It started out as research for a website design on Google, which led me to this site, which led me to just read a sampling of his blog, which led me to become a fan of his blog. You rock, Dave Mance.
A sample entry for your reading delight...
Creative cleansing
Is it just me or is anyone else finding it increasingly difficult to get work through?
Presumably this is a result of the recession and clients being more cautious with their budget. Whatever it is, I’m finding I have to do increasingly demeaning and sordid things to sell stuff in.
It’s got so bad now that Mrs RMWLC always knows when I’m presenting work because I’ll leave the house in tight shorts and a low-cut top.
Which is fine except I’m beginning to wonder how much further I can go. Even as I type this I’m sat at my desk in nothing but a negligee and it’s well draughty I can tell you.
But those I present to are constantly baying for more, licking their lips then dropping pens on the floor and demanding I slowly pick them up going “oooh ahhh”.
So what’s the answer?
The more I think about it, the more I believe that this is a time when our industry needs a new breed of creative. One that is less focussed on the work and more focussed on pointing at it seductively and pouting.
You can see things are already going that way. Junior creatives today are at least 10% better looking than their counterparts from a couple of years ago. And students now are generally expected to include a few glamour shots in their books. Otherwise, how does the CD know what you’re capable of?
But is there an ugly side to the beautiful creative department?
Of course we're told there’s still a place for the old-fashioned ugly, talented creative in the modern agency. What they don't mention is that that place is generally dark and windowless.
Here at Partners, we use the bike storage facility. Briefs are simply slipped under the door and scamps are passed back a few hours later. Then, the more aesthetically-pleasing creatives can present the work and our creative Quasimodos can do their job without scaring clients or small children.
But I can't help worrying there's a price to all this. Once I lose my youthful good looks and my firm thighs have begun to sag, will I also be cast into the darkness? Anyone?
Posted by real men write long copy at 12:45 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Monday, December 14, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Looking back briefly.
Going thru some older digital memory cards at work this morning and I found this picture. I'll always remember this moment - the look on Eleanor's face right after Isabella was born. Of course, we were both so happy and excited about Isa being born, but it was how beautiful and content El looked holding her first baby. I don't think I could ever catch another moment that will strike me as much.
Isa was awake for almost 2 hours looking around the room - not crying - but soaking in everything around her. I knew El wanted this moment so much. I was glad to have captured it.
Isa was awake for almost 2 hours looking around the room - not crying - but soaking in everything around her. I knew El wanted this moment so much. I was glad to have captured it.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
New Shoes for the G35
As a 10 Year Anniversary gift Eleanor bought me these brand new rims for my ride. I later bought Yokohamas to pimp them out. I felt after all my hard work the past 2 years I wanted to treat myself to some feel-good time. I dig em. Not too flashy, but just enough to make them not look stock. Sick.
Happy 1st Birthday Nicholas!
On the fly Eleanor and I were able to plan a nice weekend for my parents and Cher and her son, Gabriel's, visit to Orlando. Since they had to leave suddenly after Nico got sick over Father's Day weekend I had hoped to have a redo of the Silver Springs trip.
Let's start from the top shall we?
*the Reader's Digest Condensed Version no less...
So after 9 years of working for Golf Channel I had been playing with the idea of seeing what else what out there. I wasn't exactly looking for a job, but thru a series of lunch conversations and keeping in touch with people I was able to interview with a small boutique agency nearby that was in the market to create a design team for their Orlando office.
I quickly got my resume and portfolio together and met with said agency. We talked a few times over the course of a month and got along great! I was so used to the Comcast corporate monster mentality that a new environment was a much needed change of pace for me. Plus I was burned out of doing golf related design and animation.
Short story shorter I put in my resignation quietly to my boss Al Lagor. I pretty much kept it to myself for the remaining two weeks I was to be there. Eventually I told a couple of key people in my department my plan, but wanted to keep my exodus fairly lowkey. Of course, eventually somehow the news made its way around different departments all over the company - not saying it was these few key people. I seriously doubt they would do that. No it was some other unnamed source.
Plus I really didn't care to share great news like this with certain individuals in the group, whom I could give a crap about (tell us how you really feel Erick!). So slowly I told those who hadn't heard thru the grapevine yet. I really wanted to show my appreciation to the guys who supported me during my "learning-tv-animation-on-the -fly" period by taking them out to lunch individually.
Al had been a great boss, but I felt my career was taking another turn and I knew my choices would be limited there. Hughes taught me alot about the production end and how to shoot from the hip. Nasso and Van Horn were great examples of 2d and 3d artists who had a real passion for what they did. Hawkman and Brad made learning fun again. Even Emily, the freelancer, would be missed. No more all night conversations about demon-possessed top chefs.
Those two weeks I could slowly feel the weight of almost 10 years of Golf Channel slowly coming off my shoulders. I was excited about my new Art Director position at Caldwell Group. Sheri had been very accommodating to me and those first couple of months were grueling, but also very satisfying in a way I hadn't felt at Golf Channel in a long, long time.
I was charged with concepting and developing the new marketing look and feel with their largest client including the campaign to launch their brand, spanking new state-of-art rehab center. Exciting times. At the end of my three month period I was tired, but very pleased with what I had accomplished.
Things have slowed down for me to a nice pace at the agency and I'm settling into my role. My doctor said my blood pressure was up during that three month period, but was now even lower than it ever was previously. I enjoy the new work atmosphere, I feel good about the work I crank out, my colleagues are great people and now that my office is almost completely set up I am easing into my routine. I haven't had my own office since my earlier agency days so it's become almost therapeutic to make my little part of the world cozy and cool.
It's been a busy season. Pictures of the new digs to come soon!
So after 9 years of working for Golf Channel I had been playing with the idea of seeing what else what out there. I wasn't exactly looking for a job, but thru a series of lunch conversations and keeping in touch with people I was able to interview with a small boutique agency nearby that was in the market to create a design team for their Orlando office.
I quickly got my resume and portfolio together and met with said agency. We talked a few times over the course of a month and got along great! I was so used to the Comcast corporate monster mentality that a new environment was a much needed change of pace for me. Plus I was burned out of doing golf related design and animation.
Short story shorter I put in my resignation quietly to my boss Al Lagor. I pretty much kept it to myself for the remaining two weeks I was to be there. Eventually I told a couple of key people in my department my plan, but wanted to keep my exodus fairly lowkey. Of course, eventually somehow the news made its way around different departments all over the company - not saying it was these few key people. I seriously doubt they would do that. No it was some other unnamed source.
Plus I really didn't care to share great news like this with certain individuals in the group, whom I could give a crap about (tell us how you really feel Erick!). So slowly I told those who hadn't heard thru the grapevine yet. I really wanted to show my appreciation to the guys who supported me during my "learning-tv-animation-on-the -fly" period by taking them out to lunch individually.
Al had been a great boss, but I felt my career was taking another turn and I knew my choices would be limited there. Hughes taught me alot about the production end and how to shoot from the hip. Nasso and Van Horn were great examples of 2d and 3d artists who had a real passion for what they did. Hawkman and Brad made learning fun again. Even Emily, the freelancer, would be missed. No more all night conversations about demon-possessed top chefs.
Those two weeks I could slowly feel the weight of almost 10 years of Golf Channel slowly coming off my shoulders. I was excited about my new Art Director position at Caldwell Group. Sheri had been very accommodating to me and those first couple of months were grueling, but also very satisfying in a way I hadn't felt at Golf Channel in a long, long time.
I was charged with concepting and developing the new marketing look and feel with their largest client including the campaign to launch their brand, spanking new state-of-art rehab center. Exciting times. At the end of my three month period I was tired, but very pleased with what I had accomplished.
Things have slowed down for me to a nice pace at the agency and I'm settling into my role. My doctor said my blood pressure was up during that three month period, but was now even lower than it ever was previously. I enjoy the new work atmosphere, I feel good about the work I crank out, my colleagues are great people and now that my office is almost completely set up I am easing into my routine. I haven't had my own office since my earlier agency days so it's become almost therapeutic to make my little part of the world cozy and cool.
It's been a busy season. Pictures of the new digs to come soon!
I'm in over my head...
So much to do, so much to say, so much to post. Holy crap talk about getting getting overloaded with so much that you are floundering. I know I know. I keep saying it over and over and over, but I WILL GET THOS BLOG updated. Maybe next year. Nooooo....
I'll get there, but there's been so many great things happening and so much news to share. Where do I start? Oh I know where...
I'll get there, but there's been so many great things happening and so much news to share. Where do I start? Oh I know where...
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Nocturnal.
(Not so uncommon for me nowadays) I awoke from my sleep on the couch to find the house quiet, late at night with everyone off to bed. Isa has made it a habit now to sleep in our bed, which I both hate/love. There's something nice at night feeling little feet in your face or having her little hand draped over my neck. But in the morning when they awake it's not so cool to have someone in your ear loudly asking for "chocolate milk" or to "watch cartoons".
Tonight, though, I sleepily got off the couch to walk over to the kids room. It was almost 2am and just wanted to peek over to see how they were (my nightly ritual). Isa, of course, had ignored my warning to stay in her bed and was missing from the room - she's in our bed passed out with her mom. Nico Boy, on the other hand, is sound asleep with his shirt slightly tossed up and his belly poking out.
Tonight, though, I sleepily got off the couch to walk over to the kids room. It was almost 2am and just wanted to peek over to see how they were (my nightly ritual). Isa, of course, had ignored my warning to stay in her bed and was missing from the room - she's in our bed passed out with her mom. Nico Boy, on the other hand, is sound asleep with his shirt slightly tossed up and his belly poking out.
Against all better judgement I couldn't resist picking him up and holding him in my office chair as he snoozed on my shoulder. I know the next morning before I head out the door to work he'll greet me with a smile and a "da!" For now I'm pretty content just holding him. It's dark in the room. The ceiling fan quietly spins blowing a lazy breeze. His hand is draped on my neck and he stirs for a moment to look at me and then settles his head back onto my shoulder as I rub his back. I can feel his warm belly against my chest as he snores quietly in my ear. This is probably one of the more satisfying moments I can remember recently.
Whodathunk that I'd be a complete sucker for a couple of little kids who constantly needed their butts wiped, toys cleaned up after, and monitored like a hawk at all moments? I was the last person 10 years ago. The things they say, the things they do, watching them grow impress me daily. At night watching them sleep, though, makes me feel complete.
Whodathunk that I'd be a complete sucker for a couple of little kids who constantly needed their butts wiped, toys cleaned up after, and monitored like a hawk at all moments? I was the last person 10 years ago. The things they say, the things they do, watching them grow impress me daily. At night watching them sleep, though, makes me feel complete.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Show Off
I know I'm biased, but damn this kid is cute! Taken a couple of weeks ago when I was changing Nico Boy's diapers he surprised me by standing straight up while I reached over to grab a wipe for his butt one morning.
This is probably one of those photos he'll hate me for later for posting for all to see. Either way my little boy is growing up!
This is probably one of those photos he'll hate me for later for posting for all to see. Either way my little boy is growing up!
Where the Wild Things Are
As a small boy I've always loved this book. It's one of the first book I read that had illustrations that really appealed to me. I guess I could relate to Max's naughty and imaginative nature. It's probably one of the things that led me to really get into fine art and thus into art direction and design. I even (sheepishly) admit to indulging myself into Todd McFarlane's Where the Wild Things Are figures a few years ago. I also admit to exposing my children to anything that held fond memories for me as a child - Disney World, Sinatra and Nat King Cole, drawing and painting, whatever.
I was pretty stoked to hear that Where the Wild Things Are was going to be made into a movie awhile back. After the movie opening a couple of weeks ago El had been prepping Isa by reading her the book before bed for the past two weeks. This is the same thing we did when Pixar's Wall-E was about to come out to help familiarize herself to it. Same goes for Disney. Anyways, it was a great way to get her to watch something I personally wanted to see without her losing interest or getting fidgety in the theater (yes...I work that way).
This morning I went to her room to find her "reading" the book to herself. Tonight was the night! After work we had a tasty anitpasto dinner El prepared and drove the kids out to see it. Spike Jonze's version of it remained true to the book imagery. Even Max was spot on to how I thought he should be although a little older. Nico was passed out, but Isa held her attention for the most part. I thought it was GREAT. Definitely a little more (surprisingly) graphic than I imagined at times but still true to form. I thought Spike managed to successfully "extend" the movie out - a difficult task considering the actual length of Maurice Sendak's book. The Wild Things even got a little scary at times with what they were capable of doing. Overall, great flick. Just not necessarily a kid flick - just a flick about a kid.
I was pretty stoked to hear that Where the Wild Things Are was going to be made into a movie awhile back. After the movie opening a couple of weeks ago El had been prepping Isa by reading her the book before bed for the past two weeks. This is the same thing we did when Pixar's Wall-E was about to come out to help familiarize herself to it. Same goes for Disney. Anyways, it was a great way to get her to watch something I personally wanted to see without her losing interest or getting fidgety in the theater (yes...I work that way).
This morning I went to her room to find her "reading" the book to herself. Tonight was the night! After work we had a tasty anitpasto dinner El prepared and drove the kids out to see it. Spike Jonze's version of it remained true to the book imagery. Even Max was spot on to how I thought he should be although a little older. Nico was passed out, but Isa held her attention for the most part. I thought it was GREAT. Definitely a little more (surprisingly) graphic than I imagined at times but still true to form. I thought Spike managed to successfully "extend" the movie out - a difficult task considering the actual length of Maurice Sendak's book. The Wild Things even got a little scary at times with what they were capable of doing. Overall, great flick. Just not necessarily a kid flick - just a flick about a kid.
It's Official Now...Fall is Upon Us.
We've kind of made it a tradition with us to kick off the cooler season by taking the kid(s) every year to the Celebration's Pumpkin Patch for photo ops and to take in some nice, cool(er) night air. This being Nicholas' first year we were able to capture some moments. As Isabella gets older she has grown to appreciate these types of things more.
She has definitely become more sociable with people. Before she would be shyer around most people with the exception of anyone who seemed like a "mom-type". Now she talks to everyone. She's even started to warm up again to her daddy's camera and would throw in a pose or two if coerced with the proper reward. Ice cream afterwards perhaps.
Nico Boy on the other hand is a true natural and seems to just enjoy being around new environments and experiences. Such a simple, happy boy he's always been very easy to please and I've discovered that he cries if he thinks you're mad at him. This, of course, is easy pickings when I want to see how cute he is when he's upset (sadistic - I know).
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Chasing My Tail
That's what it's been feeling like these past few months. So much has been going on and I want to write about it, but things have been too busy to even do that. I've spent a few hours writing here and there and even have new photos ready to go. Just when I think I can sit down and collect my thoughts something new happens. Good and bad. A lot of new developments in my life and I need to get cracking on it before I start to lose any kind of chronological order to it. I'll get there I know it. Just need to focus...
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Amidst all the stress there is still light at the end of the tunnel. Nooo not that light...
This weekend was a productive one. There's lots to be done at the house, but oddly enough it's the kind of work that makes me feel that I'm in control again. Too many things have been happening that has made me edgy and confrontational. Cross me the wrong way I was likely to get in your face and start smacking you around. I'm not talking about my family : )
This weekend was a project weekend. Fix the electrical wiring on the dishwasher, put the aquarium back together, clear out my old clothes (who am I kidding? They're too small now!), and general cleaning which managed to do alot of - I was just finishing the last touches. For weeks I've been resodding the front lawn and both cars got a much needed cleaning. El cleared out stuff waiting for a pickup out of our garage so we reclaimed that space. Carpets were steamed, computers were back online. More things to check off the mental laundry list. It felt good. Oh and I made El very happy by working on a new dish she loved. So much, in fact, she asked me to make it again Sunday night as well - spicy shrimp & grits. A twist of a southern dish and Vickery's Seaffod Saute with an asian twist. A little smoked paprika, siracha, creamy slow cooked grits and sweet white shrimp...mmm.
And just like paid tv advertising I can blurt out "BUT WAIT! There's more!" I got a call last week that certainly lifted my spirits. Another project I've been "working" on that also solves one of my biggest headaches. That story will play out soon enough. Slowly, but surely, our lives will straighten out the messes and we can get back to being a normal family again.
As we sipped on a beer after a long, hard weekend El and I relaxed in our family room with the lights out listening to some music and watching the fish in the newly stocked and cleaned tank. I can only think of the day's events with the kids. Those two knuckleheads only make me smile. Sure I get mad sometimes, but I love them. Nico Boy's smile and twinkling eyes makes me laugh, especially when he stands at his crib in the morning to greet me. His new learned thing is to wave at you and say in his quiet, husky voice "hiiiii"! His mother gave him a new nickname, "Killik Boy". The name has stuck and my parents have adopted it as well for him. In our weird filipino family slang language it roughly means "He Who Wants You To Carry Him Everywhere".
His big sister loves to goad him into screaming matches with her. Isabella's vocabulary has expanded greatly. Her baby talk is almost completely gone now. She surprised me this weekend when I was upset with her for being too rough with Nicholas. She looked at me later and said "I'm sorry you're mad at me, daddy". She then hugged my leg and kissed me. Then she kissed her brother and gave him a big hug and said "I'm sorry Nicholas". How could I be angry with THAT???
Later on she realized her beloved bunny was missing and accusingly said " Daddy did you take bunny? DID YOU???" Yes I did. He was being washed and I pulled him out of dryer to give to her. She squealed happily, kissed him on the nose and promptly flipped him over and asked me "Is this bunny's butt"? Hahaha! What a clown.
I feel pretty good.
This weekend was a project weekend. Fix the electrical wiring on the dishwasher, put the aquarium back together, clear out my old clothes (who am I kidding? They're too small now!), and general cleaning which managed to do alot of - I was just finishing the last touches. For weeks I've been resodding the front lawn and both cars got a much needed cleaning. El cleared out stuff waiting for a pickup out of our garage so we reclaimed that space. Carpets were steamed, computers were back online. More things to check off the mental laundry list. It felt good. Oh and I made El very happy by working on a new dish she loved. So much, in fact, she asked me to make it again Sunday night as well - spicy shrimp & grits. A twist of a southern dish and Vickery's Seaffod Saute with an asian twist. A little smoked paprika, siracha, creamy slow cooked grits and sweet white shrimp...mmm.
And just like paid tv advertising I can blurt out "BUT WAIT! There's more!" I got a call last week that certainly lifted my spirits. Another project I've been "working" on that also solves one of my biggest headaches. That story will play out soon enough. Slowly, but surely, our lives will straighten out the messes and we can get back to being a normal family again.
As we sipped on a beer after a long, hard weekend El and I relaxed in our family room with the lights out listening to some music and watching the fish in the newly stocked and cleaned tank. I can only think of the day's events with the kids. Those two knuckleheads only make me smile. Sure I get mad sometimes, but I love them. Nico Boy's smile and twinkling eyes makes me laugh, especially when he stands at his crib in the morning to greet me. His new learned thing is to wave at you and say in his quiet, husky voice "hiiiii"! His mother gave him a new nickname, "Killik Boy". The name has stuck and my parents have adopted it as well for him. In our weird filipino family slang language it roughly means "He Who Wants You To Carry Him Everywhere".
His big sister loves to goad him into screaming matches with her. Isabella's vocabulary has expanded greatly. Her baby talk is almost completely gone now. She surprised me this weekend when I was upset with her for being too rough with Nicholas. She looked at me later and said "I'm sorry you're mad at me, daddy". She then hugged my leg and kissed me. Then she kissed her brother and gave him a big hug and said "I'm sorry Nicholas". How could I be angry with THAT???
Later on she realized her beloved bunny was missing and accusingly said " Daddy did you take bunny? DID YOU???" Yes I did. He was being washed and I pulled him out of dryer to give to her. She squealed happily, kissed him on the nose and promptly flipped him over and asked me "Is this bunny's butt"? Hahaha! What a clown.
I feel pretty good.
It's Been A Rough Season
It's been a rough season. One incident after another for us. Just can't seem to catch a break. No matter how hard El and I try to save some money or get something accomplished our plans are thwarted by some assclown(s), which in turn costs us more money.
Over a week ago I got a call around lunchtime from a hysterical wife. All I heard was "there are men in the house!" WTF?!? I dashed out of work and told her to get out of the house. By the time I got there police were going through the house to make sure no one was still around and people were being questioned.
As Eleanor was pulling into our driveway with the kids a van was sitting there. She pulls up and he backs out with a nod to her. She thinks it's someone who got lost and was turning around. Turns out he was the getaway driver/lookout and two other a$$h*les broke in thru our french doors to rob the place. Also turns out that they were doing this to alot of homes over a long period of time. All three had spent time previously for drugs and burglary.
Our house was ransacked. El came home to find our electronics piled up by the front door inside. With the two kids in hand it was lucky she didn't run into the culprits. What they did manage to take was all the high end jewelry, a laptop and some other small electronics. El was pretty devastated and I was ready to kill someone.
Luckily neighbors were able to get a plate number and ID the bad guys. Thursday they were arrested for breaking into another home. While they are still in jail our lives have been a mess. They'll be out in a few years to terrorize more people I'm sure. Unfortunately the law works for criminals like these guys as well. If it's drugs they want. I say save us the money, time and resources. Lock them in a room with all the drugs they want and let them kill themselves. They're just a waste of space.
Over a week ago I got a call around lunchtime from a hysterical wife. All I heard was "there are men in the house!" WTF?!? I dashed out of work and told her to get out of the house. By the time I got there police were going through the house to make sure no one was still around and people were being questioned.
As Eleanor was pulling into our driveway with the kids a van was sitting there. She pulls up and he backs out with a nod to her. She thinks it's someone who got lost and was turning around. Turns out he was the getaway driver/lookout and two other a$$h*les broke in thru our french doors to rob the place. Also turns out that they were doing this to alot of homes over a long period of time. All three had spent time previously for drugs and burglary.
Our house was ransacked. El came home to find our electronics piled up by the front door inside. With the two kids in hand it was lucky she didn't run into the culprits. What they did manage to take was all the high end jewelry, a laptop and some other small electronics. El was pretty devastated and I was ready to kill someone.
Luckily neighbors were able to get a plate number and ID the bad guys. Thursday they were arrested for breaking into another home. While they are still in jail our lives have been a mess. They'll be out in a few years to terrorize more people I'm sure. Unfortunately the law works for criminals like these guys as well. If it's drugs they want. I say save us the money, time and resources. Lock them in a room with all the drugs they want and let them kill themselves. They're just a waste of space.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Bunny's Adventure
That Isa Pisa will never learn not to bring Bunny with her on trips. By sheer luck and Daddy running around trying to get the kids to their latest doctor's appointment in MetroWest Isa snuck her beloved Bunny into the car and into the doctor's office without me noticing. At least I didn't notice until we were already there. And, of course, she forgot it sitting on a bench or the floor during Nico's checkup. It wasn't until alter that evening before bed that she "couldn't find Bunny". Backtracking I remembered seeing it last at the pediatrician's - she insisted it must still be in the SUV. Tired already from rushing around I wasn't jumping thru hoops to rush and retrieve him. I had to make up some cockamamie story about how she left him and he was crying and sitting alone at the doctor's in the dark - he'd have to make his way home on the mean streets of Orlando!
At lunch today I drove out to get her precious Bunny, whom she kept asking for all weekend. I thought it might build some excitement for her as I kept texting her mom "snapshots" of Bunny making his way home. First, it was leaving the pediatrician's to get to a bus stop, which he rode all the way to daddy's office. Then he had to make the trek in the hot sun stopping momentarily to get a drink and sit in some shade. Afterwards, he chilled at daddy's office in some A/C to catch a ride the rest of the way home. And lastly. in the safety of his bed waiting for his absent-minded pal, Isa.
That Isa...
At lunch today I drove out to get her precious Bunny, whom she kept asking for all weekend. I thought it might build some excitement for her as I kept texting her mom "snapshots" of Bunny making his way home. First, it was leaving the pediatrician's to get to a bus stop, which he rode all the way to daddy's office. Then he had to make the trek in the hot sun stopping momentarily to get a drink and sit in some shade. Afterwards, he chilled at daddy's office in some A/C to catch a ride the rest of the way home. And lastly. in the safety of his bed waiting for his absent-minded pal, Isa.
That Isa...
A Tribute To A True Genius
So I know it's overkill at this point, but it's worthy of a mention at least. The world (or at least Floridians) were shocked to learn that a 21st century icon passed away recently. Billy Mays, of OxiClean fame (amongst others), was found unresponsive at his Tampa home Sunday. I was actually a fan of his new show, Pitchmen, on Discovery Channel. His loud persona was easily recognizable to millions of people from his As Seen on TV products. Not trying to make light of the situation since we've recently experienced alot of tragedies recently, but this clip was found on YouTube. Just thought a little laughter might help. It's brilliant.
Oh and Tito (or was it Jermaine?) passed away, too, in case you haven't heard...
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Time Flies When You're Getting Old...
I was just struck by how fast time has gone by with the addition of the two little ones. I would've never thought that I would be the father of two great kids. The house can get quite messy with toys and books everywhere. The TV is always turned to Disney or Cartoon Network. The diaper pail never fails to make me gag. I wash poop and urine with an ungloved hand. I get very little sleep compared to a few years ago. I don't get to do hardly any of the things that I used to love doing and my once decent paycheck never seems to last as long as it used to - it goes to formula, Dora Campbell Soups, diapers, kid's clothing and the occasional toy. I don't mind any of it...much. LOL!
Twinkle Twinkle
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527
Nicholas is more the opposite of his sister. He's very easy going and doesn't seem to let his emotions get the best of him. Even when he's sick he still finds the strength to smile and when he does there's a definite twinkle in his eye. He's got a nice shaped head - a byproduct of a very fast delivery I imagine (5 minutes). His goofy little smile displays two bottom teeth and his laugh is addictive. He's got a HUGE appetite and will grow to be pretty strong. He'll end up being the big little brother. He's recently learned to stand up by pulling himself up at not even 10 months old yet. Since discovering he can coordinate his arms and legs he is everywhere.
Top 5 New Developments of Isabella
1.) Speaks ALOT, but is still shy around people.
2.) Her memory of lessons is retained more easily
3.) Has taken on more of the big sister role ("Don't cry Nico", "Don't touch Nico! Here take this!", "Aaww...(kissing Nico on the cheek)"
4.) More helpful..,when the mood strikes her or ice cream is involved
5.) Negotiates EVERYTHING with her parents first
1.) Speaks ALOT, but is still shy around people.
2.) Her memory of lessons is retained more easily
3.) Has taken on more of the big sister role ("Don't cry Nico", "Don't touch Nico! Here take this!", "Aaww...(kissing Nico on the cheek)"
4.) More helpful..,when the mood strikes her or ice cream is involved
5.) Negotiates EVERYTHING with her parents first
Top 5 New Developments of Nico Boy
1.) Can pull himself up to standing now
2.) Usually very happy and easy to smile and laugh
3.) Hustles everywhere on hands and knees
4.) Starting to be quite the clothes horse like his big sister
5.) Learned to say "Da!" first before "Ma!" (order of importance is key here)
1.) Can pull himself up to standing now
2.) Usually very happy and easy to smile and laugh
3.) Hustles everywhere on hands and knees
4.) Starting to be quite the clothes horse like his big sister
5.) Learned to say "Da!" first before "Ma!" (order of importance is key here)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
24 Hour Pharmacy My Ass...
I can count about 4-5 CVS Pharmacys in a 2 mile radius around our house that opened within the last year or so (an that's not including the 3 Walgreens directly across the street from them). Two of which are 24 hour locations. 24 hour my ass. Glad to see that CVS has dumped millions of dollars into opening so many stinking locations near us and aren't even available when you really need them. Hey CVS how are all your layoffs going? I'm sure the money wasted opening all those useless locations are really making your shareholders really happy.
Some pitiful high school kids are sitting in there right now doing absolutely nothing while getting paid minimum wage to ring up the one drunk a$$hole that shows up for his cigarettes, Rockstar energy drink and Doritoes at 3:30 am. Way to go CVS for the poor money and time mismanagement.
Once again my little boy has a fever from a respiratory infection from his crappy daycare. I had to leave work early at rush hour, drive past downtown, pick him up and his sister, drive all the way to the doctor's office in Metrowest, leave an hour later to drive thru a hard thunderstorm to let my parents in the house who drove down from SC to visit, treat my son with the nebulizer every 4 hours throughout the night and get up at 4am to refill his samples from the doctor before he had to go back for his appointment at 1:45pm only to find out that the 24 hour CVS Pharmacy is CLOSED until 8am. You dickheads.
Don't mind me. I'm just tired and cranky.
•UPDATE•
We got back from his 2nd doctor's appointment ...What was supposed to be a nice Father's Day weekend was quickly interrupted by Nico's unfortunate bout with Influenza A or as the doctor put it "flu season is over so it's safe to say it's Swine Flu." The doctor said the CDC has loosened up their belt on submitting samples for swine flu testing.Treatments for both types of flu are the same and he seems to be making a turn for the better after his steroid shot. After about 2 1/2 days his fever has broken and he has gotten much of his appetite back, although he still has the nasty, wet cough that we can't seem to shake despite our best efforts with the nebulizer every 4 hours. We're both pretty exhausted.
Eleanor (thankfully and unfortunately) had to cancel her trip to Connecticut to see her sister's new baby girl, Mia. Sorry Lalaine and Joe. We had to eat the cost of much of the plane ticket - even with a medical emergency such as this it's nice to know that the airlines still have their hands out for money. Also, we had to eat the cost of about $350 of medications for Tamiflu and my parents were forced to go back to SC after only two days because of dad's heart condition - if he caught the flu it would be doubly hard for him to recover well from it. So sorry mom and dad. I know it was a tough decision to leave, but it really was for the best. I wish we could've spent more time together.
Our planned trip to SIlver Springs and the Sunday cookout is obviously cancelled. The biggest news now is that Eleanor and I have decided to cancel the kids daycare. It just isn't worth it to see Nicholas so sick all the time. We'll just have to tighten the financial belt even more as El will be forced to go back to being part-time at the hospital. Tomorrow I pick up their belongings at the daycare. Good riddance!
I just hope we get good news from the doctor tomorrow afternoon about Nico's condition.
Some pitiful high school kids are sitting in there right now doing absolutely nothing while getting paid minimum wage to ring up the one drunk a$$hole that shows up for his cigarettes, Rockstar energy drink and Doritoes at 3:30 am. Way to go CVS for the poor money and time mismanagement.
Once again my little boy has a fever from a respiratory infection from his crappy daycare. I had to leave work early at rush hour, drive past downtown, pick him up and his sister, drive all the way to the doctor's office in Metrowest, leave an hour later to drive thru a hard thunderstorm to let my parents in the house who drove down from SC to visit, treat my son with the nebulizer every 4 hours throughout the night and get up at 4am to refill his samples from the doctor before he had to go back for his appointment at 1:45pm only to find out that the 24 hour CVS Pharmacy is CLOSED until 8am. You dickheads.
Don't mind me. I'm just tired and cranky.
•UPDATE•
We got back from his 2nd doctor's appointment ...What was supposed to be a nice Father's Day weekend was quickly interrupted by Nico's unfortunate bout with Influenza A or as the doctor put it "flu season is over so it's safe to say it's Swine Flu." The doctor said the CDC has loosened up their belt on submitting samples for swine flu testing.Treatments for both types of flu are the same and he seems to be making a turn for the better after his steroid shot. After about 2 1/2 days his fever has broken and he has gotten much of his appetite back, although he still has the nasty, wet cough that we can't seem to shake despite our best efforts with the nebulizer every 4 hours. We're both pretty exhausted.
Eleanor (thankfully and unfortunately) had to cancel her trip to Connecticut to see her sister's new baby girl, Mia. Sorry Lalaine and Joe. We had to eat the cost of much of the plane ticket - even with a medical emergency such as this it's nice to know that the airlines still have their hands out for money. Also, we had to eat the cost of about $350 of medications for Tamiflu and my parents were forced to go back to SC after only two days because of dad's heart condition - if he caught the flu it would be doubly hard for him to recover well from it. So sorry mom and dad. I know it was a tough decision to leave, but it really was for the best. I wish we could've spent more time together.
Our planned trip to SIlver Springs and the Sunday cookout is obviously cancelled. The biggest news now is that Eleanor and I have decided to cancel the kids daycare. It just isn't worth it to see Nicholas so sick all the time. We'll just have to tighten the financial belt even more as El will be forced to go back to being part-time at the hospital. Tomorrow I pick up their belongings at the daycare. Good riddance!
I just hope we get good news from the doctor tomorrow afternoon about Nico's condition.
Birthday/ Memorial Day Week
I'll never second guess El again about planning a trip. Weeks prior to the said weekend event she had been asking me what I wanted to do or where to go. I did want to take advantage of the long holiday weekend, but I was trying to make smart decisions about money spending. Things have been tight and I didn't want to shoot ourselves in the foot financially speaking, but we REALLY needed to take some time off. Not including day trips here and there and the occasional weekender to Charleston we really hadn't been anywhere in over two years.
It certainly would've been great to get out of our routine and step away from the day-to-day. After giving her a hard time (with the bad rainy weather we'd been having for weeks) she pulled the trigger on a beach condo in Siesta Key. Memorial Weekend, summer break for kids, extremely rainy weather - I wasn't expecting much, but anytime away from Orlando would be a nice change of pace. I even planned B'd alot of other things to do there in case it poured cats and dogs (as I expected). I was going to make the most of the trip.
Two days prior we shopped out our "supplies" for the 4 days at the beach. It took a long time to get the truck packed the night before...chairs, coolers, luggage, toys, backpacks, and every other "necessity" you could think of. By the time I was done it looked like we were going for a month, not 4 days. With two little kids I figured it best to do breakfast every morning at the condo and spend the lunches and dinners out. This way we could spend every morning in the water and sand before it filled up with all the hungover fools from the night before and do the sightseeing while everyone was at the beach.
IMG_2400
The view was terrific, though, on the seventh floor. We quickly changed into bathing suits and brought our beach gear down to the beach. Even for it being after 3pm the private beach wasn't crazy crowded, the water was warm and the sand like powder. I could get used to this.
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