Un pedazo de cielo

Luis's Birthday

2011-03-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

A bunch of us got together to celebrate Luis's Birthday. We got together for dinner then went to a bar for some drinks. Okay, a BUNCH of drinks. LOL We had a blast!

Belated Birthday

2011-03-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

This was a late Birthday celebration for me at the Kit Kat Supper Club. It's a restaurant/club/performance spot. Great food and drinks as well as good entertainment. Me, Luis, Viktor and Linda had a blast

Thanksgiving weekend 2010

2011-03-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

This is part 2 of Thanksgiving week down in South Carolina. Down at the Battery in Charleston, SC. I was thankful to be able to see my friend Richard who I hadn't seen in close to 20 years. It was good to see him again after so long

Thanksgiving at Randy's 2010

2011-03-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

Once again, I was fortunate enough to be able to make it down south for Thanksgiving. We met at my oldest brother Randy's house and had a fantastic time. Got to see some new additions to the family as well as some of the old ones. LOL I love my family and love getting together with them when we can

The Art of Fashion 2010

2011-03-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight, my good friend Hector J Monarrez was part of the show titled The Art of Fashion in Chicago. He is a great designer with a very promising future. The designs were beautiful and I had the honor of meeting Jaslene Gonzalez, one of the winners of America's Next Top Model. Afterwards, we went to this club called The Underground for the after party. All in all, it was a fantastic night.

Introducing Mr & Mrs Earl Holland

2011-03-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

Letha Williams and Earl Holland tied the knot and became one on September 18, 2010. The wedding and reception were both fantastic and as usual, Letha looked amazing. Salud!

Trip to India

2011-03-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

These are a few shots from the trip to India. I went there along with Luis. Spent a few days in Agra, Jaipur and Dehli before going to Pune and Mumbai. This was great because I was able to see two of my good friends, Abhijit and Sonu, who I haven't seen in years. Great trip. I hope to go back some time soon. Miss you guys!

Dinner at Cooper's Hawk

2011-03-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

This was a fantastic meal at Coopers Hawk in Burr Ridge. Everything was delicious, the wine (which they make), the meal and of course that fantastic dessert, Banoffe. Can't wait to go back

San Francisco March 2010

2010-06-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

A few shots of the trip to San Francisco. Nice city and a lot to see and do. Most nervewracking thing I did there was to walk the Golden Gate Bridge, considering I'm terrified of heights. LOL

My sister Connie's visit

2010-06-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures from my sister Connie's visit. She was kind enough to come and take care of her baby brother when I had surgery in January. Love ya, Sis and thanks!

New Years Eve 2009

2010-06-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

Christmas at Elizabeth's

2010-06-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

Can it get any better? Christmas party at Elizabeth's. I'm the meat in a sexy sandwich. Pretty red head on my right and a pretty blonde on my left.

Thanksgiving 2009

2010-06-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving with the family... They're crazy as h*ll, but I love em. See you all soon I hope!

Happy Birthday Lee

2009-11-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Nov 21, we went to Cafe LaGuardia in Oak Park for dinner to celebrate Letha's birthday. Good food and good company always makes a great night.

Latino Fashion Week Chicago

2009-11-22T19:36:00.000-08:00

These were taken at the Latino Fashion Week. Hector J Monarrez (First guy in the picture) a good friend of mine, presented a new line in this show. Each line I see gets better than the last. The bald guy is Latin singer Michael Stuart who performed during the show.

Bajofondo Tango Club

2009-11-22T19:25:00.000-08:00

Man, what a show. These were taken at the Park West in Chicago. We went there to see the Bajofondo Tango Club. I love their usic. Their style is fantastic.

Happy Birthday Meshia and Robert

2009-11-22T19:22:00.000-08:00

This was a double birthday for Meshia (in red plaid) and Robert (the guy standing with the chicken wing) First we went to a Thai restaurant in Oak Park, then we went to Bar Louie, where this was taken.

Hector's Birthday

2009-11-22T12:04:00.000-08:00

These are pictures of my good friend Hector's birthday party. As you can see, we were having a good time. As well as being a good person and a great friend, Hector's fantastic designer as well. You will be seeing more from him. Count on it.

Chicago Latino Festival

2009-11-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

Montreal/Ottawa/Quebec City, Canada

2009-11-22T11:58:00.000-08:00

Here's some beautiful shots of my trip to Canada back in August. It was a great trip, wonderful weather and really good food. The last shot is of me, Luis and Farhad.

Desi's Sweet 16

2009-11-13T19:03:00.000-08:00

This was a celebration for Desi (in the first picture with me) who turned 16. She's a very special and pretty young lady. The second picture is her dad, Luis, the DJ and all around cool guy. He's nuts though. Then there's the group shot.

Kathy's going away

2009-11-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

Sad day.. These are pictures of Kathy's going away(s). She's the one in the peach top in the first one and the silver in the second one. She left in July and she's already been back. LOL We miss you, Kathy!each and silver

Chicago Blues Festival

2009-11-13T18:52:00.000-08:00

These pictures are from the Chicago Blues Festival, held in Chicago July 2009

You make this headline...

2009-11-13T18:49:00.000-08:00

This is my co-worker Alfred doing his Lady Gaga impersonation.

Downtown Chicago

2009-11-13T18:47:00.000-08:00

Me and Luis, hanging out downtown Memorial Day weekend in Chicago

Imagine Fashion Show

2009-11-13T18:43:00.000-08:00

In May 2009, Hector Monarrez was part of the Imagine fashion and design show. He was also presented with an award for his stunning designs and work. I've seen a few of the shows he's been a part of and I am more and more proud and impressed with his work.

Real Time Sports

2009-11-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

A picture of one of the many trips to Real Time Sports in Elk Grove Village.

Auneidra's Birthday

2009-11-13T18:34:00.000-08:00

Back in May, we celebrated Auneidra's birthday at D'Vine club in Chicago on May 2 2009. The music is bangin and it was a great time.

Bowling for Boobies

2009-11-13T18:25:00.000-08:00

A couple of pics from the event "Bowling for Boobies". Julie Bogacki, unfortunately not in any of these pictures, organized it to support and help those affected by breast cancer. Way to go Julie!

Chicago Latin Music Festival

2009-11-10T18:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Hector!

2009-11-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

September 5, 2009 we celebrated Hector's birthday. As you can tell from the pictures, we were having a blast. Hector's a great guy and a great friend.

Happy Birthday Peeps

2009-11-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

This was a picture from a joint celebration for Romeshia and Robert on September 12. First we had dinner at Armind's Thai Restaurant. The food was great by the way... Then we went to Bar Louie, where this picture was taken. I think we stayed a little too long and drank a little too much. Good times. LOL

Bajafondo Tango Club

2009-11-10T17:58:00.000-08:00

These are a couple of pics from the Bajofondo Tango Club at the Park West in Chicago. They rocked it out and man, I can't wait for them to come back.

Mmm Yum

2009-08-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

This place has the absolute best pizza I have ever had in my life. This is a restaurant in Quebec City that I just hapened to come across. Man, it was good.....

Chicago Cultural Center

2009-03-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, March 8, went to the Chicago Cultural Center to see some of the exhibits.

Dinner with friends

2009-02-28T20:52:00.000-08:00

Tonight me and some friends went out to eat at Aodake Japanese Restaurant & Steakhouse. Great food and even better friends. I met up with Meshia, me, Tonya and Robert. Thanks for a great evening guys.

My early 40th Birthday Party

2008-12-15T16:41:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, December 13, I celebrated my 40th birthday. Some friends and family came to celebrate with me and although the weather was crappy, we had a good time. Thanks guys for coming out to help me bring in my early 40th birthday!

My Birthday Party

2008-12-15T16:28:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm finally turning 40 and had a Pre-birthday party. I had a blast with the friends and family that showed up. I've got short while until the actual day, but here's a picture from the party.

Wicked, the Play

2008-09-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

On September 13, I saw the musical Wicked . It was good IF you like a lot of singing. The story was cool as was the book. I had to go see it expecially because it's going to be here for a few months longer. It was now or never. If it is in or comes to your area, go see it.

Happy Birthday Meshia!

2008-09-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

On Friday September 19, Luis, me, Meshia and Robert went out to celebrate her birthday early. Her Birthday is today(September 21), byt we sent out early to celebrate. We went to J. Alexander's, which is one of my personal favorites. Great food, nice ambiace. if you live near one, do try.

Spirit of Chicago

2008-09-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

On September 14, my company(ADP) took us on a cruise on Lake Michigan on the Spirit of Chicago boat tour from Navy Pier. I, and my co-workers, had a great time on the boat(after some of us got over the motion sickness). The day started off gloomy and rainy, like it had been doing the 2 days prior, but it changed and turned out to be a blast.

Congratulations!

2008-09-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

On August 2nd, Dommique Greer married Curtis Winters. She looked really great and I could tell she was extremely happy and that it was THE BIG DAY for her. She and Curtis had been together for a long time and have a beautiful daughter together. I wish them the best!

Baltimore/Philadelphia

2008-09-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

Back in July, I, along with my buddy Luis, went on a little trip. We visited Baltimore and Philadelphia, which was actually cool. We went on a couple of tours, one of which was the Harbor Ducks tour, if you've ever heard of it. It's kinda corny and cool at the same time. We stayed in both cities for a couple of days each and it was cool. If you ever get the chance, the Inner Harbor in Baltimore is really cool. Maybe I'll visit B'more again next year....

Dinner

2008-09-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know. It seems like I go out to eat qute a bit. Okay, so I do, whatever..... I went to eat at Habana Libre in Chicago. Let me tell you, this place has GREAT food. It's a Cuban restaruant that is authentic and cool. Just small enough to attract a decent amount of people, but not over crowded. I highly reccoment this place.

Meeting of Friends

2008-09-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

You never realize how long it's been until you see someone you haven't seen in a long time. I met with some friends at the Flattop Grill to catch up and grab a bite. I love this company and these people. From left to right, Lee, Robert, Meshia and me.

2008-03-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

Man, oh man. On Sunday, 3/16 I had the great pleasure of seeing a band I love called Pink Martini in Chicago. As usual, they sounded wonderful. The are great entertainers/performers and I am already looking forward to seeing them again. If you get a chance, take a look at the link or look up theri music.

Bowling and Dinner with Friends

2008-02-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

What a day. Earlier, I went to lunch with some great friends. Well, I had the double pleasure of going bowling at Waveland Bowl in Chicago(Don't ask my score, but let's say it was under 100). Afterwards, we went to a really cool Thai restaurant few blocks from the bowling alley. It was awesome other than the fact there was a party of about 20-25 people there and this one woman who cackled louder than a train screeching to a halt on a rusty track. But, all in all, it was a great day.

Lunch with Friends

2008-02-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

Man, what a day! I had the opportunity to have lunch with some friends at Red Robin(which I love), one I haven't seen in like 4 years of more, except for a chance sighting on the expressway. Yeah, I know, seeing a friend you hadn't seen in a while by dumb luck driving on the expressway?? RANDOM. It was a really good thing seeing all my buds and I hope we do this again SOON.

James' Birthday 2007

2007-12-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

On November 30, We all went to dinner at Brazzaz in downtown Chicago to celebrate the birthday of our friend James. The food is GREAT, and for those that don't know the restaurant, it's a Brazilian steakhouse, and while you dine, the servers come around and offer you different types of meat for as long as you can eat it. Check out the site here.

Dinner with Friends

2007-12-09T08:36:00.001-08:00

Some friends and I,who do not get together as often as we should, decided to go out to eat. We went to Andies, a Mediterranean restaurant on Chicago's northside. As usual, it was a good time and the food is great as well. Check out the restaurant at this link.

Viva Mexico! November 2007

2007-12-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

Ah, Viva Mexico! Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I went to Mexico. Let's just say that some of the places and sights there are beautiful. I stayed in Leon, in the Howard Johnson Condesa, which was a beautiful hotel. I visited Guanajuato and San Miguel Allende, which were two beautiful cities. I will definitely be visiting Mexico again.

Lookin Snazzy...

2007-09-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

I went to see George Lopez recently with a friend of mine on 9/21. We had a nice meal at Gibson's Steak house, then went to the show, which was funny. It was quite a good time.

My nephew on TV

2007-09-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

Recently, my nephew Jared was on the local news in Georga regarding the incident in Jena, Lousiana involving the high school kids. Copy and paste the link below to see an intelligent young man. This, my friends, is my nephew Jared. If you go to this link, and scroll down to Local Jena 6 Debate, you'll see him.

http://www.wjbf.com/midatlantic/jbf/news_index.apx.-content-articles-JBF-2007-09-21-0006.html

New Tattoos

2007-07-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

Seems like it just won't end. I recently got 3 new tattoos. The lizard is the newest, which I got to cover another. The top one on my upper back is an Om and the other is the one that was covered with the lizard and placed under the Om. That is the symbol for strength.

A day at the Shedd Aquarium(7/12/07)

2007-07-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

For as long as I have lived here in Chicago, I had not gone to the Shedd Aquarium. Unfortunately for me, I had not done this sooner. There were many amazing things to see, along with the Beluga whale and the new Beluga pup. I will definitely be visiting again.

Mother's Day 2007

2007-06-06T10:57:00.001-07:00

This year, my oldest brother(In the middle) threw a Barbecue at his house for the mothers in the family. My sisters Glinda(left) and Connie(right) were the two matriarchs at this gathering.

Visit from family April 2007

2007-06-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

In April, I was blessed to have a visit from my Niece, her daughter and fiance. I enjoyed the visit immensely. Looking forward to another visit soon.

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

To all of you that celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families. Take care

Who dis is?

2006-06-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. I'm tripping. But I certainly thought I was BIG PIMPIN. I know, I know....misguided. My excuse is, I was young. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. :-)

A picture is worth 1000 words....

2006-05-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

A picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes words aren't enough.

This was given to me by someone really special to me, and it means the world to me. Let me just say "Gray skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face!" Life is good, and I feel it is only going to get better..

Happy Easter

2006-04-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

I hope that you and your family have a happy and blessed Easter. For those of you that don't, I hope that you and your families are all well. Take care...

Espero que usted y su familia tengan una Pascua feliz y bendecida. Los de usted que no lo hagan, espero que usted y sus familias estén todo bien. Cuidado de la toma...

Eu espero que você e sua família tenham um Easter feliz e blessed. Para aqueles de você que não , eu espero que você e suas famílias sejam tudo bons. Ciao...

Я надеюсь что вы и ваша семья имеете счастливый и благословленный easter. Для того из вас не делают, я надеюсь что вы и ваши семьи все хороши. Внимательность взятия...

Another one down

2006-01-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, let me start off by saying that this isn't a great picture of me. I was really hot in there and sweating like crazy. Anywho, another Christmas has come and gone and now we are in the New Year. I hope that this year brings happiness, love and peace to all of you, my friends, family and loved ones. Take care......

Thanksgiving

2005-11-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone and what would the day have been like if not for family? Family is what gets you through the tough times, and they're always there for you. I hope you appreciate yours as I do mine.

Why, oh cruel fate?

2005-10-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

Once again I am posting that another good friend has departed the Chicagoland area. I knew it was coming from the dday we started hanging out, but it doesn't make any easier to adjust to. My friend, Sone, who's seen a few enttries to this blog, has gone back to India. He was only here for a few months, but during that time, we hung out a lot, and became good friends. On Saturday, 9/24, he made the long flight back home. He's home and safe, but he is missed. He met a lot of people here and made quite an impact. Cheers to a new friend!

Friends, fun and alcohol....

2005-08-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday, some friends and I got together to hang for a bit. I had quite a good time. Some friends(old) got to meet other friends(new), and all in all, it was a good time. There was alcohol flowing like water in a ravine, and I tell you what, it was fun. Not everyone drank, and no drunk driving was done, which was good. Drunk riding, yes. This was supposed to be a "short" get together, but 6 hours later, I finally left. I'm getting old......Can't hang like I used to. LOL

A big day for the Bass Player

2005-08-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

What a glorious day. My buddy Sonu, had the great pleasure of having his new Bass set up and fine tuned by Chicago's own, Jauqo. Jauqu's an accomplished bass player, and has been for some time. I am new to his music and his talent, but I am now a fan. The first picture is Jauqo testing the fine tuning he did, the second is Sonu, playing the Adler Subcontra Bass(Sonu's high of the day, next to meeting Jauqo) , and the third is Sonu and Jauqo. For those of you that aren't familiar with Jauqo, check him out at http://www.jauqoiii-x.com/

Happy Trails to you.....

2005-08-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

Well, Abhijit is about to hit the friendly skies. He's once again leaving the U.S. to go home to India. Although he denies it, he'll be back. He's been here more than he's been home this year, so I KNOW he'll be back. Oh yeah, this crazy cat's the one that has the freakin awesome dragon tattoo on his back. (check the post a few before this one). You'll be missed man. Chalo!

Religious Views of Life

2005-08-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Religious Views of Life

Taoism
Shit happens.

Confucianism
Confucius says, shit happens.

Buddhism
If shit happens, it isn’t really shit.

Zen
What is the sound of shit happening?

Hinduism
This shit happened before.

Islam
If shit happens, it is the will of Allah.

Protestantism
Let shit happen to someone else.

Catholicism
If shit happens, you deserve it.

Judaism
Why does this shit always happen to us?

Atheism
I don’t believe this shit.

Agnosticism
What is this shit?

For all you sensitive people, this is just some funny SHIT, not my take on any of these religions.

"This was found in the tattoo artist's home. Original author not known. Sent to my by Sonu.

New addition to the family

2005-08-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my new niece. Her name Rainna Gabrielle Hendrieth, and she was born 7/16/05. Ain't she a cutie! She and mommy are doing just fine.

Getting Ink

2005-08-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, me(SuaveChico, himself), my friends Sonu and Abhijit went and got tattoos. Not the first, and certainly not the last for either of us. The first is Abhijit with the dragon, Sonu with the Bass Clef, and last, but not least is my Phoenix(who goes up in flames, but always rises from the ashes). Yeah, we know............they're freakin nice......

Knowledge Gained Through Life

2005-08-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

I've learned that you cannot make
someone love you. All you can do is
stalk them and hope they panic and give in.

I've learned that no matter how much I care,
some people are just assholes.

I've learned that it takes years
to build up trust, and it only takes
suspicion, not proof, to destroy it.

I've learned that you can get by
on charm for about fifteen minutes.
After that, you'd better have a big willy
or huge boobs.

I've learned that you shouldn't
compare yourself to others - they are
more screwed up than you think.

I've learned that you can keep vomiting
long after you think you're finished.

I've learned that we are responsible
for what we do, unless we are celebrities.

I've learned that regardless of
how hot and steamy a relationship is at
first, the passion fades, and there had better
be a lot of money to take its place.

I've learned that 99% of the time when something
isn't working in your house, one of your kids did it.

I've learned that the people you care most
about in life are taken from you too soon
and all the less important ones just never go away.
I've learned to say "F--- 'em if they can't take a
joke" in 6 languages.

A man and his music

2005-08-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here's my friend, Sonu jammin. He was shopping for a new bass, and this is him at Sam Ash in Arlington Heights, IL trying them out. This isn't the bass(I called it a guitar(PERISH THE THOUGHT!)) he bought, although this one is cool too. Jam on, man....

Your Momma's So-o-o-o Fat!

2005-07-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

"Your Momma's So-o-o-o Fat...!"
I had to take a train and two busses just to get on her good side.
When she hauls ass she has to make two trips.
They had to grease a door frame and hold a twinkie on the other side to get her through.
When she dances she makes the band skip.
Instead of Levi's 501 jeans she wears Levi's 1002's.
When she was diagnosed with the flesh eating disease the doctor gave her 13 years to live
When I yell "Hey, Kool-Aid!" she comes crashing through the wall.
She puts mayonaise on aspirin.
Her ass has its own congressman.
Her cereal bowl came with a lifeguard.
When God said "Let there be light" he told her to move her fat ass out ofthe way.
When she goes to the zoo the elephants throw HER peanuts.
Her high school graduation picture was an aerial photograph.
Her driver's license says "Picture continued on other side."
She can't even jump to a conclusion.
Her nickname is "DAMN!"
The back of her neck looks like a pack of hot dogs.
When she wears high-heels she strikes oil.
The shadow of her ass weighs 100 pounds.
When I climb on top of her my ears pop.

Not sure of the original author, but this came to me by way of my pal Sonu.
The picture, courtesy of Yahoo Images
Your Momma's So Fat...

2005-07-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

Well, folks, add another name to the list of great people that I've known in my life. This is my buddy Sonu after a hearty meal at Red Robin. Now, is that the look of content or what? Real cool dude.

BETTER DAYS by Janet Jackson

2005-07-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

"Better Days"
I used to sit and wonder
Would I ever be happy
Life was so bittersweet
So many disappointments
Too many ups and downs for me
When you live a nightmare
It's hard to dream
But sometimes life just isn't fair
So why complain nobody cares
And I don't wanna waste nobody's time
So I'm I'm bout to change my vibe
Today the sun's gonna shine
Cause I made up my mind
That today will be the start of better days
Leavin old shit behind
And move on with my life
The blindfold's off my eyes
And now all I see for me is better days
Afraid of my reflection
Tell me that's not me I see
That's who I wanna be
Stuck somewhere in the middle
On half full or half empty
Waiting for somebody to come and rescue me
Can't let that petty attitude
Start to jade my point of view
Only thing that does is bring me down
So I'm I'm botu to change my vibe
Today the sun's gonna shine
Cause I made up my mind
That today will be the start of better days
Leavin old shit behind
And move on with my life
The blindfold's off my eyes
And now all I see for me is better days
Hurt so many times before
I used to cry but no more
Let it go and life can feel
So good
Stop lying the blues
Can't let that petty attitude
Start to jade my point of view
Only thing that does is bring me down
So I'm I'm bout to change my vibe
Today the sun's gonna shine
Cause I made up my mind
That today will be the start of better days
Leavin old shit behind
And move on with my life
The blindfold's off my eyes
And now all I see for me is better days

2005-07-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well, this was a pretty good movie. I don't know why people did not take to this movie as I have. I am not a person to go to a movie to "critique" it. I basically go to enjoy the movie and escape real life for just a short time. See it for yourself and make your own judgement.

2005-07-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Two words: LOVED IT. Critics gave this movie mixed reviews, but I thought it was a good movie. Not sure what your opinoins are on the movie, but that was mine.

For my friends and family

2005-07-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

Here's to hoping that you and your families, friends and loved ones have a Happy 4th of July.

Picture from Webshots.com

From my dear friend Letha to me.....

2005-06-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

A FRIEND FROM ABOVE....
Alfonzo, I prayed for you before we met,
Not knowing who you'd be.
I asked the Lord to send a friend.
One chosen just for me.

I asked that they'd be Godly,
With wisdom of His ways.
A friend to help and guide me
through the troubles of these days.

So often in life, we need someone
To listen while we talk.
Someone who will not condemn or judge,
But encourage us as we walk.

The narrow road we choose to follow
May sometimes make us stumble.
But to have a friend to catch our fall,
Teaches us to be humble.

When I asked the Lord to send a friend,
Though many came and went.
He gave much more than I ever asked,
For you are the friend He sent

I love you dearly.
Letha

2005-06-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

My brother Luis and my niece, Andrea at the Puerto Rican festival. She's his oldest and she's visiting for the summer. She's a doll.

2005-06-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is one of my dearest friends in the world. Not only is she beautiful, funny, beautiful, loyal, and beautiful, she's down to earth. Did I mention she's beautiful? This was taken before we went to the Puerto Rican festival in Humbolt Park, Chicago, IL

Great Blog.

2005-06-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

This is a link to my friend Hassan's blog. Take the time to take a look and feel free to comment. He's put a lot of time into it, and he just started it recently!

http://www.djmohandesmamal.blogspot.com/

Great Blog

2005-06-14T06:02:00.000-07:00

Check out this link. This is my friend Hassan's blog. He's put a lot of work into it.

http://www.djmohandesmamal.blogspot.com/

Don't be angry........

2005-06-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

Wrath can grow in your heart like a fire. Once the flame of wrath starts to burn you can't stop it. It will burn until it consumes you as well.

2005-06-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

Ever have the feeling you're having a bad day? I just had to send this. My niece when she was getting potty trained "fell in". Does she look happy? I think NOT!!

Another quote

2005-05-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

Life is a journey.....one that is much better traveled with a companion by our side. Of course that companion can be just about anyone. A neighbor across the street or the man/woman on the other side of the bed. The companion can be a mother with good intentions, or a child who's up to no good. Still despite our best intentions, some of us will lose our companions along the way and then the journey becomes unbearable. You see, human beings are designed for many thing, but loneliness isn't one of them.

From the Hit TV show Desperate Housewives

A memorable saying

2005-05-20T05:50:00.000-07:00

We all honor heroes for different reasons. Sometimes for their daring, sometimes for their bravery, sometimes for their goodness. But mostly we honor heroes because at one point or another we all dream of being rescued. Of course, if the right hero doesn't come along, sometimes we just have to rescue ourselves

Heard on "Desperate Housewives" on ABC

The butterfly and the cocoon

2005-05-13T05:59:00.000-07:00

The butterfly and cocoon
A small crack appeared on a cocoon.
A man sat for hours and watched carefully the struggle of the butterfly to get out of that small crack of cocoon.
then the butterfly stopped striving. It seemed that she was exhausted and couldn'tgo on trying.
The man decided to help the poor creator. He widened the crack by scissors.The butterfly came out of cocoon easily, but her body was tiny and her wings were wrinkled.The man continued watching the butterfly. He expected to see her wings become expanded to protect her body. But it didn't happen!!
As a matter of fact, the butterfly had to crawl on the ground for the rest of her life, for she could never fly.
The kind man didn't realize that God had arranged the limitation of cocoon, and also the strugglefor butterfly to get out of it, so that a certain fluid couldbe discharged from her body to fly afterward
Some times struggling is the only thing we need to do.
If God had provided us with an easy life to live without any difficulties, then we became paralyzed, couldn’t become strong, and could not fly.
I asked for strength, and He provided me with enough difficulties to become strong.I asked for knowledge and He provided me with problems to solve.I asked for prosperity and promotion and He provided me with ability to think and hands to work.I asked for bravery, and He provided me with obstacles to overcome.I asked for motivation, and He showed me people who needed help.I asked for love and He provided me with opportunity to give love to others.

This was sent to me by my dear friend Hassan. I'm not sure of the original author. Thanks for this Hassan...

2005-05-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well, things have changed in my life, requiring me to move. I moved as of the end of April to a new place. It was a difficult decision and is still hard, but I am dealing with it. I feel it was the right decision, even though it is killing me inside. But, life will go on, and so must I.

2005-04-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

Just a shot that I thought was quite nice. It was SNOWING really hard as I was leaving Toronto. Provided a nice shot though.

2005-04-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

Me in Toronto, outside of he CN Tower, the tallest building in the world.

2005-04-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure at the end of March to go to Toronto, Canada. It was probably one of the best vacations I have ever taken. Canada was as clean as people say, the people are relaly friendly and don't seem to give in to the trappings of materialism that we give in to. It was very refreshing. So much so that I could even see myself living there one day. If you ever get the chance, I would definitely say GO THERE!

Words from a good friend.

2005-03-17T15:54:00.000-08:00

beijo grande a você! Saiba que você não
necessita qualquer um ser feliz. A felicida
de é dentro de você, você somente tem
que encontrá-lo.

big kiss to you! Know you don't need
anybody to be happy. Happiness is inside
you, you only have to find it.

Because of you

2005-03-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

If there is a smile on my face
It’s because of you
If I wake and can face another day
It’s because of you
If it’s raining outside
You are my umbrella
You bring light
Where darkness dwells
You are a safe harbor
In the stormy sea of life
And for this you are treasured.

Vivian Greene - Final Hour Lyrics

2005-03-11T20:06:00.000-08:00

"Final Hour"
[Verse 1:]
I loved you, just too much
You owned my emotions
Devoted, completely
You had me, I couldn't see
No one else, by myself
I remained through the pain
You were all that mattered
But now I know there's better
[Hook:]
So I walked away
While it rained down my face
I turned away
From the pain of hurting me
[Verse 2:]
I gave you full control
my mind, my body soul
Confusion, delusions, untruthful, unfaithful
Weighed down my. self-esteem
Never again will I give
My power, to be me
And be free, now I see
so I walked away
while it rained down my face
I turned away
from the pain of hurting me

WHY?

2005-03-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

Why so we look to others for validation?
Why is it that we are dissatisfied with ourselves?
Why is that other people's opinions matter so much?
Why can't people behave how we want them to?
Why won't people behave like they SHOULD?
Why does happiness always seem unattainable?
Why is the world such a jacked up place?
Why do the good die young?
Why do the bad continuously get away with it?
Why do we look to others for happiness?
Why do we ask why?

"One Is The Magic Number"

2005-03-08T16:59:00.000-08:00

JILL SCOTT LYRICS

"One Is The Magic Number"

No hay nadie mas que yo,
Uno es el numero magico
En vida y en muerte,
Uno es todo
Comprende
If I multiply 2 times 2 is it really, really 4 me
La [x6]
And if I add 5 to get 9 minus 8 that just leaves me
Me [x8]
So many times I define my pride
Through somebody else's eyes (La da da, la da)
Then I looked inside and found my own stride,
I found the lasting love for me
If I'm searching for my spirituality
Passionately I must begin with me

There's just me...
One is the magic number [x2]

If I add myself unto myself multiplied times
You and yours and you again
There's just me
And if I divide 8 billion, 48 trillion, 98 zillion
There is, there is just me
If I subtract one plus me to the 5th degree,
Use any theorem
There's just me

There's just me...
One is the magic number [x2]

Me, me, me, me...

You......

2005-02-15T17:37:00.000-08:00

When the day is long
And time passes slowly
When the world seems against me
And I am filled with doubt
Feeling as if there is no hope,
A vision of you comes to mind
I hear your voice....calm, strong.
I realize that I am not alone
You are here with me
Near or far, you are close
I just close my eyes
And you are here, in my heart

Memorable quote....

2005-02-11T19:02:00.000-08:00

Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?" Acrually, who are you not to be?

Marianne Williamson

Quoted from the opening of the novel "The Queen of Harlem", written by Brian Keith Jackson

TIME

2005-02-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

FROM DUSK TO DAWN
I THINK OF YOU
HOPING YOU ARE FINE
WISHING YOU WELL
TO HEAR FROM YOU IS JOY
LIKE ONO OTHER I KNOW
LIKE THE SUN RISING
CHASING AWAY THE MIST
OF A CLOUDY DAY.