New Years Resolution

As the new year is soon approaching, I have a habit of thinking back at the year and ponder on what actions I could have taken to improve myself (in every possible way, shape or form). I know I could have maybe lost a couple of pounds in the belly area, or maybe visited my grandfather (at the nursing home) a lot more than I did. 1 of the things I really kick myself in the behind for, is the fact that I was not persistent in keeping a good blog page in 2012. Blogging is supposed to be my daily point of view on anything from new photo shoots, my thoughts on what's going on in the news and what my 2 year old is talking about now and days. I'm guilty of not keeping this blog updated and I want to put an end to the inconsistency in 2013 (wish me luck)! So now with that said... Let me tell you about the Plans I have for next year! I want to grow my clientele and start a rewards program for those who refer new clients my way (Kinda like having a Ralph's card) and hook them up with cool stuff! Everyone that knows me knows I'm a giver! I treat people the way I want to be treated yet better. So I want to donate my photography skills to more than 2 events per year (will be taking suggestions on what organization you think deserve a free photo shoot). I want to take my wife to Hawaii this year (but shhhhh.... It's a surprise). I want to ride a real bull for more than 15 seconds. I want to skydive out of a miniature plane and land on my lawn. I want to drive to Yosemite national park and camp out (No luxury tent, just one of those simple tents you gotta actually build). I want to grow a mustache for a little while and see how long it takes me to look like the "Tapatio" man. I want to be the best Business development officer that my Credit Union has ever seen. Last but not least, I want to be the best daddy that my son could ever have asked for.

Halloween 2012

Happy Halloween! From the Joya Family....

Space Shuttle Endeavor in the hood (Through my lens)

Couldn't go back to sleep after being woken up (at 5AM) by Josiah wanting a milk refill. Turned on the T.V. and saw that the shuttle was delayed for 10 hours! Decided to make the best out of my insomnia and woke up the Mrs. so we could go see the space shuttle crawl it's way to the California Science Center thru the streets of LA. Ofcourse this is a one time opportunity so I grabbed my camera, My wife, Son, and his sippy cup full of milk to watch history in the making. These are a couple of shots I took. Enjoy.

Meet Guiliana.. A true 1 year old princess!

One of the greatest perks of being a parent is that you get invited to so many fun filled functions. BBQ's, birthdays, & play dates start to fill the calendar. These events are just as much fun for adults as it is for the kids. (I'm not sure who has a better time, Josiah or I when we attend)
This weekend my little family was invited to a gorgeous little princess's 1st birthday party at "El Torito" (brunch buffet style feast is amazing). There was face painting, Balloon animals, super heroes and several adorable princess's. When I hear the word "Princess" I automatically think of the Disney princess's such as Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty... Etc. But one look at this birthday girl and there's no surprise of why she's given the title of Princess.

After Breaking the Piñata.. Someone had a sweet tooth! 

Proud parents of Captain America (Lil David) and Princess Giuliana

Her first Birthday cake.

Happy Birthday Giuliana!!! Thanks for the invite.... and may god keep blessing you and your lovely family with many more birthdays to come.   :)

Enjoying life as I would in Havana, Cuba.

O.K. Maybe the title of this blog post is a tad bit exaggerated seeing that I've never been to Cuba. I sometimes wear a cuban hat with a Tommy Bahama button up shirt and thats the closest I get to feeling Cuban until the day I visited a local Culver City Cuban Restaurant by the name of "El Rincon Criollo". Let me tell you a little bit about this hole in the wall I have been driving passed for years and have never been to till a few days ago. But first let me tell you some Random Facts I know about Cubans...
- They can dance (As seen in such films like "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights", "Dance With Me" And lets not forget those cool moves Ricky Ricardo always showed off at his Club Babalu in I Love Lucy).
- Their Cigars are sooo good that they banded them from being sold in the US.
- Last but not least, I know they have some of the best health care systems as seen on Michael Moore's documentary called "Sicko"

O.K. I might not know too much about the Cuban lifestyle but I do know that "El Rincon Criollo" makes great delightful dishes that leaves you 100% satisfied all while providing an ambiance that all the movies portrayed Cuba to be. Here are photos of Josiah and the cool vintage car they have parked in front of their place. My wife, my son and I had a great feast and will definitely visit again soon.

The Man Cave.. (My little home away from home)

Every other Friday after a long days hard work, I look forward to one thing! Getting a hair cut. Not because I can't go another week without one... Or because I look ridiculous with long hair (Maybe I would look good with the "Fabio" look)... But because I'm in love with the experience my BarberShop offers me. I know everyone's seen a movie or t.v. Show where there's a barber shop involved, and everyones either talking about sports, rumors, life, etc... and just having a blast! Well, Pacific Barbers is a place where you'll get all that plus more! It's actually my only little getaway spot where I am greeted with a brewsky, I get to converse with old high school buddies, and I get the best hair cuts money could buy. Located in the heart of Santa Monica (Wilshire and 5th st) you can breath in that fresh beach air as soon as you put your car on Park and step outside. First thing you'll notice as you enter their door is the vintage yet modern look and feel of the place and the oldies but goodies playing in the background. Adrian and Art (business partners/Barbers) do a great job of making you feel welcomed wether it be your 1st or hundredth time entering the shop.
On our previous visit Josiah sat through his first hair cut without sitting on my lap and without crying. As Adrian put that booster seat on the barber chair and Josiah climbed up right after, I knew my little boy wasn't a baby anymore... (almost made me shed a happy tear :-)
On this last visit I decided to bring my camera along and snap a couple of pictures to share. Here's my version of the shop as seen through my lens... Enjoy

Josiahs first hair cut without sitting on daddy's lap 

I got the best model in the whole wide world!

This little man has stolen my heart since the day I cut his umbilical cord. It really isn't hard to see how joyful this boy is in pictures... but you should see him in real life! The Terrible Twos are difficult at times... but nothing compares to when you share a good laugh with your little pride and joy.