Wanna feel old???

Just walk into an Apple Store. No, not the fresh fruit that keeps the doctor away, I mean the funky, youthful operation that keeps us happy with the coolest technology toys. I've never felt so old. I recently fell, face first, into a deep and unsuspected generation gap when I attempted to get my iPod repaired.

This brightly-lit store has several workstation tables, as well as counters running the length of each side of the store, set up with numerous versions of all the Apple products on display, fully functioning, and available for anyone to try out. Each table has an employee monitoring use and answering product questions. Every product was occupied by either one person, or a whole mob of people trying out the features together. The place was packed and just buzzing with activity. One young girl was taking pictures of herself with her cell phone camera, and using the blue tooth technology to send the picture to the Apple laptop in front of her, then sending the picture to a friend, via the live internet connection, then talking to her friend on that same cell phone about the picture she just sent.

Being OLD, I was looking for a customer service desk, or even a counter with a cash register. I aimlessly wandered through a sea of busy teens and YOUNG adults who apparently, intuitively knew exactly what to do and where to go in this blinding white, futuristic-looking store. Finally finding a young man in a boldly contrasting black shirt, with a lanyard around his neck, I approached and explained about the sad face icon I received on my iPod and asked if he did repairs. Being a literal kid, he answered no (he personally does not do repairs) and stared at me with a big smile. He offered no additional information. We just stared at each other. Stunned, my grouchy old lady persona kicked in and I passive-aggresively turned to my husband and stated "Oh, obviously I am an idiot and they don't know what I am talking about." With that, the man pointed me to an unoccupied laptop and began clicking to the technical assistance screen then asked me to enter my personal information. No signage or explanation, the next generation just knows that if there is a free laptop around, sign in for service.

We needed to schedule an appointment with the Genius Bar (a.k.a. technical customer service) for diagnosis. Unfortunately, the Genius Bar was booked until 4:00 the next day. We could not leave the iPod, but had to return at 4:00 the next day, unless we preferred the 4:15 appointment. hmmmmm

The next day, full-bitch attitude intact and ready for deployment, we walked into the store, headed for the back and accidently noticed the Genius Bar to our right, just as my name and appointment time appeared on a display screen above the bar. Four o'clock on the dime. One of the young men, with his Genius title embroidered on the chest of his black shirt, called my name. I approached and explained the frowning face icon, he plugged my iPod into his laptop, checked the warranty registration through my iPod, clicked a few buttons, then turned around, unlocked a cabinet and handed me a brand new iPod. Thank you very much. This whole transaction took about five minutes, max. I don't believe I have ever witnessed such an efficient warranty experience in my life.

It took me 5 months to get my new computer working--being bounced to every international tech support desk around the world and always starting with the infamous script question "is the unit plugged in?" Five months!! AND I WORK FOR THE COMPUTER COMPANY!!! Obviously, I don't work for Apple. Too bad.

Lesson learned - Quit being such a crabby old bag, go with the flow, and enjoy the fruits of this new quicker, better, NOW kind of world.

Tony's First Photo Shoot

On September 23 we went to the State Capitol building to participate in a portfolio model shoot. Tony was able to pose for several photographers, including me (I took all the ones with the sunglasses). I also took photos of several other models and posted their pics on a new blog http://www.cynpip.blogspot.com

Tony was just invited to participate in a Stock Image shoot this Friday, so hopefully we can start building his portfolio in quick fashion. If all we get out of this is some great photos and maybe a confidence boost for Tony, then it is all good.

Take One for the Team

September 1, 2007
Nah...not really. Towards the end of summer, Tony was ready to cut his hair. The maintenance had just become too much for a young teen to handle. We decided to wait until school started, knowing that the wrestling coach would probably require him to cut it anyway. He did.

So I made an appointment with someone who specializes in curly hair and is proficient with men's cuts. I took so many wonderful photos, or so I thought. My new Digital Canon Rebel is having problems. The preview screen quit working while we were in Padre and I have not wanted to let go of it long enough to get it repaired, but that wasn't the problem. The problem was that I did not have a flash memory card in the camera and without the preview screen, there was no way for the camera to inform me. My bad. Ugh! Fortunately though, I did take couple of pics with my phone, to send to Gio during the cut. So while I don't have all my wonderful before and after shots, and the impressive cutting off of the pony tail, and the first cut of the seven inch long hair she held over his head as she took it down to an inch, I do have these, lower quality phone pics:

First Day of High School

August 28, 2007

Tony is a Freshman this year. He's taking Latin, Pre A/P World Geography, Pre A/P English, Biology, Algebra, and Wrestling. Watch out World. Here comes the class of 2011!!

! ! ! ! Happy Birthday Tony ! ! ! !

August 24, 2007

Tony turned 15 today. He decided he didn't want a pool party after all. He just wanted some family to come over and help eat some cake. So that's what we did. On Friday night we took him out to eat at Houston's restaurant, where he ate a huge rack of ribs. Then on Saturday we grilled up some of that famous "meat-on-a-stick," made some queso and chips, some boracho beans, toritillas, and also as requested, a cookies-n-cream ice cream cake. He received a wide assortment of gifts, and was sincerely pleased with the casual celebration with family.

Another Gardening Success

August 17, 2007

While we were traveling so much in the late summer, an Italian Zucchini plant was taking over our back yard like a scene from Logan's Run, or Jumanji. It took over a huge Crepe Myrtle tree, crept over the fence to our neighbors and completely encased a bush in close proximity. The leaves were HUGE, but no sign of zucchini.

Then one day, Gio & I were sitting out back talking when he noticed what he first thought was a large green snake pointing straight-up deep inside the bush. Upon further inspection, we realized it was a gigantic zucchini! Our nephew, Colton was spending the night that evening and the boys got a real kick out of the grande cucuzzo.

Karaoke Girl's Night Out!

August 18, 2007

Or girl's night IN. We started with drinks [Kelly makes killer Cosmopolitans] then we had a big lasagna dinner and more drinks, and then the singing started. Some were more brave than others, and there was a painful rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody captured on video [see if you can find it on YouTube. That is a challenge to ya!]

The girls brought a variety of delicious foods and drinks to complement the lasagna--spinach dip, bruchetta, Italian salad, breads, and an incredible assortment of desserts and wines. Kelly was a sweetie and brought some flowers and a Boa [to commemorate Zumanity] and Candace brought a new Karaoke CD and an engraved frame with an awesome pic of us all in Vegas. Erika also brought me more of the wonderful lavender green tea she introduced to me.

All related to Dell somehow--having done time there at some point in life, we gathered to let go, catch up, and just have fun. We mostly hung out indoors, but with two smokers in the crew, the party often moved to the back patio. The stories shared were hilarious, and the laughter was non-stop. The party lasted until early the next day, with the last buddies leaving at 4:00 AM. :) Hugs, girls!

Family Celebration

August 11, 2007

The Sisters.
It is a rare thing to get all 6 together anymore, and this day was no exception. We were missing Aunt Linda. But seeing the 5 of them laugh 'til they cry is a real treat.

Eddie and Missy hosted a party at their beautiful new home. We celebrated Benjamin's graduation from High School, but we also got to see Paul's new son, Hayden, talk about Cheyenne's upcoming wedding, and so much more. The pot luck was incredible with a delicious variety of foods. The house is absolutely gorgeous, inside and out, and our hosts most gracious and the cousins started talking about the next camping trip...

What a Birthday!!

July 27-29, 2007
Vegas Baby!!

Gio wanted to Dance. My gal, Candace is a professional gambler on the side. Kelly needed a break and so did I. So where do you go to get away from it all AND celebrate Gio's birthday, too! Vegas, of course.

Just a quick weekend from Friday after work until the wee hours of Monday morning. It was a blast. We did the VIP bottle service at Studio 54 and danced our feet off. We gambled and won, then we gambled and lost--except for Candace of course, pocketing a cool $5400 for her efforts. We had second row seats at Zumanity and laughed 'til it hurt. Then gambled some more. And food - ugh!! We ate so much food. We never made it to the pool, as planned. Sleep seemed more important in the daylight.

The fun fact here is that both my girlfriends are 6 foot tall, flat-footed. Put all three of us in heels and we are a force to be reckoned with. At one point, Gio looked up at all of us and said, "Man, I look like Joe Pesci standing next to you three!" He cracked us up!

Between constantly running late, the freaks in the club, some hilarious Blackjack dealers and Candace's occasional case of Turrets at the table, it was a memorable trip indeed, and we will definitely go back soon! What does that all mean?? Well, you know what they say, what happens in Vegas...