Halloween and Other Scary Caca

Boo!
I am not a big Halloween person. Never have been. When I was a kid, my best friend was the kid who's mom was the cool mom and she often dressed us up in funky costumes. He also had two older sisters that would like to embarrass us whenever possible so you can imagine some of the pictures I hope never turn up on the interweb (borrowed that from ckd). Now that I have two kids of my own, I kind of get into it a bit but not really...sorry boys. We carved pumpkins, will go trick or treating tonight and probably wake up eating a couple of Buttersfingers for breakfast but if there was a Scrooge for Halloween, it would be me. I dont know why.
Speaking of scary, tomorrow is my 20 year high school reunion. I have mentioned this before, I am looking forward to it! There has been a movement on the web from former classmates to attend and I think some have been convinced to go. The list of attendees has grown and by reading some posts on facebook, it should be fun. I feel kind of bad for all the husbands and wives (including mine) that will have to sit and smile politely as their partners stroll down memory lane speaking of times that they have never heard about but will certainly have questions about on the ride home! Is it weird that some of the people I am most looking forward to seeing tomorrow are people that I really was not that close to while in high school? I think it is because while in high school I didnt know how to speak to people and though we probably had more in common than just theCivics class we shared, we kept to our own little cliques. Now however, we have kids; ave been through college and are married. We have everything in common and are much more sure of ourselves than we ever were before. Should be fun.
Next Tuesday is the election. I encourage everyone to go out and vote. I am. This is a scary time we are going through with our economy and all. Now more than ever our voices need to be heard. In my opinion, if you dont vote, you lose the right to bitch about the next four years.

Back in Cali

I visited my good friend Derek and his family in Arizona this past weekend. I had not seen my Scottish brother and family since he served as my best man over a year ago. My wife Marna, two boys, Alejandro and Xavier, and my dear friend B, all flew down Thursday. B used to babysit for Derek so it was a little reunion of sorts for all of us. We had a blast!
On Friday, the ladies and kids hungout at the pool (they have a beautiful house that is made for entertaining!) and went to the park while D and I lost golf balls. Saturday was ladies day as the three went off for a little spa action and the boys went to watch Daniel play in his soccer game. It was really exciting as Little D scored a goal for us! Watching him run back to his teammates with his arms raised was definitely a highlight of the weekend.
Later that night, us guests cooked a little dinner for our wonderful hosts and proceeded to finish off quite a few bottles of wine in the course of the evening. Let me just say that jumping in the pool around midnight with each of us in various stages of dress was a lot of fun!
Seeing my friends made me realize how much I actually miss them. Derek, Jenna, Daniel and Emma are some of my closest friends and I look forward to the day when we are much closer than a 2 hr plane ride away. Until then, I hope to see them more regularly and unfortunately continue to miss them.
Thanks for a great weekend.

Random Thoughts

I havent written anything in awhile...I hope my two followers havent been disappointed!

I am glad the Dodgers are not going to the World Series.
Dodger fans will say that they finished better than the Giants but I remind them that they needed a Giants product (Ned Colletti) to make it happen!
Go Devil Rays.
The SJ Sharks are actually winning games early in the season AND look good doing it. Go Sharks!
My son's soccer team ( I coach)played a game last week with two less players than the other team and we looked good too. Proud of those little guys!
Later today I will be seeing a good friend of mine for the first time in a year...looking forward to it.
I baked some cookies for him and his family....I make some damn good cookies and I dont mind saying so.
I really like my iPhone.
Approximately two more weeks to my 20 year high school reunion...scary that Im looking forward to it.
I am powerless over chocolate.
McCain is correct, he is not George Bush. He still isnt the right guy for the job either.

I am never going to Retire

I have already accepted the fact that there will be no social security for me when I become of age. I have participated in my company's 401k program since day 1 and though I do not have a lot in there, I feel a little better knowing that something is being saved and working for me. I figure by the time I do retire, my little nest egg will be adequate and coupled with property I hoped to own by the time I retire, I'd be ok.
Hold that thought.
The housing market is crashing (not really but it's the hot topic right now). Those that do own are "losing" money. (Personally, I do not see how you can "lose" money by owning property unless you plan on selling NOW and your house is not worth as much as it was when you bought. Of course, given how things were a few years back, I am willing to bet that if you bought a house in the last 5 years, you paid too much). Those that dont own, cant get a loan without 20% AND perfect credit (slight exaggeration...if you do not have perfect credit, you can get a loan with a higher interest rate - still need 20% though).
The stock market is crashing...and with it, my 401k! Most funds invest in stocks. Stocks are worth less so, 401k's are worth less....for now. I know I am 30 years from retiring but I cant help but feel like I should pull my money out, stop putting it in or something. I do not know if I will do that but it is on my mind. So, to recap...I do not expect SS; I dont own a house (yet), and my 401k is getting a worse beating than a Sponge Bob pinata. Lotto here I come.

Bail Out

I do not owe millions. I have not invested badly nor have I made bad loans. My credit could use some help (hey, I went to college) and selfishly, I want a new car but I do not need one. All I am asking for is 20 grand. Mr. Bush, if you can give BILLIONS away, how about adding an extra bundle of Ben Franklins to the pile for me? Yeah, I did not vote for you but c'mon now, you shouldn't hold a grudge. Some of the money will go to my boys' school fund and some will go to my house fund...see, it will be our own little mortgage bailout plan all on its own!
How about Mr. Bush? I'm good for it.

You're How Old?!?

My yougest son Xavier (pronounced Javier) turns 9 tomorrow! Happy Birthday Little Boy!
It's hard to grasp that he is 9. When I look at him I still see the baby that used to use the corner of his blanket to rub against his nose as he was falling asleep. I will probably always see him this way, sorry buddy, and thats ok with me.
I have been blessed with two beautiful boys that listen, are great students, have super personalities and are growing up to be fine young men (still a long way to go, I know but they are well on their way!). Friends always comment on what a great job I am doing raising them but I must share the glory with these same friends and family that have been there all along with me.
Thanks to the following peeps for being there at one time or another for my boys:
Grandparents Sifuentes....for always being there to pick up, watch them after school or weekend night when I have plans. Also for being big fans of their soccer and little league games.
Uncles and auntie Sifuentes for talking, playing and being good role models for them.
My wife Marnitas for being the best stepmom any kid can ask for. The boys truly love you and you bring much happiness to their lives.
Nana and Papa Muto for accepting my boys as you have accepted me, into your family.
Jeff, Rex, Bridget, and the entire "Swinger" group for being such good people that I have no problem having my boys around you. From talking to them to letting them propose a business plan to house sit for you....every experience has been fantastic. I know you have seen them become more comfortable with each of you and it is a direct result of your efforts in always making them feel welcome.
Thanks to many more of you that have left an impression on my boys.
Happy Birthday Xavier.

Random Thoughts

Lots of things going on in my head lately....

Are the SF Giants ever going to win a World Series?
Will the 49ers score more than 21 points this season?
Will I ever own a new car? Do I want a new car?
Is the housing market going to get even better for us buyers?
Will I find a haircut I like for under $30?
Will my soccer team ever listen to me?
When will I get a dog?
What does my son Xavier want for his 9th birthday? Where did the 9 years go?
Will I ever feel comfortable in a pair of 501's again? Wait, the answer to that one is NO.
Will I break 100 in golf?
Have we seen the last hot spell for 2008?
Is my iPhone ever going to get better 3g reception?

Thanks for reading.