Friday, 18th o June 1999
Olaia happily in her bouncer seat |
Where in the world is Jim, you ask. Well, I haven't moved very far since I wrote last. We're here in our house in Guaynabo, PR. However, there has been much that has changed apart from our location. With the birth of Olaia (which seemed like just yesterday) we've been very occupied (as you can imagine). I have some idea now how people have children and just drop off the face of the planet. It's not that they are so time consuming, or that you just don't have time for anything else... it's that most other things don't matter as much anymore. It's probably bad, I know, but with that little person there, you just feel so complete, like all the things and people in your life that are so far away are that much further. That of course is not a testament to you all meaning less to us, but you know, how are you going to compete with such cuteness when it's right here (wink). Here's to Olaia, telling us to stop kissing her, hugging her, and making fools out of ourselves and get a life. Hehe.
She's "chub-a-liscious"
Heather and Olaia Everybody came down for the baptism |
My family came down for Olaia's baptism. She was christened at out local parish called Maria Madre de Nuestro Señor (Mary, Mother of Our God). The priest is such a darling cute man. He's got this demeanor that is just so squeezable. You know what, I'm not usually this cute... it's just that I'm in one of these moods where everything is just so so so... cute and cuddly. Maybe it's because Olaia just dumped a wastecan of paper on herself and proceeded to dive in and stuff her mouth full. I snapped a picture, so stay tuned. Where was I? Oh yeah, our Priest. He gives very wonderful sermons. Unlike many priests in Puerto Rico who seem to be still stuck in the old world of pontification and the sound of their own voices, this one is clever, thoughtful, peaceful, and challenging. He takes much to heart the role of servant of the church and not owner. We like him a lot. He doesn't speak any English, but he was so cute with my family during the baptism mass with the congregation, mentioning them and Olaia throughout, speaking to them and just being so darling... okay I'll stop that, okay.
O'Malley's at the airport |
From the onset of planning Olaia's baptism, I had complained to Laura that I was concerned about gifts that would be given her. I just felt that there was too much showering of gifts during these events, and that I wanted more than anything for people to relax and not be rushing around buying gifts. Laura, bless her smart mind, came up with a brilliant plan. Why don't we, as a symbol of Olaia's entrance into her Christian faith, start a fund for some local needy family in her name and let people give gifts to that. Wow, that's brilliant, and we were off to the races with that idea. As the day approached we finally found a worthy charity case, a shelter for abandoned children that was asking for extra diapers and wet wipes. How basic can you get. Both of us were moved to tears at the idea of Olaia rushing to the aid of her peers. Thanks to our little generous daughter who gave up all those goodies at her baptism, little babies will sleep better and more comfortable at night. Our generous families came through with $600. I can't tell you how happy that made me fell. I'm still flying. No amount of baby clothes and toys could have made us feel so wonderful.
 Fambly at baptism |
The interesting thing through all this was that the idea was hatched in our darkest hour. Money was dwindling fast. We hadn't come through with any clients in the past month, we had a mortgage to pay, a car loan, utilities, and food. Things were bleak. For some reason, both of us found solace in thinking of someone to help through Olaia. While Olaia didn't have a crib, we were thinking of giving someone else one. Before our own needs were met we were thinking of ways to meet the needs of others. This leap that we took as a family, I firmly believe is what carried through that difficult time, gave us perspective, and drew us closer as a family. Now there is this peace that God does indeed provide. Both our parents during the past week gave us as a gift of a kitchen table set. You know, looking after one another is probably the most fun and rewarding thing that we can do. If we all did that on a personal level, there would be so little want in the world.
In other news, I've taken a full time job. I got this call from a company called Watson Wyatt Worldwide, and actuarial firm, to be the regional MIS for Latin America. I had interviewed with them a year ago and didn't get the job. That of course was just as well, because we then started our computer consulting business called OG Consulting. At first I declined saying that I had to concentrate on our business that I had clients that depended on me for support. I asked the position's salary, and when she told me I became interested. I told her I'd think about it, but that I'd also like to talk about the position with her face to face. At that meeting, I mentioned that I'd still like to be able to give support to my clients. She said oh no, Watson Wyatt does not let its consultants do any outside consulting. An aside: I'm sure this has to with actuaries cutting side deals with Watson Wyatt clients, in theory stealing money away from the company... which would not include me since, I am only internal MIS support. I didn't argue (quietly thinking to myself there's no way they can police my weekends). Anyway, I then told her that I wouldn't be interested if I couldn't keep my consulting business on the back burner. She quickly upped the salary again and I begrudgingly agreed. I just finished my first week there and all is going well, though I must say that they are in a helluva situation with their computer infrastructure... what a kludge. Geez, I'm surprised they don't have bubblegum holding it all together.