Markus Randel's Blog

2016-05-04 May the 4th be with You

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve written you. I really should have last week while I was in Dallas for the week. My health hasn’t been all that good, so I stayed home for a week.

My new job is really challenging. I’m working with new technologies like Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. I can’t say much more than that since its company proprietary. It’s only a contract for 6 months, but I’m hoping it gets my foot in the door with a good company.

We had quite the challenge at our house over the last month. Our pool pump gave up the ghost and the pool ended up sitting stagnant during a very intense pollen season. We ended up with a very dark swamp in the back yard. Michele has done the lion share of the work, but every time I’m home, I’m cleaning filters, changing gaskets, and emptying traps. It’s been quite the effort, but it looks like we finally recovered. Now, I’m just waiting for the water temperature to come up enough so I can enjoy floating. In the meantime, I can always turn on the heat in the spa.

For Mother’s Day, Rachael and I got Michele some solar powered shiny lights for the backyard. It’s becoming quite the light show at sunset with all the shinies we have now. It’s beautiful. I’ll see if I can get a good picture this weekend.

Speaking of which, I have my tickets reserved for the MegaBus trip home for the weekend. It’s nice to not worry about driving. I can put on a headset and just lean back, but it’s really hard to sleep. The seats aren’t quite big enough. But the trip is the same cost as I would spend on gas. So in the end, it’s worth it.

Well, I need to get back to work. I’ll be here waiting as always.

Love,
Dad

2016-04-01 Worried about you

Posted on April 1, 2016 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

I was very concerned this morning when I saw the news reports about the bus accident yesterday with the Woodville track and field team. There were conflicting reports as to if it was just the boys or girls too. Lucia, I’ve been thinking all morning trying to figure out a way to make sure you are ok. Even if you are fine, I hate the thought of you going through a scary crash like that.

Michèle saw the news last night, but waited to tell me anything just in case she could make sure you are ok. I know there are some readers of this blog at the county hospital. If I could find out from one of them that you are ok, it would be a great relief.

And as always, I’ll wait to hear from you. I pray for both of you every day.

Love, Dad

Posted in The Kids | Tagged Joseph Randel, Lucia Randel, Markus Randel, Mary Lucia Randel | Leave a comment

2016-03-22 Had Fun Last weekend

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Mark

Michèle down on the walk.

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

I had fun last weekend. Michèle drove down from Dallas and stayed in San Antonio. She was pooped Friday night when she got in. There was a big thunderstorm she had to drive through right as she was coming into San Antonio.

Saturday morning I got up early and got breakfast for everyone and took care of some long overdue maintenance on my car. When everyone was up and around, Jen joined us and we went downtown to explore. There was a festival going on at our first destination which made parking impossible so we went on to destination two… the River walk.

It was a chilly day, but it warmed up and it got progressively more populated. By the time we finally stopped to eat in the afternoon, it was elbow-to-a$$hole thick with people.

Dad sporting his white socks

We were hoping to get to see the Alamo, but by the time we got there the line was around the block and I had lost all patience with my fellow man. Instead, we looked into an old hotel with some really cool shops off the lobby. There was a cigar shop and a toy soldier shop. I enjoyed myself quite a bit.

By the evening, Martin grilled a meatloaf and we feasted like royalty and laughed at a good movie. It was just a perfect day full of fresh air, good food and great company.

Before Michèle left for Dallas on Sunday, we changed her oil and went to the local disc golf course with Martin. I took the camera and got some good action shots of him and his friends.

Uncle Martin launching a disc

I also got a few photos of Michèle in a less than graceful moment trying her best on the parallel bars. (Yes, I posted them on Facebook. Yes, she is less than pleased that I did. Yes, I giggled despite the trouble I know is coming my way when I go home next weekend).

I rested wonderfully Sunday evening feeling very blessed. Even though I miss you both horribly, I’m still living and experiencing life around me as it happens. I’m sure you will want me to keep living.

So, I’m already well into this week. I’m knee deep in developing a new self-teaching algorithm that’s giving me fits. I woke up this morning at 3:30 and couldn’t stop working on it in my head. I finally gave up and have been at work since 5. I’ll do my best to last until 4. I’m running out of steam pretty fast this afternoon.

I’m adding some other photos from the previous weekend when Martin, Jen and I went out to Pipe Creek. I look forward to the day you can spend a nice spring weekend with me and your family. Until then, I’ll wait.

Love,
Dad

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2016-03-16 New Phone

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

I’m trying something new. I was issued my new company phone today. As long as I answer it for work related issues they don’t mind what I do in my own time. So I’m writing this letter to you tonight from it.

I’m having a lot of fun at my new job. I’m really getting to spread my wings a bit. But that comes with a downside. Some days I’m not that inspired and the ideas don’t flow. Today was one of them. I felt stupid all day just looking at the same code without a clue as to what I did wrong. It doesn’t help I woke up at 2:30 and never went back to sleep this morning. Tonight will be dinner and bed.

I’m having a grand time meeting new people in my division. No one really knows my programming language. Every time I meet someone new I have to explain how it works. They have no idea I’m just as impressed with their skills. It’s the unknown that is most intriguing to people like me.

Well, dinner is in the oven and Michele is about to call. I’m thinking of you and waiting.

Love,

Dad

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2016-03-14 Happy Pi Day

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

I had a very relaxing weekend with Martin and Jen. I stayed in San Antonio to save money. Until I get my first paycheck, I’ve been having to pinch pennies. Frequently at work, leftovers from other departmental lunches are brought down to us. That sure helps. They also make sure we have what we need, so there’s always snack food and protein bars available to keep us going strong and productive.

By Friday, I was ready for a break. Saturday morning, I got up and about and took my camera with me. The weather was wonderful. I went in town for a meeting and took a few pictures to get warmed up and back in the habit. Later, I took the camera out into the hill country hoping to find some nice scenic views of nature. Instead, I found a lot of houses being built into the hills. They are literally tearing the sides off the hills to provide enough flat space for the new housing. It made me a little sad.

Sunday was better. We jumped into their truck and drove way out into the country to visit Jen’s parents. They have a big plot of land right on a creek. With all the rain we had last week, the creek was full of crystal clear water. It was just beautiful. The lot behind theirs has horses, mules, goats and what not. I got to pet a few muddy horses and filled my nose with juniper and mint. I took lots of pictures I’ll add to this post when I get home tonight (if I remember).

I looked into riding the bus home to Richardson next weekend, but Spring Break is in full swing and everything is either booked or real expensive. Michèle is thinking about coming down to stay the weekend down here. If she does, I might try to play tourist and go down to the Alamo and Riverwalk if the weather is nice.

Happy belated birthday, Joseph. You guys are growing up fast. Just one more year and you’ll officially be an adult. That means you can find me if you want. I don’t expect anything right off. At least not while you’re still living with your mom. But, I’m hoping curiosity will get the best of you one day and you’ll start your search. I’m right here and waiting. I have been for 10 years and will gladly wait another 10 years if I know one day I can have both of you in my life again. (But try not to take that long)

Love,
Dad

Posted in The Kids | Tagged Joseph Allen Randel, Joseph Randel, Lucia Randel, Markus Randel, Mary Lucia Randel | Leave a comment

2016-03-10 Anniversaries

Posted on March 10, 2016 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

I’m not looking forward to tomorrow. Joseph, it is your 17th birthday and 10 years since I’ve seen the two of you last. Every year, I get a little morose on the 11th of March. This year it will be even more so considering the significance of it being 10 years.

Enough of the sad stuff. I have some good news. I’m back to work. I started last week. I’m working in San Antonio developing in LabVIEW again. I’m working for USAA. Their Innovation group is developing all sorts of products to help prevent home damage due to disasters that could be avoided if intelligent sensors and processors were placed around the house. It’s the Internet-of-Things that you might have read about in the news. I’m excited.

I’m staying with your Uncle Martin and Aunt Jen who live here in San Antonio until I can get on my feet and find a place of my own. It’s been a really good experience so far. There has been a lot of water under the bridge for both of us, but in the end, we are brothers and can come together.

I miss Michèle and Rachael a lot. I won’t get to go home every weekend like I did from Oklahoma City. It’s a much longer drive. Last weekend, I took the bus and it wasn’t too bad, but I’m not going to be able to afford that every weekend for a while. Not until normal paychecks start coming in.

Your mother should be happy now that child support payments will start coming in again. Just in case she never told you, the State confiscated the last of my savings in December for arrears so you should have gotten a decent Christmas present from your mother. The amount of money she gets is significant. Don’t ever believe her if she tells you I never gave anything. She’s been getting half my paycheck for years. Also, don’t ever believe her if she tells you I left you and never wanted to talk to you or have you in my life. When you read these letters one day, you’ll know I have never given up. I am your father and always will be.

I’ll work hard to be the man you need as a father when it’s time for you to reach out. Until then, I’ll wait. As always.

Love,
Dad

Posted in The Kids | Tagged Joseph Randel, Lucia Randel, Markus Randel, Mary Esther Randel, Mary Lucia Randel | Leave a comment

Starting again

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

I finally got the call yesterday morning that I’ll be starting my new job Monday morning. It’s in San Antonio working for USAA. I’m not exactly clear what I’ll be developing and likely won’t be allowed to share any details. All I know is they want me to come up with machine learning algorithms using LabVIEW. I’m nervous as all get out.

Your uncle Martin lives near there and I’ll stay with him for a few weeks until I get the funds to find my own room. He’s as cautious as I am about this arrangement but we are both willing to get past our differences in the hopes of building something better.

I’m going to get a gym membership and try to regain my health. I also would love to find somewhere to sing again. I’m hoping that between work, exercise, meetings and singing I’ll stay busy enough to not mind being away from Michele and Rachael again.

Just know that your mom will probably be in a better mood once the child support checks start coming again.

As always, I’ll be watching for you and waiting to hear from you. I miss you both so much and think of you all the time.

Love,
Dad

Posted in The Kids | 4 Comments

Time to come clean

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

I can only hope my letters are getting to you. Mary, if you are the one reading them then know my words are true.

I get a report every day on who reads this. I’ve had a few hits from the Woodville area but remained silent.

I love my children. No truth is more certain. Kids, I have missed you more than you will ever know.

Who ever is in Beaumont using an iPhone that looks at all the pictures, I hope you pass them to Joseph and Lucia. Who ever works at the hospital in Woodville, please read everything and ask me questions.

I’ve been patient and careful. Kids, if it’s you, please reach out. If it’s someone else that knows them, then please reach out. If it’s Mary, reach out. I’m not here to take anything. I only want to know my children.

Joseph, good luck in solo and ensemble. Lucia, never stop running. I love you both so much.

Love,
Dad

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

01-02-2016 A Few Photos from Last Year

Posted on January 2, 2016 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

The Christmas Tree

This is going to go a little backwards since I went through the photo’s from the bottom up.

The first picture is of the Christmas tree. If you look closely you can see your presents underneath it.

Mini-Vacation

The next photo is when Michèle and I went on a mini-vacation for our anniversary back in July. We just went for the weekend to a lake near us and stayed in a nice hotel. There was lots of unique shopping and restaurants all around. We rode on a HUGE catamaran around the lake. We enjoyed ourselves quite a bit.

SUSHI!!!!

Another one of our favorite things to do is eat sushi. There’s a nice place right around the corner from my group we go to every now and then to treat ourselves to something special. That’s where we took Rachael for her birthday on Christmas Eve.

Parrot Heads in Training

Lastly, Michèle got us tickets to go see Jimmy Buffet and Huey Lewis. It was surprising how many of Huey’s songs we knew. We just sang and sang. By the time Jimmy got to the stage we were wore out and ended up leaving early before his famous “Margaritaville”. Besides, the parrot heads started to get pretty riled up and crazy. We are just getting too old for those kinds of scenes.

We had a huge dinner last night. Michèle had originally planned to have some friends from work over and we expected Rachael to bring some friends over. So we cooked a big ham. I made Au Gratin potatoes from scratch. There were black eye peas, asparagus, cranberry relish and fresh biscuits. But all our plans fell through. No one came over and Rachael stayed over at her friends. The result was a huge table of food for just the two of us. At least I know what we’ll be eating for the next few days.

With that thought, I need to get around and make us something to eat for brunch. I wish I could share our table with you guys. Until that day, I’ll wait to hear from you.

Love,
Dad

Posted in The Kids | Tagged Joseph Randel, Markus Randel, Mary Randel | Leave a comment

01-01-2016 It’s a New Year

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Mark

The “Other” Cake

Rachael with Harley Quinn

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

Again, I’ve been reluctant to write to you. It’s difficult. It only reminds me of how much I miss you two. I really wish you could have been here for Christmas. Your presents were under the tree with all the rest.

Christmas Eve was Rachael’s birthday. She asked for Harley Quinn comic books. I found several graphic novel versions at the local comic store. Michèle got her a sweater and some other fuzzy things. For her birthday cake, she asked for Tres Leches. Just for fun, I made two cakes. The first was a Tres Leches from scratch which I hid in the fridge. The second was an ugly blue batter cake with bright orange frosting and rainbow colored star sprinkles. I told her it was the best recipe I could find on the internet. Sadly, the joke didn’t work since she had already seen her real cake in the fridge while foraging for food. I took the “other” cake up to the group to share on Christmas day, but no one would eat any it was so ugly.

Melynda came over for a short while in the afternoon and we all went to get sushi for Rachael’s birthday. Mel had to work so she left early. Rachael’s dad picked her up Christmas morning and they all went up to Oklahoma for some time with his relatives up there.

Michèle and I have been on our own for the majority of the vacation time. I’ve been busy making all kinds of food for us. I made a breakfast bake that lasted for several days. I also made a Shepard’s pie which was delicious.

I’m trying to wear my Fitbit again. It’s hard for me to exercise given my physical condition, but I’m going to try to tone what I’ve got left. It’ll be hard. Just going to the store is enough to wipe me out for a while.

We got Casey (the dog) a new toy. It’s a rubber chicken that squeals when you squeeze it. Poor dog is terrified of it and she started to cry when we tried to play with it. She likes a toy that squeaks, but not one that squeals I guess.

We had a chance to Skype with the family over in Brussels. Your cousins are growing up quickly. All three were there along with your grandmum and aunt. It was a bit crazy with all the kids showing off their new toys and artwork. It’s seven hours later there than us, so it’s always a late night for them when we do get in touch.

New Years was a quiet event. We were asleep before 10. Not quite the party animals.

Oh well. It’s time to get up and around for the day. I’ve got a noon meeting to make. Later today I’m meeting with my sponsor and we have a party we’re hosting tonight. So it looks like it’s going to be a busy day. I’m always thinking of you guys and waiting to hear from you. Never be shy to drop a comment or send me an email.

Love, Dad

Posted in The Kids | Tagged Joseph Randel | Leave a comment