Beto » Mom

Opening thoughts on the Opening games

Beto — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 02:30:35 +0000

Hours from the opening game of the most awaited sporting event; I am craving some flan, chifles, a glass of agua de Guitig and a bowl of caldo de patas. Reconnecting with childhood friends to discuss the tactics and predictions of the World Cup has become a ritual as I arise from social media hibernation. I know folks like James and Hiroki will ask, why caldo de patas? Because I like it- mom would make it and I could recall having three bowls, with a side of baguette bread from the local bakery on the corner – across the Carolina Park.

By the way my brother Kurt might be roaming around in as we speak—grab me a loaf, some cheese and a jugo de naranjilla. How will you be able to deliver it to this neck of the woods? Talking about woods, the lightning bugs are out this time of the year and I offered to catch some with my daughter. The problem here is this daylight savings practice. She goes to bed while it is still light and these members of the insect family wait until dusk. I will have to convince the wife into a delay of bed for a lifelong lesson in entomology.

Returning to the reason for this post, the World Cup starts with the hosts South Africa vs. Mexico. My prediction is 1-0 to Mexico. Javier Aguirre the Mexican coach is managing a player like Cuauhtémoc Blanco into a leadership position that many other coaches of the Aztec team failed to do. This just proves Aguirre’s tact and psychology with the players. The constant debate for this team with my friends and colleagues is who will start in goal. My call is Ochoa. My good friend Pablo “the theologian” Perez predicts Oscar Perez, not because of his last name but for his experience.

The next game is Uruguay vs. France. Uruguay is a team that epitomizes “playing with guts” or how we called it “garra.” Forlan will come close but French keeper Hugo Lloris will continue to prove one of the best in the World—prediction 0-0.

In regards to Liverpool, Rafael Benitez has departed. I grew frustrated last year, but that happens. I hope we made the correct decision and whoever takes the reins of Liverpool FC can bring back some stability, pride and honor. How about Rafa donating $96,000 to the Hillsborough Family Support Group? http://bit.ly/rafaforhillsborough

What are your predictions for tomorrows matches?

To a friend who turns supposedly 40.

Beto — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 01:19:34 +0000

I was just reminded of my conversation with a much admired pastor, philosopher and mentor. I was explaining to him that when I turned 35 I really stopped thinking what my age was. Or may I further explain- thinking about my calendar age. I know I have a pancreas but I really am not dwelling upon it.

I know people who have mourned turning 25. I guess it is based on the fact that I was raised by a mother that when she was a child the doctor’s told her parents that she would not live beyond 21. Instead of withering with self pity, she lived a full life of constant smiles, joy, sometimes pain, but a full life. She lived beyond 21.

Brother and follower of the Bambino cursed Red Sox, remember the words of the honorable Abraham Lincoln, “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Happy Birthday.

Quito patrimonio y grandes memorias

Beto — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 02:42:11 +0000

A city in a valley surrounded by snow capped mountains, some of them active volcanoes. The homeland of my beloved mother, a land where my wife fell in love with and a city that will be turning 474 years old.A lot of stories and memories can be gathered from those days. The culture, the songs and flavors are vast and while sitting at a table today eating Thanksgiving dinner I could actually say that I am thankful for having been born and raised in such rich city. Viva Quito.

Abba, a group and a term of endearment.

Beto — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:07:59 +0000

I can remember sitting in the front of Sanduches al paso in Avenida Amazonas (Quito) and listening to some of Abba’s tunes. This group from Sweden was quite popular with its catchy tunes in the 70′s. I am presently listening to an Abba marathon on Sirius radio with my wife. This is slightly ironic as Abba was also what our two year old daughter called her mama until she started pronouncing her m’s. I miss her calling her mama, abba…

As the month departs…

Beto — Sun, 27 May 2007 16:08:13 +0000

As the month departs I see that my wife’s birthday is coming up. I know in Georgia June is not known for its showers but I have been praying for rain. The rain is not just for my flowers and trees but for this parched land that has been ravaged by fire, as shown in this article about south Georgia. Since early this Sunday morning we have been smelling the smoke and we are in the northern part of the state.

The picture of this bridge reminds me of home. There were many of these old stone bridges crossing ancient rivers, connecting two towns and telling many stories. This bridge also makes me yearn for a trip to the old world. Could this bridge be in England, France, Germany, Italy or maybe Spain? At the moment I can just dream, but I would like to take my wife and daughter to Europe one day. A trip to visit Barcelona, London, Florence, Athens, Zurich, and Prague. Yes, Anfield will be one of the stopping points.