Welcome Back
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Man it has been a crazy few weeks. All the insanity leading up to the holidays at work (but with the very nice and unhealthy flood of cookies, chocolates and other treats), then a trip to Florida to visit family and loved ones. Of course it was strange being back in Miami, as it is simultaneously familiar and utterly different. We spent a lot of time on the road between family homes and also hit all our usual eating spots (such as pizza at Casola’s, chop-chop at Chicken Kitchen, Cuban food at Sergio’s and Pollo Tropical). It would simply not have been possible without the kindness and profound generosity of our family. I’m going to actually point them out by name, since they rock and deserve it:
•Padrino Oscar – You let us use your home and it immediately become our base of operations. Between a big family lunch and the combination bathtub / sink for Nicky (and comfy bed) it made our lives far easier. The only shame is that Nicky didn’t get to see you more.
•Abuelo and Abuela – The car you let us use probably traveled 500+ miles and enabled us to go all over South Florida to see everyone at least once. The lechon on Christmas was (as always) scrumptious and you even put up with my leaving a messy grill behind when I made lunch. Nicky absolutely loves you both and we can’t wait to welcome you back to our home.
•Big sister – You and Ralph always take on far more than you need to when you’d almost certainly prefer to be resting and enjoying the holidays. Ralph, thank you for lending me your car to get around that day – it was a huge help. Trisha – you consider everyone else before you and Nicky is lucky to have such a sweet Madrina. Sara and Sofia are beautiful and joyful – I wish Nicky could play with them more often.
•Grandpa – Thank you for coming down to spend time with Nicky…and for taking me to the Dolphins game. You were absolutely right that Nicky would be walking by the new year!
•Wallace and Greysi – Darn it, what a bummer that Lily and Nicky didn’t meet! You guys have to bring her out here now! Thank you for the adorable clothes and gifts – your home is beautiful and I always enjoy spending time with you guys. It’s too bad we live so far apart, since it seems so natural chatting and laughing with you in person.
Yes, Nicky and I are wearing the same outfit in the photo. I’m going to do that until he’s bigger than me and I can’t make him do it anymore. Yes, that’s a hairband (Mabel’s, not mine) on his head. No, I’m not sure why I put it there but at least it matches and it was damn funny.
Movies:
Cool Hand Luke
I admit it. I had never seen this before. Total classic…Paul Newman having a failure to communicate and eating a bunch of boiled eggs. Great flick – I may well have been the last person to see it!
Battlestar Galactica – Razor
Peter and Ericka were right – this one ROCKED! It had been a long time since I caught some BSG and man do they do a great job. Great script, well acted and the effects getting more and more cinematic quality. It’s going to be a shame when the show ends its run. I still can’t make up my mind if Kara or Boomer is hotter. I mean, “more talented”. 😉