I'm Home

I got in today. The flight was a little bumpy as we arrived. Overall, the trip to Phoenix was great. It was fun seeing Cherise graduate and being in a city that I had never visited before in addition to the two baseball's I caught Tuesday (thanks R.D.!).

I've uploaded some of the pictures I took of Cherise and of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. When you see those pictures pay attention to the geometric shapes that are used.

I'm looking forward to my next trip to Phoenix, which, hopefully will happen later this year (unless some miracle happens between now and then :D ).

Vacation ends Tuesday.

I Shoulda Bought a Lottery Ticket

Last night R.D. and I went to the D'backs/Pirates game at Chase (a.k.a. BOB) Field. We got there early enough for batting practice and, since the game was against the Pirates, we knew that we would have a good chance at snagging a ball. Well, both of us brought our gloves and assumed our positions in the left field stands. 20 minutes or so goes by with R.D. actually being the closest one to a ball when suddenly a smash. I move to my left a little bit and wait. Will the ball hook more? Not at all. I put my glove up and with two hands (see Dad, I still know how to catch a fly ball) I grabbed my first ever major league baseball! Joy!!!!!!!!! :D

The night would have been perfect if that was all that happened. I put the ball in my pocket after getting congratulations from R.D. (who by this time was starting to struggle a bit) and continue to chase the balls. Of course, by this time the weaker hitters were up but suddenly, like deja vu, another ball comes straight at me and once again, using two hands, I make the catch in the almost exact spot I caught the other one. Two in one night!!!!!! I've spent the last 25 + years chasing balls at the ball park and never caught one and then one magical night in downtown Phoenix I get two. I was walking on air the rest of the night.

R.D., on the other hand, was very upset that I caught two but he didn't get one. Better luck next time R.D.!

Cherise's graduation ceremony is tonight. I hope I can keep myself from crying.

We Got Her!

So Carla and I suprised Cherise this past Saturday. She is graduating this Wednesday and we had told her we weren't going.

Imagine the suprised look on her face when she answered the door and there we were.

Yeah, that's how we felt too!

More on Friday.

Surprise!

There is a surprise waiting for tonight.

I can't tell you until it happens. If all goes well I will post what happens.

If not, see you Thursday.

Got Time to Kill?

Gotta love Youtube!

I'm opening myself up for some criticism here. Take a look at these videos. They are some of my favorites:

The Moody Blues - Your Wildest Dreams
The Moody Blues - I Know You're Out There Somewhere (This is the sequel to Your Wildest Dreams)
Belinda Carlisle - Summer Rain
Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al (With Chevy Chase - Hilarious)

Any of these bring back memories or evoke emotions? Share them in the comments.

5 Month Warning

I may be fighting a bit of food poisoning but that doesn't stop me from reminding you that there are only 5 months of shopping days before my birthday.

Gift idea:
- round trip tickets to anywhere in the continential U.S.

Congratulations Graduates!

I can't believe it is that time of the year again!

Eight very short years ago, I was one of the lucky ones. I was someone lucky enough to finish college and get a degree. Definitely the best thing I've ever done (o.k. - becoming a disciple was the best). Now, as this time of year nears, I feel a little nostaglic and sentimental. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy I'm done with school, but I know the sacrifice and the blood, sweat and tears it takes to graduate from college. That is why I'm so proud of Lauren, Brooke and Javier. Lauren, I never thought you'd stay at UNM. I always thought you'd find a way to get to an Ivy League school but I'm glad you didn't. I'm most proud about you because I poured out a lot of my life into you while you were at AHS, trying to convince you that UNM wasn't a bad place. Now that you are graduating, how did I do?
Brooke, over the past two years I've had the chance to help ease some burdens and pour out some much needed love. I think I succeeded (and I say that based off of yesterday's lunch conversation). Now you are getting ready to attend NYU, one of my favorite schools in the country because it's a university and it's in the heart of New York City. Make sure you say "hi" to the Olsen twins while there. Also, if I'm in New York in the near future, I'll make sure I let you know so we can hang out.
Javier, I hope you don't keep gathering degrees just for the gifts. Two years ago you received your Associates from TV-I. Now you are getting your Bachelor's from UNM. Good job! Your kids will always be able to see what you have accomplished and strive to do more.

To everyone graduating this year, I salute you. Just make sure you never stop learning and always, always, always, encourage the next generation to do the same.

My Car

The car is back. I must admit, it looks good. I had decided I wasn't going to wash it until the dent got fixed. Now it is all shinny. :D
I even get a free wash and wax next month so the body shop can see how it looks.

Nice.

Now, any bets on how long before it rains?

Yankees v. Red Sox

Can you feel the tension building?


Yankees v. Red Sox, starting tonight at the stadium, the baseball cathedral in the Bronx, Yankee Stadium.

Here's hoping for a series sweep!

Cinco de Mayo

Feliz cinco de mayo a todos!

If you are going to celebrate, please celebrate responsibly. I plan on being on the road and I don't need you smacking into my already beat up vehicle.

A Small Sigh of Relief

I finally got the check for the repairs to my car. This was after the first check was sent and never received and about three different calls and e-mails to the adjuster. It was not a lot of fun. I don't have to reiterate my feelings towards insurance companies and my feelings about getting hosed on the proper repair for my car. Let me just state again, I understand why so many people in NM don't carry insurance.