Photos from the Carribean

Check them out here.

Si vas para Chile

It was a significant and wonderful time. Some might say it was scrumtulescent.

The photos from our visit are finally uploaded for your viewing pleasure.

Three things

First...

(you can click the images above for a slightly closer look)

Secondly...
After watching the season finale of Friday Night Lights last night, I have to say that this is my favorite show on television since The Wonder Years. This show is unbelievably authentic, moving and just plain good.

Thirdly...

The character of Matt Seresen on FNL, played by Zach Gilford, has an uncanny resemblance to one of my favorite American soccer players named Steve Cherundolo. See for yourself.

World Cupping 2006

Here is our photojournal from our excursion into the heart of the world soccer experience.

I have a few videos I will be posting later this week.

FC Azul

This past weekend was a weekend of firsts for The Boudreaus. After playing together for nearly a year, we had our first (and long overdue) social gathering with our soccer team (named F.C. Azul). It was also the first substantial gathering of people in our new home. It was the first time I, personaly, ever hosted a large party of any kind. And finally, it was the first time I had ever been the chef behind the grill.

Seven pounds of fajita meat later, I am pleased to announce it was an absolute success. Everyone had a wonderful time and we enjoyed ourselves late into the night.

Trying to overcome my habit of not taking pictures at special moments of my life, I had the camera out and ready the whole night. Unfortunately, I rarely used it and when I did, it was either at an awkward moment or the picture just didn't come out well.

Well, I'll hopefully continue to get better with each event that comes and goes. Enjoy the photos below!

Here we are, the stalwart hosts of the first ever F.C. Azul shin-dig.



Surprise! I'm taking a picture (of Alberto).

Annabel and her man actually got to take a posed picture. Yes, this is my best attempt at posed.

We really should get more chairs... maybe some patio furniture in general.

Here Marshall gives a lecture on the many "patches" he won playing soccer as a child. Alberto, though not pictured, was very impressed.

I told you some of the pictures were taken at awkward moments.

A little look at the table-of-plenty.

I'm not really sure why I posted this picture.

Scary eyes.

Much laughter was shared. Good times.

Elizabeth giving her husband the face that no man ever wants to see his woman give him. Ouch.

Now we're talking! Marshall and Elizabeth: so happy together.

Poetschke putting up "his axe' shortly after playing a little Stairway for everyone.

The camera took this picture without any human assistance.

New Years City

We had quite a weekend in the city that never sleeps. It was my second trip to NYC and Shelley's first excursion, but we both experienced a unique trip that we won't soon forget. See the photos below for some of the highlights captured on digital film.

Near our hotel - we stayed right next to Grand Central Station. That's the Chrysler building in the background and a goofy smile on my face.

Speaking of Grand Central Station, Shelley is standing there above. Unfortunately, the photo didn't quite capture just how beautiful this building is. It was particularly stunning with the Christmas decor on display.

New Year's eve was the highlight of the trip. We were invited to a soirée at Times Square. As you can see from the photo, we had an eye-level view of the world-famous "ball" and it's subsequent dropping.

A view from above. In a day that included several rain showers and even more snow showers, the masses started gathering very early in the morning. We certainly did not envy these merrymakers. Fortunately, we strolled in around 8 pm and were able to experience the evening enjoying the comfort of a heated building, access to bathrooms, tasty treats and an abundance of adult beverages.

Another view of the ball from the corner of the building.

I guess I could have shot a quick movie, but instead I took a bunch of photos of the ball dropping. And there you have it.

This was our "Travel Crew", from left to right: Johnny, Mica, Shelley, Stephen, Rachel, Jeremy.

A miscellaneous photo of Shelley and I at the shin-dig. And yet further proof, that I am, indeed, the man.

At Central Park, only moments prior to being snowed on.

On top of the Empire State Building. A bit overrated for our tastes, but the view was splendid.

A little late-night room service? Absolutely. $80 for ice-cream, brownies and coffee. Cha-ching.

And finally, here I am on the subway with one of the friendly locals. HOWDY!

The Dandy Domicile

I apologize for the lack of updates, but I do have some big news. Shelley and I have put a contract on our first home! We close in mid January and will be moving in shortly thereafter! It is quite a charming place that we will be happy to call home. Can't wait to have many of you over!

The picture above is all I've got at the moment. Unfortunately, the current residents decided it was ok to park in their driveway and take away from my photo. I tell you... some people!

The home buying process is quite a complicated, frustrating, joyful, depressing, confusing and clarifying life process that I am glad has come to a pleasant conclusion. Our realtor was a God-send and was unbelievably helpful throughout the entire process.

One other exciting note. Shelley and I will be ringing in the new year at Times Square in New York City! Can't complain about that.

Stay tuned ... it's Christmas time ... and at TheBoudreaus.com that means something quite special.

California

Our journey to San Diego has come and gone and we are now back deep in the heart of Texas. Now that we have returned to the oven-like temperatures and concrete landscapes, I can't help but keep asking... no, interrogating myself with the haunting question: "So... why do I live in Dallas?" ha!

We had an incredible time relaxing, sight seeing, shopping, eating great food, and all-in-all - just enjoying each other's company. Both of us were completely enchanted by San Diego and are pretty much set to pack up our home and take up residence there. :)

While on our trip, one of the definite highlights was spending some quality time with one of my best friends in the world, Mr. Jerry Ruiz. He currently lives out in La Jolla, a suburb of San Diego, and went out with Shelley and I a couple times during our visit. He and I originally met back in pre-kindergarden -- right when my family first moved to Brownsville, let alone the United States. From that time on through the end of high school we were pretty much inseparable. Having not seen him in a couple years, it was so, so great to catch up and just see him again. It was also wonderful for him to be able to interact with Shelley. Good times. Actually, great times.
Speaking of great times, we also spent an evening with two other magnificent friends: Don & Letty Bernstein. They met us in "Downtown Disney" for dinner. We sat around afterwards for hours just catching up and laughing as hard as possible.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take any pictures of us with them or Jerry. In fact, I pretty much failed to take many pictures at all. It is a shame too, we were staying in this beautiful hotel right in the middle of what is called "The Gaslamp District", which is a really fun part of downtown right in front of the bay. I'd love to have shown you guys that sort of stuff. Oh well, that's life sometimes.
The picture above is from our fun-filled day at Disneyland. It is one of the few pictures from the whole trip. Seriously, I'm trying to be better about taking pictures, I just always forget.

Well anyway, no need to expound on the little details of our trip. It was a wonderful experience. We'd love to live there. And even though it is Dallas, it's always good to be home.

Capital Visit

Shelley and I spent four days in D.C. last month. We absolutely loved it and are looking forward to visiting again soon. There is so much to see and do, the architecture is breathtaking, and the history is humbling, fascinating, and inspiring. Here are just a few of the photo highlights:

Here we are outside the capitol building. A great friend of ours, Jeremy, works on capital hill and was able to give us a great little tour of this beautiful, historic building.

We checked out the Lincoln Memorial late one night and enjoyed this truly awesome tribute to our 16th president.

Here Shelley is pictured reading the Emancipation Proclamation.

This is me at the World War II memorial. I look like I mean serious business.

Jeremy was able to arrange a private tour of the West Wing of the White House for us. This was certainly the highlight of the entire trip! The opportunity to see the Oval Office, the Roosevelt Room, the Cabinet Room, the Rose Garden, and everything else was was an honor and privilege we are so thankful for. We weren't allowed to take pictures on the inside, but here is a photo of us being silly just outside the entrance.

Actually, we were trying to look like we were discussing important matters, but as Shelley will attest, I have a problem with not being a freak of nature.

The two of us in the "front yard" of the White House.

Here I am taking some important questions about the lack of updates to our website in The White House press room.

Somehow this is the only picture I have of Jeremy from the whole weekend. Thanks my friend. We appreciate your kindness!!

Austin: The Other Capital City

A few of my old high school buddies and I got together down in Austin for a weekend of nostalgia, catching up, and unruly debauchery.

From left to right: Teno, Ruben, me, Daniel, and Abelardo.

Just a picture of me. That's all.

Ascendio News

Last month my company, Ascendio, moved into our brand new office in north Dallas, just off the tollway. Here are some photos from just after the move in.

We are really excited about the new place and are excited about the unbelievable growth the company is experiencing. If you want to know why TheBoudreaus.com has not been updated very often, it is pretty much because of the work that goes in in the place pictured below. That doesn't explain, though, why we haven't been able to update the company website for what seems like over a year. ha!

We were able to get the corner office on the sixth floor. So not only do we have a great view, but the office is full of natural light all day. I love that

Here is my work area, where the magic happens.

Beautiful Day

On June 1, Shelley and I celebrated our three year wedding anniversary. Our marriage has been a supernatural, surreal, and wonderful experience. We have come a long way since we started dating as freshman in college to where we are today. I am simply blessed to have such a patient, caring, loving, beautiful woman by my side every step of the way.