That Time of Year
August 6th was the Bolivian Independence Day, the birthday of my good friend and Fraternity Brother Hermen Diaz, and the kick off to my busy season here at work. From here on out its 10+ hour days, working weekends, and answering a myriad of phone calls and angry emails from parents and students alike.

My mom wrote a cool blog about the Bolivia holiday and I recommend reading Reflections on the Parada Militar. I really do wish that someone soon I can be in Bolivia for the holiday, I think it must be more then 20 years since I have been in Bolivia for the event.

I want to apologize to those for the next 2-4 weeks who I might forget to call back, or just be too busy to call. Yesterday was a prime example of my new busy life... I worked from 8:30 AM to about 6:45 PM... had dinner with Heather and Jennifer and then did about an hour's worth of work at home that I needed done before the morning. At 1:30AM I got an emergency call about a gas leak at one of my sorority lodges. Today I started again right at 8:30 AM (very tired) and worked until a little past 5. I ran some quick errands and then I spent a little over 2 hours on paperwork for Albion that I need done before returning to work in the morning. Its only going to get busier right now...

Amidst the busy times I do find some time to relax of course. This weekend has been a long time planned retreat/meeting for my chapter. Some alums and undergrads are getting together to try and get the chapter back on track. Saturday after the retreat I am hoping to catch a quick race, and then a fraternity BBQ. Busy busy... then back to Albion and back to grind.

My phone just rang... I have to run to campus to one of my fraternity houses. Off I go, Ciao.

Team PLP back in business!
This weekend was an Autocross in Kalamazoo. It was sponsored by the West Michigan Region of the Sports Car Club of America. Luckily the day before the race I finalized the deal to put me behind the wheel of a 2002 Nissan SE-R SpecV which is a great AutoX car. It will be my first real dedicated race project and I am excited at all the future options this opens up for me not having to worry about driving my race car to work everyday (plus saves the miles on it). Maybe the future will mean sponsorships, big motor swaps, and some full car to car race track opportunities... who knows what the future holds for the little car and Team Parking Lot Performance (PLP).

Well the past held a great opening event for the car. I was able to take Novali and it was an exciting feeling with my new car. In my heat was only four cars, but some fast machines. I had two Subaru Impreza 2.5RSs, and a Mini Cooper Sport. The cars all had well seasoned drivers so I went into the event with no pressure... just to get the feel of my new car (plus I was on cheap dealership tires). Well we all kept the race tight and all four of us were within 1 second from 1st to 4th... and to my surprise I took second! I was only behind by two tenths of a second from first! Wow... I was surprised that I took the Mini, he must of been having a bad day.



I am hoping once I get some solid performance tires on her she will do even better. The plan is to save money and save for some big mods in the future for the car. In my perfect world I would do a VQ Swap, build a rollcage, and take this baby to real tracks... but that is several years down the road. The future looks bright for Team PLP.

Novali had fun... didn't barely watch the race but made tons of friends with the other kids of racers at the course. She got dirty, collected some rocks, and ran all over. Good times.

I posted some photos of the SpecV. Check her out: SE-R SpecV

Vacation Pictures/Video
I finally got to post the pictures from my summer vacation with Novali. I also wanted to post a cute video of Novali fishing off the dock at Pratt Lake in Gladwin.

Click Here for Pics: Novi's Pics

View the video below:



Hope you enjoyed it! I sure did! Ciao.

Summer Vacation
Its been a long year with work, consulting, travel, conferences, and everything else life throws at you. I have managed to have some fun and still saved up some vacation days for this summer. Well the time came, my parents came in from Bolivia, Miguel & Kate were coming for Miguel's graduation, and Andres was coming to Michigan as well.

I went and got Novali from Chicago on Wednesday (6/28) and brought her back the following day. The vacation started. Thursday was a relaxing day, I took her into work with me for a little bit and we waited for Miguel and Kate to arrive. They were coming in early fresh off their trip to Bolivia. That night we relaxed and Novali hung out with her new friend Hannah (the niece of my friend Jennifer).

Friday started with a quick breakfast. Then Miguel and Kate went to Kzoo, and Novi and I went with Hannah and her family to the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. It was a ton of fun and great little zoo. They had a nice Africa exhibit and we had a great time. They even let the kids feed giraffes! After the zoo we went back to Albion for Miguel and Kate to return and for my parents to arrive. Once everyone was together we got some dinner, a quick tour of Albion and then I went to get Andres from the airport.

Saturday was an early morning. Miguel's commencement was in Kalamazoo at 9am. We all got there on time and waited for the long program. After they butchered Miguel's name... we watched him get hooded (thats what they call it when a PHD graduates). We had a fun post grad lunch at Bilbos a fun little pizza place and then rolled to Gladwin. We relaxed at the lake for a little bit, and then went to dinner in Gladwin. After dinner we took some pictures... it was the first time all six of the Centellas family were together in over a year! Wow... it was nice to just eat, talk, share some stories and relax.

Sunday was a great day... we basically did nothing but sit around the lake, relax, eat, swim, fish... anything but work. After a big BBQ Miguel and Kate took Andres and Saloumeh to the airport, and then they stayed in Saginaw. Heather went back to Jackson to work, and the lake got a little more quiet.

Monday-Tuesday it was just Novi and I, my parents, Valerie and my grandparents. We fished in the mornings and evenings, played all day with the kids, squeezed some meals in between our activities, and took tons of pictures. Novali and Valerie helped us catch fish, and one night after a big catch Novali even came out and watched us clean the fish. She wasn't grossed out at all which surprised me. The following day she even ate fish! I am glad to see her trying more new things.

Wednesday, Fourth of July, we had visitors at the lake. Heather drove back up from Jackson, and Raquel came over with Ayanna. It was a nice time as Heather and I took the two little ones to see the new movie Ratatouille. Leaving was hard for us to do but we knew Novali would have a ton of fun at the lake and I am sure my parents wanted some good one on one time.

Over the weekend Heather and I went to a wedding and I planned the roadtrip of a life time. On Sunday (after a scary hotel fire at the Crowne Plaza Hotel) we started the road trip. Heather and I drove to Saginaw to get Novali... then dodged holiday traffic and construction to get Novali all the way back to Chicago. Upon drop off of Novi we drove back to Michigan. We dover nearly 600 miles in one day! Wow...

This week was busy... I am in Indianapolis right now for my fraternity leadership retreat. I worked on the programming and created an institute style leadership program called "I Believe, I Promise." I hope it goes well and I have some butterflies in my stomach about it right now.

Once this big weekend is over I plan to post photos from the Novali adventure in Michigan. She caught fish (and ate them!), swam, made sandcastles, and even managed to get a tan. Peace.

Fathers Day Weekend
Well the past few days were really busy...

Friday Heather and I took off to Chicago right after work. We picked up Novali and went to Rosemont, IL to get some rest. We planned a fun weekend to Wisconsin Dells, WI as a pre-graduation gift for her finishing kindergarten. Saturday morning we got up early, ate, and hit the road for WI.

It was a rather quick drive and Wisconsin Dells amazed us! The town was very small, but was made up of nothing but water parks! Huge water parks, ferris wheel, go-karts, haunted houses, pet parks, and anything else you can think of! It is basically just one big entertainment town! In our days there we barely got to see it all... but I will cover what we saw.

We arrived dressed ready for a water park. After pricing a few out we settled on Noah's Ark Water Park which is I guess the biggest in the world. Boy was it huge! We barely got to see it all, its maybe about half the size of Cedar Point but all water rides. We went into several of the wave pools, some of the kiddie play places, did putt-putt golf, bumper boats, a even a few of the faster water rides (I was surprised Novi wanted to go on them). It was a ton of fun and we all got a lot of sun and got even more tired. The night ended at a cool place to eat called the Moose Jaw that gave kids little moose antler hats (kinda like Burger King Crowns) and she loved the pizza.

Sunday was fathers day. We got up for some breakfast and went to the ferris wheel that Novali really wanted to ride. It was a fun little amusement park and we did go-karts (I did drive a little too fast), a couple other rides and the big ferris wheel. She even played a fair game and won a little stuffed animal. It was a great day... then we packed up and headed back to Chicago.

Sunday night we went to dinner and Tamara picked up Novali. Monday morning early was her graduation so it was best for her to stay at home in case Heather and I got stuck in traffic or something. It worked out well also cause Vic and Rey two of my fraternity brothers who lived near our hotel came over and we hungout for a little bit.

Pictures: Wisconsin Dells

Monday was a fun day! Heather and I made it into Chicago really fast and managed to avoid all traffic. It was nice to not be rushed and we got to the school early. It was a fun little program and I video taped it all for Syed and other family members who could not be there for the graduation. They saw a song, got their diplomas, and then all together (two classes) did New York as a closing song... but the words were changed to First Grade First Grade... she can sing it for you if you ask. Afterwards it was pictures will all her friends and then lunch.

Pictures: Graduation

It was a fun weekend, lots of driving, lots of fun, lots of things to do. It was great all the calls, texts, and emails I got for Father's Day. I did feel bad cause I was not able to get a hold of my dad. Called a few times and never managed to reach him. He will be in the states in a few days but still I missed him on fathers day.

Thats it... this week and next will be a little hectic at work as I am taking vacation days and trying to squeeze in work so I don't fall behind. My parents arrive in Albion on June 29th and I can't wait cause it is gonna be a lot of fun having all the family back together again. Til next time...

Race Time
I sold my Sentra in January... and since then planned to buy a cheap little car to AutoX in since my Altima is too big and slow to be competitive. Well its June now and I still haven't found a car and two big race events passed already. Well this weekend was a race at a cool race park, the Knoll-Gas Motorspeedway. I didn't want to miss out on the event... first the idea to race my friend Jen's car came up... I wasn't able to get her a spare set of rims/tires in time for race day. SO... second idea was to run my Altima. Needless to say I made the decision to run the Altima.

Sunday we rolled up to Martin, MI where the race would take place. It was rainy... there was a little hope of sun but we rolled on anyways. We ended up with rain pretty much the whole time, usually it was light, but on occasion it would get pretty rough. Heather came as well and enjoyed reading a book and did take some photos for us during the brief sunshine we managed to get.

We ran in G-Stock with the big Altima. Nine cars were signed up for our class and some fairly good cars in the group (some VWs and a Subaru). It was a totally different experience running such a large car, and man my first couple runs I was hitting cones all over the place with the rear end of car... I am not used to driving something so big, especially not around an AutoX course.

My 4 cylinder 2.5 liter Altima on crappy street tires.

Look at her... next to a VW GTI, MR2, 325i, Porsche...

The rain actually helped us... since I was running all season tires.

Going through Salom #4. It was a very tight course.

The first couple runs I hit tons of cones... but after a while I got used to driving the big body car.

Great pic of Jen racing through turn #2.

The day ended rather well though... both Jen and I got a hang of driving the car through the rain and tight cones. I ended in 4th out of 9, and Jen in 7th. Maybe next race I can hook Jen up with some tires and we can take her car out, that would be fun!

It was a fun day... I was surprised at how many people asked me about my Sentra, I wasn't aware how well known she was in my group. I did get a lot of tips and leads from people on some good cars I could get... its such a hard decision!

Hopefully next race I will be in something more sporty... but for now I broke the seal on the race bug for 2007 and also didn't do too shabby. I managed to take out a VW Jetta and a V6 Contour, both cars with tons more horsepower and sporty suspensions.

Edit: Team PLP Pics

3 Day Weekend
So somehow it has been a month since my last post... WOW. Lets get back on track.

I had also not seen Novali in nearly a month! So to make up for it we planned a fun little three day weekend for Memorial Day. Originally the plan was that on Friday night Heather and I would head up to Michigan City. That way we'd be there bright and early to meet up with Tamara and Novali. Our plan was to check out of Michigan City and then head up to a hotel right on the beach in South Haven with Novali.

Well for those not in Michigan... we had overcast weather and even some thunderstorms predicted for the weekend. So we had to plan some alternatives. Before they arrived we checked out everything there is to do in Michigan City and we decided to just stay here. I was really surprised there is a lot to do in this town.

SATURDAY

I had hoped for a fun beach weather weekend. It is colder and over cast so I had to plan some alternate things to do. So we went shopping for a kite, and got some Subway for a little afternoon picnic. We ate and then put the kite together and I taught her how to fly the kite on the beach. The weather was rather dismal but it didn't slow Novi from getting in the water and running around looking for sea shells and digging in the sand.

Later on back at the hotel we swam in our pool. She is getting a little closer to swimming. Heather got Novali a little kick board but she still doesn't like to venture off without me holding her in the water so I doubt she will get this swimming thing down soon. I think she needs some peers with her to push her into swimming as learning alone I am sure is not very motivational.

We ended the day at BDubs... or Buffalo Wild Wings as I guess they are all called now. She loves their chicken and the smiley face potatoes in the kids meal. I tried some spicier wings then normal and no we did not stay to watch the UFC Fight on that night... cause it was bed time.

SUNDAY

There were lots of options in this little town... there was a Latino art exhibit here at their cultural center, a cool car museum, and a nice little zoo so we might do that. We ended up heading to the Zoo. It was a nice little zoo, enough to see in a couple hours and of course a petting zoo and the fun animals that kids love to see. The zoo was over and we scored some lunch and went to get ready for the beach. Somehow we managed to get some nice sun, so we went to put on our suits and get some sand pales for building a sand castle.

We got to the beach and Novi went right to work. We had a great time... Heather laid out a big beach blanket and Novi started running around. She made a few castles with me and then I decided she might like getting buried. She we dug a big hole and I buried her up to her head! Then I made her head look like it belong on the body of a turtle...

She kept up the energy all day. It started getting late and she didn't slow down at all! So we figured we would stay for the sunset. It started getting cold so we all bundled up as best we could and watched the sun fall over the horizon. I couldn't believe that from Michigan City you could see the Chicago skyline on the horizon. It had to be 60 miles away! With that and the sailboats in the water made a beautiful scene.

We ended the day with the trip to AppleBees where I watched the Pistons lose to LeBron James. Novi refused to eat... so I got on her case and some one went to bed crabby... but she needs to learn to eat better then she does cause I don't know how she is still alive cause she hardly eats!

MONDAY

We got up... breakfast in the hotel again and went out for the day. We planned to meet up with Tamara and Syed at the big outlets shopping in town. It was a fun little morning and Heather bought Novali some cute little blinged up glasses. We had lunch and then Heather and I hit the road home. It was a great weekend... we all got a little sun and had a sweet time.

I posted photos: Novi Memorial Day

Right now I am back at work... busy week preparing for orientation next week. I thought summer was going to slow down, what happened? Eitherway this weekend will be relaxing and hopefully I can make it up to one of my car clubs races on Sunday. Still no racecar...

Blue Man
This weekend was my time in Chicago. I went early morning on Saturday, and I got lucky and was able to get some last minute tickets to the Blue Man Group. Thanks Jen!

Novali and I went downtown to meet Jen when she arrived with the Albion group. Jen and I took Novali to a fun place near Wrigley to have lunch. Joey's Brickhouse was the name, and they had a sweet lunch buffet option. Basically you could order anything you wanted on the menu, as many times as you wanted, and you just paid one flat price. My kind of place... and they had grilled cheese and tomato soup so Novali was pleased as well. We ate, ate some more, Novali colored, we ate a little more, and I got to know some of Jen's friends who live and work in Chicago. It was a fun lunch, at the end her friends went off to the Cubs game, and we went off to find a park to play.

She always loves blowing bubbles.

She couldn't just climb up the ladder... she climbed through it.

A strong wind came... she hung on to the pole for her life. She loves pretending.

Trying to walk on the balance beam.

After entertaining ourselves for a while blowing bubbles and running around the playground we went back downtown to meet up with the students and head off to the play. It was a fun bus ride and Novali was friendlier with my students then I thought she would be so that was good. It was at the small Briar Street Theater in Lincoln Park. Our seats were good but I was worried she might get scared during the show.... I was wrong and she loved it! She clapped and cheered, clapped in rhythm with the audience, and laughed and enjoyed herself. Thanks Jen for the tickets and the great company all day! Novi came home and passed out! It was a long day.

Downtown we stopped to see the horse carriages.

We put Nono in the bag while walking around.

She liked all the neon lights in the lobby..

She loved the show, and wanted to touch the Bluemans head.

Sunday we got up and watched some Fairytopia movies... she explained the whole fairy world to me and all their stuff. It was funny. We had breakfast, called my parents, and then I had to hit the road. It was a quick trip but full and busy. I won't see her again until Memorial Day... I need to plan a fun weekend. Until then lots of work, more trips and the Albion semester will end and life will become much slower for me!

Pictures
I finally have a chance to upload some photos. For the past two months I have been on the road non-stop. I have not spent a weekend in Albion since early February. Right now I am in Washington DC and preparing for lobbying visits on Capital Hill. Its been a long couple of weeks and I wanted to post photos of my trips and am glad I finally found some time.

Photos from Bolivia Trip: Abuelita

Pre-Birthday/Easter Weekend with Novali:I am Old

Sunday was Novali's official birthday party. I called her and we talked. She was so excited and I could hear all her little friends in the background. I wish I could of been there, but I am really glad that I got a fun weekend with just her and Heather hanging out. Maybe one year we have a party in Michigan!

My parents just confirmed their flights to the States this summer. So let the plans begin! Its gonna be a great summer. My parents will be back, Miguel will get his PHD, Novi will graduate kindergarten, and I have some vacation time saved up... and man I need a break!

I am Old
Well today I am officially feeling very old. No it isn't because my back hurts from lifting, or even just from sitting in the same position for too long... no it isn't cause I have to do my taxes yet again... no it isn't cause my 8 year fraternity anniversary is coming up...

Today Novali turns six years old! WOW. In two months she will graduate from kindergarten... man how the time flies.

This weekend will be her big birthday who-ha at Chucky Cheese. I won't get to be there cause of a trip for work. So instead this past weekend Heather and I took her to downtown Chicago and we had a blast. Friday we walked a little around our hotel and got some pizza (she loves pizza). The hotel staff gave her some balloons and she chased them around our suite all night and tired herself out. We slept in... and on Saturday when asked what she wanted to do for her birthday... "I want to see dinosaur bones."

So we got some breakfast, hopped a cab and spent the afternoon at the Chicago Field Museum. After about 3 hours of walking, looking, reading, touching bones, grinding corn in the Ancient Americas exhibit she said, "Lets get out of here."

We went back downtown, walked around, did some shopping at Walgreens where she carried and read the list (her reading is great!). We got her some flip flops, sunglasses and went to the hotel pool. It was on the 19th Floor so the views from the pool were awesome! She is really close to being able to swim, maybe one more time and she will have it!

Later we went to the big Lego store in the mall where she wanted to get a present for Miguel (who had a birthday on Saturday). We hung around the mall, raided the Hello Kitty store and just had a good time relaxing. A nice dinner at Buca di Bepo ended the night. She was a riot to hangout with for the weekend.

Sunday morning we got up early... it seems as though the Easter Bunny was able to find our hotel room and left her a basket of candy and little toys. Not to mention some Hello Kitty bandaids. I guess the Easter Bunny knew that Novali is the youngest Hypochondriac ever and needs a bandaid several times a day.

We went to Easter service at the Moody Church in downtown Chicago. It is a beautiful church and we went for service there once with my parents so I thought it would be nice to go back. We also picked them cause it was a 9:40am service so we thought it would get done early... well over 2 hours later church let out. We took some pictures with Syed and Tamara who met us for church and some of just Novali cause she wanted photos of her dress. Then we left to head north to the McGurn's house for Easter brunch (we were very late).

Brunch was great... Kate and Miguel got Novali some gifts and an Easter basket as well. So Novali was good to go. For some reason she was less then enthused about the birthday cake, maybe she is devote in the no celebrating birthdays before they happen superstition as well. Anyhow... it was a great weekend. We dropped Novali off at an afternoon party and then we went home... it was a GREAT weekend.

Photos will be posted in a day or two... they are on Heather's camera.

I also want to send a Happy Birthday to my Pop. He turns one year older today as well. I told him I don't have to get him presents ever again since I gave him his first grandchild as a birthday present six years ago. Plus he is a little far away for presents... but lets say big BBQ on me when you guys get back to the states this summer! I can't wait for you all to visit.

Home is where your hat is.
Tomorrow morning I catch an early flight and head back home. I will start my trek at 6 AM heading to the Viru Viru Airport in Santa Cruz. After my last cuyape at the airport I'll have the pleasure of passing through customs and getting on my 8 hour flight to Miami. In Miami I have to pass through American customs which can be hard or easy... just depends if they decide I am the lucky guy to get totally searched. I have a 5 hour lay over in Miami (probably 2 hours just in customs) and one of my chapter Brothers might come to have a quick dinner with me. Then I board a 8 PM flight to Detroit Metro. My flight arrives at 11:30 PM and Heather will pick me up after waiting for my bags and then drive me 1 and half hours home. That means I would of left my house in Bolivia at 6 AM... and arrived home to sleep finally at about 1:30 AM the following day... man I will be tired at work my next day!

So that will be my journey to end my week in Bolivia. Given the circumstances it was a great trip. After the funeral life started to be back to normal here. We had family staying in my parents house the entire week. My abuelito's Brother and wife stayed here at the house and abuelita's sister stayed with one of my uncles. It was a fun week of catching up with family, but a sad week of packing up all of abuelita's stuff in the house. It was fun seeing some of the things she saved, and how she saved them. I got to pick a few things that I would take back home with me as memories of her.

The city has not changed a lot since my last visit. It has grown bigger but still the same. Some of the streets and better paved, while others have gotten worse. They made some changes to the Plaza Central which are very nice and make that a better space now. They also built a multiplex for movies with places to eat, arcade, stores... a whole night out.

I got to do some new things... us cousins for the first time ever did a BBQ just by ourselves. It was fun with no uncles around... and we eve spent time making fun of them and all their craziness. We told fun stories about growing up and of course shared some stories about abuelita. It was Fernando's birthday (one of my cousins) and after the food we went Cosmic Bowling. We had a good time but my team (Ivan y Samuel) always took second...

It was a fun week of parrilladas (ie lots of meat), stories with the cousins, a trip to the alligator farm my uncle is building (they have 10,000 eggs already!), and just enjoying the crazy Santa Cruz traffic. I will miss Bolivia as I always do... but this trip it was different... it felt like home. I enjoyed helping my mom clean the rooms, organize the closets, and cook breakfast. I guess even though one of the main reasons I used to want to visit Bolivia is now gone (los abuelitos), but now after 20 years in the states Bolivia surprisingly felt like home. I think I enjoyed telling the cab drivers to take me home, and I actually meant MY home.

Well off I go... packing to go to my other home.

Esther Castillo de Centellas
Thursday I got a voicemail from my Brother... my parents called and my abuelita (grandmother) was very sick. I talked to my parents a little later and learned that she now had leukemia. She had been sick for years and slowly losing her vision as she aged. I learned that the doctors had given her only a few days left to live. It was my last chance to see her, and thanks to my work, and with Heather's support I purchased my ticket to fly to Bolivia the following morning. By luck I got a flight and would be in Bolivia in barely 24 hours.

I packed and prepared for my trip in barely two hours and then went to Ann Arbor. Thursday night was a visitation for my Great Uncle Bob Vaden. I had planned to attend his funeral on Friday but instead was going to Bolivia and I know my American family understood. I was glad I was able to make the visitation and Heather came as well which was nice as we visited with family.

Friday my trip started at 4:30 AM with the drive to the airport... my 7 AM flight arrived in Miami around 11 AM and waited for Andres who was arriving from Washington DC. We got some lunch and caught our 1PM flight. A long flight later... we arrived in Santa Cruz at nearly 11PM. Our parents greeted us and took us for the first visit to their new home.

On arrival most of the family was at the house. My uncles and aunts and cousins were all there and we took turns looking in at abuelita. She had been moved to my parents house and had a nurse with her. We got some late night chicken, ate, caught up on times with my parents and then finally got some sleep.

Saturday was long as well. Abuelita was doing worse, but fortunately the rest of the family from La Paz came. With everyone at the house my mom was of course stressed and trying to play hostest to the 40 plus people coming and going from the house all day. You could tell abuelita knew she was in her last days... she could no longer see, and her speech was broken at best. On Saturday she only really asked for three things that people understood... she asked my cousin David to read her favorite Psalms, number 27 and 91. Then she asked for my mom to sing her favorite hymns, and with all her might she tried to sign along. Finally she asked to listen to her Christian radio station to relax. Such faith...

I remember from when my abuelito passed... for nearly a week he had not been able to move or talk. However on the day of their 60th wedding anniversary he clearly tried to kiss my abuelita, and mumbled the only sounds all week that came from his mouth. If that doesn't give someone faith in god and love nothing can. We all need reminding at times. My abuelita held on until her sister arrived from Cochabama... and for the family to arrive from La Paz... then asked for prayers, palms, hymns, and laid to rest for the night.

That night the decision was made to remove her from all drugs except her sedatives and that at any time she would pass. Andres and I took my mom our for dinner that night to get away from the house for a little while. We ate a great steak dinner (no I didn't take a photo of it) and a bottle of wine and enjoyed being in Santa Cruz.

I awoke throughout the night as people took turns checking in on abuelita. Finally it was at 6 AM on Sunday that our aunt (who is an Oncologist and was able to help a lot) came out of the room saying abuelita passed. It was a weird feeling... relief that she was resting in peace now... happiness that she was in heaven with her husband of 60 years... sadness to see the strongest little woman leave our presence... I will never really be able to understand how I felt but I didn't cry at that time. I actually laughed inside, thinking about how mad our abuelita was I am sure inside that all those people came to the house and she wasn't well dressed and well presented (she was always elegantly dressed). She was a quirky little woman.

It was my first time in Bolivia during a death so I got to learn many of our customs. Shortly after her passing her sister and a few of my aunts washed and dressed her. They talked about which suit to put her in, and her earings and how she would want to be presented. Family came to the house to see her before she was taken to the funeral home. Andres and I went on a mission to make a picture board. While there the idea dawned on us and our cousin David to make some picture cards with Psalms 91 on it. I found a photo I had of her and abuelito and it fit the Psalm perfectly. Sunday around 2 PM nearly the entire Centellas clan was at the funeral home. We took turns leaving for meals and making sure there was always family there to greet visitors.

At 8 PM on Sunday was the wake service. A short service of prayers and hymns, some people stood in front and spoke about the abuelita. She had well over 100-150 people at the service. What surprised me was that the wake lasted all night and people were coming in at nearly midnight when Andres and I had to call it quits to get some sleep.

We returned at 9 AM for the funeral service to find over 200 people there. Students of my uncles, co-workers, friends, abuelitas church friends, and people from their neighborhood. There were over 40 flower arrangements around her casket. Another short service of prayers, hymns and testimonials... and finally the tears came. It came when I thought that this was my first trip to Bolivia that my abuelitos had not been at the airport waiting for me... and it would never be the same. I didn't get to spend a lot of time with them cause of the distance, but I know cause of god and their faith they prayed for me each night. I am glad abuelita got to meet Novali and play with her in the pool and listen to her Spanish, I cried cause I was happy they got to meet.

It was a long drive to the cementary... but it was a beautiful place outside of the city. Here the custom is to lay caskets on top of each other. So abuelitas casket would be placed right on top of abuelitos. A few prayers there, a short service... and then many from the family spoke. The uncles, some cousins, my father, mother, and Andres and I both spoke. Then we tossed flowers on her casket as they lowered it down. Once it was resting down we all took a handful of dirt and put her to rest.

We left... the entire family went to eat together, her five sons, her sister, abuelitos brother and wife and two of their daughters, 13 grandchildren, and a handful of great grandchildren as well. Honestly, even when us gringos Centellas visited the entire family never got to together. Issues between uncles, cousins always got in the way. But this time, for abuelita everyone was together. We ate, laughed, and enjoyed each others company.

If there was one thing abuelita would of wanted was for the entire family to be together. Funny... she always knew how to get her way...

Time Flies better then American Airlines
Back in Albion... and it feels good. I am really mad at American Airlines right now. So yesterday I was scheduled to fly to Chicago and arrive at 7pm. Well I decided I wanted to get back sooner so I called AA and there was a chance I could catch an earlier flight. I went up about 5 hours before my scheduled flight hoping for a better flight. Mine had a connection and 7pm is late since after landing I have a 3 hour drive to Albion. I figured I can get in earlier and spend a little time with Novali and then drive home.

Well the first flight I could not get on... the second flight they had was a direct flight and would put me into Chicago at 3pm, basically getting me 4 hours with Novali. Long story short my flight was delayed. First they pulled it out of the hanger late, then they had a problem with a part, then they had to wait for another part to arrive... then once we finally got on the plane they had a delay cause not everyone was on the plane. HELLO! Lets go. While we waited another flight to Ohare that I could of bought a ticket for (and cheaper) left... then my flight left... So mad.

On a good note my conferences went well! Too much happened in my nearly two week road trip to report it all here. I am glad to be in Albion to relax, sleep in my bed, watch my TV, and get my body used to Eastern Standard Time. Ciao.

Back at 35k feet.
Spring is my busy travel season. This past weekend I was in Chicago for MGCA, I went a day early, and stayed two days late to spend time with Novali. Took her to school, picked up from school, and played, ate, and watched movies in between. I was glad I happened to be in Chicago this weekend of all... Tamara's very close friend Alma was in a bad car accident over the weekend. Novali had been wanting to go see her in the hospital but of course she is too young to see someone in the ICU. Well Monday morning she passed on to be the lord, I knew her as well, but more importantly was glad that I was able to be there to help Tamara grieve, and that Tamara and I broke the news to Novali together. She took it well... it might hit her more later, she is still a little young t fully understand.

For Alma... who was a great friend to Tamara, always gave me a warm greeting, and was a great baby sitter and practically an aunt to little Novi... Rest In Peace. In all the tears this weekend I thought it was important to remember the good things... Alma always had a little something for Novali when she visited. Novali always had little toys she would say, "My friend Alma gave this to me." Thanks Alma.

There was good news in Chicago though over the weekend. The conference went very well, one of the most diverse conferences ever! I'd like to say I had something to do with it... but I know I at least have contributed. I am looking to try and get more involved in MGCA and fade a little from WRGA so I can give more time to one association. Other good news and fun was that Novi and I made JELLO! She had it at dinner on Sunday at the local Chinese place (her suggestion!) and I asked if she ever made it. She got excited when I told her we could make it at home! So we did.

For some reason she loves to get dressed up all the time. And of course pose with Nono.

Mixing the Jello. When we called Heather she explained to Heather how to make Jello.

She was so excited as we put in the fridge... she was not excited to learn it would take hours to sit.

We planned to have Jello for desert the following night when it was done..

We didn't have small bowls.. but these martini glasses matched the orange so we went for it.

The Lil Chef... taking her fancy desert to the table. Yum.

So I am back at 35k feet and right now I am blogging from my plane. I used to travel a lot more a few years back, and writing in planes and airports for some reason was always great inspiration for me. Either that or dedicated down time when I could relax and write. Lately not a lot of down time for me to relax and blogging has often become something brushed to the side. Especially now that most of my family emails, I don't have the need to update as much.

Anyhow this spring will be busy. I have a busy travel schedule lined up. With in the next three months I will be in San Francisco (en route now), couple trips to Chicago of course, Toledo, Iowa City, Washington DC, and Atlanta. This is excluding all my short trips planned to Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Saginaw (Kelly I am coming to visit!). Add up all the trips and its nearly every weekend, so either I am traveling for business or hanging out with Novali. I will rest this summer.

Wish me safe travels, say a prayer for Alma's family, and keep checking my site for updates... with all this traveling you get a few blogs a week!

My Little Philanthropist
During one of my holiday posts I wrote about Novali and our adventure to give to Toys for Tots. And how after donating at KMart, she made me give again at Circuit City. Well since then she has done can drives at school, and she explained to me how some people don't have food... and now she is doing a new program to raise money for the American Heart Association.

I figured I would post her link in case other people want to donate for her. The program is called "Jump Rope For Heart" and she is very excited about it. I think it sounds like a great program and please give a couple bucks if you can.

Jump Rope For Heart :: Novali

She just started the campaign and she is nearly at her goal. Thanks!

Da Bears
I am in Chicago during SuperBowl... but not cause of the Bears. If anything I am trying to avoid the Bears buzz... more then likely I will be leaving the city just a little before the game starts to try and avoid the traffic. I am in Chicago this weekend to hang out with Novali.

I arrived on Friday night and picked her up from her Abuela's house. She was all dressed up, she had wanted to be dressed up when her Papi arrived, too cute! We went home and played for a little bit and then got ready for bed. She wanted to sing some kareoke, I joined in during the song from Shrek 2 "Accidentally in Love" and was the drummer. She was fine with it, and even held the mic over for me sometimes. But then, during a Gwen Steffani song... she told me I could not be the drummer, I said why? Cause Gwen doesn't have a drummer! Too funny... I told her a story and put her to bed.

She wore a skirt! As we walked to the apartment she said, "Tights aren't very warm."

Here is the bookshelf her and I put together last time.

Her self we built and her letters and a pic of my parents.

Singing along with Gwen, hands on the hips. Future American Idol?

Saturday we slept in and then relaxed all day. We colored, ate pancakes, I flipped her around in the air, she took a bath until she was fully wrinkled, we used her new Curious George stamps, took a nap, did some crafts, watched TV... it was a fun day. The day flew by, and before you know it I was reading her a bedtime story again and tucking her in.

Playing with her new Curious George stamps.

Nothing beats an afternoon nap.

We did a craft, trying to teach how to copy a pattern from a box.

She got it... took a few tries, but we got it.

Sunday... back to Albion. Hopefully I get home in time to catch the end of the SuperBowl. It was my first road trip in my new car... I love the Altima, it was sad going to the dealer this week to sign a few more papers and seeing my Sentra with a pile of snow on top of her... all sad and abandoned. Getting a new car is fun... lately I been shopping and looking at ideas for the future of the car. This one will be with me for a long time...

There she is... the new 2.5S Altima. Alloy wheels, premium audio, and I just got her tinted.

The wood grain interior will be the first thing to go once the weather is warm enough for me to work on the car.

This week is going to be super busy for me, the busiest week of the year for me. I did the math and I will more then likely work between 70 to 80 hours this week from Monday to Sunday... WOW.

Wish me luck this week...

Birthday and New Car
January 28th is my Mom's Birthday. So of course I have to write and give my mom and birthday shot out. So for my mom.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I have a lot of things I can thank my mother for... but the most important is personal strength. I bet you all are saying... What's that? Well my mom has done a lot of things in her life. For a little red-haired white girl from Saginaw she got to do a lot of things in her life. She survived polio as a child, traveled to different countries, went to College, moved and settled far from home, married a guy who didn't speak English, and raised four crazy kids. I can only hope to be able to do half of the things in my life that my mother has done.

In the last 5 years... my mom survived cancer, and she barely blinked. Went home in record time, and never complained. She kept telling me how bad she felt that I left college for a few weeks to be there... "you don't have to be here...." She finished her Masters Degree, and then was surprised that her boys all came home from college to celebrate with her. Finally she has moved once again across the world... and is living in Bolivia. Despite the horrible heat... she is doing just fine and already planning her next trip to the USA.

Well Happy Birthday mom... you are the best role model and mom a guy could ask for. Thanks.

Final note... this weekend I got a new car. I traded my little Sentra for a nice Nissan Altima. Its a good four door family sedan. More leg room in the back for Novali, trunk room for family trips, and something that will last me a little longer. So now the big question is... what will I race this summer?

Holidays are over...
Well it was a great two weeks! I had Novali for 11 days and had a fantastic time. Spent a week in Chicago and shopped, visited with friends, shopped, and hung out with Novali. I spent Christmas in Chicago with the Gomez family and that was nice and relaxing. Andy flew into Chicago on December 27th and Novali and I picked him up and then drove to Albion. The following day we rolled to Gladwin to see my folks.

We had a great time at the lake. It meant sleeping in, or at least trying to with Novali waking up early. We relaxed, made trips to the store, did some ice skating, opened lots of presents and just had a good time with family relaxing and hanging out. Raquel came up with the girls and Dennis and we just enjoyed talking and hanging out. Novali and Valerie were really able to play together a lot, even with the extremely different energy levels!

I got to spend New Years in Bad Axe with Heather and Greg. We lounged, ate at Big Boy and just relaxed and rang in the near year on the sectional. I was looking at cars online and dreading the end of break and the fighting the weird desire people have to dream of great resolutions.

Below are a few pics from the holiday break. I posted a full gallery on Novalis website: Novi's Pics

Here are pics from the mosaic table Novali and I made:


Another project over break was building a bookshelf in her room:


In Gladwin we spent time with the Centellas family. Everyone was there but Miguel and Kate. The girls got tons of gifts!


Grandma planned a trip to take the girls skating. Valerie got frustrated, Novali went really slow but finally picked it up a little. It was a lot of fun.


After Novali's success at skating... we thought maybe she would like watching some hockey. She was slow to catch the game... but she loved the snacks.


Valerie's birthday in Jan 3rd. Everyone had to be back to work then, so we planned a birthday party for the 1st... unfortunately she caught the flu! Party was canceled...


Its sad that break is over. On the 2nd my parents drove out to Philly area with Andres and I took Novali back to Tamara. On the 3rd I had to be back to work and life would be back to some type of normalcy. This weekend my parents flew back to Bolivia (I still have not heard from them). We are working on plans for their next trip... and the potential for the first big Centellas gathering in Santa Cruz, possibly next Christmas. As we get older it is harder and harder for all of us to be together in one place... especially with us living in four different states and two countries.

Here's to the next Centellas Christmas Spectacular... and to hoping we can all be there.