now that was a good birthday!

It is going to be a great year- I can just feel it. I am basing this not on any scientific data or astrological predictions. Not even based on how many good players you can find for the age you are (although Jackie Robinson is about as good as it gets). I am basing my prediction on how good my birthday weekend was- straightforward enough isn't it?

It started at school- me planning on keeping it low key- I think I said something to my students along the lines of "if any of you forget my birthday you are going to repeat 5th grade twice!" So I wasn't expecting much. The students were all hiding under desks when I entered (which strangely enough is quite common) and busted out a huge "HAPPY BIRTHDAY". They then proceeded to ask me if I had brought them a cake. I hadn't but was saved not a few minutes later when a very nice mom sent one huge chocolate cake in- she must have known I have no baking skills.

A very nice day with students and colleagues, then after a dinner with the family at my favorite restaurant La Veranda (worthy of its own blog post) I went to the airport to pick up my mom. It has been a crazy week here in Caracas (check last post) and part of me was a wee bit apprehensive of getting my mother into town safely. But after asking numerous locals and the school's security head we figured it all good. (Plan B was to have mom skip the flight and stay in her layover stop of Aruba) It also helped when our friends offered up their bullet proof car to drive down. Ezequeil is a great guy who drives us to the airport quite often and he was really excited to drive a new set of wheels

The roads were empty and calm- and we got home with no problems. I had given my mom a small wish list (hey, it was my birthday) and she came through big time! Thanks mom.

The rest of the birthday weekend was great. Had a nice little bbq with friends, took mom to el Hatillo for lunch and a look around, saw a very peaceful happy march, and then ended the night with the eating of the Roxanne's cookie that I have been saving since I brought back in December- pure bliss.

I am lucky to have such an amazing family and incredible friends. Here's to a great 42nd spin around the sun. 

Just hanging with Symon. Well when I can't find Hayes, Bolivar will have to do.

Mojito, Margarita, and Love for lunch

Wilder and Winehouse

hey this gives me an idea for my next painting project

My first thought was "sugar street" but I guess "sweet street" isn't a bad name either

Nonna's first devil dance lesson went well.

This line stretched for over 5km! People just out showing support for the opposition- waving, honking, singing, cheering. It was nice. The one unfortunate thing was the guy who made a sign that said " no mas colas" which I think meant no more lines and referred to the insanely long lines people have to stand in to get basic staples like milk, flour, and sugar. Unfortunate as he was standing in a 5km long line and may have sent a mixed message.

Best cookies on the planet- if you ever visit us in Colorado I will buy you one.

Thank you MSR for continuing the Zulia for your birthday (now a) tradition. Have already started searching for your next one.

Thanks Mike and Stacey Simpson- with your present I have now sworn my alliance to my new Caracas soccer team. Now if only I had a track suit to wear over top of it.