A Notch In Time

Valued Customer

2010-09-26T23:25:00.002-05:00

Best Letter Ever Written to A Bank Manager

by R. MAK. on February 8, 2009

This is an actual letter written to bank manager by an old lady who got her check bounced by the bank due to lack of funds. It was first published in the New York Times in 2006.

Dear Sir,

I am writing to thank you for bouncing my check with which I endeavored to pay my plumber last month.

By my calculations, three nanoseconds must have elapsed between his presenting the check and the arrival in my account of the funds needed to honor it.

I refer, of course, to the automatic monthly deposit of my entire pension, an arrangement which, I admit, has been in place for only eight years. You are to be commended for seizing that brief window of opportunity, and also for debiting my account $30 by way of penalty for the inconvenience caused to your bank. My thankfulness springs from the manner in which this incident has caused me to rethink my errant financial ways.

I noticed that whereas I personally answer your telephone calls and letters, — when I try to contact you, I am confronted by the impersonal, overcharging, pre-recorded, faceless entity which your bank has become.

From now on, I, like you, choose only to deal with a flesh-and-blood person. My mortgage and loan repayments will therefore and hereafter no longer be automatic, but will arrive at your bank, by check, addressed personally and confidentially to an employee at your bank whom you must nominate.

Be aware that it is an offense under the Postal Act for any other person to open such an envelope. Please find attached an Application Contact which I require your chosen employee to complete. I am sorry it runs to eight pages, but in order that I know as much about him or her as your bank knows about me, there is no alternative. Please note that all copies of his or her medical history must be countersigned by a Notary Public, and the mandatory details of his/her financial situation (income, debts, assets and liabilities) must be accompanied by documented proof. In due course, at MY convenience, I will issue your employee with a PIN number which he/she must quote in dealings with me.

I regret that it cannot be shorter than 28 digits but, again, I have modeled it on the number of button presses required of me to access my account balance on your phone bank service. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Let me level the playing field even further.

When you call me, press buttons as follows:

IMMEDIATELY AFTER DIALING, PRESS THE STAR (*) BUTTON FOR ENGLISH

#1. To make an appointment to see me.

#2. To query a missing payment.

#3. To transfer the call to my living room in case I am there.

#4. To transfer the call to my bedroom in case I am sleeping.

#5. To transfer the call to my toilet in case I am attending to nature.

#6. To transfer the call to my mobile phone if I am not at home.

#7. To leave a message on my computer, a password to access my computer is required. Password will be communicated to you at a later date to that Authorized Contact mentioned earlier.

#8. To return to the main menu and to listen to options 1 through 7.

#9. To make a general complaint or inquiry. The contact will then be put on hold, pending the attention of my automated answering service.

#10. This is a second reminder to press* for English. While this may, on occasion, involve a lengthy wait, uplifting music will play for the duration of the call.

Regrettably, but again following your example, I must also levy an establishment fee to cover the setting up of this new arrangement. May I wish you a happy, if ever so slightly less prosperous New Year?

Your Humble Client

Sure you want to eat that?

2010-06-17T13:05:00.003-05:00

By David Zinczenko

What's Really In …
NACHO CHEESE DORITOS (11 chips)
150 calories
8 g fat (1.5 g saturated)
180 mg sodium

The concept is, well, sort of brilliant: Nachos and cheese without the hassle of a microwave. Or even a plate, for that matter. You just tear open the bag and start snarfing. And as a parting gift, Dorito's leave your fingers sticky with something that looks like radioactive bee pollen. Now here's the question: Do you have any clue what's in that stuff? Here you go:

To create each Dorito, the Frito-Lay food scientists draw from a well of 39 different ingredients. How many does it take to make a regular tortilla chip? About three. That means some 36 ingredients wind up in that weird cheese fuzz. Of those 36, only two are ingredients you'd use to make nachos at home: Romano and cheddar cheeses. Alongside those are a cache of empty carbohydrate fillers like dextrin, maltodextrin, dextrose, flour, and corn syrup solids. Then come a rotating cast of oils. Depending on what bag you get, you might find any combination of corn oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, and sunflower oil. Some of those will be partially hydrogenated, meaning they give the chip a longer shelf life and spike your heart with a little shot of trans fat. (The reason you won't see this on the nutrition label is that FDA guidelines allow food manufacturers to "round down" to zero.)

And then, after the fats and nutritionally empty starches, there's a seasoning blend, which includes things like sugar, "artificial flavoring," and a rather worrisome compound called monosodium glutamate. Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is the flavor enhancer largely responsible for the chip's addicting quality. The drawback is that it interferes with the production of an appetite-regulating hormone called leptin. A study of middle-aged Chinese people found a strong correlation between MSG consumption and body fat. What's more, the FDA receives new complaints every year from people who react violently to MSG, suffering symptoms like nausea, headaches, burning sensation, numbness, chest pains, dizziness, and so on. Talk about radioactive bee pollen.

Dreams...

2010-06-10T08:16:00.002-05:00

... they come and they go. Dreams, as in goals for life, things you want to do and accomplish should be a prime requisite for humanity. Everyone should have one. Some people have multiple dreams, the fire which fuels their ambitions and actions.

Ever since I was young I had a dream... for years it has not changed. Funny thing is is is not a glamorous dream at all, no ambition. I even had someone from a previous relationship tell me that part of why they had to end it is that I wasn't ambitious enough for them and that I didn't have a real dream. It's a good thing I don't generally let what people think about me affect me.

My dream has always been to be able to help others with their dreams. Maybe it's because I am not creative enough to come up with my own dream, maybe it's because if I did have my own I might get disappointed if it didn't work. Whatever the reason, my dream is simple.

IN the past year of my life I have invested a lot of time in helping someone else's dream try to get past the idea stage, as I see my participation in their dream the vehicle in which will get me mine... a way to help others and sustain it. The Dream I have been invested in nearly fell apart and vanish this past week.

Right now it is living on life support and I am anxiously waiting the verdict, if it will come back to life or die. Can't say that I really mind either way as both have their benefits. If it does die then I will just have to work all the harder to get my dream.... I have never been afraid of hard work... it's time to roll up my sleeves and go to work.

I hope I don't wake up.

In the News...

2010-05-27T18:51:00.004-05:00

United Airlines is being sued after a passenger falls asleep and then gets left on the locked plane for hours. Click here for the full article.

She is suing for false imprisonment, emotional distress and negligence. Either that woman is a very deep sleeper or she had a sleeping pill.

I understand that it is the crews responsibility to ensure the safety of the passengers while on the plane and that they should have done a better job at making sure the flight was cleared to zero at their destination.

If she wins I bet airfares will rise to account for the rush of people who will also try this in the future.

Man, if I had trouble getting from point A to Point B on my own maybe I should travel with a baby sitter to make sure I know how to set my alarm as to the arrival time.

Busted...

2010-05-27T09:40:00.005-05:00

Yup, that's what happened to the window on my van.

I spent the evening with my brother Eli who is working in town. I went over to his hotel and we had a nice chicken salad dinner and then watched a movie. at about 10 pm I came out to the van to drive home and BAM... found out that I had been robbed.

Now this it the part where you start looking around the car to see whats missing and so far everything was there. They even left the Ipod right on the front seat with shattered glass all around it. Originally the Ipod was on the floor between the two front seats so it was out of sight, which made me wonder why they left it on the seat. So I kept looking trying to find out what they took. Low and behold the GPS was gone... and alas it was borrowed. What an experience.

So we talked to the front desk and they told us the story of what happened as pieced together by security video footage and an eye witness account.

The thief was attempting to pop the lock and accidentally broke the window, the noise got the attention of another hotel guest in the parking lot and asked what the thief was doing he grabbed the GPS and took off not looking for anything else and pulled the Ipod (which was plugged into the same charger) up onto the seat as he was making his getaway. The guest reported it to the front desk and they called the police.

So by the time I came down the police were just arriving and when we found out the GPS was the target the police cautioned me explaining that thief's target GPS units, not for what they are worth but to get the HOME address listed in the GPS and then they go rob that house knowing that you are not there.

I explained to the cop that if this thief tries that he would be biting off more than he could chew, since the GPS was borrowed the home address is not mine and everyone in that house packs heat. I wouldn't want to mess with those folks. I pray the thief is not that stupid.

But then whose the stupid one? I think I must be for having left the GPS visible...

Staging A Comeback...

2010-05-25T17:40:00.004-05:00

I have been thinking for awhile now about this blog and reflecting on what it meant to me in the past. When I started it it was to help me have a place to record my journey into the new life I had found myself in right after my divorce. I wanted to have a record of the new me. I was able to do that for some time, I met some amazing people, and have developed some eternal friendship all within these posts.

Then I was introduced to.... Facebook.

And this blog died...

In Facebook I have found the social satisfaction of getting in touch with former friends and meeting new ones, of getting in touch with relatives and meeting new ones. I have gotten lost in it's world of quizzes and games and have had fun along the way, and I have probably wasted more time there then I would like to admit to.

However I haven't experienced there the depth that I felt here, I almost feel as if a year of my journey is gone. Which is sad as the journey has been a good one with lot's of up's and down's, good days and bad days. My journey has been filled with love and laughter, with a new wife and more kids. It has been a story worth telling and keeping a record of.

So I would like to announce the comeback of this blog. I hope that it can be what it once was and that no matter what your reason to stop by and visit you will enjoy seeing this side of me. If you don't then I wish you well on your journey as you experience yours.

To a Best Friend forever....

2010-04-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday... to one of my dearest friends. You have done so much for me over the years and have been a strength and friend to many. The world is truly blessed to be able to count you among it's inhabitant's. I hope and pray that you have a great and wonderful year and that friendship and love follow you closer than your shadow. Big hug.

Finance Meetings

2010-02-06T00:15:00.003-06:00

Hmmm... reminds me of our finance meetings.

C-mas card from Us

2009-12-30T22:12:00.002-06:00

C-mas card from Andy & Carolina

2009-12-26T14:52:00.003-06:00

C-mas card from Lisa

2009-12-26T14:49:00.002-06:00

C-mas card from Amber

2009-12-25T14:48:00.000-06:00

C-mas card from Rayne

2009-12-25T14:46:00.000-06:00

C-mas card from Adrian and Jade

2009-12-24T19:31:00.003-06:00

I LOVE MY KIDS SO MUCH!!! Merry Christmas, Adrian and Jade.

C-mas card from Micheal and Christy

2009-12-24T19:27:00.003-06:00

C-mas card from Dan and Gin

2009-12-24T19:26:00.002-06:00

C-mas card from Gaby Delo and Kids

2009-12-24T19:23:00.001-06:00

C-mas card from the A Family

2009-12-24T19:21:00.000-06:00

These are my god kids... So SWEET.

C-mas card from Paul and Leila

2009-12-24T19:19:00.003-06:00

C-mas card from Phil and Angelina

2009-12-23T19:16:00.001-06:00

C-mas card from Chris and Nat

2009-12-22T19:13:00.000-06:00

C-mas card from Jenny

2009-12-22T19:02:00.003-06:00

It's Christmas Card Season... And I will post each one I get.

Merry Christmas... with a capital "C"

2009-12-04T11:28:00.002-06:00

I stole this from my Dad's Facebook.

Angel causes Outrage

2009-12-03T11:16:00.003-06:00

PETA advertisement featuring Joanna Krupa is causing an outrage among Catholics.

I personally like the photos.

HB2Y Jade - Six years already...

2009-12-02T22:54:00.000-06:00

Jade wanted to go to the mall and dress up trying on clothes so we did that and then went to eat. Here are our Christmas photos to you...

Jade (6 already)

I asked Jade for a nice photo, so here it is!

Adrian (9) and I

Jade and I

Family Christmas photo. Adrian, Jade and I.

Travel Day

2009-12-01T10:22:00.002-06:00

I am leaving in a few hours to drive about 20 hours through the night to surprise Jade and take her out for her birthday which is tomorrow. This should be good.

A Mexican Friend...

2009-10-30T18:34:00.000-05:00

IF YOU’RE LUCKY TO HAVE A MEXICAN FOR A FRIEND YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND FOR LIFE!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!

A Comparison Thesis:
FRIENDS versus Mexican Friends

FRIENDS: Never ask for food.
MEXICAN FRIENDS: Are the reason you have food .. . .

FRIENDS: Will say 'hello.'
MEXICAN FRIENDS: Will give you a big hug and a besito . . .

FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.
MEXICAN FRIENDS: Call your parents mom and dad

FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
MEXICAN FRIENDS: Cry with you . . ..

FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table and leave.
MEXICAN FRIENDS: Will spend hours there, talking,
laughing and just being together and then take a plate to go. .

FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
MEXICAN FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours....

FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
MEXICAN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you .. .

FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
MEXICAN FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds' a __ that left you.

FRIENDS: Will knock on your door.
MEXICAN FRIENDS: Walk right in and say, 'Heeeey, I'm here!'. .

FRIENDS: Are for a while.
MEXICAN FRIENDS: Are for life and will see you hasta luego in that rinconcito en el cielo.

FRIENDS: Pretend it is OK when you are being a pest.
MEXICAN FRIENDS: Tell you, 'Hay, como Chingas!!!

FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
MEXICAN FRIENDS: Will forward this to their Homies, comadres, familia, tios, tias, nanas, sanchos, cunadas, la maestra de ELL, la vecina, el Puppet, la Shy Girl, mi papi and ALL my beautiful Mexican friends!!!

Thursday Thought - The Mind

2009-10-29T17:57:00.001-05:00

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too. Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Winner

2009-10-26T23:33:00.000-05:00

The pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won. The pastor was so pleased with the donkey that he entered it in another race, and it won again. The local paper read: Pastor's Ass Out Front. The Pastor's Ass Win's Double

The bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the pastor not to enter the donkey in any more races. The next day, the local paper headline read: Bishop Scratches Pastor's Ass.

This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the pastor to get rid of the donkey. The pastor decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent. The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following
headline the next day: Nun has the Best Ass in Town.

The bishop fainted. He informed the nun that she would have to get rid of the donkey, so she sold it to a farmer for $10.
The next day the paper read: Nun Sells Ass for $10.

This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the nun to buy back the donkey and lead it to the high plains where it could run wild.
The next day the headlines read: Nun Announces her Ass is Wild and Free.

Alas;...... The bishop was buried the next day.

Moral of the story?? Being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery, and even shorten your life. So, be yourself and enjoy life ... Stop worrying about everyone else's ass, and you'll live longer and be a lot happier!

Missed an hour...

2009-10-25T19:21:00.004-05:00

Some people don't like the hassle of Daylight Saving Time, having to switch your clocks once a year to gain either an hour daylight or in the fall an hour of sleep. I personally don't mind either way.

It's been a long busy week and I have been feeling tired all throughout, so I was looking forward to the time change today of setting the clocks back an hour. (In Mexico we do that the last Sunday of Oct.) I was on devo this morning so knew I had to be up for that, after my hour sleep in of course. Oh, I went to bed a happy man after resetting all my clocks and alarms.

This morning I am awakened to the ominous sound of banging pots and people talking loudly in the kitchen while they were making their breakfasts (our room is closest to the kitchen) and thinking I didn't want to get up... after dragging myself out of bed I looked at my clock wondering why my alarm hadn't gone off, imagine my surprise when it read 6:15 am. "NO," I thought, "they shouldn't be their making noise till 7:15 am."

So I go out and ask them "if they knew what time it was" with the sure answer of "7:15 am, same as every morning." I then asked "if they changed their clocks back" and received the reply, "Oh Crap, was that today?"

East meets West

2009-10-20T20:44:00.001-05:00

I am thinking maybe we should teach Julian to dance "like that!"

SpaceBook and MyFace...

2009-10-07T19:00:00.003-05:00

... I have come to the conclusion that MySpace and Facebook are more of a continual online chat with hundreds of people. It is a constant struggle to block, accept or ignore the multitude of apps that I get sent daily. Some of which I got caught up in, like giving smiles, virtual gifts, pillow fights and answering stupid questions about whether "I would want to see a particular person naked" just so that I could find out who answered the same stupid question about me.

While I have enjoyed using Facebook to reconnect with multitudes of childhood friends and acquaintances, I don't like how in the long run I have neglected the maintenance of this blog. I started this blog with the intent of it being like an online journal of my life and the things in it. A few months ago when my HD crashed I lost 4 years of photos of my kids, that was tough. I am very happy though that I kept this blog for 2 1/2 of those years as I still have of photos of them here.

Yet while cobwebs grow here the number of my friends on Facebook continue to grow. I need to find the balance. The one line post's or updates are much easier to handle in Facebook, yet I miss the more in depth thought out content of this blog, along with the foolishness and relaxation you can also find in it's pages. So all that being said, I really want to keep up with this blog and do better at actual writing my online journal. You got to take time for the journey or life will go right on by and one day you wake up to find... you have Alzheimer's disease.

Nine, Nine, Oh Nine

2009-09-09T21:09:00.002-05:00

Baby born at 9:09 on 9/9/09 weighs 9 lbs, 9 ounces

Click this link for the full story.

Thursday Thought - Thrifty

2009-08-27T12:42:00.001-05:00

Julian always has his fists clenched. One of our supporters was over the other day and he commented on it saying that babies who do that grow up to be really good with finances. Wouldn't that be cool? I think it is important to teach kids the value of money as well as how to earn and save along with the consequences of wastefulness. So check back in on this blog in about 25 years and we can see just how Julian turns out.

I joined...

2009-08-25T22:15:00.003-05:00

Look me up or add me by clicking here.

You and Me Baby...

2009-08-24T21:39:00.001-05:00

... ain't nothing but mammals we goin' do it like they do on the discovery channel...

Portraits

2009-08-23T21:55:00.002-05:00

We did portraits just before Adrian and Jade went back to Texas and we picked them up today. Enjoy.

New JuJu Pics...

2009-08-21T21:28:00.002-05:00

... yes we now have a nick name for Julian, it is Juju. The first Ju is from his name and the second one is from him being born in June. Here are the latest photos of him.

Eeyore makes me laugh.

Will it fit...?

I box you... I will...

Ha, I was just kidding...

Thursday Thought - Facebook

2009-08-20T21:04:00.001-05:00

So there are social networking websites out there that have captured masses of peoples. Any new one that comes up that someone joins I get many an invitation. Every since my first Hi5 request about 4-5 years ago I have resisted the pressure of social entanglement by not joining in on this type of networking craze.

Bruni signed up for Facebook today and it has been quite something to see her get so into checking up and adding friends. She says it's just a phase in the beginning as you first make contact with people you haven't been in contact with for years. So I will be keeping an eye on this to see how it goes and then in a few days I will decide if I want to open one to or not.

I just am not sure if the 750+ email addresses I have in my contact list will consider it spam to get an invite from me, unless of course they are already on Facebook.

Laughs 4 Fisher: These made me think of you!

2009-08-17T15:53:00.000-05:00

You might be a technician if you:

- you have ever tried to repair a $15.00 radio.
- you think of the gadgets in your office as "friends."
- you think your computer looks better without the cover.
- you have ever purchased an electronic appliance "as is."
- you have ever saved the power cord from a broken appliance.
- you think jokes about being unable to program a VCR are stupid.
- the salespeople at Circuit City can't answer any of your questions.
- the microphone at a meeting doesn't work and you rush up to fix it.
- you have a neatly sorted collection of old bolts and nuts in your garage.
- you own a set of itty-bitty screwdrivers and you actually know where they are.
- you just don't have the heart to throw away the 100-in-1 electronics kit you got for your ninth birthday.
- you have never sat through an entire movie without having at least one device on your body beep or buzz.

Laughs 4 Gala: from classified ads.

2009-08-13T15:36:00.002-05:00

Auto Repair Service. Free pick-up and delivery. Try us once, you'll never go anywhere again.

Our experienced Mom will care for your child. Fenced yard, meals, and smacks included.

Dog for sale: Eats anything and is fond of children.

Man wanted to work in dynamite factory. Must be willing to travel.

Stock up and save. Limit: one.

Semi-Annual after Christmas Sale

3 year old teacher needed for pre-school. Experience preferred.

Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating.

Girl wanted to assist magician in cutting off head illusion. Blue Cross and salary.

Dinner Special -- Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25; Children $2.00

For sale: antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers.

Now is your chance to have your ears pierced and get an extra pair to take home, too.

We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it carefully by hand.

Adrian and Jade Return To Texas

2009-08-10T15:00:00.000-05:00

Haven and Sam came to pick up Adrian and Jade today to return to Texas. Adrian has been with me here since March and Jade since June we all look forward to these months we get to spend together and are so thankful for the time we share. Here are random photos from our summer of things I didn't do specific posts for. Enjoy!

Jade and Cielo roasting marshmallows during a family day BBQ the kids had with Bruni for the family day that I was gone.

L-R: Cielo, Alex, Bruni, Jade and Adrian at the BBQ.

Lynette and the kids grilling the hot-dogs and meat for the BBQ.

The kids and I washing the truck. The kids did this for an extra video during the week.

Alex, Adrian, Jade and I on Fathers Day.

Alex (last summer)

Adrian (last summer)

Adrian with his hair painted purple and blue. This was an activity we did one parent night.

Alex, blue and green hair.

Jade with purple, blue and green hair.

Alex with craft project.

Adrian and Alex playing a game.

Jade painting ceramics.

Adrian sporting his self made hunters cap.

Jade with her angel and cork knight.

3Marias

2009-08-09T14:05:00.000-05:00

Tres Marias is a small village up in the mountains on the road between Mexico City and Cuernavaca with a strip of about 120 little rustic restaurants which sees a lot of touristic traffic on the weekends. As a home we have been going up there on the weekends for the past year for witnessing and fundraising. We have grown quite close to some people in the village and I can't walk anywhere in town without people greeting me and finding out whats happening with all our projects and little things in our lives.

I try to take the kids up there with me as often as I can as they get a chance to witness as well as get treated to a nice meal as we have several folks who always invite us to eat. The food is amazing authentic Mexican food all made by hand. This has become a favorite thing for the kids and Jade esp. likes it as she makes her own quesadillas in one of the restaurants.

Since the kids are going home tomorrow they all went out with me today to say good bye to our friends and for a last breakfast. Here are some photos.

Jade making her tortillas for her cheese quesadilla.

Adrian making his: ham, potatoes and cheese.

Alex making his: mushroom and cheese.

The quesadillas being toasted on the stove.

The kids content with the final products. This was just thier snack.

The owners of one of the resturaunts with the kids. This sweet couple feeds us two times every week with as many people as we bring, one time they feed 14 of us. God bless them.

This is the meal I had that day: Steak fillet with beans and nopales (cactus), red and green (from the spices) suassage, with lettuce and tomato. With a side order of tortillas and this is a meal leaving nothing to be desired.

Jades meal of orange juice, cheese qeusadilla and Birria soup. The sould is made in a tomatoe base with barrbacoa (lamb) meat. This soup is a fovorite with all the kids.

Adrian very content with his food. He had the same thing Jade did.

Alex with chorrizo (saussage) tacos topped with tomatoe onion and nopales (cactus).

Water Park Fun

2009-08-07T11:26:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we went to a local water park "El Rollo" with my previous home from Veracruz. The whole home came and visited Cuernavaca for 3 days. It was nice to hang out with them and do some fun things together. Unfortunately we have no photos of the team that visited and we only have a few from the water park itself. But the kids had a blast and was one of our big events from this summer.

Adrian, Jade and Alex.
I think Jade is practicing for being a swimsuit model.

Kids play area.

Wave Pool.

The Wave Rider.

Some of the slides.

Thursday Thought - Standing alone...

2009-08-06T22:44:00.002-05:00

I was reading on Anj's blog yesterday and came across this post in which she says,
"Sometimes you have to stand alone in order to understand how deeply you have been loved."

I agree with her and would add to it that, sometimes you have to stand alone in order to understand or find out who you really are.

No one likes to be alone and thank the Lord with Him in our lives we never are truly alone, we have Him to turn to and he is always carrying us through even if we feel alone.

That being said I have found that in moments when I have felt alone are the moments I really see who I am, what I have become. This is done by how you make decisions in all areas of your life, from what you do to survive to what you do to have fun and relax.

Each decision you make defines who you are.

Once while in an rocky relationship, I was trying to make lots of changes to try to save the relationship, my partner finally told me something like, "Gabe you have been trying to make so many changes that you have completely forgotten who you are. It's like you don't even have an identity anymore." She was right.

Don't fear being alone... it's the greatest time in the world to find out who you really are and what your made of. You will start to see yourself in a different light. And with the Lord's help and yielding to Him you will become who you are supposed to be.

Parks and Boats

2009-08-05T19:53:00.000-05:00

We have been exploring the local parks with the kids. They have had fun doing this and provides us with things to do with them in the afternoons as well as learn a little about the area and local culture.

A mural painted on one of the walls of the Library at the local park.

I am not quite what Jade and Alex are doing, but this is them none the less in front of the statue.

Alex, Jade and Adrian on a paddle boat.

I actually went on the boat for about 10 minutes with them it was fun but I won't post here any of the photos of the very off balance nearly sinking boat when I was.

Julian Photos

2009-08-04T15:29:00.001-05:00

Kids Summer

2009-08-03T15:13:00.003-05:00

Adrian and Jade have been here over the summer and will be going home to Texas on August 10th. Besides having the baby and me needing to make two trips to Texas in the past 5 weeks we have been able to do somethings with the kids and will do a few more in the coming days, so for those of you who are interested I will do a couple of posts about those things.

Alex, Adrian and Cielo (another girl their age in our home) spent a week going to summer camp style courses that last for one week. From Monday-Friday they would get up early and be at camp from 8 am - 2 pm. They did lots of fun crafts and activities. Here are some photos.

Alex, Adrian, Apollos (camp team leader) and Cielo

Alex, Cielo and Adrian preforming with the other children for the parents, family and friends.

Jade enjoying the show.

Jade and Adrian

2009-08-01T11:08:00.002-05:00

Jade and Julian

Jade and Adrian have been with me for the past few months and I wanted to share with you a cute story of them.

When out a few days after Julian was born to get some baby needs that Bruni made of a list of we were on the way to the store and I asked Adrian to read me the list so we know what we are getting.

Adrian: Diapers, wet wipes, pacifier, breast pads, baby nail clippers and last on the list dad is chocolate.

Jade: Dad what does Bruni need chocolate for?

Adrian: So Bruni can produce chocolate milk for Julian, of course.

3 years old...

2009-07-21T10:51:00.000-05:00

This blog just turned 3 years old. Instead of celebrating it I almost closed it down. There have been so much happening in the past few months that there is actually ton's to blog about. At the end of May I received a very discouraging letter from someone close to me about how my blog was offensive to them and they had stopped reading it nearly a year ago. So for the last little while I haven't been posting, as sometimes it's easy to lose the point or focus of the blog and to make sure it is worth reading.

I have been praying about if I should continue blogging or not and the Lord has reminded me of the reasons I started this blog in the first place. Like it being a blog with no set theme at all except to get to know me better, to bring a smile to your face and be a place of relaxation and fun. All of us need that during these busy times.

The person that stopped reading my blog did the right thing. If any one of you find it offensive or a waist of time I would hope that you would stop visiting me. For those of you who enjoy it, I will continue to post. And as I stated in my first post ever life is sweet and all are welcome here.

Julian Michael Korzh Rucker

2009-06-19T18:10:00.001-05:00

Julian Michael Korzh Rucker

Was born June 18th, 2009
at 6:20 PM (18:20)
weighing 9.4 lbs (4.25 kg.)

Vehicles

2009-05-27T17:31:00.001-05:00

TTL I sold the truck and have found a new vehicle, yes it's a mini van, I know I know. I am just thankful the Lord supplied something in the price range I had to work with. Thanks for all your prayers.

HB2Y Mom

2009-05-19T17:39:00.000-05:00

Texas Trip

2009-05-15T21:52:00.003-05:00

Well I head out in a few hours on a trip to Texas for the last time in my little truck. Yup, it has come time to sell this one.

This truck has been a tremendous blessing for the years I have had it and has with it many memories. But with my family growing we just don't fit in it so it's time to upgrade.

I will be on the hunt for something that can fit all of us so any and all prayers would be helpful. Adrian will be my travel partner on the way up and Adrian and Jade will come down with me when I go back. It's going to be a busy trip and I might not be in touch, but I will update as I can.

GBY!

HB2Y Nyx

2009-05-14T23:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Friend. You are in my prayers, that you have the best year yet and the Lord will give you the hidden desires of your heart.

JT Board Meetings

2009-05-14T22:34:00.000-05:00

I just got back from 3 days at JT Board meetings. They sent this thank you to our home for letting Katrina and I attend the meetings. But I also want to take the time to thank all of you there at the meetings for being understanding and helpful with me and my back having been out. Thanks alot to Andy, for driving down to Cuernavaca to pick us up, to Joanne and Sharon for making sure we all had everything we needed.

Mothers Day

2009-05-10T17:05:00.000-05:00

Thanks Bruni

2009-05-09T23:27:00.002-05:00

My dear love made me a wonderful Russian birthday cake tonight and organized a surprise party with the home for me. It wasn't hard to plan being I have been in bed the past few days with my back problems. I leave tomorrow for JT Board meetings so she wanted to do something special for me before I go. I love you honey. Thanks everyone for the party and for all the nice things you said... I just hope I can live up to the reputation. Ha!

Back goes out...

2009-05-05T16:23:00.001-05:00

My back went out today, please be praying for it. I have 3 days of broad meetings coming up with a trip to Texas right after that so all prayers for my mobility without much pain will be much appreciated. Thanks, Big hugs.

Birthday BBQ

2009-05-03T22:38:00.000-05:00

Today we had one of our supporters over with his kids and grand kids, when he found out it was going to be my birthday next week he went all out on throwing a birthday BBQ. There was good food, good music and good company, what more could I ask for?

The Grill Master

The Company

The Food

Bus Ride

2009-05-02T13:05:00.001-05:00

Here's a good funny story sent to me from Gala in Russia.

A bus stops and two Italian men get on. They sit down and engage in an animated conversation. An American woman is sitting across from them. The woman isn't paying attention to their conversation at first, but her attention is grabbed when she hears one of the men say the following:

Man:
Emma come first. Den I come. Den two asses come together. I come once-a-more. Two asses, they come together again. I come again and pee twice. Then I come one lasta time.

American woman:
You foul-mouthed sex obsessed pig "shouts the lady indignantly." In this country....we don't speak aloud in public places about our sex lives...

Man:
Hey, coola down lady," "Who talkin' abouta sexa? I'm a justa tellin' my frienda how to spella... ' Mississippi ' ..

Now I bet you'll have to read that again. Ha!

Seven Months

2009-05-01T22:55:00.001-05:00

Bruni, seven months PG.

Birthday coming up...

2009-04-30T22:57:00.003-05:00

...yeah it's getting close to that time of the year again, My Birthday!

Bruni, asked me today what I wanted for my birthday and I didn't know the answer. I am a simple guy with simple joys, it doesn't take a whole lot to make me happy, I guess it's cuz as a child my parents drilled into me the verse about "being content in whatsoever state I am in." I am glad they did it has really helped me a an adult.

So I started thinking about it today and I like birthday gifts that involve lots of people so I think I came up with a good one, I would like to get this blog up to 50 followers by the end of May. For that I need your help. So if you like this blog and would like to give me a b-day present just click on the "Follow" button on the tor right hand side of this page. Let's see how far we can take this.

Have a good day.

Swine Flu

2009-04-27T11:13:00.003-05:00

It's hard to know from the news what is the truth about the Swine Flu. Different channels, websites and newspapers all say different things. Stories fly ranging from, "it's a cover up and thing aren't being reported accurately, more people are sick and dying then whats reported" to " it's just a big hype to test government control."

One thing is for sure though, whatever is going on it is really affecting the country of Mexico and it's economy. Businesses are closed, people aren't going out as much and Mexico City is shut down. This is having a very big impact on the homes in Mexico City and the surrounding cities, with not being able to do their normal outreach and fund raising.

Please take a minute to pray for those homes being affected, that the Lord will keep them safe and also that He will supply all of their needs during these difficult times. Add us to your prayer lists. Thanks so much.

Crazy Family

2009-04-24T10:45:00.001-05:00

Many years ago when I was twenty-three,
I got married to a widow who was pretty as could be.
This widow had a grown-up daughter who had hair of red.
My father fell in love with her, and soon the two were wed.
This made my dad my son-in-law and changed my very life.
My daughter was my mother, for she was my father’s wife!
To complicate the matters worse (although it brought me joy),
I soon became the father of a bouncing baby boy.
My little baby then became a brother-in-law to Dad,
And so became my uncle, though it made me very sad.
For if he was my uncle, then that also made him brother
To the widow’s grown-up daughter, who, of course, was my stepmother.
Father’s wife then had a son, who kept them on the run.
And he became my grandson, for he was my daughter’s son.
My wife is now my mother’s mother and it makes me blue;
Because, although she is my wife, she’s my grandmother too.
If my wife is my grandmother, then I am her grandchild.
And every time I think of it, it simply drives me wild.
For now I have become the strangest case you ever saw:
As the husband of my grandmother, I am my own grandpa!

Blast from the Past

2009-04-17T10:30:00.001-05:00

Bernie, a Croatian friend I know from my days when I lived in the E.E. came with his son Alan and spent three weeks in our home. A few days before they left we had a kids party for Alan's birthday which Bernie organized. Here are some photos of the fun.

All the kids in a relay race.

Tug of War: Bernie and Fran vs....

...All the kids.

Bernie, moderating a water balloon fight.

Adrian, wearing the pinata after it was broken.

HB2Y Cel

2009-04-14T10:21:00.000-05:00

Superman Cel.

Dear Cel, wherever you may be I wish you the best year yet. That your life be filled with love and happiness and that you don't miss me too much. I hope you don't mind the photo, it is one of my all time favorites of you.

Easter

2009-04-13T09:51:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was Easter and Paula and Nadia organized a kids club type activity day at the new home here in Cuernavaca. They had pool games, painted eggs and some treasure hunts involving prizes for the kids. Here's a couple photos from the day.

Alex and Adrian playing a pool game.

Alex painting eggs.

Adrian painting eggs.

Cielito getting the eggs ready for painting.

Me, doing what I do best.

HB2Y Jason

2009-04-12T09:28:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Bro, I hope and pray that this year is a good one for you with progress in all areas. Thanks for all you have done for me and the help you have been over the years. I'll see you soon!

The Country of Texas

2009-04-06T23:38:00.001-05:00

DISCLAIMER: I got the following email from a friend of mine living in Texas and having been born and raised in Texas I found it quite funny. This is not however a political statement of mine or something I believe in, just an email for a good laugh.

THE COUNTRY of TEXAS

In case things get a little tough after Jan 2009

Please note that Texas is the only state with a legal right to secede from the Union. (Reference the Texas-American Annexation Treaty of 1848).

We Texans love y'all, but we'll probably have to take action since Barack Obama won the election. We'll miss you too.

Here is what can happen:

1: Barack Hussein Obama becomes President of the United States and Texas immediately secedes from the Union.

2: George W. Bush will become the President of the Republic of Texas. You might not think that he talks too pretty, but we haven't had another terrorist attack, and the economy was fine until the effects of the Democrats lowering the qualifications for home loans came to roost.

So what does Texas have to do to survive as a Republic?

1. NASA is just south of Houston, Texas . We will control the space industry.

2. We refine over 85% of the gasoline in the United States.

3. Defense Industry--we have over 65% of it. The term "Don't mess with Texas ," will take on a whole new meaning.

4. Oil - we can supply all the oil that the Republic of Texas will need for the next 300 years. What will the other states do? Gee, we don't know. Why not ask Obama?

5. Natural Gas - again we have all we need and it's too bad about those Northern States. John Kerry and Al Gore will have to figure out a way to keep them warm....

And don't forget that Texas - unlike the other 47 Contiguous States has its own Electrical Power Grid. No power outages here!

6. Computer Industry - we lead the nation in producing computer chips and communications equipment -small companies like Texas Instruments, Dell Computer, EDS, Raytheon, National Semiconductor, Motorola, Intel, AMD, Atmel, Applied Materials, Ball Misconduct, Dallas Semiconductor, Nortel, Alcatel, etc, etc. The list goes on and on.

7. Medical Care - We have the research centers for cancer research, the best burn centers and the top trauma units in the world, as well as other large health centers. The Houston Medical Center alone employees over 65,000 people.

8. We have enough colleges to keep us getting smarter: University of Texas, Texas AM, Texas Tech, Texas Christian, Rice, SMU, University of Dallas , University of Houston , Baylor, UNT (University of North Texas ), Texas Women's University, etc. Ivy grows better in the South anyway.

9. We have an intelligent and energetic work force, and it isn't restricted by a bunch of unions. Here in Texas, it's a Right to Work State and, therefore, it's every man and women for themselves. We just go out and get the job done. And if we don't like the way one company operates, we get a job somewhere else.

10. We have essential control of the paper, plastics, and insurance industries, etc.

11. In case of a foreign invasion, we have the Texas National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, and several military bases. We don't have an Army, but since everybody down here has at least six rifles and a pile of ammo, we can raise an Army in 24 hours if we need one. If the situation really gets bad, we can always call the Department of Public Safety and ask them to send over the Texas Rangers.

12. We are totally self-sufficient in beef, poultry, hogs, and several types of grain, fruit and vegetables, and let's not forget seafood from the Gulf. Also, everybody down here knows how to cook them, so that they taste good. Don't need any food.

13. Three of the ten largest cities in the United States, and twenty-three of the 100 largest cities in the United States, are located in Texas. And Texas also has more land than California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Vermont combined.

14. Trade: Three of the ten largest ports in the United States are located in Texas.

15. We also manufacture cars down here, but we don't need to. You see, nothing rusts in Texas, so our vehicles stay beautiful and run well for decades.

16. Most importantly, we have the Dallas Cowboys!! America's team with 5 Super Bowl Championships.

This just names a few of the items that will keep the Republic of Texas in good shape. There isn't a thing out there that we need and don't have.

Now to the rest of the United States under President Obama:

Since you won't have the refineries to get gas for your cars, only President Obama will be able to drive around in his big 9 mpg SUV. The rest of the United States will have to walk or ride bikes.

You won't have any TV as the Space Center in Houston will cut off satellite communications.

You won't have any natural gas to heat your homes, but since Mr. Obama has predicted global warming, you will not need the gas as long as you survive the 2000 years it will take to get enough heat from Global Warming.

Signed, The People of Texas

P.S. This is not a threatening letter - just a note to give you something to think about!

SLEEP WELL TONIGHT THE EYES OF TEXAS ARE UPON YOU!!

''Life's tough......it's even tougher if you're stupid.''
-- John Wayne

Seven Pounds

2009-04-02T19:42:00.001-05:00

I don't usually put up posts about movies as it is such a touchy topic with some. Some people are very strict in what they see others have no guidelines at all. So to recommend or not recommend a movie can become a fast way to paint a target on your back from either side. So by not posting about movies you can avoid the whole issue.

Today I am stepping out of the norm to recommend the movie Seven Pounds with Will Smith in the leading role. If I had to give an age recommendation I would put it at YA's and up maybe Sr Teen if seen with a Shep and really discussed. The movie has certain elements that we don't promote as a Family in general. And that is the extent of my disclaimer.

I have not watch a movie in the past few years that had a bigger impact on me, a movie that really got me thinking about my life, what I am doing for others and the reasons I am doing it for. Each one of us wants to have a life that counts, that makes a difference and one that would really affect the world, even if that world is only a handful of people. The choices that are made in this movies shows how each life can touch another, how each decision makes a difference and how we influence others.

If you want to see a movie that will make you ask the Lord if you are doing what you can, a movie that will bring a tear (or many) to your eye yet at the same time bring warmth of a life touched, changed and saved. Then I would recommend this movie.

This is not a movie to go into lightly for entertainment as it will make you ask of yourself,

"What am I doing with my life?"

I hope that when all is said and done and my umber is called, I hope I can say that I have done all that I could and that I gave all that I had.

April Fools Day

2009-04-01T19:01:00.001-05:00

Today passed uneventful enough, maybe because I am usually the one playing the tricks and pranks on people and it has just been way to busy lately for me to plan anything that would be good and interesting.

One of my all time favorites pranks from the past though was BBC's spoof broadcast of growing spaghetti from trees in Italy and Switzerland. I ran across the article a few years back but looked it up again for you all. You can find the article about it along with the video that originally aired by clicking on this link.

Life Before Computers

2009-03-27T16:14:00.000-05:00

Click to Enlarge.

Chemistry

2009-03-26T15:59:00.000-05:00

Click to Enlarge.

The Ol' Cowboy

2009-03-22T13:20:00.000-05:00

An old cowboy sat down at the Starbucks and ordered a cup of coffee. As he sat sipping his coffee, a young woman sat down next to him.

She turned to the cowboy and asked, 'Are you a real cowboy?'

He replied, 'Well, I've spent my whole life breaking colts, working cows, going to rodeos, fixing fences, pulling calves, bailing hay, doctoring calves, cleaning my barn, fixing flats, working on tractors, and feeding my dogs, so I guess I am a cowboy.'

She said, 'I'm a lesbian. I spend my whole day thinking about women. As soon as I get up in the morning, I think about women. When I shower, I think about women. When I watch TV, I think about women I even think about women when I eat. It seems that everything makes me think of women.'

The two sat sipping in silence.

A little while later, a man sat down on the other side of the old cowboy and asked, 'Are you a real cowboy?'

He replied, 'I always thought I was, but I just found out that I'm a lesbian.'

Good Guys

2009-03-20T13:13:00.000-05:00

Just a random photo of Chris Brown, Philly Dee and I from the fellowship we had at the Family Birthday Party.

Self Motivation

2009-03-16T13:04:00.001-05:00

I saw this video clip over on Angelina's blog of a little girls technique of self motivation. You should give it a try sometime esp if you feel like quitting.

Ange I hope you don't mind I borrowed the video without asking first, it's for the benefit of the world. Ha!

Tomorrow is...

2009-03-12T11:31:00.002-05:00

...Friday the 13th.

Paraskevidekatriaphobia - or the fear of Friday the 13th is a very real problem for some. I personally think I am not very superstitious, but Ali (of Nathan) thinks I am. In seeing we have 3 Fridays that fall on the 13th this year, February, March and November I did a little looking into the origins of the supposed unluckiness of the day.

With the complete variety of the origins you have stories ranging from as far back as the Garden of Eden to as late as the book Friday the 13th about an economic crash written in the early 1900's. Some say it started with Norse Gods and others with the Last Supper. No matter where the story began the thing they all have in common is that Friday and the number 13 are unlucky, so combining them together and it's even worse.

Here's an excerpt of some of the superstitions taken from an article on UrbanLegands:

LEGEND HAS IT: If 13 people sit down to dinner together, one will die within the year. The Turks so disliked the number 13 that it was practically expunged from their vocabulary (Brewer, 1894). Many cities do not have a 13th Street or a 13th Avenue. Many buildings don't have a 13th floor. If you have 13 letters in your name, you will have the devil's luck (Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Theodore Bundy and Albert De Salvo all have 13 letters in their names). There are 13 witches in a coven. Never change your bed on Friday; it will bring bad dreams. Don't start a trip on Friday or you will have misfortune. If you cut your nails on Friday, you cut them for sorrow. Ships that set sail on a Friday will have bad luck – as in the tale of H.M.S. Friday ... One hundred years ago, the British government sought to quell once and for all the widespread superstition among seamen that setting sail on Fridays was unlucky. A special ship was commissioned, named "H.M.S. Friday." They laid her keel on a Friday, launched her on a Friday, selected her crew on a Friday and hired a man named Jim Friday to be her captain. To top it off, H.M.S. Friday embarked on her maiden voyage on a Friday, and was never seen or heard from again.

Studies have been conducted to see if there are more traffic accidents on Friday the 13th compared to other Fridays. Some show that more people stay home on that day due to superstitions so there are actually less traffic accidents reported, so driving should be safer. At the same time, studies have shown that there are more hospital admissions due to traffic accidents on Fridays that fall on the 13 than on other Fridays. One such study showed an increase of 52%.

Even my accident where I got hit by a taxi was on Friday the 13th, in July of 2007. For that story read the post by clicking here.

I will conclude this post by saying, Stay close to the Lord, claim the keys and you will be okay on any day of the week even if it is Friday the 13th.

Building

2009-03-06T10:27:00.003-06:00

While I was gone on my trip, back at home a team was sent for nearly a week to San Bartolo to help improve some of the villagers houses. Additions of rooms were added to 4 houses during that time. Here are a few photos from the team that went.

Fran adding the last nails, with Gabo good Mexican laborer that he is, looking on.

Phil, the Foreman adding the last piece.

Isreal, Fran and Gabo with one of the families who received an addition to their makeshift home.

Home

2009-03-05T23:21:00.000-06:00

Adrian in the truck, he is a good traveler.

Just got home with Adrian, who will be with me here in Mexico til mid August. We are looking forward to the time we will have as well as me learning how to do his school. This is the first time I have been able to have him while he is working through his normal school year. It will be fun and we will make progress.

She's Gone

2009-03-02T10:30:00.001-06:00

Yes Folks, she really is gone. My good good friend Celeste has answered the Lord's call in her life in a ministry that most of us could never do. We have been through a lot over the past decade, through each stage she has been a friend ready to help, through my highs and lows, my good times and bad times, she always had the guts and conviction to call it how she saw it even when I was the one out of it. And despite it all her friendship and love remained strong and true.

Cel, each one of us (your friends) who had the chance to live, work with or be friends with you have been most richly blessed.

You will be missed!!

E-Spresso

2009-03-01T10:13:00.003-06:00

E-Spresso is here. The new hip email that will keep you up to date in your professionalism. If you haven't signed up already do so NOW by clicking on the logo above.

Cola in the Middle East

2009-02-28T22:10:00.005-06:00

A disappointed salesman of Coca Cola returns from his Middle East assignment.
A friend asked, "Why weren't you successful with the Arabs?"

The salesman explained, "When I got posted in the Middle East, I was very confident that I would make a good sales pitch as Cola is virtually unknown there.
But, I had a problem I didn't know I had to speak Arabic. So, I planned to convey the message through three posters...

First poster - A man lying in the hot desert sand...totally exhausted and fainting.
Second poster - man is drinking our Cola.
Third poster- Our man is now totally refreshed.
Then these posters were pasted all over the place"

"That should have worked," said the friend.

The salesman replied "I didn't realize that Arabs go from right to left"

HB2Y Adrian

2009-02-27T20:29:00.000-06:00

Today my big boy turn's 9. He had his party last week with his mom so today I took him and Jade out to celebrate with me since I wasn't in town for his party. We went to the Magic Time Machine restaurant. We had a blast, ate in a walk in freezer with packaged meat hanging from the ceiling, and drank UGLY bubbly potions while being served by Harry Potter. Adrian had a birthday song sang to him by about 8 waitresses, which he has forbidden me to post the video of, while Jade had her face painted. Here's a few photos.

Adrian and I waiting in the lounge to be seated at out table. (photo by Jade)

Adrian with his cool birthday Viking hat.

Jade, after getting her face painted.

Jade snapped this photo of the amour.

Angelina Rieli

2009-02-25T00:25:00.002-06:00

Angelina Rieli, is a friend from my distant past... haven't seen her in nearly a decade. She was in Houston on her way to Taiwan when I spent the night at Jer's so I picked her up from the home she was staying at and took her to the party. It was fun to hang out and catch up a bit on old times. She has started a blog and I follow it when I have time... looks like it will be a good one. I have added it to my blog roll, give it a look and leave her comments. Ange I hope you don't mind me stealing the photo from your blog.

HB2Y Jeremy

2009-02-24T19:22:00.001-06:00

So I was passing through Houston yesterday on business and called Jeremy and Mila to ask them if I could spend the night at their place before heading to Dallas for other business. It turns out That they were celebrating Jeremy's birthday with a little party at their place which was totally fine with me. We had a great time hanging out and I got to see some awesome friends, some of whom I hadn't seen in a coon's age. Here are some photos from the night.

Jeremy, the big guy himself and Angelina looking on.

Mila, trying hard to explain something to me and me just laughing at her.

The lovely Ambie, my personal goddess.

Clair Costello, debatable the life of any party.

Ricky and Rosie

Countless Miles...

2009-02-21T18:30:00.001-06:00

Seems that in the past few years I have done a lot of driving on the open roads... a lot of the times I have been alone. That leaves for lots of time to ones own thoughts. These trips have been made for basically been for visa trips or fund raising, sometimes to see my kids.

I am taking another one of those trips now, this one will be different then the others in the reason for the trip. Before the trips were for what I needed or what was needed of me. This trip will be done for the purpose of someone else. After 8 years of living a certain way, I am changing for the one I love, doing things different than before.

When looking back over the countless miles its easy to wonder what was worth it and what was just filling time. I hope the end of my journey is as good as the journey itself has proven to be.

HB2Y Family.

2009-02-18T17:51:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday Family

Valentines Hugs

2009-02-15T14:54:00.006-06:00

Yesterday we sent a team of 10to the center of town, armed with SLY tracts and wearing "free hugs" t-shirts and signs in attempt to hep cheer people up. They were out for a couple hours, gave away lots of hugs and tracts and prayed with over 200 people to receive the Lord. What a day.

Gabo, Olympia, Ivan, Katrina, Fran, Lynette, Israel, Lena and Esther

Katrina hugging a little girl.

Lena giving a hug while Esther is giving the tract.

Olympia and a young woman.

Esther hugging two at once.

Sucker for Love

2009-02-14T16:02:00.000-06:00

I know you have seen it before but this is my Valentines day word for you! Enjoy and have a good one.

Best of Craigslist

2009-02-03T14:44:00.002-06:00

I sometimes visit Craigslist, an online classifieds website, when I am looking for good deals on things I need. They have a section where you can vote to add one of the ads to the "Best of Craigslist" section for funny, bizarre, sometimes strange and totally out there ads. Reading a few always provides me with a good laugh. I am going to include here one of the ads I saw that I had a good laugh at.

Vintage British 3 Speed Bicycle, Very Nice! - $30 (Dover)

Date: 2009-01-18, 11:49AM EST

Perfect for commuting and just leaving outdoors. Great for everyday use. Great "Winter bike"
I cant remember if it is a Mens or a Womens, but I know its a 3 Speed. Pick up only. Bring a shovel.

Case Dismissed

2009-02-01T14:25:00.000-06:00

In Florida , an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, "Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor,how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays."

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant."

The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists."

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned."

Vacation: Day 10

2009-01-20T18:55:00.002-06:00

Today my back is completely out, I can barely walk. It's the last full day here and I am just resting staying in bed Please pray that I can heal quickly.
The boys went to the beach today for some water and air sports. They said it was great fun and something they would do again. Just a few photos I stole from Bruni.

Fran taking off from the beach pulled by a motor boat.

Fran about 60 feet about the water.

Gabo at takeoff.

Gabo, high above the sea.

Vacation: Day 9

2009-01-19T18:34:00.002-06:00

Today we went out to the island again for a lazy day at the beach, I read a short book about the importance of small talk and how to make people comfortable in conversations. The kids went snorkeling and shell hunting. By the time we got back in the evening my back was hurting quite a bit so I just went to bed early.

Alex, wanting to drive the boat to the island.

The Island Beach

A cave Lena and Alex found that was littered with thousands of sea shells.

Lena, Fran and Alex snorkeling.

Sailboats were a common sight today.

Vacation: Day 8

2009-01-18T21:33:00.004-06:00

Day Eight: Laguna de Potosi
Today the 8 of us went to a lagoon about half hour from Ixtapa. We intended on taking a boat tour of the lagoon which takes about an hour and a half, but after swimming and shell hunting and having a good lunch no one was up for it. After just lazing around in hammocks and drinking from fresh coconuts we ended up heading back to the hotel in late afternoon, a good all around relaxing day at the beach.

Restaurants lining the lagoon.

Alex with fresh coconut.

I guess I was wondering if they added rum to mine.

Later that evening Bruni and I went to the beach to watch the sunset, we sat on the beach taking photos, me drinking Baltika 9 and her sipping on a French wine. We got so many photos of that sunset trying to get the perfect one, you know where there was either a pelican flying over the sun, if the shadows were just right and getting annoyed that two collage age girls were sure set on ruining our perfect photo by having picked the setting sun as thier backdrop for thier splasing around in the waves. All in all I think we got one or two good ones so I will put them up here for you to see.

The beginning of the end...

The pelican...

The reflection...

Final moments...

Vacation: Day 7

2009-01-17T21:59:00.002-06:00

Day Seven: Zihuatanejo
After spending the morning at the beach we headed into the local town of Zihuatanejo. Since Ixtapa is the expensive touristic town catering to Canadian and US tourists, Zihuatanejo is the cheaper town where almost all the locals live. It is the small fishing port and commercial heartbeat of the area. We do all our grocery shopping and things here. But tonight we spent some time to just explore the town in the cool of the evening, we got a few trinkets and took some photos and had dinner at a quant little side street resturaunt. It was a very relaxing day.

A trinket shop where we got a few inexpensive items.

The bay at dusk with table's set on it from a local resturaunt for romantic dinners.

It took us nearly half hour to get Alex to let us take his picture.

Bruni and I

Dawn, Phillip, Fran, Bruni and I at dinner. Gabo took the photo and the young ones, Lena and Alex sat at " the fun table."

Our dinner of chicken fajitas and vegetable soup.

Vacation: Day 6

2009-01-16T18:38:00.002-06:00

Day Six
Today we just lazed around on the local beaches and hung out resting and relaxing. Bruni, Alex and I had a buffet breakfast at a 5 star resort. It was pleasant and a nice way to start the day, we also took a tour of the hotel and we ended up about 12 stories up with good views of the beaches and city so here's a few photo's for you.

My breakfast. Chilliquilles with srambled eggs, potatoe wedges and rolls, accompanied with a fruit plate and fresh grapefruit juice.

The town of Ixtapa, looking inland.

The beach and pools below.

Lena and Alex riding horses up the beach.

The sunsets here are spectacular.

Vacation: Day 5

2009-01-15T18:01:00.002-06:00

Day Five: Offshore fishing.
Early morning before dawn five of us headed out for 7 hrs of off shore fishing. We were hoping to catch a couple of sailfish like they did last year, and even though we were about 14 miles offshore in the end didn't catch anything at all. We did have dolphins swimming with boat part of the morning and spotted a couple of large sea turtles. But most of the time was spent sitting with one hand over the edge in the water lost in my own thoughts while watching the waves.

This is what we were hoping to catch.

The sunrise over the open sea.

The fishermen laying the lines.

Gabo slept most of the trip.

And since I had been out for most of the day with the fishing trip Bruni and Alex hung out at one of the luxury resorts where some other Family members were staying. It has been amazing running into so many brethren from different parts of Mexico all vacationing here this week. At the resort they have a turtle release program for introducing hatchlings into the ocean they get the kids involved which is quite nice and helps the kids learn about the species.

The little turtles in a holding tank before being released.

Alex, holding one of the turtles.

Vacation: Day 4

2009-01-14T22:46:00.004-06:00

Day Four: Ixtapa Island
Phil and I got up early before dawn to try at get a fresh fish for our lunch later today while on the island Here's a couple photos of the fish market right on the bay.

A fisherman offloading his cacth.

Fish displayed for sale right on the beach having been caught only hours before.

We then headed out mid morning to Ixtapa Island to laze around for the day. The pristine offshore islet is a wildlife preserve featuring several crescent cove beaches, fleshy green orchids, multi-colored fishes in underwater gardens, tall cacti and shady native acacias. And to sustain this ecological paradise, the whole island is cleaned every evening. No one lives on the island so it is only a day excursion. There are two swimming beaches and one snorkeling beach. The water is clear and calm makes for excellent swimming and easy time seeing the fish and wildlife. Shells are in abundance scattered on the beaches and rock edges circling the island, making the hutn for the perfect one a time consuming activity for the kids.

One of the swimming beaches. Each of the three beachs on the island are lined with resturants a bit pricey but if you bring your own food they prepare it for you for a fair price.

The coral beach.

A view of the snorkel beach.

Bruni very content with her fressh pineapple drink.

The fish we got at the market this morning prepared by one of the local resturaunts on the island.

Vacation: Day 3

2009-01-13T22:10:00.003-06:00

Day Three:
This morning we went to the free breakfast buffet at The Pacifica resort. They offer the buffet in exchange for having the opportunity to show you their resort and then you sit through a presentation to try to get you to invest in their resort and buy a time share to get your vacations for the next 30 years. 3 1/2 hours after arriving we were finally out of there.The breakfast was good, the resort amazing, and the views spectacular but having to sit through the presentation and the sales pitch as a real damper.

This is the view from our breakfast table at the resort of the beach.

In the afternoon I took a quick trip into the local town and found a great deal on a Russian beer that I had never tried. Bruni suggested I just get one or two before stocking up. I got two and enjoyed them so much I went back the next day and bought plenty more.

Baltika #9 is the best of the three I tried. The number system for the beer 1-9 indicates the amount of hops used in the brew. I tried 3, 7 and 9. The last was the best and for an 8.0% beer it is worth every cent I paid. Elliot and Jen I got enough to bring some to you guys to try.

The rest of the day was spent at the beach. Here's a photo of Alex having fun in the waves.