Brandon's Puppy

If the belt gets any tighter, it's going to snap!

Just when we thought we were in a good place, we got our annual escrow analysis from our mortgage company in the mail today. I don't want to get into details right now, let's just say it's not very pretty. In fact, it's very ugly. Unfortunately, calling it names won't make it go away. It just means that there will be some serious juggling in the months to come. There also won't be any Father's Day shopping going on. I'm taking browsing through the sales circulars for men's jewelry, clothing, BBQ accessories and other Dad's day deals off my to-do list.
I know it's not the gift that matters, but I'm the type of person that likes to give a small token of appreciation and love to those I care about. But, I have a back-up plan: I'll be baking! When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, right? We'll in this case it's lemon cake. Or some other kind of cake. I haven't quite decided that part yet.

Lazy Saturday, for the most part.

Haven't done much today but a few loads of laundry and pay some bills online. I'm currently loading Brandon's graduation pictures to flickr for you all to enjoy. In about 15 minutes I'm hopping in the shower to get ready for a concert this evening. Claudia and I are leaving the men and kids home and going to the Freestyle Invasion concert. What are you up to today?

Breathing better

It took six months, but we are finally in a happy place with our monthly bills. (well, it would be a much happier place if we had no bills, but that’s not the case, so we’re making the best of it). June will be the first month where I don’t have to delay payment of some bills in order to pay other, more-pressing ones.
In a couple of months, when Brandon starts public school, we’ll actually see some tangible changes. There will be extra money on hand(!), and we might be able to budget for the boys’ pre-paid college programs. I can scratch those term life insurance policies we wanted to look into from the list because both hubby and I have benefits through our employer. And then, perhaps, we can start with the home improvement items on the list (I'm coveting laminate floors SO BAD!!).

It’s been a slow process, but we’re getting there!

The Graduate

Last night's ceremony was adorable! After the kids said the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner was played, they all sat down and the director spoke about the school year and the kids' achievements. Then each class had a performance. Brandon's class was last, and they sang a song called Lucky Streak. I had never heard it before, but it's very cute, and has a lovely meaning to it (words here). Then the director's husband spoke about the Learning Accomplishment Profile-Diagnostic screening and the children's results to kill some time for the kids to put on their caps and gowns backstage. Each child was called onstage and presented with a "diploma". It was really sweet, and I teared up a couple of times, but since I had allergies I knew that if I started crying I'd have even more trouble breathing. Then the teachers were given gifts of appreciation, and refreshments were served.

He was happy that two of his grandmas, his Titi and his Nina, and his cousin Maxx were there too, but his favorite guest was Mikey. He was elated that his cousin was there for it. During the entire ceremony, Brandon would point to where we were sitting, particularly his cousin Mikey, to anyone that would listen.

I'll have pictures posted tonight, I was just not up to downloading them from the camera yesterday.

Oh, and this morning he asked me, "mommy, what school do I go to today?" He'll be in the same school for the next couple of months for summer camp. He seemed happy to be able to see his friends for a few more weeks before they all have to part and go to different "big schools".

A bunch of stuff

I’m hooked on Jon and Kate plus 8. Hubby doesn’t like it. He says Kate is too bossy and high-strung. I say what choice does she have, she’s got 8 (including Jon, 9) kids to look after! I just wonder how they do it. I’m sure TLC provides them some sort of payment, but still…

The Shell station by my house had 87 octane gas for $3.95/gallon yesterday. I filled up the tank. Then last night, as I’m headed back home from Babies R Us, I saw that it was at $3.99/gallon. This morning it was $3.97. I found it both sad and amusing that the price could fluctuate so much with 24 hours.

Matty has a bunch of new words: happy, ibo (libro, book in Spanish), ta q (thank you), vion (avion, airplane in Spanish), ti (si, yes in Spanish), boon (balloon), down, go, Memo (Elmo), mimi (sleep), mio (mine), and a couple more that I don’t remember right now. He’s also got three teeth coming in, one of them a molar, which makes for one cranky baby.

Hubby and I were supposed to go out on a date to see the S*x and the City movie tomorrow, but that’s not going to happen. There’s no money in the “fun stuff” budget right now so it will have to wait. I just really don’t want to find out what happens before I see it as that will kill it for me. Nobody tell me, m’kay?

Murphy had to come out to play today, didn't he?!

I had allergies less than ten days ago. I thought I might get through the week without an attack. Not only was I wrong, I got them today, just in time for Brandon's graduation. Go figure!
I'm running downstairs and getting some Benadryl, and hoping that it works. Even though I'm leaving work at 3pm, I won't have time to recuperate as I'll be a bit busy getting the boys (and myself) bathed and dressed for the 6pm ceremony. Please, people, send good vibes my way that this thing goes away within the next couple of hours!

Busy and breaking the bank

As much as I appreciate a day off, this short week has me all off-schedule. Brandon's graduation is tomorrow night, which means that we need to take the boys for haircuts tonight. We're having a baby shower at work on Friday, and since I can't go gift shopping tomorrow night, that has to be done tonight as well. And as I'll already be at the baby store, I might as well get my sister-in-law's present for her shower on Sunday. Yup, it's going to be an expensive night tonight!

Bunny Heaven

WB and sherlock's bunny Petunia got sick suddenly and passed away late last night.
Rest in peace, beautiful bunny.

Memorial Day

After a lovely waffles and eggs breakfast, we lounged around the house for most of the late morning and early afternoon. My legs still hurt from climbing those 109 steps, which proves I'm definitely out of shape. We then took a very short shopping trip to Target, and came back home to fulfill a promise we made to Brandon. He got a remote control boat for Christmas, and we had not yet played with it in the lake, so we promised him this would be the weekend we would do so. While two older boys (!) played with the boat, I ran after Matty, who was more interested in picking up leaves and flowers than watching the boat.
Our walk around the lake ended with Brandon asking us why these ducks were fighting. We told him that it was because they didn't get along, but they got along pretty well, don't you think?! ;-) We then spent about 20 minutes at the park before heading back home to hop in the car. Lilli and Adrian invited us over for dinner, which was quite yummy. We're proud to say the babies shared toys successfully, and we were home just in time for Brandon's bedtime. Both boys are now in bed, asleep, and I am waiting to put his school uniforms in the dryer before I join them in dreamland. I am not eager to go to work tomorrow, but at least it's a short week. Good night!

A sampling

Our weekend with the Pereiras:

These and more now on flickr.

What the weather permitted

Our afternoon plans with the Pereiras were slightly altered due to some rain showers, but our day was lovely nonetheless. We woke up bright and early and were out of the house by 8:30, just half an hour after our scheduled departure time (if you know us, you know this is quite a feat!). We arrived at the lighthouse at exactly 9:30am, and as there was no park ranger nearby ready to begin the tour, we took matters into our own hands. The lighthouse door was open, so hubby immediately went up with Brandon. Children under 8 are not allowed, so we decided it was best for them to go up first before the ranger arrived and told us otherwise. WB and sherlock soon followed, and since the coast was clear, Matty and I went up as well. All I can say is, who knew 109 steps were so exhausting! But the view was amazing, and we were all camera happy 95 feet off the ground.

After visiting the lightkeeper's cottage, we traveled through Brickell, into downtown Miami, and made a u-turn right in front of the American Airlines arena to head back towards 8th Street. We had lunch at Versailles, and it seems the Cuban food was a success. We then drove through Coral Gables, made a pit-stop at Venetian Pool, and got all tourist-y at the Biltmore. That building is so beautiful! And it really inspired WB to start telling us all about how much she's learning about architecture and residental design. She went off on a tangent about metal roofing, of all things, and if I hear one more thing about construction today or tomorrow, I'm going to smack her! ;-)

At this point it was too late and too rainy to go to Coral Castle, so we decided to walk around The Falls for a while. That while lasted longer than expected, thanks to a nasty rain storm. We headed back home around 4pm, and then I headed to the grocery store while everyone else took a break.

We just had dinner, and a few laughs, and are waiting for a cake I baked to cool so we can move on to dessert.

How was your Saturday?

The houseguests have arrived

The Pereiras arrived at our front step around 10:30 last night, a good while before they were expected. I was still cleaning, but fortunately, was just doing a final wipe-down of our bathroom counter when they arrived. While they did the Dance of the Cars* with my hubby, I had just enough time to put away all the cleaning gear. I was not in a very presentable state, but I told them to pretend I was. I took a quick shower while they unwinded, prepped they "guest room" (aka blow up the air mattress and lay it down in the playroom), and we went to sleep right around midnight.
Lot's to do today: we're going to the Cape Florida lighthouse, then lunch somewehre Cuban, then a trip to Coral Castle. I haven't been there since I was a kid, should be fun!
More later.

(The Dance of the Cars: Where hubby goes outside and moves around our two cars to make room for another car in our driveway.)

Brandonism-Too Smart edition

When I dropped off Brandon this morning, his teacher pulled me aside and said "I have to tell you a story". I thought, "uh oh, what did he do now?", but she was laughing so I didn't think it could be that bad. She says that yesterday afternoon he took a small chalkboard and wrote the letters H, S, I, and T on it. She asked him what that was, and he said, "Ms. Aida, I can't tell you what it is because it's a bad word. But yesterday when you were not here, ________ (a classmate, I can't recall the name right now) said it, and that's a bad word! You're not supposed to say that!"

What I want to know is...how did he learn to (almost) spell it?!

Houseguests

In a little over 12 hours, we'll be welcoming wRitErsbLock and sherlock into our home for a weekend visit. I went to bed last night at 1am trying to spiffy up the place. My house will be so clean, they'll see their reflection on our floors. There's a few things left to do this afternoon, like sweep the front walk and wash off some grime on the front door. That's the first thing they'll see so that has to be sparkling, from the door frame to our Schlage look-a-like door hardware.
I know what you're thinking WB, I'm going a little overboard with this visit. What can I say, I'm OCD like that!

At the White House

"I know there are many naysayers out there that believe this gesture by the President is all about politics, all about the upcoming election. And that may be so. But words have meaning and the truth is the truth. The President didnt utter a word that wasnt true. And as he is the most powerful man on this planet, each word carried with it not only meaning and truth, but the might of his charge."

Amen.

Go here to read more about my uncle's visit to the White House earlier this week.

More birthday bloggage

(Right under the wire)

Today my sister turned 28. My little sister. 28. Man, do I feel old!
I wish I'd gotten to this earlier in the day. I could tell you what a wonderful Titi she is to the boys. Or how I think she's fearless, from moving four states away, alone, to running a half-marathon. How she's so headstrong she does what she wants, when she wants, no matter what anyone thinks. Or about her quirks, like how she's so true to her astrological sign that she'll remodel her apartment three times in week because she got bored. There's so much more I can tell you, but I'm short on time. Suffice it to say that she's an extraordinary human being, and I'm so lucky to call her my little sister. Happy birthday, Maurita! I may not say it often, but I love you with all my heart. And the boys do too. ;-)

This year's Ah-merican Idol is....

David Cook!! YAY!!
If you didn't see last night's finale, you can get an almost-play-by-play of the show over at Snark Raving Mad.
Congratulations, David! You rock!! Yeah, pun intended. ;-)

Pride

My uncle just called me. He's in front of the White House RIGHT NOW, with Ziva, waiting to go in to attend the president's speech about Cuba. Why today? It's Cuban Solidarity Day. What an amazing experience. There's a live feed of the speech, which starts at 9:30am10:30am.

I do not have the words to express how proud I am of my uncle. I told him over the weekend that this is his calling. He was meant to be a voice for the Cuban people. I don't know anyone with as much passion and determination for a cause as he has for this one, and I'm an honored to be his niece.

Birthday Bloggage

Marta,

Like you, I believe in God's intelligent design. It is no coincidence that our families shared a home in Manati, nor is it a coincidence that your blog crossed my uncle's path and he asked you to be a contributor. It was all meant to happen, and I am so glad that it did. Because thanks to this divine design, we are not only friends, we are family.

I wish you the happiest of birthdays, and I hope that someday we can celebrate your birthday in that little house in Manati that means so much to both our families. Love you!

Relief

For the first time in over six months, our mortgage payment is up to date. We were never late enough that it was reported to the credit bureaus, but we paid past the 15th of the month and were charged late fees and over-the-phone fees. These extra fees were a necessary evil, but they affected our budget and how and when we could pay other bills. I'd stress significantly over all this, and my back acne would flair up. In fact, I have concluded that the rash I had in March was most likely triggered by monetary stress, as that was an unusually stressful month.
Thanks to the stimulus payment, our account is now current. It took some time, and a little help from Uncle Sam, but we've finally adjusted to my getting paid monthly. We've now organized our bills in a way that my check covers the mortgage, our HELOC, and the homeowner association payments, and hubby's weekly checks cover everything else. This means less stressing and worrying, and that's the best acne treatment I can think of. I just really hope we can stick to the plan.

They're coming!!!

Tickets to New Kids on the Block go on sale on May 31st. They will be playing at the Bank Atlantic Center on November 1st. Woo hoo!!!!

Awesome

I'm exhausted, incoherent, and suffering from allergies. I'll provide more details about my wonderful weekend at Cuba Nostalgia later, but I wanted to say:

I met Willy Chirino, one of my absolute favorite singers!!

And, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Letinen!

How cool is that?!

Cuba Nostalgia, Day 3

Brandon and I are headed to Cuba Nostalgia in a few minutes. Yesterday I took Matty with me, and he was not sure what was going on. He was overwhelmed by the music and people surrounding him, but found refuge in the arms of people we consider family, Marta's son Adam and daugther Amy. They babysat while I helped visitors to our booth fill out the petition for the release of Cuba's political prisoners (have you signed it yet?!). Amy had been on duty all day, and I'm sure she appreciated the break. There were so many people wanting to add their names, Marta and I just couldn't type quickly enough. Some waiting wrote their information on a notebook for us to transfer onto the site later.
We met several readers/commenters, and that's always lovely. Oh, and Henry and Ana's 9-month old twins came by the booth for a visit. They are SO CUTE!! A few more months and we can plan a playdate!
Before I knew it, it was 8:30 and time for something to eat. Matty and I shared a pan con lechon and croquetas, and we headed home just a bit past nine. Unfortunately, there was no time for blogging, not here or at Babalu. I'll try to get on that today. There's something I want to say about a blantant imposter of our favorite baby tees, about a new Celia Cruz movie playing soon, and so much more. I'll be back later. Have a great Sunday!

Movie Moments

We were at the mall last week, walking past a luggage store, and Brandon pointed at the Zero Halliburton cases and said, “Mommy, look! That’s just like the bag that Woody, Jessie and Bull’s Eye are in when they get lost inside the airplane!" When I think of those cases, I think of mafia movies and big, mean-looking guns. And lately (like right now, for instance), he’s been running around the house yelling, “Yippee-ki-yay, mamacita!” from Alvin & the Chipmunks. As much as I love those chipmunks, that is definitely not what I think of when I hear the words “Yippee-ki-yay”. And of course, those big guns are involved again. Ah, the innocence of childhood....

Technical Difficulties

Sorry for the lack of bloggage today. I was at Cuba Nostalgia since 10:30 this morning, but our DSL connection was not working. Henry got some blogging done on his laptop using a wireless connection, but the rest of us were S.O.L. I did get to spend most of the day with the Babalu family, so that was a plus. It really is quite an experience. Not only do we have a prime location this year, but we have lots to offer at our booth: you can sign this petition for the release of Cuba's political prisoners (DSL connection permitting). You can pick up CAMBIO bracelets, posters and t-shirts for a small donation. You can buy books by some of our favorite authors like Humberto Fontova, Kay Abella, David Landau, Enrique Encinosa, Jaime Suchlicki, and of course our very own Marta Darby. Speaking of Marta, Adam and Amy came with her, and we've had so much fun, it feels like we've known each other forever. Oh, wait, we just about have. Anyway, you might just meet a celebrity too. I got to meet Ana Margo earlier today, and she was super sweet, and I think we look just great in this picture.
Come by and visit, we'll be there all weekend long. Specifically, I'll be there tomorrow afternoon after 3, and Sunday between 11 and 7. Pictures will soon be on flickr, and will be updated throughout the weekend. Oh, and if you don't see me posting here, I'm probably tending to blogging duties over at Babalu. It's going to be a crazy weekend, but so worth it.

Free Dinner, and Dessert

Hubby's about to get home from work and we'll be headed to McDonald's for dinner for free chicken sandwiches as soon as he gets here. Then we're going across the street to Dunkin Donuts so that I can get a free iced coffee. We're eating out, and spending less than $8 (two drinks, and something for Brandon to eat). To steal their well-known slogan, I'm lovin' it!

Change of Plans

Yesterday's field trip was great! The kids had a blast, and it was nice and breezy, not at all hot and sticky as we expected. We went to the two dolphin shows, had lunch, then saw the killer whale show. We were driving out of the seaquarium at exactly 1:06. Can you guess how long it took us to get back to the school? You won't guess, so I'll just tell you: 2 hours and 15 minutes!! There was an accident that temporarily shut down one expressway and significantly slowed down another. It also created major congestion on US1, and I was trying to detour through Coral Gables, I inadvertently went through a stop sign, and got ticketed by a cop just a few yards away. Uh, yeah, I haven't told hubby about that one!
Speaking of hubby, we had discussed taking the boys to the new water park after getting home from the field trip, but between the traffic-induced angst, the ticket, and the migraine, that's being re-scheduled for another day. Hopefully it's soon, we've been waiting for this water park to open for many, many months!!
I'm off tomorrow for the first day of Cuba Nostalgia (I am so excited...have I mentioned that at all?!) so I won't be posting much more today, at least not until tonight. Might have a picture or two to share from yesterday later on. Have a great Thursday, y'all!

Mid-week Marine Meeting

I've taken the day off to accompany Brandon and his class on a field trip to the Seaquarium. I'm sure it will be lots of hot and sweaty fun. Might have a special surprise to cool off once we get home. More on that later. For now, all of you have a great day!

There's a disturbance in the Force

Something's definitely wrong with me this evening. All day long I was so tired I couldn't wait to get home and rest, but once we got home I was inspired to do something I have been meaning to do for weeks. The boys were calmly playing in the playroom so I decided to clean out the bathroom cabinets. I threw away a bunch of clutter, including almost-empty bottles of old sunblock, expired diet pills, and little sample containers of beauty products I'm never going to use. I also organized the narrow drawer in the sitting area of the vanity. I had a bunch of ponytail rubber bands that lost their elasticity strown about, mixed in with old nail polish bottles, hubby's razor and replacement blades, makeup applicators, and all sorts of other stuff. Everything is now nice and tidy, and though it's not something visible, it feels good to know I took care of this task. Oh, and I washed and folded a load of laundry and started dinner. I had to stop once hubby came home from work to finish dinner and get the boys ready for bed, but tomorrow I'm tackling the rest of the bathroom.

May 12-UPDATED

Today:

As I mentioned last week, my mother-in-law will be taking her citizenship test in a couple of hours. She's mighty nervous, happy thoughts and prayers are appreciated. She passed! She'll be taking the citizenship oath in a couple of months. YAY!

Exactly 8 years ago today, I bought my current car, a 2000 4-door Kia Sportage in metallic sport blue (confused for purple all the time!) with gray interior. It's very easy to remember the day I got her. The odometer had 12 miles on it the day my credit union brought her to me on a tow truck bed and handed me the keys. She's been great since, and I'm begging her to give us at least another year or two before she decides to retire.

A year ago yesterday, I graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management. I still can't believe that really happened. Since I was a child I dreamed of going to the University of Miami, but had no idea how I'd get there. But life has a funny way of making things happen.

And, in two days it will be a year since I returned to work from maternity leave. Wow...has it been that long already?! I miss being home with my little guy, but the only way I'll get to do that on a full-time basis is if I win the lotto. And considering I don't play (at least not often enough), the odds are against me on that one.

So yeah, pretty interesting day today.

Happy Mother's Day!

Ten reasons why we should take full advantage of Mother’s Day
(by Yvonne B., my friend and At-Work Mom)

"For all those hours in labor while your husband said you could get through the pain - just breathe or better yet, for those whose husband waited outside with no thought of the agony.

For all those times we had to do a last minute clothes change because the baby decided to share that great smelling formula all over our blouse or dress.

For all those sleepless nights due to colic, fevers, teething, nightmares, proms, broken curfews, or them growing up and leaving the nest.

For all the times we hurt so much or cried so much because we were proud, disappointed, confused, or just because we are mothers.

For having to sit in a car while they learn to drive.

For dealing with the new phases in their lives, along with the new boy or girl friend, music, clothes, makeup and lingo (that’s gangster – Dope – beast – what does this mean anyway).

For all the times we said no and they said, but so and so can do it.

For all the time we said I’m not giving in, but we do because we want something better for them.

For all the time they leave dirty dishes in the sink and dirty clothes everywhere, but the hamper.

For helping us understand the saying “I love so much it hurts” for all the joy we get when they hug us and say they love us, for when they remember to call or text, for the times they thank us for being there, for making us proud and remembering that family is important.

However, on Monday it’s back to reality so totally enjoy Sunday and don’t say “You shouldn’t have” because they really should.

Happy Mother’s Day and God Bless."

Car Contemplations

Hubby’s job consists of being at a car dealership most of the day, just about every day. I think looking at shiny Ford grills and constant exposure to “new car smell” is messing with his head because he’s mentioned planning for a new car a few times in the last month or so. I know Kirsten is getting on in age, she’ll be 8 years old on Monday, but there’s no way we can afford a new car. I haven’t had a car payment in over three years, and have no idea how we’ll fit that into our budget if we’re barely breaking even with our current financial responsibilities.
If (God forbid!) we are in an accident and one of the cars is totaled, or either one just up and dies, we will have to be a one-car family for a while before investing in a new vehicle. But then again, would we? With gas prices continuing to rise, it might actually be more a blessing than a curse to be a one-car family.

Happy Friday!!

It certainly is happy, now that we've received our highly anticipated stimulus payment from the IRS. We aren't getting a new computer like wb and sherlock did, but it will be put to good use (read: less fun), paying for a few bills and helping out with the mortgage payment.
It's also a happy Friday because I'm getting some "me" time tonight. Hubby is staying with the boys while a coworker/friend and I go to the Girls Night Out Crop at my favorite scrapbook store.

Yup, it's a good day. What are you doing today?

A little on a lot of things

Some things I want to mention but don't necessarily have time to do a post about each one:

-My mother-in-law has her citizenship exam next Monday. She's freaking out, and has been studying like a mad-woman for the last two months. Please send good vibes her way.

-Brandon is officially registered for Kindergarten, he starts on August 18th. I started crying when I received the Pre-K graduation information last Friday.

-Early last week, I received my last paid issue of Parents magazine. I debated for the last two months whether to renew or not. I rarely have time to read for leisure, and that's one thing I look forward to getting in the mail every month. Because I was torn about paying for another 2-year subscription, I hadn't sent in the renewal postcard, and the "2-for-the-price-of-1" offer was only good until the end of April. I decided to renew online, and to my surprise got a 3-year subscription for the price of 1. Now I'm definitely glad I waited to renew.

-Mother's Day is in 5 days, and I've done absolutely zero shopping. Any ideas as to what I should get my mom, stepmom, 3 grandmothers, Godmother and mother-in-law, without breaking the bank?

-Next weekend, the 16th, 17th, and 18th, is Cuba Nostalgia. I'm so excited, not only because I'll get to see some dear friends throughout the weekend, but also because I'll be surrounded by sounds, smells and sights of everything Cuban for 3 days. Who else will be there?

-Oh, and how could I forget: wRitErsbLock and sherlock are coming down to visit during Memorial Day weekend! I'm very excited, and can't wait to see them!

Birthday Bloggage

Today is my dad's birthday. We're headed over to his house this evening for dinner and cake. All four kids, 4 kids-in-law, and 5 (and a half) grandkids. A full, chaotic crazy evening is in store for us, but I know he wouldn't have it any other way.
Happy birthday, Dad! We love you!

Super Saturday

Lots of stuff going on this weekend. I'll start with Saturday and write about Sunday later. As much as I'd like to avoid it, I have work to do.

I went to a Friends and Family event at Macy's bright and early on Saturday morning with the boys and my sister, and I'm happy to report that I only spend $20 on a pair of shoes. Oh, wait, I take that back. I forgot that I also bought this. Hubby has been wanting to get a steam mop for a while, and it was on sale, plus an additional 10% off because of the event. We're going to test it out sometime this week, but I'm curious: has anyone tried it? Do you like it?
In the late afternoon we went to the Marlins vs. Padres game, Matty's first baseball game ever! It was another Fish and Bird event, but this time Brandon was excited about going. At least he was until about the 3rd inning when he said he wanted to go home, but I'm getting ahead of myself. We got there early enough to enjoy some of the pre-game activities. There were a couple of bouncehouses for the kids, a dunk tank, player autograph signings, and photo ops with Billy the Marlin, Sebastian the Ibis, and the world series trophies. That was very cool, seeing the trophies up close.
Matty fell asleep around the 7th inning (more or less) and Brandon was tired and anxious to go home around that time too, but they were very well behaved throughout the game. We left a few minutes before the game ended, and saw the fireworks at a distance while headed home on the Turnpike.
Final score: 7-2, Padres. The Fish lost, but we had fun, and that's what matters. (yes, I know I'm corny.)

Poor kitties

There was a story on the evening news yesterday (wish I could find the link) about three kittens that were thrown out of a car onto the street in Miami Beach around mid-day. Unfortunately two kittens didn’t survive, and the one that did has several injuries. He (?) has a fractured femur and is now blind, requiring neurological treatment. I felt terrible when I saw the little guy on the news, and wished I could adopt him. I don’t mind rearranging my kitchen cabinets to make room for cat supplies, but what stopped me from heading out of the house and heading to the animal hospital to pick him up was the thought of all those vet bills. The news report says he’ll need several surgeries, and it’s something we just can’t afford now. I hope whoever adopts him takes good care of him. And I hope the bastard who threw those kittens out of the car gets a serious karmic beat-down.