a whole. I love hearing about how other firms operate, especially from one of the elites.
The new architect recognition followed the keynote. Clint, Patrick, and I were fairly excited about it, but did not think it was going to be anything. Come to find out, we got a little bit of "showtime"... see below.

Patrick and his mug.

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Clint...well James.

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me (not the photo, just the name)
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We were also invited on stage to be further congradulated. I cannot even describe how great it felt to be applauded by the fellows of your profession for the hard work you have put forth.

Afterwards, I got to meet with the TSA President Chris Hudson. He was delightful to talk to even though we only had a few minutes to chat. He is certainly someone I admire and aspire to be like one day.

TSA Convention 08 was a memorable event. It is one of those things similar to when you bought your first car that will remain in a special place of my heart.

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Voting time!

To beat the crowd (we hope), we have decided to do early voting this weekend. I must say, this has to be the most "interesting" election in the history of mankind. ONLY IN AMERICA would we have a black candidate with a middle name that is the same as the dictator we recently killed running against a POW who has a female running mate that knows nothing about the country! It is like a comedy film or something! I am waiting for someone to come out and say, "gotcha! You are on candid camera!"

My take on the candidates:

OBAMA-BIDEN
Obama is probably the one I will vote for.... but the guy is a little too smooth for my taste at time. He is too "packaged" if you would. From the fancy logo that I loveto the way he presents himself. I do share similar views with his tax plans and healthcare (if it is done right). His inexperience with foreign policies doesn't bug me since their are many people in the White House will be helping him with that. And often times the VP plays a big role in it.

McCAIN-FAY(oops I meant PALIN)
I have never been fond of the conservatives. And I think McCain is one the ultimates. I hate that he always seem angry and is all about war. I dislike his demeanor in general. Believe it or not, I actually like the fact Palin brings a softer and more civilian side to the deal. However, she is an idiot. The fact something can happen to McCain and Palin would be the leader of the free world is quite a scary thought.... just ask Matt Damon (not about Sarah Silverman).

I think that is the main reason why McCain is losing. What a stupid choice for VP? You meant to tell me there was not another intellegent female politician out there that actually lives on the mainland (where you can't see Russia) that can run with you?!

At the end of the day, I just want the better ticket. Not saying that Obama is neccessary the best for the job, but it does seem to be a better fit.

Alright enough of politics...
how about more wisdom from Matt Damon??? (censor advisory)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZRLcp9dhcU

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Drivers wanted!

Not often do Tish and I agree on a same car... but we recently we found one that we really like...
We will let the pics do the talking!

It is like a Land Rover for young people! :-)

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Photography

Tish and I love photography. Rather that be taking pics of Grayson, nature, architecture, or object, it is one hobby that truly bring us peace. Our Nikon D50 is one of the BEST investments we have ever made. Just the camera speed along is non-comparable to your point and shoot cameras. We are happy that we have the essentials; a tripod, remote, lens, large memory cards, etc.... but we love a wide-angle and long zoom lens. we are missing out so much without them!

Over the weekend, we went to teh arboretum of Dallas. They had a ton of blooming flowers and many pumkin decorations. Even with Grayson with us (and not happy about being there), we managed to get a few decent photos. See below:

We hope to go back soon (maybe even just the 2 of us) so we can take more pics! Not having a 2 year old screaming while you taking pics always make better photos!

I also want to visit the Trinity Audubon Center in South Dallas. It is a reclaimed illegal dump site. It was design by a famous architect Antoine Predock. It is supposed to have a nice "approach' and interesting contrast of materials. See below:

Another place I would like to visit/photograph is the Latino Museum in Dallas by another reknown architect Legeretta. Tish and I stayed at a hotel designed by him in South Lake that is really cool looking.

Sigh....so many places and things to photograph, so little time!

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How do you....

Get your prego wife to wear sports gear?! Find a 50% off deal and a size that fits her (belly) and buy it! We went to Albertson's the other day and I saw a great deal on some Mavs tees. They were half off of $16 and had a XL that is big enough to house Zander in. The cool part was, we noticed afterwards... the shirt was a replica of a Jason Kidd jersey.... his number is #2. Well we are having out "Kid" number "2". So it is a PERFECT pregancy shirt!

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HILLARIOUS!

Amy Poehler rapping for Palin on SNL... CLASSIC!

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I am a GD architect!

It is official dammit. I got my registration finally! Can you believe I am now the 20956th architect in Texas?? That means there are/were at least 20958 ego maniacs in this state! :-)

I am very excited to participate my very first "architect function" next week. It is the TSA Convention being held in Fort Worth. My entry fees were waved due to the fact that I am a new architect.

Damn I can get used to this title.

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