IT'S BEEN A WHILE

Hello to all. Yes it has been a while since my last posting. Actually close to two months have past since the "Birthday" blog and it never ceases to amaze me that so much happens to this family in such a short period of time. The funny thing is that every time I plan to sit at the computer to do this something else interferes with the posting. Where to begin. Let's start with my favorite topic, "The Little Ones" and now the "Other Little One" on the way. First Rex and Carli. May 11th Carli turned two. Unfortunately her Dad has already trained her to say "Yea Big Papi", and for those of you who don't follow the "SOOOOOXXXXXX!" Big Papi is not me. It's David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox, the famous "Evil Empire" haters from Boston, Ma. I am also Big, and I am also known to some as "POP-POP, but certainly not Big Papi. I sure hope when I get to see Carli real soon, she will be able to see that I am younger, stronger, better looking and I can switch hit ( ooh that sounds terrible ) from both sides of the plate. (Gees, that sounds even worse). Rex, my big boy, is already 4 and 1/2 as of April 27th, and he already knows that New York has a better team than those hated Yankees. My goal is for Rex to say "Lets Go Mets" before the 2007 World Series, Mets vs. Sox, which we will be watching together!!!!!!!

My baby Stephanie felt her baby for the first time this week. Probably scared the ____ out of her. We will find out at the end of this month whether we will be buying pink or blue. Jaime, has looked into the future, as only she could, and predicted a girl. So everybody who is going to attend Stephanie's baby shower here in L.V. on September 9th should all get "BLUE'' gifts. Kim will be going to Norfolk on or about October 15th to prepare for the big event. More likely than not, Aaron will on deployment at that time, so Kim, don't twist her arm, will be there for assistance, and everybody who knows Stephanie, knows that she will need all the help she can get. Love you baby.


Another piece of good news is the return of the youngest son Matt from completion of his studies at Job Corp in Reno NV. The highlight of his stay according to him,was the vocational training that actually kept him away from the facility. He says the place is like a "Detention Center" away from home. Most youth that are placed in Job Corp are court assigned. We didn't know that, so he tells us that at times, it was a pretty scary place. However, he certainly did learn how to take care of himself, complete his program, get the credits for his GED and prepare him for a great future. His immediate plans are still are a little unclear, There's a girlfriend in Pahrump, but one thing is certain and that is, the young boy who left here in January has come back a young man whose head is on straight and is going in the right direction. I'm sure Michael, would be as proud of him as we all are here.

Russ and Dani are fabulous. They recently sold their home in Chandler and can now finally settle in their new home in the northern part of Phoenix without having to pay 2 mortgages. Now, maybe Russ can watch his beloved SOOOOOOXXXXXXXX in his own home rather than sneaking outside his neighbors window and watching the highlights on ESPN. Dani, be careful where you step from now on,you guys don't need any more casts this year. Kim and I should be visiting in the next few months and we hope to give you guys a little alone quality time, well deserved.

Barb's birthday is coming up this month on June 25th. She will be 34 but doesn't look a day over 21. That's a good dad for ya. We haven't talk to each other a whole lot lately but if she is as busy as I have been so long it's taken me to do this posting, we really understand. Happy Birthday Barb from the Vegas side of the family.

Jaime is coming off her own birthday celebration, her 24th, this past May 5th. She flew back to NJ for a short visit and some home cooking. She eats here a lot, because number one, it's free and number two, the traffic is miserable coming home from work at that time of day. She also says the foods not too bad here either. It's been a difficult first part of the year for Jaime at work. After setting and breaking most of the company first year sales records, this year has been just a little tougher. However, she seems to be back on track and it wouldn't surprise me to see some more records broken by the end of the year. Jaime has become my movie partner and we see many more movies than most people. We don't always agree about each movie but one thing is absolutely for sure, nobody makes Kettle Corn better than the South Point Cinema.

Kimberly has found a new hobby. She has starting to crochet everything in sight. She started with baby stuff for Steph but is now doing everything from sweaters to rugs and shawls and whatever anybody asks for. She is on summer break from her Judiaism classes and Bugsy,Doc,Sandy and Closer plus about 20 tropical fish keep her plenty busy. Besides it's a better hobby than palm tree dancing. She did however make a another attempt at the podium position at the Grandview which I believe she will ultimately get and end up working there by 2009. Maybe I'll retire then, and let her bring home the bacon.Hmmmmm.

Speaking of the Grandview, many changes since April. I now have my own "Line" and continue to hire and train new people as we speak. Phil and I hope to have 15 people on each of our teams by no later than Phil's birthday on July 5th. This will be the first time in a quite a few years that I won't be soaking in his pool on or around "the 4th". I am going out of town for a few days of R&R. Working in Timeshare takes a lot of patience and dealing with rejection. Personally, I find it a lot easier, than my buddy Phil, who stresses may outweigh the pleasures of it's financial rewards. He introduced me to "The Secret", the widely popular book by Rhonda Byrne that is sweeping the nation. In it's most simplistic form, it's the way you approach your life. The "Laws of Attraction" says, that what you put out to the universe is what will come right back at you. Nothing new here to anybody who already has a positive outlook on life. The secret to "The Secret" is to practice the secret, which is I must say is easier said than done. If you want to know more about "The Secret", there is a direct link to the secret on www.lakeskiwanis.blogspot.com. That site was created by the multi- talented, the same Phil Kohen, whom I mention here from time to time. He and Ilene are the founding members of the Lakes Kiwanis Club in Las Vegas. They started it in 1999 and Kim and I have been members for the past 5 1/2 years. Kiwanis, for those who do not know, is a worldwide service organization to improve children's lives all over the world one child at a time. We have weekly meetings, service projects, and social get together's'with some really great people. Check out our most recent posting at the address above and feel free at any time to post comments or suggestions or events that you would like Las Vegas to know about or anything else you would like, but sorry, it must come with a "G" rating.

Well that's about it for tonight. Don't miss Shrek the Third at a theater near you. Once again, they asked me to play the lead role but I was too busy selling those Timeshares to anybody who would listen.

Good night all.

Rich

April Birthday Update

Look what Kimberly got me for my birthday.Check out the bottom right of this posting, "Ain't it Cool". April has been a really great month so far. I have discovered for all my fellow arthritis people that when you ad MSM to Glucosamine Sulfate the results are astounding. Try it, you'll like it. I was also pleasantly surprised to get a promotion at work. I am now a Line Director, which means I have my own team which I get an override on their deals,yeah. But it also means that I have the responsibility to help with their continued training, and keeping them motivated and on the right track, which in this business of selling Timeshare can be very very physically and emotionally draining. No, you don't have physical labor, if you don't mind walking around the resorts twice and sometimes 3 times a day, but believe me you are beat tired by the end of the day. Plus emotionally, you have to be able to accept rejection more often than you can believe and still remain upbeat. Sure, the money at times can be unbelievable but it's no easy "gig" no matter what you may hear.


I do however have very mixed emotions about the promotion. I am inheriting Jimmy Evans' team which I don't feel was the right thing to do. First of all, he is an outstanding TO. In fact, he has done more sales on my deals than anybody by far and he along with Richard Ochoa have made me a thousand times better than when I first started this 2 1/2 years ago. We do have our politics like most businesses but this was clearly an unfair thing to do to Jimmy. As I said, he and R.O. have been my mentors and clearly if Dominic didn't have a bug up his ass about Jimmy, this would not have happened and I believe that as a fact. My time would have come. Dr. Phil ( that's our own Dr. Phil) not the moron on TV, reminded me that he got his promotion because our dear friend Tom had to leave because of serious illness and he too had mixed emotions when he got his promotion. So, on with the show and I hope Jimmy makes $200,000 this year and shoves his year end pay stub up Dominics ass.


My birthday was really great. I have already outlived my Dad by twelve years and I expect to see Stephanie's baby graduate High School and College. Besides, what would Kim do without me.LOL :). I heard from just about everybody who is important in my life. Those who missed, won't be mentioned here, but you know who you are and you know how deeply it hurts. I took the day off from work and Kim and I shopped for a new bed (She's really very rough on this 62 year old body) and a new vacuum cleaner. We also had Chinese Food ( no surprise there) with Phil, Ilene, and the girls. This has been a tradition of sorts for the last nine or ten years to celebrate birthdays with good food and best of friends. By the time the day was over my only disappointment was the Met's losing to the Phillies on my birthday no less ( Gary and Chris must be loving that) but it all ended well because when I opened my e-mail I found two birthday cards from Rex and Carli (my grandchildren) that were adorable just like they are and that, most certainly made my day and the best birthday since my 18th when Lois Salovitch opened the door and opened her robe and said "This is your birthday present right HERE!"

Have a great year everyone and make all of your birthdays the best, because all those who read this deserve it for putting up with me!

Do You Believe This?

Here we go again.In a about 71/2 months our daughter is going to give her parents the best gift they can receive. I only wish Michael could be here to share our joy. I know you're you watching Mike, and I'll look after our boy or girl. Stephanie was not easiest child for this step parent to raise. However after 7 years in and out of our home (mostly in) she has blossomed into a beautiful Mom to be. She has found her soul-mate in Aaron Kyle Compton who couldn't be a better son to Kim and me.They are both living in Norfolk, Va. where Aaron is in the US Navy aboard the USS. George Washington, a nuclear aircraft carrier which is presently in dry dock in nearby Portsmouth. Once all the re-fittings are complete and the carrier is refueled, it's off to Japan. When? I'm not sure, but I know it will be after our Grandchild gets here.Way to go Steph! We've had our fair share of ups and downs and although many of your detractors had doubts about you and Aaron, ( the over/under was 6 months ) I was confident that you would make it for a lifetime.You see after all my lectures about "Choices,Decisions and Consequences ", I knew that it was all getting through to you and after all, you told all of us that Aaron was the only person you knew could put up with all your shenanigans,Ha ha(Baja). I know sometime in November I will lose Kimberly for probably about a month, but it's OK because I still have a great support system both here and in Phoenix.

Speaking of Phoenix, I am beyond happy to celebrate birthday number 62 with Rex and Carli, Grandchildren #1 and 2. Russ and Dani are coming to Vegas to see part of "The Family including Cathy, a quick visit from Jersey Jaime the Time Share Million Dollar Earner and Kim and The Shrekster, "me".We get to play and party with the little ones while they get a well deserved rest and some quality alone time in Sin City. I sure hope the Red Sox have an off day on April 11th or 12th.Here's a picture which will be updated as soon as I can get a camera on them. Tell me they don't look like POP-POP. No don't tell me, it will hurt my feelings.

Everything else is going well. I am in the process of creating ( with a lot of outside professional help, thank you Aaron D, not the sailor, and Dr.Phil ) my own "rsmcloser" website. It will have valuable information into many areas of interest. It will also be a referral source for services needed in Las Vegas. Also, it will be open to advertisers who want their products and services to those who seek my far reaching network of friends, family, associates, and the countless number of acquaintances, I have made over the years. If you need golf lessons for example, I'm sure my brother Harry would be willing to go to wherever you are and give some excellent training for the right price. ( Luv ya Broth) or if you need financial advise I have cousin Gary on the east coast and fellow Kiwanian Steve on the west coast. If you live South of the Mason-Dixon line my daughter Barb will be ready to straighten all your $$$$ accounts. Of course there is also Tree Dancing 101 which has limited vacancies for the summer semester. You see the instructor will need some time off in November. My niece Laura on the other side of the Palm Tree has a website only known to those very discreet individuals looking for???. There will be a link on the website within a few days. Matthew is doing great in Job Corp. All he needs is to keep his new cell phone on his and near his body at all times. Jaime is in the second re-write of her novel about some very intelligent and quite mean blood sucking vampires that woul make Count Dracula uneasy. I can't put it down.Last but not least is the "Barb" who sent me recent picture from a wedding she attended. Will I get to walk down an isle in the near future?

Finally I will leave you all with this thought of the the week. Yes it's true that the Rebels were beat in the Sweet Sixteen, but that has past. Now the attention turns to the New York Mets (easy, all you haters ) this is the year that will turn the clock back to 1986 and we all know what happened then.( The ball goes through Buckner's legs and the METS WIN, THE METS WIN.)

My prayers go out to Joe for a quick recovery, for Tommy T whom everyday I send out positives to the universe for him and a Happy Passover to one and all, Ok and Happy Easter as well.

The One and Only RSMCLOSER! and KAMI. Remember and practice "The Secret".

Some Personal Information

I have added some new information in my profile for your laughter. The guy on the left is my buddy Shrek. Everybody at work calls me Shrek and if you think about it, that's not the worst name you could be called. I have 2 Shrek ties,and a license plate that says R-SHREK and lights up Green when you step on the brake. Believe it or not, if you roll up my right shirt sleeve you can see the big guy forever tattooed on my arm. (I must have been crazy or very drunk to do that). My daughter Stephanie is having her first child in November and Kim and I are delighted. We are big UNLV Rebel fans and this year our goal is the Final Four. Only 2 more wins will get us there. Opening day for MLB is 11 days away. Let's go Mets. Kim is learning Hebrew and Judaism as she is preparing to convert upon the completion of her classes. This event in the making has brought me back to my youth and restored my faith in my Judaism. We love our Friday Night Services, (it's our date night) and when she completes her training she will become a "Jedi Knight",lol, no, we plan to renew our vows at Temple Beth Shalom here in Las Vegas and also have a Bat-Mitzvah for Kim. I hope all who see this posting will celebrate with us. That's it for today.

remember "the secret".

Well here we are at the top of the Stratosphere Hotel at the "TOP OF THE WORLD" restaurant overlooking our home Las Vegas. Yes we live in Sin City which is quite appropriate for us since we have quite a checkered past that brings you to us. I have to thank my beautiful daughter in law Dani for her inspiration to do this. Frankly, I have no idea what I am doing so this should be an adventure. My lovely extraordinary lady to my left is Kimberly who is sometimes known as Kami, Kimmers, Palm Tree Lover, Eagles Fanatic, Naaaaasty, the latest old ( Rex and Carli ) and the new Grandma to be (Stephanie due Nov.21st) will be officially called "Bubbe" due to her new affiliation to Judaism. Our postings will allow you to see what's happening in Vegas, our family, and share with us our nachas. I would also love some feedback and comments no matter what. This should be fun for all who participate.We know how to live "The Secret" and enjoy every day. We hope to share that with you.