Dream Vacation: Deep Thoughts by Mike and Joel

Costa Rica has always been Mike's dream vacation. Less than 12 hours into our trip and after two surf sessions I asked Mike and Joel what they thought about the dream destination surf trip thus far:

I Miss Costa Rica

I know techniquelly I'm still walking distance to the beach, and it's just as hot and humid here as it is in Nosara (okay, it's A LOT hotter in Houston right now), but I miss being there none the less. There is something to say about the jungles of Costa Rica and ice cold beer at 3pm... mmmm... beer....

Here is where we all hung out most of the day:

The Beach Cafe

Our group pretty much filled the place up everyday... They have the best veggie sandwiches and french toast!!!

COOLEST DJ ever

I'm not even sure if they are called DJ's anymore, but this guy rocks! If you live in Houston, you can listen to AD on 94.5 and if you have Sirius/XM radio you can hear him on Faction or Alt Nation. You can also follow AD and his wife, Tara, on Facebook too.

NEW SHOES

This came out right before we left and didn't get a chance to post before the flight:

http://etnies.com/blog/skate/collaboration/

We are blessed with amazing friends and family!

Just got home from Costa Rica late last night. It was incredible!

I will update more about our trip this weekend -- hugs to all, Jules

DC, next stop COSTA RICA!

Our trip to DC went pretty well. It brought home the fact that I didn't pay much attention in my government classes! I am going to do a crash course on basic government, the House, the Senate, and appropriations.

When we left I kinda knew we weren't going to 'speak to the Senate' ala Dee Snyder and the PMRC hearings... but I still hoped something like that would transpire. It didn't. It was still exciting to have 'tea' (okay, it was just coffee) with a Texas Senator, then run from building to building in the tunnels of DC to meet with our constituents. Everyone we met with seemed open to listening to our story and why we need them to support specific appropriations (funding) -- through the Department of Defense (who knew?!?!) and Labor, Health and Human Services to further research and trials for childhood cancers. We also asked them to support funding for the Caroline Pryce Walker Act that was passed unanimously for childhood cancer research as well as support for the childhood cancer research caucus.

At first Mike and I were very emotional, then by the end of the day we were like, "Look, here's our story, yes, the numbers aren't in our favor but you can't deny the human factor, and that kids with cancer are being left out of NCI and NHI research and funding. It's unfair, and you can change it." Some Legislative Director's and Assistant's seemed excited about our story but when we left Mike and I wondered if we really made an impact. As we left one office to meet the next representative we were stopped in the hall by an assistant to let us know they had already heard from two or three of the people we already met with and wanted more information about our appropriations! That was really cool to hear something within minutes. Now we wait and see what happens next....

We came home Wednesday and in the morning we are off to Costa Rica for a few days -- with 40 of our closest friends. We leave tomorrow -- early -- and you know I'm not a morning person -- so I better get going. I hope to update more while we are on our trip.

ONE TRICK PONY

 Johnny didn't really care for Mr. Boo Boo very much.  

Yep.  That's me lately.  A one trick pony.  I think I used to juggle projects pretty well, but since Johnny passed away -- nope.  Not anymore.  I'm a one project kind of gal. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I have one project going at a time -- hell no.  I like to start many projects all at once, big ones too, knowing good and well  I can only focus on one at a time. Just when I think things are slowing down or a project might end -- HA!  Snafu's, bugs and wrenches come flying right for me. Luckily I was born on the same Island as Wonder Woman -- the wrist cuffs (or gaudy gold bangles depending on what era your from) are standard issue and have really come in handy.  

So here's a few tidbits of what we've been doing...

First and most importantly, we are going on a family vacation to Costa Rica!  WOO HOO! We've never been before and Mike has always wanted to go.  He is so excited about the trip he has been buying clothes (surf trunks) for Joey and himself, had a 'meeting' Saturday night at our house (ahem, my parents...) about the trip with our 40 or so friends that are also going (unfortunately we don't remember to much of the conversations),  and then I knew something was up when he called to tell me bathing suits were on sale at the Gap (it's been a few years since I bought a new one).  I'm really happy for Mikey.  He needs something good to focus on for a change. - We all do!

Before we go to Costa Rica though, Mike and I are going to Washington DC, on behalf of CureSearch to speak to Congress about increased funding for childhood cancer research.  Okay, this was totally my idea...  but Mike has been a good sport about it.  Hey, what can I say?  I'm a mom on a mission -- don't get me mad, because I will be all over your ass like fly's on a rib roast.

Our other 'side' projects --   

Starting a foundation and getting 501c3 status for JohnnyKicksCancer. HUGE.  I had no idea how big the project would be, but it's been fun and definitely worth it.  We're still fine tuning everything,  but I will keep you guys posted....

Probably the biggest project as well as the most bitter sweet, is the house.  We are tearing it down -- actually someone is going to haul it off -- suckers!  To demo a house is like 12-15 k -- and that's the 'bro' price, if they take it, it's practically free. Estimates to fix our house are around 80-100k, but if you've ever done any home improvements before, you know that number will increase to at least double the price of your original estimate...  It will be interesting to watch them cut the house in half or whatever they do to it to be able to drive it down the highway.   

Last week my sister and I packed the house.  The whole thing.  Everyone, even the place where we bought the packing supplies, thought it would take a minimum of 4-5 days.  But like I said, we are moms on a mission -- so get the hell out of our way.  Movers are coming this week to take everything to storage and then the 'house movers' will take the house about a week later!  

Now all we have to do is find a new place to live...  actually we have.  Found a builder, house plans and now all we have to do it choose tile and paint colors.  Sounds simple enough... that part should go smoothly, right?

WHEW!

To say that we've been busy the last 6-8 months is a colossal understatement.  May is usually pretty busy anyway for parents, with the exception of last May when Johnny relapsed, I think May '09 takes a close second for being one of the busiest months ever for our family...

Here are a few highlights from the last few weeks: 

The Ashlyn Would Go Grom Contest -- Sophie actually surfed (her new name is Surfie...)!  Both Joey and Sophie did great and can't wait for next year's contest.

12th Annual Yaga's Children's Fund Wild Game Cookoff and Silent Auction.  The silent Auction raised over 25k for children's charities -- 7k of the total was from JohnnyKicksCancer and will go to the new foundation!  We had some pretty incredible items -- the Endless Summer trip for two on CO to Costa Rica - accommodations at Casa Agusto -- Robert August's home in Costa Rica, two giant skate duffles stuffed with decks, t-shirts, DVD's, & helmets, a longboard and shortboard shaped by SPD, tons of jewelry -- lots of good stuff!  

You guys have to come next year!  TONS OF FUN!

PoPo

Last night at 8:56 pm my father, Patrick Michael Romano (PoPo to his grandkids), passed from complications related to pancreatic cancer.  He slipped away very peacefully surrounded by his family.

My dad will be greatly missed by both his family here in Houston, and his many good friends and associates in California where he has called home for the last 33 years.

Services for dad are still pending, but I will update as soon as I have more information.

Rest in peace dad.

Mike