Bad News
Gas prices are the lowest they have been in years! So why is that bad news... well I made two trips to Grand Rapids this week, one to drop my laptop off, and one to pick it up. You might say, but I expected to have to make those trips... well yes I did... but I also expected my laptop to be FIXED!

This was not even the lowest I saw!

The green screen funky thing.

So today it crashed a couple times. Did some weird funky screen thing, crashed again, and then refused to start. My keys light up though... but I would trade for my old broke keys and working computer right about now...

To top off the day, the internet went down at Albion. How does a school lose internet? They have no back up, how can you run a business and not have a back up internet solution? It makes no sense to me and I raved about it all day. So instead of my usual work, chat, work, email, work, chat.... I only could do work. So I started cleaning out this big grey filing cabinet in my office... SCARY!

The night ended cool though. It was my office holiday party. We ate, exchanged gifts (I got a Bodum!) and just relaxed. It was a lot of fun, and after Jenn came over and we watched Van Wilder. Now I am getting ready for bed, and thinking about how bored I am going to be tomorrow with no internet at work. It is not set to be fixed until tomorrow afternoon.... AH...

Classic
Another classic Epsilon retreat, no doubt. We had a blast, we did some fun new things, and of course covered the classic traditions like Plaka Cafe, Golden Griddle, and hitting up the mall. We all got to know each other better. I was reminded how little interaction I have had with the younger guys, and I loved connecting with them more. We ended the retreat with an Ad Hoc meeting in my living room and talked about some vitals issues that are holding back our chapter's success. In time... we will be a powerhouse once again.

I will be posting pictures very soon. We had a sweet room at the Hilton right on the water, we could see Detroit across the water and it was great when snow fell on Sunday morning. I was able to tap into the resources of being a meeting planner with the Hilton (my new business idea) and hooked up a cheap room rate for us. More perks coming soon. More pics of this weekend coming soon, my laptop is in the shop again... yes again... and once I get it back I can post all the pictures.

This week back to the grind, getting a lot done since the students are gone. I have a ton of receptions and dinner parties for work which is cool and will break up the time on the computer working on policies, forms, and websites.

Anyhow more coming soon... and what happened in Canada...

Birthdays
Yesterday, December 9th, were the birthdays of two of my favorite people. Vic Rivera and Geo Athappilly, my fraternity Brothers. Both of those guys have had a big impact on my life. We been through some crazy stuff... we pledged together bringing SLB back to Western. We planned some huge events and made impacts on each other and people around us.

Geo and I both supported each other when our mothers can cancer... my mom still has the plant that Geo gave her. I gave blood for his mothers blood bank before her surgery. Geo has struggled with his eye condition, macular degenerative condition. I think that is the real title, he is slowly losing his vision. We had a lot of long talks about that, and other points in life's craziness. Talked about break ups, religion, politics, fraternity life, and our goals. One deep Brother, all the time. Now he is married and I am so happy for him.

Vic... well we been through a ton! We traveled all over the country... had so many adventures I can't even describe them all in a book. I went to his sisters wedding, and he has been to my house and wondered why we don't have beans with every meal (Puerto Ricans I tell ya). The complete opposite of Geo... Vic and I never talk about anything serious but that is okay. I remember when my mom had cancer, he offered to go and get notes or my syllabus from my classes. That from a guy who
didn't go to his own classes. Vic does stuff like that and reminds me while we will be friends, and more importantly Brothers, for life.

Last night I went to Kalamazoo to see them. Vic of course was sitting at his house watching movies, and Geo was out with his wife so I did not get to see him. Anyhow, Vic and I and all the Brothers around went out and just had a total blast. Thanks Brothers for helping me to unwind a little, and I look forward to our retreat this weekend! Happy birthday again to you two, can't wait for this weekend. Peace!

My job
I feel like a new professional... yes I know I am new to the field, but AFA (Association of Fraternity Advisors) really pumped me up. I was reminded why I love this job, why I love the field I chose, why I dedicate my time (on and off the clock) to work with fraternities and sororities. I made some new commitments, made some new networks, and made new connections with old friends.

My clothes arrrived... late afternoon on my second day... but I did not let that ruin my day. I still went to sessions (in two day old clothes) and I did not let it get to me. The workshops were not as good this year, but time spent with my Western Region Greek Association Board and also with the Betas, Gammas and other NALFO professionals there was awesome.

We were at an amazing hotel property, view of the Hollywood sign and the strip. Celebrity sightings all over the place, David Swimmer, the entire General Hospital Cast, Daisy Fuentes (she spoke at our luncheon), MC Lyte, Tarantino, John Stamos, and many other B List celebrities were to be seen. It was interesting.

Our hotel was next door to the famous theater and connected to the big mall.

View from my hotel window, that is the hollywood sign in the distance.

It was great hanging out with my fraternity Brothers who were there and our headquarters staff Jim Trajilio and the famed Mary Peterson. After convention this summer I felt someone unconnected from the fraternity, but this brought me back in full force. We made some plans as to ways that I can help be involved with the Betas on many different levels. Needless to say I am excited.

The WMU Crew back together. Steve (my Greek Advisor, now at IU), Kristen who was Greek woman of the year when I was man of the year, and Ryan Weier who was IFC president when SLB came back to campus.

The Betas... we represented hard for the frat. Doing big things.

Hanging with the Brothers was great. Our last night we went to a place called Miyagi's. We had a good time, Ammar and I reminded each other of the good ol' MOA days. We had Moet, music, and a place were tons of A List people go... the parking lot was like a car show... I loved it!

Well anyhow, I am at LAX and getting ready to fly home. I have a busy week ahead of me and I am looking forward to being back at my office and getting started on the list of things I committed to do at AFA. Wish me luck!

Long day...
So my trip to Hollywood has gotten off to a terrible start. American Airlines did not get my bags to me... hopefully they will arrive in time for me to change tomorrow morning. I had an overly long layover in the Ohare Airport and was frustrated the entire time trying to use my laptop without it crashing every 5 minutes on me...

I walked Sunset Blvd. looking for Kinko's.

I really wish they would open some of these in Michigan!

I arrived in Hollywood and my shuttle took forever. Then when I got to the hotel my room reservation was all messed up (thanks Cressie), so tonight I have to pay for a room all to myself, and then for the rest of the time I share with two of my fraternity Brothers so save costs (thanks again Cressie). But at least I made it to my destination safely.

Then I meet with the WRGA Folks... I get some more ideas and off to Kinko's... which turns into a living nightmare. Half of their computers were broken, the other half did not have the software I needed, and their printers were horrible. Why aren't all Kinko's the same? They were telling me... "You can't do that Kinko's."... which makes me mad because twice this year I have done that at other Kinkos. I just want to print from my Mac people! Ah!

So right now it is 4:55 AM Eastern Time, I just finished my last prints at Kinko's... and I need sleep... one item on a long to do list. Wish me luck folks. I hope my bags are waiting for me at the hotel room.

Driving and Driving
My holidays are generally filled with a lot of driving, and this year was not exception. The major driving started last weekend with the fraternity Thanksgiving dinners, as well as the major eating...

The Epsilon Chapter, WMU Betas.

The new Alpha Gamma Chapter, GVSU Betas.

My break started on Wednesday when I planned to run to Grand Rapids to look at some potential hotels for my fraternity formal, pick up my laptop from CompuCraft and then buzz to Kalamazoo. However the snow put a major kink in those plans. Grand Rapids got hit with 8 inches of snow while I was there, and since I had not put the winter tires on my Sentra yet... I was a little stranded. It was good because Ramon and Heather also got stuck in Grand Rapids and we made it out and watched a ton of high school reunions, left the MargaritaGrill petting zoo, watched guys with no game, and exchanged some fun stories (Ramon - somethings you are never supposed to tell anyone...).

Thursday it was off to Meijer to get some last minute things, and also to Division street to a Latino grocery store to find some yucca. I found what I needed and rolled to Kalamazoo to get Vic and Miguel... well not that simple. My typical route, 131, was closed and I ended up taking side roads into Kalamazoo. Making a normally 45 minute trip into 1 and a half hours... wow... I got the guys and we headed to Albion... once again... traffic turned a 45 minutes drive into... yep, you guessed it... 1 and half hours. No fun at all!

The snow

Dinner table.

Snacks... snacks...

Dad carving the turkey... a dark on the outside, but just right on the inside.

Fried yucca, one of my favorite Bolivian foods I can get in the States.

I think everyone got seconds... and thirds.

The good food made the wait worth it. My parents arrived and we started to munch... summer sausage, shrimp, crackers, assorted nuts, chips and salsa, and plenty of Coca-Cola. Everyone played Dominos while I watched the last couple items cook and fired up the yucca. Then dinner was served... the Turkey got a tad over cooked (I must have bumped the oven temp while I was cooking other things... it got switched to 450!), and the yucca I bought was not the best (not in season) and the rest of great!

We ate like pigs, and then in Centellas tradition we looked up movie times. We decided to see the Incredibles. Excellent choice, we all loved the movie. From there Mom and Dad went home, and us guys went back to the house and watched more movies.

Friday morning I took the guys back to Kalamazoo. I also stopped at Office Max and got a 9.99 Wireless Router! Then I buzzed up to Grand Rapids again. The snow caused me to never make it to pick up my laptop on Wednesday, so I had to do that, and also Ramon and I planned to see some more hotels. It was a good trip (plus I was pumped about the router deal and getting my laptop back), and Ramon saw the Hilton and like I figured it made him want to have formal there as well... Ramon and I worked on our Formal 2005 proposal and we will see how it goes. Fingers crossed.

Friday night I drove to Chicago to see Novali. She was a little crabby but still my little angel. In the morning we played and had a great time. Nothing too special on this visit, it was cold and rainy so not many options of things to do outside anymore. We watched some movies and I chased her around the house pretending to be a monster trying to eat her arm. Saturday went to a wedding, which was in an amazing church! The reception was also very nice, out in Joilet. Not much of a wedding guy.

Hide and Go seek...

hiding in the closet

Sunday her and I played some more, watched Lion King, and had breakfast (I had coffee, she had cereal). Then I took off back to Michigan. This past couple days I spent a lot of time in my car. It was great to get around and take a break from work. Today I tried to get caught up on things before taking off to Hollywood... the to-do-list is getting larger then the amount of time I have left... ah! Also, my laptop is acting a little funny since getting worked on, I am worried they did something wrong to her. With all the stuff I got going on right now I can not afford to be without my computer, or more importantly time to drive to Grand Rapids again to drop it off and pick it up.

Turkey... Pink Turkey
Well the Holidays feel in full swing for me. Family, food, friends, food, traveling, food, gifts, food, driving... food..

Did I mention food? Well if not that is what I think the holidays revolved around. Which is fine with me, cause for those who know me, know I love food. Anyhow these last few days have been more relaxed and I have been catching up with a lot of people. Lets rehash.

Friday - after work Jennifer and I went to Battle Creek, I had to go to the bank and take a pair of shoes in to get fixed. Well, the Meijer there did not take shoe repairs, my bank took the checks, but it took 4 days for the money to go active in my account... AH! The fun was hanging out with Jen, and also Old Country Buffet! We were in a hurry to get back to campus to see the comedian that we ate there... It was so good... mash potatoes.. mac and cheese... roast beef... friend chicken...ah...

Saturday - cleaned my place because my Uncle Ed and Aunt Cyndi came to visit. It was great and they laughed at my empty fridge, but loved the colors I picked for my walls. Aunt Cyndi took pics of my empty fridge and my bed which was actaully made! Mom woulda been proud of the made bed, but of course not of the fridge.... then I went to Kalamazoo for the 7th annual Beta and Gamma Thanksgiving dinner. The turkey was great thanks for Vic and Raul, Rey beat Miguel in Chess, and Ish and Colleen wore matching shirts. A little salsa dancing at Tortilla Flats afterwards and I rolled to GR.

Sunday - Big Boy Sunday Buffet! Heather had never had it, this was a college classic for me and guys. I like introducing people to the joys of buffets... then I checked out hotels for the next Beta District formal, and then had the GVSU Beta and Gamma dinner. The turkey never got done, we waited, and waited... and we all got so hungry we ate the turkey, despit a little pinkness... I am still alive ladies and gentleman!

So that was my weekend. Lots of fun, lots of food... too bad right now I am without my laptop. It is at Compucraft right now getting my backlit keyboard fixed. Had to get it done before she went off warantee. I head to GR tomorrow to pick her up, and then this weekend... I am hosting Turkey Day for the Centellas family! Crazy right?

Yes me... the guy with only pudding and crystal light in his fridge... is hosting the Centellas family Turkey day, and I don't have cable! I have cooked turkey's before, so we will see how it goes. Eitherway no football on TV in the background though...

A Little Busy
So this week has been a little busy. Today was no exception, so I thought I would give you all a little peak into the life of a Greek Advisor for a day...

9:00 AM - Took NX to get oil change.
9:30 AM - Tea reception at Alpha Xi Delta
10:00 AM - Meeting with Delta Gamma Consultant
11:00 AM - Meeting with Dean of Intercultural Affairs & Director of CPO
12:20 PM - had a short lunch (11am meeting went late...)
1:00 PM - CPO Staff meeting
3:00 PM - Meeting with an IFC Program coordinator
4:00 PM - Meeting with Alpha Tau Omega Advisor
5:00 PM - Pick up NX, go home and check mail
6:00 PM - Sigma Chi Scholarship Dinner
7:00 PM - Phi Mu Reception
8:00 PM - Greek Diversity Meeting
9:45 PM - Diversity Meeting DeBriefing
10:30 PM - compile programs info for WRGA
11:00 PM - go home...

I had a long day, tomorrow I was supposed to go to GVSU for a program by Jackson Katz... but I need a day in the office to relax and get caught up on everything. I need next week to come and give me the break I really need. I have been running at full speed for a couple weeks now and I need things to settled down.

This weekend will bring some needed relaxation time. My Uncle Ed and Aunt Cindy are going to be in town and swing by my house. Then I will run to Kalamazoo for the 7th Annual WMU Thanksgiving dinner between the Betas and Gammas. I love traditions, I am very excited to see all the alums who will make it out. Then Sunday I am gonna try to get to the GVSU Betas Thanksgiving Dinner... maybe a new tradition in the works...

Good, Good
Well... I guess my presentation at the National Hazing Symposium was better then I thought. I have had several people email me already about how much they loved what I had to say, and one of those people wants to contract me to come and speak at their school. I am very excited about that and I hope we can work out a date and time that I can be down at their campus. I will keep you all posted.

Consulting. I have had in the past week two new places contact me about doing websites which is promising. I also had one of my current clients say they need me to do some extra work for them which all means more work for good ol' OutsightDesign.

The final good part of this week, I talked to Speedway HQ about my gas incident. The guy was understanding, sympathetic and seemed like he wanted to help me. They are assigning a case "specialist" to fix the problem. I told the guy I love Speedway hot dogs. He was much nicer then those losers at National City, or the bums at Verizon.

So this week is going great, and this Saturday I decided to run home and see my family over there. Then Sunday I am heading with the staff here to Denison Univeristy for a Directors Conference. Should be fun... roadtrip!

35 MPG
So the new Sentra is great. One road trip down, and many more to go. I went all over the place. I was watching my gas mileage and I was getting close to 35 MPG on the highway. How great, this is truly going to be a good roadtrip mobile.

The roadtrip started on my way to Chicago. I stopped at a Toys R Us and found the perfect bed for Novali. It was pink, and had Disney stuff on it, then I found a Dora The Explorer bed set. Perfect! I bought it and hit the road. When I got to the apartment Novali was excited and helped me put the bed together, she passed me parts, and held things in place for me. When we finished she just jumped into bed and did not want to get out. I was so happy she loved it.

Saturday we went and got her hair cut. Last time she got it cut was in Saginaw with my dad and I and we had fun. So here we went again. She did not like it too much this time, but she got a sucker and did not fuss a lot. I got my haircut as well.

It was barely together and she jumped right on top.

Getting her haircut.

That night I had to leave and head to Purdue for the National Hazing Symposium which was being held there in conjunction with the Indiana Greek Leadership Conference. I was excited to be going, and especially to be on the list of people speaking.

Sunday was the conference and it went great. I could not have been happier. I got a lot of positive reactions to the things I had to say and I got interviewed by one of the Indianapolis papers as well. Maybe my picture will be in the paper! Anyhow... after that I drove to Greencastle, IN to see Becky. I figured I was too close to not make the trip over and see her school. It was a good trip, nice leisurely drive through farm country. We had some great Mexican food, saw her office, and caught up. I met her friend Val, and then I started the long drive home... long...

The Nissan was great... had a problem at a gas station with a broken pump... and no sign on it... I think I ruined my nice black Bass shoes... I need to write a letter to Speedway and see what they plan to do about it... have a good week everyone!

Lots of Good News
It has been a stressful couple weeks for me, and this week some good things are happening. Here is some news for all everyone.

1. GVSU Betas - Yesterday the Betas at GVSU got word that they are now official the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. I am so proud of these guys, lots of Brothers did not think they would be able to survive at GVSU with such a small Latino student population, and low percentage of Greek life. They did it... as my gift for their chartering I made them a new website... check it out... oh yeah, turn your speakers on first! Alpha Gamma Chapter

2. Tonight after work I am going shopping for Novali's first grown up girl bed. I am trying to find something fun and cute, like a Dora the Explorer bed, when I was a kid I wanted a Knight Rider bed... but Novali really wants something in Pink...

3. This afternoon, with the help of Jennifer from work, we drove to Byron Center Michigan, and bought my next car. I got a great deal, and I think I found the best deal. I took my time looking for the right car and I found it! Thanks for taking me Jennifer, and for the rest of the world, here are some pictures of the newest Cruceño Nissan...

I will seriously try to not get the upgrade bug and start doing stuff to it... but I am sure it is only a matter of time before I have neon lights inside and subs in the trunk... Team PLP!

Happy Voting Day
I heard there are lines at most poles today, and they expecting a good voter turnout, at least in this area. That is good. No matter how you vote, it is your vote, and no one can cast judgement on that. However, be sure you have read what the proposals are about and don't just vote the way your party is voting. Each issue needs to be personal to you, and how you feel, not how someone told you to feel.

Happy Hole Punching.

P.S. I am about to post some Halloween pics of Novalí on her site. Check it out.

Edit: Miguel wrote about election day as well, and he had a great list of things to do once the victor is declared. Very good stuff. Check it out. Voting Day

Bill Clinton Called
So last night, Bill Clinton called me, he had an important announcement for me about his friend and colleague John Kerry. I bothered to listen to the entire message, just for fun, and no it had no effect on my political stance. Honestly, who gets this call and gets excited about it? Does anyone actually believe he was personally calling them? Does anyone listen to this prerecorded message and have a change of heart of the issues? I sure hope not. Anyhow...

This week has been insane. In my previous message I stated how Albion's homecoming was kinda tame.. well that is not the case. I have been up to my elbows in reports, infractions, judicial information, and follow up meetings. I just do not understand some of this behavior, and worse yet from the alums who came back and made problems. Some people I guess just never grow up. Worse yet... when grown men, have their dad who is a lawyer call in and actually state they knew what was going... I was like hello... this is not helping your son... and by the way... isn't he a big boy and shouldn't he be handling this on his own?

I did get some good news this week... CAMPUSPEAK and the NCAA is overing to pay me to come and work with the National Hazing Symposium at Purdue on November 7th. Pretty excited that they picked me as a person who they want to come and give a talk about the topic. As most people in the Greek world know hazing is one of the issues I have been very involved with over the past few years, not only with my fraternity but as a campus advisor as well. Maybe this will accelerate my need to buy a car so I can take these types of trips. I mean the mileage check from that trip alone would cover one months payment... hum....

Albion Homecoming
This weekend was fun. Albion's homecoming had bad weather, just like Western's, but it was still a great time. I managed to make it to each Sororities lodge for their reception and met some of their alums. I talked to a lot of the fraternity men at tailgating and stuck around at the game long enough to see the new homecoming King and Queen.

It was actually a rather tame time from what I was expecting. It was not the craziness I was thinking it would be like WMU. I met lots of the students parents who for the most part are alums from Albion as well. I took some pictures at the lodges, but instead of posting them here... I will be making new picture pages on the Albion Greek Website... watch for that link soon...

Also... I am currently working on the new GVSU Betas website... coming very very soon...

Surprized
I am speachless. Someone, who I always clashed with in talked to me today. I heard how many bad things this person said about me and I cut them out. We never agreed on anything and went our separate ways. Every once in a while he would contact me, usually via email, and tell me what a horrible job I was doing and how he would do it differently and that I had my own secret agenda. Usually he would just bad mouth me and tell other people, and tell them to tell me.

He called last week, missed me and left a message. I called him back, missed him and left a message. Today we played phone tag, and finally we caught up. I was prepared to hear the next story of something I did he did not agree with and how he was going to tell me how it should be done his way. That is not what happened.

He apologized for all the bad things he said about me. He told me he felt bad for having bad mouthed me, and that he sees the good work I have done. Of course we still disagree on somethings, but I mean that is natural. He wanted to set things straight, he caught me off gaurd. I was prepared to defend some of my decisions to him, but instead accepted an apology. He thanked me for my dedication and hard work.

I never would of thought that happened. I remember last year at my fraternity formal when I tried to set things right with another Brother... I extended my hand, and it was turned away. Now I had that opportunity, and I helped mend a fence. I am not bitter about the past, I am now glad we will be friends despite it.

This summer I was very bitter over some of the politics in my fraternity. I returned home to support from the Brothers who knew me best, and Brothers who would be there through thick and thin. Nothing is perfect, I know that, but today it got just a little bit closer. Thanks for renewing my faith in Brotherhood.

Rain, Rain, Go Away
Come again some other day... that was the theme for WMU's 2004 Homecoming. It was wet everywhere! But you know, that did not spoil any of our fun. I had a great time catching up with the guys, Miguel, all my Brothers, old IFC guys, the Gammas, and of course Megan and Doogie.

The weekend actually started with a Friday visit from Becky. Man it has been way too long since her and I caught up. She is on the road recruiting for DePauw and finally we caught up in between two of her stops. I showed her campus, and she saw some people she knows here, and then we ate at none other then, Cascarellis. I mean, we don't got many options. It was great, after dinner she showed me the plans for her Condo and we talked about paint colors. Man, paint colors are taking over my life lately.

Saturday morning I boogied over to Kzoo and went to Vic's place. Still no furniture to sit on... but I was only there for a minute and I got a ride over to Waldo's where I knew Megan and Doogie would be. Doogie got stuck in line, and Megan was slower then ever... good thing Miguel surprised me and showed up. I talked to him for a while, talked to my favorite Puerto Rican AXO, and then Megan finally got in. Miguel bounced to his coffee shop, and I chated with Megan. Talked about her new car, and saw a million people we know. Just like the old days.

Then I left, got Miguel, and we walked to Bilbos. Yes... we walked... in the rain... all the way. It was worth it, cause all the Betas were there shooting pool. We had a good time, ate some bread sticks, and decided to go to Mi Ranchito for some grub. Dinner was awesome. Eddie (chapter founder) came out, and we had a big group. Miguel, Vic, Geo, Rey, Ish, Raul, Steve G, and Eddie brought his son (future Beta) and Ben tagged along. We ate, made of each other, ripped on Puerto Rico, and talked about the old days.

Step show time... usually a big hit, this time, big MISS. It sucked, barely anyone participated, and those who did obviously did not practice a whole lot. The poor Kappa team was getting booed it was so bad. I wanted to feel sorry for them...

In line for the step show... Maria is always the only Gamma on time...

The step show is a big production... 1000 cash prize... but it was lame this year.

We changed, and headed to WAYSIDE! It was great, ran into Megan again (of course) and she and Renee hooked me up with a free VIP wrist band. Up there I saw tons of people I know, ran into Ben from Theta Chi, who loves to remind me of how great of an IFC president I was. I see him once a year, and that is all we talk about. Megan and I were cracking up at him, while wondering what happened to Renee... hum. We all danced, I talked to old friends, and we did our thing.

A quick stop to Sigma Pi to see Doogie for an after party.... that was fun. It was funny, when I arrived I got introduced to someone... he goes.. you are "Thee Sam Centellas"... never thought I would get to meet you. I was like, what? Appears since I have left I have become a little bit of a legend. I look at the status of Greek Life at WMU and it makes me sad, but hearing this makes me glad that what I did was not forgotten. But what can I do now? Well, I did talk to the new director of Student Activities and Leadership Programs at the Step Show, they are starting a Greek Task Force, and I am going to get involved with it... ok enough business talk...

Then after-after party at Vanessa's. We were all tired, not many people still wanted to chill. You know the troopers were there... Vic, Sam and Rey. We adopted a Neo, Raul, I think he might be joining the crew. He might have what it takes... time will tell.

Anyhow... good weekend. It was good to spend some time with Miguel, and see the guys I used to spend all my time with back in the day. I wish Rudy would of been around, but I know he is doing his work thing. To those who missed it, the step show, hanging out... whack.

Ah... work time.

Verizon Sucks
So this summer I chronicled my never ending battle with National City. Well it was more of a complaining post... read for yourself: Post. I am still with them, mostly because I don't have the time or money right now to start a new account. Their response was not what I had wanted, I hate them, they suck.

So it is Verizon's turn... they have been pissing me off since this summer when I was in Oregon. Well in Oregon as many of you might recall I barely used my phone. It barely worked when I was out there, so I never used it. I called in to get my plan switched to a lower minute plan, and they could not because I was a month late on my payment. So... I paid the bill, and then called back. However, when I called back, their computer was down and they could not change it. Because I was out of state, the little mall shops could not switch it for me. So... no rate change for me.

Then I broke my phone. When I call to get a new one (cause I have been paying for phone insurance) they tell me that there is a $50 deductible on the coverage. What! I mean a new phone costs 50 bucks, why would I pay 50 buck to get the same phone I have, when for 50 bucks I can get a cooler new phone? I could not use it toward a phone upgrade either... so I canceled the insurance, and hoped my phone would hold together for a while.

The phone lasted until I got to Michigan. I was hoping it would last until I had the money to get the new PalmOne Treo, but instead I switched the service onto my dads old phone. When I went in to get my phone service onto my dads old phone I once again tried to switch the rate plan. The lady told me, that since it was in the middle of a billing cycle, I should not switch my rate now. I need to wait until the beginning of my billing cycle... What? I just want it switched! I left in a huff, mumbling under my breath how much I hate Verizon as I walked by potential costumers in the store.

So now... I called this morning. Guess what for? To get my rate plan switched... and to complain about all my dropped calls in Albion. About the dropped calls... guess what? They blame it on me not updating the software on my phone (which I just tried to do... and it did not work! I tried twice). Switching my rate plan... if I want to switch my rate plan I need to sign a new contract! What crap is that!

I should be able to switch my plan, I am off contract with them. How can they make me sign a new contract in order for me to switch to a lower rate. This is garbage, plain and simple. I told her (Denise, the kind lady on the phone) that I wanted to leave Verizon because of this type of service. Why would I want to lock myself into a new contract just to be able to control MY phone plan? I do remember a year ago... when I increased my phone plan to the higher minute plan... they did not make me extend my contract... so why do I have to in order to reduce it? Things that make you go hum...

Denise, I am not mad at you. You seem like a nice lady, I understand it is not your fault you work for a worthless cellular giant that cares little to none about its costumers. So Verizon, enjoy these last last couples months of service from me... cause a little costumer service might have gotten me to stay. I like the deal T Mobil has on the Treo anyways...

So Verizon... "Can you hear me now?" You Suck.

Gone Fishing

Novali fishing in Kids N Stuff in Albion

With her little plastic fish. "I did it, I did it!" she screemed.

Well Novalí's visit is over. We had lunch today and they took off, back to Chicago. We had a blast. She loved her pink room, we watched movies, drew with chalk, and tons of other fun things. Not to mention showing her and Tamara my office and campus, Novali showed me how I need to leave my desk when I leave my office (always the organizer).

As always, I will put my photo-journalism skills to the test.

Playing the piano in the Kellogg Center, where I work.

Playing with her gifts, she can't come to Michigan without getting something. This is a little drum from my Primo Oscar.

Climbing the wrong way up the slide...

The playground here at Victory Park is huge and entertained her all afternoon.

Tuesday we went to Kids N Stuff. Tons of games and toys, she loved the fossil finding activity the most.

She also loved the little river. Fishing, fish races, and a little waterfall.

There was a truck in the middle, anytime she wanted to go to a new play area she told us she had to go in the truck.

She made us a meal in the kitchen. Mami got pizza and brocoli, papi got an egg and some bread. Cafe con Leche for everyone.

They had a little stage and costumes, she refused to sing into the mic, but she wore the band hat.

They had a fake shopping area, Novali bought cookies, yogurt, and granola.

Each day we wore each other out. I had to work in the mornings and at night we played and played. Watched Shrek, drew pictures, used her coloring book, and cooked.

Her last night was pumpkin carving. It was my parents's idea, my dad bought me one while they were here this weekend. So last night Novali carved her first Jack-O-Lantern. We even baked the seeds afterwards, not as good as mom used to make, but not bad for a first timer.

With her pumpkin... ready to carve.

She refused to get dirty for a while... but she broke down and reached inside.

Posing with her Calabaza (pumpkin) and of course... Nono.

I let it burn for a little while and we went inside.

Now it is back to the grind. I took Monday and Tuesday afternoons off of work, so I got some catching up with work stuff. At work we just got out holiday break schedule, I will get a full week and a day off for Christmas. Now I have to make plans!

Anyhow, back to work. I miss Novali already... it was nice to come from work and have her be there excited and hugging me. Helps with the daily stress and not taking work home.

Catching up
This weekend was about catching up. It started with a trip to see Orlando. Not the city, my chapter Brother from WMU, Orlando (who actually lives in Orlando). He was in Grand Rapids visiting his family and of course we had to go and see him. The night started with a trip to Kalamazoo where the WMU guys were meeting and hanging out at Vic's place. Vic got a nice little apartment on Cedar, one block from the B-B-Q Pit! Sweet! We waited for Rudy to pick us up, he was late, and had his cell off... so of course Vic and I kept calling him and leaving him messages. I think we hit about 20 messages... "Rudy have you checked your messages yet?" - We asked him that all night long.

Orlando (far right) and his brother Chris (Beta at GVSU) and his parents who rock.

EXODUS... the reunion tour. We had a lot of good times in Kzoo back in the day. Cedar Street, the smurf room, the scary third floor...

Orlando is a lucky guy, glad you are enjoying Florida Bro! (He transfered to UCF)

Lots of Brothers came out to see Brother "Martí".

We miss Orlando up here, he was a vital part of the chapter. I am glad he is loving Florida and having a good time. I know you are going places Bro! Keep up the good work.

Sunday was cool, my parents decided after all to come and visit. Good thing I got most of my painting done. I finished painting the living room a few minutes before they got there. I showed them campus, and we ate at Charlies. It was nice to sit and talk with them, we had a stressful family month and I am glad we took some time to chill. They also were very nice and got my curtains for my living room. Thanks!

Painting is done!

No more ugly paneling... anywhere!

So the house is nearly done. I need some more furniture in the living room and hang some paintings, then it will be done. I made a quick page on my website for my house with pictures and everything for everyone. You can see all the work I have done. Check it out. Mi Casa.

It was a catch up weekend. Caught up with Orlando, caught up with my parents, caught up on my painting, and caught up on some work. I am in my office right now getting a few things wrapped up so I can take some time off Monday and Tuesday since Novali will be here.

Here you go...
I have stayed away from political issues on my blog. My summer hippie debates and discussion on Catholicism where a little heated. Here I will not start a political debate, but wanted to link to Miguel's blog. He writes about political stuff often, or about what he and his cats ate for lunch.

In a post about the debates I made the comment it would be cool to be able to pick two people, pick a topic, and then have them debate it. I think it would make a great TV show! Fox... where you at? So check it out, and all the great suggestions:

Pick-a-debate Contest

I for some reason am blanking on some good suggestions. Anyhow... check out his page, or that post and leave him a comment if you have a good idea. I will be thinking of one and posting soon...