It's my dad's 83rd birthday today!!!!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Hulkamania
Going to an advanced screening of The Incredible Hulk tonight at the AMC Northpark Theater at Northpark Mall in Dallas. It promises to be a huge crowd of movie fans who love movies that make lots of noise and blow up stuff. Remember to read my dad reviews at http://cruzreviews.tripod.com/movies.html for what he thought of one the major blockbusters of the season. He should have it posted by this Friday. Now that Marvel has taken back control of their comics that become movies, we can anticipate better productions like Ironman. I love Ang Lee, but his Hulk was a mess.
We are also seeing The Promotion on Tuesday, and on Thursday, Amal, the winner of the AFI Film Festival Audience Award. Next week is Get Smart and The Love Guru.
We are also seeing The Promotion on Tuesday, and on Thursday, Amal, the winner of the AFI Film Festival Audience Award. Next week is Get Smart and The Love Guru.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Back in Montana - meanwhile, back in NYC..
Still coming down from understanding what it means to be a "Cruz".
What a weekend! I look forward to the next reunion.
Weather here in MT is cool, rainy (still have chance of SNOW!).
Anyway, last weekend's "Filipino-ness" brought back memories of the New York City "Filipino Independence Day Celebration" (which took place while we were all returning home last Sunday):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Independence_Day_Parade
http://www.aratilis.org/pidci/
Be careful what you wish for...?
;-) Pz all
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Check Out the Family Tree!
The Cruz Family Tree is on the bottom of the blog page. Scroll down and take a look!
Susan did a great job gathering the info to put together the Cruz Family Tree! Thank you so much! It makes it much easier to see how we all fit in the Cruz Continuum. There's some dates missing on the chart, so it's up to ya'll to fill in blanks so the family tree can be completed. Just comment to this blog with any changes or additions that need to be included.
Susan did a great job gathering the info to put together the Cruz Family Tree! Thank you so much! It makes it much easier to see how we all fit in the Cruz Continuum. There's some dates missing on the chart, so it's up to ya'll to fill in blanks so the family tree can be completed. Just comment to this blog with any changes or additions that need to be included.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Kira Meets the Mouses
Kira said she had the "BEST DAY EVER" after going to Disneyland and having close personal encounters with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Introducing Mike Cruz Seniors Family
Hi All - I've been meaning to update our family's info since Reesa so thoughtfully started the Blog and I'm finally just getting around to it. As some of you may remember, my name is Michael Vincent Cruz Jr. son of Sr. (obviously, but I will admit there were times growing up where I was convinced I was adopted) and Rosalba Macias aka Rosey, born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. I was born Jan 12th, 1977 in Pasadena, CA at Huntington Memorial Hospital. I have 2 younger, bratty but beautiful younger sisters, Michelle Angela Cruz, born Feb 18th, 1980 also in Pasadena and Mary Lousie Cruz (named after our amazing Aunt) born July 28, 1984 in Walnut Creek, CA at John Muir Hospital (Sorry Michelle, I don't know what hospital you were born but I think the milk man dropped you off:)
We lived in Pasadena CA until 1983 when father, working for AT&T, was transferred to Concord, CA (NorCal, 35 min east of San Francisco). In 1995 I graduated from an all boys private catholic school, De La Salle H.S., Michelle attended the all girls school across the street, Carandelet H.S., but she was way smarter than the rest of those girls:) and later decided to transfer to Clayton Valley H.S. Mary Graduated from Ygnacio Valley H.S. I guess the Cruz's wanted to try all the H.S. in the area for some reason? Shortly after I graduated from H.S. in 1995, Pop moved to Duluth GA where he lives today with his beautiful new wife, Wilma Valencia who I might add has kicked cancers ASS not once but twice!! And as you all saw she is more beautiful than ever!
In GA, Dad eventually retired from AT&T after 30 yrs of service in 1998. Since then, over the years he's kept himself busy by lending his expertise services to AT&T/Bellsouth as Tech Support Analyst, working for Nordstroms, where he hooks us kids up with great stuff, some other software company and by playing golf with his long time friends Ron and Joe and also playing their usual weekly games of mahjong with close neighbors Tom and Maria. I will add that Wilma, after she also retired from AT&T/Bellsouth, has the coolest job of them all. She is a professional personal shopper with Nordstroms and shops for a living!! I can't tell you how many people I know who would kill to be in her shoes.
Also in 1995 the girls, mom and I moved just over the hill to a city named Pittsburg .... No not Pennsylvania, but Pittsburg, CA. There I lived for 3 years before I went off to college in 1998 where I graduated in 2000 with a BA in Psychology (Aztecs for life, right Rachel!!) I lived in San Diego for almost 10 yrs and recently moved to LA to live with my girlfriend in Feb of 07 where I work as a Tech consultant for Silicone Valley Start Ups.
Still in the bay, mom is a professional hair stylist where she owned and operated her own salon for over 10 yrs. In 2002 mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and in 2003, like Wilma, whooped its ASS!! You should have seen her ........ didn't slow her down one bit. Probably the most inspirational thing ever! My hero. She currently has property all over CA and travels a lot. No one can seem to keep up with her still these days. She still is the best hair stylist/barber in the bay area. I should know since I was her guinee pig for years while she perfected her techniques on me. Man, you should have seen some of my haircuts:) Speaking of which, Michelle followed in mom's footsteps as a professional hair stylist but later moved down to LA around 2003 to pursue her career and becoming Brad Pitts personal assistant ....... she is still currently working on that one but in the mean time she free lances all over and she too is kicking ass and taking names where ever she goes, just ask anyone who knows her. As for the baby of the bunch, at the ripe age of 20 Mary bought her first huge house in Pittsurg where she currently lives today (Man I wish I had her financial planner!). She works at D.R Horton (Builder) as an executive assistant where she's been there for just over 4 yrs now and has survived 9 layoffs!! Hmmmm ..... I guess they must think she's cute.
Mom and Kids at Uncle Lou's and Auntie Delores 50th Wedding Anniversary
Auntie Delores, Mary and Uncle Lou
Dad's 60th in San Diego
Mary and Michelle
Dad & Wilma
Mary, Mike Jr, Michelle, Mike Sr.
We lived in Pasadena CA until 1983 when father, working for AT&T, was transferred to Concord, CA (NorCal, 35 min east of San Francisco). In 1995 I graduated from an all boys private catholic school, De La Salle H.S., Michelle attended the all girls school across the street, Carandelet H.S., but she was way smarter than the rest of those girls:) and later decided to transfer to Clayton Valley H.S. Mary Graduated from Ygnacio Valley H.S. I guess the Cruz's wanted to try all the H.S. in the area for some reason? Shortly after I graduated from H.S. in 1995, Pop moved to Duluth GA where he lives today with his beautiful new wife, Wilma Valencia who I might add has kicked cancers ASS not once but twice!! And as you all saw she is more beautiful than ever!
In GA, Dad eventually retired from AT&T after 30 yrs of service in 1998. Since then, over the years he's kept himself busy by lending his expertise services to AT&T/Bellsouth as Tech Support Analyst, working for Nordstroms, where he hooks us kids up with great stuff, some other software company and by playing golf with his long time friends Ron and Joe and also playing their usual weekly games of mahjong with close neighbors Tom and Maria. I will add that Wilma, after she also retired from AT&T/Bellsouth, has the coolest job of them all. She is a professional personal shopper with Nordstroms and shops for a living!! I can't tell you how many people I know who would kill to be in her shoes.
Also in 1995 the girls, mom and I moved just over the hill to a city named Pittsburg .... No not Pennsylvania, but Pittsburg, CA. There I lived for 3 years before I went off to college in 1998 where I graduated in 2000 with a BA in Psychology (Aztecs for life, right Rachel!!) I lived in San Diego for almost 10 yrs and recently moved to LA to live with my girlfriend in Feb of 07 where I work as a Tech consultant for Silicone Valley Start Ups.
Still in the bay, mom is a professional hair stylist where she owned and operated her own salon for over 10 yrs. In 2002 mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and in 2003, like Wilma, whooped its ASS!! You should have seen her ........ didn't slow her down one bit. Probably the most inspirational thing ever! My hero. She currently has property all over CA and travels a lot. No one can seem to keep up with her still these days. She still is the best hair stylist/barber in the bay area. I should know since I was her guinee pig for years while she perfected her techniques on me. Man, you should have seen some of my haircuts:) Speaking of which, Michelle followed in mom's footsteps as a professional hair stylist but later moved down to LA around 2003 to pursue her career and becoming Brad Pitts personal assistant ....... she is still currently working on that one but in the mean time she free lances all over and she too is kicking ass and taking names where ever she goes, just ask anyone who knows her. As for the baby of the bunch, at the ripe age of 20 Mary bought her first huge house in Pittsurg where she currently lives today (Man I wish I had her financial planner!). She works at D.R Horton (Builder) as an executive assistant where she's been there for just over 4 yrs now and has survived 9 layoffs!! Hmmmm ..... I guess they must think she's cute.
Mom and Kids at Uncle Lou's and Auntie Delores 50th Wedding Anniversary
Auntie Delores, Mary and Uncle Lou
Dad's 60th in San Diego
Mary and Michelle
Dad & Wilma
Mary, Mike Jr, Michelle, Mike Sr.
Thank you ...Continued ... From KC
I too on behalf of Lou Cruz's family want to thank everyone for coming to the first "CRUZ FAMILY REUNION" it was great to see everyone and I think everyone had a good time. I know I/we did.
I am receiving a lot of e-mails already as to when they next reunion will be. As I mention to Auntie Milly, I want to get everyone's input and I will pass on suggestions, one I just got from Uncle Eddie was a cruise he mentioned that the food would be all paid for all meals, great idea. But I am open to others; I learned a lot planning this first reunion and the next one I want to make sure all the family that did not make it this time can make it for the next.
Mike Jr., thanks for letting me know I ROCK!! and everyone who thanked me for putting this on, I had a blast putting this together because I knew it meant so much to the older generations to see there sister and brothers and cousins and us younger generation to get to know our cousins and cousins kids…..still need Mike Cruz Jr. to keep the Cruz name going…no pressure cuz…
Again, thanks to everyone,
Love to all,
KC
I am receiving a lot of e-mails already as to when they next reunion will be. As I mention to Auntie Milly, I want to get everyone's input and I will pass on suggestions, one I just got from Uncle Eddie was a cruise he mentioned that the food would be all paid for all meals, great idea. But I am open to others; I learned a lot planning this first reunion and the next one I want to make sure all the family that did not make it this time can make it for the next.
Mike Jr., thanks for letting me know I ROCK!! and everyone who thanked me for putting this on, I had a blast putting this together because I knew it meant so much to the older generations to see there sister and brothers and cousins and us younger generation to get to know our cousins and cousins kids…..still need Mike Cruz Jr. to keep the Cruz name going…no pressure cuz…
Again, thanks to everyone,
Love to all,
KC
Thank You ...... from Mike Jr
To All,
A very, very special thank you goes to KC for organizing and planning this long over due event. Cuz, YOU ROCK!!
Thank you to Auntie Delores and Sue "Cruz" Nobleza for their outstanding job on the family pictures and family tree. I am a lot less confused now.
Thank you to Robyn Hawkins for her awesome mojitos Saturday night ...... And for my headache the next morning:) Next time we'll make your place the after party. By the way congrats on your engagement and hopefully we'll see you in Dallas in April of '09!!
Thank you to Cousin Bob Jr for being a wealth of knowledge regarding the Cruz family history. You answered so many questions that we/I have always wanted to know about.
Also thanks to Uncle Lou and my father, Mike Cruz Sr. for picking up the food and "The Pig", who without "Wilbur", none of this would have been possible.
And how can I forget, a very personal thank you goes to Uncle Bob for reminding me every 30 min that it is my sole responsibility to pass off the "Cruz" family name. Uncle, I'm working on it ………….. but no pressure, right?!?
Last but not least, thank you to ALL for making the effort on making the trip. It is up to us now to pass ofe how wonderful of a time we all had so that the Cruz's that missed out will surely make it to round 2. I know I speak for my family when I say we can't wait for the next one!!
I hope everyone made it home safely. What a fantastic weekend! Can't wait to see you all again real soon ….. until the next time!
For future reference, here is my personal contact info. I've had my personal email and cell number for almost 10 yrs now. I doubt I will be changing them anytime soon. Feel free to call or email anytime.
With Love,
Mike Cruz Jr.
A very, very special thank you goes to KC for organizing and planning this long over due event. Cuz, YOU ROCK!!
Thank you to Auntie Delores and Sue "Cruz" Nobleza for their outstanding job on the family pictures and family tree. I am a lot less confused now.
Thank you to Robyn Hawkins for her awesome mojitos Saturday night ...... And for my headache the next morning:) Next time we'll make your place the after party. By the way congrats on your engagement and hopefully we'll see you in Dallas in April of '09!!
Thank you to Cousin Bob Jr for being a wealth of knowledge regarding the Cruz family history. You answered so many questions that we/I have always wanted to know about.
Also thanks to Uncle Lou and my father, Mike Cruz Sr. for picking up the food and "The Pig", who without "Wilbur", none of this would have been possible.
And how can I forget, a very personal thank you goes to Uncle Bob for reminding me every 30 min that it is my sole responsibility to pass off the "Cruz" family name. Uncle, I'm working on it ………….. but no pressure, right?!?
Last but not least, thank you to ALL for making the effort on making the trip. It is up to us now to pass ofe how wonderful of a time we all had so that the Cruz's that missed out will surely make it to round 2. I know I speak for my family when I say we can't wait for the next one!!
I hope everyone made it home safely. What a fantastic weekend! Can't wait to see you all again real soon ….. until the next time!
For future reference, here is my personal contact info. I've had my personal email and cell number for almost 10 yrs now. I doubt I will be changing them anytime soon. Feel free to call or email anytime.
With Love,
Mike Cruz Jr.
Monday, June 2, 2008
To Get You Started
Wow...it was great seeing all of you. I'm still wrapping my head around the various levels of cousin-age. I hope ya'll will stay in touch and use this space like mini-reunions until the next big Cruz-a-thon.
To break the ice around here. First you must register with the Blogger site. Read over the directions, and just start shooting from the hip. We are all family here, so please relax and enjoy. If you have trouble posting anything, let me know. The addresses with which you were sent an invite have all been "allowed" as authors. You may need to be set up as an author with whatever email addess you prefer.
Use the "Dashboard" setting to personalize your blog experience. Add your family websites, myspaces, facebook into the favorite family link section at the bottom of the page.
If you have any questions on how to do any of this stuff, just ask!
To break the ice around here. First you must register with the Blogger site. Read over the directions, and just start shooting from the hip. We are all family here, so please relax and enjoy. If you have trouble posting anything, let me know. The addresses with which you were sent an invite have all been "allowed" as authors. You may need to be set up as an author with whatever email addess you prefer.
Use the "Dashboard" setting to personalize your blog experience. Add your family websites, myspaces, facebook into the favorite family link section at the bottom of the page.
If you have any questions on how to do any of this stuff, just ask!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
FAMILY TREE
Hi Everyone...
I had a great time this weekend and it was so nice to see all of you. I am putting on my thinking cap about when and where we could do our next reunion...any imput would be appreciated. KC, thank you for all your hard work in coordinating the resort planning. Thanks to all the out of state Cruz's for making the trek! The Filipino food was outstanding and I am still puffy today, but I don't care! I imput all the info that I compiled last night for the family tree...adding to the existing info I had which I think was from when Auntie Tome died. I have the tree saved in a PDF file but am not sure how I can get it on this blog. I have now saved it as a webpage and I hope you can view it thru this link cruzfamilytree4.htm
I had a great time this weekend and it was so nice to see all of you. I am putting on my thinking cap about when and where we could do our next reunion...any imput would be appreciated. KC, thank you for all your hard work in coordinating the resort planning. Thanks to all the out of state Cruz's for making the trek! The Filipino food was outstanding and I am still puffy today, but I don't care! I imput all the info that I compiled last night for the family tree...adding to the existing info I had which I think was from when Auntie Tome died. I have the tree saved in a PDF file but am not sure how I can get it on this blog. I have now saved it as a webpage and I hope you can view it thru this link cruzfamilytree4.htm
Help me out with dates and any other missing info if you can...thanks again for a great weekend! I was very happy for my kids and all the other new generation cousins. I am very grateful that we were able to reconnect...stay in touch! Love, Susan
Cruz email contact---stay in touch!!!
AMANDA VOLZ ESTRELLA amandavolz@yahoo.com
BOB CRUZ, JR bobcruzjr@aol.com
BOB CRUZ, JR bcruzjr@yahoo.com
BOB CRUZ, SR rcruz@aviewpoint.com
CHRISTINE CRUZ christinetuazon@msn.com
EDDIE CRUZ qman1@cox.net
EVAN BARNES eatmblue@yahoo.com
GREG ESTRELLA g.estrella@att.net
KC CRUZ KCruz@dazian.com
KC CRUZ kcvic8a@verizon.net
KC CRUZ kcCruz@verizon.net
KIM NOBLEZA Joseph_K_Nobleza@crownbolt.com
LOU CRUZ loucruz@verizon.net
MARY CRUZ meerie1@yahoo.com
MICHAEL CRUZ mc6149@att.com
MICHAEL CRUZ cruzzn48@bellsouth.net
MICHAEL CRUZ, JR
MICHELLE CRUZ michellecruz2@yahoo.com
MILLY ESTRELLA emilicruz@yahoo.com
QUINN CRUZ-HAWKINS qcruzhawkins@hotmail.com
RACHEL BARNES pixyy300@aol.com
ROB ESTRELLA robestrella06@yahoo.com
ROBYN CRUZ-HAWKINSmailto:CRUZ-HAWKINSRobyn.CruzHawkins@gmail.com
STEVE CRUZ steve@mfagallery.com
SUSAN NOBLEZA cruz@aloha-cruz.com
TED CRUZ, JR t-cruz@earthlink.net
TED CRUZ, SR cruzdal@tx.rr.com
TERESA CRUZ reesas@gmail.com
TONY ESTRELLA tony@nebragroup.com
BOB CRUZ, JR bobcruzjr@aol.com
BOB CRUZ, JR bcruzjr@yahoo.com
BOB CRUZ, SR rcruz@aviewpoint.com
CHRISTINE CRUZ christinetuazon@msn.com
EDDIE CRUZ qman1@cox.net
EVAN BARNES eatmblue@yahoo.com
GREG ESTRELLA g.estrella@att.net
KC CRUZ KCruz@dazian.com
KC CRUZ kcvic8a@verizon.net
KC CRUZ kcCruz@verizon.net
KIM NOBLEZA Joseph_K_Nobleza@crownbolt.com
LOU CRUZ loucruz@verizon.net
MARY CRUZ meerie1@yahoo.com
MICHAEL CRUZ mc6149@att.com
MICHAEL CRUZ cruzzn48@bellsouth.net
MICHAEL CRUZ, JR
MICHELLE CRUZ michellecruz2@yahoo.com
MILLY ESTRELLA emilicruz@yahoo.com
QUINN CRUZ-HAWKINS qcruzhawkins@hotmail.com
RACHEL BARNES pixyy300@aol.com
ROB ESTRELLA robestrella06@yahoo.com
ROBYN CRUZ-HAWKINSmailto:CRUZ-HAWKINSRobyn.CruzHawkins@gmail.com
STEVE CRUZ steve@mfagallery.com
SUSAN NOBLEZA cruz@aloha-cruz.com
TED CRUZ, JR t-cruz@earthlink.net
TED CRUZ, SR cruzdal@tx.rr.com
TERESA CRUZ reesas@gmail.com
TONY ESTRELLA tony@nebragroup.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
