Big A's Travels

Moving on

2012-02-07T17:00:00.001-06:00

So this weekend brought a lot of changes.....maybe. We had Franco's 7th birthday party and it was a great success. There were some strange things though. Franco's dad came to the party. Rina and I discussed it for a few days and she seemed more worried about it than me.

I was not concerned about him being in my home. Honestly, if he cares even a little bit about his son, it is good for him to see what we are giving him. Well I decided a long time ago that if I ever got the chance, he and I would sit down and have a discussion. And so we did....

I explained that I was glad he came because Franco was very surprised to see him. I then further explained that he needed to make a decision. Either he needed to be all in or all out. I was not going to allow half ass any longer. He said that a day doesn't go by that he doesn't think about Franco and that he appreciated all that I have done. He said that he was uncomfortable calling Rina all the time because he didn't want to start problems between her & me. I explained that no matter what issues she and him have, they don't concern me and they have nothing to do with him talking to his son. He said that was good to know and that he was going to call more often. I also explained that I didn't want to see Franco disappointed by his empty promises.

I guess to sum it all up. Some people think I should have a problem with him being in my home, but like I said it is my home. What others think or assume is just that. He is his father and he needs to be a bigger, if not the biggest part of his life. If not, then he needs to let it all go. I'm not hopeful that our discussion will change the way he is, but only time will tell.

The end of another chapter

2011-10-01T11:05:00.001-05:00

Today officially marks the end of another chapter in our life. We are finally moved into our new home and out of the condo!!! Yesterday I finished painting and patching and turned the keys over to the landlord. It was a bitter sweet farewell for me, especially. The Lyndale condo was my first official place in Chicago. So many things happened there.

I moved there a lonely, bitter, angry, confused divorcee. And I am leaving as a revived matured husband, father and family man. Devoted and dedicated to making his family happy and prosperous. Through the years, the condo went from an empty bachelor's shell to a home bursting at the seams with children's toys and more clothes and shoes than could be imagined!!!

As I walked out the door yesterday afternoon, I reflected on the good, bad and indifferent times I had and shared there. Now it is time to begin a new journey. I hope to be able to keep you all posted on the creations in our new home.

Sleepless in Chicago.....

2011-09-19T02:29:00.001-05:00

So here I sit, sleepless in Chicago. I was tired but the baby woke up and now I can't go back to sleep. Too much on my mind. So many things have happened since my last post. We've recently moved to a new home. Franco is in 1st grade. Lucas is walking like a professional. I'm still not working. Rina is working most of the time. These last few weeks have really driven me to think, deep thinking. I know that's not good, but I can't stop it.

Aside from the exhaustion of moving, we are still the semi social butterflies. We are constantly invited to this party or that gathering and we continuously schedule ourselves for everything, even if it doesn't work for reality's schedule. This weekend for example; Rina's brother invited us over to watch the Mayweather/Ortiz fight and some BBQ. Although going anywhere was the last thing we wanted to do, we cleaned ourselves up and went. Had a good time until some fallout drama this morning. And then this afternoon, we attended the first monthly "Meal of the Worlds" at Lucas' godmothers. Tired, exhausted.....these words don't really describe it, but what I stopped to notice was the enjoyment and relaxation I felt. There were a few minutes when the stress went away and I simply just enjoyed being. (Yep, just being. No typo there!)

A long story short, because I may actually be able to go to sleep now!! Through all of the hustle and stress of life, I am constantly reminded that I need to focus on LIFE in order to FOCUS on life. Thanks for listening.

Lucas taking some of his first steps!!!

2011-06-16T18:24:00.002-05:00

Mobile Version

2011-06-08T11:03:00.000-05:00

Some fantastic news for my viewers. Google is slowly catching up and now they offer a mobile view of blogs. So if you are viewing my blog from your smart phone or mobile device you will have a much easier way to see it.

Enjoy!!!

Raven is famous

2011-06-07T11:10:00.000-05:00

Check out Raven Stone!!! I am so proud of you!!!

http://www.westerville.k12.oh.us/districtNewsArticle.aspx?artID=2203

What a week....

2011-06-06T16:24:00.000-05:00

It has become clear to me that I have a few more readers now, so the pressure is on for me to keep you coming back, I guess!!! So where do I start??

Logan Square Farmer's Market

Opening Day at the market for Spencer's Jolly Posh British and Irish Food and boy were we caught off guard by the amount of people and sandwich orders we got. It was non stop cooking for me from 10 until 2. Never looked up from the grill. I almost didn't see my family stop by for a visit. WE HAD A STELLAR DAY!!!! Sold out and still had folks asking for more!!! We will be ready for you next Sunday!!! (I hope). I would love to see Spencer's at Randolph St. as well. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Franco joined a soccer team. Tonight is his first official practice. Here comes the heat. I hope he has fun.

My Peanut is taking mixology courses this week to further her never ending knowledge of all!! Good Luck baby!!

And I am off this week and starting a contract job next Monday that should run 3 to 4 weeks. Slowly but surely, things will turn around.

It's too hot to type anymore, so I will sign off for now. Good day and drink water!!

Logan Square Farmer's Market THIS SUNDAY!!!

2011-06-02T16:17:00.000-05:00

Good Afternoon kind readers,

It has been confirmed I will be front and center with Nick and the gang of Spencer's at the Logan Square Farmer's Market this Sunday!!! It will be a super long day for me since I have to work Saturday night and will be heading right from work to the market. No problem though because I look forward to cooking bangers and bacon for everyone.

So stop by and see us!!! Have a great weekend!!

The last of the Mo-tique-ans!!

2011-05-30T02:11:00.000-05:00

Opening weekend for the Randolph St. Market and the heavens opened up and pee'd all over the party!! We weren't able to make it Saturday but we went on Sunday. What an adventure it was. Armed with ponchos and a new umbrella (since we...I...left our best and only one in Ohio) utilized the priceless valet parking and greeted Sally Schwartz at the gate. Her ever loving husband was a statue of chivalry as they huddled under an umbrella keeping documents and tickets in order (and semi-dry) while greeting us at the same time.

Upon entering the Watery Gates of Plumber's Hall (I kill myself sometimes!!) We dodged the caravan of retreating settlers as they rushed away back to their homesteads and away from the Windy City weather. Those few brave vendors, the last of the Mo-tique-ans, wrangled us in and invited us to peruse their damp yet unique finds. We found our favorite pottery lady and may or may not have gotten a great find for a special Mummum!!! Then made our way down the lane and ran into Alex Porbe of Incite Design and his toilet bowl chase lounge. He offered me a great deal on it, but we simply don't have anywhere to put it. Sorry Alex, maybe some other time!

Then found our way to A la Card Chicago's booth where they were all but packed up and ready to go home, but made time for us and $20 bucks while they were at it. A bonus for us: we actually used our new deck at Smoque BBQ because our original plan of an inaugural visit to Kuma's Corner was shot down when the super friendly young lady at the door explained it would be two and half hours!!! No beer or burger is worth that wait for me! So off to Smoque we went!!!

Back to the 'tiquing!!! Upon leaving a la card Chicago, we made our way across the "river" and ran into Heavy Outsider Art. A warm, inviting (slightly odd) gentleman greeted us and gave the Earth-friendly sales pitch for his business. Heavy only uses garage sale paint (you know the cans people try to sell because they know they can't throw them away!!) and his canvas is whatever the paint will stick to. He also informed me that if he sold everything "from this point over" (pointing in the direction of a tall board with a lady in a blue dress) he would hit a milestone for selling 1,000 pieces in the last 4 years. Did I mention that the area he was pointing to probably had 100 or so pieces in it!! Either way, he was a great conversationalist. At last we made our way to doors. From those doors wafted the ever amazing aroma of empanadas from empanadUS. We were introduced to these fellas at the indoor market earlier this year and fell in love with these exquisite tasty bites. However, before we got to them, Dave's Cofffee Cake shoved a huge sample in our face and quickly said "3 for $20, they freeze very well!!" Delicious as always, but the empanada beckoned!!!!

Devouring our morsels, we weaved in and out of onlookers and scavengers of the best deal in the Indie Market. My main goal was to find Betsy Birkey and her Exploded Library. This young lady is going places folks!!! She has the most unique and incredible pieces of art I have ever seen. This young lady has decided to take old books that are no longer worthy of sale and ready for the dusty shelves of some old book sanctuary and revives them into beautiful, meticulously folded works of art!! I'm telling you she is really onto something!! See you soon Betsy!

And of course, we made our way upstairs to main hall with ALL of the beautiful jewelry that my lovely wife, Rina, wanted EVERYTHING!!! Oh I almost forgot...NOT!!!! Prior to entering the hall we were bamboozled and dazzled with sweets galore from dessert designer, Mo Sweets and his Mo Treats as well as Salted Caramel and last but not least (because they nearly gave me a heart attack as I was assured they would be present this month and I didn't see them until the end) Rich Chocolate & Candies for the insanely delicious bacon toffee bark, milk chocolate with Nueske's apple wood smoked bacon and honey toffee, the bacon brown sugar caramel, (need I say more!!!) and last but not least the Elvis cookie, a peanut butter & bacon cookie with banana milk chocolate ganache.

So as I sit here (secretly consuming a huge spoon of nutella) and reflect on the battles and victories of the day, I must say we were victorious!!!! Another month gone by, and great lasting memories created, catalogued, profiled, and thanks to Betsy, folded!

See you all soon.

Bangers and bacon

2011-05-28T14:05:00.001-05:00

Just did a trial run with the fellas from Spencer's to see if I could swing it behind the grill and sell some food at the same time. I don't think I did too bad grilling. Maybe I can use some getting used to with the sales end. I'll manage.

Thanks to Nick for giving me a chance!! Next week will is my first official market. I'll either be at Logan Square or Wicker Park, not sure yet.

I found the Blue M&M!!!

2011-05-27T16:22:00.002-05:00

'Business death penalty'for hiring illegal workers is upheld by Supreme Court

2011-05-27T00:24:00.001-05:00

'Business death penalty'for hiring illegal workers is upheld by Supreme Court

Lucas dancing to a novela!!!

2011-05-27T00:03:00.001-05:00

Just an update

2011-05-24T01:49:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted much on my little blog because I'm still caught up in that Facebook crap. That and I've been continuously stressing about finding work since December. So here's a little run down.

On December 9th a man I called friend requested an audience with me in his office. Small talk ensued until I requested he get to the point. He then told me that his boss ordered him to let me go......you all know that story. However, I've been thinking about that day. About how that may not have been the complete truth. I know that my style of business and management is old school to say the least, but I've always tried to fair and honest. I know that I've also put my boss/friend in some uncomfortable situations, to say the least, but he backed me up and I backed him up ALL THE WAY.

So I was thinking, the way the new guy runs the show, he didn't like me asking questions. Wanted me to be all "back of the bus" and whatnot. I often wonder if my friend was given an ultimatum. Him or me. Perhaps he picked me. Kind of makes sense since I don't hear from him anymore. Invited him to my kids 1st birthday party and didn't even get a piss off. I'm not trying to be paranoid or anything, just saying. Things happen in funny ways and they have an even funnier way of showing themselves.

Back to the point.....

Since December, I've been searching for a job. Because I need to protect my sanity and my family. I have spent the larger portion of most nights scanning the Internet and applying for jobs that appear to be a fit for me. Well it's slowly paying off. I have a couple of potential opportunities that may pan out for the better.

So to you my friend, I'm not mad. I knew this day would come. I understand. I don't agree, but I understand... I will go back to work and do right and good and justice will prevail (blah, blah, blah) but I can look in my mirror every morning......

Besame Mucho Cesaria Evora

2011-05-01T09:34:00.000-05:00

Mi esposa

2011-04-14T23:20:00.001-05:00

Today I married the woman of my dreams!! We didn't have a big ceremony or reception. We have other more important things to worry about right now, but we will when the time is right.

Thank you for everyone who wished us well!!

All about Dynamic Views for Authors - Blogger Help

2011-04-12T13:25:00.000-05:00

Here is a great new way for you to view my blog. In the address bar, simply type /view at the end of my blog address. Like this:

bigatravels.blogspot.com/view and then you have the ability to see my blog in 5 very unique and different layouts. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

All about Dynamic Views for Authors - Blogger Help

Kindle for Android

2011-04-11T21:20:00.001-05:00

So I decided to start reading more. I have the Kindle App on my phone and downloaded The Art of War, Sun Tzu. So far it is a difficult read but I will get through it.

Antiquing today

2011-04-09T19:05:00.001-05:00

Opening day for Mikos Italian Ice!! Yum!! Then we headed over to Lazy Dog for a look around. Got a simple appraisal for some Rina's new jewelry we bought at a recent auction. Then checked out some of the other antique shops in the area.
We ended up finding 2 glass 5 gallon jugs. Got them for a good price. Found a few other things too! Stopped by Bleeding Heart Bakery for a red velvet whoopie pie and some red velvet cake balls. All in all a good day.

Dinner

2011-03-23T20:15:00.001-05:00

Homemade pizza with Carne asada, 5 cheese garlic spread and chipotle jack cheese. Delicioso!!!

Leonard Auction | Chicago Antiques, Coins, Estate Sales & Appraisal

2011-03-20T15:11:00.000-05:00

Leonard Auction | Chicago Antiques, Coins, Estate Sales & Appraisal

Woman falls off toilet, sues McDonald's

2011-03-17T10:37:00.001-05:00

Woman falls off toilet, sues McDonald's

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer:

2011-03-17T00:23:00.001-05:00

Check out Rina's personal webpage for her Walk for Breast Cancer.

Also some of you may already know that Rina has decided to show her dedication by committing to walk a mile for every $10 donated. This is in addition to her training schedule. To show my support, I have agreed to match every mile with her. So if you want to see me walk my fanny off then start donating. All it takes is $10 simple dollars. Also click below to make a donation and read her story.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer:

Surgery??

2011-03-14T14:03:00.001-05:00

How To Beat Sleep Apnea? Cut It Out (Surgically): http://www.npr.org/134467782

Disheartening

2011-03-14T13:56:00.001-05:00

I have not seen but a few clips of this discussion, but after reading this report, it would appear that two people were wrongfully terminated. At worst, public apologies and reprimand may have been necessary, but not termination. I feel for them...

Elements Of NPR Gotcha Video Taken Out Of Context: http://www.npr.org/134525412