Aunties Go To Vegas

I will update as I get more info.

I almost couldn't believe it when I heard, but it's true. A group of our mothers and aunts took a trip to Las Vegas-- they're enjoying it as we speak.

A few months in the making, the Aunties are staying at the Bellagio Hotel. The itinerary no doubt includes good food, showing off their legs by the pool (all the way up to the knee for that once a year quota for leg exposure), maybe some browsing, maybe some shopping.

The highlight of the trip is going to see Elton John in concert. The singer-- grammy winner, oscar winner, friend of the late Princess Diana-- has been famous for the better part of 3 decades, yet few of us have actually seen him in concert. Lucky them for stepping up and doing more than just talk about a trip. Enjoy the show!

I'll get some names, and hopefully I'll have some pictures from their trip to show. We might see someone make money on a slot machine, millionaires buying them a round of drinks for taking a picture with them, and someone's whiter-than-white legs looking like they took a picture of the sun.

Have fun, y'all!

Matt Goes Driving

Matt Hernandez, who has worked for UPS for 3-and-a-half years, has been biding his time at Big Brown.

A year ago, during what is know as Peak Season at UPS (which is essentially the period of November 1st through Christmas Eve), Matt had the fortune to be teamed as a Driver Helper with one of the better Drivers in the Santa Barbara Center.

The Driver, by the name of Tony Jamison, who was also the Co-Chair for the Safety Committee for the 65 Drivers in the Center, was able to help bring out Matt’s natural born talents. He was able to teach Matt all about the DIAD device, about the techniques and processes Matt would need to use as a Driver, and Tony gave Matt some of the best lessons in Driver Safety.

Last week, Matt was assigned to Service Provider Training School, the week-long program where UPS teaches its employees how to become professionals. This is not required—Matt had to volunteer when the offer was presented to him.

Matt passed the class. But he did more than that. He set the bar, scoring in the 90s on all examinations, and was cited as the example for excellence in the class.

Within 3-5 years, Matt will be able to take up a full-time Driver position. Currently, the top rate for Drivers is in the neighborhood of $28 an hour, with full Medical, Dental and Vision benefits, 401k retirement program, Teamster Pension, and no less than 30 days of paid time off per year.

Congratulations, Matt. We’re tipping our hats to you.

Business Weekly Spotlight: Line2

Disclaimer: I’m just moving down the list—I’m not trying to self-promote.

This week, we’re going to visit David (Esparza Jr) and a business he started a little over a year ago.

Having grown up and come of age among people who were self-employed, it was easy for him to see 2 things: First, that the self-employed were often very good at one thing. Second, business owners and the self-employed are focused on making money.

With these in mind, David started Line2. His company focuses on the market of the self-employed, on the small-business owner, and those working from home. David uses the two basic principles stated above as a starting point.

Line2 focuses on the simple things: filing, office organization, data entry and the like. However, Line2 also offers other services like graphic design and web design

He hopes to move the company toward offering bookkeeping and payroll services, as well as accounting and marketing services.

The point to all this: make it easier for business owners to do what they do best.

In case you are thinking of starting a new business, or need help with the basic services offered by Line2, give David a call or visit the Line2 website (click).

Line2
David Esparza Jr, Owner
805-637-6836
www.line-2.net
desparza@line-2.net

BREAKING: RONNY IN HOSPITAL AFTER SURGERY

Last night, while with a group of friends, Ronny and the group were caught in a verbal exchange with another group near Downtown Santa Barbara. A scuffle ensued, and Ronny's group ran, while Ronny was left behind getting jumped by the other group.

Ronny was stabbed three times in the back.

He went into a nearby establishment, where personnel phoned 911. Ronny was taken to Cottage Hospital where exploratory surgery was performed to determine if any vital organs had been damaged.

He exited surgery at 7:45 this morning, at which point he gave his friend Andrea permission to phone Marina and Gramma Connie.

All signs are that his vital organs were not hit. Word is that he has a slash wound from his lower rib to the front of his abdomen. He is in a lot of pain, but is otherwise doing fine.

Close call, folks. Let's be glad it wasn't more serious, and keep praying for all of our safety every day.

UPDATE: The abdomen wound is actually an incision across the front of his abdomen made by the surgeon-- this is how they went in to check on the status of his internal organs.

UPDATE: Word is that Ronny will be at Cottage for about a week.

Business Weekly Spotlight: Busy Body Boot Camp

Brian Pearson has been a certified personal trainer for many years, as we all might know. More recently, Brian has taken this expertise to another level, and is helping others along the way.

With his 'Busy Body Boot Camp', Brian is conducting training sessions at the East Side Boys Club (click for map). Each session lasts 4-5 weeks. Though he could use his knowledge on any level of athlete, Brian has chosen to target women with his Boot Camp. Thus, he has opened up knowledge of physical health to the part of society usually at a disadvantage for instructors and venues in the area of strength and conditioning.

Brian has been conducting the Camps since the early to mid part of the summer, and new sessions have been under way since then. Currently, Aunties Carmen and Monica are enrolled in the Camp and say "We enjoy it a lot... and it kicks your butt!"

Brian is a great teacher, and no doubt brings his sense of humor to each class. Get a hold of him, find out when the next Camp begins, and bring a friend or two.


Busy Body Boot Camp
Brian Pearson
805-448-5687


Health and wellness-- good times!

Silver Bells... Silver Bells...

... It's Christmas time in the city!

Sort of.

For the last few years, Dolly has taken the initiative to reserve spots on one of the trolley tours of homes in Santa Barbara decorated for Christmas. The trolley tours are good times-- I went last year and had a lot of fun. There are so many of us, we could easily fill up one of the trolleys with just the Family.

The tours start at the beach, near Stearn's Wharf at Cabrillo. You can usually grab some hot apple cider for the ride, provided by the people who put on the tour. When the bells ring, it's all aboard and the tour begins. The tour goes through Hidden Valley (off of Las Positas), near Cathedral Oaks/Foothill Road neighborhoods, and finishes off with a romp through the Eastside.

Last years attendees, if memory serves correct: Gramma Connie, Tyvador, Uncle Junior, Rosanna, Larry, Sonia, Neveah, Malea (I think?), Mikey, Big Mike, Renee, Raquel, Ryan, the Triplets (Victoria, David and Jessica), Paul, Tommy, Dolly, Bill, Marisa, Michelle, and David. Afterwards, we all went over to visit Monica and Bob for even more good times.

Dolly left a message with me saying, "Money talks and bullshit walks!" She'll be making reservations soon, and she'll be collecting money for the tickets, as well. Here's Dolly's contact info:

Dolly
805-563-9938 (home)
805-252-0347 (cell)

Come and join us, y'all!

New Poll

Y'all... how's things?

There's a new poll up on the right. I asked about this, but didn't get much feedback, so I figured to just put it up to a vote.

Some have asked about switching the 'Third Sunday' breakfasts to a 'Third Saturday' thing. There doesn't seem to be any problem with it, and no one is beholden to Sundays. So, hit up the poll and tell everyone what you think.

And tell others to come and vote. Democracy in action, folks. The poll may decide the day for the Cousins.

Business Weekly Spotlight: 501 N First St

This week we have news of a different kind. Previously we have highlighted a family member with a side business or someone who has ventured out on their own to make a living. The news today is about real estate.

The market for real estate has been in a bit of a lull over most of this year. No worries-- this is just thinning the herd. Too many people thought they could make a quick buck off of the surge in real estate values and the number of home sales. A great man once said, "Any idiot can make a dollar in a bull market."

So once this purge has weeded out the weak, there will be good things left for those who did things right.

How does this all figure to our family?

Gramma Connie will be selling her Lompoc property, currently occupied by uncle/brother Paul Hernandez, at 501 N First St (click for map). The listing price will likely be somewhere in the neighborhood of $325,000 to $350,000.

Not a bad price. The hope is that it can stay in the family, with one or more folks teaming up and buying the house as an investment or as a live in. Real Estate partnerships happen all the time, and it makes it easier for people to invest when they can pool their resources.

She's taking offers, so let Gramma Connie know. Better yet, let her Realtor know:

Teresa Arellanes
805-252-0347
tarellanes@century21ahart.com

October Birthdays

Hey, y'all. Here's the Birthdays for October. I know there's more, but this is what I have...

• Sal 'Junior' Hernandez, October 9

• Marina Hernandez, October 9

• Joe Cook, October 15

• Mike 'Mikey' Montross (aka, 'Mo'), October 15

• Malia Cook, October 15
  

Happy Birthday, people! Here's the October Calendar (click link).

What Can Brown Do For Us?

The question asked in the poll was how many cousins have worked for UPS. Though there were only 3 votes, you can see where the thinking is. Most people can name a few, but not more than a half-dozen people. Whether the experiences are good, bad, or just a blip on the resume, UPS has employed far too many of our family members.... just kidding.

So here's how the voting came up:

2 people think that 4-6 cousins have worked for UPS

1 person thinks that 7-9 cousins have worked for UPS


And here is the list I have... 9 cousins in all:

- Renee Jaimes: Counter/Office Clerk (still with UPS)

- Lizzy Cook: Counter Clerk (separation due to injury)

- Trina Garcia: Data Clerk (still with UPS)

- Ronny Hernandez: AM Handler (voluntary separation)

- David Esparza: Supervisor (voluntary separation)

- Matt Hernandez: Data Clerk (still with UPS)

- Robert 'Bosco' Cook: PM Handler (voluntary separation)

- Ray Aspuria: Package Driver (cousins by marriage are still cousins; still with UPS)

- Chris Jaimes: Feeder Driver (cousins by marriage are still cousins; still with UPS)


So that's 9 I have. Not to mention all those other people we're related to, and those people who the family knows from way back when. And those we're connected to for weird reasons: like how Dolly dated a guy who's dad dated Gramma Connie, and both guys are related to a guy who works for UPS.

Either our family is too big, or this town is too small. Because this shows that you can't even get a job without bumping into someone you're related to.

Congrats to the person who voted in the '7-9 Cousins' option.

Exodus

I wrote this a while ago. Every time I think of it, I can't help but think of how great a story it is. I also can't help but think how lucky we are to be here, and how lucky we are to have such a great story as part of our own family history. I call this story, "Exodus". Tell me what you think....



Everyone knows the story of Moses. Not everyone, perhaps. But you get the point-- it's a well known story. There's one story in our own family's history that rings a bell just like that one from the Old Testament.

Gramma Connie comes from a town in Mexico, in the state of Michoacan to be exact. It’s a joke these days for Mexican immigrants, when asked where they are from, to respond "Michigan." Yeah, Michoacan and Michigan are the same name, just in different languages. Anyway, Gramma Connie as she is known to us, is an immigrant.

When she was about 6 years old, I believe, the entire family packed up and moved to the United States. They moved to Santa Paula, where there was lots of farm land, especially in the lemon orchards and the lemon packing warehouses. As far as I know, they lived there for a time, until Gramma Connie was about 10 or 12.

Then one of the older brothers came to pick them up in an old car, and brought them to the place we've all called home for all of our lives: Santa Barbara. Some call it Paradise.

When World War II broke out in Europe and the Pacific, just about every able bodied male between the ages of 18 and 28 was being drafted into service to fight the war. Unfortunately, that included Gramma Connie's older brother. Like most young men of the time, her brother was fully prepared to fight for his adopted country. Our Great-Gramma, however, feared for her son's life. She feared, as do the mothers of all soldiers, that she might outlive one of her own children. She did not want him to go.

Loving and respecting his mother more than his adopted country, he fled. You see, a hero would die for his country, but he'd much rather live for it. That young man, our great-uncle, went back to Mexico to live, and dodged the draft. According to the laws of the US, draft dodging is an offense punishable by prison time. So the man stayed. The war ended. And he stayed. Years went by, and he married, had children, began a career. And he stayed. His family here in the US asked for him to come back. The young man became the man, and he missed his mother and his family here in Paradise. But he stayed.

At the age of 43, not enough to have lived a full life, he was dead. When I heard the story for the first time, it was apparent to me that he died of a broken heart.

Moses was the baby who grew up to become the savior of his people, taking them from the clutches of servitude, through the desert, and into the Promised Land-- the land of milk and honey, and the Jews would call it home. But for all his good intentions, for his faith, for his loyalty and his love for his God and his people, Moses never got to see the land of Israel. Sure, he made it there. But he never got to see it. Because Moses had tapped the rock instead of speaking to it, God was angered and made Moses blind. This happened not long before Moses was to finally reach the Holy Land to see it for the first time-- but for his one transgression, he was never able to see the Paradise he brought others to see.

Just like Moses, Florencio brought Gramma Connie and the rest of the family to a land of promise-- to Santa Barbara, and the promise of the American Dream. But he could not stay here, for though he loved his country enough to die for it, that he disobeyed the laws one time landed him in unfavorable terms with this country. Though he made it here and brought his own people with him, his family, he could never see that promise made real. And he died of a broken heart before being allowed to come back.

It is a story of sadness and heartbreak. It is also a story that too few of our family have heard. We don't acknowledge Florencio and what he did-- that his actions alone made it possible for us to partake in this land of promise, this land of the American Dream. It is our own version of Exodus. One book in a volume of our own great stories.

Nina y Nino

Little Johnny was baptized and dedicated to God this past Saturday morning in Buellton. I don't have any pics, but folks say it was a nice gathering of a few members of the Fam.

And what is a baptism without godparents? Monica and Bill will be Nina and Nino to Johnny. That's nothing to take lightly, and we know they'll be good godparents.

Cheers and congrats!

September Birthdays

Here's what I have, and it's likely a lot less, and not as accurate, as the real thing...


- Danny Hernandez, September 5

- Ronny Hernandez, September 19

- Richard Hernandez (Sr), September 23

- Renee Jaimes, September 25

- Victor Hernandez (Sr), September 30


Apologies to Reina Hernandez, and the twins David and Jessica Gladish: I know your birthdays are in September, I just don't know when! Here's the calendar for September (click on link).

It's on a Thursday... Again

Since 1863, Thanksgiving has been an officially observed holiday in the US, celebrated on a Thursday in November. Since 1939, it has been observed on the 2nd to last Thursday of November. This will be the 144th time the holiday is held on a Thursday. Thursday... Thursday... Thursday. Now that we've cleared that one up...

I know it's all of two months away, and there are probably a handful of birthdays and Halloween in between, but has anyone discussed where we'll be having the main Thanksgiving Dinner this year? Will it be at Twenty-Two-Ten, or Eleven-Nineteen, or perhaps some other familiar address we all recognize? Will it be a trip up to 'Nor Cal' and San Jose?

And, for that matter, who's gonna be cooking? Who will bring the soup-like mashed potatoes (or will they be more like oatmeal this year)? Who will sing about slaving over the opening and microwaving of the canned corn? Who will crack jokes about the shape of the turkey's neck when the innards are being taken out of the internal cavity of the 20 pound bird?

Not I, for one. hehehe

So pass the word around, 'cuz I haven't heard a thing.

Cheers, y'all.

Business Weekly Spotlight: Robert's Plumbing

As we all know, plumbers can make good money. It's no surprise, then, that one of our family members would choose to go into that trade for a living.

Bosco, who's real name is Robert in case you forgot, has worked for a number of plumbing companies in recent years. In that time, he has acquired many skills and performed many types of jobs. Repairs and drain cleaning are no problem to Bosco.

In the last week, he has secured a contract with El Patio Gardens, a large apartment-style complex at the north end of Santa Barbara, near Bishop High School and where the old San Marcos Bowling Alley used to be. Already he has a work order for 65 replacements, just about one for every apartment in the development.

Here's to dirty work and making good money.


Robert's Plumbing
Robert Cook, Owner
805-331-5233


And no jokes about 'laying pipe', okay people?

Let Us Pray

Recently, Auntie Marina felt some things that were out of the ordinary. She noticed she was having trouble focusing, her appetite was gone, she had headaches, and her speech was slurred.

When she went to her doctor, she explained her symptoms. She was directed into surgery. The doctor knew her symptoms indicated a swelling of a blood vessel located in her brain-- it was an aneurysm.

The surgery was successful, however, a second aneurysm was located. The doctors have decided not to perform surgery, but they are monitoring this second area of swelling.

Marina has been at home recovering. The Aunties and Uncle Martin have been helping her with the kids, and have taken dinner to the house each night. Ronny Chackel, and Marina's friend James have also been helping with the kids.

Here is a wikipedia article on Cerebral Aneurysms (click for article), including the symptoms, causes, types, and treatment.

Aunties, Uncles, Cousins: Let us pray for Marina, and for her children.

Third Sunday, Third Saturday

Cousins, your input is needed!

There has been rumblings of a change to the monthly breakfasts we have.

As you should all know by now, we have been meeting once a month for breakfast at the Mesa Cafe. The gatherings are on the third Sunday of each month, and as such, are know as the Third Sunday Breakfasts. We have been meeting every third Sunday at 10am since March, after Uncle Bob went to that big Horsemen's Rendezvous in the sky.

Some have wondered if we could change the burgeoning tradition a little, and make it the Third Saturday Breakfasts instead. It might be easier to get more of the Cousins there on a Saturday morning, so it's something to consider.

And people swear, THEY SWEAR, that it has nothing to do with the drinking and the spending of the money that normally happens on Saturday nights, and the recovery needed on Sunday mornings. They swear! "Swear to God? Say swear to God!"

So, Sunday or Saturday? Let me know. The email address is up there on the right.

People In Town

Sure Barack Obama was in town this weekend, along with Stevie Wonder, Sidney Poitier, Forest Whitaker, Chris Rock, Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry, Cindy Crawford, Jimmy Connors, Linda Evans, Dennis Haysbert... all for a little get-together at Oprah's.

But so were Leah and her fiance David. They were looking for places to hold their wedding, some time in the future. No word on the success of the trip, but Santa Barbara's a fun place to be anyway, right?

Happy Hunting, y'all!

Poll: Working for UPS

In case y'all hadn't noticed, there is a poll on the right.

The newest poll asks how many of our cousins have worked for UPS. You might think this is easy, and can probably name a couple of people right off the bat. I thought the same thing.

Truth be told, it's not that easy. There are too many people to go through. Seriously. I counted 517 people in our family, just from Gramma and Grampa alone.

Hahahahahaha..... just kidding!

There's actually about 105 or so. That includes the Uncles and Aunties, Cousins, and the in-laws (married only). Trying to go down that list and figure out who worked for UPS at one time or another ain't easy. It took me a while, but I've got the answer.

When the poll closes at the end of the month, I'll give you the answer, and the list of people who worked for Big Brown at some point.

Congratulations Are In Order

I haven't had a chance to get to my email for a bit, but hear is a message I'm sure we'd all like to see:


Well they say that babies come in threes. It has just been officially announced that Papas and Laura are having a baby boy due January 13th 2008.


WOW! Go Papas and Laura!

So, what's the little one going to be called? Another breakfast basic? How do you say "bacon" in Spanish? Kidding!

We can't wait to hear more as the date gets closer! Congrats, to you both!

By the way, who wants to bet the baby boy will be doing this maneuver before he talks? (click for pick)

Business Weekly Spotlight: Hernandez Tree Care

This week we're taking a look at 'Hernandez Tree Care' run by our very own Ron/Ronny/Ronald/Ron-Dawg Hernandez.

Though mostly a side business for him, Ronny has been running this business for several years now. A look at the Yellow Pages ad will tell you all the things 'Hernandez Tree Care' can handle for residential and commercial jobs:

* Dead Wooding
* Land Cleared for Fire Protection
* Planting
* Preservation
* Pruning
* Removal
* Surgery
* Transplanting
* Trimming
* View Clearing


Ronny has experience in tree trimming and removal, working for other companies in the past while building his skills and knowledge of the trade. There's a lot more to it than hacking away at a branch-- just ask Ronny and he'll tell you plenty.

If you ever call him for a job, just look for the white truck and the green ad on the side announcing the arrival of 'Hernandez Tree Care.'

Hernandez Tree Care
Ron Hernandez, Owner
805-570-9034.

Get Your Islander On

Meagan Berendt goes on stage this Saturday, August 11.

Meagan will be demonstrating her skills in Hawaiian/Polynesian Dance in Port Hueneme.

Call Rosanna for details: 805-735-3268.

Get you islander on, Megs!

Birthday Parties Galore

Late breaking for me, but it seems we have a couple of birthday parties going on this weekend. Here's the info:


Good Lord, she’s 22!

Cindy’s celebrating her 22nd birthday this Saturday, August 11, at Rusty’s Pizza Parlor on the Beach (click for map) in Santa Barbara from 2pm-4pm.

Please RSVP with Mija: 805-564-1989



Let's see if he throws some cake...

Isaac Medina (Natalie's oldest) is celebrating his 3rd birthday this Saturday, August 11, at home in Carpinteria (click for map).

Be sure to bring your bathing suits!

RSVP: 805-448-3319



Happy Birthday, y'all!

Guest Commentaries

Last week we started a regular item on The Herd. Every Tuesday we'll be highlighting someone in the family who has a business, is self-employed, someone engaging in a new business or financial endeavor. Well, I'd also like to open things up for another regular thing.

If anyone has something to say, something to write about, something they want to communicate to the family-- go right ahead. Let me know, and I will post whatever you want. The guest commentaries will be open to anyone, and on just about any topic.

I know some of us can type something up and send it in an email. Others, however, don't have the skills or the equipment. That's fine-- get a hold of me and I can type what you say, or you can have someone else do it.

I hope to have some regular input from others in the family. I know some of us have things on our minds, and some of us like to talk...

::cough:: Uncle Vic ::cough::

...so I know we can put some Guest Commentaries up soon and often.

Shout shout let it all out...

Happy writing, y'all.

New Link

Y'all take a look at the 'Links' section in the right column.

I added a link to a Santa Barbara-based site called Edhat.com

Edhat has links to Local News stories from all over the area-- KEYT, local Blogs, KSBY in the North, Lompoc Record and Santa Maria Times, Santa Barbara Daily Sound, the Independent.... the list goes on.

The news here is usually up way ahead of the News-Press, and usually has stories days ahead of that paper. It's also a way for the out-of-towners to get some accurate info for free.

Enjoy the link!