2011 Books

If you look on the Shelfari above, you should be able to view all the books I read in 2011. I try to keep at least one non-fiction and one fiction book going at all times. Not sure what my reading goal for 2012 is yet, but since it's January 2nd, I better come up with something fast!

Happy New Year!

I know the lack of input on my blog makes it look like I vacated the premises, but I still "Occupy" Wall Street!
Benignly.

October 1st: Autumn Leaves

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSXYu-3r1S8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDy3lQYPzS4

9/11 We Remember: Milton G. Bustillo

Milton G. Bustillo had a dream. The 37-year-old computer support specialist made his living as an employee of Cantor Fitzgerald, but he envisioned the day when he could open his own café and pastry shop. He and his new family had found an ideal home in Toms River, New Jersey, and were preparing to relocate in order to make his dream become a reality. On September 11, 2001, that dream perished with Milton when the World Trade Center in New York City was destroyed.

Born in Barraquilla, Columbia, to parents who were struggling financially, Milton learned about big dreams from his family. His mother, hoping to alleviate their economic hardship, migrated to the United States and worked as a cleaning woman. For several years the family saved money she sent back to them in hopes of being reunited. When the goal was finally met, Milton, his father, and his three siblings joined his mother in the U.S.A. The family settled in Palisades Park, New Jersey.

Milton was a teen when his family moved to New Jersey, but he quickly adjusted to American culture. He was calm and empathetic, a man who loved to play the guitar, bake in the kitchen, and who made friends with ease. His began his career at the World Trade Center with Cantor Fitzgerald in 1992 and it was there, in 1997, that he met Laura Spordone, his future wife. Their paths crossed during the company Christmas party held at Windows on the World, a restaurant located a few floors above the Cantor Fitzgerald offices, and soon they were inseparable.

With his beloved Laura, Milton began building a family, which included Dana, Laura’s 7-year-old daughter, and Alessandra, the couple’s 8-month-old daughter. Laura and Milton wanted to marry before the baby’s baptism, so they took their vows on August 17, 2001. It seemed that life was opening up before them, that all their dreams were coming true. They had each other; they had their wonderful daughters; they had the vision of a new home and a new business.

Less than a month later, on September 11th, Laura, Dana, and Alessandra lost their devoted family man. Milton G. Bustillo was killed at work when a passenger jet, hijacked by radical Islamic terrorists, slammed into One World Trade Center at 8:46 am.

Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.

9/11 We Remember: Patrice Paz

Patrice Paz was intelligent and capable, the kind of  person who could solve work-place problems. And she was dedicated, throwing her heart into her career. But her heart found a different focus when, in 1994, she took a solo trip to Italy. During her visit Patrice met Rolando Paz , who was also touring the country. Romance blossomed and they were married just a few months after their encounter in Italy.

Although Patrice remained a dedicated member of the Aon Corporation, she was devoted wife as well. She and Rolando made their relationship a top priority. She would call him, without fail, at his office every day. Every evening he would pick her up at 2 World Trade Center where she worked.

On the morning of September 11, 2011, Patrice entered 2 World Trade Center as usual, taking the elevator up to the top floors of the skyscraper where her office was located. At 9:03 am, around the time when she would normally call her husband,  radical Islamic terrorists slammed a highjacked commercial airliner into the tower. Less than an hour later 2 World Trade Center collapsed. Rolando would never again be able retrieve his lovely wife at the end of the day. Patrice did not escape.

Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.

Help Lady's Good Samaritan

This is Lady. Lady was hit by a car; the driver just kept on going. A witness called Animal Control. Lady was taken to the county animal shelter, but her injuries were too severe for the shelter to handle. A kind vet tech who works at the shelter knew what fate awaited Lady, so she took her to a vet herself. Lady required surgery to repair her pelvis and the vet tech paid for it. Now Lady is recuperating at the vet tech's home. Once she is fully recovered, Lady will be available for adoption through the shelter.

The person who helped Lady doesn't make a lot money, so we are trying to help her with the cost of Lady's surgery.  Please hit the Chip-In button below to give toward Lady's surgery fees. Every little bit helps, so even if you can only give a couple of bucks, that will make a difference. Thank you for helping the helper!

http://helplady.chipin.com/lady