This weekend was the holiday party for work. So, Mateos & Luca went to Rafael's house for the evening. The three guys decided to get creative and write a comic book. The divison of labor went something like this -- Mateos & Rafa shared 'creative' duties of coming up with the plot line, Rafa wrote the story and Mateos illustrated it and Luca was in charge of getting people to look at it, so I guess we could say he was the marketing & sales arm of the organization. Without further adieu, here is the masterpiece:
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Tidbits
To keep the boys busy on the way to the restaurant, Luciana asked them some questions and here are the responses.
Q1. If you had to live 1 year with another family, which family would that be?
Luca: Eric & Faith Osgard
Mateos: Tio Allen and Tia Marcela
Q2. If you could invite one person to come and visit with us for a few weeks, who would it be?
Luca: Mom Mom & Pop Pop
Mateos: Uncle Garo & Aunt Diana
In other news, Mateos had gas tonight that was deadly magnificent. It may have been cold outside, but it was definitely a 'windows down' evening. I think Luciana is getting a thorough education on some of the finer moments of growing up male.
Q1. If you had to live 1 year with another family, which family would that be?
Luca: Eric & Faith Osgard
Mateos: Tio Allen and Tia Marcela
Q2. If you could invite one person to come and visit with us for a few weeks, who would it be?
Luca: Mom Mom & Pop Pop
Mateos: Uncle Garo & Aunt Diana
In other news, Mateos had gas tonight that was deadly magnificent. It may have been cold outside, but it was definitely a 'windows down' evening. I think Luciana is getting a thorough education on some of the finer moments of growing up male.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Back to the Beginning (How We Ended Up in Reno)
Here is the very busy man's summary to how we ended up in Reno:
1. Allen received a job off from Intuit in Reno which he decided to accept.
2. Mrs. V (my mother-in-law) decides that she will go too.
3. We decide to follow, I get a job at Intuit too.
Salient details:
Allen, Marcela and their two children lived 3 houses down from us in Florida. Marcela is my wife's sister. Mrs. V also lived in Tampa, she was about 1 mi. away inside of the same community.
The Extenuating Circumstances
The loong story has many more twists and turns. Hmm... here are the ones I recall.
1. Lu and I had no idea that this was coming -- we didn't know Allen was interviewing.
2. Lu and I had started a home remodel project to add a room to the house in Florida to make it possible for my parents to come and stay for longer periods of time. Thankfully, the work that had been done was extremely minor but we were about 2 days away from having the driveway torn up.
3. While I really enjoyed my job in Florida, it was an easy decision to leave once they committed -- the only question was Reno, Boston or northern NJ. I have little interest in living away from extended family.
4. I interviewed both in Reno and the northeast -- specifically in Boston and had a very interesting job offer there. I also had an interesting job offer in Reno (not Intuit) that I liked very much. The final influence came from Lu in the selection of Intuit in Reno. Final influence is very mild; it was an extremely tense and difficult decision making process that had us both on edge.
The Aftermath
1. We all now live in Reno within the same community.
2. I really, really like our new house. It has the yard I've always wanted, and it
has the space to have guests come and stay for extended periods :)
3. The families are still very close and it is one of the best things to be able to walk over and see everyone, esp. my niece and nephew.
4. It was a good decision and I have no regrets. Things didn't really happen in the order I would have preferred, but you have to realize what you have sometimes. That said, I still hope/plan to return to the northeast at some point. Not committed, but hopeful.
1. Allen received a job off from Intuit in Reno which he decided to accept.
2. Mrs. V (my mother-in-law) decides that she will go too.
3. We decide to follow, I get a job at Intuit too.
Salient details:
Allen, Marcela and their two children lived 3 houses down from us in Florida. Marcela is my wife's sister. Mrs. V also lived in Tampa, she was about 1 mi. away inside of the same community.
The Extenuating Circumstances
The loong story has many more twists and turns. Hmm... here are the ones I recall.
1. Lu and I had no idea that this was coming -- we didn't know Allen was interviewing.
2. Lu and I had started a home remodel project to add a room to the house in Florida to make it possible for my parents to come and stay for longer periods of time. Thankfully, the work that had been done was extremely minor but we were about 2 days away from having the driveway torn up.
3. While I really enjoyed my job in Florida, it was an easy decision to leave once they committed -- the only question was Reno, Boston or northern NJ. I have little interest in living away from extended family.
4. I interviewed both in Reno and the northeast -- specifically in Boston and had a very interesting job offer there. I also had an interesting job offer in Reno (not Intuit) that I liked very much. The final influence came from Lu in the selection of Intuit in Reno. Final influence is very mild; it was an extremely tense and difficult decision making process that had us both on edge.
The Aftermath
1. We all now live in Reno within the same community.
2. I really, really like our new house. It has the yard I've always wanted, and it
has the space to have guests come and stay for extended periods :)
3. The families are still very close and it is one of the best things to be able to walk over and see everyone, esp. my niece and nephew.
4. It was a good decision and I have no regrets. Things didn't really happen in the order I would have preferred, but you have to realize what you have sometimes. That said, I still hope/plan to return to the northeast at some point. Not committed, but hopeful.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Sex Ed, Internet Style (or, why does a woman's penis look like that?)
This summary is not available. Please
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Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Boy Meets Girl
Tonight's special time with Mateos was a walk around the condo complex. Almost always, these walks include some interesting conversations about life but also a large set of stock questions along the lines of "what's your favorite *wild* animal?", "if a shark and a rhino fought, which would win?", "would you rather be a ninja or the guy in assasin's creed?", etc.
These are the same questions he asks when he is pooping and can't think of anything else to say but really wants some company. In fairness, he does enjoy some good back and forth on these but after the 100th time, it does leave you a little wanting for just a tad more. But I digress.
Tonight, though, was different. First, when I originally brokered the idea of a walk Mateos was running around in his boxers having somewhat recently come out of the bath. He immediately thought a walk would be great and said he was ready to go. When I pointed out that I expected him to have on a little more than just boxers, he looked down at himself and seemed semi-startled to see that he indeed was just wearing underwear and dashed off to his room to get dressed. I heard him bumping around in the closet and after a minute or so he emerged -- and he looked good! He had picked out a pair of jeans, his airwalk skater-boy sneaks, a shirt with skulls on it and his 'DC' skater hat. Now, I am already so uncool that I don't really know the 'DC' brand but apparently it makes him cool (at least in his own mind.)
Anyhow, we set off for the walk and I questioned him on how his first day at Invention Camp was. He told me a bit about the day's activities, some silly stuff he and Rafa did together there with another boy whose name I hope he was mispronouncing (it sounded like 'Seefuld') and some neat conversations they had about Mars and how difficult it is to land a spaceshuttle on the moon, etc. I then asked about his teacher and what she was like.
And he answered, only slightly bashfully, "well, I felt kind of in love." Really now? Well, this was a bit of the dam breaking apparently because not only had Mateos found his new teacher quite appealing, I also learned he had taken a shine to a girl named Christine in a different class during the school year and had asked her to be his 'girlfriend' over the protestations of his good friend and red-headed pal Shane who had declared over and over that it was a "b-a-d" idea.
The Christine story concluded with Mateos carrying her jacket for her (apparently, girls are shrewd and a tad manipulative already by first grade ;) but the whole thing was a little overwhelming and he 'backed out of it' by later that day.
You never know what you are going to get on these walks, but this was a particularly fun one. Oh, that and the fact that he asked me what "holy shit" was because we overheard that at the skate park the other day. I dodged that one today, but I am pretty sure it will resurface again in the days to come...
These are the same questions he asks when he is pooping and can't think of anything else to say but really wants some company. In fairness, he does enjoy some good back and forth on these but after the 100th time, it does leave you a little wanting for just a tad more. But I digress.
Tonight, though, was different. First, when I originally brokered the idea of a walk Mateos was running around in his boxers having somewhat recently come out of the bath. He immediately thought a walk would be great and said he was ready to go. When I pointed out that I expected him to have on a little more than just boxers, he looked down at himself and seemed semi-startled to see that he indeed was just wearing underwear and dashed off to his room to get dressed. I heard him bumping around in the closet and after a minute or so he emerged -- and he looked good! He had picked out a pair of jeans, his airwalk skater-boy sneaks, a shirt with skulls on it and his 'DC' skater hat. Now, I am already so uncool that I don't really know the 'DC' brand but apparently it makes him cool (at least in his own mind.)
Anyhow, we set off for the walk and I questioned him on how his first day at Invention Camp was. He told me a bit about the day's activities, some silly stuff he and Rafa did together there with another boy whose name I hope he was mispronouncing (it sounded like 'Seefuld') and some neat conversations they had about Mars and how difficult it is to land a spaceshuttle on the moon, etc. I then asked about his teacher and what she was like.
And he answered, only slightly bashfully, "well, I felt kind of in love." Really now? Well, this was a bit of the dam breaking apparently because not only had Mateos found his new teacher quite appealing, I also learned he had taken a shine to a girl named Christine in a different class during the school year and had asked her to be his 'girlfriend' over the protestations of his good friend and red-headed pal Shane who had declared over and over that it was a "b-a-d" idea.
The Christine story concluded with Mateos carrying her jacket for her (apparently, girls are shrewd and a tad manipulative already by first grade ;) but the whole thing was a little overwhelming and he 'backed out of it' by later that day.
You never know what you are going to get on these walks, but this was a particularly fun one. Oh, that and the fact that he asked me what "holy shit" was because we overheard that at the skate park the other day. I dodged that one today, but I am pretty sure it will resurface again in the days to come...
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Lucatudes Rides
Luca is officially a full fledged bike rider. As of this afternoon, he is able to ride without training wheels and he has passed the full Norian family checklist:
What a fantastic grin he had plastered on his face as he was pedaling furiously up and back the street in front of the condo. And the laughing and good time he and his brother had as they passed each other going in opposite directions. I am not sure there is a better sense of satisfaction than seeing the two of them really enjoy each other's company and accomplishments.
The boys each received some Lego's for Luca's accomplishment today -- Luca an Indian Jones set and Mateos an Exo-Force set. They each did a good job working on and putting together about half of each set tonight. Lu and I try our best to have them do the work on their own and pretty much stall any time they request some help. Sure enough, they really didn't need any.
They are trying to sleep now. I put them to bed with a few teetsy (intentional mis-spelling for posterity) fly bites and the standard kiss on the cheek. Hopefully they are sleeping and dreaming about cruisin' around the block with each other.
Really good afternoon.
- start from a dead stop (without any aid like putting one foot on the curb)
- turn in both directions without falling
- use the breaks on command (usually Luciana or I screaming that a car is coming)
- stay towards the right side of the street
What a fantastic grin he had plastered on his face as he was pedaling furiously up and back the street in front of the condo. And the laughing and good time he and his brother had as they passed each other going in opposite directions. I am not sure there is a better sense of satisfaction than seeing the two of them really enjoy each other's company and accomplishments.
The boys each received some Lego's for Luca's accomplishment today -- Luca an Indian Jones set and Mateos an Exo-Force set. They each did a good job working on and putting together about half of each set tonight. Lu and I try our best to have them do the work on their own and pretty much stall any time they request some help. Sure enough, they really didn't need any.
They are trying to sleep now. I put them to bed with a few teetsy (intentional mis-spelling for posterity) fly bites and the standard kiss on the cheek. Hopefully they are sleeping and dreaming about cruisin' around the block with each other.
Really good afternoon.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Catch Up
Great weekend. Great weekend always means I spent my time actually focused on the boys as opposed to be just 'around' and doing something else, like say watching sports on TV, programming or worrying about something at work while supposedly playing with them. So, instead of reminding myself about the lost opportunities I am going to feel good about the great weekend that was.
Luca decided today was the day to try riding the bicycle without training wheels. And as with most things, when the kid decides he is ready he usually is. He rode very well. We pedaled up and down the street in front of the condo -- he gleefully smiled and asked for confirmation a number of times that he was 'really doing it' and that Luciana or I (whoever was the 'runner' by his side) were not surreptitiously holding on to the back of the seat. He really did great -- no problems cruising over the slight drainage gully or over the manholes, etc. He does still have momentary crisis of confidence on turns. He gets nervous, starts taking his feet of the pedals and generally attempts to stand up while the bike is moving. Predictably, he falls over with the bike on him. However, he handled it all quite well -- no crying, no moaning and no giving up. He kept asking throughout the day to go back outside and ride some more and each time was for a good little while. He'll be a pro like his brother in no time.
What else today? Well, we stopped by the construction site of the house for our daily check-in. At this point, the framing of the walls are done. There is no roof but with the walls and floor done, you can walk through and your imagine has sufficient scaffolding to fill in the details. The best part about all these visits to the house is that the kids invariably run off to the back yard and have a great time exploring and making up games together. The yard is so far living up to its promise.
This evening on worked on math with Mateos -- mainly 'tens' and 'ones', etc. I am too hard on him; I feel myself treating his ability to grasp it immediately as a matter of his future hanging in the balance. It is ridiculous but it is a trap I fall into with sports, school,... well, you name it. I have to lay off or I am going to make the poor kid a total emotional wreck. Through it all, though, he maintains himself really well and actually took me aside to have a 'private talk' and explain his feelings to me. He's hard not to love.
Working in reverse... on Saturday we went to the movies in the morning. We saw "Horton Hears a Who." We went en mass -- Lu, myself, Mateos, Luca, Tia Marcela, Carolina, Rafa, Bernie and Kara. Everyone had a good time and munched on popcorn throughout.
The movie was around noon; the rest of the day is a little bit of a blur. Rafa came over for a few hours and then Luca and I went for some 'special time' together to McDonald's where he chowed down his happy meal and some of my nuggets. Then he and I went to the house and I gave him a tour of his room to-be and talked about all the things we might one day do at the new house. He seemed to enjoy the outing.
Friday night was good too -- Bernie, Laura came over and the boys played great with Kara and Luciana and I enjoyed little Jason's company as well. Lu made a good dinner and Bernie and Laura are good company. Fun night. Oh, and I learned a little secret about Bernie that Laura accidentally spilled -- apparently he and Jason both like wipes. While he may be right about the sense of using them, I don't think I will try it; I just can't see giving up the joy of the chuckle at his slight expense for the comfort of the wipe.
Luca decided today was the day to try riding the bicycle without training wheels. And as with most things, when the kid decides he is ready he usually is. He rode very well. We pedaled up and down the street in front of the condo -- he gleefully smiled and asked for confirmation a number of times that he was 'really doing it' and that Luciana or I (whoever was the 'runner' by his side) were not surreptitiously holding on to the back of the seat. He really did great -- no problems cruising over the slight drainage gully or over the manholes, etc. He does still have momentary crisis of confidence on turns. He gets nervous, starts taking his feet of the pedals and generally attempts to stand up while the bike is moving. Predictably, he falls over with the bike on him. However, he handled it all quite well -- no crying, no moaning and no giving up. He kept asking throughout the day to go back outside and ride some more and each time was for a good little while. He'll be a pro like his brother in no time.
What else today? Well, we stopped by the construction site of the house for our daily check-in. At this point, the framing of the walls are done. There is no roof but with the walls and floor done, you can walk through and your imagine has sufficient scaffolding to fill in the details. The best part about all these visits to the house is that the kids invariably run off to the back yard and have a great time exploring and making up games together. The yard is so far living up to its promise.
This evening on worked on math with Mateos -- mainly 'tens' and 'ones', etc. I am too hard on him; I feel myself treating his ability to grasp it immediately as a matter of his future hanging in the balance. It is ridiculous but it is a trap I fall into with sports, school,... well, you name it. I have to lay off or I am going to make the poor kid a total emotional wreck. Through it all, though, he maintains himself really well and actually took me aside to have a 'private talk' and explain his feelings to me. He's hard not to love.
Working in reverse... on Saturday we went to the movies in the morning. We saw "Horton Hears a Who." We went en mass -- Lu, myself, Mateos, Luca, Tia Marcela, Carolina, Rafa, Bernie and Kara. Everyone had a good time and munched on popcorn throughout.
The movie was around noon; the rest of the day is a little bit of a blur. Rafa came over for a few hours and then Luca and I went for some 'special time' together to McDonald's where he chowed down his happy meal and some of my nuggets. Then he and I went to the house and I gave him a tour of his room to-be and talked about all the things we might one day do at the new house. He seemed to enjoy the outing.
Friday night was good too -- Bernie, Laura came over and the boys played great with Kara and Luciana and I enjoyed little Jason's company as well. Lu made a good dinner and Bernie and Laura are good company. Fun night. Oh, and I learned a little secret about Bernie that Laura accidentally spilled -- apparently he and Jason both like wipes. While he may be right about the sense of using them, I don't think I will try it; I just can't see giving up the joy of the chuckle at his slight expense for the comfort of the wipe.
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