Nicest Gift of Christmas

The first gift was that most the of the family was able to go to Tia Gloria's for Christmas Eve. Unfortunately the rest of the family was too far to go. Like in other parts of the States, Canada, Portugal and Brazil. We had bachalhau, com batatas e coves. It was an excellent meal prepared by Tia Augusto and Tia Gloria. The nicest gift this year has to go to Tina who spent some time with Avo and made this beautiful Holiday Card for each of the women in the family. It is a recipe to the Arroz Doce from our Grand Mother. I had another posting of this recipe way back. You can see it here on my blog.

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends. Enjoy the recipe. I hope it is OK that I re-gifted Tina!!!

Black and White Screen

Third storm of the season. I think we will get to use our cross country skiis this winter. Captured these during the storm.

Peace, Health and Happiness

I wish you peace, health and happiness. I am looking forward to getting together for the holidays! See you! Looks like our dog is ready for Christmas too.

18 years ago??

Giving you guys a hint of some crazy videos I am going to be uploading. These are excerpts from my college graduation party. First off check out the biceps on Hank, suspenders on Michael and who the hell is the guy with the camera. Don't worry those that are in this one you will soon get to share in the embarrassment and shock too, after I upload the next one.

Graduation Taking Picture from Carlos on Vimeo.

Some one has to be first.

Me and my son often watch Fuel TV together. I recall one time hearing one of the athletes that was being interviewed about how he often challenges himself to be the first to accomplish a trick or feat in the sport. A feat that has never been accomplished before or attempted before. To be the first to do something is pretty amazing thing. You have to be imaginative or desperate enough to come up with the idea. You have to be committed enough to not give up until you accomplish it. You don't have anyone else to count on or ask how to do it. You have to figure it out for yourself. Think back in your life, how often have you been the first to do something to accomplish something that no one else in your family has or your friends have? Our father was the first one in our family to immigrate. Here is his story.

Small Accomplishments That Mean Alot

How can you find the courage to "drop-in" to the bowl! Many times my son has walked up to the edge of the bowl put his board on the coping. Looking down into the bowl he thought about the consequenses of committing. "Dad you have to be fully committed when you go into the bowl otherwise you fail and crash" So many times before he turned away before he gave it a try. This time he went for it. He not only landed it, he did it with style. After he landed it he looked up to the balcony and pumped his fist in the air with a big smile. He was really fired up to have been able to finally "drop in". I was happy to see him accomplish something small but that meant a lot into terms of learning a bit about life without me having to say a word about it. This is the skate park we take him to. And him dropping in for the first time.

Thanksgiving 2007

Thankful for a nice family and a great wife that knows host a celebration like Thanksgiving! It was nice seeing the family celebrate Thanksgiving at our new house. Looking forward to seeing you all at Christmas. Even our dog new it was a special day and was waiting patiently at the door for guests.