I'm guessing that we'll be able to visit her by the third trimester. Not soon enough. It was great to see our little girl again since the last ultrasound. Since that time I'd been itching to see how she has progressed. Hell even El took home a doppler from work to check on the baby's heartbeat.
Randal from work is busy digitzing the VHS tape of Isabella so I can post it on the blogger in a week or so. The long version is really for the family, but the short version will feature a little music and possibly a 30 second mpeg of her in mommy's belly. Thanks man!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Monday, July 10, 2006
The Money Pit
This weekend was spent repairing/updating the boat. I opted out of putting in a CD player and speakers. My iPod and weatherproof Speakercase worked great last time. I never use the radios so it would have been a complete waste.
Anthony at Antonietti Marine is trading out a gps/fishfinder for a logo design for magnetic logos, decals, hats, shirts, etc. May not be top-of-the-line but it'll do. He's also sending me some small accessories/missing components for the boat and will keep an eye out for a seat back for the front cooler bench.
So far I managed to remove the cheesy looking vinyl boat maker stickers on the sides so I can redesign better looking ones and have my vendor at Triangle Repro output me some better, cleaner ones. I also ended up cleaning off the stainless steel railings and removing some of the rust stains on the boat. I also managed to attach the anchor roller mount.
The access hatch in the bow was missing a door so I made my way to Boater's World to pick up a new one. I thought it might be a quick repair, but ended up having to cut away at the fiberglass with my jigsaw to fit it in. Much much better. A quick rinse down and I called it a day. Hopefully later this week I'll be able to use the orbital waxer with a wax restorer.
Anthony at Antonietti Marine is trading out a gps/fishfinder for a logo design for magnetic logos, decals, hats, shirts, etc. May not be top-of-the-line but it'll do. He's also sending me some small accessories/missing components for the boat and will keep an eye out for a seat back for the front cooler bench.
So far I managed to remove the cheesy looking vinyl boat maker stickers on the sides so I can redesign better looking ones and have my vendor at Triangle Repro output me some better, cleaner ones. I also ended up cleaning off the stainless steel railings and removing some of the rust stains on the boat. I also managed to attach the anchor roller mount.
The access hatch in the bow was missing a door so I made my way to Boater's World to pick up a new one. I thought it might be a quick repair, but ended up having to cut away at the fiberglass with my jigsaw to fit it in. Much much better. A quick rinse down and I called it a day. Hopefully later this week I'll be able to use the orbital waxer with a wax restorer.
There's still more to be ddone, but Ihave to take things in stride. It's easy to see how you can get swept away with all the small projects and repairs on a boat. It's definitely a money pit, but something I can focus on that's different from the daily grind.
My Uncle Ernie and family are coming possibly next week and I'd like to get it squared away. The registration plate comes in a couple of weeks, but I hope sooner so I don't have to worry about using the trailer illegally if they maange to come in next weekend.
Next concern is storage. I found a place that I can store it outside for about $50 a month. Not bad. Oooh what next...
Oh and Wednesday, El and I will find out if we have a boy or a girl...
My Uncle Ernie and family are coming possibly next week and I'd like to get it squared away. The registration plate comes in a couple of weeks, but I hope sooner so I don't have to worry about using the trailer illegally if they maange to come in next weekend.
Next concern is storage. I found a place that I can store it outside for about $50 a month. Not bad. Oooh what next...
Oh and Wednesday, El and I will find out if we have a boy or a girl...
Thursday, July 06, 2006
You Guys Ready For A "Three Hour Tour"? Lemme Finish This Beer First...
I wanted a motorcycle. El said "get yourself a larger life insurance policy and a coffin first."
Then I threatened to trade in the Acura MDX for a more gas conservative car ("even a Mercedes if you like" trying to bribe her a little). "You better not!" she hit back.
Well I want SOMETHING for fun. So we settled on a boat. Nothing new, although she tempted me with a brand new 20-footer. Nah nah. We need training wheels so we headed out to Port Richey north of Tampa to see a guy about a horse.
Anthony at Antoinetti Marine set me up with a 19' 2001 Pro Sports Center Console with a Johnson 150 Oceanrunner. Dinged a little, but the sea trial the next weekend with Paul proved satisfying. I was able to haggle him down $500 from his asking price which sealed the deal. $300 for a Coast Guard Kit and a few necessities got me started.
Fourth of July we were heading to Cocoa Beach for the Fourth of July...
Then I threatened to trade in the Acura MDX for a more gas conservative car ("even a Mercedes if you like" trying to bribe her a little). "You better not!" she hit back.
Well I want SOMETHING for fun. So we settled on a boat. Nothing new, although she tempted me with a brand new 20-footer. Nah nah. We need training wheels so we headed out to Port Richey north of Tampa to see a guy about a horse.
Anthony at Antoinetti Marine set me up with a 19' 2001 Pro Sports Center Console with a Johnson 150 Oceanrunner. Dinged a little, but the sea trial the next weekend with Paul proved satisfying. I was able to haggle him down $500 from his asking price which sealed the deal. $300 for a Coast Guard Kit and a few necessities got me started.
Fourth of July we were heading to Cocoa Beach for the Fourth of July...
Ingrid, Sanne and Paul joined us for the day.We left Orlando by around 11am and by 1230 we were on the water. Cocoa BEach was not that far at all. Surprising since it was the Fourth of July, the races were in Daytona and the space shuttle was launching this day. By the time we were launching from the ramp tons of people were lined up with their trucks trying to get out into tthe water.
Here Ingrid and El have lunch of sub sandwiches and watermelon. The water was warm and the water packed with boats of different sizes. Some tunes on the iPod played as we all relaxed in the warm weather.
Here Ingrid and El have lunch of sub sandwiches and watermelon. The water was warm and the water packed with boats of different sizes. Some tunes on the iPod played as we all relaxed in the warm weather.
With what seemed like 4 (actually 5) launchpads on the horizon we almost missed the shuttle take off! While everyone was watching straight ahead (we're all cattle - we just follow the crowd) the shuttle was counting down to the LEFT of us. I've seen shuttles launch before from Orlando as a tiny speck of fire high in the sky, but this was totally different. Very cool.
As the last launch of this type of space shuttle takeoff it was history in the making. In a matter of seconds the craft was gone. 20 seconds later you could hear the sonic boom high into the atmosphere.
As the last launch of this type of space shuttle takeoff it was history in the making. In a matter of seconds the craft was gone. 20 seconds later you could hear the sonic boom high into the atmosphere.
After the shuttle launched we decided to head out of the bay and see what the Johnson 150 could do. Full throttle we were able to hit 42 mph no prob. Pretty awesome. Had to take it easy tho for the new mom - no Shaken Baby Syndrome here. All I need to do it seems it get the body cleaned up to more of my liking and adding a few accessories. The iPod and speakercase setup worked great and prevented any possible chance of theft since I can removie it easily. Antoinetti Marine may even do a tradeout for a GPS/Fishfinder if I do a little design work for them. Every little penny saved helps in this moneypit. But it's oh so nice...
Ya'll Know The Legendary Roots Crew
Saturday evening Ed and I bought tickets to catch The
Roots and Common perform at the House of Blues. Brian
and Asheman managed to meet up before Jean Grey
finished her set - they didn't miss too much.
The House of Blues itself is a great venue for music.
It's not quite as overwhelming as Hard Rock Cafe Live
and not as crappily laid out like say Silver Spurs
Arena or TD Waterhouse. It's a nice, venue with not a
bad seat in it.
Roots and Common perform at the House of Blues. Brian
and Asheman managed to meet up before Jean Grey
finished her set - they didn't miss too much.
The House of Blues itself is a great venue for music.
It's not quite as overwhelming as Hard Rock Cafe Live
and not as crappily laid out like say Silver Spurs
Arena or TD Waterhouse. It's a nice, venue with not a
bad seat in it.
Once The Roots got started they rocked the mic with
some older tunes and some newer stuff. The highlight
for me was definitely when Common came out to throw
down with them. Towards the end of the night they
shifted over to more of a jam band vibe. I wasn't
really feeling it so Ed and I took off a little early.
Sorry Brian.
some older tunes and some newer stuff. The highlight
for me was definitely when Common came out to throw
down with them. Towards the end of the night they
shifted over to more of a jam band vibe. I wasn't
really feeling it so Ed and I took off a little early.
Sorry Brian.
1960's Birthday Shindig!
Since we are expecting our first child November 17th
El and I decided to have one last hurrah for my
birthday (35! Geez!). A quick plan and we organized a
small gathering of friends and significant others the
next day. We themed it out in 1960's mod complete with
lava and fiber optic lamps, Tiki torches, badmitton,
Burt Baccarat and Frank Sinatra on the stereo, and a
shag rug. The potluck spread was awesome. Great job
Tommy and Lyndsey on the Mondrian Jell-O Shooters.
Sorry it melted before you got to the house. Jen's
Pigs-In-A-Blanket were a hit.
El and I decided to have one last hurrah for my
birthday (35! Geez!). A quick plan and we organized a
small gathering of friends and significant others the
next day. We themed it out in 1960's mod complete with
lava and fiber optic lamps, Tiki torches, badmitton,
Burt Baccarat and Frank Sinatra on the stereo, and a
shag rug. The potluck spread was awesome. Great job
Tommy and Lyndsey on the Mondrian Jell-O Shooters.
Sorry it melted before you got to the house. Jen's
Pigs-In-A-Blanket were a hit.
Jen V in tha Hizzy and El check out the spread. Some of the menu items included a flan with seasonal fruit, pork ribs, crabburgers, beef kebobs, fresh melon bowl handcarved by El, deviled eggs, cheescake and even a Mondrian inspired jello shooter set by Tommy. Sorry it didn't make the trip to the house intact. It did look cool tho!
Quickly the party wrapped up (it was the night before
a schoolday) and everyone had to bounce. Paul and Jen
managed to hang with me, El and Rachel to kill off the summer
cocktails mixes. It was exactly how I wanted to spend
the party. Outside in the cooler evening air sipping
cocktails, music in the background, tiki torches
burning and yukking it up with friends.
a schoolday) and everyone had to bounce. Paul and Jen
managed to hang with me, El and Rachel to kill off the summer
cocktails mixes. It was exactly how I wanted to spend
the party. Outside in the cooler evening air sipping
cocktails, music in the background, tiki torches
burning and yukking it up with friends.
Ed and I were supposed to catch another great
underground hip hop band Thursday night at the Social.
People Under The Stairs, from LA, finally made it out
to the East Coast and I've been waiting to catch them
here if the opportunity arose. Well it did and damn me
for misplacing my wallet and having to cancel my
cards. I couldn't get any cash out to head that way.
Kick myself in the ass over this one! I had to pass
grudgingly.
underground hip hop band Thursday night at the Social.
People Under The Stairs, from LA, finally made it out
to the East Coast and I've been waiting to catch them
here if the opportunity arose. Well it did and damn me
for misplacing my wallet and having to cancel my
cards. I couldn't get any cash out to head that way.
Kick myself in the ass over this one! I had to pass
grudgingly.
Happy Birthday to me-e-e-e...
The following Friday I took off from work to make a
long-deserved weekend excursion to SC. We got in and
took my parents out Friday night downtown and spent
the night at their crib. The next afternoon we made it
out to El's parent's house for a Memorial Weekend BBQ
and Birthday hoorah.
Finally got to meet Emily's squeeze from NY, Jon and his
bandmates from Plastic LIttle. Got to chill with Ron for a
few before he had to fly back out to Vegas. And blow
out my candles. Afterwards, Rachel, El and I took a
spin downtown to be tourists for a bit.
long-deserved weekend excursion to SC. We got in and
took my parents out Friday night downtown and spent
the night at their crib. The next afternoon we made it
out to El's parent's house for a Memorial Weekend BBQ
and Birthday hoorah.
Finally got to meet Emily's squeeze from NY, Jon and his
bandmates from Plastic LIttle. Got to chill with Ron for a
few before he had to fly back out to Vegas. And blow
out my candles. Afterwards, Rachel, El and I took a
spin downtown to be tourists for a bit.
We got to eat at Vickery's (mmmm) and had their
Lowcountry Seafood Sautee - fluffy grits with lump
crab, crawfish, shrimp and topped with fried oysters.
Holy shit I've been missing their food. No offense to
our parent's cookiing, but I miss Charleston's array of
fantastic restaurants. We love spending time with you
guys, but we sometimes would rather eat out and
indulge ourselves in the establishments we don't get
to frequent anymore.
Here's El with my nephew Gabriel testing out her mommy skills while I chomp down on his Fred Flintstone foot.
Lowcountry Seafood Sautee - fluffy grits with lump
crab, crawfish, shrimp and topped with fried oysters.
Holy shit I've been missing their food. No offense to
our parent's cookiing, but I miss Charleston's array of
fantastic restaurants. We love spending time with you
guys, but we sometimes would rather eat out and
indulge ourselves in the establishments we don't get
to frequent anymore.
Here's El with my nephew Gabriel testing out her mommy skills while I chomp down on his Fred Flintstone foot.
Some shopping at some of boutiques and small vendors
and we made our way to Spoleto Festival by the Customs
House. The international arts festival is
world-reknown and we wanted to catch some of the vibe
before we went home. The scattered showers put a
damper (literally) on some of the presentees adn they
closed their tents early, but nonetheless we were able
to walk around.
and we made our way to Spoleto Festival by the Customs
House. The international arts festival is
world-reknown and we wanted to catch some of the vibe
before we went home. The scattered showers put a
damper (literally) on some of the presentees adn they
closed their tents early, but nonetheless we were able
to walk around.
Afterwards we made a quick run to the Isle of Palms to
breathe in some of the salty beach air. It's amazing
how Charleston has grown from a small port city into a
heavily visited tourist town. They even tore down the
Pealman-Silas bridge to Mount Pleasant (seen in Die
Hard 3 posing as a NY bridge) and constructed a
beautiful suspension bridge like Savannah's.
By 10:00pm I had to finish my errands for me, Kevin
and Steve's deep sea fishing trip the next morning. By
4am I was out of the house to meet the guys and gear
up the boat. I actually ran into an old friend, Jeremy
Espiritu, who was also getting ready to go out, too.
Apparently he started up his own Fishing Charter
Service. Congrats man!
breathe in some of the salty beach air. It's amazing
how Charleston has grown from a small port city into a
heavily visited tourist town. They even tore down the
Pealman-Silas bridge to Mount Pleasant (seen in Die
Hard 3 posing as a NY bridge) and constructed a
beautiful suspension bridge like Savannah's.
By 10:00pm I had to finish my errands for me, Kevin
and Steve's deep sea fishing trip the next morning. By
4am I was out of the house to meet the guys and gear
up the boat. I actually ran into an old friend, Jeremy
Espiritu, who was also getting ready to go out, too.
Apparently he started up his own Fishing Charter
Service. Congrats man!
By 5:30 am we were in the water making our way through
the jetties of Charleston while the rest of the city
slept. By the time we were 20+ miles out and 90 feet
deep we tried trolling, but with no luck. Reeling in
our bait we went even farther ou. We
tried kicking off the trip with some Hootie and
Blowish. Fish don't like 'em. Apparently they
don't like Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers either.
the jetties of Charleston while the rest of the city
slept. By the time we were 20+ miles out and 90 feet
deep we tried trolling, but with no luck. Reeling in
our bait we went even farther ou. We
tried kicking off the trip with some Hootie and
Blowish. Fish don't like 'em. Apparently they
don't like Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers either.
We lost a big Wahoo (thanks Steve)
and then the pickings got slim. the sun was out in
full force and by noon we started to make our way back
in. We stopped 25 miles out to try for some Kingfish
but the water was too hot and we were too tired to be
of much use. By 4pm we were back in the jetties to
clean the boat and fish.
and then the pickings got slim. the sun was out in
full force and by noon we started to make our way back
in. We stopped 25 miles out to try for some Kingfish
but the water was too hot and we were too tired to be
of much use. By 4pm we were back in the jetties to
clean the boat and fish.
Great ending to Memorial Weekend. Got to finally do
some real deep sea fishing. I've got new love for
South Carolina. Too bad we never did this earlier. It
would've made me appreciate SC a little more while I
was there. Then again when I did live here I was
significantly poorer and would've never been able to
afford deep sea fishing. The whole trip was awesome
overall.
I guess I need to really see what's available with
fishing since we live in Orlando. Gulf of Mexico
should have great fishing, too, although Kevin doesn't
consider Grouper, Snapper and Sea Bass all that
challenging. Oh well. It's still good eats.
After this it was the drive back home once we slept in
a little Monday morning. Ate breakfast with El's
parents and then headed over to my parents where WE
HAD TO EAT AGAIN. Big shocker. Afterward we made a
quick trip to Northwoods to say hello (and goodbye) to
Steve and Carla and the two boys.
The drive itself wasn't bad and it was great to be
home before the sun went down completely and we could
decompress a litttle. Too bad it's back to work tomorrow.
some real deep sea fishing. I've got new love for
South Carolina. Too bad we never did this earlier. It
would've made me appreciate SC a little more while I
was there. Then again when I did live here I was
significantly poorer and would've never been able to
afford deep sea fishing. The whole trip was awesome
overall.
I guess I need to really see what's available with
fishing since we live in Orlando. Gulf of Mexico
should have great fishing, too, although Kevin doesn't
consider Grouper, Snapper and Sea Bass all that
challenging. Oh well. It's still good eats.
After this it was the drive back home once we slept in
a little Monday morning. Ate breakfast with El's
parents and then headed over to my parents where WE
HAD TO EAT AGAIN. Big shocker. Afterward we made a
quick trip to Northwoods to say hello (and goodbye) to
Steve and Carla and the two boys.
The drive itself wasn't bad and it was great to be
home before the sun went down completely and we could
decompress a litttle. Too bad it's back to work tomorrow.
Monday, June 26, 2006
This thing is pishing me owff!
My Flickr/Blogger setup is killing me. Something happened along the way of a month ago where I can't link my Flickr pics with my blog anymore without some stupid ass error message coming up. I. CAN'T. FIGURE. THE. DAMN. THING. OUT. So I have all these pics from the birthday shindig, Memorial Weekend, etc. that I can;t post properly. I've already emailed Flickr and they responded with some crap that didn't help at all. I see my paid monthly membership is paying itself off... />
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Hey Gabriel! You Got Something On Your Cheeks...
...let me get that for you. My nephew is such a cute kid.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Happy Mother's Day!
It wasn't so long ago that El and I felt like a couple of kids that had just announced our engagement to our families. Our families got together and celebrated the moment with our first family dinner over 7 years ago. Today we had another first. El's first Mother's Day.
I wanted to make it kind of special so a dozen yellow roses were in order as well as a small gift of her all-time favorite tv show, Friends. No work allowed today for the would-be mom! In addition, there was a seafood restaurant that she had been wanting to try in the Dr. Phillips area called, Bonefish.
Now I'll be honest I'm pretty critical of restaurants that present themselves as something of the higher end. I've been to plenty of "hole-in-wall mom-and-pop" kind of places and had some great meals for reasonable pricing. But, when a restauranteur wants to front with a nice locale, nice decor and a nicer (i.e. more expensive) menu I expect alot.
I've been interested in trying out Bonefish for quite some time since it's location already speaks highly for itself. Moon Fish, Timpano Chophouse, Careira's Cucina and Amura in the same area are all great spots.
Right from the getgo it started off fantastic. With no reservations on Mother's Day we were able to get a table at peak lunchtime with no wait. Once seated we were able to put in our drink and food order. Great start.
Our server disappeared for a long time until a food runner brought out our soup and salads, although the food items were wrong. Another had to be brought out later from another runner. A long while later our fish dishes came out. Mine was room temperature like it had been sitting out.
There's nothing more frustrating to me than a server who disappears and doesn't check up on us. Apparently this seems to be a trend here in Florida.
I realize that there is alot of tourists that come and goso I understand the mentality that alot off it won;t be repeat business, but the locals shouldn't be taken for granted. No refills on drinks, we had to go our entire meal with only a glass of water.
Coming from a restaurant background I know what holidays can be like especially at rush time. But with so many runners, bussers and managers about you would think that the tables would be taken care of. I noticed that similar things were happening with my other fellow diners. It's too bad - things like this can be the death of a restaurant.
The entrees sounded good, but some of the sides were amateur at best. Thrown together and basic I expected more from a restaurant that gouged their prices like they did. Even after I paid the bill our server made no attempts to even seem genuinely interested in our experience. That'll be our first and last time there.
The last leg of our trip involved watching the remake of the Poseidon Adventure starring Ernest Borgnine and Gene Hackman. The new one, called Poseidon, featured Josh Lucas, Richard Dreyfuss and Kurt Russell. I loved the original 1972 version, but this one was a nice adaptation of it. There were some differences but overall I thought it remained true to the first one. The effects were realistic and well done. Good job!
The rest of the day was spent relaxing. Happy Mother's Day El and to all the others out there - Carla, Jenivy, Crystal, Danyang and ESPECIALLY LEN LEN as well as our own parents in SC!
I wanted to make it kind of special so a dozen yellow roses were in order as well as a small gift of her all-time favorite tv show, Friends. No work allowed today for the would-be mom! In addition, there was a seafood restaurant that she had been wanting to try in the Dr. Phillips area called, Bonefish.
Now I'll be honest I'm pretty critical of restaurants that present themselves as something of the higher end. I've been to plenty of "hole-in-wall mom-and-pop" kind of places and had some great meals for reasonable pricing. But, when a restauranteur wants to front with a nice locale, nice decor and a nicer (i.e. more expensive) menu I expect alot.
I've been interested in trying out Bonefish for quite some time since it's location already speaks highly for itself. Moon Fish, Timpano Chophouse, Careira's Cucina and Amura in the same area are all great spots.
Right from the getgo it started off fantastic. With no reservations on Mother's Day we were able to get a table at peak lunchtime with no wait. Once seated we were able to put in our drink and food order. Great start.
Our server disappeared for a long time until a food runner brought out our soup and salads, although the food items were wrong. Another had to be brought out later from another runner. A long while later our fish dishes came out. Mine was room temperature like it had been sitting out.
There's nothing more frustrating to me than a server who disappears and doesn't check up on us. Apparently this seems to be a trend here in Florida.
I realize that there is alot of tourists that come and goso I understand the mentality that alot off it won;t be repeat business, but the locals shouldn't be taken for granted. No refills on drinks, we had to go our entire meal with only a glass of water.
Coming from a restaurant background I know what holidays can be like especially at rush time. But with so many runners, bussers and managers about you would think that the tables would be taken care of. I noticed that similar things were happening with my other fellow diners. It's too bad - things like this can be the death of a restaurant.
The entrees sounded good, but some of the sides were amateur at best. Thrown together and basic I expected more from a restaurant that gouged their prices like they did. Even after I paid the bill our server made no attempts to even seem genuinely interested in our experience. That'll be our first and last time there.
The last leg of our trip involved watching the remake of the Poseidon Adventure starring Ernest Borgnine and Gene Hackman. The new one, called Poseidon, featured Josh Lucas, Richard Dreyfuss and Kurt Russell. I loved the original 1972 version, but this one was a nice adaptation of it. There were some differences but overall I thought it remained true to the first one. The effects were realistic and well done. Good job!
The rest of the day was spent relaxing. Happy Mother's Day El and to all the others out there - Carla, Jenivy, Crystal, Danyang and ESPECIALLY LEN LEN as well as our own parents in SC!
Friday, May 12, 2006
AAArrrgh! My Friggin' Eyes!
My allergies have steadily gotten worse each year for the past three years or so here in Florida. I haven't had this many nosebleeds in the morning since I was a little boy living in Goose Creek, SC. Runny, congested nose. Periodic headaches. Trouble breathing. Coughing every now and then. Sometimes the allergy medicine works, sometimes it doesn't.
Either in the office or at home it deosn't matter. People must think I'm coked up the way I look sometimes at work. Hopefully the cleaning crew will clean out the air vents above my desk. It's odd that I react only when I'm in the office. But as soon as I go outside briefly it clears up. Maybe I'm sick. Maybe it's a case of Spring Fever. Hell it even got so bad at home one night I couldn't sleep even while I was literally nodding off reading iin bed.
To compound the problems more it's been very dry this summer/spring. AND I have to cut the damn grass AGAIN. With no rain the pollen and dust has been having a field day with me. Thankfully we've been blessed with some rain these past few days and I have FINALLY gotten a decent night's sleep.
Either in the office or at home it deosn't matter. People must think I'm coked up the way I look sometimes at work. Hopefully the cleaning crew will clean out the air vents above my desk. It's odd that I react only when I'm in the office. But as soon as I go outside briefly it clears up. Maybe I'm sick. Maybe it's a case of Spring Fever. Hell it even got so bad at home one night I couldn't sleep even while I was literally nodding off reading iin bed.
To compound the problems more it's been very dry this summer/spring. AND I have to cut the damn grass AGAIN. With no rain the pollen and dust has been having a field day with me. Thankfully we've been blessed with some rain these past few days and I have FINALLY gotten a decent night's sleep.
...
My buddy Brian's mother passsed on Sunday. While I knew she was fighting the good fight for quite some time I know it had to be wearing down on him and his family. Sorry for your loss. The mass was very moving and El and I will keep her in our prayers.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Another Lost Addict Bites The Dust...
It seems that another buddy has fallen to the dark side of Lost. Ed took the Season 1 DVD set hesitantly and disappeared for a few weeks only to emerge paler and more gaunt - like a 6' Gollum. Sorry man.
But not before he immortalized that turning point in his blogger...
But not before he immortalized that turning point in his blogger...
Friday, April 28, 2006
Escobars are in the Hizzy!
An old friend of mine from SC moved back over from San Diego with his family and decided to come down for a visit. The last time we got to see them was when we went for a visit after my cousin Cheech's wedding in Vegas.
At that time Lorenzo, my godson, was just a baby and Zachary was just a peanut in Carla. This past Friday they drove down with the boys and I took the day off to meet up with them.
We ended up taking them to the Celebration Market Cafe for lunch and then out for sushi for dinner after at our spot Shiso Sushi.
Saturday we were up early to hit Disney World - Lorenzo's second visit to Uncle Walt's and Zacahry's first. The day was dry and wet on and off, but the lines were fantasticly short. I don't even remember going to as many rides on previous visits. Heck I even got to see the newly renovated Tiki Room which had been closed (almost permanently) previously. I hadn't been there since I was a little boy. After full day we left and had a cookout at the casa.
Eventhough it was a late dinner (9pm!) we were able to sit outside eventually and have BBQ al fresca with some tunes and the temperature dropping to a cool breeze. It was nice to sit and chat as adults once the boys were put to bed. A few hours later we decided to call it a night.
The next day was really low key with visits to the Farmer's Market, which ended up being the American Pie Cookoff (check it out on Food Network!) and then a Disney Liquidation sale nearby. After a short stop to the bookstore (thanks Carla for the baby book!) we headed home to say our goodbyes. A good visit overall. We'll see them again on Memorial Weekend for my (our) birthday deep sea fishing trip in SC.
(see picture)
Now Zachary quit yer bitching or I'll really give you something to cry about!!!
At that time Lorenzo, my godson, was just a baby and Zachary was just a peanut in Carla. This past Friday they drove down with the boys and I took the day off to meet up with them.
We ended up taking them to the Celebration Market Cafe for lunch and then out for sushi for dinner after at our spot Shiso Sushi.
Saturday we were up early to hit Disney World - Lorenzo's second visit to Uncle Walt's and Zacahry's first. The day was dry and wet on and off, but the lines were fantasticly short. I don't even remember going to as many rides on previous visits. Heck I even got to see the newly renovated Tiki Room which had been closed (almost permanently) previously. I hadn't been there since I was a little boy. After full day we left and had a cookout at the casa.
Eventhough it was a late dinner (9pm!) we were able to sit outside eventually and have BBQ al fresca with some tunes and the temperature dropping to a cool breeze. It was nice to sit and chat as adults once the boys were put to bed. A few hours later we decided to call it a night.
The next day was really low key with visits to the Farmer's Market, which ended up being the American Pie Cookoff (check it out on Food Network!) and then a Disney Liquidation sale nearby. After a short stop to the bookstore (thanks Carla for the baby book!) we headed home to say our goodbyes. A good visit overall. We'll see them again on Memorial Weekend for my (our) birthday deep sea fishing trip in SC.
(see picture)
Now Zachary quit yer bitching or I'll really give you something to cry about!!!
It was a nice break for us to have visitors again. It had been a little while since El has gotten to hangout with another pinay other than siblings. Too bad we don't live closer - we'll work on that.
Carla is a great complement to Steve - she's made him a better person, not that he was an ass to begin with or anything. Ha ha! I kid! I kid!
Carla is a great complement to Steve - she's made him a better person, not that he was an ass to begin with or anything. Ha ha! I kid! I kid!
For Lorenzo, age 3, it was definitely a Pixar weekend for him. Before they got into their room I bought the boys a Buzz Lightyear and Woody talking action figures. Little did I know it happened to be one of his favorite cartoons. Sweet!
I seem to get along well with kids (Really! Ask El) and have fun, but I really spoiled the hell out of Steve and Carla's kids. Their just so damn well behaved and affectionate it was hard not to. Plus, he's one of my god sons. That helps, too.
I seem to get along well with kids (Really! Ask El) and have fun, but I really spoiled the hell out of Steve and Carla's kids. Their just so damn well behaved and affectionate it was hard not to. Plus, he's one of my god sons. That helps, too.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Still No Video!
Today was our second ultrasound for Ellen and Baby. We showed up a little early and were very anxious to see the baby's progress. We met up with Dr. Melissa Moore who after a quick update got the show started.
Once she had the equipment set up we immediately saw how baby was doing and how big (s)he got. I was definitely surprised! The little heartbeat was pumping away. The one feature that got me wasn't the size of the baby, but rather the arms and legs moving around. What looked like like a alittle peanut not even a month ago now looked like a tiny tot.
To me it actually seemed like the little one had their thumb in their mouth. The little legs would kick whenever Dr. Moore moved the ultrasound rod around. Such a great moment for us.
All our concerns about the baby were dashed away as soon as we saw how active the baby really was. Too bad the ultrasound didn't have video record capability. Dr. Moore let us know that Florida Hospital would have the right equipment once we go back for the 20 week check up. I can't wait!
Once she had the equipment set up we immediately saw how baby was doing and how big (s)he got. I was definitely surprised! The little heartbeat was pumping away. The one feature that got me wasn't the size of the baby, but rather the arms and legs moving around. What looked like like a alittle peanut not even a month ago now looked like a tiny tot.
To me it actually seemed like the little one had their thumb in their mouth. The little legs would kick whenever Dr. Moore moved the ultrasound rod around. Such a great moment for us.
All our concerns about the baby were dashed away as soon as we saw how active the baby really was. Too bad the ultrasound didn't have video record capability. Dr. Moore let us know that Florida Hospital would have the right equipment once we go back for the 20 week check up. I can't wait!
Monday, April 24, 2006
Set the Oven to 350˚ and Place Bun Inside...
It had been a hard week and El and I decided to have dinner out that Sunday night. She had been craving sushi so we went to our favorite spot near home, Shiso Sushi. After dinner she mentioned again that she was late for her period.
Now this in itself is not necessarily abnormal. It's happened before and she always jumped the gun and bought an EPT test to see if she had "A Bun in the Oven". It always ended up being negative and her upset. She really wants to have a baby. With the EPT she said she would get a more accurate response in the morning vs. that evening so we waited.
Forward now to about 330am Monday...
I hear a scream in the middle of the night and awaken startled by the sudden outburst. Groggily I look at the clock and then to the sliver of light coming out from the crack of the bathroom door. I know what's coming next.
Immediately I see the door swing open and El run out and jump on top of me "OOF!". What can a guy do? I'm happy for her. If anyone deserves a chance to be a great mother, it's her. We stay up till daylight talking and it's time for work. I'm dead tired, but happy.
We promise not to say anything to anyone until the first trimester, just in case. We'll see how long that really lasts (later I found out it didn't last long, but I'm just as guilty).
Fast forward to today...
We broke the news to our parents this weekend for their anniversaries (April 23) in the form of an anniversary card and baby booties with a picture of our first ultrasound taken a few weeks ago.
Tomorrow is our next ultrasound and El is closer to her 12 week mark. A little research revealed to me this past weekend that the baby is almost the size of chicken egg right now. Whoa!
Arms and legs should be in place and nails are starting to grow. Crazy how fast this baby is going to develop. Just a month ago it was no larger than a dime. I'll keep you posted of the results. Keep your fingers crossed...
Now this in itself is not necessarily abnormal. It's happened before and she always jumped the gun and bought an EPT test to see if she had "A Bun in the Oven". It always ended up being negative and her upset. She really wants to have a baby. With the EPT she said she would get a more accurate response in the morning vs. that evening so we waited.
Forward now to about 330am Monday...
I hear a scream in the middle of the night and awaken startled by the sudden outburst. Groggily I look at the clock and then to the sliver of light coming out from the crack of the bathroom door. I know what's coming next.
Immediately I see the door swing open and El run out and jump on top of me "OOF!". What can a guy do? I'm happy for her. If anyone deserves a chance to be a great mother, it's her. We stay up till daylight talking and it's time for work. I'm dead tired, but happy.
We promise not to say anything to anyone until the first trimester, just in case. We'll see how long that really lasts (later I found out it didn't last long, but I'm just as guilty).
Fast forward to today...
We broke the news to our parents this weekend for their anniversaries (April 23) in the form of an anniversary card and baby booties with a picture of our first ultrasound taken a few weeks ago.
Tomorrow is our next ultrasound and El is closer to her 12 week mark. A little research revealed to me this past weekend that the baby is almost the size of chicken egg right now. Whoa!
Arms and legs should be in place and nails are starting to grow. Crazy how fast this baby is going to develop. Just a month ago it was no larger than a dime. I'll keep you posted of the results. Keep your fingers crossed...
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Thanks Easter Bunny! Bok! Bok!
So it was Easter Weekend. Every Friday since about two years ago I had been pretty good about eating fish for lunch and dinner, but what have I given up for Lent? How about "trying"? Just kidding. El and I have been very busy in more ways than one. ;)
With Steve and family coming down for a weekend next week, I was pretty busy with preperations. Lots of landscaping and home maintenance, freelance design work and such have consumed me for the past few months. This weekend was all about relaxing and being outside.
Saturday afternoon Paul and I decided to drive up to Tommy and Lyndsey's to help them move into their new house. Congrats guys! Afterwards, I was wiped out!
A quick nap later I was back outside planting and working on getting my patio into cookout condition.
Sunday, El and I got up early to make it to church in Kissimmee and see Jenny and Joe Lamy do their thing with the choir. The church itself and the choir are very impressive. I've been to quite a few different churches and Mary Queen of the Universe, despite it's kooky name, is one of the best I've been to. Designed with the Florida tourist in mind, there is no real local congregation, but it never fails to draw a HUGE crowd even on regular Sundays.
Afterwards, we had a nice brunch outside at the Market Street Cafe in Celebration and then off to pick up more plants for our landscaping project. We worked well after sundown and spent the evening in the backyard chilling outside (72 degrees with a breeze!) listening to some music.
Not bad overall, for an Easter Weekend. Hope yours was just as productive, yet relaxing as mine.
With Steve and family coming down for a weekend next week, I was pretty busy with preperations. Lots of landscaping and home maintenance, freelance design work and such have consumed me for the past few months. This weekend was all about relaxing and being outside.
Saturday afternoon Paul and I decided to drive up to Tommy and Lyndsey's to help them move into their new house. Congrats guys! Afterwards, I was wiped out!
A quick nap later I was back outside planting and working on getting my patio into cookout condition.
Sunday, El and I got up early to make it to church in Kissimmee and see Jenny and Joe Lamy do their thing with the choir. The church itself and the choir are very impressive. I've been to quite a few different churches and Mary Queen of the Universe, despite it's kooky name, is one of the best I've been to. Designed with the Florida tourist in mind, there is no real local congregation, but it never fails to draw a HUGE crowd even on regular Sundays.
Afterwards, we had a nice brunch outside at the Market Street Cafe in Celebration and then off to pick up more plants for our landscaping project. We worked well after sundown and spent the evening in the backyard chilling outside (72 degrees with a breeze!) listening to some music.
Not bad overall, for an Easter Weekend. Hope yours was just as productive, yet relaxing as mine.
Howl at the Moon
I got the booty call from Paul to head out somewhere after work different than our typical boozing spots (MonkeyBar, Room 3 Nine, or Casey's). I usually stay away from the touristy spots, mostly on International Drive, but I was swayed to go to this piano bar, called Howl at the Moon. Once a spot downtown on Church Street it closed down once the street lost popularity and became stereotyped as a tourist area.
Now located conveniently near Universal Studios and Wet & Wild it would never be a personal choice to decompress. Ingrid said she had come out here previously with some cowerks and so I was game to try.
The dueling piano players were an interesting element - they were actually very good. Tons of tourists, think bachelorette parties and conventioners, comsumed the joint and it was obvious it was pretty much a meat market.
It was a good time despite it being a bar for out-of-towners. Definitely pricey on the drinks, a line outside and a COVER CHARGE was ridiculous. Oh well - it was all about hanging out with friends...
Now located conveniently near Universal Studios and Wet & Wild it would never be a personal choice to decompress. Ingrid said she had come out here previously with some cowerks and so I was game to try.
The dueling piano players were an interesting element - they were actually very good. Tons of tourists, think bachelorette parties and conventioners, comsumed the joint and it was obvious it was pretty much a meat market.
It was a good time despite it being a bar for out-of-towners. Definitely pricey on the drinks, a line outside and a COVER CHARGE was ridiculous. Oh well - it was all about hanging out with friends...
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