AG in ABQ

The United States Attorney General was in Albuquerque this afternoon and made a stop in the office.

I had the chance to listen to his press conference and then a short 'rally the troops' speech to the staff.

Ok. I'm not a big fan of this Administration. And I'm pretty sure that the AG and I disagree on several key Constitutional issues. But, you know what I realized as I was considering skipping the photo opportunity after the speech?

It's not often that you get to introduce yourself and have your picture taken with a cabinet official. The AG shook my hand and said thank you for the good work. We posed for the camera and I had a genuine smile on my face.

And you, know what? I take a great picture. More importantly, I am doing good work and it's nice to be thanked. That's what matters.

But I did wash my hands after.

Work Continues to Interest Me...

Surprisingly so.

I didn't know how the summer would go but after eight weeks in the office I'm feeling pretty good about my time here, even if it means staying on through the fall semester. That is, I'll be staying on, if UNM would get its act together and let me know if I can visit. Talk about waiting until the last minute.

But my boss said I can stay on if UNM works out. That's great news and I'm excited to keep working on these cases, rather than letting them drop just because school is starting up again.

Pro Say's You...

The office is in laughing mood today. It seems that a pro se plaintiff has filed suit against two of the three 9th Circuit judges who turned down his recent appeal.

It seems that after being unable to secure a copy of either judge's certificate of appointment (via a FOIA request to the Department of Justice), the plaintiff has filed a lawsuit in district court alleging that the two judges are "engaged in the unlawful practice of law."

I kid you not.

That's the funny part.

The annoying part is that someone in the US Attorney's office now has to file a motion in response, wasting time and taxpayer money in the process.

Some people have way too much time on their hands.

Happy Birthday to You!

Inventory:

"The Green Chile Bible"
Weber 22 1/2 Grill
"High and Dry: The Texas-New Mexico Struggle for the Pecos River"
5 lbs. of Roasted Hatch Chiles
"Field Guide to the Sandia Mountains"
Chocolate Truffles (slightly melted)
Double Chocolate Cake (from Whole Foods)

Six birthday cards, nine phone calls and much love.

41 years and more of everything than I probably deserve.

Hmmm.. but then we should always get what we deserve.

And be grateful for it!

Still no word...

July 15th has come and gone.

Well only by a few hours but I can't sleep again and it's because UNM has yet to send me a letter accepting me as a visiting student.

I've called. I've written to make sure they know that I have a new address here in Albuquerque and a job through the end of the fall semester.

But only if they let me visit mind you. It's funny. I'm paying full out-of-state tuition and have to take every class pass/fail, as well as only register for classes that aren't already filled by UNM students.

So what's the big delay for a decision that should be pretty straight-forward?

Making sure I know who's boss I suppose is as good an answer as any.

The House is Ours!

After an annoying set of issues, one of which threatened to derail the closing. We've done it.

We finalized the deal today and now own a spectacular home in the east foothills. We're about 1300 feet above downtown (i.e. 6300 feet above sea level), have stunning views to the south and west, and enough room to finally enjoy ourselves at home.

Madison was tough not only because the house was small, but the neighbors were literally on top of us. Here, we've got room on both sides and more than 1/2 an acre to spread out on. Besides, we're not exactly living in student central anymore.

Not that I don't enjoy a three a.m. wake up from some drunk idiot who lost his key. Uh yeah...

It's quiet...

Oh so blessedly quiet...

Must be why I can't sleep!

How Much to See a Hole?

$15 bucks.

Did I pay it? Oh yeah baby.


Not much else to do between Flagstaff and Gallup except see the sights.

I think I want to rent Starman just to see it all over again.

4th of July in Humid Palm Springs

Yes humid. I went running twice during the week and if I'd closed my eyes (which I don't recommend while running mind you), I could have sworn I was back in northern Virginia or, gasp! Wisconsin.

It's the golf courses I'm told. All that water repeatedly being put in the air creates a humidity unexpected for a desert climate. Get this, it was 118 degrees and 85 percent humidity... good grief.

So, the grandparents, Trish and I headed up to Joshua Tree National Park for some heat/humidity relief. It was my grandparents first visit. Such a great feeling to have a couple of people in their late 80's/90 in awe by the sights in the park. I'm lucky. I do have a couple of the coolest grandparents a person could have.

Here are a few pics:

Timing is Everything

This is just fantastic. 2500 sq. feet, 1/2 acre, backing to public open space, views that you never get tired of uh.. viewing.





I think the previous owners put a lot of time and effort into getting the place ready to sell. It shows really well and the desert landscaping is recently installed.