Inspriational Story: Seven Wonders of the World

A group of geography students were studying "The Seven Wonders of the World.' At the beginning of the lesson, they were asked to list what they thought about "Seven Wonders of the World". most of the student wrote: 1. Pyramid 2. Taj Mahal 3. Great Wall of China 4. Tower of Pisa 5. Angkor Wat 6. Eiffel Tower 7. Tempo of the Parthenon.

When collecting the list, the teacher noticed a student, a quiet girl, she had not written anything. So, the teacher asked her is she had trouble with her list.
The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I can't choose because there are so many."

The teacher said, "Well, tell me what's on your mind and maybe I can help."

The girl was silent for a moment, then she wrote, "I think, seven wonders of the world are..."

1. I can see...
2. i can hear...
3. I can touch...
4. I can walk...

She paused again, and then continued.

5.) i can laugh...
6. I can feel...
7. and, i can love

The classroom was silent at once...

(Not sure about the validity of the story, however, the principal is well noted. Life is good. We just have to learn to appreciate it.

Eternal Friends

I opened my mail the other day and was touched by a letter from a dear friend of mine who served with me on my mission 13 years ago. The following words are a testimony why people should always strive to make good impressions and treat people well, because some day it just might come back to you when you least expect it.

"This is your long lost New York companion here. I've had this painting of Jesus since Plattsburgh (New York).
It is your picture that you threw away. I am pretty sure threw it away because I made some comment about it being a "Catholic" painting, or something like that. I saw you had thrown it away and I pulled it out of the trash and put in my scriptures, where it has been since.
I am sorry that I said something that made you feel that you needed to get rid of it. I was wrong. There was never anything wrong with the painting; if there was anything wrong, it was me. The funny thing is, that exact painting hung in my Ward (church) building the whole time I was growing up. And, I have that exact size of the painting in a popsicle-stick frame that my Primary teacher gave me; on the back it says, "Jesus Loves Darrell."

So, your painting is finally home.

Your brother,

DF

It's wonderful how a simple letter; sharing moments from the past could re-unite a friendship and bring tears of joy to ones' eyes. I love you too DF...and I always will.

Armando

Take me out to the ballgame...

I have to tell the story again. When I was younger my father used to take me out to the ballgame at Candlestick Park (San Francisco). I would bring my glove and tell my father and grandpa, "Today is the day that I catch a ball". As re-occurring visits to the ballpark resulted in unsuccessful attempts, we ended up at a ballgame against the Atlanta Braves. This time I had forgotten my glove, but not my hopes. And then it happened. Terry Pendleton hit a shot to right field during batting practice. Suddenly, time froze and all I could do is focus on the screaming ball heading towards our location. No one seemed to be around, and it appeared as if no one had seen it but me. (almost as if this had my name all over it). As the ball grew closer, I ran along in between the aisle towards the ball on my left hand side. I raised my bare hands stretched out with one foot on the ground and caught the ball in front a spectators face as he was distracted talking to his friend while drinking his beer. The response of the crowd was amazing. And you could imagine the look on dad and grandpas's face!

This is my story in a nut shell, but as I told Ashli the story in details, her eyes became attentive as we walked towards the gates at the New York Yankee-Seattle Mariner game at Safeco Field as if she had a similar experience to look forward to. She was excited about the prospect of "getting" a ball like dad when he was her age. I chuckled as I saw her little aspirations and hopes. Again, I was humbled, as within the first minute of locating our assigned seats, I hear a "thump" next to us. Surprisingly, a foul ball ended up next to our seats. The best part of snagging' this foul ball, was the smile radiating from Ashli's face as she was in augh, how quickly this happened as we just entered the ballpark. The moment was irreplaceable and she kept on pointing out the scuff marks where #29 from the Mariners had hit it. At that moment it hit me, how I am following in my father's footsteps...being a father, and passing on irreplaceable moments to my little one. Life is definitely good.

Yankees lost 4-1which made this experience even better!!!

Love in divorce

I would bet that most people do not plan on divorcing while walking down the aisle and giving their vows at the alter. I don't think that couples purposely plan or foresee divorce in their futures, but realistically divorce happens. Unfortunately, arguments and hateful emotions become part of their future relationship but with sincere efforts and common understandings friendships can be made and heartache can easily dissipate. As for me, I am grateful for my friendship with my ex wife and the love I have for her family. I look forward to visiting them as we interchange parenting time with Ashli. This 4th of July proved my point as we shared a really good barbeque (loved the Carne Asada) during Fourth of July at my ex's home. The way I see it, after my divorce, I've regained my ex as part of my family and simply added others to it. Yup, I can honestly say, that I enjoyed 4th of July with "family" and a reunion is much anticipated.

House Hunting

(above) The Culprit!

Frustration, anger, laughter, hope, faith, anticipation, disappointment, etc. These are some emotions that I've experienced this month while house hunting. But, I LOVE IT. Home ownership, no doubt adds to responsibility, but it's something that I've been dreaming of for a long time. Realistically, in my mind, it's progression. I also see home ownership as stability for my child and a crucial part in expanding my family. Though, I'm in the early stages, I've got two bids out there of which one has really caught my eye. Not getting my hopes up high that I will get it, but I feel as if I'm in the running. Time will tell. Maybe I should lick the doorknob and mark it, Similar to the Honda commercial where the guy licks the driver's side door handle as he sees other potential buyers walking toward the car! LOL. If that's all it took, I'd be licking the whole house!

Humbled

Ashli does an extremely good job at humbling her father. Just when I thought I was accomplishing much, working hard and putting in hard worked hours, I entered Ashli's dark lit room before bedtime. I walked toward her as she lay in her bed. I saw her little silhouette reaching for me in the dark and as I gave her some much needed hugs and kisses she humbled me. It dawned on me that she was waiting up for me at (10:15pm) while I was in the living room, having a friend troubleshoot a computer problem, via the phone. Her little cheeks moved towards mine and as she approached mine asked, "Did you read the note? I left it on my desk" I gave her a final kiss goodnight, took the note, closed the door and read the following:
What I would like to do. 1) Spend time with my dad by watching a movie with popcorn, pizza, and soda. That would be the best day in a long time. We used to do that all the time too.
2) Spend time with my dad. (happy face).
I don't ever doubt or wonder how life would be without her... I already know. I'm thinking that dad is soon gonna' have the best damn popcorn and movie night that this kid has ever seen.

In the middle of now where.

Saturday was fun as Cama and I ventured to the hot springs in Estacada, Oregon. The day was quite enjoyable and so did and others as they too were enjoying mother natures pleasant gift...the hot springs in the middle of the no where. We couldn't have asked for a better setting either. The trail leading to the hot springs was pleasant walking 1 miles towards our destination. I thought the the company was amazing, and knowing that others around us were in common thread, made the trip more enjoyable as we retreated from work and responsibilities. The water was hot but the cold natural spring water, offset the hot water giving it a perfect touch, as we sat in the hot tub. The open rooftop allowed the rain drops to fall down our faces adding to the wonderful experience. Sadly though, our perfect retreat turned dangerous. Have you ever experienced the effects that a peaceful atmosphere could turn dangerous with moments of time? On our way back, the trail we had taken turned into an 1 1/2 hr. frustration as we became lost. To top it off, we had no food or water and became fatigued as we tried to find our way back towards the care. We gave up and took the long/safe way (so we thought). As we walked up hill towards the car we stumbled across a man crying for help, shouting in the middle of the street, with his hands in the air, "Help me, Help me. Someone call the cops." Ya, imagine that. The most horrid feeling ran through my mind; 'the oddity of this man in the middle of no where, who appeared to be ambiguously coherent, appearingly healthy, and carrying items in his pockets'. Dude kept on walking towards us, screaming for help and for us not to run away from him. In the moment, I kept thinking, 'could this be a diversion for potential individuals waiting nearby?' We turned to each other and did not hesitate to run towards the lower parking lot. As we ran, I kept looking at both sides of the street, into the trees hoping that no one was there. It was just me and Cama, no cell phone service for another 30 miles, outside the nearest town, along a narrow street, 1 mile or so from others. Not fun! Luckily, we ran into a random person whom we didn't necessarily trust 100% and asked him for a ride to our car. Along the way we saw the man yelling for help. As we reached the car, Cama yelled, "Armando they broke into your car." Though, a rock had gone through my windshield, nothing was taken, just given... fear. We were able to get out of there in safety, but on the way home, all I could think about was Ashli and how this situation played out differently, it would have been the last time I saw her. I also thought about Cama and her well being, and the necessity of just being prepared for all situations. It's funny how a series of events can completely change a comfortable enviornment. As I reflect upon my experience today, I am grateful for safety and the for the things that we have. Again, I'm just glad that I only lost my window.

Today is going to be a great day!

"Today is going to be a great day." Those words pretty much summed up my Thursday, as I text my boss before starting work. I'm thinking that my positive attitude, despite all the obstacles that I've faced in the last couple of years....digging in the trenches with adversity and overcoming bumps along the way, while learning valuable lessons in my endeavor, definitely pay off sometimes. Work went amazingly well, but the most rewarding part about my Thursday occurred when I checked my credit score and realized that my credit score rose 41 points! I almost cried (no joke), thinking that I never quit with my finances after my divorce and in the process learned some valuable lessons. The credit score score is just a reflection of perseverance. Suddenly, it has become clearer that soon I can become a home owner.
~Overall, I'm thinking that each day should start off with a positive attitude and maybe start with a positive text to a friend. I'll just have to learn to do it while I'm not driving. Those dang cell phone rules...

Lan Su Chinese Garden Escape

Mucho trabajo + Mucho Canzado = Take a vacation on the weekend and play!

In colloquial terms, "Sometimes you gotta' do what you gotta' do." With work and the busy 'daddy' schedule, I often become restless with the inability to have 'Armando' time and play. This weekend was great as I took a friend with me downtown Portland and enjoyed the weekend. We ate some yummy barbecue 'wings', walked around the Pioneer Square mall, traveled the mystical, peaceful surroundings of the Lan Su Chinese Gardens near the waterfront, and just chilled! Totally, needed this weekend to soak up the sun and reflect on some matters of great importance. Friendship and life.
(Interesting facts learned at the gardens: the hollow bamboo stick is a representation of humility; the flexibility of the bamboo as it's tossed and moved along with the weather is symbolic of resiliency).

My daughter... the writer.

As I had to work late, I had my ex's husband pick up Ashli at home to go spend time with her mom on the weekend. As I realized that I wouldn't be seeing Ashli that night, I became saddened by the fact that I would not be able to say goodbye as I drop her off on Fridays. I was missing her. But my countenance changed as I arrived home at 8pm and read the little surprise outside my bedroom door that she had left me. The 3 page note read.

"I wish I could stay and say goodbye in person but, I guess I have to say it in a paper. Goodbye! I (picture of a heart) you! Look on next page----

I (picture of a heart) U Papi so much that I can eat 400,000,000,000 watermelons...

P.S. Look in my room there is a balloon and it says something. The words are true.

No kissing girls!"

The kid definitely gets her sense of humor from her 'papi'. I decided to buy her a watermelon the next day as a token of my sense of humor as well, however, I'm learning that 400,000,000,000 watermelons may be tough for my little angel as it has been 5 days from when she wrote the note and she has yet to eat one! I'm thinking that maybe she should continue to love me and focus on sleeping on top of her bed without falling off. (Twice this week). ~I love you too Ash.

2010

True or not, one thing that speaks to me is the feeling of taking risks and succeeding. So looking forward to the current year.

A blind man had been waiting a while at a busy road for someone to offer to guide him across, when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Excuse me," said the tapper, "I'm blind - would you mind guiding me across the road?"

The first blind man took the arm of the second blind man, and they both crossed the road.

Apparently this is a true story. The first blind man was the jazz pianist George Shearing. He is quoted (in Bartlett's Anecdotes) as saying after the event, "What could I do? I took him across and it was the biggest thrill of my life."

There are times when we think we cannot do something and so do not stretch or take a risk. Being forced to stretch and take a risk can often help us to reduce our dependencies (on others, or our own personal safety mechanisms), and to discover new excitement and capabilities.

Why?

Reflecting on 2009:

Often times, I've taken for granted special moments that have occurred in my life; interacting with people and certain life's situations that have lead to who I am as a person. I wanted to take a moment to mention certain things that I am grateful for in my life. I am grateful for my family, my friends, and most important the 'Man' upstairs. Every highlight of my life and all the that I have taken... I would do all over again. I've become a very imperfect person in this life's training and in the the process of my successes and sorrows, I'm learning to love the experiences that I have come across and also the ones that I am creating. I look forward to the many wonderful moments that each day will bring in 2010. Of such anticipations:

Laughing, meeting eternal friends, finding someone special, PS3 video game challenges against Ashli, walks on a warm night, talking trash with rival sports fans (when my team is winning of course) in a sports theme environment, achieving work goals and feeling accomplished, trips to the coast, enjoying time in a clean room, motivational moments at work, church, cart rides on the waterfront and staring at the Portland bridges on the marina dock, pajamas and movies, pizza, Jamba Juice, brushing my teeth with my Sonicare toothbrush, learning, hearing genuine "I love you's", putting on Levi jeans after showering, taking risks, fossil watches, window shopping at Best Buy, having a flat tummy, Ashli's smile, my ex's friendship, car washes, clearance items at the stores, Red Box movies, golfing with lawyers, and living.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving day ended up well after spending the morning moving our stuff into the new apartment. Furniture got wet as it rained, but the slow start to the holiday was overshadowed with my mom and Eli visiting us from California. That and the anticipation of eating mom's turkey changed my attitude quickly. I won't lie, I haven't met anyone that can cook a turkey as good as mom's! After spending a whole day in the kitchen this bird was tasting great. Ashli loved having grandma over and we had such a good time. We might have to make thanksgiving in Oregon with family a habit. (Eli enjoyed eating as well, and was trying to figure out a way to take left overs through the airport to California).

Ashli Rockin' the house this year as she participated in her school musical. Ashli sang to an asian theme musical and was able to play musical instruments as well. This year is turning out to be a wonderful experience as I've been able to participate in her school activities and parent-teacher conferences. I'm proud of my little girl with all her accomplishments that she has been able achieve with regards to her education. Highlight of the year so far: Ashli earned a Vice Mayor title as all her classmates each received jobs/roles in their class community project. that and she is kickin' trash in school! Go Ashli!

The Good and the Yoshi... Halloween take II

Last Halloween was amazing and well how did this years festivities compare? Pretty close! Little did Jeff know what to expect as I convinced him to be a Mormon missionary with me. His eyes were opened, amazed, and somewhat concerned with all the stir that we were causing downtown Portland, on Halloween night. Within a minute of walking down the street, after we had found a parking spot, we quickly became the center of attraction. One guy ran down the block and back yelling "Mormons!, Mormon Missionaries" as if he had seen a ghost. Another lady, went down on her knees in front of me, and in front of her boyfriend and asked me to take a picture (she wasn't tying her shoes). To make matters more interesting she somehow bit my chest as I became distracted. That didn't even include the gesture for me to touch her chest! Funny enough we had many people convinced that we were real Elders. Some people were extremely confrontational. Others wanted to take pictures next to us. Pretty hostile group! It didn't help as Megan, or "Yoshi" had us meet her friend, who ironically was dressed as Jesus. Imagine the ruckis that caused at the BARs. All in all, it was definitely a memorable Halloween...again, and after the last two, I still wonder what could out do our previous two rendezvous? Guess we'll have to wait til next year.

Family Pictures... Just cuz!

Is there any doubt why I love my kid so much? She makes me laugh. And I have to treat her extremely well, because if you haven't noticed... she's an artist! Cardoso family rules.

~Papi

Re-Energized

Having lost two people too close to home, I decided to take a trip to California and just get away. My get-away turned into one great road trip. In my exodus I was able to enjoy a 5 nights stay with my mother & Eli, 2 blocks away from Capitola beach. In my voyage I was able to visit the Thomas Kinkade art store along the Capitola Beach and learn about his paintings; I was able to enjoy the Santa Cruz Boardwalk with Ashli, embarking on some cool roller coaster rides; I was ab le to see Barry Zito stink it up at the San Francisco Giants game, before the All-Star Break in one of the most remarkable baseball fields ever built; I was able to walk along the Golden Gate Bridge; partake of some good food @ the In & Out Burger; I was able to enjoy Pier 39, Ghirardelli's Chocolate Factory in San Francisco; I was able to shoot some guns at the driving range with some friends in San Jose; visit my friends & their kids in Gilroy, and caught up with some eternal friends/family in Sacramento (I schooled them at the driving range, had to represent Oregon.)

What's interesting is that I felt at home after 12 years and in my journey felt re-energized. I didn't want to come back to Oregon and neither did Ashli. In the process, I've grown closer to my family and friends, and am anticipating another trip soon!

Only regrets: Not spending time this round with my sister, and forgetting my shoes as I was going to run across the Golden Gate Bridge. To the moon. Looks like I'll have to come back, soon.


Click Here For Pictures July 11-18th

4th of July

Downtown Waterfront is a wonderful place to be when surrounded with a bunch of people that enjoy a great sense of freedom during 4th of July. This night, looking upon a beautiful sky and the shinning, shimmering, splendid(Gotta love Alladin) fireworks light up the sky, I became proud of the fact that I live in a place where I enjoy many liberties that others don't. Not to be too sappy, but tonight was great. And the company was even better.

Appreciation

Some people come into the lives of others that make significant impressions on them. With that said, recently, many close friends & co-workers heard of the passing of a truly amazing individual. Sarah had an uncanny ability to feel the room with smiles; a person who's presence alone attracted many people to her; and a genuine person who cared about others. Though we may not see her in this lifetime, her presence & remarkable personality remains close to our hearts.

Some of us had the opportunity of enjoying Hood to Coast moments & sharing hilarious stories during trainings that she hosted. If you can hear us Sarah, we want you to know that we "Love you".

If you would like to make a tribute visit this site provided by the family. Tribute

Friends

Had a fabulous time with the DeMoss family and Colleen this weekend, taking a hike along the Columbia George. Lil' John, future Paleontoligist, made himself at home grabbing everyone's hand as we went up and down the Oneonta trail. Along the path we were entertained by many slugs that John found to be interesting. The rain held back and gratefully, we were able to see some great sites along the Columbia River. Colleen's wonderful PB&J and snacks were to die for as well. All in all, not having to worry about work on the weekend and taking a 'mini vacation' along with meeting some knew friends... is an event that definitely cannot be beat. I'm thinking this went so well we should try this again.... and soon.

Proud to be Ashli's Dad

With the tornado dying down today, I focused my attention towards Ashli's musical presentation at school, that she completely downplayed. According to Ashli, she had a small part in the school's musical that was based in the mid 19th century slave days in the U.S. The kids were adorable as they participated with their flutes, xilaphones, drums, and the instructor did a remarkable job guiding them while playing the Piano. The kids rocked the house playing their instruments and singing in acapalo. And ya, my little girl's part in the presentation was bigger than she said it would be. She had the longest line to memorize; she played the flute; she sang, and she rocked out on the xilaphone with her classmates. I was so impressed with her role and impressed that there quite a bit of focus on her. During the skit I overheard a boy, in another class whisper to his mother seated next to him, "Mom, that's her. That's Ashli." She responded, "Oh ya, she's cute!" Um, kinda' shocked I'm not gonna lie. I was like, 'Dang right she is' however, reality kicked in as I realized that my daughter is growing up fast dating boys isn't that far away. YIKES. As the year closes, I can say that having her this school year was a learning experience for both of us and a huge success academically for her. Way to go Ashli! Dad's proud of you.

Click here for more photos!

Looked out the window and what did I see?

Ok, so we aint' in Ternader' valley so this is as good as it gets. June 4th Oregon had a nice little Tornado watch that had Oregon all riled up. I was excited because when storms come a crossing, that's the best time to whip out the good old camera and see what mother nature has in store! Being on the second floor of the building has its advantages with the nicest view in the building. So, of course you guessed it, I took a break, a long one and took some pictures. Being the prangster that I am, I took a moment to make my camera flash as my boss had his head turned. Everytime the flash went off he would turn around thinking that it was lightning coming from outside. Had too much fun with that one. I did have a couple of good shots as the storm came a brewing. Definitely, a fun day.