That Design Guy

Cmon Spring get here already...

2012-01-27T14:34:00.001-02:00

Cmon Spring get here already..., a photo by erickpineda527 on Flickr.

We've been having some pretty dreary weather this past week and sitting in front of the computer and seeing it has been challenging. But literally a ray of hope came through the other day. What started out as another grey day ended up being sunny and warm. Woot!

I've been looking at my brown lawn and waiting patiently for spring to come around so I can immerse myself in landscaping again. I love it outdoors. I even preemptively seeded and fertilized over the winter break.

Lush, green grass all trimmed up and fresh. Flower beds cleaned of dead leaves. Trees starting to fill in. To me it's very intoxicating, Kinda like when I get a haircut or detail my car. Satisfying on so many levels. Hell I even got a nice postcard from property management end of last summer letting me know I've been doing good work! Validating indeed.

My biggest project this spring has to be building a new pergola piped with electrical and gas line. I've been doing some research and planning on best methods to construct this. It doesn't seem all that hard if you plan it properly (and have an extra set of hands). My buddy Carl wanted to do one, too. Being the ultra cool guy I am I offered to help him out. That way we can fix whatever we screw up on his and make sure we don't repeat it for mine!!!

Lowes are you ready? C'mon Spring! Get here already!

St. Augustine Lighthouse

2011-11-16T22:49:00.001-02:00

St. Augustine Lighthouse, a photo by erickpineda527 on Flickr.

Cable TV vs. Internet TV

2011-11-11T12:29:00.001-02:00

Recently Eleanor and I decided to downgrade our cable tv from Comcast - the fees and charges were ridiculous. With a landline, internet and a premium digital package we were paying almost $130 a month. RIDICULOUS. It would be justified if the system ran flawlessly, but it certainly was not. In our new, developing neighborhood the internet and cable services would just crap out at any given moment.

With a lot of my design work relying on the high speed internet this just frustrated the hell out of me. Some days my service would be out for half the day. I would also have to constantly reset my router to get it back up and running. If I called Comcast I would on occasion get prerecorded messages of services being temporarily down.

The landline was specifically added to accommodate a dedicated line to my job, but those calls were far and few between with the Florida and Arkansas offices. Mostly it was from solicitors (I briefly forgot why we even cancelled a landline in Florida in the first place). That line is long gone.

I'm not a huge watcher of daily shows or sitcoms. In fact, I can still watch episodes of Seinfeld when the mood hits and there's a chance I haven't even seen the episode before! I don't know any TV schedules of any particular show, nor am I aware of any new programming out there. Most of my viewing was centered around Travel Channel or Food Network. Sometimes the local news would be on. No Dancing With the Stars, no Survivor XVII, no Burn Notice, nada (although I did get hooked on The Walking Dead on AMC last season).

Eventually we downgraded to regular cable and now basic cable - all 15 channels we are "allowed" to watch. Almost half are dedicated to public access, shopping or spanish. I am not paying for that crap. So more than likely we are killing cable tv altogether. I do like watching the local news, but shouldn't that be free anyways?

So on a trial run I subscribed to Netflix. Not the full blown DVD package, but the instant queue for $8/month. I've always been a movie guy and the one saving grave to the digital Comcast package was the ability to watch boxing matches and newer movies on Pay-Per-View. But at $4 a view and $60 for a fight on top of the $130/month bill forget it! Keep yer damn digital package. Netflix for a short time offered a substantial library of movies, but like DVD rentals at a store, eventually you exhaust what you're interested in and the selection of "newer" movies disappears. What to do?

Instead I started trying foreign and indie films. WHOA. A whole world had opened up. The past three months have been a revelation in what American movies have been missing - telling a good story. So far I've actually been into Korean, Chinese and (surprise surprise) Eastern Indian films like Kingdom War 1 & 2, Chocolate and the Warlords. The production can be great and for the most part they rely on a good storyline, whereas American films rely on the absolute best CGI and production tricks to sell a film. I'm not turning my back on the big blockbuster - I do enjoy those. Just lately as I surf Apple for movie trailers I don't see much that's all that appealing. I hate the Twilight and Potter series. Action flicks aren't what they used to be (the Expendables, Fast & the Furious - pleh!) and the funny thing about comedies now are they just aren't all that funny (Hangover 2 - really?).

A recent purchase has been a Roku player to take advantage of my high-speed internet. Now I can get Netflix downstairs. I use the laptop so El and I can watch in bed and I have a Nintendo Wii to watch it in our Master Sitting Room. The only downfall is losing connection on a fairly regular basis - no faut of my wireless router, but of Comast constantly losing its signal. Once I research a less expensive carrier I'm switching. Comcast you blow. You can add more channels to the preloaded Roku, but honestly the ripoffs of Food Network and Travel channel are just plain terrible. What do you expect for free?

For anything I'm missing I can just log onto Hulu or the hosting cable network's own site to watch the latest episodes, but honestly I haven't been jonesing for anything in particular. One unexpected result has been me actually getting out of the house on a regular basis to explore Charleston and its surrounding areas more - that's a plus. No vegging out in front of a monitor unnecessarily. That's what I call a win-win situation.

The Man's "Little Black Dress"

2011-10-12T01:01:00.002-02:00

Of course, I'm not literally talking about "a little black dress", but rather the equivalent of it. I had to do some wardrobe updating today. It all started with Eleanor looking for something new to wear to Rya and Todd's upcoming wedding. I pushed her into getting a new "little black dress" and then followed it up by getting her some new black CK pumps (another classic must have for a woman). This, of course, led to picking up accessories and such. This led to her asking me, "what are you going to wear?"

Good question. Since the wedding is in the evening the smart play is to wear a dark suit and I just so happened to have a nice dark pinstripe Kenneth Cole Reaction suit I've been looking for an excuse to wear. This made me think about what to wear with it. Over the years I've gone through the standard style cues of trends of the time. This included the black on black/no tie option, the monochromatic shirt/tie combo (think maroon short/maroon tie, and so on), the suit jacket with jeans/I don't give a damn look, the texture on texture shirt/tie options and so forth. After giving it considerable thought I decided to not try and make a fashion statement and stick with a tried and true option - the white shirt.

Years ago, as a younger me, I would normally shun this option as being too vanilla. I'm a designer damn it and I need to show my more risky, creative side! No more. The last couple of years I've embraced that less is more with all that I do. I did purchase a nice Brooks Brothers version with french cuffs a few years ago during my cufflinks phase. It's a nice classic, cotton piece. Well made. Keeps its shape with no wrinkling. Spread collar. Simple and effective.

Eleanor made me go through all the options of the past that seemed to do well, but I kept going back to the white Brooks Brothers dealio. I paired it with a silver Calvin Klein tie to go with the dark pinstripe suite. Clean and modern. Out of curiosity I put said shirt with a couple of other suits/coats and ties for other upcoming occasions. Again nice results. So I'm sold.

A little older, but wiser I've embraced the man's version of the "little black dress" wholeheartedly. All those fashion experiments over the years and I have come back to the basics. Nothing beats the feel of a crisp, white shirt.

Alot has happened in the past 2 years...

2011-06-09T01:12:00.003-02:00

Alot has happened in the past 2 years..., a photo by erickpineda527 on Flickr.

Tonight I decided to water the garden and lawn by hand vs. using the sprinklers. It had been a long day and I guess I needed the quiet night air. Weird how a cool breeze after a long, hot day at dusk can put you somewhere else. It had got me thinking about the past two years and where I had been.

I missed alot of what I did on a regular basis as a way of journaling what had been going on with me and my family. TWO YEARS. I know I:

1. Missed putting entries into my blogger
2. Working with my hands (as evident by the sudden compulsion to immerse myself back into home projects)
3. Understand that I work hard (too hard sometimes?) and forget to take a breather
4. Glad to be back in Charleston closer the people that matter most to me
5. Am enjoying my weekends much more now that I... (see #3)
6. Am contemplating where my career will lead me to next (am I a designer or am i entrepreneurial restauanteur?)
7. That in some ways I still miss Florida (the Gulf beaches, the diversity of GOOD "hole-in-the-wall" eating joints)
8. How much has changed in my career so quickly

...amongst other things. SO what's the next logical thing to write about? How about where I left off after I resigned after 10 years at the Golf Channel.

1. I resigned TGC after 10 years of dedicated work to pursue and grow as a designer
2. Got hired on as art director for Caldwell Group during which time I immersed myself into rebranding and conceptualizing a whole new face for Golden Living.
3. 4 short months later after GL cut the budget from Caldwell I was hired on directly as their art director in which again I immersed myself into helping develop and grow a fledglling internal marketing department.
4. A year later because of personal reasons I decided to move my family back to Charleston, but not before informing my boss that I was thinking of resigning.
5. My boss then asked me to stay on board and work remotely from Charleston (to which I am currently doing)
6. I move to Charleston and sell my home in Orlando all in the very short span of two months later
7. I am back to my roots and quite happy.

There you go. So now about my family...
My wife, Eleanor, was offered two position before we moved to SC and chose to work with her old alma mater Medical University of South Carolina. We now have occasional weekends and nights together (we hadn't actually had any QT for the past 4-5 years after we had kids). My children, Isabella and Nicholas, are cute little knuckleheads whom I adore immensely. I consider myself quite lucky in this regard. They're fantastic kids. I still have my old pal, Bailey, with me. He's been a good dog despite that we don't quite give him the attention we lavished upon him in Florida prior to us having children. Poor guy.

Lately, I've been doing some research in two areas of interest regarding my career. Do I continue on in the field of design (starting over here in SC)? Do I go back to agency life? Do I go freelance? Do I start my own studio? I've got the equipment. I've got the experience, knowledge and skill. I've got the desire to do so.

OR

do I continue exploring my other love - cooking? Anyone who has followed this blog knows my past history and dreams of reactivating my passion in the hospitality field. I have a plan in mind. I've got a solid concept and partners in the wait. It's currently in the planning/development stage. Can;t say what is yet lest I jinx myself.

Ahhh choices, choices, choices. The next question is will I continue down this path of blogging??? I used to enjoy (maybe I still do), but my time to devote to something like this is already limited. I use(d) Facebook, but it's become something of a passing novelty now. I even "cleaned house" a few months ago of "friends" and left only the ones I actually still read or communicate with on a somewhat frequent basis. Social media has its place, but I find it tempting to pull the cord on my FB. There's something liberating about minimizing my personal memos out in cyber land and only including those who know where to find me (here, for example).

Facebook has become MySpace. I don't "collect" friends. I no longer need to validate my existence by having 350+ "friends". Who the hell actually KNOWS that many people? I can count my closest friends on my toes and fingers - not including family and relatives, of course. So overrated.

Alright maybe I will get back in the habit of posting my photos and memoirs here instead of blabbing it out on FB all the time. I kinda miss the nightly ritual of getting on here and just writing whatever...

Okay...I am officially a fan.

2009-12-14T14:23:00.003-02:00

It started out as research for a website design on Google, which led me to this site, which led me to just read a sampling of his blog, which led me to become a fan of his blog. You rock, Dave Mance.

A sample entry for your reading delight...

Creative cleansing

Is it just me or is anyone else finding it increasingly difficult to get work through?

Presumably this is a result of the recession and clients being more cautious with their budget. Whatever it is, I’m finding I have to do increasingly demeaning and sordid things to sell stuff in.

It’s got so bad now that Mrs RMWLC always knows when I’m presenting work because I’ll leave the house in tight shorts and a low-cut top.

Which is fine except I’m beginning to wonder how much further I can go. Even as I type this I’m sat at my desk in nothing but a negligee and it’s well draughty I can tell you.

But those I present to are constantly baying for more, licking their lips then dropping pens on the floor and demanding I slowly pick them up going “oooh ahhh”.

So what’s the answer?

The more I think about it, the more I believe that this is a time when our industry needs a new breed of creative. One that is less focussed on the work and more focussed on pointing at it seductively and pouting.

You can see things are already going that way. Junior creatives today are at least 10% better looking than their counterparts from a couple of years ago. And students now are generally expected to include a few glamour shots in their books. Otherwise, how does the CD know what you’re capable of?

But is there an ugly side to the beautiful creative department?

Of course we're told there’s still a place for the old-fashioned ugly, talented creative in the modern agency. What they don't mention is that that place is generally dark and windowless.

Here at Partners, we use the bike storage facility. Briefs are simply slipped under the door and scamps are passed back a few hours later. Then, the more aesthetically-pleasing creatives can present the work and our creative Quasimodos can do their job without scaring clients or small children.

But I can't help worrying there's a price to all this. Once I lose my youthful good looks and my firm thighs have begun to sag, will I also be cast into the darkness? Anyone?
Posted by real men write long copy at 12:45 PM 1 comments Links to this post

Looking back briefly.

2009-12-10T12:33:00.001-02:00

First Born
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Going thru some older digital memory cards at work this morning and I found this picture. I'll always remember this moment - the look on Eleanor's face right after Isabella was born. Of course, we were both so happy and excited about Isa being born, but it was how beautiful and content El looked holding her first baby. I don't think I could ever catch another moment that will strike me as much.

Isa was awake for almost 2 hours looking around the room - not crying - but soaking in everything around her. I knew El wanted this moment so much. I was glad to have captured it.

New Shoes for the G35

2009-12-01T23:10:00.001-02:00

G35 Gets A New Look
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

As a 10 Year Anniversary gift Eleanor bought me these brand new rims for my ride. I later bought Yokohamas to pimp them out. I felt after all my hard work the past 2 years I wanted to treat myself to some feel-good time. I dig em. Not too flashy, but just enough to make them not look stock. Sick.

Happy 1st Birthday Nicholas!

2009-12-01T23:06:00.003-02:00

Lolo and Lola Succumb to Nico Boy's Charms
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

On the fly Eleanor and I were able to plan a nice weekend for my parents and Cher and her son, Gabriel's, visit to Orlando. Since they had to leave suddenly after Nico got sick over Father's Day weekend I had hoped to have a redo of the Silver Springs trip.

2009-12-01T23:06:00.001-02:00

Macaroni Grill
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-12-01T23:05:00.001-02:00

Macaroni Grill
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Also, it would give us a chance to celebrate Nico's first birthday early with his Lolo and Lola. Upon arrival we had a nice dinner at Macaroni Grill (which my dad loved) and then some shopping for the kids with Cher at an outlet mall

2009-12-01T23:04:00.001-02:00

Orlando Science Museum
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Friday El took them to the Orlando Science Center.

2009-12-01T23:03:00.003-02:00

New Smyrna Beach
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

By Saturday I had hoped to take them all to Silver Springs for the day, but a hard rain deterred us. Instead we wound up at New Smyrna Beach to let everyone enjoy the water and sun. The storm was heading north and we were far enough south of Daytona to enjoy an afternoon there.

2009-12-01T23:03:00.001-02:00

Grandkids
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-12-01T23:02:00.001-02:00

Underoo Crew
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

These two are pretty inseparable...

2009-12-01T23:01:00.001-02:00

Lolo & Lola = Toys•R•Us
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

After a few hours at the beach the grandparents treated the kids out to Toys R Us.

2009-12-01T23:00:00.005-02:00

The Setup
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

By evening we were wore out, but I still had to plan out a quick bithday party for Nico Boy on Sunday.

2009-12-01T23:00:00.003-02:00

Nico Boy's 1st Bday
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-12-01T23:00:00.001-02:00

Opening Gifts
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-12-01T22:59:00.001-02:00

Hooray!
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-12-01T22:58:00.003-02:00

Digging In
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

El had ordered a sweet cake from Publix with old school clowns and a train set.

2009-12-01T22:58:00.001-02:00

You Can NEVER Say "Hooray" Too Many Times
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Uncle Ricky sent a killer Batman suit for Nicholas which we let him wear at his party.

2009-12-01T22:57:00.003-02:00

Singed Eyebrows
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

I still can't believe our little Nico Boy has already turned 1! He's an amazing little guy. Cheerful and easy to take care of. His birthday was simple enough as all three kids seemed to enjoy the birthday.

2009-12-01T22:57:00.001-02:00

Birthday Cake
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

We were all pretty content just watching Isa, Gabriel and Nicholas run around playing with all the toys, balloons and diving into the cake. I was just glad to see family able to celebrate with us.

2009-12-01T22:56:00.001-02:00

Birthday Cake
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

We were all pretty content just watching Isa, Gabriel and Nicholas run around playing with all the toys, balloons and diving into the cake. I was just glad to see family able to celebrate with us.

Let's start from the top shall we?

2009-12-01T22:44:00.003-02:00

Adios!
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

*the Reader's Digest Condensed Version no less...

So after 9 years of working for Golf Channel I had been playing with the idea of seeing what else what out there. I wasn't exactly looking for a job, but thru a series of lunch conversations and keeping in touch with people I was able to interview with a small boutique agency nearby that was in the market to create a design team for their Orlando office.

I quickly got my resume and portfolio together and met with said agency. We talked a few times over the course of a month and got along great! I was so used to the Comcast corporate monster mentality that a new environment was a much needed change of pace for me. Plus I was burned out of doing golf related design and animation.

Short story shorter I put in my resignation quietly to my boss Al Lagor. I pretty much kept it to myself for the remaining two weeks I was to be there. Eventually I told a couple of key people in my department my plan, but wanted to keep my exodus fairly lowkey. Of course, eventually somehow the news made its way around different departments all over the company - not saying it was these few key people. I seriously doubt they would do that. No it was some other unnamed source.

Plus I really didn't care to share great news like this with certain individuals in the group, whom I could give a crap about (tell us how you really feel Erick!). So slowly I told those who hadn't heard thru the grapevine yet. I really wanted to show my appreciation to the guys who supported me during my "learning-tv-animation-on-the -fly" period by taking them out to lunch individually.

Al had been a great boss, but I felt my career was taking another turn and I knew my choices would be limited there. Hughes taught me alot about the production end and how to shoot from the hip. Nasso and Van Horn were great examples of 2d and 3d artists who had a real passion for what they did. Hawkman and Brad made learning fun again. Even Emily, the freelancer, would be missed. No more all night conversations about demon-possessed top chefs.

Those two weeks I could slowly feel the weight of almost 10 years of Golf Channel slowly coming off my shoulders. I was excited about my new Art Director position at Caldwell Group. Sheri had been very accommodating to me and those first couple of months were grueling, but also very satisfying in a way I hadn't felt at Golf Channel in a long, long time.

I was charged with concepting and developing the new marketing look and feel with their largest client including the campaign to launch their brand, spanking new state-of-art rehab center. Exciting times. At the end of my three month period I was tired, but very pleased with what I had accomplished.

Things have slowed down for me to a nice pace at the agency and I'm settling into my role. My doctor said my blood pressure was up during that three month period, but was now even lower than it ever was previously. I enjoy the new work atmosphere, I feel good about the work I crank out, my colleagues are great people and now that my office is almost completely set up I am easing into my routine. I haven't had my own office since my earlier agency days so it's become almost therapeutic to make my little part of the world cozy and cool.

It's been a busy season. Pictures of the new digs to come soon!

I'm in over my head...

2009-12-01T22:14:00.002-02:00

So much to do, so much to say, so much to post. Holy crap talk about getting getting overloaded with so much that you are floundering. I know I know. I keep saying it over and over and over, but I WILL GET THOS BLOG updated. Maybe next year. Nooooo....

I'll get there, but there's been so many great things happening and so much news to share. Where do I start? Oh I know where...

Nocturnal.

2009-11-03T06:06:00.003-02:00

snoozy
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

(Not so uncommon for me nowadays) I awoke from my sleep on the couch to find the house quiet, late at night with everyone off to bed. Isa has made it a habit now to sleep in our bed, which I both hate/love. There's something nice at night feeling little feet in your face or having her little hand draped over my neck. But in the morning when they awake it's not so cool to have someone in your ear loudly asking for "chocolate milk" or to "watch cartoons".

Tonight, though, I sleepily got off the couch to walk over to the kids room. It was almost 2am and just wanted to peek over to see how they were (my nightly ritual). Isa, of course, had ignored my warning to stay in her bed and was missing from the room - she's in our bed passed out with her mom. Nico Boy, on the other hand, is sound asleep with his shirt slightly tossed up and his belly poking out.

2009-11-03T06:06:00.001-02:00

snoozy
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Against all better judgement I couldn't resist picking him up and holding him in my office chair as he snoozed on my shoulder. I know the next morning before I head out the door to work he'll greet me with a smile and a "da!" For now I'm pretty content just holding him. It's dark in the room. The ceiling fan quietly spins blowing a lazy breeze. His hand is draped on my neck and he stirs for a moment to look at me and then settles his head back onto my shoulder as I rub his back. I can feel his warm belly against my chest as he snores quietly in my ear. This is probably one of the more satisfying moments I can remember recently.

Whodathunk that I'd be a complete sucker for a couple of little kids who constantly needed their butts wiped, toys cleaned up after, and monitored like a hawk at all moments? I was the last person 10 years ago. The things they say, the things they do, watching them grow impress me daily. At night watching them sleep, though, makes me feel complete.

Show Off

2009-10-23T17:36:00.001-02:00

Little Buddha
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

I know I'm biased, but damn this kid is cute! Taken a couple of weeks ago when I was changing Nico Boy's diapers he surprised me by standing straight up while I reached over to grab a wipe for his butt one morning.

This is probably one of those photos he'll hate me for later for posting for all to see. Either way my little boy is growing up!

Where the Wild Things Are

2009-10-23T01:52:00.001-02:00

Where the Wild Things Are
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

As a small boy I've always loved this book. It's one of the first book I read that had illustrations that really appealed to me. I guess I could relate to Max's naughty and imaginative nature. It's probably one of the things that led me to really get into fine art and thus into art direction and design. I even (sheepishly) admit to indulging myself into Todd McFarlane's Where the Wild Things Are figures a few years ago. I also admit to exposing my children to anything that held fond memories for me as a child - Disney World, Sinatra and Nat King Cole, drawing and painting, whatever.

I was pretty stoked to hear that Where the Wild Things Are was going to be made into a movie awhile back. After the movie opening a couple of weeks ago El had been prepping Isa by reading her the book before bed for the past two weeks. This is the same thing we did when Pixar's Wall-E was about to come out to help familiarize herself to it. Same goes for Disney. Anyways, it was a great way to get her to watch something I personally wanted to see without her losing interest or getting fidgety in the theater (yes...I work that way).

This morning I went to her room to find her "reading" the book to herself. Tonight was the night! After work we had a tasty anitpasto dinner El prepared and drove the kids out to see it. Spike Jonze's version of it remained true to the book imagery. Even Max was spot on to how I thought he should be although a little older. Nico was passed out, but Isa held her attention for the most part. I thought it was GREAT. Definitely a little more (surprisingly) graphic than I imagined at times but still true to form. I thought Spike managed to successfully "extend" the movie out - a difficult task considering the actual length of Maurice Sendak's book. The Wild Things even got a little scary at times with what they were capable of doing. Overall, great flick. Just not necessarily a kid flick - just a flick about a kid.

It's Official Now...Fall is Upon Us.

2009-10-23T01:51:00.003-02:00

Pumpkin Patch 2009
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

We've kind of made it a tradition with us to kick off the cooler season by taking the kid(s) every year to the Celebration's Pumpkin Patch for photo ops and to take in some nice, cool(er) night air. This being Nicholas' first year we were able to capture some moments. As Isabella gets older she has grown to appreciate these types of things more.

2009-10-23T01:51:00.001-02:00

Isa and Giant Pumpkin
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-10-23T01:50:00.005-02:00

Poseur
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

She has definitely become more sociable with people. Before she would be shyer around most people with the exception of anyone who seemed like a "mom-type". Now she talks to everyone. She's even started to warm up again to her daddy's camera and would throw in a pose or two if coerced with the proper reward. Ice cream afterwards perhaps.

2009-10-23T01:50:00.003-02:00

It's the Great Pumpkin Nico Boy!
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Nico Boy on the other hand is a true natural and seems to just enjoy being around new environments and experiences. Such a simple, happy boy he's always been very easy to please and I've discovered that he cries if he thinks you're mad at him. This, of course, is easy pickings when I want to see how cute he is when he's upset (sadistic - I know).

2009-10-23T01:50:00.001-02:00

Pumpkin Patch 2009
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-10-23T01:49:00.001-02:00

Pumpkin Patch 2009
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

After the pumpkin patch we enjoyed a nice dinner al fresca at the Celebration Diner. Food is okay and service is always better than average - the relaxing atmosphere is what I come here for on evenings like this. I think everyone enjoyed themselves as much as I did.

Chasing My Tail

2009-10-18T03:48:00.002-02:00

That's what it's been feeling like these past few months. So much has been going on and I want to write about it, but things have been too busy to even do that. I've spent a few hours writing here and there and even have new photos ready to go. Just when I think I can sit down and collect my thoughts something new happens. Good and bad. A lot of new developments in my life and I need to get cracking on it before I start to lose any kind of chronological order to it. I'll get there I know it. Just need to focus...

Amidst all the stress there is still light at the end of the tunnel. Nooo not that light...

2009-07-19T10:59:00.001-02:00

This weekend was a productive one. There's lots to be done at the house, but oddly enough it's the kind of work that makes me feel that I'm in control again. Too many things have been happening that has made me edgy and confrontational. Cross me the wrong way I was likely to get in your face and start smacking you around. I'm not talking about my family : )

This weekend was a project weekend. Fix the electrical wiring on the dishwasher, put the aquarium back together, clear out my old clothes (who am I kidding? They're too small now!), and general cleaning which managed to do alot of - I was just finishing the last touches. For weeks I've been resodding the front lawn and both cars got a much needed cleaning. El cleared out stuff waiting for a pickup out of our garage so we reclaimed that space. Carpets were steamed, computers were back online. More things to check off the mental laundry list. It felt good. Oh and I made El very happy by working on a new dish she loved. So much, in fact, she asked me to make it again Sunday night as well - spicy shrimp & grits. A twist of a southern dish and Vickery's Seaffod Saute with an asian twist. A little smoked paprika, siracha, creamy slow cooked grits and sweet white shrimp...mmm.

And just like paid tv advertising I can blurt out "BUT WAIT! There's more!" I got a call last week that certainly lifted my spirits. Another project I've been "working" on that also solves one of my biggest headaches. That story will play out soon enough. Slowly, but surely, our lives will straighten out the messes and we can get back to being a normal family again.

As we sipped on a beer after a long, hard weekend El and I relaxed in our family room with the lights out listening to some music and watching the fish in the newly stocked and cleaned tank. I can only think of the day's events with the kids. Those two knuckleheads only make me smile. Sure I get mad sometimes, but I love them. Nico Boy's smile and twinkling eyes makes me laugh, especially when he stands at his crib in the morning to greet me. His new learned thing is to wave at you and say in his quiet, husky voice "hiiiii"! His mother gave him a new nickname, "Killik Boy". The name has stuck and my parents have adopted it as well for him. In our weird filipino family slang language it roughly means "He Who Wants You To Carry Him Everywhere".

His big sister loves to goad him into screaming matches with her. Isabella's vocabulary has expanded greatly. Her baby talk is almost completely gone now. She surprised me this weekend when I was upset with her for being too rough with Nicholas. She looked at me later and said "I'm sorry you're mad at me, daddy". She then hugged my leg and kissed me. Then she kissed her brother and gave him a big hug and said "I'm sorry Nicholas". How could I be angry with THAT???

Later on she realized her beloved bunny was missing and accusingly said " Daddy did you take bunny? DID YOU???" Yes I did. He was being washed and I pulled him out of dryer to give to her. She squealed happily, kissed him on the nose and promptly flipped him over and asked me "Is this bunny's butt"? Hahaha! What a clown.

I feel pretty good.

It's Been A Rough Season

2009-07-19T10:29:00.001-02:00

It's been a rough season. One incident after another for us. Just can't seem to catch a break. No matter how hard El and I try to save some money or get something accomplished our plans are thwarted by some assclown(s), which in turn costs us more money.

Over a week ago I got a call around lunchtime from a hysterical wife. All I heard was "there are men in the house!" WTF?!? I dashed out of work and told her to get out of the house. By the time I got there police were going through the house to make sure no one was still around and people were being questioned.

As Eleanor was pulling into our driveway with the kids a van was sitting there. She pulls up and he backs out with a nod to her. She thinks it's someone who got lost and was turning around. Turns out he was the getaway driver/lookout and two other a$$h*les broke in thru our french doors to rob the place. Also turns out that they were doing this to alot of homes over a long period of time. All three had spent time previously for drugs and burglary.

Our house was ransacked. El came home to find our electronics piled up by the front door inside. With the two kids in hand it was lucky she didn't run into the culprits. What they did manage to take was all the high end jewelry, a laptop and some other small electronics. El was pretty devastated and I was ready to kill someone.

Luckily neighbors were able to get a plate number and ID the bad guys. Thursday they were arrested for breaking into another home. While they are still in jail our lives have been a mess. They'll be out in a few years to terrorize more people I'm sure. Unfortunately the law works for criminals like these guys as well. If it's drugs they want. I say save us the money, time and resources. Lock them in a room with all the drugs they want and let them kill themselves. They're just a waste of space.

Bunny's Adventure

2009-06-29T18:44:00.003-02:00

That Isa Pisa will never learn not to bring Bunny with her on trips. By sheer luck and Daddy running around trying to get the kids to their latest doctor's appointment in MetroWest Isa snuck her beloved Bunny into the car and into the doctor's office without me noticing. At least I didn't notice until we were already there. And, of course, she forgot it sitting on a bench or the floor during Nico's checkup. It wasn't until alter that evening before bed that she "couldn't find Bunny". Backtracking I remembered seeing it last at the pediatrician's - she insisted it must still be in the SUV. Tired already from rushing around I wasn't jumping thru hoops to rush and retrieve him. I had to make up some cockamamie story about how she left him and he was crying and sitting alone at the doctor's in the dark - he'd have to make his way home on the mean streets of Orlando!

At lunch today I drove out to get her precious Bunny, whom she kept asking for all weekend. I thought it might build some excitement for her as I kept texting her mom "snapshots" of Bunny making his way home. First, it was leaving the pediatrician's to get to a bus stop, which he rode all the way to daddy's office. Then he had to make the trek in the hot sun stopping momentarily to get a drink and sit in some shade. Afterwards, he chilled at daddy's office in some A/C to catch a ride the rest of the way home. And lastly. in the safety of his bed waiting for his absent-minded pal, Isa.

That Isa...

2009-06-29T18:43:00.007-02:00

Reception Room
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-29T18:43:00.005-02:00

Bus Stop
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-29T18:43:00.003-02:00

Bus Seat
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-29T18:43:00.001-02:00

Walking Down Street
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-29T18:42:00.007-02:00

Hot Day
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-29T18:42:00.005-02:00

Computer Desk
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-29T18:42:00.003-02:00

Front Door
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-29T18:42:00.001-02:00

Bed
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

A Tribute To A True Genius

2009-06-29T13:46:00.002-02:00

So I know it's overkill at this point, but it's worthy of a mention at least. The world (or at least Floridians) were shocked to learn that a 21st century icon passed away recently. Billy Mays, of OxiClean fame (amongst others), was found unresponsive at his Tampa home Sunday. I was actually a fan of his new show, Pitchmen, on Discovery Channel. His loud persona was easily recognizable to millions of people from his As Seen on TV products. Not trying to make light of the situation since we've recently experienced alot of tragedies recently, but this clip was found on YouTube. Just thought a little laughter might help. It's brilliant.

Oh and Tito (or was it Jermaine?) passed away, too, in case you haven't heard...

Time Flies When You're Getting Old...

2009-06-28T13:27:00.001-02:00

Pals
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

I was just struck by how fast time has gone by with the addition of the two little ones. I would've never thought that I would be the father of two great kids. The house can get quite messy with toys and books everywhere. The TV is always turned to Disney or Cartoon Network. The diaper pail never fails to make me gag. I wash poop and urine with an ungloved hand. I get very little sleep compared to a few years ago. I don't get to do hardly any of the things that I used to love doing and my once decent paycheck never seems to last as long as it used to - it goes to formula, Dora Campbell Soups, diapers, kid's clothing and the occasional toy. I don't mind any of it...much. LOL!

2009-06-28T13:26:00.000-02:00

Twinkle Twinkle
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

In the last couple of months my kid's have transformed exponentially and I'm glad to have caught most of it. Isabella's vocabulary has grown tremendously and I tend to forget that she's not even three yet. She seems wise for her age, although that naughtiness of a little girl is still there. She remembers things more and is starting to realize what is right and wrong. Her manners can get be spot on or nonexistent - it all depends on if she's had a nap. She can be very helpful (one time at dinner she offered to set the table with napkins and paper plates). Her little hands have a tendency to knock things over to spill, but I give her the pat on the back for effort. She's very affectionate and has this kooky sense of humor (wonder where she gets that?) and people and other little kids gravitate towards her.

2009-06-28T13:25:00.006-02:00

TV Junkie
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Nicholas is more the opposite of his sister. He's very easy going and doesn't seem to let his emotions get the best of him. Even when he's sick he still finds the strength to smile and when he does there's a definite twinkle in his eye. He's got a nice shaped head - a byproduct of a very fast delivery I imagine (5 minutes). His goofy little smile displays two bottom teeth and his laugh is addictive. He's got a HUGE appetite and will grow to be pretty strong. He'll end up being the big little brother. He's recently learned to stand up by pulling himself up at not even 10 months old yet. Since discovering he can coordinate his arms and legs he is everywhere.

2009-06-28T13:24:00.002-02:00

Setting the Table
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Top 5 New Developments of Isabella

1.) Speaks ALOT, but is still shy around people.
2.) Her memory of lessons is retained more easily
3.) Has taken on more of the big sister role ("Don't cry Nico", "Don't touch Nico! Here take this!", "Aaww...(kissing Nico on the cheek)"
4.) More helpful..,when the mood strikes her or ice cream is involved
5.) Negotiates EVERYTHING with her parents first

2009-06-28T13:24:00.001-02:00

Standing Nico Boy
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Top 5 New Developments of Nico Boy

1.) Can pull himself up to standing now
2.) Usually very happy and easy to smile and laugh
3.) Hustles everywhere on hands and knees
4.) Starting to be quite the clothes horse like his big sister
5.) Learned to say "Da!" first before "Ma!" (order of importance is key here)

24 Hour Pharmacy My Ass...

2009-06-18T21:03:00.001-02:00

Sick Nico
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

I can count about 4-5 CVS Pharmacys in a 2 mile radius around our house that opened within the last year or so (an that's not including the 3 Walgreens directly across the street from them). Two of which are 24 hour locations. 24 hour my ass. Glad to see that CVS has dumped millions of dollars into opening so many stinking locations near us and aren't even available when you really need them. Hey CVS how are all your layoffs going? I'm sure the money wasted opening all those useless locations are really making your shareholders really happy.

Some pitiful high school kids are sitting in there right now doing absolutely nothing while getting paid minimum wage to ring up the one drunk a$$hole that shows up for his cigarettes, Rockstar energy drink and Doritoes at 3:30 am. Way to go CVS for the poor money and time mismanagement.

Once again my little boy has a fever from a respiratory infection from his crappy daycare. I had to leave work early at rush hour, drive past downtown, pick him up and his sister, drive all the way to the doctor's office in Metrowest, leave an hour later to drive thru a hard thunderstorm to let my parents in the house who drove down from SC to visit, treat my son with the nebulizer every 4 hours throughout the night and get up at 4am to refill his samples from the doctor before he had to go back for his appointment at 1:45pm only to find out that the 24 hour CVS Pharmacy is CLOSED until 8am. You dickheads.

Don't mind me. I'm just tired and cranky.

•UPDATE•

We got back from his 2nd doctor's appointment ...What was supposed to be a nice Father's Day weekend was quickly interrupted by Nico's unfortunate bout with Influenza A or as the doctor put it "flu season is over so it's safe to say it's Swine Flu." The doctor said the CDC has loosened up their belt on submitting samples for swine flu testing.Treatments for both types of flu are the same and he seems to be making a turn for the better after his steroid shot. After about 2 1/2 days his fever has broken and he has gotten much of his appetite back, although he still has the nasty, wet cough that we can't seem to shake despite our best efforts with the nebulizer every 4 hours. We're both pretty exhausted.

Eleanor (thankfully and unfortunately) had to cancel her trip to Connecticut to see her sister's new baby girl, Mia. Sorry Lalaine and Joe. We had to eat the cost of much of the plane ticket - even with a medical emergency such as this it's nice to know that the airlines still have their hands out for money. Also, we had to eat the cost of about $350 of medications for Tamiflu and my parents were forced to go back to SC after only two days because of dad's heart condition - if he caught the flu it would be doubly hard for him to recover well from it. So sorry mom and dad. I know it was a tough decision to leave, but it really was for the best. I wish we could've spent more time together.

Our planned trip to SIlver Springs and the Sunday cookout is obviously cancelled. The biggest news now is that Eleanor and I have decided to cancel the kids daycare. It just isn't worth it to see Nicholas so sick all the time. We'll just have to tighten the financial belt even more as El will be forced to go back to being part-time at the hospital. Tomorrow I pick up their belongings at the daycare. Good riddance!

I just hope we get good news from the doctor tomorrow afternoon about Nico's condition.

Birthday/ Memorial Day Week

2009-06-18T20:38:00.001-02:00

IMG_2494
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

I'll never second guess El again about planning a trip. Weeks prior to the said weekend event she had been asking me what I wanted to do or where to go. I did want to take advantage of the long holiday weekend, but I was trying to make smart decisions about money spending. Things have been tight and I didn't want to shoot ourselves in the foot financially speaking, but we REALLY needed to take some time off. Not including day trips here and there and the occasional weekender to Charleston we really hadn't been anywhere in over two years.

2009-06-18T20:37:00.003-02:00

IMG_2478
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

It certainly would've been great to get out of our routine and step away from the day-to-day. After giving her a hard time (with the bad rainy weather we'd been having for weeks) she pulled the trigger on a beach condo in Siesta Key. Memorial Weekend, summer break for kids, extremely rainy weather - I wasn't expecting much, but anytime away from Orlando would be a nice change of pace. I even planned B'd alot of other things to do there in case it poured cats and dogs (as I expected). I was going to make the most of the trip.

2009-06-18T20:37:00.001-02:00

IMG_2387
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Two days prior we shopped out our "supplies" for the 4 days at the beach. It took a long time to get the truck packed the night before...chairs, coolers, luggage, toys, backpacks, and every other "necessity" you could think of. By the time I was done it looked like we were going for a month, not 4 days. With two little kids I figured it best to do breakfast every morning at the condo and spend the lunches and dinners out. This way we could spend every morning in the water and sand before it filled up with all the hungover fools from the night before and do the sightseeing while everyone was at the beach.

2009-06-18T20:36:00.003-02:00

IMG_2388
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

A quick, sunny drive along the Gulf of Mexico Saturday morning foreshadowed good weather despite what weather reports said. No traffic, no rain, no holdups. Perfect. We reached the Palm Bay Club in two hours. We checked in to the condo and I unloaded the MDX in FOUR trips. Yeesh.

IMG_2400

2009-06-18T20:36:00.001-02:00

IMG_2400
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

The view was terrific, though, on the seventh floor. We quickly changed into bathing suits and brought our beach gear down to the beach. Even for it being after 3pm the private beach wasn't crazy crowded, the water was warm and the sand like powder. I could get used to this.

2009-06-18T20:34:00.001-02:00

IMG_2468
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Sitting under the shade of the beach umbrella the kids were able to enjoy the warm weather without getting too much sun. A few dips in the water and I was able to almost snooze on the lounger the resort area provided.

2009-06-18T20:33:00.003-02:00

IMG_2405
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-18T20:33:00.001-02:00

IMG_2406
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-18T20:32:00.003-02:00

IMG_2436
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-18T20:32:00.001-02:00

IMG_2450
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

"Isa you're getting so dark! Nobody will want to marry you!"

2009-06-18T20:31:00.003-02:00

IMG_2486
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

By 7pm I figured it time to clean up and make or way to dinner in "downtown" Siesta Key Village.

2009-06-18T20:31:00.001-02:00

IMG_2487
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

El and I celebrated our first real vacation evening with the kids by sipping a little red wine and relaxing in front of the TV while the kids slept. Simple things really...

2009-06-14T18:34:00.001-02:00

Siesta Key
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-14T18:33:00.005-02:00

Nico Is Pooped
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-14T18:33:00.003-02:00

Siesta Key
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-14T18:33:00.001-02:00

Siesta Key
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

The next few days were just like this. In bed fairly early (before midnight) and up at the crack of dawn to make breakfast and dress the kids, enjoy the beach and see what the evening had in store for us. We even managed to do some of the Plan B stuff when the sun got too hot to lay out.

This included Mote Aquarium which was not even close to crowded. Shark tanks, dolphins, loggerhead turtles, learning exhibits and plenty of fish - we squeezed it all in 2 hours before heading out to dinner at Chart House. It was El's birthday dinner for me - really nice place with fresh seafood.

2009-06-14T18:32:00.001-02:00

Me & Isa's Alligator Sand Sculpture
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

My first attempt at a sand sculpture. It was supposed to be a little project for me and Isa to work on together, but she seemed more interested in trying to smash his nose in. Isa don't touch! It's not for you! Oh wait...it was...

2009-06-14T18:30:00.001-02:00

Isa & Mini Circus Model
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Another afternoon was spent at the Ringling Museum, of the Ringling Bros fame. I thought Isa would really dig this (which she did), but so did I. One of the standout exhibits was a gigantic scale model of a miniature circus. INCREDIBLE.

2009-06-14T18:29:00.001-02:00

Mini Circus Model
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

The museum dedicated an entire building to it which allowed viewers to see it from all angles and from above. The lights even dimmed to mimic evenings.

2009-06-14T18:28:00.003-02:00

Mini Circus Model
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-14T18:28:00.001-02:00

Mini Circus Model
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-14T18:27:00.003-02:00

Mini Circus Model
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-14T18:27:00.001-02:00

Mini Circus Model
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Trains, fairgrounds, living quarters and, of course, The Big Top itself. I could've easily spent hours photographing this area. There was so much detail involved with the model - it took about 50 years to collect and assemble.

2009-06-14T18:26:00.005-02:00

Ringling Circus Museum
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-14T18:26:00.003-02:00

Ringling Circus Museum
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Another building also featured artifacts from the traveling circus itself. I thought one of the coolest parts was John and Mabel Ringling's car train with their living quarters. I was surprised to see how cramped, although nicely decored, it was.

2009-06-14T18:25:00.001-02:00

Ringling Circus Museum
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Uuuh Isa...the sign says "Do not touch". I know you love carousels and horsies. Just cos you're two and can't read yet is no excuse...

2009-06-14T18:24:00.001-02:00

Fun Mirrors
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Isa thought it was great fun to stare at herself in the old Funhouse Mirrors. And I thought my daughter couldn't possibly look any shorter than she already is!

2009-06-14T18:22:00.009-02:00

Ringling Circus Museum
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

The museum actively restored the pieces with carpenters and woodworkers and even had carving classes that people could join in on to recreate wooden ride pieces.

2009-06-14T18:22:00.005-02:00

Ringling Mansion
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-14T18:21:00.003-02:00

Ringling Mansion
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Sitting on the water the place was huge (over 15,000 sq ft). As beautiful as it was I learned from various people working there that the Ringling's actually died paupers.

2009-06-14T18:21:00.001-02:00

Ringling Mansion
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Owing so much money in backtaxes the government was actually going to seize the house and lands as payment, but the Ringling's passed away before it could be settled.

2009-06-14T18:20:00.003-02:00

Ringling Mansion
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-14T18:20:00.001-02:00

Ringling Mansion
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Having no children of their own they willed the property to the state. Now as a government run museum it's beautifully maintained and still sponsors the performing arts. Definitely worth the trip to Sarasota to visit.

2009-06-14T18:19:00.001-02:00

Rain Coming Home
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

So it DID finally rain...on the way home no less. Someone was definitely looking out for us. Thank you!

2009-06-14T18:17:00.005-02:00

El's Birthday Dinner
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

On my actual birthday she even found the time to prepare a nice dinner complete with dessert. She had been probing me what my favorite foods were. How could I pick just ONE??? To make sure she hit the mark she prepared a pancetta wrapped roasted pork loin with capers over fresh spinach AND citrus stuffed gamebirds. Mmmm.

2009-06-14T18:17:00.003-02:00

Citrus Stuffed Cornish Hens
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-14T18:17:00.001-02:00

Pancetta Wrapped Pork Tenderloin over Wilted Spinach
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

2009-06-14T18:16:00.001-02:00

Key Lime Pie with Kiddie Fingers
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Thanks El for the VERY memorable birthday week. Surely I didn't deserve all that did I?

Thanks Teresa!

2009-05-31T12:21:00.002-02:00

Out of the blue a friend of mine called me the other week. After the "long time, no see's" she brought up an idea that clicked instantly with me. She mentioned how much she enjoyed reading my blog and that I should do something more with it. Not wanting to let the cat out of the bag, let's just say it was right up my alley and what started out as a simple cookbook became something more. Later that day after mulling it over I was compelled to call her back and thank her. After speaking to a couple of more people to bounce it around the consensus was "that's a great idea!' I got alot of positive feedback and some other ideas on how to produce said book. Traditional book publishing or more of an online approach? I still like the traditional route, but the online approach also has its advantages. Either way more research is needed to flesh it out more and set the tone of the book. There's alot to weigh out and it'll require a lot of work and development, but I'm pretty stoked about it. Thanks T! So what's your cut?

How Could I Not Post This??

2009-05-31T12:02:00.002-02:00

Thanks James (Hawkman) for this killer dig. I'm sure every designer/animator gets sick of this attitude from prospective clients. What are we - idiots? It's amazing how many people claim "no budget" or "next time we promise to throw more work your way" or some other seriously lame excuse. If you can't afford to pay for it then why are you trying to hire someone to do the design work for you? Better get your Microsoft Word software and crayons out then...

Marineland!

2009-05-04T00:54:00.004-02:00

IMG_2022
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Things feel like they've been on the up and up - not that that they were really bad or anything. Eleanor made a pact a few weeks ago to try and break out of our regimented lives and do more as a family. With her back at work fulltime there seemed to be no time to be together and do things - one of which is travel. Since we planned on making a move sometime we thought to take advantage of Florida's attractions and see all we could. I've always wanted to revisit some of the places I went to as a little boy. Silver Springs was one of them. This weekend we planned on heading to Marineland.

2009-05-04T00:54:00.001-02:00

IMG_2033
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

A few years ago a wave of hurricanes nearly flattened the 1930's water attraction and it closed down for a couple of years. I was pretty saddened that one of the things I remembered best as a child was gone. But then it reopened and advertised it was rebuilding its former self, although much smaller. Gone were the birds, otters show, whales and other sealife. Instead it had turned into something of a Dolphin experience and research center. No matter. At $8 a person it would be a steal.

We left Orlando as early as the two kids would allow and were on the road before 11am Friday. By lunch time we arrived and I was surprised at how much had changed. It was evident they had simplified the attraction, but it was clean and modern looking. After speaking with one of the workers he talked about the place's history and what they're future plans were. Enough chatter! I wanted to see the big aquarium with the dolphins!

2009-05-04T00:53:00.001-02:00

IMG_1951
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

As I hoped Isa was delighted with the "baby dolphins" and kept waving them. Those warm and fuzzy feelings I had as a kid came back watching her enthralled with them.

2009-05-04T00:52:00.001-02:00

Marineland Dolphin Peeks at Nico
Originally uploaded by erickpineda527

Even Nico seemed entranced by them and they even seemed interested in him as they kept swimming up to him to inspect the little monkey.