Cleaning the Garage

Today I got at 8:00 AM to take the garbage out. Cindy woke up at around 9:00 AM and had to work for 1/2 arranging families to provide comments about an article that came out on charter schools. I stayed in bed and finally got up at noon.

I called the girls later and they told me that yesterday they did not go to Sea World, but instead went to Fredricksburg. Today they went to Sea World and to a Spurs game. I was not able to talk to them from late afternoon on.

We went to Java Joes again for breakfast, and I had an Italian Roll, egg, and pepper sandwich. I really liked. You eat it with ketchup. We had a couple of wheatgrass pills, and vitamins.

Later we went to cut my hair. The same lady that shaved my head by mistake cut it this time. Cindy also tried a different haircut. The hairdresser showed us some styles in a couple of magazines, and we picked one.

Cindy had much more energies today, and threw away the Christmas tree. I worked in the garage re-arranging and putting things away. Cindy started organizing her papers that were in the basement. Cindy prepared the juice immune booster and we had it together - nasty stuff.

Much later at night we went to Cindy's Mom's house to pick up some receipts, and then went to King of Prussia. Her grandma did not like Cindy's new hairdo. At the mall, I bought some shoes, and Cindy some corduroy pants. She bought them at JCrew. We also returned a couple of things. We were very hungry, so we went to a Chilis nearby.

Donation Day

Woke up a bit earlier today (10:00 AM). Cindy got up at around 9:00 AM. She had a little pain last night. She took urelle. We think it was the vinegar and tomatoes in the Cuban food.

We had french toast, eggs, and bacon for breakfast. The day was cold, but sunny.

We worked on the basement and donated a truck full at Goodwill. We then went to look for wheat grass. We decided to get the pills instead of the actual grass. We had a late, very late lunch at Panera. I had tortilla soup in a bread bowl, and Cindy had a salad.

Cindy prepared the immune boost, and I had some of it. It tastes terrible. We packed some the Christmas decorations.

We talked for a long time sitting in couch, and then watched the History channel. I stayed up to watch Mad Money an Fast Money.

In summary, we did not do much...but the relaxation was great.

My girls woke up late. They cleaned their rooms. They went to Sea World. They are spending time with their cousins from NY.

Shooting Range

Today Cindy made oatmeal for breakfast. She then took a nap. At around 1:30 PM, her dad called and invited us to the shooting range with Dave. Cindy decided to come with us.

Dave is a great instructor and with Cindy's dad we had the best teachers in town. They were so nice to let us shoot. We had a great time. Cindy's first shot was right on the x. We shot 22 and 40 caliber guns. The 40 caliber semi-automatic has a big kick.

Later we thought that we might go with Cindy's dad and mom to eat at a restaurant on Baltimore Pike (I think) called Central Park or market. However, Cindy's mom was tired, so we decided to go for Cuban food. Cindy's dad called later and joined us. We had a nice dinner, but the food was not as good. We ordered Arroz con Pollo, Ropa Vieja, and Churrasco Cubano. We watched TV a bit and then Cindy went to bed at around 10:00 PM. I stayed to write a little bit.

Dinner at Fran's

Saturday...

I've been out on vacation for 2 weeks already and the days are mixed up. I would like these days to be remembered - however. This was the first day without Cindy's girls.

My girls went to PF Chang's and to see Cats. Gaby liked the spring rolls I recommended, but she said that the dumplings were better. She knew about 4 of the songs.

We left at around 5 to Fran's. We made a stop at a Wegmans to buy and bring to Fran's. Cindy loves the store. We then went across to a Wine & Spirit and got some wines. It was a very foggy night. We could hardly see 10 feet in front of us.

Fran's house in finished and her kitchen island looks awesome. Fran was a bit quite at night. She was very tired. The wine we bought had a leak in cork, so we need to return it. Eric and his daughters were there, as well as Vicky and Ed. Shayna joined us later. Michael was in the hospital. He has a staff infection.

Cindy drank a lot of white wine, and got very tired. Later at night she had a little pain. We really enjoyed the chat. At around 10:00 PM Cindy got very tired and we headed back home. I think the wine made her tired.

Boxing Day

Cindy dropped her girls off at their dad's. I got up very late again. I talked to Jairo in the morning while Cindy was dropping her girls up and he said that Cindy needs more sleep and less stress to make sure that her immune system is working better.

By the way, Jairo, Luisoly, and uncle Danilo, and rest spend Christmas at Jairo's. He mentioned that our uncle in lonely, and working really hard. Mom did not spend Christmas with them.

Cindy came back while I was taking a shower. She prepared herself the immune booster juice. We went to Jave Joes for breakfast. We then went to King of Prussia to shop. We were able to get an extra 25% discount for the juicer I bought Cindy.

We then went to the movies, and saw 7 pounds. Terrible movie. We came back home, and I had left overs from Dave's. Cindy only had cereal and milk, and cookies. She was feeling more energetic most of the day. She went to bed later than usual. I stayed up watching tv and surfing the net until she called me up. She had a little pain at night, and took a urelle.

Very early in the morning of the 27th, she told me that she dreamt that our wedding was at a park, and that it had been catered by Whataburger. They had brought a huge Whataburger hat, and that I wanted everyone under it for a picture.

Christmas Day

Christmas day.

Christmas day morning Cindy and I were alone. Cindy's girls spend Christmas Eve with their dad. I called the sweeties pies early, but they were asleep. They woke up at 6:00 AM (Anna first...waking up Gaby) and opened their gifts, and went back to bed. At 11:00 AM PHL time that I called, they were still asleep.

Cindy's girls were dropped off, and opened their gifts. We then went to their grandparents and opened their gifts. We spent some time there. Cindy's parents gave me sweaters, cd with famous speeches, and an IPOD from E-matic.

We then started our way to Dave's and I had a big fight with Kate. She was complaining about not having a social life. I had to explain to her where she stands as far as "real life," and how my family did not have much of a social life because we had to study hard and finance our way into college. I think she needed to hear that and also that we love her a lot, but she needs to realize that she has a lot of catch up to do.

We had Chrismas dinner at Dave's. The food was excellent. We had a nice, sweet wine from California, and all kinds of food.

My girls had a very late Christmas dinner at their grandparents. On Christmas eve they were also at their grandparents, and Anna opened her gifts. Anna got upset because she did not open hers. Gaby told me that her uncle Danny gave her a funny shirt that said "I put ketchup on my ketchup." He knows that she likes ketchup a lot.

Christmas Eve 2008 (Wednesday)

Sunday I drove to see the girls in the morning. I left gifts for them. I had a eggnog coffee and a doughnut. The girls were looking at the gifts under the tree. We were listening to Christmas music from youtube.

On Saturday, I spent most of the day at the malls looking for boots for them. I got some at Sketchers, and then I returned them. I also mailed the information to the lawyer. At the airport I send to text's to the girls telling them that I had a blue Christmas, and they replied that they always have me their hearts. I really loved that.

I was very afraid of flying on Sunday. My flight was at 11:35 AM, but it got delayed by 45 minutes. I came very close to moving the flight to another day. The flight was 3 hours and 45 minutes. I had a couple of wine glasses and it helpedme on the approach to Philadelphia. Last time it was very bumpy, and it was this time. I brought my J Crew winter jacket, so it was not that cold waiting for Cindy.

On Monday, we found out that Cindy's defenses are very low, and that she is fighting some kind of virus that makes her very tired. Cindy went to work and I slept most of the day. She was sent home early, and we ended up having lunch/dinner very late. The girls were spending the day at the grandparents with their dad packing gifts. We had a very, very late breakfast at a dinner in Midia.

On Tuesday, we dropped Kate off at a friend on 202 hwy past on the border of Delaware. We then went to TGI Fridays and then went to. We then went to the Mall in Delaware. On Tuesday, we went to Macy's and bought a juicer. We prepared the first immunity booster juice last night. Cindy was very tired and went to bed early. Hopefully the juicer will help her fight that virus.

Today it was very slow. Cindy dropped the girls off so they spend the day with their dad. Since we wanted to make sure we would remember our Christmas Eve, we decided to go to the Moshulu.

We had to run around a little bit before that. We got Cindy's Mom her Christmas gift. At the Moshulu we had a wonderful time. I had duck and Cindy fish. I had a sashimi for appetizer, and Cindy a salad that also looked like a sashimi. We had a riesling wine that was excellent. I had rice pudding for dessert, and Cindy apple pie. We came back home, and watched a little tv. It was a wonderful time.

Much later we went to Christmas Eve Mass. It was raining a little bit. Cindy's mom took her Irish friends. It was very hot at the church. I met the father and Sister Kate. I liked the church. It had a very small town feel to it. I love the time I spend with Cindy, even at church. I heard her sing, and she has a beautiful voice. The father told a joke about some parrots saying the rosary, and a foul-mouthed female parrot. His anecdotes is about how in these hard times people find God.

Obama Gets Elected (yesterday)

Well...this is the kind of event that our children or grandchildren ask about later on, so I will describe what I was doing yesterday.

Cindy was in the Poconos doing some event, and I called her to see if she was voting. She said, "Yes." She voted later with Sam (she pressed the button). She voted Republican and was not to happy to wait in line, and stand with some smelly people in the lines. Cindy asked me not to tell Jairo and he seemed very pro-Obama.

I went to Sanborns for lunch with Rafael, Fernanda, and Arturo. We talked a little bit about Politics, and jury duty. I paid with my credit card as I needed cash. My credit card was swallowed up by a Banorte ATM. I called, and they told me that because I have a new card for banking, my brokerage card was not good after 30 days.

My mouth is a mess as I bit my tongue and it hurts. In addition, I am getting over a cold. I really don't think the flu shot works.

At around 7:00 PM, they told us to evacuate as there was a fire in Reforma. Noel pulled us into an office and saw the flames in the corner of our street, and Reforma. We were joking that the Japanese restaurant, Suntory, had overcooked their Teppanyaki. I walked back to the hotel.

When I got to the hotel, I called the girls and we talked about who Mommy had voted for, and who I voted for. I explained to them that because I was in Mexico I had a tough time with voting, and I was not able to. The girls said they would have voted for Obama, and that Mommy, Danny, and Dotsy also voted for him. I told them that in the next election I would take them to help me vote. I asked Anna to figure out when Gaby was going to be able to vote, not next, but the following election; and when she was going to vote.

I also would like to mention that on Monday, today is Wednesday, I called Gaby, and I helped her with her homework. She had homework on percentages. I really enjoyed it. Anna was watching TV, so she did not pay too much attention to me.

I ordered Arrachera Tampiquenia for dinner, and started watching the elections. In between the coverage, I heard that the fire that had caused the evacuation was a jetlear that had crashed, and the carry high government officials, including the interior secretary. These individuals were key in the fight against organized crime, and drug smuggling. I heard the Mexican President, Felipe Calderon, give a moving speech about his best friend. He was moved, but delivered his speech calmly and with force.

Later I continued watching the election results, and pretty soon it was apparent that Obama was going to win. I watched the election partly in the Spanish Network (from Spain). It was very interesting listening the observations of people who were not American. They mentioned about how religious America was and commented about how all speeches ended with "God bless you, and God bless America." I also saw the speech from John MCain, and I thought it was excellent.

In the end, I saw the accpetance speech from Obama and I thought it was good, but not as good as I expected it. I liked the fact that he said that anything is possible in America, and that we will continue to fight those who spread hate. I saw Jesse Jackson cry, and many people moved during the acceptance speech. Oprah was there.

Before I went to sleep, I called Cindy to tell her about the plane and also that Pennsylvania had voted Democrat. She was very tired, and did not stay up to watch the elections. I am trying to remember where I saw the past elections.

Chest Pain - Cardiologist

Yesterday I was having chest pains, and my left arm was also in pain. I talked to Cindy and she asked me to see a doctor. I made an appointment with a cardiologist who is a friend of Jose Antonio's wife. I saw him at around 6:30 PM. He did several tests and I was ok.

• I am currently reading a book on important math c0ncepts.
• Cindy is doing much better. The other day she had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and felt a little pain.
• Cindy's rash (caused by Cortizone) seems to be disappearing.
• Luis set me up to see how the houses at the Polo Club are selling.
• Yesterday I called too late to talk to the sweetie pies.
• I had lunch at Sanborn's while we discussed if I should see a doctor. A called came from Cindy while I was having lunch.
• Just to mention that last weekend I landed early from Pittsburg, and I waited for the girls to come back from their grandparents.
• We went to have dinner at Whataburger, and took them for an ice cream. We used a coupon that Gaby had won to pay a whataburger.
• I then went to the condo, and as soon as I arrived I fell asleep. I had a good night sleep and therefore had no problem is driving to SAT to grab an 11:00 AM flight to Mexico.
• Mexico already changed back the hour and there is a 1 hour difference with Texas. They are behind.
• A lot of worries about the stock market. I am down about 27%

Mr. Mom with the Girls

On Friday I almost lost the flight...I actually got to the airport with time to spare, but the getting there was stressful. There was a teacher's strike in Mexico City and the traffic was horrible. I was eating at Tok's and the taxi had to go back and take Ejercito Nacional half an hour later after I took the taxi.

Danny was taking care of Anna. She fell asleep in Susana's bed while I was watching tv.

On Saturday morning, I picked Gaby at a friend's house after she had spent the night at a lock-out. She had a lot of fun...she told me she fell asleep watching a movie at around 3:00 AM.

We then packed, and took Anna to her game in New Braunfels. They won the game. We passed by a clothing store named Gaby B's.

We then went to San Marcos and spent the rest of the day with Jairo and Casey looking at houses. We had a late lunch at the Hula Hut.

On Sunday we had breakfast in New Braunfels at a taco cabana, after we spent some time looking for boots for Anna's Halloween costume. I then took Anna to a bowling-Halloween party. After that, I mailed some letters, and went to back to Susana's house. We then went to pick up Anna and take her to her volleyball game in Selma. She played very well.

At night Susana and the girls watched a movie, and I fell asleep early in Gaby's bedroom. I woke up very early for a 6:50 AM flight to Mexico. I wasn't tire because I had slept so much.

Markets Continue to Fall

• Last week I spent it in Colombia. It was very busy and the only time I got a chance to see a bit of Bogota was at lunch. I was working with Banco de la Republica.
• I stayed at the Crown Plaza - Taquendama hotel. It was a small room with nothing of a view. I requested 2 beds. There was a flat screen on the wall, next to a small desk. The internet was slow. I was in room 445.
• The first morning I had breakfast - it was good. I appreciated it because I did not have dinner the night before. I went for 2 rounds. It was rice and beans (moros y cristianos), sweet plantains, small sausages, scrambled eggs, cinnamon rolls, and coffee.
• The people at Banco de la Republica were very nice. I liked the fact that it was next to a mountain.
• Cindy changed the flight on Thursday as Hurricane Ike was about to hit Houston. As a matter of fact, the gentleman who came with me to Bogota flew back in the same flight as well. On Friday, the flight to Houston was cancelled. Luckily we changed to Newark. I took a train from Newark to Philly. Cindy picked me up...it was raining.
• Saturday, Cindy and I went to Cuba Libre (have pictures), and then went to see Tropic Thunder. The movie was funny and politically incorrect in every way.
• Sunday we went shopping to King of Prussia and had our teeth whitened. Here we are spending on the day that Lehman went bankrupt, and Merrill Lynch was sold to Bank of America.
• On Sunday, I stayed up most of the night watching the news.
• Monday night we went close to the border with NY...long drive. Cindy had a mini-golf event on Tuesday. We stayed at a Comfort Inn. The way back was very nice with lots of trees. I drilled the kids on science and history. Late on Tuesday I watched the Tudors.
• Wednesday...I worked from home, did my expenses.

Flying to Philly

• Wednesday was my final day in Mexico.
• A taxi came to pick me up at 5:00 AM
• I packed Tuesday night
• I flew in pants and long sleeve therma with a t-shirt underneath
• My bag did not arrive on time, but Mexicana knew about it
• I checked in the bags in Southwest, and then had breakfast
• During the flight I had a glass of wine
• The flight was 3 hours and about 15 minutes
• As usual in Philly, they made us fly around for a while
• I could see how the Delaware rivers goes into a bay, and passes Philly, and Wilmington
• I could the NJ Turnpike, and Delaware Memorial Bridge
• Cindy picked me up, and took Kate to the orthodontist. There we picked up hoagies, and that's what we had for dinner.

Renewed Faith

Since I am leaving Mexico in 3 days, and I have cheese and ham in the suite, I decided to go get some tortillas. Well, I walked to the supermarket. I passed one of the typical taco stands you see at every corner in Mexico. I noticed that the tortillas were packaged, so I thought thet must be clean. I checked into my pockets and I had about the equivalent of 40 cents/USA. I asked the guy how many tortillas I could get for 40 cents, so he grabbed about 8, put them in a plastic bag, and said to take them, and forget about it. This experience renewed by faith in mankind. I still insisted on giving him the 40 cents, but here was a poor guy selling tacos at a corner stand, but willing to give food to a stranger for free.

Sam's Birthday

• Today was Sam's birthday. She is now 11, and will be the same age as Gaby's until November.
• I went for Argentinian food with Arturo and Fernanda
• Arturo is having issues with his review.
• Albert told me about the bonus and raise.
• I continue to review MBS for the trip to Colombia
• Talked to Gaby. She was having orientation for middle school.

Lunch with Alex and Jorge Pedemonte

• Went to lunch with Alejandro Aguirre and Jorge Pedemonte
• I had dinner at the hotel (Arrachera tampiquena)
• We are getting closer to get the house
• The real estate broker, Maureen, agreed to share the commission
• Cindy asked for a good faith estimate from Keith (Lennar)
• I had a minor headache most of the day - probably from working too much on the computer.
• The one of the legs of bridge on the new glasses is not flush on my nose, and it hurts a little bit. I need to have it adjusted in Austin.
• I talked to the girls. Anna did not say much, and Gaby mentioned that it's tax free weekend. She wants to shop a little bit. Anna wants to rent a boat.
• Mirene from Sao Paolo, Unibanco, e-mailed me and mentioned that she was going to be in Mexico for vacation. She invited to dinner on Friday. I told her I was flying to Texas on Friday, but may be we can get together later.
• Robert Kennedy is in Brazil and mentioned to her that I was in Mexico.

Girls Fly Back to San Antonio

• Talked to the girls in the morning when they were waiting for the flight from Houston to San Antonio.
• Susana said that they had a great time in Cuernavaca. They played with all their cousins in Mexico.
• I worked out tonight, and left right before it started raining. I could see the lightning.
• It rains every afternoon in Mexico during summer.
• Cindy went to the movies, and I talked to her after she came back from the movies.
• For lunch I went to Toks and I had thin pork chops, rice, and beans.
• I had a coke for drink.
• For dinner I had a turkey club sandwich. I've been taking the cholesterol pill every night. I take 5 milligrams.
• I talked to Gaby and Anna tonight. I asked Susana to get them in Spanish classes, at least once a week.
• Susana said that her grandmother asked about me and said that I should have visited her while I was in Mexico. I told Susana that I was too shy because of the divorce situation.
• I need to find a way to visit her.
• We also got an attractive offer for the Ledgestone house. We are trying to see if the broker splits the commission with us.

Sunday - Day after Cocoyoc

• Woke up very late...12:00 noon.
• Had breakfast at VIPs. Small portion of beef with egg and bread with beans.
• The breakfast included a small portion of watermelon. I usually have pineapple, but the waitress said it was sour.
• Also had coffee.
• Went to the supermarket for a couple of things.
• Did my laundry (whites)
• Watched tv, and then took a nap. The phone woke me up...it was Anna. The kids were back from Cuernavaca. Gaby told me that they swam at the Golf Club Community Center (Tabachines) and made about $55 dollars from jewelry they made.
• Anna and Gaby sounded happy to talk to me. They are going back to San Antonio tomorrow. Susana said the Spanish was going so-so. I am planning to have them take Spanish lessons at least 1 hour a week.
• Really wanted to exercise, but instead read the strange book that I "borrowed" from the house we rented in Ocean City during our summer vacation. I am almost done.
• Cindy is bringing to Austin 2 books she read. The Kite Runner, and "The Last Lecture."
• I am still a little sore from the activities yesterday.

Jorge's Cholesterol Free Diet

Jorge's cholesterol is extraordinarily high. A whopping 280 of the "bad cholesterol" is whast was reported. With this in mind, his diet has changed dramatically.

Our number one goal is to get this number to a safe level, maintain, and keep an eye on things so that we have him around for a very - very long time. At least until he is "60" - wink -wink.