One goal for 2010

One goal I have for 2010 is to get my dad's book published . He put a lot of time into the book so I want to rewrite, edit and maybe even add some details to it. He has a lot of stories to tell and I feel that he has lived a life filled with the full spectrum of setbacks and achievements. I need to do more research on the query process and hunt for a literary agent .

The query letter to a agent or a publisher is a tough process. The query letter should have the hook, the mini synopsis and the writer's biography . Easier said that done! I have faith that the book will be good enough to be picked up by a publisher. I need to channel my Hemmingway and my Kerouac. Wish me luck..

Taking the kids to the San Antonio Public Library during holiday break

Looking for something to do with the kids during that long holiday break? I know for a lot of us the holiday break means spending time with friends and family. If your kids are like mine I know they can get very restless. When that happens they usually get into trouble. You have already braved the malls for the latest ipod , or that new blue ray dvd player . What to do next? How about taking a break from it all and visiting the San Antonio Public Library .

I am writing this post from the John Igo branch which is located off on 13330 Kyle Seal Parkway and 1604 in Northwest San Antonio. It is one of the San Antonio's newest libraries opened on Dec 8, 2007 . John Igo is a longtime English Professor at San Antonio college.I must admit that the architects with the City of San Antonio were very innovative when it came to designing this library. The structure itself appears to be designed to have all of the latest green innovations around. It is also outfitted with free Wi-Fi . There are two buildings connect by a glass foyer. On the other side of the building are the restrooms and the meeting rooms. Outside, there are a row of tables specifically designed for Wi-Fi or just simply wanting to read outside. There is also a nice trail outside with huge oak trees. (I'm trying to finish this post so the kids can go check out the trail!)

The kids area at this library has plenty of kids books to choose from. There are also computers in this area for kids to log on to. I was going to sit over there with them in that area but the tables are very small. I felt like Andre the Giant (rest in peace) sitting at one of those tables. Kids have full access to the library system as the adults. They can search for their favorite books on the computers and place them on hold. They can also check out the books themselves with the "self check out" computers.

My wife and kids love this library. I must admit that they started coming here before I did. I love watching my kids as they walk in the door . The little ones head straight to the kids section and the computers over there. My older kids head to their sections right away. Bonnie Conner playground is also located next to the library. That was named after a San Antonio City Council woman. My kids love that park too. So if you are looking for a nice little inexpensive getaway I would definitely recommend one of San Antonio's many libraries.

Keeping up with my blog during the holidays.

It's been a little tougher than I thought to keep up with my blog. The holidays have not been too kind to my blog. I have been working a lot of hours, which is a good thing. I worked six days in a row last week and also worked on my day off this week. By the time I get home it is 6:30 pm and I don't want to do much. I also need to complete my Christmas shopping too. As of this writing I am still looking for that elusive Barbie beauty salon for my 2nd grader. (I wish I can go back in time and invest in all Barbie stock or Mattel products ). I am also thinking about a trampoline for all of my kids.

In addition to working long hours and the need to finish my Christmas shopping I also need to put on a happy face for Christmas parties and school functions for my kids. Keeping things crazy at work and home is a good thing. I am working and the kids are having fun during the holidays. I feel fortunate that we all have our health and jobs at home. Keeping a crazy lifestyle seems to be the norm.

Looking forward to sharing new thoughts and new ideas in 2010. Merry Christmas to everyone!!!

Traveling the Texas Hill Country during the Holidays

I did not realize how much I miss the Texas Hill Country in and around San Antonio. As a kid my parents used to have some property around Wimberly Texas. We had a cabin on this property (It was more of a shack) where we would sleep over. Visiting our property in Wimberly as kids gave us an idea how some of the first Texas settlers used to live off of the land.

When traveling on IH 10 towards Boerne, Comfort and Round Mountain you immediately notice the rolling Texas Hills and the great fall and winter colors. I forgot how fun it is to spend the holidays in the Hill Country . I went with my family to the Comfort Texas holiday parade. I felt like I was on a movie set. Everything seemed so perfect. The way the small town had the streets and the buildings decorated I thought I had stepped on the movie set of "Hope Floats" or something. It also seemed very surreal because everything was so perfect. Everyone seemed to know each other there. Some of the floats were very " Texas." Like the float carrying the high school football team or the float carrying a deer blind with a BBQ pit and the beauty queen. There was also a Christimas tree with beer cans on it. Only in Texas .

I feel a connection to the Texas Hill Country I'm not sure what it is. Maybe it was the fact that we had some property growing up or maybe being born and raised in South Central Texas. There are many holiday activities coming up in the small cities surrounding San Antonio . Try and hit the road this holiday season. There are many family memories just waiting for you and future generations.