FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Our Church group put together a "kids" version of "Fiddler on the Roof" this past weekend. The show was on May 21th. A great Birthday for me since Olivia participated in the play as Chava.

All kids did great in their performance. Ages varied from 7 to about 14. Olivia being the youngest, who by the way will turn 8 this Wednesday.

We went to a restaurant to celebrate her introduction to theater as well as to celebrate my 41 birthday....

I do not feel it though, I keep telling myself that I am stuck on 30's.

See more of the pictures on my flicker page...

NATIONAL GUARD ON THE BORDER

So, it finally happened.
National Guard on Mexico-US Border
Bush is going to supposedly announce that the National Guard from Border States is going to go and assist the border patrol in their quest to control the borders of the US and Mexico. IN MY HUMBLE OPINION:

The presence of armed military men/women is going to be the only way to decrease the entry into the US (from Mexico) by undocumented immigrants. The same should be done along the border with Canada.
The mere presence of armed military forces along the border is going to create friction between people who live close to the border on both sides. There was a shooting of a young kid (American) by a group of military folk a few years ago, who were "assisting" the border patrol then. They thought that he was a drug smuggler, since he had a small shooting rifle on his back. He was actually herding a bunch of goats close to the border and close to the town that he lived in.
The presence of the military will have a positive effect on the entry of "mules", or people carrying drugs into the US through the border. Undocumented entries will continue, albeit in smaller numbers. People will still risk getting caught and returned. Petty drug smugglers however, will not want to risk getting shot or imprisoned for some quick dollars.
The challenge will be in making sure that the members of the National Guard can distinguish between a mule and a simple migrant. Problem is, they look the same. Perhaps some of the people who already served in Iraq can be called back and placed on the border with Mexico, they already have the experience of dealing with stressful situations and can keep their cool and not be too quick to get into a shoot out. Unless of course it is necessary if and confronted by Armed drug smugglers.
Aside from what the President of Mexico says about the placement of the military on the border, this is an issue that had to be addressed by the US Government. Bush may be doing it to placate the conservative forces opposed to his stance on immigration and many groups from the left will decry the militarization of the border, but it is a necessary step. Once that step is taken, then some kind of amnesty for current undocumented immigrants must follow and only after they have satisfied a set of requirements imposed by the government.
Many other countries have the military guard their borders, why not the US?

MOTHERS DAY

Calling friend
Originally uploaded by Ciscokid1.

Happy Mother's Day Miss "961 Views"

MOTHERS' DAY

What is the meaning of mother's day?
Yes, to recognize and appreciate your mom and any and all moms. Happy mothers' day to you all.
Of course that was yesterday in Mexico. It will be mothers' day here on Sunday. A Bolivian friend told me that in Bolivia they celebrate in on May 27.
SO, why the difference in dates?..
Is it the same in Europe? Asia?
I wish my mom was here so I could wish her a happy mother's day.
I am sure she has a few happy days in her life. I make her cry when I talk to her. Are they tears of sadness?, happiness?
I don't know.

MAY

The heat is back.
So far a week of great weather, a bit sunny but perfect-not too hot. SOon though, it will be upwards of 100 degrees here.
In the meantime, here are some shots of what is going on in Vegas..


Recently, there was a convention of Harley owners at the place where I work. I've never seen so many Harleys in one place.




Also,
at my daughters school, they had a Patriotic program where all the second graders sang and danced...
Good Show.


Life just goes on...

CRIPPLE THE ECONOMY?

"Illegal Aliens-Fail to shut down US"--CNN
Listening to the news shows this afternoon, you'd think that the marchs and protests today were geared towards, "crippling the economy", or "shutting down America."
I don't think there is anything that can accomplish that, short of war, as we saw back in 09-11. So a country wide march or protest will not ever accomplish that.

That is not the goal. The goal is to send a message to the leadership of this country to consider granting some sort of amnesty to undocumented aliens, or illegal, however you want to refer to them. Sure there were calls for not attending school and not going to work. When you are counting on the hours that you put in to work to pay for bills, rent etc, it can be a bit hard to skip work. There are ways of getting out of work by requesting the day off, or ask for vacation days, but if they are not granted, you can risk getting "counseled" or even fired. So, to those who missed a day of work, I salute you. To those who couldn't, try and support in one way or another.
I still believe that in the long run, the marches will have their desired effect and in some way or another, there will be legislation that will help many people without documents attain them or at least not make them criminals just for lack of documents.
What happens after today?..
Hard to tell, I am sure that there will be more, though not as wide spread or as high in numbers as today.

nohr4437.org

for more info:

nohr4437.org

MAYO 1- UN DIA SIN INMIGRANTES

El día se acerca rápidamente y el miedo de las corporaciones americanas es muy palpable, particularmente los que emplean a millones de inmigrantes en trabajos de servicio; hoteles, restaurantes, hospitales, etc. Éstos no son miedos infundados. La ausencia de trabajadores en cualquier compañía lastimará su capacidad de proveer producto(s) a sus clientes, ya sea un producto tangible o intangible.
Aquí en Las Vegas, los casinos y la unión de trabajadores, “exhorta" a sus miembros (sobre todo trabajadores de hoteleros) que no dejen de trabajar y que mejor atiendan a una "reunión" después de el trabajo donde pueden firmar una petición que será enviada a los representantes del estado en el congreso. Esto reducirá al mínimo el ausentismo el 1 de Mayo; por lo menos ésa es la meta. ¿Va a ayudar? Mi opinión es que habrá bastantes trabajadores ausentes pero las compañías han establecido ya planes para lidiar con esta situación. Lo interesante de esta “amistad” es el hecho de que la unión y las compañías aquí encontraron tierra común. En vez de que la unión llamara para apoyar a las marchas, acordó organizar un mitin con los presidentes de los hoteles. Por supuesto lo están haciendo por pura conveniencia. El contrato entre los hoteles y la unión va a ser re-negociada muy pronto y esto le ayuda a la unión a pedir mas concesiones.
¿Y los trabajadores que?
Habrán mas marchas y habrá gente que no trabajara en todas partes del país este Mayo1, de eso no hay duda. Todo esto afectara las decisiones tomadas por el Congreso No duden que la presión de los grupos cívicos y el miedo a que las marchas podrían aumentar en frecuencia y tamaño afectará las decisiones que el congreso toma. Es absolutamente posible que si no se hace nada, la premisa de la película, "A Day Without Mexicans" pudiera ser realidad.

May 1 a day without

May 1, a day without immigrants.

The day quickly approaches and the fear of the American corporations is palpable, particularly those that employ thousands of immigrants in service jobs; hotels, restaurants, hospitals, etc. These aren’t unfounded fears. They have seen hundreds of thousands of marchers across the country express their support for legislation that will allow some sort of amnesty for the undocumented population of the U.S. and as time passed since the marches began just a few weeks ago, the significance of May 1, as the day of the worker, has become greater here in the States. Typically Labor Day is celebrated in September. In many other countries, Labor day is May 1. So, why are the corporations afraid? one simple term, profits.
The absence of workers on May 1 in any company will hurt their ability to deliver product(s) to their customers, whether it is a tangible or intangible product. This in turn affects their bottom line in unhappy customers and when you are dealing with thousands and thousands of customers daily, it can get a bit frightening. In the service industry, this is dogma. So what to you do about it?
Here in Las Vegas, the large corporations and the local union, have teamed up to “encourage” their members (Mostly hotel workers) to show up for work and instead, attend a “rally” at a very popular spot here in town where they can sign a petition which will be sent to the State representatives in Congress. This “should” minimize absenteeism on May 1; at least that is the goal. Is it going to help? My guess is that there will be plenty of workers who will be absent form work but the companies have already established plans to deal with this issue. What I find interesting is the fact that the union and the companies here found a middle ground with regards to this issue. Instead of the union calling for support from their membership for the marches, they have agreed to hold the rally. Of course they are doing it for leverage. Contract negotiations are beginning soon, so instead of antagonizing their counterparts, they are willing to cut a deal that will help the hotels get through May 1 without major issues. I am wondering if this has happened in other parts of the country.
What about the workers?
There will be people marching and missing work throughout the country on May 1, no doubt about it. Will it affect decisions made in congress in regards to immigration? In the long run, I think so. There is no doubt that the pressure that civic groups and the fear that the marches could increase in frequency and size will affect the decisions that Congress takes. It is quite possible that if nothing is done, the premise of the movie, “A Day Without Mexicans” might come true.

EASTER SUNDAY

There is a strong message on Easter Sunday that doesn't have anything to do with Bunnies or Easter eggs.

It is an uplifting message of hope and new life out of death. Whether you are religious or not, you cannot help but to listen and reflect. I guess the message is stronger after you suffer some form of tragedy, distress or life altering event.
I make it a point to attend at least a couple of services throughout the year; Christmas, Easter and whenever Olivia is singing in the choir. Of course there are plenty of excuses, not reasons, not to attend. My main one is that I like to sleep in on Sundays, have pancakes and just enjoy the morning. I used to go every Sunday to church back in Mexico, now it is here and there, particularly when Olivia wants to go. She is there a lot more frequently than I am so, I suppose I should make some kind of personal commitment with God about being a regular attendee at one of our churches.
It isn't being with churchgoers, or what the preacher, priest, pastor may say. It is the message I get out of it and the connection I make with my own self or god. Is it a matter of age?
I stopped going in my mid-twenties and as I grow older, I feel the need to have a closer connection with God.
What do you do?
What do you think?

One More Year

Another year that goes by.
Another torrent of memories unleashed.


It was early in the morning. Standing on the balcony at the Century Plaza in L.A. There was a thick blanket of fog enveloping the building. I could barely make out the railing that kept me from the ground bellow. Barely a sound around or maybe I just shut down all my senses. It seemed so peaceful up there. I did think of jumping and only one thought kept me from doing it.
Olivia.
How do I go about telling her that her mom had just died a few hours before?
Barb had just gone through a bone marrow transplant at UCLA Medical a few days before. Our hopes were so high that she would get through the transplant, but a few days after, things began to turn for the worst.
The last thing I remember telling her was that we were going to take her down into the ICU for close observation. She replied with tears in her eyes, "OK, OK." Because of pain they had to heavily sedate her. After that, she was barely conscious while her body began to show signs of deterioration. It took about 5 days in ICU and eventually her vital organs began to fail.
One by one went.
Many doctor came by, who hardly exchanged words with us. Barb's mom and sisters were always in the room and we took turns to go out to get some food or a bathroom break.
It was a certain doctor, whose face I still remember who brought us or me, into full reality mode.
He explained that my wife was dying, that there wasn't much more that they could do. He explained that all the symptoms and signs indicated that her body was shutting down and that eventually her heart would stop beating.
I broke down and cried. Sobbing like a kid whose ice cream just fell off the cone. I cried on my mother in law's shoulders and embraced comforting each other. There wasn't much else to say. The tears and sobs got in the way.
The future at that point looked so uncertain. The only thought was for my daughter..
and it still is.
Eventually she stopped breathing and then a few minutes later, her heart stopped. And just like that, our lives as we knew them, were over.
We all comforted each other back at the hotel later that morning. Barb's dad had stayed back at the hotel to babysat Olivia while we were at the hospital. We cried more after we told him of what had happened. Olivia was till asleep.
So much pain, so much sadness.
And it doesn't go away ...as easily.

protest

protest
Originally uploaded by Rosie O'Donnell.

Thanks to Rosie O'Donnell for the picture...

IMMIGRATION MARCHES-MORE COMING

Rather than write a long essay about the immigrant movement going on in this country, I will give you my view of the whole thing.

The movement is catching white America by surprise. Not many people expected that thousands and thousands, weeks after weeks of protesters would take to the streets in a peaceful manner. When some people opposed to the marches or to the whole idea of granting any kind of amnesty for immigrants complained that the marchers "should" wave American flags and not the Mexican flag, organizers of these marches asked and suggested to their participants to wave and hold the American flag. Protesters complied and in the last two days, most of the marchers were indeed holding American flags. I suppose that after this weeks protests, the people opposed to the protests will cry "foul" about some other aspect of the marches.

The people opposed to the moveements fail to see that this is not an issue that pertains only to Mexican immigrants. In the marches you will see, besides Mexican flags, Salvadoran, Ecuadorian, and from other countries. But, it isn't just about nationalities or flags.
It is about accepting a group of people into American society. About making them productive members of society who will pay their taxes and contribute economically into the system. I am not suggesting that the amnesty should be given across the board, but rather to those who have been here for a long time, 5 years, 10 years, I am not sure, perhaps at least five years. If the figures being passed around these days are correct, at least 10 million undocumented aliens are living in the country. Of those millions, perhaps the majority have been here more than five years. Drive around any neighborhood in any major city of the United States and you will see many businesses and housing that are owned by immigrants. These people have been working hard and for a long time to attain their dreams. The irony is that many of these people are undocumented immigrants. There are ways of buying a house and or starting a business without having documents. These people have also settled in this country. They have kids who are American citizens and the prospects of going back to their native countries is far fetched. These are the kind of people that need the amnesty. There have to be guidelines to achieve this amnesty. Starting with a "penalty" fee or whatever you want to call it. Say a document fee of $1000.00 or more. If there are at least 7 million undocumented immigrants who will qualify for this amnesty, each paying $1000.00 each, You do the math.
That money will go directly to the tax coffers of the federal government. This can be used to pay back to States that are most "affected" by immigrants or to pay for social services that may need to be provided for many of them. Although, I would suggest that any new applicant or once the amnesty is granted, they cannot receive or apply for social services such as; Medicare, social security, etc. There will always be non profit groups, churches or civic groups that would step in to assist those in dire need.
Yes, they have families back home, parents, sisters, brothers. However, those who chose to stay also have families of their own and the idea of making a deadly trek through the dessert with kids in tow is out of the question.
Most of those daring to come north are single, men and young. The kind of workers that a vibrant economy needs. Now if these people can prove that they have been here at least 5 years, then they should apply. If not, there ought to be other options available that will at least keep track of their whereabouts. At the same time, the federal government needs to do more efforts to seal the border with Mexico.
There are more advantages to granting amnesty than disadvantages.
More of that later...

BRUINS--WHAT A RUN!

O.K.
So my team didn't make it. They lost in the finals. Florida was convincingly the better team. Time to move on..

Busy week here at work. This weekend there is a concert for Billy Joel and the following day for "Queen" Of course Queen without Freddy Mercury is like KISS without make up, Like the Beatles without John or George, Like Katie Curic without Matt Lauer.....
Now that is stretching it...

Yes did you hear Katie Curic is moving to CBS to do 60 Minutes?...
Should be interesting...

So How is your week?.

BENGAL TIGER IN ALABAMA

BENGAL TIGER IN ALABAMA


So, while driving home today from work, I heard on the radio that there is a Bengal tiger prowling around the State of Alabama.

(No location given)
Supposedly it is a tiger with a red strap on its neck. Of course speculation is that someone had it and raised it since it was a cub and it got away from them or they actually let it loose.
Why in the world would you want a pet like that?....
I was afraid of the sharp claws that my cat “used to have”.
Each time I picked her up when she was a kitten, I’d be weary of the scratches I was going to get, now imagine a tiger cub.

What do you feed an animal like that?...
What size is their litter box?
Does it chase birds and mice?
Does is scratch at the window and howl while there are other cats outside?..

I do think every cat should have a colorful strap though…….

Do your pets have a red strap?????

Animal pets that is..

BRUINS ON TO THE FINAL FOUR!

Picture by AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
They did it again..
Yes they are going to the Final Four. That in itself is an accomplishment, but not good enough. Now they must go for the big one; The National Championship. Just like they did 11 years ago.


Yes, time does fly.

What ever happened to; Ed O'Bannon, Cameron Dollar, Tyus Edney, Toby Bailey, etc, etc.?
If you know?.....Let me know..

Final Four Saturday and Monday, April 1 and 3, 2006

WEEKEND

Hot weather is coming soon to Vegas. Currently Spring Break is here. This means loud, obnoxious, dirty and inconsiderate college students are all over the place. I was once a college student too. But, not a loud one so I cannot identify with these brutes. The girls tend to be nicer, unless they are a little drunk, but hey, it's time to "live it up" right?..
Since I am on the subject of College and Spring Break, March Madness is here. March Madness is all about Collegiate Basketball. A tournament with lots of teams playing for The NCAA National Championship. Four teams (The Final Four) will play for the final two spots to select the National Collegiate Champion. Last night was a very wild one. The Bruins (UCLA) came back from behind to beat a team that "had" it already won..... But, it isn't over till its over..
Read on..

Bruins Win

GO BRUINS!

ONE YEAR

Yes, It's been a year since I've been blogging. It's been fun and educational. I still manage to read some bloggs in between working and everyday living. I have seen a few bail out. Some new ones, some that grow and evolve. I think eventually the blogg world will thin out to leave mostly those who are serious about writing about a particular or specific subject and those that serve a special "need".
Mine?..
Just to keep a timeline about my own personal happenings. someday when I sit down to write my memoirs, this blogg will serve as a reference for this part of my life. I do have an interesting life.

Chapter 1 will be

Hijo de la Sierra.
Or A Child of the Highlands

It is a story that takes me from a small village, nestled in the highlands of the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. From there to Mexico City and 15 years later to the city of Los Angeles. In between; tragedy, love, tears, despair, sadness, loneliness and all those emotions that make us stronger and able to continue facing what is ahead each day.

GREEN ENCHILADAS

Someone has been asking for recipes so here is my first one.
This is a recipe for "Green Enchiladas". Enchiladas are a very traditional Mexican dish. There are many variations, including "Enchiladas Swizas" "American Enchiladas-only found in the US-", etc.

I prefer the green ones:
I think of myself as a good cook, However, I am not much for following recipes, so I hope if you follow my instructions, you will turn out a good dish for about 4 people.

YOU NEED:

4-Chicken Breasts-with bones
A Packet of Tortillas(12 to 24)-Corn works best
A Bush of cilantro
Tomatillos( about 12)-very important part of recipe.
GourmetSleuth -� Tomatillos (Husk Tomatoes)Tomatillos provide the tart or sour flavor to the dish. Most big markets carry these nowadays.
Garlic- 1 head
Onions (4)
Some type of "Crumbly cheese"
Jalapenios (6)(Or chile Serrano)-Fresh-"Not Canned!"
Cooking oil
1 container of creme fraiche (Or mexican creme, thinner than sour cream)-not sour cream
Salt pepper and all other necessary kitchen spices.
1 Blender
2 Pots
1 Pan
1 Pyrex-glass type shallow and long

Begin by cooking the chicken breasts with quartered onions, garlic, salt and pepper.
While that is cooking, clean the cilantro, jalapenios, remove the husk from the tomatillos and wash. Gather a couple of pans for cooking (boiling) the jalapenios and tomatillos with onions.
(Clean the cilantro by removing the bottom part of the stem. Some people just use the leaves, I like to use the stems as well.)

Once the chicken is cooked, remove from pot and let cool, since you will be removing the breast meat from the bones. Save the broth. This will be used for making the sauce. The meat will be used to place inside the tortillas. More about that when we get to that part.

Preheat oven at 250.

Once the jalapenios and tomatillos are cooked, drain water and you will need to blend everything that you cooked with the tomatillos (onions, garlic, jalapenios). Instead of water, use the chicken broth to add to the Sauce in the blender. Be careful not to add too much or the sauce will be runny. While the blender is going, add handfuls of colanders. Add a bit more salt, depending on particular taste.
Set the sauce aside and begin to shred the chicken-by hand.

While you are shredding the chicken, place the salsa in a large pan and place on the stove to maintain hot and also to cook off some of the liquid in case it is too runny. No more than 10 minutes.

The chicken will be placed inside the tortillas.-Soft tortillas work the best, of course in Mexico you have the "luxury" of just walking to the corner tortilleria to get fresh tortillas. Here in the states, you have to microwavethem to make them soft and manageable. You can either roll the tortilla with the chicken inside or just fold over in half (Like and actual Mexican quesadilla)

You will need a pan with hot oil to fry the tortillas once they are folded with the chicken inside. Fry to a light brown, ,not too hard-place on paper napkins or plate to drain oil.
Place the already fried enchiladas into a long Pyrex type glass ocntainer. Lay them flat, side by side or however you want. The sauce will be spread over the enchiladas, add the cheese to the top and quickly place in the preheated oven.
While the pan is ine over for about 10 minutes, set the table, get your favorite beer out and then serve the enchiladas.
Add more cheese, add cream on top, sliced onions to tatse and maybe some shredded cilantro for garnish or whole leaves.
A dish with 4 or five enchiladas has enough nutrients and flavor tha you do not need anything else to go with them
However,
Enchiladas can be served with refried beans (That will be my next recipe for you) IN the meantime, canned refried beans are OK. You can also serve with rice (Another Mexican dish with lots of variations)

Enjoy!

Month Long Absence

Yes, it has been a month.

A month without writing, not that I don't have anything to write about, I have just been busy with work..and with everyday life.

At work- I cannot believe the stupidity of people over the simplest things---
"I cannot have any bread, so can you make a sandwich without bread?"
Of course the answer is yes (All for customer service).....
My questions is:

If you cannot have bread in your diet, why walk into an establishment where the specialty is Sandwiches?.... Why not try a coffe shop or buffet?, for crying outloud, it is Vegas!

Don't feel offended if you fall in this category-It is called "planning ahead"

Another one is:

"Can you make a sandwich with my own bread?----I have my own bread"
That is definitely a no- no.
It goes against health regulations, then again, if you carry your own particular kind of bread around, why not go to the store and buy the ingredients to make your own?..

At home- Just hanging out when I get the chance.
Reading books, trying to relax after the stress of work.
(Currently reading- The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova)

Just venting.......
and you.
How've you been?...

NOW WHAT!

Yes, now what!

Football season is over, Texas beat USC in college football. March madness is coming up (College Basketball) but still, NBA, don't follow it enough, at least not until the playoffs.
SO, the US Government "pressures" the Starwood chain of hotels (Westin, Sheraton, W, etc.) to kick out a Cuban delegation out of the hotel where they were staying to conduct meetings with US Businessmen.
Yes, I know there is an embargo against Cuba, However, this happened in Mexico City!. Of course the Federal Government there (Currently PAN) decided to stay out of this sticky situation by claiming that it was an issue between "private individuals." The hotel even kept all monies previously paid by the Cubans for their reservation.
I doubt that the embargo was the reason behind the removal of the Cubans out of their hotel. Simply because if the embargo was to be applied constantly and frequently, we would have plenty of people all over the world getting kicked out of their rooms, since most hotel companies or chains, tend to be American.
American businessmen, even Senators have gone to Cuba for one reason or another, why have they not been stopped?
Maybe it had to do with an American company trying to do business with a Cuban company which would have a negative effect on one of George Bush's interests or a friend's?...
Just pure speculation here.

Blogg Abandonment

Another blogger who I read on and off is giving it all up. Because of hackers and her constant "fixing" of her website, etc, etc... She is leaving and not writing anymore. Why do people take bloggs so seriously?..
I know there is time invested in writing, thinking, etc. But, is it that big of a deal that people mess with their; settings, pictures or just write negative comments on their bloggs?.
I think when you put something out there for anyone to see and read, you can expect a lot of reactions. Now, if they are accessing your personal files on your computer, that is more of a security issue that needs to be addressed by blogger or your own security settings, or software.
Maybe they will start a new blogg under a different name, then again,

who cares?

PATTERN

Last I blogged:
Monday January 2
Monday January 9
Monday January 16
Now I am getting ready to write a new post....Notice a pattern here?....
Anyways.
Today is Monday and though there is so much I could talk, write, post, blogg about, I cannot find something meaningful that you would be interested in.
Aside from telling you about the weather cold), there isn't much else. I am off from work on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Here is a topic-People that come knocking at your door to sell you stuff!
I just had to answer the door for some guy "raising" money for his class at UNLV(local university).
He is selling books and part of the collected price goes to the fundraiser. I was about to buy one when I realized that I had run out of checks to write.
He was OK with me not having checks and just left to bother someone else...

Now that I think about it he did have a nice silver Movado watch on (About 800.00 worth...)
I wonder how much of his own money he's contributing .......

I hate fundraisers.....(Including the ones for the kid's school)

SICK< SICK< SICK

What is going on in this world?
What is going on in this country?.
A little girl was found in a dumpster here in Vegas last week. Police are of course investigating....Read here
Another girl-was beaten to death by her step father, while her mom watched and did nothing.Daily News
This was in NY- (Heard it this morning in the news).
That is just the latest, now if we go back every month for the last year or years, there isn't a time when you do not hear or read a bout children being mistreated, starved, beaten, abused and more.
Do we as a society not give a dime about children?.. Is it the government that is not doing its job to protect kids? It sure isn't the church that is getting high marks either..
Somebody has to do something about it.
But whom.
I cringe at the tought of my daughter being hurt in any shape or form. As you've heard before from many caring and loving parents that they would kill anyone with their bare hands if they hurt theirs, I probably would too.
Is that kind of blindness, that would allow us to kill a stranger, the same blindness that allows other people to hurt their own kids or someone else's?..
Does any ounze of guilt or remorse go through their minds as they are commiting their crime?.. I don't know.
I just pray to God that I am never blinded by hatred, evil or malice to hurt someone, much less a child.
I will do my part by taking care of my kid and those around me and those whom I cannot protect I will say a prayer for them.
It has to start with us as responsible caring and loving parents.

GADGETS IN MY POCKETS

As requested:

What I have in my pockets.
It hardly varies, aside from small pieces of paper or coins, this is pretty much what you would find in my pockets any time of the day.

Car Keys,
Wallet,
Ipod-(Not always)
Palm pilot (Most of the time)

Now, if you were to ask me to take a picture of everything that I have in my car......Forget it!

SAD STORIES

I was tagged by Utterly DrunkBulb about writing sad stories.

Is it sad that you cannot see your parent or parents for over 7 years?..
Of course it is, even if it iis for a few days or years, or never again.
Yes That is sad. I was deprived of the presence of my mother from the age of 12 'till about 19.

Of course this was due to issues between my father and her. When they split up, I stayed with my dad. After that, she moved out of town, along with my younger sisters and brother, and that was it.
There were many days of sadness and tears and I don't think I ever got over not seeing her.
I always missed her to the point where I was ready to call "mom" to the couple of women that my dad dated or lived with after.
Once she came back into my life, Nothing was the same, I was happy to see her again, but I did not want to be around her as much as I would have thought. We still have a good relationship till now, but it is sad to say that There is no mother son love there, she might as well be an aunt that I haven't see for years.
Sad isn't it?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN 2006

bon bon

bon bon
Originally uploaded by Ciscokid1.

My daughter as a bon bon in The Nutcracker. She was very happy and excited to have participated in this production here in Vegas. She is already looking to next year's performance.

END OF YEAR

So what will 2006 bring us in the field of American politics?

One thing for sure is, the Bush White House will continue to "surprise" us with more and more revelations about the on-goings behind the much secretive administration.

Consider the latest "leak" about the NSA spying on American citizens...All this without a court order.
Frankly, I don't care about the spying or surveillance. I for one have nothing to hide, as I am sure most of the citizens of this country feel. If I am pulled over because I fit a certain description in their APB's, so be it. I have not committed a crime.
The only problem as I see it, is that eventually, someone will get carried away. A "right" minded law enforcement agent with his own agenda. At that point, who does he respond to?...Where are the guidelines for him or her to follow when they begin to trample on innocent people?
Right now the administration has a carte blanche in regards to law enforcement and by default, any and all other law enforcement agencies. This is something that you would find in any third world country. All you have to do is go back to any Latin American country in the 70's where most governments were of an authoritarian nature, thus they sequestered, jailed and executed any who would oppose them, without the smallest appearance of a justice system. (Of course, the tables have turned and many of these ex-leaders are now under "investigation" or in jail for the alleged atrocities committed agains their own people)
Another interesting aspect of these governments was the fact that most were supported by American administrations; whether Republicans or Democrats There were no doubts that millions of dollars were going to these countries to support these governments.
This is the risk that the US runs if it allows the "Patriot Act" and or other acts which undermine the freedom that citizens have enjoyed and still enjoy here in the States. It is a dangerous slope that our government could easily go down into.
It is taking the easy way out. By allowing Law enforcement the right to do as they please in regards to "law enforcement", they are being told that regardless of the way that they obtain information on any person, they will not be subject to prosecution.
Isn't that why the FBI was instituted to begin with?...
To investigate and prosecute any "domestic" crimes?...So what if the crime has not been committed (As they have explained-after the September 11 attack).
You suspect someone of planning an attack?...Spy on them listen to their phone conversations, follow them and prosecute them. However, only after all proper procedures have been followed (Obtain a warrant, or court order).
I want to be as safe as everyone else. I want to be protected against any attacks from anyone, including our own government.
Any law that pretends to protect us as Americans or other, needs to be tailored after our constitution. The FBI's procedures need to be revised to allow certain freedoms in regards to law enforcement, without breaking any laws.
The current actions by the current administration are an example of a government ready to turn the leadership to shady characters who feel above and outside the law. This is already a big revelation in 2005. What else can we expect in 2006?...
We have yet to see.

PICTURE

Today, I will take a picture for you.
A picture that shows the spirit of Christmas.

In the meantime.
Merry Christmas to all of you.

SHE READ THE BLOGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, she did. and if you are reading it right now, (Melissa). You made me realize that I have nothing to hide.
I was afraid that you might read it but then again..
It is posted online for the world to see. The world includes you.

Aside from making me look like a fool because of some of my writings, what can I say. I am a guy and every now and then I behave like one.
Nonetheless, if she needs to hear it or read it.
here it is.

I Love her.

I love you.
You are a wonderfull mom.
You are a great girlfriend.
You have been through so much with me that I cannot find the words to thank you other than to say , "I Love you".
I hope you know it.
We have had our issues, but they are meaningless and small.
Everyone has them. (Just read all the bloggs around)
I still have a lot of issues. You still your own.
Such is life and we just have to balance them out and make the best of it.

Yes, just last week you were asking me about reading my blogg.
and you've done it.

NO TITLE

Wow!
2006 coming up really soon.
When I was a kid I used to wonder about the year 2000. Whether it was religiuosly induced or just "cultural myth", my friends and I used to talk about the end of the world. I also used to count the years left till 2000. Of course this was back in the 70's....At some point I just forgot about the whole thing and 2000 came and went.
Now we are well into th 00's. Closing on 2010.

What were you like when you were a kid?...
what things did you worry about?....
Merry Christmas to you all.

El anio 2006 se acerca muy rapidamente. Recuerdo que cuando yo era un chamaco, siempre tenia preocupacion por el fin del mundo. Mis amigos y yo pensabamos que seria en el 2000. No recuerdo si era por religion o solo un mito en general. Y hoy ya estamos por finalizar el '05 y aceracndonos al 2010.

Como eras de puquenio?..
Que cosas te preocupaban?....

Feliz Navidad a todos

IMAGINE

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

John Lennon.
1940-1980

Where were you 25 years ago on this day?

CHRISTMAS

Yes, finally it is here.
Christmas.

Now, who is going to get what.........
I wonder. Why?
I get the question "What do you want for Christmas?"..
My answer is the usual; "I don't know" or "Nothing"..

What do you want?..

I AM THANKFULL FOR MY DAUGHTER

Of all things I am thankfull for, is to have my daughter (Though right now she is in San Francisco-with family)
I am thankfull for being healthy
I am thankfull for all the love that sourrounds me.
A am also thankfull for friends I have made through this medium. "You know who you are"

Thank you Lord.


En este dia de Accion de Gracias, Doy Gracias por tenere una hija tan linda.
Doy gracias por mi salud, por todo el amor alrededor de mi.
Doy gracias por las amistades que he establecido a travez de este medio de comunicacion.-Ustedes saben quien son.

Gracias tambien a Dios.

Day Off!

Finally!

Yes, I got, or better yet, I gave myself a day off. I hired an assistant who, hopefully will start this week. Now I can begin to schedule myself for day off.
I have been away for a while, nonetheless, I have been keeping up with they bloggs I read.
I got the kids from school. now typing up to sya hello while I enjoy a good Chardonnay. That is whata I call "life"
-No work, chilling, and a nice glass of wine-
How do you relax?

Finalmente tengo un dia de descanzo. Ya contarte un asistente y quiza empieze el en esta semana para yo descansar mas regularmente. Estoy en la computadora, tomando una copa de vino y relajandome. Tambien leyendo los bloggs que acostumbro (Hola Tere).
Eso es lo que se llama vida.

Y tu, Como te relajas?
Saludos.

THE LOST YEARS

I am not sure that I can classify the last few years of my life as lost years.
I have accomplished several things in my professional career. At the same time, I have also made some supid decisions that have cost me plenty. However it is just money. I am healthy, have a loving daughter, have a loving woman in my life. What else could I want?...
I think I want those years back.

So I can tell her how much I loved her, so I can hold her as close to my heart as possible. Just to tell her so many thing that were left unsaid.
Our life changed a lot after our daughter was born. It seems like a given that some of the romanticism is gone or just "put aside" momentarily to give and pay attention to the new member of the family. I can understand that and I was willing to go along, however long it took, just to get back into our romantic, loving sexual life. But then she got diagnosed. So she became the priority for everyone. As well as mine, but while she was sick, we never wanted to entertain the idea that she would die. So we never spoke of the what if. By the time I faced reality it was too late. Could she hear me?
I don't know.
Could she understand my words and tears through her drug induced sleep?
Maybe.
I think that is what buggs me so much after all these years. That we did not face the reality of our future with her sickness. I think she was more aware of it that I was. Maybe it was me who didn't want to face the reality of what was happening to her, to us.
There was a day while she was at the hospital, after the bone marrow transplant. She told me how much she wanted to be with me and that my time spent with our daughter while she was ill (at the hospital), was taking away from that. I felt really bad for her and I think that is when I understood what was coming and still we did not talk about it.
I want those years back.

SUNDAY

Hello all.

Have not had a day off for about three weeks...What do you do?...Keep trucking I say. Work is busy constantly, currently looking to add staff and an assistant so I can get a day off or a couple. I still find the restaurant business exciting, of course, like anything else it has its moments where you just want to walk off, but it also has its rewards.
Daughter is good-Just waiting for Halloween. She is going to be "Catwoman". Just yesterday, she went to a kid's Halloween party that lasted "SIX HOURS" She came back cackling like a witch in a witch's outfit-hat, broom and all. I do miss some of the "close" connections you establish with those frequent readers of blogs. Every now and then I pop in to read what everyone is up to. Right now I am at work, posting before I begin to do some serious work.
Till next time.

BACK TO POLITICS

George Bush supposedly does not read or pay attention to poll numbers.
Maybe he should. He is at a low 39% approval rating, while at the same time, only 2% of African Americans think he is doing a good job as president. On top of that, the looming resolution of the case which will find that in more ways than one, Rove and or the VP's office was involved in releasing the name of the covert CIA agent to the media. This undoubtedly, will lead to perhaps lower numbers in the polls for Bush. His only resolution is to fire whoever was involved in the leak, sooner than later. It wil be to his advantage.
I wonder if he's ever heard of Watergate.

ENGAGEMENT

The Spring Semester at UCLA was coming to an end. This was around May of 1995 and my birthday had just gone by with the required celebration. I was also studying for finals, so it was both a time full of stress and anticipation. We had always made it a point to really have fun on our birthdays and these were no exception. Hers was coming up and I had yet to buy her a present. I have always been a procrastinator and still am. I see myself more of the spontaneous type, but I was having difficulty figuring out what to get her nonetheless, I figured this would have to be a good present. We had been living together for about 3 years. I knew her parents and family well by now. We had also been to Mexico City where she met my Dad. Why just my dad and not my mom?, that is a story for another chapter.
It was time to pop the question. That, I decided would be a "good" birthday present. So after leaving school, I decided to drive by a flower shop and bought a bunch of roses. I also stopped by campanile Restaurant on La Brea and made reservations that evening. We had always wanted to go there, but had never made it a point of visiting. Probably it had to do because we lived on the other side of the city (Pasadena) and we did not have to drive far to go have fun or to eat out.

So now I have the flowers, a reservation, but no ring.
I went back to our apartment and went to a couple of jewelry stores that I had been "casing out". I knew I was going to marry her. She knew we were going to marry. It was a matter of just proposing and doing it. The time had come.
I was lucky enough to find a ring that was unique and as close to what I had in mind for her. I bought it, boxed it and took it home.
She could read excitement in my voice and face when she got home. I told her about our dinner reservation and we got ready.
Dinner went without a hitch, when we got to the restaurant, the roses had been nicely placed on the table. The staff were extremely professional since they knew what I was up to.
Finally desserts arrived. We had started diner with a couple of cocktails, had wine with diner and finished with champagne for her birthday celebration. We started dinner at about 7:00 P.M. It was about 10:00PM when I finally got on my knees and asked her to marry me.
She loved the ring, it fit her perfectly, she said yes and we were married the following year on June 29th.

BLOGS MEXICO

Ya estoy incluido en la bitacora Mexicana de Blogs Mexico
Muchos de los blogs que he leido y continuo leyendo los he encontrado en Blogs Mexico. Mi sitio es digamos Bilingue. Hay puntos que he escrito en Ingles y Espaniol. Otros son solo en Ingles (Para que practiquen su ingles aquellos "interesados", La mayoria de lo que escribo son experiencias personales, como tambien politicas. Hay veces que cuando no hay nada por escribir de todas maneras pondre algo quiza insignificante pero ahi esta. Para los que lo quieran leer.
Gracias por tu visita y dime quien eres.
SALUDOS!

For those wishing to improve on their Spanish, visit Blogs Mexico You will find of course, tons of blogs to browse through-Many interesting ones. Some that I read, I found there. Enjoy!

A slideshow of my favorites on Flickr

Una lista de mis fotos favoritas en Flickr. Ve a:
A slideshow of Cisco's favorites on Flickr Check out my "Favorite" pictures on Flickr!

OCTOBER

October is here along with the upcoming holidays, these days just seem to go a lot faster. Although it's still a bit warm here, I feel that the cold weather is just going to arrive all of a sudden. It will be a good thing; get the fire-places going, get out the blankets, sweaters and just bundle up. My daughter is already planning on being Catwoman for Halloween. I reminded her that when she was just about 5 months old, we put her into a "kitten" outfit.
Halloween is big here in America, very different from anywhere else in the world. I have also experienced -All saints Day- (Dia de los muertos in Mexico) in very traditional ways.



How do you celebrate?

OLIVIA

My daughter was born in 1998. She is a complete blending of two cultures, two worlds, two people, one love. Never did it cross my mind what it would be like to experience and observe the birth of a human being. Those of you who have experienced it, will know what I'm talking about. I have enjoyed each day of her life with the most admiration that you can have for anyone. I am not sure what I would do if she was not around. I used to question the same thing before Barb died. But at that time, Olivia was a few months old. So there was a reason for living.
Olivia will be a mirror image of her mom and I will be there everyday, to watch her grow, to guide her steps and to support her. She is so alive and aware of her own life. She amazes me and everyone around her. That may be true for all kids around. That may be a feeling all parents experience alike, at least I wish they all do. She does remember her mom, if ever so briefly...Thank goodness for video tapes, she can watch all sorts of episodes of her Mom while she was alive.
Am I dwelling on this too much?
Am I making myself crazy?
Or is it therapy.

A Day On Earth - The gallery 2005/09/29

A Day On Earth - The gallery 2005/09/29

Go check out the results of this project-Pictures from people all over the world.
Enjoy.

SOLVANG

North of L.A. and north of Santa Barbara, there is a small town called Solvang. It is an enclave of “Danish” style houses and buildings. Solvang is known for their pastries and desserts (Apple Skivers anyone?). Basically it is a tourist town with great charm. It is off the main road which goes between Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. A recent movie, Sideways, popularized the area, (Santa Inez Valley).
Long before this movie came along, Barb and I decided to drive up there for an overnight trip. The drive from L.A. into Solvang is a good three and a half hour. From LA you take the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), which meanders from Santa Monica north through Malibu and then closer to the Pacific Ocean as it leaves “civilization” and enters into smaller towns like Oxnard and further up the road and closer to Santa Barbara, there are some well know resorts with unique end exclusive Spas. Santa Barbara has plenty of Charms as well but our trip continued North on the PCH. After leaving Santa Barbara, the road continues on a straight path with the ocean to your left. There are plenty of State Parks at which you can stop to dip your feet in the water or for a picnic.
Back to the ride up there though, suddenly the road begins a climb between two high rising mountains, everything from Santa Barbara and up is covered in green. Even during the hotter months of the year, the area maintains its greenery due to its proximity to the ocean and night fogs.
Once you climb up the mountain, the road begins to enter into the Santa Inez Valley and further on up the road, there is a turn off that veers to your right. This is the road to Solvang. Plenty of signs will lead the way.
We checked into a hotel for the night, of course it was still daylight when we got there, so we went to walk about town. I was so in love with her and the thought of being in her presence and company made everything wonderful. We walked throughout the town hand in hand, stopped at a couple of places for a beer. She also loved to drive and knew how to ski, amongst many other things which eventually only strengthened our feelings for each other. Other things she was into; she liked sports, she liked to drink beer, what more could a guy ask for? By then I had learned that she liked to collect rabbits. So during one of our stops into one of the local gift shops, I bought a Yadro piece, which depicted two small rabbits in a purple box. That was my first valentine’s gift for her. Of course she was thrilled and happy, as much as I was just to be with her. We continued to walk about until the night and fog covered the town. It made it even more interesting with all its shining lights. It was definitely a night for romance. We spent the night in town with the required and glorious love making sessions. Our bodies were new to each other every time. There were no qualms about discovering, feeling and touching every inch of our bodies, with a total openness of our souls. We were totally infatuated and in love at the same time. This was our time, this was our chance to belong, for the next day was still unwritten.
The next day we drove through several wineries and stopped at a couple of places for breakfast and lunch before getting back on the main road. On the way down, we also stopped at one of the previously mentioned rest or scenic overlook areas to watch the sunset. Can it get any more romantic that this? a couple holding each other looking out over the ocean at the bright red sun, disappearing over the horizon, both unaware and unconcerned about what destiny had in store for them.

BARB

It all happened around the Christmas season of 1990. I was working in a restaurant in LA (Checkers Hotel)when I met her. I saw her coming from the second floor down the marble staircase into the lobby. Soft beige colored walls and a floor of marble, slightly darker than the walls, surrounded her. She was tall, slightly long waving hair as she walked towards me, of course she wasn't coming to me. She was headed for the service door, which was behind me. I assumed that she was headed for the kitchen. I saw her and saw a familiar face that I could not place. Weeks after (once we started to get to know each other), I learned from her that her sister was a front office manager at a nearby hotel (Downtown L.A.).
Thus, the familiar face. I had worked in the same hotel a couple of years before and had known her sister briefly as is the case in large hotels.
Of course I admired her beauty, and as we continued running into each other, our eyes would cross and we would smile.
We began to go out to get a drink after work, or we would meet at other people's houses during a picnics or party.
We were young, mid twenties, no responsibilities. Somehow I have always been lucky in love. Here is this Amazon of a woman, blond hair, greenish eyes falling for someone shorter in stature than her. Of a different background; both socially and culturally. Not that I am putting myself down, but the contrast was there for all to see.
Initially I though it would be a fling. Never dreamt that we would marry 6 years later or that she would die from leukemia 11 years later.
At a Christmas party at my place before we started dating, she was there with friends. My roommate Mary, actually said that Barb and I made a nice couple and that I should marry her. To this I responded with a "yeah right"...
However, as we began to go out, not only for drinks, but now to dinner, lunch or any other event, we began to have stronger feelings. We went out of town a couple of times, she would cook at her place, which she shared with two other roommates. I was not much of a cook at that time, so it was always her who cooked. We also drove out to Palos verdes with a bottle of wine and a sandwich from a local place nearby. Slowly we fell for each other.

Eventually in 1992, we moved in together. I lived in South Pasadena then and she lived in Redondo Beach. We found a great apartment in Pasadena which was witness to many nights of bliss. Like newlyweds, we spent day and night together and enjoyed each other every minute and hour of the day. (Aside from those hours reserved for work and school)-Forget eating...
More to come...........

THE IDEAL PARTNER---LA PAREJA IDEAL

likes to experiment with cooking-Le gusta experimentar en la cocina
is clean and organized-Es limpia y organizada
likes action and mistery movies-Le gusta peliculas de accion y misterio
loves to travel-Le encanta viajar
loves to read-Le encanta leer
knows about food and wine-Conoce sobre vinos y comidas
is not a snob-No es presumida
likes other cultures and open to all kinds of experiences-le gustan otras culturas y exponerse a ellas
loves children, even those who aren't hers-le encantan los ninios aun cuando no sean de ellas
is independent and not clingy-es independiente y no tan "pegajosa"
is inquisitive but not jealous-es curiosa pero no celosa
has friends-tiene amigo(a)s
is ambitious-es ambisiosa
is understanding and patient-Es paciente y comprensiva
is not shy in bed-No es timida en la cama
does not let a bad experinece doom her for life-No deja que malas experiencias le aruinen la vida o la amarguen
doesn't bitch about every little thing-No jode por culaquier cosa pequenia

What is your ideal partner?-Give me 15 points,
Cual es tu pareja ideal?-Dame 15 puntos

WORK

Work will do this to you:
1. Be away from your family.
2. Not talk to friends.
and
3. not write on your blogg.

The first one is the bad one.
When work or "other" extra curricular activities make you miss time with your family you're on the wrong road, so it is time to re-think the situation at hand. read here
Now if you are away for the "good" of the family, then it is not a problem, because it is all a benefit for all.
The second one is not too bad, particularly if your so called "friends" don't ever call you either, no big deal there.
The third one..Oh my God! what a sin..............
Just kidding.

Work work work, I've been busy all week long. The new job.....no, any new job entails being "busy"
You have to go through "orientations", you have to get trained, you have to go to meetings and be "introduced" to people who you'll probably never see again, or who will not recognize you if you pass each other in a hallway...Yes, I have done the same thing too, including forgeting the name of some of my own staff.
What's going on here?..
Not much in Vegas, Summer and hot weather winding down, for sure looking forward to the fall season, then christmas. Time to start your shopping procrastinators (me being the worst of all)
Friday is here, and my week is just starting.
Have a good weekend

9 DAYS

Everyone mark your calendars. Dust off your cameras, buy some film and get ready to participate in "A DAY IN THE WORLD".

For details visit the site mentioned right here --------- >
Just take a picture and upload it to the site. If you have a flickr account you can do the same through your flickr account.

Camedia c 3000 Zoom

Camedia c 3000 Zoom
Originally uploaded by Ciscokid1.

Most of the pictures on my blogg will or have been taken with my old camera.
I'm in the sharing mood and this is all I can share right now..
Anything else you'd like me to share?...
Chloe, notice the hands?

19- 09-1985

Talking about national tragedies, it is going to be 20 years since the earthquake in Mexico City that killed thousands of people. I was not there when it happened, though my family was. I was in California (Los Angeles) during the Withier and Nortridge quakes.
I wonder what kind of memories the bloggers have about the Mexico City Earthquake. Since most mexican bloggers tend to be young early to mid twenties. Most had to be between 3 to 10 years old then. Or is this one of those events that they only know through family or other's experiences (As is my case).
What have your experiences been with "national" Tragedies?

09-19-1985
Hablando de tragedias nacionales, en dos dias va a ser el 20 aniversario de el terremoto en la ciudad de Mexico. Yo emigre a los EEUU en Enero de ese anio. Aunque mis padres y hermanas estaban en la capital y cuernavaca, que gracias a dios no les paso nada.
Que memorias tienen los Bloggers de Mexico?. Yo creo que la mayoria de bloggers tendrian entre 3 y diez anios de edad cuando ocurrio eso. Lo vivieron personalmente o a travez de familiares y amigos que si lo vivieron (Como es mi caso).
Yo estuve en California cuando tuvimos los teremotos de Whitier y Nortridge-No se compara a lo de Mexico, pero muy parecido.
Cuales fueron tus experiencias?

PS. Posting from home today. New job begins today

JACKPOT!

Heard it on the news this morning.
91 year old man wins "Megabucks" Jackpot for about 21,000,000.00.This is the second time he wins a "big" jackpot.
The lucky slot was at The Cannery. (North Las Vegas)

ROAD TRIP

My girlfriend is going on a road trip; From Vegas to Seattle. Nothing but the road ahead. I wish I could go since I love driving, as I previously mentioned before. But, someone has to stay and hold the fort down.
I also start my new job this weekend-Restaurant Manager for one of the outfits in town.
Anyways, her trip reminds me of a cross country trip I took with my best friend Mary, back before we had children and spouses (of our own).
This trip took us from Los Angeles, into Arizona-Grand Canyon first stop-, New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana. More specificity, New Orleans. Fun town, lots to see and do. Of course back then Mary and I had no worries, so we just lived it up all over the place with the required visit to (O'brian's) for lots of hurricanes, walks through the French Quarter, trips into the swamps, etc.
From Louisiana we followed North to our next destination, Virginia (WIlliamsburg) where we actually camped out before heading to New York City. Back then we worked for Westin Hotels and one of the perks was that you could stay at any hotel belonging to the chain, anywhere in the world-for a fairly small fee. This allowed us the opportunity to stay at the famous Plaza Hotel, back then managed by Westin. Great experience, my first visit to NY City with the required walk all over the city, including the Twin Towers. I wish I would have gone up. Not sure why we decided against it, but we still had fun, riding the subway (once) eating in Little Italy and Chinatown.
From there we kept on our trip up into New England. Boston turned out to be one of my favorite stops. confusing to drive around but we made it. From Boston we headed north. Her dad and brother lived in Vermont, somewhere near Stowe, so we spent a few days there. Eventually we had to come back, so of course we had to follow the most direct route back to the West Coast with a stop in San Francisco then back to Los Angeles. On the way, we ran into heavy rains, thunderstorms, lightning storms, almost ran out of gas, got pulled over a couple of times...Great experience.
We learned a lot about each other as well as about ourselves on that trip. That is probably why we never got together and why we are still the best of friends.
Total trip was about 9,000 miles on her Nisan 280ZX
I'll post some pictures about the trip tomorrow after I scan them.
Happy Friday-Get in your car and go for a ride now!

NEW JOB

So, now that the business is running "on its own", I can really get back to work (Steady pay check)...
Other than that. Beautiful weather here in Vegas. hovering around 90's (That's about 32 Celsius..)

CHILANGO!

What is a Chilango?
A Chilango is someone who lives in Mexico City, it does not matter whether he or she came from another state. It does matter the length of time spent in the city. A chilango is also a state of mind.
As much as a new yorker is a New Yorker and a Southerner from the South, a chilango in Mexico is a special breed.
Chilangos are not well liked by the people from other states in Mexico. They are looked down upon. People's perception of Chilangos in other states is that, "because they live in the capital city, they think they are better than everybody else". The city of Cuernavaca, a mere hour and a half from the capital city and where my mom lives, is a shining example of anti-chilango mentality. Could it be that hundreds of people crowd the city during the weekends? Could it be the traffic that chokes the small town on their way to Acapulco, aslo a few hours away by car.
There is a certain "twang" to the accent of people in Mexico city. You can notice it by listening to your average Mexican citizen, the upper class Mexican and the street vendor in Tepito or anywhere goods are sold on the streets.
The accent will give away a chilango. The word usgae wil give away a rich chilango.
Having grown up in Mexico City, I still consider myself a chilango. Though the "sing-song" tonality of voice is gone, I can still fake it when I am there.
There are blogs in spanish were the writers write as if they were actually talking with that chilango accent.
Words like, "'ta madree!" (Mother Fucker)
"Que la chinagada" (What the fuck!)
" 'chate una chela wey" (Have a beer "dude"-my best translation for wey-)
The lists are endless, so on your next trip to Mexico, for those brave enough to enter Mexico City, listen carefuly and practice your Spanish words with a sing song tonality (drag your last vowel).

Septiembre 15

Imaginence un dia como hoy...Los conspiradores ya quedaron de acuerdo sobre lo que va a suceder al dia siguiente. Imaginence la excitacion, el temor, la ansiedad sobre lo que va a ocurrir.
Imaginence el paso que se va a tomar al hacer de un territorio Espaniol, o colonia Espaniola, para transformarse en un pais independiente. Con su propio gobierno, independiente de toda corona o monarquia.

Y luego despues de tanto tiempo que ha pasado?.
Claro que Mexico se independizo de Espania, pero para que?.
Para que el pueblo siga siendo jodido por los mismos que se llaman Mexicanos, que si pudieran darian su nacionalidad por ser de otro pais de primera linea mientras siguen chingando a su pais y ciudadanos..

Muchos paises han pasado por lo mismo, pero el resultado final o cuando menos lo que se ve hoy en dia es muy diferente el uno del otro.
Y es tan aparente en paises de Latinoamerica, los mismos resultados y problemas.
Por un lado es bonito tener patria y nacionalidad. Se siente chingon el decir, "Viva Mexico", pero al mimo tiempo, da coraje el observar todas las chingaderas con que someten a la poblacion.
Ni modo, de todas maneras, "no le hace", "Hay se va"..
VIVA MEXICO!




No This isn't 5 de Mayo (MAY-5) It is however September 15th, the true date when Mexico celebrates its independence from Spain. Then again, all that is history now. Yes, like many other countries that fought for their independence from European Colonizers.
Mexico went through the same, as well as its own civil war, with factions fighting for control of the country and its resources.
Does it matter how truly and independent country is when its population is still exploited and abused by its "independent" government?. I don't believe that a worker in Mexico cares whether his or her employer is Mexican, American or Korean. As long as he or she has a job, that is all that matters.
Nationality matters when it comes to sports. "Si se puede" is a common chant during soccer matches, where the Mexican team faces foreign teams, whether at home or abroad. All class barriers come down when the Mexican team wins. Office workers, wearing suit and tie mingle with the factory worker and the street vendor. Everyone goes to the rallies at the Famous Angel de la Independenciaeach time the team wins.


But, getting back to the fact of "independence, does it really matter that Mexico became independent?..
Yes, it is a process that the country had to go through inevitably. All countries went through it around the same time on this continent. It had to happen. So during this week, at least in Mexico, it gives everyone a time to feel proud about their history and background. It makes you feel good about belonging to something "big". It is symbolic.
As I stated before though, the poor don't care that they are Mexican, Guatemalan or American. So if you are Mexican or feel like one at times, and for what it's worth,
VIVA MEXICO!

MEMO FROM BUSH

Memo: To Everyone
From: Bushie

Re: Brownie.

As of today, September 12, 2005, "Brownie" has desicioned to pursue other ventures out of our administration. We wish him the best in all his future endevours. (As long as they don't have to do with horses or emergencies..."chuckle"). He has worked hard and did an excellent job as leader of FEMA and through our latest national tragedy, thus we see his move into the private sector (Halliburton?) as and advancement. I am quite sure that he will be "succesfull" at anything he jumps into.
"I" and my friends will keep him in our best regards.

Sincerely,

GW Bushie.
P.S.
"My mom was just joking when she said that...stuff"...ha.. ha...

QUE PASA!

Just a nice mellow weekend here at home. This weekend I went bike riding and took some pictures of the neighborhood.



This is a shot of Las Vegas-Southwest. Looking towards the road thatleads out to L.A. 2 Years ago, there was no sign of population looking in the same direction.


This is a shot looking at new develoment along the foothills-conveniently called The Ridges (Million dollar homes)
Another shot of the same area, although this is mainly a shot of the gas station and a rock.



As you can tell, a mellow weekend.

09-11

On September 11- 2001, I had just left my job that morning at 6:00AM (I had worked the graveyard shift) I was walking on the top level of the parking lot towards my car, the place I worked at was right by the airport, so there were airplanes going by as I was walking. The morning sun was just coming over the mountains, while on the western side, you could just see the receding darkness. I saw this airplane barely iluminated by the sun and I though how nice it would be that in two days I would be in one of those on my way to Mexico City with my daughter.
The rest is history. I decide not to go to Mexico and instead drove into California with my daughter. We spent a few days with friends and family. After watching news channels around the clock for days on end, the drive was indeed a respite from all that was happening around the country.


4 Years later, not much has changed.
Although this time people are talking louder, writing bloggs and being more vocal about all that is wrong with this country and its leadership.
Aside from politics, the loss of human life is tragic-regardless of the country where it happens and why. The sad aspect about all these tragedies is the pointless death of innocent people.

After9-11

FAMOUS LAST WORDS

Brownie got pulled back to DC today, claiming that "the "press" is making him a scapegoat, not the president."
I think it's public opinion that he did not do his job and that is why he's being "Scapegoated". He's just the first one though and the Bush administration is looking at poll numbers dipping downward still. By removing Brown, they think, their #'s will increase, However, they still fail to see the forest for the trees. They think that by continuing to do;press announcements, passing quick aids through congress and sending his mom to Houston and Cheney to LA, it will somehow put them in a better light.
Frankly I think Bush's luck has finally run out.
"Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job!"
George Bush -09-02-05
Brown-Gets "relieved of his command of rescue efforts" out of Baton Rouge and sent back to D.C. Michael Chertoff-Today September 9, 2005
I wonder who is next...
Taking bets here in Vegas..

Chertoff?

POEM-A

Adonde Estas Felicidad

Adonde estas y cuando te fuiste?
Llegaste como la marea, inundando mi ser calladamente.
Y como la marea the fuiste.
Pero cuando?
Fue quiza cuando lloraba?
O cuando miraba a travez de las nubes?
O fue cuando ella murio.
Lo que se es que te conoci, mas he de conocerte solo una ves?
Adonde estas felicidad?
Fuiste solo un suenio? o un deseo?
No, fuiste real
ella fue real
Hoy no mas.
Adonde estan?

DRIVING

I love to drive.
I could drive for days. Of course with the required stops to eat, rest and to admire nature, views, roads and anything else on the way. There is no way of avoiding freeways to get there but they are just a means to getting to those "small one lane roads". On maps they appear as state, or rural roads. Those are the best. Roads where you do not see cars or people for miles and miles.
Roads are sometimes not even on maps. You have to go to a local gas station, those that still have the Pegasus logo (Old Mobil?) and always serviced by a weathered old man. Red handkerchief in hand, straw hat and burnt out cigarette between a tootles smile. Yes, they are the best guides. They will always point you in the right direction. At least you hope.
It is always best to fill up, a sin nowadays with expensive gas. It is best to be safe than sorry. A road might be flooded, closed, end, or worse, you might get turned away by military looking personnel, with guns pointing the way. (As is the case in some areas here in Nevada)
Having company in these trips is good, particularly if it is someone whose company you enjoy.

(My daughter while on a trip we took right after 09-11)
CCR, or an old cassette you found in the garage are requirements for a drive. A stop by the local store to buy snacks and beverages is also a must. Beef jerky (I do not care for it), Doritos, Water, Soda, Fruit, and chewing gum.
Years ago, my wife and I took this road out of Santa Elena, CA-We had just left the Ferrari Carano winery and instead of returning to San Francisco, where we were staying, we decided to cross over West, towards PCH. At first it was a good paved one lane road, leading you to more wineries. Bellow you could see an endless carpet of vineyards-Premium land.
Eventually the road became more desolate as the trees were getting taller and taller. These pine trees resembled sequioas at some points. Suddenly the road seemed to end. It was a dirt road, covered by tall trees and vegetation, almost cave like. According to the map I had, there was a road "here" and it lead to the old Fort Ross, along the California coast.
An old flat bed pick up was coming in our direction, bouncing along this road, so my fears that we were lost faded. We continued along this road, where the roots of the trees had pulverize any sign of pavement or concrete.
Then, we came up on a clearing-The road had disappeared!. We were on a clearing (no trees), but the groud was completely covered in what seemed like ivy.
When we were about to return the same way we came, hoping that we remembered how we got there, another truck was coming out of the woods. It was apparent to them that we were "lost". All the said, was keep going "that way".
We followed their advice. Soon we were again on a dirt road, almost exactly the same road we had just left. Covered by vegetation and more trees.
By that time it was getting darker and darker. An effect accentuated by the tree and greenery as well as by the actual time. We had left the winery about 3:00PM and we had been on this road for close to three hours now.
Out of the coming darkness, we came up onto a rise on the road, as we neared the top, we could see an opening further ahead. Like the end of a tunnel-Or the famous, "light at the end of the tunnel", we drove out of this road into the PCH. Right in front of us stood a gas station/convenience store. A sign pointed right and said "Fort Ross". Another sign pointe left, indicating-"san Francisco."
We laughed at our prior "predicament, because we were close to turning around. However we knew that at some point or another we would come up on to another exciting road.

(Looking down from Hearst Castle)

MEXICAN ARMY HEADED FOR THE US!

As if Katrina wasn't enough, the following news out to get the blogg world, particularly those with a right leaning edge, really worked up. First it was Fox and his comment about blacks and mexican workers, then it was the memin-stamp. Now, the Mexican president (Who will be leaving office next year) has sent help to the Southeast U.S in the form of military convoys with equipment and supplies to assist the people affected by the Katrina.
Very nice move. It was about time that some help came came this way as opposed to flowing all out of the US.
Hopefully our rightleaning friends will not see this as "proof" that the invasion from the south has escalated to a military now.
Have fun!

Mexico Sends First Aid Convoy Ever to U.S - Yahoo! News

DEBIT CARDS

$2000.00 DEBIT CARDS
So, the federal government is going to issue $2000.00 debit cards to adults affected by the Hurricane, of course only those that were affected by the hurricane, etc. A noble idea, but I think it is going to create another mess.
$2000.00 to buy, gas, food, "and other essentials."Katrina Victims to Get $2K Debit Cards - Yahoo! News
How long is this amount going to last?
Once it runs out what?...Is the federal government (FEMA) going to say, that's it, we've helped you.
Or are they going to add more $$$ into the accounts?...
$2000.00 per "adult" isn't going to get them far, particularly when they are going to need plenty of essentials, like clothing, personal hygiene products, etc.
Here in Vegas the city is bringing in about 500 families- The city is going to help them find housing, jobs and many other necessities. I think that is the way to go. ALL 50 states should be figuring out how they are going to help in taking people in until the people can either; return to Louisiana and Mississippi or decide to stay where they are.

A DRIVE IN THE CLOUDS

High up on the mountains between Los Angeles and bakersfield, along the I-5 and where Christo set up his yellow umbrellas, there is a road that heads east into Mount Pinos, a recreational area. Mount Pinos is not the point of this story, the story is the road itself. A one lane road that meanders through the hills and mountains, between pine trees, green lush valleys and gorges with high rocky cliffs. You can get lost in the scenery and would not believe that you are a mere 3 hours from one of the major metropolis of the world, Los Angeles.

It is a one line road which if you folow from the Intersate 5 to its end, you will end up on PCH. Or Pacific Coast Highway. San Jose to the North and Santa Barbara to the South. The town that you arrive at is Santa Maria. (Made famous by the owner of Neverland Ranch).
I first took the road back in 1990 or '91, back when my then "future wife" and I were dating. One of our favoprite things to do was to get in our car and just drive. No destination. Of course living in the L.A. area, there are plenty of destinations. That was how we found this road. We had talked about going to Santa Barbara for the day. Rather than take the easy and fast road (PCH) we decided to look at a map and find a different route.
That is how we found this lonely road, which according to the map, would "take us" North of Santa Barbara.


I remember it was winter-cause we drove through some snowed areas in the mountains, at times we wanted to turn around, but our adventurous spirits told us to just go on. Besides, we were driving a Blazer, so we "trusted" it.
It turned out to be a wonderful drive.

From the I-5 you go up into the mount Pinos area, there is a village as soon as you get off the road. as you drive further into the mountain, you observe log cabins and some very expensive mountain homes. the read continues up and very soon the houses and cabins dissapear. The road takes a sharp turn to the right and into the hillsides. There are shome sharp turns and here and there, you see hidden driveways that lead to some cabins deep in the woods. Sometimes you can make them out, but most of the time all you see are the hidden roads.
This road continues for a good 30 miles. There are points at which no sign of civilization, other than the road, is observed. No cars go by and all you hear is the wind and birds. After all that drive you get to the "top" of the mountain (See First picture above) From there you can see the valle bellow. Further north, is Bakersfield-you can't see it in the picture.
Continuing on this road, which now traverses gentle rolling hill reminiscent of Northern California, you can now see ranches here and there. You will also see a sign that indicates that it is a California Condor Reserve area. The road becomes flat and straight. (To be continued)

COMPASSIONATE

For those skeptics who claim Bush has no compassion for those suffering, he has clearly shown that he cares for his fellow man. On Sunday morning in front of the cameras at a press conference he held to announce Rehnquist's death, he looked quite shaken and sad. Nobody can accuse him of not being compassionate. We can only hope that Trent Lott re-builds his house as soon as possible, so that Bush can go have a BBQ on the porch of Lotts new house. That would sure make him feel better.

CHIEF JUSTICE WILLIAM REHNQUIST

Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist died tonight.Justice Rehnquist Dies at HomeYahoo! News

As if Katrina wasn't enough to throw this country into turmoil. Roberts has not even been confirmed yet, so it should be an interesting end of 2005 and going into 2006. What a year 2006 is going to be.
Stay tuned, it is going to be a wild ride!

COLLEGE FOOTBALL!

Yes, you read right. College football is here. Now you know what I'll be doing on Saturdays. Watch the early games and if possible drive down to L.A. and catch a cfew games....Here in Vegas I can probably go to some of the UNLV Rebels' games. SO if you're a college football fan, leave me your thoughts, or at least your school song.
GO BRUINS

FRIDAY

Earlier today Bushe told a woman to "hang in there" after she told her about her desperate situation-kids with no clothes, etc. He also said, "he understood"

Matt Lauer(Sorry if I am typing his last name wrong)
during an interview with the director of FEMA. brought up a good point on an interview this morning in regards to the situation in New Orleans.
Is anyone (In government-as well as in American society) noticing that all or most of the people trapped in the Covention Center, are black.
I can't remember exactly what the answer was.
But the question was put out there in national news for everyone to hear and "see".
Something that I mentioned before in this blogg, was the fact that anytime a tragedy of this magnitude occurs, (Pretty much anywhere in the world) It is usually the poor that are the most affected by disasters. Yes, the rich also have these problems-Remember the fires and mudslides that have affected the people in California. I bet you most of those people, besides seeing fast response from local or state authorities, had somewhere to go or to "fall back on."
These people in the Southeast, because it is just not New Orleans, have been ignored for decades. They are only seen as necessary to work in the service industries of large big -touristic towns- How they go about their lives, what risks they run by living in certain areas, or how many to a house or room is not important. What matters is that they are nearby so that when they are needed to fill in at low paying jobs, or jobs that are temporary, the hotels, restaurants and other service related types, keep functioning.
A segment of society that I have hardly heard of during these difficult times, is the latinos-or Hispanics that work in these towns-I have seen them; the bus boys, the dishwashers, the construction workers. Has anyone seen them, anywhere?. Has the Mexican Government inquired at all about its citizens? Or are they too worried with their next year's elections to even think abou anything else outside their borders.
I keep wondering if something good is going to come out of this tragedy. Are the local governments as well as federal going to pay attention to what is going on in this country and look at the threats that nature has in store for all?.
Are the emergency, terrorist, nuclear doom exercises really going to work when the time comes to face them?.
Is our government going to be there when we need it?..
Or is it going to be on vacation.

A quote from Gingrich...
"If we can't respond faster than this to an event we saw coming across the Gulf for days, then why do we think we're prepared to respond to a nuclear or biological attack?" asked former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a Republican.
Quotes taken from AP

SEPTEMBER

One more month gone by. and what a month it's been. Crazy everywhere. It makes me think that we may be indeed approaching those "biblical" last days...
Or at least it makes me realize how fragile we are-As Sting so eloquently said. I resolve to be kinder to everyone around me. Maybe that will get me on God's good side (I hope)..Cause certainly I do not attend church regularly as I'm "supposed" to. Nonetheless, I must do my best to be a good person. Scout's Promise.

Otro mes mas y que mes. Todo tan mal por todos lados. Me hace pensar que estamos cada vez mas cerca al fin del mundo-biblica o religiosamente hablando. Como dijo Sting-Que Fragiles somos. Yo prometo ser mas buena gente con todos. A lo mejor asi dios me reserva un lugar alla arriba o de perdis-le caigo bien. Yo la verdad no voy a la iglesia regularmente como "debe ser".
De todas maneras, Voy a hacer lo posible por ser mejor-Palabra de Scout.