Look what they did to him!
That's not a smile on his face, is it? Please tell me it is not.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Jersey Shore
Last week, we went to Wildwood Crest, NJ. We had a wonderful time. It was great having 8 days in a row that were uninterrupted by work or chores.
We played. We swam. We went to the beach. We rode waves. We built sand castles. We went to the boardwalk and rode roller-coasters. We went to a waterpark. We laughed a lot. And every night, we went to bed together---boys in one bed, girls in the other.
It was a vacation we will remember forever.
We played. We swam. We went to the beach. We rode waves. We built sand castles. We went to the boardwalk and rode roller-coasters. We went to a waterpark. We laughed a lot. And every night, we went to bed together---boys in one bed, girls in the other.
It was a vacation we will remember forever.
Friday, July 15, 2005
My Big Girl
Hi me again,
I have been wanting to do a blog of Jordan because she has been amazing me ever since we got here. She finished kindergarten and got her first report card. All excellent comments and ready to move on to First grade. I still can't believe it. She read a book to me yesterday morning that was a couple paragraphs each page. She needed help on only a few words. It is crazy how fast they learn.
Besides that she has been the most amazing big sister. People comment all the time when we are out about how sweet she is to her brother. She is very protective. People always ask what I am doing to make my kids love on each other so much and play so well.
Jordan is definitely a city girl. She loves to get out and walk or get on her princess scooter. She is my partner when I am running errands or just out for a stroll. We are having a great summer together.
I am very, very proud of her if you can't tell. This picture was taken the other day outside our apartment right before running errands.
Bye again,
Christine
I have been wanting to do a blog of Jordan because she has been amazing me ever since we got here. She finished kindergarten and got her first report card. All excellent comments and ready to move on to First grade. I still can't believe it. She read a book to me yesterday morning that was a couple paragraphs each page. She needed help on only a few words. It is crazy how fast they learn.
Besides that she has been the most amazing big sister. People comment all the time when we are out about how sweet she is to her brother. She is very protective. People always ask what I am doing to make my kids love on each other so much and play so well.
Jordan is definitely a city girl. She loves to get out and walk or get on her princess scooter. She is my partner when I am running errands or just out for a stroll. We are having a great summer together.
I am very, very proud of her if you can't tell. This picture was taken the other day outside our apartment right before running errands.
Bye again,
Christine
My sweet face
Hi Christine again,
I just loved this picture of her sweet face I mentioned. Isn't she adorable.
I just loved this picture of her sweet face I mentioned. Isn't she adorable.
Happy 6 month birthday
Hi this is Christine and I decided to blog on Brooke's half year birthday. Sorry it has been awhile. It has been difficult to find time lately but I am loving being so busy.
Brooke is growing up way too fast. She is the most precious little baby. She is almost always happy (she can get a little upset if she is hungry). She is a little trooper---we can take her anywhere. She gets lots of attention from Mommy, Daddy, big sister and big brother. She is constantly being entertained; hugged or kissed (probably more than she would like sometimes). Jordan and Sam argue every morning about who gets to sit by Brooke. We put her in the middle and everyone is happy. She has really been a blessing to our family in New York. I just love looking at that sweet face and smile. We all call her our "sugar bug".
This is her sitting up on the floor playing and talking to sissy. She is loving toys now and almost sitting up without any support. She is already ahead of her brother.
We are leaving for our big summer vacation in the morning so I have got some packing to do. I will post some more pictures when we get back. I miss everyone and send my love.
Christine
Brooke is growing up way too fast. She is the most precious little baby. She is almost always happy (she can get a little upset if she is hungry). She is a little trooper---we can take her anywhere. She gets lots of attention from Mommy, Daddy, big sister and big brother. She is constantly being entertained; hugged or kissed (probably more than she would like sometimes). Jordan and Sam argue every morning about who gets to sit by Brooke. We put her in the middle and everyone is happy. She has really been a blessing to our family in New York. I just love looking at that sweet face and smile. We all call her our "sugar bug".
This is her sitting up on the floor playing and talking to sissy. She is loving toys now and almost sitting up without any support. She is already ahead of her brother.
We are leaving for our big summer vacation in the morning so I have got some packing to do. I will post some more pictures when we get back. I miss everyone and send my love.
Christine
Friday, July 08, 2005
I mentioned goofy faces.....
This would be lemon face. He likes to eat lemons at restaurants just so he can make this face and draw a laugh from Sissy!
Chillin at the Beach
Here's Brooke at the beach in Connecticut. She was a perfect little trooper all weekend.
Sissy and My
Yep, he still calls himself My. We've started calling him that too. I can see it now--his highschool baseball jersey will say My on back.
It gets a little confusing at night, because he also calls his blanket My. Sounds pretty funny when Mom says "My, get your My, it's time for night-night".
This picture was taken at the fountain outside our apartment.
Mom and Dad
Jordan took this picture of us while waiting for our table at dinner Sunday night in Mystic, Ct. She's not a bad photographer!
Serendipity
Mackey and Jordan sharing a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity. They had a great weekend together.
Friends
Here is a picture of Jordan and some of her new school friends. This was taken at their end of year party at Central Park.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
A Thousand Words are Worth a Picture
Our computer experienced a slight crash, and I haven't had the time to re-install our camera software. That's the reason for the delay in uploading pictures....and we have some great ones!
Two weekends ago, our good friend Dan'l, her daughter and mother came to visit us. We had a great time together. We ate a lot of good food. It was so good to spend time with people we know. We miss that. Jordan and Mackey had a blast playing together!
Over the 4th of July weekend, we went to Mystic, Ct. It was a fun getaway for the family. We spent Saturday on a beach in Connecticut, then Sunday drove 30 miles or so to a beach in Rhode Island. We love getting to see this part of the country. It is beautiful.
All 3 kids are doing great. We are so proud of each of them. Jordan's last day of Kindergarten was June 28th. She loves her school, and was excited to hear that one of her new best friends, Paloma, will be in her 1st grade class next year.
Sam just keeps making us laugh. He's so goofy that it almost embarrasses us in public. He'll walk around hunched over, with a goofy look on his face----just for laughs. And he loves little Brooke like you wouldn't believe.
Brooke is still doing great. She's eating baby food now--a big fan of the sweet tater. She has a beautiful smile.
Christine is doing great. She loves spending time with the kids. She was shopping yesterday and somehow started talking to another girl there who had moved up a week ago with her husband and 2 young children from Houston. Her husband is starting an internship at NY Presby, and they live a short walk from our house. They hit it off well, and exchanged numbers. Christine is great about letting conversations like that start.
Christine is going to Florida with the kids in early August to spend a week with her new friend--the mom of one of Jordan's new school friends. Erin has 3 girls around Jordan's age. They are going down for the entire month, but asked Christine and the kids to join them for a week.
Things are going well for me as well. There never seems to be a moment to take a breath at this stage of life, but I really am enjoying it all. I went through a rough stretch a few weeks back where I really woke up to the fact that our family, our friends and our church are all back home. Pile that on top of the stress of living in an apartment with 3 kids. It can be tough.
I'm sure you all know this, but as a reminder, don't take for granted what you have there. We don't regret being away, but we certainly see more clearly what we had and the sacrifices we have made.
Have yourself a good one,
Bryant
Two weekends ago, our good friend Dan'l, her daughter and mother came to visit us. We had a great time together. We ate a lot of good food. It was so good to spend time with people we know. We miss that. Jordan and Mackey had a blast playing together!
Over the 4th of July weekend, we went to Mystic, Ct. It was a fun getaway for the family. We spent Saturday on a beach in Connecticut, then Sunday drove 30 miles or so to a beach in Rhode Island. We love getting to see this part of the country. It is beautiful.
All 3 kids are doing great. We are so proud of each of them. Jordan's last day of Kindergarten was June 28th. She loves her school, and was excited to hear that one of her new best friends, Paloma, will be in her 1st grade class next year.
Sam just keeps making us laugh. He's so goofy that it almost embarrasses us in public. He'll walk around hunched over, with a goofy look on his face----just for laughs. And he loves little Brooke like you wouldn't believe.
Brooke is still doing great. She's eating baby food now--a big fan of the sweet tater. She has a beautiful smile.
Christine is doing great. She loves spending time with the kids. She was shopping yesterday and somehow started talking to another girl there who had moved up a week ago with her husband and 2 young children from Houston. Her husband is starting an internship at NY Presby, and they live a short walk from our house. They hit it off well, and exchanged numbers. Christine is great about letting conversations like that start.
Christine is going to Florida with the kids in early August to spend a week with her new friend--the mom of one of Jordan's new school friends. Erin has 3 girls around Jordan's age. They are going down for the entire month, but asked Christine and the kids to join them for a week.
Things are going well for me as well. There never seems to be a moment to take a breath at this stage of life, but I really am enjoying it all. I went through a rough stretch a few weeks back where I really woke up to the fact that our family, our friends and our church are all back home. Pile that on top of the stress of living in an apartment with 3 kids. It can be tough.
I'm sure you all know this, but as a reminder, don't take for granted what you have there. We don't regret being away, but we certainly see more clearly what we had and the sacrifices we have made.
Have yourself a good one,
Bryant
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Bath Time
Sam and Sam Jr. shared their first bath together last night. It's amazing to us how much Sam loves on Brooke, or Bruh-Bruh, as he calls her.
Green Grass
We spent last weekend in Darien, Ct. My boss generously gave us the keys to his home while they were out on vacation. It was refreshing for the kids to be able to run around in the grass. The cement on our balcony is painted green, but it's just not quite the same!
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Thursday, June 09, 2005
My
Sam calls himself My.
This morning, around 5:30am, we were sitting out on the balcony watching for "big boats". We started playing a game of repeat daddy. It went as follows:
Dad: Nose
Sam: Nose
Dad: Flowers
Sam: Flowers
Dad: Sissy
Sam: Dissy
Dad: Da-Da
Sam: Da-Da
Dad: Mama
Sam: Mama
Dad: Sam
Sam: My
Maybe you had to be there, but it was hilarious....
This morning, around 5:30am, we were sitting out on the balcony watching for "big boats". We started playing a game of repeat daddy. It went as follows:
Dad: Nose
Sam: Nose
Dad: Flowers
Sam: Flowers
Dad: Sissy
Sam: Dissy
Dad: Da-Da
Sam: Da-Da
Dad: Mama
Sam: Mama
Dad: Sam
Sam: My
Maybe you had to be there, but it was hilarious....
Monday, June 06, 2005
Sprinkler
88 and Sunny today. Christine took the kids to the park next to our apartment after picking up Jordan from school.
The young girls at the park really go for boys with that 'low riding swimsuit with your diaper showing' look.
The young girls at the park really go for boys with that 'low riding swimsuit with your diaper showing' look.
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Saturday Morning Cartoons
We have a channel here called Boomerang that shows all the old school cartoons that I grew up with.
They are all watching Bugs Bunny. You know----the one where Bugs and Daffy are traveling underground and you can see the dirt popping up behind them like a mole trail. You know, the one where they were traveling to Florida and ended up in a cave in India full of jewels. Scratching his head, Bugs figures they should have taken a left in Albuquerque. The one where the guard of the cave raises up a sword to chop Bugs---and Bugs stops him and says "No sense splitting hares". Genius!
Next, hopefully we can get some Foghorn Leghorn action. I made a funny, boh, laugh!
Good stuff,
The Gullettes.
They are all watching Bugs Bunny. You know----the one where Bugs and Daffy are traveling underground and you can see the dirt popping up behind them like a mole trail. You know, the one where they were traveling to Florida and ended up in a cave in India full of jewels. Scratching his head, Bugs figures they should have taken a left in Albuquerque. The one where the guard of the cave raises up a sword to chop Bugs---and Bugs stops him and says "No sense splitting hares". Genius!
Next, hopefully we can get some Foghorn Leghorn action. I made a funny, boh, laugh!
Good stuff,
The Gullettes.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Sam, you gotta little bit on your chin......
Just like daddy, Sam licked his plate clean.
Thanks to Dee Dee and Papa for sending the Dancing Elmo and the bathtub toys.
And thanks to Mammaw and Granddaddy for the School Bus and Book.
Love to All,
The Gullettes
Thanks to Dee Dee and Papa for sending the Dancing Elmo and the bathtub toys.
And thanks to Mammaw and Granddaddy for the School Bus and Book.
Love to All,
The Gullettes
TWO
Happy Birthday Sammy! The Big Two!
As you can see, Sam celebrated his 2-Year birthday with his two best friends. Mom made a delicious cake and sissy helped blow out the candles.
It was a perfect little birthday party.
As you can see, Sam celebrated his 2-Year birthday with his two best friends. Mom made a delicious cake and sissy helped blow out the candles.
It was a perfect little birthday party.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Parents In Town
My parents and neice (Hailey) got into town this past Wednesday. It's been a great time!
Thursday they took it pretty easy around our neighborhood. My dad found his favorite grocery store---a short walk from our house. It is called Agata & Valentina. It's a lot like Central Market---but a notch or two better.
Friday, while I was at work, they all walked to Central Park for a picnic. My parents and Hailey left Central Park and walked to midtown for some fancy shopping. They went to FAO Schwartz, Louis Vitton, Burberry, etc.
Saturday was the big day for me and dad. The ladies kept the kids and we went out.
We left the house about 9:30am and took the subway down to Little Italy. We walked around down there for a bit, had a cappuchino, and bought some cheese from an old-style Italian market. Then we walked through China Town (which is just across the street from Italy), just to say we did it.
From there, we hopped in a cab to Penn Station. We took a train out to Belmont Park. We had lunch there....and lost a little money gambling, of course.
The train got us back to Penn around 5pm. We walked through Times Square on the way back to the house.
When we got home, we walked to Tony's---a great family style restaurant which is a 10 minute walk from our house. The picture above was taken there. After dinner, mom and dad took Hailey down to Times Square. She loved it!
Sunday, it was the girls turn to go out while me and dad kept Brooke and Sam. They took the train down to Greenwich Village for lunch on an outdoor patio. From there, they hopped in a cab to Times Square and saw a matinee showing of Beauty and the Beast. They loved it---especially Jordan. She never took her eyes off the stage. And, of course, she got about $300 worth of Beauty and the Beast paraphernalia on the way out the door.
Today (Monday), we are planning to take the train down to the Brooklyn Bridge and walk across the bridge to Brooklyn. There is a famous pizza joint just under the bridge in Brooklyn (www.grimaldis.com). We plan on getting a few pizzas and taking them to the park under the bridge which has a great view looking back at Manhattan. From there, we plan to go see the Statue of Liberty.
And somewhere along the way, we plan to have cake for Sam's big 2 year birthday, which is June 1st.
More to come,
The Gullettes.....
Thursday they took it pretty easy around our neighborhood. My dad found his favorite grocery store---a short walk from our house. It is called Agata & Valentina. It's a lot like Central Market---but a notch or two better.
Friday, while I was at work, they all walked to Central Park for a picnic. My parents and Hailey left Central Park and walked to midtown for some fancy shopping. They went to FAO Schwartz, Louis Vitton, Burberry, etc.
Saturday was the big day for me and dad. The ladies kept the kids and we went out.
We left the house about 9:30am and took the subway down to Little Italy. We walked around down there for a bit, had a cappuchino, and bought some cheese from an old-style Italian market. Then we walked through China Town (which is just across the street from Italy), just to say we did it.
From there, we hopped in a cab to Penn Station. We took a train out to Belmont Park. We had lunch there....and lost a little money gambling, of course.
The train got us back to Penn around 5pm. We walked through Times Square on the way back to the house.
When we got home, we walked to Tony's---a great family style restaurant which is a 10 minute walk from our house. The picture above was taken there. After dinner, mom and dad took Hailey down to Times Square. She loved it!
Sunday, it was the girls turn to go out while me and dad kept Brooke and Sam. They took the train down to Greenwich Village for lunch on an outdoor patio. From there, they hopped in a cab to Times Square and saw a matinee showing of Beauty and the Beast. They loved it---especially Jordan. She never took her eyes off the stage. And, of course, she got about $300 worth of Beauty and the Beast paraphernalia on the way out the door.
Today (Monday), we are planning to take the train down to the Brooklyn Bridge and walk across the bridge to Brooklyn. There is a famous pizza joint just under the bridge in Brooklyn (www.grimaldis.com). We plan on getting a few pizzas and taking them to the park under the bridge which has a great view looking back at Manhattan. From there, we plan to go see the Statue of Liberty.
And somewhere along the way, we plan to have cake for Sam's big 2 year birthday, which is June 1st.
More to come,
The Gullettes.....
Monday, May 16, 2005
Friday, May 06, 2005
Hershey Garden
Here is a picture of Bryant and Brooke that I took at the Hershey Gardens. It was so beautiful and that is the Hotel Hershey in the background. I was able to enjoy the spa there one morning and they used cocoa oil for the massage. It was an amazing place and extremely relaxing.
Brooke isn't really looking in this picture but you can tell how chunky she is. She looks like Sam in pink. She is a perfect baby and is starting to smile and coo all the time. I love this stage. I will send a better picture at her 4 month b'day.
Brooke isn't really looking in this picture but you can tell how chunky she is. She looks like Sam in pink. She is a perfect baby and is starting to smile and coo all the time. I love this stage. I will send a better picture at her 4 month b'day.
Silly Sam
We finally caught this face on camera. It is one of Sam's silly faces---he's not mad at all.
Sam got his cast off Monday. If you ask him where it is, he'll tell you "Boo-Boo Bye-Bye".
He's starting to walk on it now. It hurt at first, but he'll be back to normal within a week.
Sam got his cast off Monday. If you ask him where it is, he'll tell you "Boo-Boo Bye-Bye".
He's starting to walk on it now. It hurt at first, but he'll be back to normal within a week.
Hershey
During Jordan's spring break last week we drove to Hershey, Pennsylvania.
We were surprised at how pretty Pennsylvania country was. For you Texans, it felt a little like Arkansas. Add a little more green to the grass, a little more undulation to the hills, take away the rednecks and sprinkle in some Amish---you're there.
If there is a polar opposite of New York City, it is Hershey, Pennsylvania. It felt right out of The Truman Show or Leave It To Beaver. We never saw a cop during the 4 days we were there. I can't imagine they have one. And the 12,000 people that lived there smiled bright, chocolately smiles. Seriously---it was kind of weird.
We stayed at the Hershey Lodge, swam a lot in the indoor pool, ate good food, and spent an entire day at Chocolate World. We figured we were in Hershey---no sense in limiting the consumption of chocolate by anyone in the family. Sam's diapers literally smelled like Kisses.
We went to a K-Mart and a Target. It was entirely too comforting for Christine. Entirely!
It felt so great to get out as a family. It was a beautiful place.
We were surprised at how pretty Pennsylvania country was. For you Texans, it felt a little like Arkansas. Add a little more green to the grass, a little more undulation to the hills, take away the rednecks and sprinkle in some Amish---you're there.
If there is a polar opposite of New York City, it is Hershey, Pennsylvania. It felt right out of The Truman Show or Leave It To Beaver. We never saw a cop during the 4 days we were there. I can't imagine they have one. And the 12,000 people that lived there smiled bright, chocolately smiles. Seriously---it was kind of weird.
We stayed at the Hershey Lodge, swam a lot in the indoor pool, ate good food, and spent an entire day at Chocolate World. We figured we were in Hershey---no sense in limiting the consumption of chocolate by anyone in the family. Sam's diapers literally smelled like Kisses.
We went to a K-Mart and a Target. It was entirely too comforting for Christine. Entirely!
It felt so great to get out as a family. It was a beautiful place.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Dinosaurs!
Saturday was a drizzly day so we decided to go to the American Museum of Natural History.
Mammaw and Darlene, we enjoyed having y'all here for the weekend! We hope y'all had fun!
Mammaw and Darlene, we enjoyed having y'all here for the weekend! We hope y'all had fun!
Sam
Sorry we don't have any action photos of Sam. About a week ago, he gave up the butt-scoot and he is back to walking. He gets the cast off this Monday.
He is one funny boy! He had us all laughing over the weekend---and he knew it.
He is one funny boy! He had us all laughing over the weekend---and he knew it.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Birthday in Little Italy
Sorry, no pictures in Little Italy. We walked for a while downtown then Darlene bought us a large piece of birthday cake at Hot and Crusty. There are pastry shops all lined up side by side. I'm trying to walk all this food off. We stopped at Dean and DeLuca's, which has all kinds of cheeses, breads, cheesecakes, just anything you'd want; then took the subway to eat cannaloni, bread, ravioli, and eggplant parmesian at Paisano's....oh yes, we had the wine, too. What a wonderful birthday. After shopping some more, we headed home and topped the day with more Italian food and cheesecake. I forgot to mention, we stopped to pick up Bryant, who was babysitting all day, some pizza, and the owner of the store really flirted with me. He wants me to come back. Is that o.k., Benny? He's a cute little Italian guy. Well, Darlene, Christine, the kids and I are about to do more shopping, so it's back to Texas and back to work.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Mammaw's Here!
Yes, I'm the Mammaw....I'm here in New York having a ball. Sam ran down the hall to meet me when I first got to the apartment (even with his broken leg) and then we walked to pick up Jordan at school and she was so excited, so I had a "grand" welcome. The next day it's lunch at Bloomingdale's, dessert at Serendipity's (one of Oprah's favorite things). Saturday, we spent the whole day at the Museum of Natural History where we saw dinosaurs and now we're believers in the "Big Bang" theory. Ha Ha. My friend, Darlene, came with me and today, Sunday, it's our birthday; yes, both of us, same year and date. We try to spend our birthdays doing something fun, so today we're going---stay tuned I'll tell you later.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
My Job
Our good friend Stephanie Haney back in Dallas asked me to post a blog about my job---since that is what brought us to New York. Good idea.
I really do love it. The people I work with are great. The job itself is challenging and enjoyable. It is a good feeling to know that the work you are doing adds real, tangible value.
Stop reading at this point if you don’t want to be bored with the details of what I do.
My role is slowly but surely being defined at Maverick. It is basically divided into two separate functions---Investor Relations and Recruiting.
Within Investor Relations, I will be the right hand man for one of the Principals of our company. He is responsible for all Investor Relations in New York. His plate is very full, so I will be asked to gradually take a lot off his plate. One of the biggest tasks I will be given is to lead the marketing/investor relations of one of our new funds (a long-only fund that will be capped at $1 billion). This is a huge opportunity for me—one I didn’t know about until last week.
Another big project I will lead each year is our Broker Letter—a letter to approximately 800 people at our 50 or so biggest counter-parties. It is a detailed letter summarizing their business and thanking them for their work. We make a point to recognize people with each firm that have been very helpful to us. Apparently being recognized in Maverick’s annual letter can mean huge bonuses for these cats at the end of the year. From what I understand, it is an eagerly anticipated letter by all. This is what I have been working on for the past month or so.
On the Recruiting side, I will basically head up the process of bringing in new analysts each year. We currently have about 50 analysts, and we are projected to add about 6 per year. Since the success of our company depends directly on the quality of our work in making investment decisions, over time success will be determined by our ability to hire the best and brightest. Another great opportunity, and fortunately for me, the best and brightest are knocking at our door. The biggest challenged is narrowing the field when they all seem to be the crème.
So that is a glimpse of what I do here. I really do enjoy it and I am very thankful that the opportunity was given to me.
Most importantly, it has had no negative impact on family life. I bring the sense of job satisfaction home with me each evening. And, I am able to keep the hours at the office reasonable. I leave the house around 7:30am each morning, walk about 25 minutes to the office, work until about 5:30pm, and I’m home by 6:00pm. I am able to spend time with the family each morning, and I’m home for dinner every night.
By the way, my job happens to be the one that brings home the bacon, but Christine definitely has the most important work. She is doing an amazing job with our kids while dad is at work.
Hollar at ya later,
Bryant
I really do love it. The people I work with are great. The job itself is challenging and enjoyable. It is a good feeling to know that the work you are doing adds real, tangible value.
Stop reading at this point if you don’t want to be bored with the details of what I do.
My role is slowly but surely being defined at Maverick. It is basically divided into two separate functions---Investor Relations and Recruiting.
Within Investor Relations, I will be the right hand man for one of the Principals of our company. He is responsible for all Investor Relations in New York. His plate is very full, so I will be asked to gradually take a lot off his plate. One of the biggest tasks I will be given is to lead the marketing/investor relations of one of our new funds (a long-only fund that will be capped at $1 billion). This is a huge opportunity for me—one I didn’t know about until last week.
Another big project I will lead each year is our Broker Letter—a letter to approximately 800 people at our 50 or so biggest counter-parties. It is a detailed letter summarizing their business and thanking them for their work. We make a point to recognize people with each firm that have been very helpful to us. Apparently being recognized in Maverick’s annual letter can mean huge bonuses for these cats at the end of the year. From what I understand, it is an eagerly anticipated letter by all. This is what I have been working on for the past month or so.
On the Recruiting side, I will basically head up the process of bringing in new analysts each year. We currently have about 50 analysts, and we are projected to add about 6 per year. Since the success of our company depends directly on the quality of our work in making investment decisions, over time success will be determined by our ability to hire the best and brightest. Another great opportunity, and fortunately for me, the best and brightest are knocking at our door. The biggest challenged is narrowing the field when they all seem to be the crème.
So that is a glimpse of what I do here. I really do enjoy it and I am very thankful that the opportunity was given to me.
Most importantly, it has had no negative impact on family life. I bring the sense of job satisfaction home with me each evening. And, I am able to keep the hours at the office reasonable. I leave the house around 7:30am each morning, walk about 25 minutes to the office, work until about 5:30pm, and I’m home by 6:00pm. I am able to spend time with the family each morning, and I’m home for dinner every night.
By the way, my job happens to be the one that brings home the bacon, but Christine definitely has the most important work. She is doing an amazing job with our kids while dad is at work.
Hollar at ya later,
Bryant
Monday, April 18, 2005
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Jordan
This is a picture of Jordan from under the polar bear area, where you can see them swimming underwater.
A Beautiful Day
We've been in New York a month now and yesterday was the best day yet! For starters, it was our third night in a row where all three kids slept through the night. Everyone's feeling very refreshed. And the weather was refreshing as well---a perfect 64 with clear blue skies.
At around 9:30am, we loaded up the stroller (the Excursion) and headed to breakfast--Belgium waffles, pancakes, behaved kids!
From there, we walked 15 minutes to Central Park. We spent about an hour at Conservatory Pond. It’s a 2-acre pond where you can rent remote control sailboats (you know---like on Stuart Little).
Then we walked down to the Central Park Zoo. We saw sea lions, penguins, snow monkeys, and polar bears.
After the zoo, we found a spot and just chilled in the grass----and Jordan got to do a little rock climbing. They have little rock formations all through the park—great for climbing.
We had ice cream (twice). Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream bar--a beautiful thing!
We polished the evening off with great Thai food (Delivery, of course. Our kids had been too good for too long, no sense in ruining it by trying to eat out.). Christine made the bold claim that it was her best meal since being here.
It is Sunday morning as I write. The kids are still asleep (make that 4 nights in a row). Not a cloud in the sky. We might as well go back to the park today. It’s a great place.
Oh! Sam! He’s doing great. He’s learned to crawl dragging his leg behind him. What a trooper--he hasn’t complained about the cast at all. He’s just dealing with it, and having a great time.
At around 9:30am, we loaded up the stroller (the Excursion) and headed to breakfast--Belgium waffles, pancakes, behaved kids!
From there, we walked 15 minutes to Central Park. We spent about an hour at Conservatory Pond. It’s a 2-acre pond where you can rent remote control sailboats (you know---like on Stuart Little).
Then we walked down to the Central Park Zoo. We saw sea lions, penguins, snow monkeys, and polar bears.
After the zoo, we found a spot and just chilled in the grass----and Jordan got to do a little rock climbing. They have little rock formations all through the park—great for climbing.
We had ice cream (twice). Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream bar--a beautiful thing!
We polished the evening off with great Thai food (Delivery, of course. Our kids had been too good for too long, no sense in ruining it by trying to eat out.). Christine made the bold claim that it was her best meal since being here.
It is Sunday morning as I write. The kids are still asleep (make that 4 nights in a row). Not a cloud in the sky. We might as well go back to the park today. It’s a great place.
Oh! Sam! He’s doing great. He’s learned to crawl dragging his leg behind him. What a trooper--he hasn’t complained about the cast at all. He’s just dealing with it, and having a great time.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Sam's Big Boo-Boo
Well I thought I would write the blog this morning since Bryant is home from work and I have a chance to sit down. I wish I had some great news but unfortunately yesterday was a tough day for the Gullettes. After our church service at the Pratt Mansion the kids were all playing while we were packing up. Sam was coming down the stairs at church and he fell down one step. He somehow got his left leg caught behind him. He was in really bad pain and couldn't stand on the leg (mothers intuition I knew something was wrong), so we rushed him to the hospital. A little stressful because we weren't sure exactly where the hospital was and did not have a car. Thankfully, our friends, J.R. and Ginger Vasser were there for the rescue. Ginger, what a trooper, strapped Brooke in the baby bjorn and took Jordan and her home while Bryant and I caught a cab with Sam to New York Presby ER. All a bit crazy because Sam was very uncomfortable and crying and Mommy is still not completely confident in the New York cab drivers (they make me extremely nervous). However, we did get there fast.
Anyway, after of course waiting for a few hours, X-rays showed that he had a "toddler's fracture". It is a spiral-type fracture of the tibia (shin bone). My sweet Sam has a full leg cast and can not weight bear for 4-6 weeks. The good thing is, he can still sit in the stroller without his leg sticking out too far. Anyone who knows an almost two year old knows this is not going to be easy and I am sure he is going to get extremely frustrated. He will probably gain a few pounds too. Good timing---April is rain season anyway.
As a family of 5 in NYC, we already get plenty strange looks on the bus and walking down the street (I think they sometimes feel sorry for me). I would imagine they will even be stranger with Sam's leg propped in the air.
On the positive side, we did find out exactly where the hospital was and it is an extremely nice hospital with a separate pediatric ER. It is only a 10 minute walk down the street. The doctor was extremely sweet and comforting. This has truly been my experience with everyone in New York (extremely friendly and helpful). Also, we feel so blessed to already have such amazing and caring friends in New York. The Vasser's kept Jordan and Brooke at our house, and another couple we've gotten to know sat with us for 5 hours at the hospital and brought us food. I don't know how we would have gotten through it without them.
I know this picture looks sad but Sam really is doing ok despite his circumstances. He's not in pain at all. He has tried to stand up a couple of times and gets frustrated, but I am sure he will figure out how to adapt. He is still being silly and laughing when he is not thinking about it.
Hope everyone is well in Texas. We miss everyone and send our love.
Anyway, after of course waiting for a few hours, X-rays showed that he had a "toddler's fracture". It is a spiral-type fracture of the tibia (shin bone). My sweet Sam has a full leg cast and can not weight bear for 4-6 weeks. The good thing is, he can still sit in the stroller without his leg sticking out too far. Anyone who knows an almost two year old knows this is not going to be easy and I am sure he is going to get extremely frustrated. He will probably gain a few pounds too. Good timing---April is rain season anyway.
As a family of 5 in NYC, we already get plenty strange looks on the bus and walking down the street (I think they sometimes feel sorry for me). I would imagine they will even be stranger with Sam's leg propped in the air.
On the positive side, we did find out exactly where the hospital was and it is an extremely nice hospital with a separate pediatric ER. It is only a 10 minute walk down the street. The doctor was extremely sweet and comforting. This has truly been my experience with everyone in New York (extremely friendly and helpful). Also, we feel so blessed to already have such amazing and caring friends in New York. The Vasser's kept Jordan and Brooke at our house, and another couple we've gotten to know sat with us for 5 hours at the hospital and brought us food. I don't know how we would have gotten through it without them.
I know this picture looks sad but Sam really is doing ok despite his circumstances. He's not in pain at all. He has tried to stand up a couple of times and gets frustrated, but I am sure he will figure out how to adapt. He is still being silly and laughing when he is not thinking about it.
Hope everyone is well in Texas. We miss everyone and send our love.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Monday, March 28, 2005
Egg Hunt
After church, we walked over to Central Park for an Easter Egg Hunt with the Vassar family.
When you are traveling by foot, hauling Easter baskets to the park is too hard, so we started a new tradition---brown paper bags.
Sam's a little confused about the whole deal, but as you can see, Jordan broght her A game--no time for pictures
When you are traveling by foot, hauling Easter baskets to the park is too hard, so we started a new tradition---brown paper bags.
Sam's a little confused about the whole deal, but as you can see, Jordan broght her A game--no time for pictures
Easter Sunday
A picture of us at the Pratt Mansion across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Our church has been meeting there for the past few weeks.
Check out Brooke. Big girl!
Check out Brooke. Big girl!
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Times Square
Yesterday, we took the subway to Times Square. We ate at McDonalds and went to Toys R Us. A fun day!
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Dust
It's unbelievable! Who woulda thunk this city was so dusty? We have to vacuum every single day, and we fill the vacuum cleaner up everytime. I stubbed my big toe on a dustball a few days back.
At first, I thought it was because we had just moved in and the dust from all our junk was settling. Nope. After speaking to a few New Yorkers, it's just part of the package. Dust. Everywhere.
Here is a picture of Sam this morning standing by the balcony door as the sun is shining through. The dust is visible in the sunlight, and Sam is trying to grab at it.
Confucious say: Man who live in dusty place have many bugars.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Easter
In advance of the Easter weekend, I wanted to share with each of you a blog (this word "blog"---what does it mean and why do I think I am hip enough to use it?) that JR Vasser wrote yesterday. Enjoy it.
Grace on the N,R,W
A couple of weeks ago, my family got on a subway to head home from an outing downtown. On to the subway walked a homeless man who was probably the poorest person I have seen in the western hemisphere. He was covered in filth. It appeared that he had never shaved or had a haircut. He was carrying a Styrofoam box that contained a chicken club. He sat down on the subway car floor just a few feet away from me and begin to tear the sandwich apart. With his blackened hands, he picked through the sandwich trying to find the bacon. After consuming that, he re-assembled his sandwich and holding it in one hand, scooted around the cart on his knees stretching out his other hand to beg.
I thought about that guy for several days. I wondered how he ended up there. I wondered how is one supposed to help a guy in that condition. I wondered if I should have given him anything. And then a thought came to me that shocked me, "Maybe I should have knelt down and embraced him." Imagine that. Stooping to embrace one who is covered in filth and grime and stench. Taking one in my arms who is poor and weak and who can do nothing for me. I must be honest, the thought of doing that made me cringe. It sounds absurd, unrealistic, unsanitary, and beyond my boundaries. It sounds like grace.
This is the gospel: a loving God stooped and lavished his love on people who were filthy, weak, poor, and unable to do anything for Him. Yet, for some reason, I think it is less of a stretch for God to do that for me than for me to hug a bum. Apparently, I have not really grasped this grace thing. I have not seen my own poverty and Jesus' wealth. And I have not seen him becoming poor for my sake so that through his poverty I might become rich. If I really savored the stooping love of God He lavished on me, one who is bankrupt of righteousness and no better off than a streetcar begger, then maybe stooping to love one a few rungs down on the social ladder would not be a jarring concept. I am not advocating we hug homeless people, though I think Jesus would and doing so might mean more to them than a fifth of vodka. I am advocating that we let God's grace turn us into stooping lovers who without prejudice lavish grace on all people.
See http://www.manhattanpastor.blogspot.com/ for more of JR's blogs.
Happy Easter to all of you.
P.S. Christine is inching closer to the computer at home. She's promised us a blog this weekend!
Grace on the N,R,W
A couple of weeks ago, my family got on a subway to head home from an outing downtown. On to the subway walked a homeless man who was probably the poorest person I have seen in the western hemisphere. He was covered in filth. It appeared that he had never shaved or had a haircut. He was carrying a Styrofoam box that contained a chicken club. He sat down on the subway car floor just a few feet away from me and begin to tear the sandwich apart. With his blackened hands, he picked through the sandwich trying to find the bacon. After consuming that, he re-assembled his sandwich and holding it in one hand, scooted around the cart on his knees stretching out his other hand to beg.
I thought about that guy for several days. I wondered how he ended up there. I wondered how is one supposed to help a guy in that condition. I wondered if I should have given him anything. And then a thought came to me that shocked me, "Maybe I should have knelt down and embraced him." Imagine that. Stooping to embrace one who is covered in filth and grime and stench. Taking one in my arms who is poor and weak and who can do nothing for me. I must be honest, the thought of doing that made me cringe. It sounds absurd, unrealistic, unsanitary, and beyond my boundaries. It sounds like grace.
This is the gospel: a loving God stooped and lavished his love on people who were filthy, weak, poor, and unable to do anything for Him. Yet, for some reason, I think it is less of a stretch for God to do that for me than for me to hug a bum. Apparently, I have not really grasped this grace thing. I have not seen my own poverty and Jesus' wealth. And I have not seen him becoming poor for my sake so that through his poverty I might become rich. If I really savored the stooping love of God He lavished on me, one who is bankrupt of righteousness and no better off than a streetcar begger, then maybe stooping to love one a few rungs down on the social ladder would not be a jarring concept. I am not advocating we hug homeless people, though I think Jesus would and doing so might mean more to them than a fifth of vodka. I am advocating that we let God's grace turn us into stooping lovers who without prejudice lavish grace on all people.
See http://www.manhattanpastor.blogspot.com/ for more of JR's blogs.
Happy Easter to all of you.
P.S. Christine is inching closer to the computer at home. She's promised us a blog this weekend!
Friday, March 18, 2005
Puff Daddy!
Check out Sam in his new ride! He's got front chair in the stroller's equivilent to the Excursion. Our other vehicle is a one-seater. We call it our Accord.
I figure me and Puff will be taking the Accord to get donuts tomorrow morning. Sam has been getting up at 5:30am every morning, so it will be good for us to get out of the house and let all the Princesses sleep.
Have a fun weekend!
I figure me and Puff will be taking the Accord to get donuts tomorrow morning. Sam has been getting up at 5:30am every morning, so it will be good for us to get out of the house and let all the Princesses sleep.
Have a fun weekend!
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Sunrise
This is a beautiful picture of the sun rising over the East River taken from our balcony. The balcony will be a great place to have coffee once it's warmer out.
Regis and Kelly
This past Monday, Christine and her mom got to go see Live with Regis and Kelly. A friend from work's husband is the sound engineer and he put them on the VIP list.
Christine said the studio is much smaller than it looks, and that Kelly is so tiny.
Christine said the studio is much smaller than it looks, and that Kelly is so tiny.
Happy Two-Month Birthday!
Yesterday, Little Brooke turned 2 months old. With all the craziness around her, Brooke is just doing her thing---eating and sleeping. And as you can see, she's eating well.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
First Day
Our little girl is such a trooper! This morning, she asked if today was her first day of school. I said it was. She said cool! We packed up the family and bore the cold for our 45 second walk to school. We walked her to her classroom, and she marched in there like she had been going all year. We had to call her back to give us hugs and kisses. We were so proud of her.
Her classmates loved her. They made a banner welcoming her to class. And each classmate made her a card. These are some of the letters:
Jordan, welcome to K-210. We hope you are very happy.
Jordan, if a boy is bothering you, just find the girls. Love, Jami
To Jordan, we want you to feel happy. Love, Skye
Her best friends are Christina, Jamie and some girl named "Kawakahai" or at least that is how Jordan pronounced it.
The teacher said Jordan adapted well. And most importantly, Jordan really loved it. She can't wait to go back tomorrow!
Christine said it was a little difficult picking up Jordan with Brooke and Sam in tow, but she made it.
Much better day!
It Wasn't Easy
Well, we are here. It hasn’t been an easy 3 days. As you might expect, traveling from Dallas to New York with 3 kids will test your nerves and patience. All things considered, it was a problem-free flight. No delays. No yacking. No major meltdowns---by the kids or us. But it was stressful nonetheless. We finally landed, got our luggage and met the driver. His job was to get us to the apartment, but I failed to give him route instructions, which I should have done given this was Christine’s first trip. He decides the best way from A to B is right smack through Harlem. “Here we are, Christine. Manhattan!” I did my best to explain that it gets better, much better. It was still a shock.
We arrived at the apartment around 5pm Monday. It was a beautiful evening—jacket weather, clear skies, children playing in the park down below. Inside, the apartment was a complete disaster, the biggest mess you’ve ever seen. Everything we owned was out of boxes and laying on the floor, in no particular order. Toys were stacked a foot deep in the kid’s room. We have entirely too many toys.
15 minutes after 5pm, Christine sat on the couch and began to cry. She missed home already. This was too much. The mess. Living in an apartment. Living only a few short miles from Harlem. The night was tough for all of us.
Tuesday was better. We got our game faces on and started getting the apartment under control. But we got bad news. We had planned on Jordan starting Pre-K mid-term to get a few months under her belt. We thought this would be good preparation for Kindergarten in the Fall. We were informed that NY is on a calendar year cutoff, and since Jordan is a 12/22/99 birthday, she is actually already supposed to be in Kindergarten and that she’s missed most of the year. As it is, she has 2 months of Kindergarten remaining, the summer off, then she’s in First Grade. Just like that—our first child is in Kindergarten. She starts today. 8:30 to 2:45pm Monday – Friday. She’s excited. Mom and Dad are sad that she’s growing up too fast.
People warned us that there will be rough days during the first 6 months or so. I thought I was prepared for the tears. They are tough to see. They leave me second guessing myself---what the heck are we doing in New York? But I am confident we made the right decision. I’ve noticed that with each passing hour, and with each bit of organization added to the home, things seem to get better.
It is still difficult on a mom of 3 in the city. Every little outing requires a huge effort. Just getting Jordan to school across the street will no doubt take hours. I eagerly await the day that we find a routine---one that Christine will be comfortable with.
Thank God for good friends. Ginger Vasser, JR’s wife, was a big help yesterday. They only live 3 short blocks away. She took Jordan to the library, and let the kids play for a bit. Meeting the Vasser’s has confirmed that this was a good decision. We are so excited about getting to know them better. And we are excited to be a part of Manhattan Christian Church. Although being part of a 10-person launch team of a church-plant was not on the radar when we decided to move, it is turning out to be the main reason we feel we ought to be here.
And thank God for good food---the best Sesame Chicken you’ve ever put in your mouth. The evenings have been good. We’ve been able to take a break and enjoy a good meal as a family.
It will take time.
We arrived at the apartment around 5pm Monday. It was a beautiful evening—jacket weather, clear skies, children playing in the park down below. Inside, the apartment was a complete disaster, the biggest mess you’ve ever seen. Everything we owned was out of boxes and laying on the floor, in no particular order. Toys were stacked a foot deep in the kid’s room. We have entirely too many toys.
15 minutes after 5pm, Christine sat on the couch and began to cry. She missed home already. This was too much. The mess. Living in an apartment. Living only a few short miles from Harlem. The night was tough for all of us.
Tuesday was better. We got our game faces on and started getting the apartment under control. But we got bad news. We had planned on Jordan starting Pre-K mid-term to get a few months under her belt. We thought this would be good preparation for Kindergarten in the Fall. We were informed that NY is on a calendar year cutoff, and since Jordan is a 12/22/99 birthday, she is actually already supposed to be in Kindergarten and that she’s missed most of the year. As it is, she has 2 months of Kindergarten remaining, the summer off, then she’s in First Grade. Just like that—our first child is in Kindergarten. She starts today. 8:30 to 2:45pm Monday – Friday. She’s excited. Mom and Dad are sad that she’s growing up too fast.
People warned us that there will be rough days during the first 6 months or so. I thought I was prepared for the tears. They are tough to see. They leave me second guessing myself---what the heck are we doing in New York? But I am confident we made the right decision. I’ve noticed that with each passing hour, and with each bit of organization added to the home, things seem to get better.
It is still difficult on a mom of 3 in the city. Every little outing requires a huge effort. Just getting Jordan to school across the street will no doubt take hours. I eagerly await the day that we find a routine---one that Christine will be comfortable with.
Thank God for good friends. Ginger Vasser, JR’s wife, was a big help yesterday. They only live 3 short blocks away. She took Jordan to the library, and let the kids play for a bit. Meeting the Vasser’s has confirmed that this was a good decision. We are so excited about getting to know them better. And we are excited to be a part of Manhattan Christian Church. Although being part of a 10-person launch team of a church-plant was not on the radar when we decided to move, it is turning out to be the main reason we feel we ought to be here.
And thank God for good food---the best Sesame Chicken you’ve ever put in your mouth. The evenings have been good. We’ve been able to take a break and enjoy a good meal as a family.
It will take time.
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