Happy Birthday Amanda

Another month and another family birthday. Today my eldest niece Amanda celebrates her birthday.

Ahhh how time passes quickly. I can’t believe I was so young when she was born. I recall kids at school making fun of me and calling me “Uncle Gus” making me feel so OLD. It was that feeling that I made sure she never called me “Uncle” and just used my first name. Granted now that I’m older I don’t mind being called that at all.

I could go on and on and tell you some stories about her, but I think that would just embarrass her and I don’t want to do that to her. :)

Amanda has grown up to be a wonderful person both inside and out. So Amanda, I hope you have an amazing birthday today. I’m glad we got to spend some time together last weekend when I was in Town.

Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my wonderful dad’s birthday. Alas I can’t be with him on his birthday, but I will be there in spirit as I usually am.

He’s had a tough year, hell my whole family has a tough year, but he keeps it together. He is a person that never stops and always keeps moving forward. He loves to tinker with things and find out how they work – I think this is where I got my love of gadgets from.

There are so many fond memories of my dad. He taught me how to make an awesome bbq (or assado as we say it in Argentina), he taught me how to fish, he taught me how to put up a light fixture, he taught me how to use a hammer and not hit my fingers, he taught me that no matter what, family is important.

So dad, have an awesome birthday! You deserve it!

Happy Birthday to my Sister Maria

Today, another member of my family celebrates a birthday. This time around it’s my sister Maria. She’s had a tough year this year, so I’m hoping that she’ll be able to get out and enjoy herself today.

She’s the mother of 3 amazing kids, one of which is living with us at the moment while she studies here in Vancouver.

It’s amazing how quickly time goes by. I recall when we were little the fights we would get into. Being just 2 years apart in age from each other, we constantly fought like good brother and sisters fought. We fought for room on the couch, we fought for got to watch what on tv, we fought just for the sake of fighting.  Ahhh good times!

But we grew out of it, as young kids do, and we have developed a strong relationship. Even though we are miles away from each other, we still manage to connect somehow.

So Maria, have an amazing birthday today. Get out and enjoy YOUR day.

Happy Birthday Mom

Mom.JPG Today is my mother’s birthday and last year we’ve spent my mom’s birthday in a hospital right after her stroke. A year later, she’s out of the hospital, but now in a full care home and not sure she knows that today is her birthday.

It has been a tough year for all of us in my family, and we’ve all had to make adjustments in our lives. I haven’t spoken to her in sometime and the last time I did she cried on the phone, so I don’t want to upset her today.

I’m just so glad she’s still around, even though she might not fully be aware of what is going on. So mom, I wish you an amazing 75th birthday and I hope you at least know in your heart that you are loved by so many.

Happy Birthday To My Sister Gladys

IMG_3024 Today is my sister Glady’s birthday. She is an amazing wife and mother who has brought into the world two amazing kids Amanda and Adrian, who would do anything for their mother. She’s an amazing daughter who has been there tirelessly for my mother and helping out my father, especially after my mother’s stroke. And she is an amazing sister who has been there for me and my other sister when we’ve needed her.

I’ll admit it’s hard being across the country when a family member has a birthday. We are a close family and we’ve always been around when someone has their birthday.

Happy birthday Gladys. May you have an amazing day today. Love you!

Happy Birthday Raul (aka @Hummingbird604)

HB604Blog 3 Today one of my best friends Raul celebrates his birthday. He’s a scholar, a social media maven, a supporter of the Arts, a supporter of the environment, and an all around nice guy!

It’s so rare you meet someone in your life these days that has such integrity, loyalty and love for all his friends.

Though this post might be short and sweet, I wanted to personally wish Raul the best birthday today!

Happy Birthday Raul, or as the world might know you – Hummingbird604.

Happy Birthday Russ

Prague Day 2 158

Today, even though he doesn’t want me to say anything, is Russ’ birthday. He’s not one for big birthday celebrations, so tonight we are just keeping it quiet and going out to dinner to, what I hope will be an amazing restaurant.

Some of you who know him well already know that just over 2 years ago today, he suffered a big health scare that nearly took his life. He has bounced back and proves that he is a fighter. He has a great outlook on life and I’m so proud to have known him for over 10 years now.

Everyday is special and today makes it even more so.

Happy Birthday Russ! Here’s to many more!

Happy Birthday Madonna (aka Madge)

How could I have let this day go by without wishing one of my favourite music icons a Happy Birthday. So Madge, hope you had a fantastic 53rd birthday today. Hope you were surrounded by family and friends on this great day.

Thank you for create the music that you do and for continuing to entertain us year after year.

Madonna will be showcasing her directorial debut at the Toronto Film Festival next month. If you are in the area, make sure you get your tickets to W.E.

In honor of Madge’s birthday, let’s have a Celebration.

Happy Birthday Marc

If you live in Vancouver and are involved in social media, you will know Marc Smith of Amuse Consulting and today he celebrates his birthday.

I first met Marc at a Third Tuesday Meetup event and quickly hit it off. He’s been involved in many events throughout the city including Twestival Vancouver, a few Tweetups, Socialized Events, and many many other charity events. He is now currently involved in helping Qmunity with raising funds with his Give a Damn, Give a Dollar campaign.

Marc has a way of just bringing people together and is very easy to talk to. He’s invited both Russ and I to many of his home cooked dinners and was gracious enough to look after both Cyd and Junior when we were away in Europe last month.

So today Marc, I wish you an amazing birthday. You have become an amazing friend and very glad you are in my life.

Happy Birthday Steven

Steven Brum

Today is my youngest nephew’s birthday (boy they grow up so fast)

What can be said about Steven. This boy is a thrill seeker. He loves challenging himself physically and I have a feeling if things continue this way he’s going to either end up being a stuntman (not what his parent’s would want I’m sure), or some extreme sports junkie :)

As always it’s very hard being away from family when they celebrate their birthday. I’m the kind of uncle that wants to be there, share in a slice of cake and share in the big day.

So Steven, I wish you the best of birthdays. Have the best day ever and enjoy!!!