It's Rusev Day!!

Morning:
My wife fed Gabriel around 7ish, I got up, cleaned the bed, had a coffee and scone while setting up to watch Wrestle Kingdom 12 Alpha vs Omega. The morning has been good so far, brought in the recycling bin, attempted to play the PJ Mask game with Javi (ended in a no contest due to him being mad that I got close to winning). Got the boys dressed in their RKO shirts and now about to feed Gabriel.
Plan for today is to go out and visit my friend and friendly neighborhood toy dealer Arnel and be home by 3 as my sister should be coming over at 3.

Afternoon:
Alright, so afternoon came and went without a hitch. Got the kids ready to go and drove over to visit Arnel. We had a fun conversation regarding movies (the last jedi) and wrasslin' (Jericho vs Omega, WWE, etc) we even talked about a new addition to the extended family. Aria Leia was born today to my good friends Brian and Aisha, now with her and Samina they are a family of 4.
Fun fact, on 12/8/17 I wrote 2 names on a post-it. Since Brian was bring coy about the name of the baby, I figured they would give the baby one of the following names. I wrote down 'Carrie' or 'Leia'. So today when they announced her name, it wasn't a big shock, but a very nice name nonetheless.  Heading out tomorrow for a visit to meet her.
When we got home, my Mom, sister, brother-in-law and nephew were waiting for us. They came to visit the kids. Let's see what the rest of the day holds for us.

Nighttime:
So, my wife came home and we talked about her day, she wanted to go to In-and-out for a burger, so we went. We came home to eat, I struck a deal with my son to eat at least half of his plain hamburger and tomorrow as a treat I  would get him a Happy meal. He reluctantly agreed and ate half of the meat and some dino nuggets. I gave Gabriel his bottle around 7, he should be sound asleep right now. I have to go wash and sanitize his bottles and wash some clothes. Clean up a bit, so I have less to do tomorrow.
Update on that, washed the clothes, washed the bottles and dishes. The plan is to go out to find some goodies (if it's not raining) drop off the kids to my mom while I go visit Brian, Aisha and the new baby, not sure is Samina will be there. For now, waiting on the last load to finish and playing a little bit of WWE 2K18. Good night folks.

BONUS:
So at work I was part of a mentor project. It was the 2nd time I was part of the project and the 8 people that I helped were really cool and really smart. They really put in great effort to prove themselves, even in the tough circumstances they had to face. So my last week with them was, well. Last week. I decided to email them to check up on them to show them that even though I was not physically there, that I was still with them, kind of like their ow. Force Ghost Yoda. They appreciated it and I appreciatedd their responses. I am really happy to have them as my peers.

It's Wednesday... you know what that means

Morning:
Gabriel woke up around 5 for a feeding, went back to sleep until about 6 when he had his morning poop. I took him to the other room to finish up. Changed his diaper and came out for coffee, a scone and a warm bottle. It's day 2 of my wife going back to work and Javi Ilis still having issues with her going back. Right now he is eating some eggs! Yes, you heard correctly, eggs!
Today will be a busy day, after this I will get the boys ready in our Niners gear and later meet my Mom with my niece and nephews over at Tanforn to go to Hop n' play.

Afternoon:
So, after Ulisa goes back to work, I get both kids ready as my Mom was coming over with Myrna. I moved the booster seats into the car and off to Hop N' Play we went. The kids had fun, they played and laughed. All of a sudden I see that Javi and Myrna were fighting about something (like all kids do) so I had to go play peace maker. I had my Mom feed Gabriel and I went to supervise what was going on with the kids, by this time they were the best of friends.
After I was able to put Gabriel down for a nap, I snuck out real quick when he woke up to get them a side of fried rice from Panda Express and hit up Starbucks for a doppio con panna. It hit the spot. Around 4ish we headed home and now I am sitting at El Farolito waiting on 2 super burritos. Let's see what happens next.

Nighttime:
Burritos were delicious. So, I was putting Gabriel to sleep, so today's songs were (again) How Deep is Your Love (HDIYL), Landslide the Dixie Chicks cover and The Cowboy Rides Away by George Strait, he was out 3/4 of the way into the song. He really likes his music. Now, going out to see what Javi and my wife are doing.
So not much going on. Javi on his tablet, my wife watching Game if Thrones and some show with some people who weigh 600 + pounds. They went to bed, I was up for a bit watching Seinfeld and signing up to watch New Japan Pro Wrestling Wrestle Kingdom 12, so I can see Chris Jericho vs Kenny Omega.
That show starts at 11 pm, the match will be in the wee hours of the morning. I ain't staying up for that. So I will watch it in the morning before going out.
So, there you have it, day 2.

BONUS: 
One of my peers (Maria) at work who I was assisting in a mentor program texted me thanking me for believing in her, even when she didn't.
This was a very sweet message. One of the things I would like to do this year is to be a better person overall. So this tells me that I did something right. But as I always told her, I can believe all I want, but she has to prove to herself, that I was right.
On that note, see you all tomorrow, it should be a fun day, after all, it's Rusev Day!

It's a new day! Yes it is!

Morning:
It's January 2nd 2018, plan for today was, my wife would go back to work. I stay with both boys, do laundry, hang out, go to Costco and get some things and some food and be home before 12.
So far,  did about half of the laundry and i am being held hostage here by Gabriel as he decided to take a nap when I wanted to be on the road to Costco. Still have time to get things done, even tried out the baby carrier to see how that goes for me while at Costco. Stay tuned for the update....

Afternoon:
Actually, late morning. So Gabriel gets up and I get both boys in the car. We head off to Costco. Javi is asking why we didn't walk over to Costco? I told him it was too far, but apparently to him it was an easy walk and it would be okay for me to not only have to bring both of them back home, but to bring the items I bought.
Anyway, we finished up and got home. Put away the items, ate lunch. Ulisa came home for lunch and feed the baby and he went down for his nap. Planning on going out for a walk and maybe get some lotto tickets. For dinner I bought some chicken Alfredo to warm up. So far it's been a good day.

Nighttime:
Well, we took that walk to get the lotto tickets. It was a bit of a journey with a double stroller, but we got through it. Right now I'm heating up some chicken Alfredo and we will sit and eat. Boys need baths tonight, then watch a little t.v. (Smack Down Live) and go to bed to do it all over again tomorrow.

Sleep update : it only took 2 songs tonight to put Gabriel to bed. How Deep is Your Love by the Bee Gees and he was out about half way into Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper. 

My Day One Is H?...

Happy New year! 2018 marks not only the beginning of the new year, but the beginning of my paternity leave from work. I will be home with my 4 month old Gabriel and my 5 year old Javier.
I will try to mark my journey with them daily, but as with everything, it will be challenging with 2 boys and everyday life.
I look forward to this time, I may even add videos to my YouTube channel regarding my time. There are many things I want to get accomplished during my time here with the boys, so let's see what happens.

Where has the time gone?... Happy Birthday Javi

Today is a very special day for the most important little man in my life. 4 years ago today, Ulisa and I received our greatest blessing, Javier Heliodoro Narvaez. From the first moment that I held my son, I fell in love. There was nothing that I would not do for him and I promised him that I would whatever I could to show him love, respect and support him unconditionally. Any doubt that I had in my mind about how this journey would go, melted away when I heard his first cry and was able to hold him. At that point, it seems that anything I did before was not important, I had a new responsibility and I owed it Javi to be the best Father I could be. After all I had 2 Dads as great examples in my life and I owed it to them to pass on their stories and wisdom as they did to me.
I remember how people would always ask us if we wanted a boy or a girl? We would always answer that we wanted a healthy baby and the sex of the baby didn't matter. But after that first minute we knew that Javier was chosen for us and he was the best fit for us. Javi was born 9/28/12 like I predicted. He was so tiny, I remember taking a picture of him sleeping on my belly and tweeting it out to the SF Giants to show them their newest fan.

A Month later on 10/28/2012 Javi was on my belly asleep wearing his Orange rally baby socks, while the Giants got the final out of the 2012 World Series. I found it funny that I had to wait 29 years to see the Giants win it all and for Javi he had to wait just 30 days. It was an awesome moment that even though he had no idea what was going on, I am happy I was able to share with him.

In his first 4 years of life there have been so many moments that have been great for us and of course there were times that were not so great. I remember many firsts for Javi. His first time lifting his neck by himself, crawling, learning to laugh (his big wide open smile with no teeth), learning to crawl, walk and talk.

     Javi is a very special kid. His personality is just lovely. The way he laughs, his smile, the way explains to you that you have to share your ice cream, cookie, candy or icee, but when he has his own, it's no more sharing. As he learns to express himself more each day, I continue to be amazed by the progress and strides he has made and I love every minute of it, even if it does seem that is going by really fast. Javi is also a very spoiled kid, he is lucky to have Grand parents, Aunts, Uncles, God parents and cousins that love him very much and spoil him too. Ulisa and I are also blessed to have them in our lives as we appreciate the love and kindness they show him.
     This year, just like every year since he has been born, we go all out when he likes something, I can admit we ten to go overboard with it. He has liked many cartoons Angry Birds, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Paw Patrol, Jack and the Neverland Pirates, Super Wings, the Lion Guard and Ninja Turtles to name a few, and we go out and get him the toys, the clothes,basically anything from the franchise and the happiness on his face when he opens them and plays with them make it worth it. His first birthday was a small mixed bag of Winnie the Pooh, Toy Story and Mickey Mouse. For his second we had a Mickey Mouse clubhouse theme, last year he was into Jake, so we have a Jake pirate pizza party, this year along with his trip to Disneyland, will have an Angry Birds lunch.
     But like I said, it's not always roses. There are times that he acts really mean and spoiled. Those times are not really fun, but they are necessary to try to teach him lessons in life. Lord knows he has a hateful relationship with the 'time out' chair, but it get's him moving to do as he is told. But overall, I cannot complain. Javi is a great kid and I look forward to what is next.

" As you place your tiny hand in my hand and we walk together, I want you to know that we can brave any storm, we can brave any weather. Good times, there will be plenty, bad times must visit us as well, but together I know that we will become stronger because of them, learning each and everyday. From the moment I saw you, the first time I heard you cry, to watching and cheering you on taking your first steps and many different milestones you have reached, it's been a crazy ride, but I love every minute of it. As we both get older and learn more about each other, just know that I will have your back, I will always have your best intentions at heart and I promise you more good times than bad, this way I know that what I have learned from my Dads, I can share with you so one day you will be a great Dad. Happy Birthday Javi, enjoy your very special day, Happy Birth son, Daddy loves you everyday" - Javi's Dad

 

It's been a long time.....

It's 2016 and I have not written anything in over a year. I guess I lost a track or just did not have the energy to sit down and write anything, or just I did not have anything to say. But today I feel inspired. Today is a new day.
2015 was a fun year for my family, friends and myself. We did many things. I attended WrestleMania 31 at Levi's Stadium, took my son to his first Giants game (and his second one as well on my birthday) My son started swimming classes, we celebrated many good times, birthdays and just tried to have fun. For 2014 I was able to keep my promise of not having alcohol at all for the whole year and in 2015 I made a promise to read 12 books in 12 months, I think I ended up reading 14. I guess for 2016, I promise to write more. I may continue writing about nonsense, I may write something that touches a nerve in someone, I may write something that no cares for, but I will write.
So stay tuned. I'll try to write about my WrestleMania 31 and my son's first Giants game experiences.
And yes, I will also write about my Giants and the state of the 49ers...
Have a great day

My Giants.. 2014 World Series Champions

Everyday is a chance to write history. October 29, 2014 was one of those days. The San Francisco Giants wrote the final page of the 2014 Major League season and World Series and did this all the while being the team that was told that they had no chance.
The 2014 San Francisco Giants story began in spring training. New faces, new start but same drive and passion. The season started off with a bang. At one point the Giants were considered the best team in baseball, going head to head with the Oakland Athletics for that title. After a few key injuries and a stretch of bad baseball, the Giants had become one of the worst teams in baseball. The Dodgers caught then and surpassed them in the standings. When the season came to a close the Giants ended up with a 88-74 regular season record and tied with the Pirates. Both teams were going to go head to head on October 1st to determine who would enter the tournament as the wild card team.
Giants vs Pirates
Winner take all game. Madison Bumgarner (SF), or better known as MadBum to Giants fans was  be the starting pitcher to get the Giants in. Since this was a winner take all scenario, all hands were on deck. The Giants won the game with big contributions from both Brandons (Belt 3-RBIs and Crawford with a Grand Slam) and MadBum threw a 4 hit shut out and with that the team that the experts said would not, could not beat the Pirates at PNC Park, were officially in the dance.

Giants vs Nationals
The National League Division Series (NLDS) The favorites coming in were the Washington Nationals. The first game was played on October 3, 2014 in Washington DC. The starters were Jake Peavy (SF) vs Stephen Strasburg (WASH) The Giants were up 3-0 going into the 7th inning when Hunter Strickland was brought into the game. 2 Solo Home runs later the lead was 3-2, but the Giants were able to hold and Santiago Casiila (SF) got the save.
Game 2 was a 6 hour and 23 minute classic. The Nationals scored in the 3rd inning and Jordan Zimmerman (WASH) was dealing. With 2 outs and one on in the 9th inning Matt Williams pulls him for the closer Drew Storen (WASH) . The Giants tied the game on a double by Sandoval (SF) and the game went into extras when Buster Posey (SF) was thrown out at home. The game went to the 18th inning, great pitching from both bullpens. Brandon Belt (SF) hit a monster home run to put the Giants ahead and Strickland (SF) got the save. 2 quality starts for the Giants in this game one from the starter Tim Hudson (SF) and the other from Yusmeiro Petit (SF). Giants took a 2-0 lead and were heading home.
Game 3 was a match up between MadBum and Doug Fister (WASH). In the top of the 7th inning, MadBum misplayed a bunt at 3 runs scored. The Giants dropped the game 4-1 and the chance to sweep the series.
Game 4 The Giants won this game on a run scored on a wild pitch. The Giants took that 3-2 lead and Casilla  (SF) shut the door for the win and the series 3-1. The team that the experts said would not, could not beat the Nationals, were heading to the NLCS to face the Cardinals who had defeated the Dodgers earlier in the day

Giants vs Cardinals
This was the 4th time that both teams met in the National League Championship Series. The Cardinals winning in 1987 and the Giants taking both series in 2002 and 2012. Now it was 2014 and game 1 was about to begin.
Game 1 was played on October 11, 2014 in St. Louis. Madbum and the San Francisco bullpen combined for a 4 hit shut out and earned a game 1 victory to go ahead in the series 1-0
Game 2 was an exciting game. The Cardinals were up by 2 when the Giants answered back with a runs in the 5th, 6th and 7th to go up 3-2, but the Cardinals aided by solo home runs from Carpenter, Taveras and Adams got them the lead. The Giants tied the game in the top of the 9th only to have Kolten Wong (STL) hit a walk off home run to tie the series at a 1-1 heading to San Francisco.
Game 3 was an extra inning affair. The Giants raced out to a 4-0 lead in the 1st only to see the Cardinals chip away and tie the game in the 7th. In the 10th inning Brandon Crawford scored on a wild throw on a bunt by Gregor Blanco (SF) and the Giants took a 2-1 lead in the series.
Game 4 The Cardinals were up 4-3 by the end of the 3rd inning and the Giants mounted a 3 run 6th inning along with a strong performance by Petit (SF) to win the game and now had a commanding 3-1 lead.
Game 5 was played on October 16, 2014. The Cardinals lead the game 3-2 after 4 innings. In the 8th Michael Morse came off the bench and sparked the crowd and his teammates by hitting a Home Run to tie the game. In the bottom of the 9th, Travis Ishikawa (SF), who was on the 2010 World Series team, launched a walk off 3 run home run to send the Giants to the World Series for the 3rd time in 5 years.
The Giants won the series 4-1 and the team the experts said would not, could not beat the Cardinals were now National League Champions and going to the World Series.

Giants vs Royals
The 110th edition of the World Series was set to start on October 21, 2014 in Kansas City. Although both teams were evenly matched, the sports nation and so called experts had the 'unstoppable' Royals claiming their 'Destiny' and 'Taking the Crown" The Mayor of Kansas City was quoted as saying 'We've waited 29 years for this and not even a Giant can stand in our way' and it seemed that a lot of real and Bandwagon Royals fans believed it. So the stage was set, Dynasty vs Destiny... Giants vs Royals... Game on

Game 1: MadBum vs 'Big Game' James Shields (KC) The Giants went up right away 3-0 in the first with the help of a 2-run Home Run by Hunter Pence (SF), they added 2 more in the 4th and in the 7th. The Royals got a Home Run from Salvador Perez (KC) which was the first earned run given up by MadBum in his World Series career. The Giants won 7-1, handed the Royals their first post season loss and went up 1-0.

Game 2: The game was tied 2-2 going into the bottom of the 6th and then the Royals attacked and put up 5 on the board. The Royals went on to win 7-2 to tie the series 1-1 heading back to San Francisco.

Game 3: Tim Hudson (SF) finally got to start a World Series game. Huddy gave up a run in the first, the Royals added 2 more in the 6th and although the Giants answered with 2 of runs of their own in the bottom of that inning, it was not enough and the Royals won 3-2 and took a 2-1 Series lead. At this point the Giants knew that if they were to win the series, they would have to go back to Kansas City.

Game 4: The Giants took an early 1-0 lead. The Royals answered back with 4 in the 3rd after a miscue. Petit came in a pitched lights out while the Giants scored 1 in the 3rd, 2 in the 5th, 3 in the 6th and 4 in the 7th to make it 11-4 and that score would stand and now the series was tied 2-2. The Giants knew for sure there would be at least one more game in Kansas City.

Game 5: MadBum became the first pitcher to toss a shut out in the World Series since 2003. The game was a tight game until the 8th inning when Juan Perez (SF); who earlier heard the unfortunate news of his friend and Cardinals out fielder Oscar Tavares passing away at age 22, hit a booming double and eventually scored on a Crawford single. The Giants won on a 4 hit shut out, 5-0. Took a 3-2 series lead back to Kansas City.

The Giants have been in the position before, 2002 against the Anaheim Angels, they were up 3-2 going on the road, but they lost the series in 7 games. Would history repeat itself? or would the Giants finish what they started?

Back to Kansas City for at least one more game. Game 6 would be on October 28, 2014.
Game 6 would be a rematch between Jake Peavy (SF) and Yordano Ventura (KC). This game was over by the 2nd inning. The Giants gave up 7 in that frame and Ventura (KC) just dominated. The game ended 10-0. Ventura (KC) dedicated the game to the memory of Oscar Tavares, Just a quick note, while watching the game I must say that I did not like the attitude that Ventura (KC) had. He pitched out of his mind, the Giants were off balance they had no chance that night. But the theatrics with the high leg kick, the staring down the runner while they ran to first was not needed. But that's baseball. So now the series was tied 3-3 and just like that game on October 1st against the Pirates, this would truly be a winner take all game.

Game 7 was played on October 29, 2014. Tim Hudson (SF)  got the start against Jeremy Guthrie (KC). The Giants went ahead 2-0 in the top of the 2nd, the Royals answered back quickly to tie it and Huddy got the hook. Bochy brought in Jeremy Affeldt (SF) and he was really on top of his game. Quick aside here, in 1985 the Royals took advantage of a blown call by first base umpire Don Denkinger and the Royals ended winning game 6 in comeback fashion and blew out the Cardinals in game 7. Let's get back to game 7. Eric Hosmer (KC) hits a ground ball to 2nd basemen Joe Panik (SF) and he dives, flips the ball out of his glove to short stop Brandon Crawford (SF)  who flings the ball to 1st basemen Brandon Belt (SF) and he's ou.... wait.. SAFE! what do you mean safe? Bochy comes out and they review the play, showing that the ball did beat Hosmer (KC) to the bag and the double play was called. The correct call was made. Starting the 5th inning out of the bullpen was MadBum.
After he gave up a hit, he settled down. It wasn't until with 2 down that Alex Gordon (KC) hit a single that was misplayed by not only Gregor Blanco (SF) but by Juan Perez (SF) as well that made it more stressful. Now with a runner on 3rd (single and 2 base error) and 2 outs, the hitter was Salvador Perez (KC), who had hit a home run off of MadBum in the first game. The pitch and he popped it up in foul territory and Panda secured the out and the Giants, the team that was not supposed to be there, the team that would not, could not defy the odds, defy history, deny destiny were the World Champions again for the 3rd time in 5 years.

The Giants wrote that last page of the story, they won the last game. I guess the Mayor of Kansas City can clearly see that a Giant can stop destiny. Bruce Bochy (SF) did it again, he should be in the Hall of Fame. MadBum was World Series MVP and the celebration was on. I wrote myself a note before I left work before first pitch:
"Last game, last call
up against the sports nation, up against history.
Backs are up against the wall,
 but that is when the Giants stand tall.
They will write a new chapter in baseball history'

The Royals were a great team, which helped make this a great World Series. Parade is set for Halloween an awesome Orange and Black affair! #VamosGigantes