Can I convince you all to convert to a 36 hour day?

Honestly, if days were longer... I'd be a lot better off right now. Between the house, and Natasha and all of those domestic duties, I'm balancing two subjects at work - one of which is a brand new curriculum - enrichment programs at work, two courses at Trent (approx 9 hours / week of reading / assignments in addition to the 6 hours a week of lecture), my little web business w/ Dan ... I mean hell... I'm going to explode!

Ok, I'm being a little over dramatic.

My friend from high school, Hilary contacted me last week asking for advice. She was looking to expand her horizons professionally and wanted to try working with kids. 24 hours later, I had her working at my school as a member of the support staff. She's been great so far too.

That same day (my birthday actually), Sarah showed up at work with a massive bunch of balloons.... Prompting dozens of jealous six year olds to swarm me at the knees. I felt like the Pied Piper.

Friday night we went to 'Flow' - a really nice restaurant in Yorkville. The dad od one of my former students owns the place, and last year they graciously gave us a $100 gift certificate to check it out. We loved it and will definately be returning.

Anybody else find the hold Domi - Belinda story hilarious??

Lunch break's over ... off to work I go..

Happy Birthday to Amy ... (and me too)

My good friend Amy, who I used to work with is celebrating her birthday today! Happy B-Day my Calgarian friend. That was one of the first things we learned about each other -- that we had the same birthday. Kinda cool.

Anyway, today I am XXXI - or 31 to those of you who don't know Roman numerals and don't follow the Superbowl.

I must say, it's pretty cool. I feel like a real honest to goodness grown up.

I'm firmly out of my 20's. Got past my introductory to a new decade year. Have a beautiful whife and a gorgeous 13 month old girl. Have a mortgage. Need a second car. I'm broke. Yup, sounds ground up to me!

Thanks to friends and family for calling today, sending emails, or coming to say hello. I like to brush off the importance of my own birthday, but it is kind of nice when other people remember. I feel truly blessed.

Look Mom, No Hands

Donnie has finally permitted me to post on the blog. Actually he suggested it.

Natasha has been on her feet for months, cruising the furniture and using her walker or stroller.

We have been eagerly awaiting her first unassisted steps. But, she insists on holding at least one of our fingers to walk and if we let go, she sits down to crawl or reaches for something to hold on to. She is so funny to watch when she is standing by herself without realizing it, because as soon as she notices she looks at her feet and quickly sits down.

Well today was different.

Natasha walked today at our friend's house for the first time. It was Andrea's daughter Veronika's 1st birthday and Tasha was really motivated by seeing her buddy Nika walking and by Andrea cheering her on. Natasha took about 4 steps and then did it for a second time.

She was very tired when she got home and wasn't interested in showing us anymore. Well we all knew it was coming. Watch out Babas, Vava, Granpy, Pops and Uncle Joe. Today a few steps...tomorrow a marathon and you all need to chase her. I'm going to catch you..I'm going to catch you...

New camera! Yay!

Yesterday Sarah and I decided enough was enough and it was time to get a new digital camera. Ours died a few weeks ago, and we've been sitting by watching all these 'kodak moments' go uncaptured.

So, we decided to invest in the Sony Cybershot H5. 7.2 Megapixels, 12X optical zoom, a Carl Zeiss lense and a gigantic 3" screen! We've already been snapping pix like crazy. Once we download them all, I'll upload them for you all to see.

My sister also made a picture CD with tons of Tasha pics over the last year. I'll add those to the photo album tomorrow as well!

First week of school down - lots more to go.

Going back to work this week was great. This is actually the most excited I've been to return to work since I started teaching. I think the reason is because this year I'm teaching Dramatic Arts for the first time. I had to give up my Phys. Ed. program in order to take this on, but I think it's for the best.

By the end of a full day of gym class I was generally pretty exhausted. Teaching drama seems to keep my energy levels high. It's only been a week, but it's been sweet. Of course, I'm still teaching the computer classes for the whole school - grades 1-8. I just revamped my work blog for students and parents. http://misterabreu.blogspot.com


I plan on making this my best year ever.