30 November 2003 - 22:06

Charspider is a magnificent human being and unbelievably generous of his time and resources.

He drove us to Wheel's family's Thanksgiving shindig, and didn't even stay for supper (although we missed him and wished he could have). My first Thanksgiving away from my own family was nonetheless still quite pleasant, surrounded by my fun and effusively caring other family. I played blocks and balls with tiny cousins-in-law. I toppled dominos in the garage. I ate a whole bunch, and helped clean up afterwards.

Friday was spent bussing back home, which of course took a large chunk of the day, but provided time to talk extensively with Wheel and to re-read Hackers. I last read it seven years ago, and it is true to memory. I have much more context now than I did then.

Saturday was spent videotaping a wedding with Sam. First I got up and found appropriately formal and warm clothing, courtesy of Goodwill. Then I bussed on down and worked for several hours. Last weekend I videotaped a Catholic ordination ceremony (!) with him and then did some modeling. Yesterday's wedding was actually my first non-Catholic videography gig. It was a really fun wedding. Pleasant ceremony, good food, live swamp-rock band. Someone (Wheel? Platty?) please remind me to bring earplugs the next time I'm videotaping a wedding. I was lucky in the spot that I got for taping the band this time, but I might not be next time (for the Ritz Carlton reception, I was right next to the speakers, and it sucked). I am really paranoid about my hearing.

And today I've finally been at home and able to do the things that I do when I am at home. The Marine Mammal conference is in less than two weeks. I'm excitced/nervous. I haven't traveled alone much, and it's extra business during a busy time of year. But Mmmm, my first professional conference. A whole week of my friends and mentors talking about my favorite subject. Sounds good to me....