Just one and a half more days folks and I will be on vacation...thank goodness!
School is wearing me down emotionally, mentally, physically. I don't want to deal with rude, obnoxious, disrespectful, selfish teenagers anymore!!!!
I am enjoying pregnancy. I hit 23 weeks tomorrow. I feel her moving more and more, which is very exciting and comforting. Luckily I have not experienced morning sickness, just a very sensitive gag reflex every time I brush my teeth... We are excited and are starting to shop for baby gear.
Lucio is chillin at home with the dogs as he hasn't had any work the last couple weeks. He makes a good house-husband! I am grateful for all he does and am looking forward to a nice "staycation"
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
At work but not working
So I am supposed to be making a quiz for my students to take tomorrow, but instead I got distracted by an email a colleague sent out. Clare Wiley, a good friend and teacher here, has been diagnosed with cancer for the 2nd time in her young life. She has a blog about it and so I was looking at it and then thought, we haven't written anything on our blog in a while, so here I am. I will make it short cause I do want to go home...I've had a headache most of the day...thank you freshmen.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
with Friends at the Sac Zoo
McKenna relaxing on her stroller
Tucker posing next to a bronze statue of a gorilla's head. He's the one on the back
Lucio and Jen capturing a moment in front of flamingo paradise
The girls posing at the zoo
The red panda is on the move
Tucker posing next to a bronze statue of a gorilla's head. He's the one on the back
Lucio and Jen capturing a moment in front of flamingo paradise
The girls posing at the zoo
The red panda is on the move
A day at the zoo
We went to the Sac Zoo one fine, hot Saturday afternoon. McKenna, Melanie, Melissa, Tucker, Pat(Tucker's uncle from San Diego), Jen and I. Inosi was stuck at work.
There were monkeys, giraffes, fowl of all kinds and fishes in a pond. We heard parrots talking, hyenas laughing and the snow leopards were sleeping. The king of the jungle was simply chilling, ugly large birds were showing off and the monkeys were relaxing up high ropes.
The highlight was a toss up between Tucker buying us all Mexican ice cream bars or the ant eaters going at it. you decide...
Friday, September 18, 2009
Going Back to TX
Matthew will be flying back to TX this coming Tuesday. He has a job interview and hopes to make the best of the upcoming opportunity. His stay here in Sacramento has been short, but we have enjoyed having him with us.
He is a great young man and has a great future ahead of him. We hope the best. He has been a great guest and we will miss watching him texting his friends and listening to his IPOD all day. Signs of the time. Teenagers spend more time on those electronic gadgets than anything else.
Gabriel told him that he remembers purchasing a tape player for a hundred dollars when he was his age and he would never put it down. His first tape was LL Cool J. So, maybe in our time, we too, had similar characteristics. But a cell phone? No way Jose. Not unless you wanted to carry a briefcase around with you everywhere, because I remember seeing people walking around with mobile bags strapped around their shoulders. The classic was the cell phone the size of most home cordless phones that idiots would actually carry around in their tight back pockets.
Last night, Jen and I took Matt to the drive-in theatre. We watched Star Trek. It was free of charge. Inosi, Melanie, Anthony and Vanessa were also there. After a few minutes into the movie, Matthew went to the restroom but didn't return until the movie ended. He stayed at the concessions building texting and talking on his cell phone. go figure...
The nachos were only a dollar, so I obviously went to get me a fixin. I got some popcorn to go with those zesty nachos. After the movie, we all chatted for a few minutes, saw the prelude cartoon then called it a night. I was tired because I have been going to bed pretty late all week.
Today, we all visited Raley Field to watch the River Cats vs Memphis baseball PCL playoff. The Cats lost 6-0.
As we walked to our vehicle, top of the 7th, a high flying foul ball came only 4-5 feet from hitting Jen and I. It put the scare on us. That was probably the most exciting play of the day for us because the Cats were simply not hitting.
I did enjoy an amazing throw to home plate which took "out" a visiting player and the catcher throwing to second base and catching a runner from trying to steal the base. That was some great, awesome action.
This week we did some landscaping work for a client whose backyard slopes down towards their home. It's looking pretty nice. We will be building a waterfall and have cut some steps to walk to the top alongside the wooden fence.
We put a bid out on Tuesday for an interior painting job then yesterday met a couple of ladies in Rancho Cordova for a possbile remodeling of their homes' two bathrooms and kitchen. We will pretty much begin that project this coming Wednesday.
It's six minues past midnite. I need to be going to bed.
Tomorrow is revenge day. The Texas Longhorns will try to avenge last year's loss to the mighty Red Raiders from Texas Tech. That awesome last second pass from Harrell to Crabtree will go down as one of the greatest single plays in college history. We will be talking about this one forever. Both longhorn and RED RAIDER players, coaching staff and the great fans who rushed down field, twice, at the end of the game, will never forget this amazing, phenomenal play...
Of course, I predict Tech will win. What kind of Red Raider fan would I be if I didn't believe in my own team. We will win and we will prove America once again that we are the "real RED RAIDER deal.
Oh yeah. It's been great having you here in Cali Matt. We will miss you and hope to see you again. Don't forget about our reunion in TX next summer.
C U There! (p.s. don't forget to invite Gabriel and Halie)
Good Luck with your new career and make the best of it. Oh yeah, don't forget to leave the Ipod at home and turn off your cell phone during the interview.
just leave it in the stang.
He is a great young man and has a great future ahead of him. We hope the best. He has been a great guest and we will miss watching him texting his friends and listening to his IPOD all day. Signs of the time. Teenagers spend more time on those electronic gadgets than anything else.
Gabriel told him that he remembers purchasing a tape player for a hundred dollars when he was his age and he would never put it down. His first tape was LL Cool J. So, maybe in our time, we too, had similar characteristics. But a cell phone? No way Jose. Not unless you wanted to carry a briefcase around with you everywhere, because I remember seeing people walking around with mobile bags strapped around their shoulders. The classic was the cell phone the size of most home cordless phones that idiots would actually carry around in their tight back pockets.
Last night, Jen and I took Matt to the drive-in theatre. We watched Star Trek. It was free of charge. Inosi, Melanie, Anthony and Vanessa were also there. After a few minutes into the movie, Matthew went to the restroom but didn't return until the movie ended. He stayed at the concessions building texting and talking on his cell phone. go figure...
The nachos were only a dollar, so I obviously went to get me a fixin. I got some popcorn to go with those zesty nachos. After the movie, we all chatted for a few minutes, saw the prelude cartoon then called it a night. I was tired because I have been going to bed pretty late all week.
Today, we all visited Raley Field to watch the River Cats vs Memphis baseball PCL playoff. The Cats lost 6-0.
As we walked to our vehicle, top of the 7th, a high flying foul ball came only 4-5 feet from hitting Jen and I. It put the scare on us. That was probably the most exciting play of the day for us because the Cats were simply not hitting.
I did enjoy an amazing throw to home plate which took "out" a visiting player and the catcher throwing to second base and catching a runner from trying to steal the base. That was some great, awesome action.
This week we did some landscaping work for a client whose backyard slopes down towards their home. It's looking pretty nice. We will be building a waterfall and have cut some steps to walk to the top alongside the wooden fence.
We put a bid out on Tuesday for an interior painting job then yesterday met a couple of ladies in Rancho Cordova for a possbile remodeling of their homes' two bathrooms and kitchen. We will pretty much begin that project this coming Wednesday.
It's six minues past midnite. I need to be going to bed.
Tomorrow is revenge day. The Texas Longhorns will try to avenge last year's loss to the mighty Red Raiders from Texas Tech. That awesome last second pass from Harrell to Crabtree will go down as one of the greatest single plays in college history. We will be talking about this one forever. Both longhorn and RED RAIDER players, coaching staff and the great fans who rushed down field, twice, at the end of the game, will never forget this amazing, phenomenal play...
Of course, I predict Tech will win. What kind of Red Raider fan would I be if I didn't believe in my own team. We will win and we will prove America once again that we are the "real RED RAIDER deal.
Oh yeah. It's been great having you here in Cali Matt. We will miss you and hope to see you again. Don't forget about our reunion in TX next summer.
C U There! (p.s. don't forget to invite Gabriel and Halie)
Good Luck with your new career and make the best of it. Oh yeah, don't forget to leave the Ipod at home and turn off your cell phone during the interview.
just leave it in the stang.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Welcome to Cali, Matthew
My 18 year old nephew, Matthew arrived from TX, yesterday. My brother Gabriel brought him to the golden state on their way back from their vacation.
He seemed very happy to be here and simply loves this place. "It's beautiful!" he says as he steps out of the vehicle.
We took him to work with us today. As we returned home around 1pm, I drove over one of the bridges from West Sac and into downtown Sac. "I've never seen a boat," he says and you would have thought that he just won the lottery.
I have never seen anyone seem so excited to see a boat. He did see a big boat, I must add. It is the river boat docked over at Old Sac. So, it wasn't just any ole' small boat...
We are happy to welcome Matthew into our home and hope that he enjoys every bit of his stay here in California...
He seemed very happy to be here and simply loves this place. "It's beautiful!" he says as he steps out of the vehicle.
We took him to work with us today. As we returned home around 1pm, I drove over one of the bridges from West Sac and into downtown Sac. "I've never seen a boat," he says and you would have thought that he just won the lottery.
I have never seen anyone seem so excited to see a boat. He did see a big boat, I must add. It is the river boat docked over at Old Sac. So, it wasn't just any ole' small boat...
We are happy to welcome Matthew into our home and hope that he enjoys every bit of his stay here in California...
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Lake Tahoe - Emerald Bay - DL Bliss State Park
We drove 100 miles to Lake Tahoe On our drive, we listened to a book on cd, and television theme classics like "Gilligan's Island," "The Beverly Hillbillies," "The Addamms Family," "The Brady Bunch" and others.
We arrived around 10 am and took a pleasant hike at Rainbow Trail by one of the visitor's centers. By 11 am, we ate lunch then started our extreme hike up Bay View trail, stopped at Granite Lake, continued upwards, zig-zagging to the ridge of "Maggie Peaks" and then we circled back down towards Eagle Lake. This enduring trek took an estimated, four earned, painful but enjoyable, scenic hours of our precious time.
We encountered chirping jays and ravenous chipmunks. At Granite Lake, I caught two baby fry. Probably trout about 2 inches long. I brought them home and placed the one that survived inside a fish bowl. I prayed to see a baby bear but the only bears we encountered were the wooden bear sculptures at a local store; we also purchased post cards w/ pics of bears on them.
At the end of the trail, we discovered that the 4 hour loop found us at a different parking lot. We had to walk UP the road just over a mile to get back to the origin of our excursion.
Our feet achy but our minds determined, we then took a short northerly drive to DL Bliss State Park and drove straight to Lester Beach. Jen and I began arguing about where we should go swimming. (Lester Beach or Calawee Cove.)
It was getting late and I simply wanted to jump in the water. Got back in the car and drove about 1/2 a mile to Calawee Cove.(where the woman wanted to go) We parked and walked a steep flight to the cold abyss.
By this time, I was a bit hungry and frustrated; feeling a bit upset because I wanted to be inside the water before the sun went down. Finally, minutes past 6pm , I let go of my pride and simply jumped in the lake.
I snorkled at Calawee Cove. The water was cold at first but a sudden plunge into the clear, fresh water found me wanting more. Cooling me down was good for me. The temperature was probably in the high 80's and the wind presented a cool breeze.
Jen spotted a couple of crayfish, which I wanted to pull out of the water for her but they managed to crawl under a rock. The water was clear enough that I actually spotted a second creepy water crawler. I had no intention of grabbing them w/ my hands. The thought of getting nabbed by one of those crusty critters was no joke in my mind.
We started back home shortly after 7. We stopped at "El Papagayo" restaurant outside of SLTahoe. I was not impressed w/ the burrito I had. I ordered the carnitas burrito, but I got a burrito stuffed w/ beans, rice and a couple of small chunks of carnitas. We took it to go, so unfortunaltely I could not return it. I was unhappy about this. DO NOT EAT AT THIS OVER PRICED MEXICAN FOOD RESTAURANT. You know you're asking for a bad burrito when a white kid is working the grill.
I pulled over so that I could eat this burrito at Echo Summit and accidentaly tipped over the plastic water bottle where we carried the small fry. Jen hurriedly picked him off the carpet and tossed it back inside the bottle. This is when we figured out that one of the little guys had made the move to small fry heaven.
To help me stay awake, I pulled over to get a diet pepsi and Jen sang along some music. Entering Sac County, Jen put on some 80's classics and we sang along Christopher Cross's, Sailing, we listened to "Upside Down" "Celebration," and "Jessie's Girl."
We had a great time; hiked way more that I had planned, but we made it ok. Both survived the long, hot trek and managed to keep a safe distance from the abundant, small, savage, crazy chipmunks.
We arrived home around 10pm. Oreo and Mocha went crazy as soon as we allowed them inside the house. We did not take them w/ us to the lake. They spent all day in the backyard.
All in all. Our "daycation" to the God's country was more than worth the time and definately one we hope to repeat asap. Next time, however, we want to tag some camping to the excursion. I have begun the checklist.
I need to get to bed...
We arrived around 10 am and took a pleasant hike at Rainbow Trail by one of the visitor's centers. By 11 am, we ate lunch then started our extreme hike up Bay View trail, stopped at Granite Lake, continued upwards, zig-zagging to the ridge of "Maggie Peaks" and then we circled back down towards Eagle Lake. This enduring trek took an estimated, four earned, painful but enjoyable, scenic hours of our precious time.
We encountered chirping jays and ravenous chipmunks. At Granite Lake, I caught two baby fry. Probably trout about 2 inches long. I brought them home and placed the one that survived inside a fish bowl. I prayed to see a baby bear but the only bears we encountered were the wooden bear sculptures at a local store; we also purchased post cards w/ pics of bears on them.
At the end of the trail, we discovered that the 4 hour loop found us at a different parking lot. We had to walk UP the road just over a mile to get back to the origin of our excursion.
Our feet achy but our minds determined, we then took a short northerly drive to DL Bliss State Park and drove straight to Lester Beach. Jen and I began arguing about where we should go swimming. (Lester Beach or Calawee Cove.)
It was getting late and I simply wanted to jump in the water. Got back in the car and drove about 1/2 a mile to Calawee Cove.(where the woman wanted to go) We parked and walked a steep flight to the cold abyss.
By this time, I was a bit hungry and frustrated; feeling a bit upset because I wanted to be inside the water before the sun went down. Finally, minutes past 6pm , I let go of my pride and simply jumped in the lake.
I snorkled at Calawee Cove. The water was cold at first but a sudden plunge into the clear, fresh water found me wanting more. Cooling me down was good for me. The temperature was probably in the high 80's and the wind presented a cool breeze.
Jen spotted a couple of crayfish, which I wanted to pull out of the water for her but they managed to crawl under a rock. The water was clear enough that I actually spotted a second creepy water crawler. I had no intention of grabbing them w/ my hands. The thought of getting nabbed by one of those crusty critters was no joke in my mind.
We started back home shortly after 7. We stopped at "El Papagayo" restaurant outside of SLTahoe. I was not impressed w/ the burrito I had. I ordered the carnitas burrito, but I got a burrito stuffed w/ beans, rice and a couple of small chunks of carnitas. We took it to go, so unfortunaltely I could not return it. I was unhappy about this. DO NOT EAT AT THIS OVER PRICED MEXICAN FOOD RESTAURANT. You know you're asking for a bad burrito when a white kid is working the grill.
I pulled over so that I could eat this burrito at Echo Summit and accidentaly tipped over the plastic water bottle where we carried the small fry. Jen hurriedly picked him off the carpet and tossed it back inside the bottle. This is when we figured out that one of the little guys had made the move to small fry heaven.
To help me stay awake, I pulled over to get a diet pepsi and Jen sang along some music. Entering Sac County, Jen put on some 80's classics and we sang along Christopher Cross's, Sailing, we listened to "Upside Down" "Celebration," and "Jessie's Girl."
We had a great time; hiked way more that I had planned, but we made it ok. Both survived the long, hot trek and managed to keep a safe distance from the abundant, small, savage, crazy chipmunks.
We arrived home around 10pm. Oreo and Mocha went crazy as soon as we allowed them inside the house. We did not take them w/ us to the lake. They spent all day in the backyard.
All in all. Our "daycation" to the God's country was more than worth the time and definately one we hope to repeat asap. Next time, however, we want to tag some camping to the excursion. I have begun the checklist.
I need to get to bed...
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Dog fight
yeah. so we take Oreo and Mocha to the dog park over on Power Inn, behind the courthouse, and all is well until one minor incident happens. Oreo is usually not the instigator, but he does not back down. Not until I step in, of course.
There was this black dog there, Bill (a retriever); he was getting a bit feisty, Canela a brown, short skin, slender, mid-size bitch was put on her place by Oreo. Luckily, it only lasted a second or two.
Both dog owners, Bill's and Canela's took their dogs out of the dog park. We continued inside the park. We arrived around 5pm. The temperature was 100 degrees.
Oreo and Mocha were acting well. Another dog arrives at the park; Jen was playing w Oreo and this other dog. The dogs must have spotted a treat of some sort and what started out as a small quarrel turned into a full blown animal brawl. Oreo does not let down, not until I run up to him and kick him off the other dog. About the same size. Some kind of German Shepherd mix, but more of a mid-size in stature.
yeah. It was 35 minutes past 5 pm. Jen and I decided that it was our que to take the dogs home.
Albert assisted me at work today. He helped me load debris into the back of the pickup. By 12:30 pm, Jen, Albert and I were at the theatre watching "G.I. Joe."
There was this black dog there, Bill (a retriever); he was getting a bit feisty, Canela a brown, short skin, slender, mid-size bitch was put on her place by Oreo. Luckily, it only lasted a second or two.
Both dog owners, Bill's and Canela's took their dogs out of the dog park. We continued inside the park. We arrived around 5pm. The temperature was 100 degrees.
Oreo and Mocha were acting well. Another dog arrives at the park; Jen was playing w Oreo and this other dog. The dogs must have spotted a treat of some sort and what started out as a small quarrel turned into a full blown animal brawl. Oreo does not let down, not until I run up to him and kick him off the other dog. About the same size. Some kind of German Shepherd mix, but more of a mid-size in stature.
yeah. It was 35 minutes past 5 pm. Jen and I decided that it was our que to take the dogs home.
Albert assisted me at work today. He helped me load debris into the back of the pickup. By 12:30 pm, Jen, Albert and I were at the theatre watching "G.I. Joe."
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Time flies...
whether or not you're having fun. Not much going on here that's newsworthy. We were without internet in our house for over a week-tough times! But thankfully we are up and running again. I just got home from visiting mom in Turlock. My dad is driving Grandpa back from Arkansas. Lucio is at work. Oreo and Mocha are passed out on the living room floor. Summer vacation and being lazy are coming to an end. School starts in 2 weeks! yikes! I'm already getting stressed.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Jen's birthday
It is my birthday today. The big 30! Not the most exciting day I've had. I volunteered at WCA this morning-feeding the baby birds and cleaning their poopy baskets. I am at home with the dogs right now. Lucio has been at scout camp all week. He did text me this morning and then he left me a special birthday song on my voicemail. I wish you could hear it...it's pretty cute.
So the real birthday party was a couple weeks ago. My friend Melissa planned a surprise bday party for me. It was really great. Lots of good food, friends and a pinata! Thanks to the Dowds, Allens, Flores and DeLaCruz families for being there.
So the real birthday party was a couple weeks ago. My friend Melissa planned a surprise bday party for me. It was really great. Lots of good food, friends and a pinata! Thanks to the Dowds, Allens, Flores and DeLaCruz families for being there.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Home Alone
Jen is having a girl night's out w Mary and Nancy from the Bay Area. I'm home alone.
I am surprising Jen w/ a front yard makeover. Well, I planted some flowers. lol
I am surprising Jen w/ a front yard makeover. Well, I planted some flowers. lol
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