Happy Birthday Dee Dee!

Yesterday we went to Mom's favorite place, T.G.I. Friday's, to celebrate Dee's 25th birthday. We laughed (at Joe singing along to Beyonce), cried (when I made fun of Joe singing along to Beyonce), and stuffed our faces with fried fatty foods! Joe was not interested in sharing any part of his meal- and ultimately left me and T to share one rib with barely any meat on it. Titi Edi was already a little annoyed because they served her a crappy Wild Berry Mojito but, all in all, we had a really fun time. Happy 25th Diana!!

Joe stuffing his face and not sharing... look at that mountain of bones...

Walking for the Cure!

Liz and Ali did something very selfless and generous this past weekend- they donated their time to walk the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure last Saturday. Let's give them major props for making it through all 5K's for such a great cause! Congrats guys! 

Visiting with Grandma and Grandpa

Liz was kind enough to send me pics of the family visiting grandma and grandpa in North Carolina. Thanks a ton, Lizzie!! (On a side note: Why is Liz always the only one sending me pics? Get with it people!) 

Grandma and Titi Edi looking happy and gorgeous!

Grandpa and baby Anthony... isn't he such a cutie?

Grandma with the baby. Where did that blond hair come from?

Grandpa and Alexie

Ali and Papo giving Grandma some hugs and kisses

The Queen's Birthday

Yesterday was a very, very special day for all us Oquendo's. It was our Majesty's birthday. Liz sent me this pic of Grandma with a lovely bouquet of roses and a look on her face we aren't used to seeing in pictures... a smile!!! Feliz Cumpleano Abuela- Happy 77th birthday Grandma!!!

Christine Can Cook!

Hello to all! I'm writing to tell you all about my newest blog: Christine Can Cook. I made the blog to chronicle all of my cooking adventures- good or bad. So far most have been good (even though I did have an incident with runny, salty guacamole- never use anything but Haas!) but I'm really having fun with it. Here's the link: Christine Can Cook. Take a look when you get the chance and feel free to leave comments on the food and recipes. Also, if you have any idea on what I can to cook next I'd be happy to give it a try- at least once... 

"Oh say can you see..."

The days of summer are almost behind us, and even though the closest I got to the beach was seeing it from the mini-golf court at Playland (pictures to come another day), I did find myself a fixture at City Island. I had Lobster, and Shrimp, and Calamari (oh my!) until I was oozing grease out of my pores. I was also lucky enough to go to Crab Shanty one or two times this summer (One of the times I took the bus!! I wanted it that bad!).

While my mom was here, we made a trip to City Island with the Diaz clan. There was lots of lobster tails, lots of golden fried shrimp, and... American flags?? Yes, we were feeling very patriotic after scarfing down tons of yummy seafood. Just looking at that flag in the lobster carcass makes me want to sing... "Oh say can you see...."

A Letter from a Slacker:

Hi All,

Hope the summer has treated you well. I must sincerely apologize for my failure to proactively post this summer. I haven't put anything up since mid-April!!! The shame!!!

So I'm apologizing and trying to make things right- Let the posting begin! To make up for my lack of posting I've decided to make this an Oquendo Family posting week!

To begin the week, I'll post this great pic that Liz sent me in the middle of last week. It's Grandpa giving Grandma some much needed loving. This picture made me really happy and I wanted to post for posterity and to share the joy.

I've got lots to post this week so stay tuned!

Love,

Chris

Closing my eyes really tight and wishing...

Wishing I was in P.R. ... eating a lobster taco, drinking a pina colada,

and tired from a long day of frolicking on the beach.

Anyone else???

North Carolina Update!!

Lots has happened in the last 4 weeks since we checked in with our relatives in the south. Here's the update:

Papo got rid of the Harry Potter glasses and got some contacts:

Liz says they're for his Karate- I mean Tae Kwon Do (sorry Papo!!)- but I think they're for the Ladies...

Liz also sent some pics of the kids gorging on chocolate at Willy Wonka's chocolate factory- I mean the waffle house. Here's a pic of Ali gulping down some Hot Chocolate:

and of Papo having some waffle with his chocolate:The funny part is that, if you look closely, you can see a chocolate arm behind the waffles. Spooky!

Tune in next week when I post some of the Easter aftermath. Should be fun!

What's Going On???

Hey Everyone,

It's been a while since I've posted. About 2 weeks ago, when not much was happening at work, I got 2 huge projects dropped in my lap and now I'm struggling to keep up with everything. But- I haven't heard much from everyone else either.
So, the question is, what's going on?

Free Haircuts for All!!!

Last week must have been free haircut week down in Charlotte seeing as everyone, *coincidentally*, got their locks trimmed or colored. Let's take a look:

Who got the best 'do?

SNOW!!!

Snow has hit the East Coast and some of us are suffering more than others. The pic above is what Charlotte woke up to. Here's what Liz had to say:

"Six inches. Of course this means Charlotte is paralyzed. Power outages, no school for a couple of days. I did get an early workout cleaning up the cars. That is a lot more strenuous than you'd think. I believe you're next."

She also sent this pic which is a bit strange... Somethings just not right... so let me know... what's wrong with this pic?

Happy Birthday Titi Edi!

Sending out many, many Birthday wishes to our favorite kooky and fun-loving person: Titi Edi.

(Notice the shoe cake... it's so fitting... literally.)

......... and many moooooooore!

Coincidence? I think not...

This is just too scary for words... Enjoy!

Stuck in the Desert... with nothing to do!

As you may or may not know, our very own Titi Edi gathered up some frequent flyer miles as she made her way to the desert of Arizona. Here's what she had to say about the trip:

It’s good to be home. Just last week I would not have imagined that I would utter these words. Not after having returned from a business trip that from afar seemed bursting with potential. Salary Arbitration is such an exciting time of the year -- lots of frenzied running around, heated negotiations, hearings, and finally the waiting around for that one call that would announce whether or not we had achieved a “win.” I expected to be happily engaged in the activities of salary arbitration; not in its totality, but at least to a meaningful, purposeful level. This did not happen.

Not to say that it was all a waste of time. I did manage to enjoy brief but unforgettable views of the scenic mountains of Arizona from the glass encased elevators at the Hyatt hotel in Phoenix. The weather, however, was a different story altogether--mostly cold and rainy. But the focal point of my disappointment lay rooted in our temporary office which was located by the Hyatt’s courtyard. Loyal worker that I am, I would show up bright and early (that’s 8 a.m.) to a workroom packed with a bunch of dedicated workers. These people diligently hovered over their lap tops, screens aglow with colorful statistical charts. But there was very little to keep me occupied, except for the occasional copy job, since answering the phones had somehow turned into an Olympic race (everyone reached for it at first ring). Much of the group would put in long hours, leaving past 10:30 p.m. on most days. This would likely explain the often sarcastic comments whispered around the room. And so I congregated with my fellow worker for long hours, and hesitatingly (but most gladly) retire by 7 p.m., by which time I felt totally exhausted. But since extracurricular activity was almost nonexistent within our parameters, it seemed like a good idea to put in a little extra time at the office in order to avoid becoming too bored. Not so. On the contrary, hanging around the office for such long periods made me feel burnt out and I would drop like dead weight upon reaching my bed every evening.

This went on for an entire week. The same routine remained unchanged throughout my stay in Phoenix. I felt unchallenged as well as underutilized. I had hoped that this trip would somehow change my perspective about my position, and thus my role, at the company. Sadly, it did not. At the end of the week I decided to take an earlier flight back home, even opting for a red-eye flight. It was clearly a wise decision, since I’ve been feeling revitalized and in good spirits since my return.

After a wonderful Valentines Day dinner at Meson Madrid, replete with lobster tails, garlic shrimp and lots of white Sangria, I did manage to put several things into perspective. Perhaps taking those necessary steps in order to advance to the next level at work won’t be too difficult after all. Yes, it’s good to be home.

I've also included a photo of Arizona, which she kindly passed my way, for your viewing pleasure.

Oreo's Haircut!

Oreo came into the city with me today to get a new haircut. The groomers at Petco let me know that she was not the most pleasant customer... but I already knew that was going to happen. Anyway, it's nice to be able to see Oreo's paws again, and I think she enjoyed running around Union Square park.

Lasagna for Grandma

 Made a spinach and cheese lasagna for grandma to bring over tomorrow. Hope she enjoys!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Wishing my lovely family a very special Valentine's Day.

love you lots,
Chris

Papo's Birthday Pics!

Here we have a few photo's of Papo's Birthday celebration.

On Monday he turned 13- Congrats on becoming a teenager Papo!

Edi's Poetry

Just recieved an email yesterday from T Edi letting me know that she too has joined the blogging bandwagon. Here's a link to her poetry website, Edi's Poetry, and a sample poem- my personal favorite of the 3.

Jibara
Jibaraby H. Diaz
eres un campo
de memorias tropicas, fructuoso arbol
eres nina despierta
escondida entre ramas frondosas
trizte, inquieta, curiosa

Eres camino
vasto, extensivo
bordado de polvorin y pedregales
pies descalzos pisando lo inundado

Head on over and check it out!

Happy Belated!!!

I've been crazed at work and traveling back and forth from NC but I didn't want to forget to recognize 2 very important birthdays that just happened. Mom (2/7) and Papo (2/9). Happy Birthday!!! Have a slice of present cake...

In the Dirty South

I landed safely in North Carolina yesterday (thanks Jet Blue) and had my mom and Ali waiting for me. Ali was home because of a snow day but she also happened to be sick. Not looking too bad for a sick person- right?

Girls Morning Out

Went to get a mani with T Edi and had a (surprisingly) relaxing time.
(That place is usually a nightmare) Like our nails???

Work it out...

So... yesterday Liz and I decided to start a new workout program. It's a new training series on the Nike Women website. Actually, I invited her and she decided to ignore that, make her own program, invite me to it, and then proceed to not participate. I, on the other hand, very much enjoyed the program. It's all about strengthening the core and I'm feeling more centered already. Anyway, the pic above is the mini-me versions of Liz and me. Who do you think looks more like her real self?