Been adding content. Being in Hawaii, there are lots of places that for whatever reason don't have photographs. I found a List of Hawaii state parks that seemed both not properly linked (eg, broken intrawiki links), and horribly underfilled. So we've been running around taking pictures. I actually looked at the wikipedia, and then a big map of Oahu, and decided to go to the places that needed the most attention. This means Sandy and I got a strenuous hike in today as we tried to catch the last light on Makapu'u. Going to hit some more temples this week and some state parks. It's very rewarding work.
I've been struggling with the photography. I have a Canon AE-1 (circa 1984), and a Canon Rebel (circa 2004), both celluloid. I'm getting grainier pictures from the AE-1 and I can't tell whether it's because the camera needs a thorough cleaning, or whether my own focusing is incorrect (the Rebel does it automatically, whereas the AE-1 is manual focus). I've also got a real lens disparity. The AE-1 is usually employed in telephoto (70-210) modes, while the Rebel is employed in mid-range (35-80). The Smithsonian offers photography classes, I may go and take one this summer to see if I can improve the quality of my photos.
Life
Yep, we got married. My wife is sleeping next to me while I read email, publish to the wikipedia, and post to advogato (jebus, it's 0130!). Sandy is okay with this. I think this is probably why we're married. :-)
Let me also say that I have been to christian weddings, and I've never really been moved by them. The whole "big crucified dead guy" hanging out in the room, the standing/kneeling/singing, everything made me uncomfortable. I cannot even put in to words how important it was for us to have a Buddhist ceremony. I had no idea going into it just how significant an event it would be. I thought I did, but I just don't think there's any way you can prepare yourself for the life changing effects of a marriage. I firmly believe that buddhism will influence every aspect of our lives: professional, personal, social. Tough to explain.
But, we did it! I miss all of you on the mainland, but I'll be back soon enough. I'll even have details on the Microsoft position. I've been getting lots of questions about it.
