Gabby is in the paper!

Just wanted to let everyone know that Gabby has a nice write up in the Herald-Coaster (www.herald-coaster.com). The article was written by Betty Humprehy in the Family Section (Bits from Betty). Gabby calls her Miss Betty and always looks forward to seeing her.

Miss Betty has known Gabby since Gabby started her skating "career" and of course, Miss Betty heard from Grandma and Grandpa Nieto. Miss Betty has known our family for many, many years as my Dad worked in the print shop and brother Sammy worked at the paper as well during high school. Betty also used to walk everyone morning in the neighboorhood with my mom for health.

If you get a chance, grab a paper and check it out. Of course, it's only available in ROSENBERG, Texas. :)

Joe.

Gabby is in the news!

On our way back from Tulsa/Dallas, Gabby received a very special phone call.  It was from Mrs. Betty Humphrey.  Miss Betty (as Gabby calls her) has known our family for many years and has know Gabby since she started skating.  Miss Betty gave Gabby an interview and asked about her competition in Tulsa.  It is a very nice piece.  I will post the text here when I get a soft-copy.  To get to the Rosenberg Herald-Coaster's website, follow this link: http://www.herald-coaster.com

Joe.

Gabby is in the news!

On our way back from Tulsa/Dallas, Gabby received a very special phone call.  It was from Mrs. Betty Humphrey.  Miss Betty (as Gabby calls her) has known our family for many years and has know Gabby since she started skating.  Miss Betty gave Gabby an interview and asked about her competition in Tulsa.  It is a very nice piece.  I will post the text here when I get a soft-copy.  To get to the Rosenberg Herald-Coaster's website, follow this link: http://www.herald-coaster.com

Joe.

Tulsa Wrapup

After we finished up on Saturday in Tulsa, we high-tailed it back to Texas.  I needed some decent mexican food and I was tired of shuttling up and down that East 71st Street.  That street had it in for me.  I swear EVERY light got me.  Especially, when I was in a hurry. 

We made it Dallas after taking our time driving back from Tulsa.  I missed the turn off from the Indian Turnpike and ended up in the outskirts of Paris, Texas.  Paris is where they filmed "Giant" way back in the 50's starring James Dean, Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor.

We spent a few days in Dallas and went to Six Flags over Texas.  We really enjoyed ourselves at the park.  Although, in my opinion, it's not as nice as Fiesta Texas.  Gabby had a chance to take her picture with the fellow who was dressed as the old man from the TV commercials.  You know the fellow, the old guy who dances hip-hop to the tunes of "I Like to Party" by the Vega Boys.  It's a catchy tune.  Gabby and I rode "Judge Roy Scream" roller-coaster a total of 7 times.  Gabby is getting to enjoy rollercoasters as much as I do.  We both took a look at the Titan rollercoast, though, and passed.  It was just WAY too scary - for this trip anyway.

We also had a chance to visit the Fort Worth Zoo.  This zoo is FANTASTIC.  It's attention to detail and the layout of the park is very, very good.  The high light was getting to to the bird area with a stick of bird food and nector.  We got to hand-feed some parakeets and parrots and it was just absolutely beautiful.  Gabby enjoyed the elephants and gorillas the most.

On the way home today, we got a special phone call on my cell.  Betty Humphrey heard the news about Gabby and wanted to get the lowdown from the princess herself.  Gabby was just beaming and trying her best to answer the questions in longer than one word sentences.  Ha,ha.  If the story makes the paper, I'll post a link here.

All in all, it was a great trip and I am so appreciative of us getting there and back in good health and safety - thanks to God.  Gabby winning the medal was also very nice.  I guess for me, the important thing was us getting together as a family.  Although, Joel couldn't make this particular trip, he was in our thoughts the whole time.  One of the first things Gabby wanted to do when she got off the ice was to call Big Brother Joel and let him know how she did.  That was sweet.

Joe.

Joe.

Day Two - Results from Tulsa

Hello Everyone!
Here we are in Day two of a the Skate Tulsa competition in Oklahoma.

I am really sorry about leaving everyone with a bummer on my last posting. 

As a parent, and a dad in particular, you can understand how difficult it is to be a parent sometimes when we want to know all the answers and protect our children from things that hurt them and make them sad.  I once told my friend Anita that our job as parents are to prepare our kids for the days when we're not around.  I guess that's true.  Sometimes, we have to step in and help them cope and keep their spirits up.  Sometimes, it's like the weight of the world is on their tiny shoulders.  And, sometimes, it's okay for them have a mom and dad that can hold them and tell them that they are the best at whatever they are doing.  And then hold them until the crying stops.  I imagine, I would be doing this if Gabby were 8 or 18.  That's just fine with me.

Last night, Gabby had a low-point in her budding "career" as a skater.  The pain of disappointment and the reality of no matter how hard you try, how hard you pray, and how much you work at something - sometimes things still don't go your way.  We don't know why.  Maybe the Big Guy has his reasons and we just have to move on.
 
My advice was that to stick with it and her turn would come.  Sometimes you get a good break and sometimes you don't.  Sometimes the judges see things and sometimes they don't.  Sometimes they see a jump that wasn't perfect or a spin that wasn't centered just right.  And, yes, sometimes, they don't see the competitor who crossed the line, skated out of bounds, two-footed a jump, wobbled on a spiral, or didn't keep their arms straight.  I guess that is why they call it "ice skating".

Well, today, I am so glad to say was Gabby's day.  She focused and skated, probably, the best and cleanest program I have ever seen her skate to date.  When she jumped, she "stuck" the ice and landed them with confidence and dare I say - "authority".  She was determined to land those jumps and it was like "see that!, take THAT!".  Her speed was faster and her spirals were steady.  Her back was ram-rod straight.  She was determined and you could see it her face, if she was nervous, you couldn't see it.  It was like she was daring the "bad luck" lords to rain on her program.  Fortunately, they all smiled and she came in FIRST!  Yes, Gabby did it!  She won a Gold medal in Free Style.  Woo-hoo!  Not only that, but she did it decicisevly.  Her ordinals (the judges' rankings) all had her at number 1!  We are all so proud.  The skate club was just as loud and we threw (as is custom) all kinds of bears and balls and "stuff".  Gabby skated off the ice with her arms full of gifts and just grinning from ear to ear.

Joey Bloom, Sarah's father, had to go get the scores because I did want see them.  I was so SURE that no matter how well she skated, the judges were going put her last - again.  I just couldn't stand to see that if it happened.

Fortunately, Joey came back and said Gabby had received the Gold and Sarah (his daughter) had the Bronze.  Speaking of Sara, she is SUCH a cutie and she had a blast.  I think that she should have gotten the silver and probably would have except for the backward crossovers that Joey said she was having trouble with.  It's okay Sara - you'll get them!

So, the Texas Gulf Coast team did very well.  I don't have the final tally but I know that Allison, Ally, Sarah, Katelyn, and Gabby all came home with goodies.

Personally, I think I have added several more "grey" hairs to my otherwise "jet black" hair.  (Rrrright).  Oh great.  Oh well, I'll be right there next to Gabby.  Cheering her on through her highs and her lows.  As long as she has the determination and the drive, I'll be there...if anything - to cover the bills.  Ha,ha.

Go Gabby Go! 

I love you.
Dad.

Day One Results from Tulsa

Day One in Tulsa had us getting up at 5am so that we could get Gabby dressed and out the rink for warm-up.  We picked up the Gupton in the lobby and were on our way.

The rink is okay.  The ice is too thick though and you can see cracks in the foundation.  Also, the humidity is too high in there and it is causing condensation to drip from the ceiling.  Where did I get this information?  From Travis of course!  He gave me a quick lesson in the operations of the rink.  :)

Well, the long and short of it is that Gabby skated absolutely beautifully.  She was fast and graceful.  And...it wasn't enough.  Gabby skated the compulsary and the Spins events and she did not make the medal rounds.  She is so, so, so disappointed.  She didn't show it at the rink but earlier this evening after she came out of the shower she was crying.  She couldn't understand why she scored as she did, even after trying her hardest.  Wow - what to say to a little girl who is so upset.  I just told her that at her level the competition is hard and it's only going to get harder.  And, when she gets her medals - and she will - it will be so much sweeter because she would have known what it is to get them.   I then picked her up and let her cry.  I didn't know what else to do, but it seemed to be enough.

Oh well, that was the BUMMER part of the day.  There was lots of fun earlier and lots of giggling.  After the events wrapped for the day, the kids...and I mean, ALL of the kids jumped into the hotel pool with Dorothy and Travis - plus a few parents.  Not me.  I took pictures.   They had so much fun with all kinds of balls being thrown around in a water polo game.  There were jumping and splashing.

After the pool party, we all changed and went to dinner.  We had originally planned to go to Cheddars, but with 25 people in tow, the wait was going to be almost 2 hours.   We decided to go to Fuddruckers across the street which worked out GREAT!   The manager was very helpful and setup tables for the whole gang.  We were all in and out in about an hour.  Tummys were filled and thirts were quenched.  It was great and the kids had a lot of fun.

Well, I better sign off now.  We have to get ready for tomorrow and pack and get to the ice EARLY.  After the events, we will be heading out to Dallas for some family time and a chance to get together again.  Right now, it is raining and thundering outside.  I am looking out from the 8th floor and can see the lightening in the distance.  It is something to see.

Joe.

We're here!

Well, gee, that is a LONG way.  We got up at 4am in Sugar Land.  Packed the SUV, and headed over to Tracy Gupton to pickup Katlyn and Sara at 6am.  We then crammed everything in the truck and headed out.  I've never seen so much luggage between all the suitcases, the dresses, the skate bags, the snacks, the drinks - you name it - we packed it.  Because you NEVER know...

Along the way we took our time coming in.  Dorothy let us know that the practice ice was not until Friday - tomororw.  This freed up our schedule some what - so we took advantage of it.  We stopped for Breakfast, and lunch.  We also stoppped at the Outlet stores for SHOPPING.  This was in McKinney, TX I believe.  About 30 minutes north of Dallas.   The sad thing is that we called Dorothy when we were passing through Dallas.  She let us know that she and Travis were on the road about an hour.  Ha!  We had a 2-3 hour lead.

Well, with all the shopping, and messing around and taking pictures at the "Welcome to Oklahoma" sign, Travis and Dorothy passed us by.  Ha,ha.   This probably worked out better for us because of the hotel situation.

Originally, we were supposed to stay at another hotel.  It turns out that the Bloom's came in earlier and found out that the hotel was a, um, "flea bag".  Well, they contacted Dorothy who switched everyone's rooms to the Marriott.  Yea!!!!  A better hotel I think.  The pool is inside, they have wireless network (yes!), and the rooms are nice and big.  Perfect.

Well, I better scoot.  We have to get up at 5am, to get out of here at 7am to get to the ice by *early something* am.   Dorothy will be knocking on our door at 6:45am to work on Gabby's hair.  I guess I better be ready since I can't sleep in.  DRAT!

Joe.

Tulsa is less than a day away...

Well, here we are less then a day away from the Tulsa competition.  Gabby has been practicing especially hard these past few weeks in preparation.  Today, she has a another session with Dorothy and is just absolutely excited.

The luggage is being packed this evening.  At last count, I think we had 4 pieces of good sized luggage, a garment bag, and my laptop overnighter.  I have to bring my laptop.  It's my connection back to the office in case things go south, and it also allows me to read my email, and of course, update this blog.  Hopefully, they'll have wireless at the hotel.  If not, I'll just go to Starbucks.  Heh,heh...

I was reading about the Tulsa Arena and although we haven't been there yet, it doesn't sound like your regular ice center.  This sounds pretty big, so the kids will have a new experience.  Gabby will hit the practice ice on Thursday afternoon/evening.  We will then, get up extra early on Friday and Saturday to get her to the rink on time for warm-ups and her events.  THIS ought to be exciting - not.  :)

I was also looking at the new Internet Trip planning from AAA at www.aaa.com .  This is the old "triple A" company that we have been members of for many years.  The travel time is something like 9 hours.  Of course, that doesn't take into account stopping for gas, bathroom breaks and other things that the kids can ooh-and-aah about.   Tia Betty was gracious enough to let us borrow a ton of DVDs that the kids can watch while we're driving.  Thankfully, they will have headphones.  I can listen to Talk Radio and then can listen to Backstreet Boys, Britney, Christina, and Cheetah Girls (?) for the 20th time.

Oh joy.  :)

The next post should be from Ooooooooklahoma.

Tah, tah.

Joe.

 
PS: Quick update on Misty/Stormy/Dog and Holli/PG/Kat.   They're getting along "okay".  They keep on their respectives sides of the house.  The other day, I made the mistake of putting the dog in with the cat in a closed room.  I didn't see the Kat perched on the shelf taking a nap.  Oh, THAT was a good one.  I opened the door and they both shot out of there.

Funny thing about adopting a pet.  You never know about them or what they are going to do.  The dog likes to ride in the Lexus and just stickes his nose out of the window.  Over the weekend, Joel and I were riding and came to a stop sign in our neighborhood.  The dog saw some ducks and geese and took off.  He jumped out of the window and never looked back.  I had to put the truck in park, put on the flashers and run after her shouting.  The ducks were okay, they pretty much ignorned the dog and jumped into the water.  The dog?  Well, it stopped at the water line, with leash in tow, and just barked.  Dang dog.  Grrr...  Of course, Joel is sitting in the truck with the A/C going and watching the whole show.  Did he help?  Heck no.  I think he was pretty much surprised by everything and not sure what to do - except laugh.

Cat and Dog update...

As I mentioned a few days ago, we have a new dog...Misty/Stormy or whatever... I just call her "dog". She doesn't come anyway.

I think Misty/Stormy has figured out that the Cat (Holli) doesn't have claws so the edge that the cat had is back to even. There have been some pretty good fights with lots of yelling, screaming, and things knocked over. And, that's just us, trying to keep them apart. The funny think is that the cat and dog DON'T fight when we're not looking.

Critters...whatcha going to do...

Joe.

Gabby is back!

Yea! Gabby is back home from enjoying a week off with her friend Diana. The Vegas (Juan and Mary) were gracious enough to have Gabby over. I hear that Gabby and Diana (and Ashli) had an absolute BLAST playing around every day and swimming and listening to music and learning the latest dance steps. I hear they even came up with some dances of their own.

This week Gabby starts skating again. She is SO excited to try out her new skates that came in last week. The Graf's are really nice and they have a Garfield under one skate and a Roadrunner on the other...or was it Wile E. Coyote...or was it... hmmm...better look later.

Only a few more days until we leave for Oklahoma for the competition. You know I'm not sure what the REAL name of the competition is. I better ask Dorothy. I think it's the Tulsa Open or something like that. Hmm...

Well, have a great week!

Joe.

Stormy has arrived...or is it Misty...

Nope, not talking about the weather this time. Although, after all the rain this week, and the whirlwind that has hit our household yesterday, you would think so.

I am so proud to announce that we have an new addition to the family - Misty. Stormy, as she was previously known, is a minature schnauzer that has adopted us. She is jet black and very smart. She is about 3 years young and a great temperament. The only person who is not welcoming Misty is the Kat - Holli. There have already been a number of cat fights and general chaos of dog chasing cat. The cat, though is really starting to stand her ground. This morning, the cat came out and the dog went after her. And the cat puffed up and hissed and spat...and I mean, that dog stopped dead. The cat then went after the dog. Shoot, even I was a little scared! The dog took a few steps and started barking again - although from a safe distance. Yes, a couple of more fights and they'll be best buds. They just have to work out who will be top dog or cat...and who will claim what part of the house and what is meant by hissing and barking and scratching and snapping. It does make life more exciting. :)

Joe.

Training Pains

This past week had Gabby skating every day. She let me know that she took a bad spill on the ice while "racing" during power builder. Ouch. Gabby was sporting a bruised hip but it didn't seem to slow her down too much. She and Katlyn are still out there running around on the ice.

Gabby also showed off a bruised knee. Now how did this happen? She got excited about getting on the ice and forgot to take off her skate guards. Oops!

Her skates are still being worked on by Mr. John. He is carefully mounting the new blades and grinding down the leather to make sure they sit square on the soles. We were hoping that they would be ready so that she could break them in before competition but it does not look like it is going to work out that way. Dorothy mentioned that the solution for waterproofing the leather was on backorder. Gabby is having Roadrunner and Wyle E. Coyote painted on the bottoms - which is better than Hello Kitty.

We are getting close to competition in Tulsa. Only a couple of weeks to go. Yea! We are planning our route and making our hotel reservations. We still plan on getting to Six Flags in Dallas - if the water drains. They had some bad flooding out that way.

Gabby is going to take this week off to "be a kid". She's going to go stay with one of her best friends - Diana Vega. The Vegas and us got together at the Sugar Land 4th of July celebration. We had a lot of fun listening to music and watching the fireworks. Gilbert and Betty Rodriquez were there. So were Jacob, Almalysa and Cameron, Christina, and Veronica. Also, Uncle Greg and Aunt Ida were there. It was a great turnout - about 25,000 people they say. I can believe it. The traffic jam was pretty bad.

Joe.

People shouldn't wear...

To that fellow at HP who likes to wear sandals with white socks...dude, that is just wrong. ;)

I put that up there with Kahki shorts, black socks and dress shoes.

Okay, that's a little off subject, but it had to be said. Ha,ha...

Joe.