2 funerals and 1 hospital visit

The last two weeks have brought two deaths and one hospital visit.

The first death was a young gentlmen who lived across the street. At the age of 33 he died of a massive heart attack. He leaves one son behind who will now most likely struggle whith what it means not having a father.

The second death is my boss' mother. She died after a 12 year battle with Alzyhimers. Year after year she got progressively worse. And last tuesday, she succomed to her illness. Here is a link on the LV Sun website regarding her life -- clik here.

Over the weekend, Emily (MaryAnn's sister), had emergency gallbladder surgery. After the long hours in the ER, being sent home at 3 a.m.--only to come back hours later--she is one organ less and is resting well.

A new identity

For a while I have been wanting to change my blog name to truly and more accurately reflect my true self.

It has been a long, treacherous and joyful journey with Jesus. And the time has come to make a change in my blog name.

It may not seem like a big deal ... or rather, it may seem like a petty or stupid thing to do. But I think its crucial.

My new blog name will now be: Proliferating Santos

Previously, it was Proliferating menzos -- which is an anglo/spanish combinational term meaing "multiplying dummies".

I don't think I ever considered myself a dummy, altough sometimes I sure felt like one. But even a greater tragedy, is that, I believed its spiritual synonymical counterpart: worthless, ignoramous, artificial, fake, false, etc.

Although I haven't come full circle in embracing my true identity as a Santo (Saint), I do know that continually I will try to engage what God says and thinks of me.

And exactly what is a Santo? A Santo is "one separated from the world and consecrated to God; one holy by profession and by covenant; a believer in Christ." (Ps. 16:3; Rom. 1:7; 8:27; Phil. 1:1; Heb. 6:10).

Sometimes ... alot if times ... I am wrong

I'm realizing that I am miss hearing things as of late and am reacting in poor ways.

To MaryAnn, I am sorry for failing to be quick to listen and slow to speak.

To my mother, I am sorry for failing to be quick to listen and slow to speak.

Father, thank you for forgiving me. May your kind, healing, loving hand be upon me.

Ramon

The last time

I was with a co-worker today visiting a nursing home. My co-worker has a friend that desperately needs to get into a licensed, nursing facility, where he'll get true treatment.

On the way back from the facility, we talked a little about my father and how his situation parallels her friends situation. As I shared with her my last time helping my father from the couch to his wheelchair to his bed, I explained that I treated him with such care--unbeknownst to me--that this was my last time doing this. I explained how I handled my father with absolute care and went the extra mile for him.

As I pondered our conversation a few minutes ago, sitting here at my desk, I tearfully realized that my God, my Father, My Lord, caused me to care for him in such a diligent manner, contradicting any and all other incidents where I was not as patient or generous or loving as I could have been.

I am thankful that I have this glimpse now but need to ponder on it much deeper. It needs to sink into me much deeper.

Malinche

"Go with your daddy" coos my mother, as she gently strokes her body. As the evening came upon us, our dog laid her head on her paws and drifted into a deep sleep. This evening we put our dog to sleep, her name is Malinche.

As the nurses prep our dog's catheter, I stand in the hallway waiting for them to call us back into the room. Standing and waiting, leaning against the wall, I close my eyes and pray. Speaking to God, not being able to find any verses in the bible about dog's departing earth and heading to heaven, I ask God, that if possible, to please allow her into heaven. For I reason, what wrong has this dog done, that to suppose if such a wrong existed to warrant her arrest into Hades, then why shouldn't I ask Father to allow her into heaven.

Praying, and not wanting to be overcome with emotion, I keep my eyes closed, but not immediately realizing that my lips are moving. As one of the nurses walks by, I end my prayer, awaiting for the door to open which will allow us to reunite with Malinche.

Upon the door opening, there lay Malinche looking at us. Her catheter lay firm to her leg, bandaged with fluorescent green tape. Making our way to Malinche, we stroke her body, pat her head and gently tap her snout.

In walks the doctor. Dr. somthing -- I don't recall her name -- is pleasant and explains to us the quick and allegedly painless procedure. Although it maybe painless, and the best we try to not let onto Malinche that what remain ahead for her, are her last breathes, I'm sure she senses that not all is right; so how can it be painless?

After the the doctor tested the line, she procedes to inject -- what seems to be a huge vile of pink fluid -- into Malinche's leg. Not much happens at first but after a few seconds, Malinche begins licking the sides of her mouth. Continuing to lick, she slowly lowers her head down onto her paws. Resting her head onto her paws, Malinche stops licking.

Malinche takes one huge breathe of air into her lungs and then exhales. The doctor slides over to one side of Malinche, placing her stethoscope on her rib cage. As the doctor speaks, telling us that her heart has now stopped, Malinche exhales one final breathe.

Malinche was a good, faithful dog, who was treated well by my mother, and deserved better treatment from me.

She is the type of human friend that all could ever want and all that everyone needs.

I have one picture of her. Its her being held by my father in his arms. May that picture be ever truer now than when it was in the past.

One last belly rub for you Malinche, we love you.

My Pops

Today I think of my father
I'm reminded of him through such a simplistic song
Such a profound song it is, it makes me cry

Somewhere over the rainbow, Israel K sings
His sultry and phonetically clean Hawaiian voice accompanied with his ukelele
transforms this dramatized, distant song, into a captured dream

Israel sings of where my father be

Someday I wish upon the star
wake up where the clouds far behind me
where trouble melts like lemon drops
high above the chimney top that's where you will find me

I see me father calling out to me, reminding me of where he sits
calling me, telling me, he is proud of me...

To write such words fills me
causing the sorrow to flow out of me
mysteriously filling me with both sorrow and joy

How I wish I could re-spend his last days with me over and over again

But to know that he sits high above the chimney top
the place to find him and be with him
I shall strive to live for him
so I can be with him and once again see him

How I wish people could have known my father when he was physically well
What a great man of joy he is and was.

Como te amo y como te quiero

An interesting first

As the lady slipped her arms around me she says, "hold that up to your nipple line"

Nipple Line...what the hell is that. I don't have nipples; girls have nipples!

Today was the first day I went to the gym and actually have a trainer.

See me as Owen Wilson

http://www.weddingcrashersmovie.com/crashthistrailer/index.htm?id=103279

House sold

My house sold today for listing price....yeah!

Let's such hope and pray that this doesn't fall through.

Ramon
--------------------------
Ramon Avendano
via BlueBerry

Re: Fishing in SF Part II

Fishing didn't go as planned.

Originally I was the only who was going to fish, but in the rush this morning I mistakenly bought Maryann a pass to fish.

One mile out to sea, I became violently ill and threw up into the ocean. I have never been so ill my life. I threw up so much and so hard that my throat was raw for the bile. Sorry for the visual.

4 miles out to sea I threw up again but this time I didn't make it to the side of the boat. The plastic bag that maryann gave me saved me. But again, so violent that my throat was shreddeds to pieces.

After our second stop to cast our lines, Captain Joey was hooping-n-hollaring and was banging on the window. He then yells out to maryann and I “you all got a fish”.

I say, “honey, you go.” Maryann sprung to her feet, took the pole from the captain, and then spent 20 minutes realing in a 23 lb Salmon.

Her salmon was so big and beating everyone else out on the boat, she won the pool for the biggest fish. We are now $75 richer.

More to follow later.
--------------------------
Ramon Avendano
via BlueBerry

-----Original Message-----

Our fishing expedition has begun. It is foggy and the temp is good. Will send more details later.
--------------------------
Ramon Avendano
via BlueBerry

Fishing in SF

Our fishing expedition has begun. It is foggy and the temp is good. Will send more details later.
--------------------------
Ramon Avendano
via BlueBerry

Maybe a first

We are sitting in theater waiting for the movie to start and all the sudden the fire alarms goes off.

In a pathetically grinding voice, s woman's voice comes from the speakers “attention please, attention, please...an emergwncy has been reported, an emergency ha been reported.”

This last 20 minutes. Maybe we should have left, but the lights just went off and maryann keeps proding me to turn off my blackbeery.

I hope batman has been worth this wait.

--------------------------
Ramon Avendano
via BlueBerry

One Year

This day, one year ago, in the wee hours of the morning, my Father realized his new kingdom.

This has been one of the hardest years of my life, which says a lot since most other years have been filled with trauma.

I just returned from lunch with a friend/slash co-worker. She remembered that this was my Father's one-year anniversary. As I shared with her my current emotional and spiritual state, I shared the news of the kingdom as well. It was not planned.

One the car ride back to the office I felt slight shame for feeling the way I do and trying to share the kingdom at the same time. And then a thought entered my mind. I was reminded of Jesus being in need of water and in his need he supplied water for woman at the well.

I miss my Father greatly. I miss him even more when I think of all the mistakes I made toward him or the hurts I caused him.

This afternoon I will visit his grave with my mother.

Please think of us. Please pray for us. Please think of my father and his joy.

Thing(s) I will not blog about*

- making fun of my girlfriend

* note: 71 is a great number

Last Call. Late Notice.

this saturday, I along with a few friends are painting the inside of my house.

If anyone who reads this can spare a few hours and can help out a brother, please call me.

My cell number is 580.6919

Here is a link to a map: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3077+Aldon+Ave,+Las+Vegas,+NV+89121&ll=36.106578,-115.107011&spn=0.021912,0.038482&hl=en

The painitng gig will be between 9 am - 5 pm.

There will be free food...food of choice (within reason of course).

I could really use the help. And if you send me $29.95, I will send you an autograph photo with hugs and kisses.

Don't wait.

This offer expires soon.

Act now or forever be out of luck!

Clarification

Some have asked what I meant when I wrote: "with one quick, unintetional move, a grown man is left in pain."

I thought the wity, clever comment would explain it well. I guess it wasn't that wity or clever, and the explanation didn't come through either.

After explaining the situation in detail to Tommy and Gregg S., Gregg says: "you're supposed to say that you hurt the boys..."


So, leaving you with Gregg's words, what I meant to say is that "I hurt the boys."

Thank you, Gregg.

Ramon

Schools out, Grades are in, Good news!

I am so happy to report that I received A's in both my classes:

World Literature: A
Intro to Computer Science: A

I am so happy and thank God for his blessing in this.

Amen!

Sitting at Dennys studying for my final

With one quick, unintentional move, a grown man is left in pain.
--------------------------
Ramon Avendano
via BlueBerry

What's wrong with that?

Yesterday Maryann and I were running some coaxial cable from the cable splitter to the guest room.

As we're working, she turns to me and says, “I want to go to mt. Charleston next week.” I ask why.

She responds with, “its the one year anniversary of our first date.”

So, I ask, “do I have to go.”

Let's just say, lucky for me, she knew I was half joking...otherwise I would still be working one the cable line.
--------------------------
Ramon Avendano
via BlueBerry

New email Address

Please send emails to my new address:

razor7132 at gmail.com

I can still receive email at my cox.net address, but I thought it best to switch over to gmail.

Thanks.

Ramon

Tid bits

* I've been studying for the last several hours. My study shack for today has been this cubby hole between quiznos and starbucks on sahara and marylandparkway.

* I'm killing time studying waiting for maryann to finish training the $65/hr consultant who is filling in at her old job. Sad thing is, maryann gets paid $15/hr to train the consultant.

* while I've studied today, I've seen and heard six or seven ambulances/fire trucks go by...those things are particularly loud today.

* while I've sat and studied today, I drank down a toxic mixture of low carb sobre and diet coke. Two 32-ounce glasses causes a man too pee excessively.

* Another ambulence just past--this one wasn't as obnoxiously loud.

* I'm writing a crtique on Dante's inferno for my world lierature class. His biblical assumptions and parallism are utterly wrong. We'll see how I do, hopelly I can get an A.

* Its interesting how many groups of people hang out at starbucks.

Peace.
--------------------------
Ramon Avendano
via BlueBerry

You move

You held me through the storm
You walk with me through hell
You showed me that you indeed were tempted and can relate

No temptation is a surprise to you
Nothing overcomes you
Nothing surprises you

I can finally relate
May I always relate

When the day comes that I believe I can't relate
Remind of the day you showed me that you really could relate
--------------------------
Ramon Avendano
via BlueBerry

Smoking coco's

I'm sitting at coco's, the one across the street from unlv.

The air is dense--filled with smoke --coming from the lonely manager sitting way in the back.

Once my food comes and I get some studying done, I flying this coupe.
--------------------------
Ramon Avendano
via BlueBerry

Another test

test

Smelly tests are funny

I laughed when I read Cheryl and Kenny's remarks to my last entry; their remarks were funny.

The reason for the "this is a test" is that I was testing my blog's RSS feed.

Onto the subject of smelly

Kenny Parker ... his last blog entry http://kennyparker.blogspot.com/2005/03/we-have-got-to-get-it-together-we-have.html reminded me of an incident that happened when I was at Wal-mart the other day.

While I was cruising the dog food isle, this old lady walks past me. When she get about 15 feet away, she rips the nastiest fart ever. Thankfully I did not smell anything, but the sound was just horrible and indicating that that puppy was gonna be stinky.

this is a test

Pens

Have you every chewed on the end of a pen for so long that the pen errupts in you mouth?

Ink don't taste too good.

No, this wasn't my first time.

A little late -- 60 to 45

I don't know when it started but one of my defecencies in life is returning rental movies on time.

I'm always late. And with all the late fees I've racked up, I could have bought all of the movies I have rented.

With that said, last saturday I bit the bullet and paid my late charges at blockbusters. My late charges steam prior to blockbuster launching their "no more late charges" policy. Sucky for me.

When I went up to the counter, I informed the girl behind the register that I owed some money and to not hollar out the amount I owe.

She smiled, then proceeded to discount my bill.

So, in appreciation, I say thank you, "J".

Ramon

Fortunate Son

I like this song -- no, it is not my way to protest the war, I just like the song.

Some folks are born made to wave the flag,
Ooh, they’re red, white and blue.
And when the band plays hail to the chief,
Ooh, they point the cannon at you, lord,

It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no senator’s son, son.
It ain’t me, it ain’t me; I ain’t no fortunate one, no,

Yeah!
Some folks are born silver spoon in hand,
Lord, don’t they help themselves, oh.
But when the taxman comes to the door,
Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale, yes,

It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no millionaire’s son, no.
It ain’t me, it ain’t me; I ain’t no fortunate one, no.

Some folks inherit star spangled eyes,
Ooh, they send you down to war, lord,
And when you ask them, how much should we give?
Ooh, they only answer more! more! more! yoh,

It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no military son, son.
It ain’t me, it ain’t me; I ain’t no fortunate one, one.

It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no fortunate one, no no no,
It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no fortunate son, no no no,

Today is my Birhtday

Happy Birthday, me.

I'm 29 today.

A Weighty Truth

In my pursuit to lose weight, I'm sad to report that I actually gained 4 pounds.

My co-workers subtly shunned me. I could see it in their faces.

I am sadden.

The truth is I have not been diligent with my plan. In regards to food, its been a 90% effort. The occasional late night snacking mixed with eatting massive amounts of carbs this weekend did not help cause at today's weigh-in.

On the exercise front, I'm wracked with disappoint--I am not doing what I said I was going to do. The idea of working out each night has transpired to only three times over the last two weeks.

There's my confession. Now the changing of the mind must succeed.

Meal schedule

I figure it would be a good idea to write down or at least try to keep track of what I eat each day.

so, here it goes ...

Thursday -- 01/13/05
* breakfast - 2 quesidillas on low carb tortilla (8 g / carbs)
* snack - diet coke and powerbar, carb select(2 g / carbs)
* lunch - 1/2 and order of fingers with ranch (2 g / carbs)
* snack - 1/2 and order of fingers with ranch(2 g / carbs)
* dinner - 1.5 servings of low carb spaghetti, salad (10 g / carbs)
* snack - powerbar, carb select (2 g / carbs)

total carbs: 26 g / carbs

Note: I forgot what I ate on wednesday, so I can't post it.

Tuesday -- 01/11/05
* breakfast - 1 ham and egg burrito on low carb tortilla (5 g / carbs)
* snack - Chicharrones [prok rins] (1 g / carbs)
* lunch - 1 ham and egg burrito on low carb tortilla & low-card yogurt (8 g / carbs)
* snack - powerbar, carb select (2 g / carbs)
* dinner -5 chicken thighs, one low carb tortilla and cheese( 5g / carbs)
* snack - 2 cups of half/half with splashes of corn flakes(25 g/ carbs)

total carbs: 46 g / carbs

Note: Too many carbs this day. I had been miscalculated the half/half with splashes of corn flashes -- I'm giving them up.

Monday -- 01/10/05
* breakfast - powerbar, carb select (2 g / carbs)
* snack - half of a low carb chocholate bar (1.5 g / carbs)
* lunch - (3) .99 cent caesar salads frim wendy's (6 g / carbs)
* snack - other half of low carb choch. bar and a powerbar, cab select (3.5 g / carbs)
* dinner - 2 steak, cheese burritos on low carb tortillas (12 g / carbs)
* snack - cup of half/half with some reg. milj with a splash of corn flakes (14g / carbs)

total carbs: 39 g / carbs

Note: I've recalculated my first count of carbs...I was wrong about the half/half with flakes.

Weigh-in

Today 10 of us at VEGAS.com have weighed in, placed our money on the table and got up on the scale.

We have banded together to lose weight and hopefully for the biggest loser make a few bucks.

Yes, the idea partly comes from the TV show "The Biggest Loser", but our main inspiration is health...and the money ain't bad either. Ten people at $100 is 10 benjamins. And we know its all about the benjamins, right?

Yesterday while at Costco on some obscure isle, I weighed myself. Right before getting on the scale I instructed Maryann not to look. She didn't, which I am glad for. The scale broke my heart. But on the flip side, at least I didn't break the scale.

According to yesterday's weigh in I am pushing 242 pounds. But at today's weigh in, using two different scales, I registered at 233. I'm somewhat happy that both scales said 233 cause that means I don't weigh 242.

Nonetheless, I have 40 pounds to lose in 3 months. I know that sounds a little extreme, but in high school I did loose 50 pounds in three months. And over 11 years gained it all back plus some.

I want to loose 40 pounds not so much for the money, rather for the health aspect. If I loose 40 pounds and don't win the money that is okay because that means one of my other co-workers lost more than I did.

The way the contest works is based off the percentage of weight you loose. For example, If I weigh 233 and loose 40 pounds, that's 17 percent of my body weight. Not bad.

Now the wild card in this contest is if our largest co-worker looses 76.5 pounds. With that, he ties my percentage. All he needs to do then is loose 77.5 pounds and he beats me.

There are few others who are +/- 10 pounds of where I am at. They will be good competitors and may even surpass me which is cool.

Come Sunday, April 10, 2005, I hope to be 40 pounds lighter or near that.

My strategy

A realistic workout plan: situps and girlie pushups along with an evening brisk walk.

My eating workout: 5 or 6 meals a day, low carb.

Suggestions

If you have any suggestions or concerns, feel free to post 'em. If you want to invite me to go work out, please do. But one favor I do ask, please do not invite to a buffet.

Here's to weight loss and a healthy life.

Peace!

I need a haircut -- the big afro guys is me

Movements Part II

The paperwork has been sign, so it must be official.

Starting Jan 17, 2005, I begin working reduced hours in an effort to pursue a Master's Degree in Management Information Systems (MIS).

My first day of class is January 19. In order to apply for grad school I need to retake two courses that I got bad grades in. And in March, I will hopefully take my GMAT.

I am super excited about this move. Its a win-win situation for my employers and me.

Its a huge, bold move for me and has come via many awesome things coming together.

Father, brothers and sisters are the biggest influencers in making it happen.

I am happy.

Movements Part I ...

Dearest Kate,

It is true that your love is sweeter than ice cream

You make me feel wonderfully neat

Your love is completing...I need to understand that

I want you to know how much I love you

May my actions and deeds speak these words to you...I love you

It has really hit me: I need you, I love you and I want you

I would be be so sad if our journey were to cease

May our paths be together as we sojourn in this land

Then in a glimpse may we find ourselves together in our true completing land

Love,
Jack

To Cedar, Duck Creek and back

I am sure glad to be home.

I know two things for sure: I don't like snowed in cabins and I don't want to go back in the winter time.

The only slightly fun place I have ever been in Utah has been in Park City. Every other place has been very, very boring.

Making my way to Duck Creek I found out that the 14 (its and interstate/highway) was closed due to snow. So, I was stuck in St. George for a night. After securing a room at the Best Western I went to dinner and then went to see Ocean's 12.

The movie sucked, I feel a sleep. There weren't many people in the theater so I sat way in the back. I must have been snoring Real Hard cause the girls 6 rows in front of me moved even further away from me while I was catching some shut-eye.

These girls seemed to be a little perturbed at my snoring. I felt bad that I was snoring but I didn't think it was that bad. But it must have been, cause as I walked to my car one of the girls was giving me a George W scowl.

I am sure glad to be home.

Did I mention I hate the snow?

Michelle and Darren -

you both make me laugh.

:-)