Looking Back

Two thousand and eight was an interesting year.

For myself, last year began with major changes and challenges at work. The practice decided to close the doors of our Middletown satellite, where I had spent most of my time during the previous three years. While I missed the slower small town practice, I did relish the intellectual stimulation of going back to the larger teaching hospitals. My return to New Haven was also accompanied by a promotion to the level of Assistant Clinical Professor of the Yale University School of Medicine.

My photography took somewhat of a backseat to a new hobby, that of restoring, honing, and of course, using straight razors. I remember coming across an old straight (labaha) with Daddy when I was maybe 18, at the Manilabank Arcade. Little did I know that the razor was useless for shaving, with a large chip in the blade. I did give it one try, after lathering some palmolive hand soap using Daddy's boar hair brush (which saw more use cleaning LP's). Luckily, more than twenty years later, information is widely available on the web, and I was able to take up this shelved pursuit successfully.

Talking about hobbies, Luisa had been fully immered in her sewing, and this year had quite a few home improvement projects. With her busy schedule shuttling the kids around, it is amazing how she has found the time to make our home so much more enjoyable to live in.

In April we all took a weeklong break in Punta Cana. This was our first trip to the Dominican Republic, and I think we unanimous in voting this as the best Carribean vacation we have taken. One highlight was the traditional lechon at the Dominican restaurant at the all-inclusive resort. When we return, we will make sure to pack the Mang Tomas sauce!

Our second major trip this year was our Alaskan cruise on the MS Amsterdam last August. Luisa and I were taken aback when the kids chose this trip in leiu of a Disney vacation. Truly beautiful country that everyone should see, at least once in this lifetime.

This year was Rica's first full year with CAT (Cougar Aquatic Team), having transferred from the Valley Shore YMCA. She has taken to the water so naturally, and with her new team, has continued to realize her potential. She has garnered a total of 28 medals, ribbons and trophies from her events this year, including an award from CT Swimming for being in the Top 16 swimmers in the state for her age group.

Mikey has remained enthusiastic with his Tae Kwon Do, and has advance 5 ranks now to blue belt. More importantly, it has instilled discipline and self-control in him. This whole year, we are proud to say, we have not received any letters from his 4th grade teacher, nor a single summons to the principal's office!

And as we enter the last year of this decade, we wish you all a joyous, blessed and properous New Year!