Day 81 (Thursday, August 31)

I cannot believe the month is over. Wow!

This month was pretty numb. I mean (haha), I got a chance to do a lot of cool things and hang out w/ some pretty cool people, but it was just too quick.

I laugh when I write “I mean” because it's one of the mannerisms that adorn my fair Anna. In her German-accent English she says “I mean” a lot. I didn't realize she was saying it a lot until I started saying it myself. I've caught myself saying that a few times within the last two weeks. I mean, I guess I really like the girl. So much that I am speaking like her. I wonder if her German skills can rub off on me, as well. We'll see.
Today I did not shoot a single image. I hung out in Vero Beach and had more than half dozen meetings. I hung out w/ a few cool photographers. Sarah, Sam and Molly took me to have Sushi tonight. I had a good time hanging w/ them and hearing about the way they do their photojournalism jobs here.

I got a chance to drive around town w/ Molly after dinner. I really like this place. I can see myself coming here someday and making it my home.

It reminds me a lot like San Angelo. We drove by the beach front and the stores were all closed by 7 p.m. Two restaurants were open, but they didn't seem full of people. The streets were quiet and allowed for a peaceful way to see the sunset over the 17th street bridge that serves as a causeway from the mainland into the small island-type strip.
My meetings, I think, went well. I enjoyed talking w/ all the professional journalists in the area.

I called my dad to check in and tell him about my meetings. He told me that he had talked to my uncle in Mexico. My uncle told him that he looked all over town for El Universal newspaper looking for my photo that ran in their newspaper. It was a funny story to hear and I can't wait to hear it from my uncle. Apparently, he looked all over the place for that day's newspaper but he didn't have any luck. Then someone told him of a man who saves every newspaper he reads. My uncle rode his bike over to talk to the man.

While at the man's house, my uncle browsed through all the newspapers until he found a photo w/ my by line: JULIO CORTEZ/AP!!!!!

“He was pretty excited,” dad said. “He was so excited that he thanked the man and took off running to the house. Once he was at home he ran in and said 'look! Look, Julys' photo is in the paper!!!' to everyone.

“After a few minutes of contemplating the image, someone asked your uncle: 'where's your bike?” and then he shouted “I forgot it at the man's house'.”

Hahaha! How sweet is that???

My family showing me some love and being proud for a big accomplishment. Wow!
As you can tell my family calls me Julys (pronounced “Who Lees”). It's a name I had since I was a baby. Only my family calls me that. Some people have tried to be part of my family by stealing the name and using it on me. It doesn't have the same effect. My family is my family. Their “Julys” call to me is genuine, full of love and w/o any negative feelings. To my family I am Julys. To the rest of the world I am Julio, the photo guy, the U.S. traveler, Dorkies, El Negro, Niggis, Who?Leo! and many other names. But only my family calls me Julys! ONLY!

Having the conversation w/ my dad was good. I told him how I felt being back in Florida and he told me about his latest attempt to work 30 days straight. That man is a true inspiration. He'll work his double shift for a month w/o complaint. He's a hard working immigrant. I am a hard working immigrant. My dad and I are the same person. We're best friends.

After the phone chat, I finished out the day by hanging out at the Chili's next door to the hotel. Watch the Miami Dolphins beat down the St. Louis Rams 29-9. I also caught a glimpse of the Colorado Rockies/NY Mets ball game. I am now closing out another trip to Florida, the second in two months, and closing out a quick month. September's here.

Time to start getting ready for the final stretch of the year.

Where has the year gone? Wow!

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