Softball Game Today

HIM: So, our next softball game starts at 3:15 today! I want all my players at the field at 2:30 (2:45 at the latest) so we can stretch, bat, throw, and get our shirts before we have to go out. It will be the same field as last week, too. Any other questions, give me a call!

By the way, I just want to comment on what a great job everyone did! On D., we've had some amazing catches in the outfield. On O., we've obviously had great hitters and runners, but I'd like to call attention to David's sprint at the pitcher going from 2nd to 3rd.

Knowing that he was about to be tagged out, he evaded the tag and took a route far off the baseline. Out of course, but it was fun just the same. And that's what we're here for (and a tournament win, but we're not quite there yet... ; )

I'm especially looking forward to our new jerseys (thanks Roxie!!!) and not having to play a double-header. Roxie will collect money for the shirts and I will collect your $10 for the league if you haven't paid me already.

See you shortly...

Let's play ball!

"The PURPOSE of LIFE is to BE HAPPY!"

HER: Recently, I have heard from some people I haven't talked to or seen for quite a while.
It is usually really hard for me to keep in touch with all my friends and relatives since we all seem to be caught in our worlds and have different lifestyles, but I think of them often and wonder what are they up to and hope for everybody's well being.
Creating this blog site has been really fantastic, it helps me keep in touch with so many people by letting them know what are we doing, where are we and also let others get to knowing me better :).

Everyday is a new day! (Smile as BIG as you can when you wake up, even if you are running late!)
Everyday has a new start. (So don't let the things that brought you down yesterday bring you down today.)

I have a precious life and I am thankful for it. I am lucky I have met you or have you in my life, because if I wouldn't of, I simply would not be the same person I am now or know what I know or be where I am, I am constantly learning, seeking for knowledge, trying to figure what life is all about, I see things now with much brighter eyes and a bigger smile :D.

Life takes you places, you meet wonderful people and create precious memories.

To Frank, Sebastian, all my friends and family. Thank you so much for being part of who I am. Have a WONDERFUL week!.

Quote: "Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." -Dalai Lama

V at Bistro Aix...

HER: After arriving in Jacksonville. I began my job searching adventure!

It was fun, interesting, tempting and disappointing, for the first time I was turning down offers (4). This time I decided to restrict myself from night shifts, so that I could take care of my family and fit in a regular schedule. Seeking for a daily routine for the well being of Sebastian I was hoping to find a morning job.

When I arrived at Bistro Aix and met Mike Gorman (sous-chef) and Al (assistant), they didn't have a morning position available at a time. They arranged something up but I had already signed up with Maggiano's. We talked so that I could officially begin my training with them since I had previously visited their kitchen. I signed up last Wednesday (9/19) and they happily agreed to have me on Monday mornings only. I might come a night during the week sometimes, but that will be later.

Updated: My first day as a Bistro Aix employee was this past Monday. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. I had a great time. I will be rotating stations as part of my training. Definitely looking forward to it! :).

Wine tasting at Maggiano's

HER: Today, monday the 24th of September.
There is a Wine Tasting event at Maggiano's at 5:30pm.
7 varieties of wine and Hors d’œuvre.
I have a table reserved and if you are interested on comming along and sharing this experience, let Frank know or txt me and I will add you to the list.
Nivole - Moscato d'Asti - Italy
Kenwood Jack London- Cabernet - London
Foley Syrah - California
Hougue Late Harvest - Riesling - Washington
Lincourt - Charodonnay - Ausralia
Chateau Montrose - Champagne Brut - France
I don't know the 7th one yet. But sure looking forward to it. The event cost is 25 dollars so if you are interested, reply to this blog.
And if you are interested but didn't have enough time to plan let me know too.

DO YOU LIKE WINE?

HER: I have always enjoy wine tasting sessions.
I also enjoy wine with my meals or by itself.
Pairing wine up with a dish or dessert. Tasting the different styles from different regions.
Talking about it. The topic is very abroad.

This year we tasted a few newer wines that were out in the market. One of my top choices was the Moscato D'Asti. We tried several Moscatos from this region of Italy and other varieties of Muscats from different countries. Muscat is primarily dry, but some vineyards could produce it sweeter and some as a sparkling style, some are fortified. I recommend a semi-dry version.
Muscat Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Moscato Bianco, Muscat d'Alsace, Muskateller, Moscatel Rosé and Yellow Muscat are some of them. It is very curious how you can taste the grape in all of these versions being so different.
People call them a dessert wine, but the dryer versions go very well with Japanese food, pastas and artisan bread combinations. So if you get the chance give it a shot. I highly recommend it.

9 MONTHS!

HER: It has been 9 months, since Frank and I started dating :). I can't believe it! I still tell THE 4 WAY STOP CRUSH STORY with deep excitement (I am very expressive, if you didn't notice). People really seem to enjoy it and smile and say nah ah... or ask "For real?". Yes, it is true, it is like a fairy tale as some people describe it, and I am very happy to be part of it.
HAPPY 9 MONTHS LOVE!
Thank you for existing and being part of my life.
Thank you for all the happy moments you have given me and all the memories we create together.
TWO WORDS.... "AMAZINGLY AWESOME"

Softball Sunday @ 1:15

HIM: So, the F-Bombs play their first softball game on Sunday afternoon. Be at the field at 1:15 so that we can get your numbers TAPED to your backs, get briefed on your fielding assignment, and draw for batting list. We've had 2 great practices now and are waiting for a chance to prove ourselves on the field!

In reviewing the compiled rules (cobbled together from Kristin's emails), it appears we can field 10 people. That means we'll have 4 outfielders, 3 basepeeps, 1 short stop, 1 pitcher, and 1 catcher.

This link gives you driving directions and a map from FCSL to the field: MAP

Jason volunteered a cooler and Scott will be bringing some water. Vanessa and I will be bringing water as well.

$$$ - I know I said that we were waiting until the jerseys came in to collect the $10 league fee, but since things have come together a little later, I will be collecting the money on Sunday at the game.

For a more in-depth look at the sport, check out this softball summary.

Have a great weekend and I'll see you on Sunday!

Feeling Like Willy Wonka...

HER: The challenge was offered and I took it. Working for corporate has definitely been a change for me but I am actually enjoying it. Week 3 has now passed, I have not memorize all the names yet and I probably won't but a friendly smile for the moment works. It is a large kitchen with a large staff and that is the reason why.

At Maggiano's, there are a lot of Hispanic people that do prep. So translating has become an opportunity and it is nice to see some colorful people, they tend to be really funny with their accents and their jokes. They are like 8 of them, women mostly. A little guy that sings just like Madonna, Beyonce and Shakira, quite entertaining. Everyone else speaks english.

Producing in large quantities is definitely different but you can get used to and now things that seemed to be crazy sounding are becoming smooth moves.

The day's work load is large. I must confess that baking 8 cheesecakes is now part of every day's load, as well as baking and icing 100 lemon cookies and making 100 or more Zuccotto bites (chocolate truffles). Plus there's prepping and baking Apple Crostadas, 100 profiteroles, 15 chocolate cakes, 4 full sheet trays of Tiramisu, gallons of chocolate mousse and chocolate frosting, doughs, icing, dessert of the week, you name. There are different things each to make on each day.

I even have an Oompa Loompa (S. to keep his name reserved). Retiree from the navy that wants to learn the pastry business. Claims Emeril as his mentor and food network as part of his training. Talks with laughter about TV shows. Good Humor is required.

PS1: I just wished my parents had made me taller.
PS2: Thank you to all of those that help me reach out for stuff to meet the day's work :)

Softball Games on Sunday!

HER: On Sunday, the 23rd of September, the first softball game will take place.
I can't wait to see them play and take pictures of this upcoming event. I have heard what an awesome team this is, how impresively well they did and how much fun they had on their first practice.

Also, since I have been asked to come and watch the game I thought I would bring water and beer to calm the thirst and entertain the souls of the players. So if anyone reading this post, happens to have a cooler or know the existence of one or want to help with water and beer. Please reply this post to make this happen! Thanks!

HIM: Isn't she wonderful...? =)

Softball Practice Today => Losco Park 1:00

HIM: I received several good suggestions for the location of our Thursday practices. As of right now, we will be meeting at Losco Park, just off of Philips Highway. Here are the exact directions. This is a quick map just to let you see that it's close to the school:

If for some reason the Fates conspire against us this day and rain prevents our practice, I will post a notice of it and send out a mass email. Otherwise, practice is on for 1:00 this afternoon! Bring your bats, balls, gloves, and anything else you think we can use.

If you've got any questions, give me a call or wing a message payloaded paper airplane at me during Property! =)