richardcarramusa

This year was a role-reversal of sorts for me. My folks usally host us during the Holidays, but my sisters Veronica and Sonia, as well as my big-brother Guy were all celebrating Christmas with their own families this year, so my folks were all alone. Since Kelly, the girls and I were alone too we decided to invite Mom and Dad to spend a couple of days at our house. 

My parents, especially Mom used to be consumate entertainers back in the day. A typical Italian holiday get togehter is utter chaos and controlled mayhem. With screaming kids, multiple converstions happening at high decibel levels and enough food to feed way too many people the festivities were always memorable. So our little “partay” was sure to be many rungs on the ladder lower on the crazyness meter. That’s how I like it.

As you know - my Dad is my hero and mentor so learning new things about him is a very cool experience. As it turns out, he really dislikes Turkey. It only took 39 Christmas dinners for him to come clean! That’s the way my dad is - never wanting attention brought on himself. To be honest, I’m not a big turkey guy either so Kelly and I decided to do BBQ Ribs and Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloins with Chimichurry Sauce. It was a hit! Even Bianca and Leila ate my cooking!

We enjoyed some really expensive Champagne that my Partner Barry bought me a while ago. Champagne seems appropriate at Christmas. I think it will now be a tradition at my house.

Kelly always works hard during the holidays to provide a warm inviting home. She’s is incredible at it. Maybe one day she’ll share her secret to properly decorating a tree…

My Mom has the grace and class of a Royal Monarch. She always brings so much pleasure to every event she hosts - I hope I provided the same for her this year. 

It took 2 days for the girls to open their gifts. It was way over the top but they do appreciate being spoiled!

I am very thankful to have such a rich full life. The people around me mean the world to me. It is always especially bittersweet at Christmas without my siblings but life makes seperation necessary at times. 

I hope you enjoy my photos. I hope you and your families had a great Christmas and enjoy a healthy and prosperous 2012.

A customer of ours was renovating their home when they came across this old Boston Pizza Take-Out menu. It was located in their wall! Seeing this menu made me feel nostalgic.

My entire adult life has been spent at one Boston Pizza location or another. This menu appears to be from about 1988 - the same year I started with the company (apparently, spell check wasn’t invented yet either). The change in pricing goes without saying. But have a look at the variety. What variety?! Today, there are 130 different items ranging from Chicken Wings, Nachos, Salads, Ribs, Pastas and tons of other non-pizza offerings. But Pizza is still what BP does best, comprising a sizable chunk of our total food sales. Also notice the lack of a “Nooner” sized pizza. This 8” offering came to be just after this card was printed. 

Having been with Boston Pizza for almost 25 years now, I am fascinated by how far we’ve come. Gone are the Greek Statues, velvet drapes and baseball bats behind the counter for security. Our new buildings are state-of-the-art Pizza production factories with much nicer finishing, great stature and larger than life Audio/Visual equipment. 

I dropped out of Med School to persue a carreer with Boston Pizza and I’m glad I did. I cannot imagine getting any more satisfaction out of any other carreer.

My hope for you, friends, is that you find something as rewarding to you, as the Pizza Business has been to me.

Since I was a kid, I have had a burning love for all things automobile. I’m a car nut, as fas as nuts go. I’m not particularly snobby or fussy when it comes to the ride either. I love many makes, models, trims etc.

What I love most about a car (sorry - I’m not a truck guy) is the emotion and passion I feel whenever I get in it, drive it and even wash the damn thing (I hand wash my car at least once a week, usually more).

I’m pretty much addicted to the feeling and scent of a new ride, as is evidenced my my purchase history. I’ve bought a new car every two years since I was about 20. That’s alot of cars. Some of my past faves:

• Cavalier Z24 in Red
• ‘95 Camaro in Silver (I’m Italian, gotta have a Camaro once)
• Infiniti G35 6M Coupe in Silver
• Black Chrysler 300C
• Black Infiniti FX35

Currently, I drive a 2008 Cadillac CTS-4 (in black). Here’s a photo:

I haven’t owned a car for this long in quite some time. I really like this platform. However, Spring fever is getting to me.

Having been in my Partner’s 2011 Porche Panamera, the speed and power has taken ahold of me. I have always wanted a more sports-oriented vehicle. After some exhausting (it’s a tough life, I know) I have widdled down my choices to 2 vehicles.

Enter the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

• Over 450hp and over 450 ft/lbs torque - naturally aspirated
• 0-62 mph in 3.9 Seconds
• Hand built 6.2 litre V-8 (a new 5.5 litre twin-turbo V-8 may be available in 2013) Scratch that. Mercedes just announced the 5.5 will not be available in the C63

The Merc is plain and simple a car-lover’s car. It looks slightly aggressive, has 2 or 4 doors, a useable trunk and enough power to beat an M-3, Audi RS-4, and even most Corvettes. At $64k base, it also represents an incredible value for the dollar. The engine note is completely insane and addicting at the same time. Stereo, who needs it? 

 My other option is to upgrade my current CTS to a CTS-V.

• Supercharged 556 hp and 551 ft/lb of torque
• 0-62 in 3.9 seconds
• The V-8 beast under the bonnett is only available in Chevy’s Corvette ZR1

This is a monster of a car! Aggressive, in-your-face styling. But it’s usable and docile in every day driving, and many people would dismiss this car until you stomp on the go-pedal and leave them in a cloud of vaporized rubber while you take the car to warp speed.

Both cars complete the task of speed, style and drivability; But in completely different ways. The Germans know efficiency. The C63 is way heavier than the Caddy, yet matches it’s acceleration with 100 fewer ponies. Interesting fact indeed. The Merc will also hold it’s value in a MUCH better way over the Caddy. The CTS-V however, provides more room, more useability every day and probably has an edge over styling.

Whatever I decide - it’s gonna be great fun! And that’s the point here.

On Sunday, my family celebrated my father Rosario’s 70th birthday. Almost the entire family (we missed you Paul and the boys!) came to my parents house in Lacombe, ate incredible food, played our traditional game of dice and just revelled in each other’s company. My father is unquestionably the most influential person in my life. He gave me my zany sense of humour. He taught me how to be a successful businessman and to work hard. My dad taught me how to think for myself and do what’s right. And my dad instilled in me the importance of treating everyone I know with the utmost respect. 

I remember so many fun days with my dad, pranks he played on me, things he showed me and lessons he taught. Dad left Belgium many years ago to try and make a better life for his family in Canada. He knows how to speak many languages but most impressive was the fact that he learned English from old Vinyl records and the TV. My older brother was born in Belgium but mom followed Dad over the pond shortly after Guy’s birth and settled in Thompson Manitoba. Every time dad mentions Thompson, he always throws in the Manitoba part - as if I don’t know where it is (that’s the kind of stuff I love about my dad…). I won’t bore you with his resume, but for most of my life, my father worked 16 hours every day except Christmas and the odd New Year’s Day. The only debt he ever had was his mortgage. He has never possessed a credit card. He bought me my first car, sent me to University and committed countless resources to my well being. There is simply no measure of explanation to tell anyone the shear awe and love I have for this man.

Now that I am a businessman, I try and set the same example to my people that dad showed me. I treat my dishwasher with the same attention that I show my General Manager. Always treat the guy at the bottom of the Totem Pole with the most respect - it will always come back to you in a very positive way, always. Maybe not now, but someday. My father taught me this.

Now that I have children, I hope to honour my dad by passing his wisdom to them that was so very important to me. After all, this is the highest of praise you can bestow on your father, isn’t it?

I admit it. I am not a huge fan of the dog and pony shows associated with the holiday season. It’s not so much the money, commercialism, or workload. Its simply the commotion. I’ve forever been a jokster, class-clown, court jester, you name it. But when I’m within the confines of my own home - I simply like to relax with Kelly and my children. Quietly.

Now that we have 2 little one’s, though, that’s gotta change. As a new dad, it’s my responsibility to teach my children to extract the most they can out of every moment of life. What better place to do that then by the Christmas tree with Mumma-Bear and Dad? I have to remind myself that its not “about me” any more. The act of giving - especially the giving of yourself, is the best present I can give to Bianca, Leila and my Fiancee Kelly. When they smile, it’s as though God himself is patting me on the shoulder and saying - “You got it made, buddy.” And I do - I really do.

From my family to yours, we smile upon you and wish you the very best this holiday season, 2011 and beyond. Treat each other with love and respect always - the rewards will come to you soon enough.

Anybody that has kids or knows people that has had children - you’ve heard it all before. “My kid’s soooo smart. She’s perfect! She’s the smartest!”….

My 19 month-old daughter, Bianca is the real deal. Bianca has been the perfect baby so far. She has been sleeping throughout the night since she was 3 weeks old. She eats great. Has never spit up. But her mental astuteness is starting to really amaze Kelly and I on a very regular basis. Her stats so far:

• She can count to 20
• She can count backwards
• She knows almost the entire Alphabet song, and can recite almost any letter shown to her.
• Bianca can sing some Nurserey Rhymes on her own
• She knows basic shapes like circles and squares. But also diamonds and octagons too!
• She knows many colors
• Bianca is a voracious reader at 19 months.

See for yourself here….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Spu9bfV3Rpk

As I look through the many pictures of Bianca, many of them show her in the activities she loves. A big part of her development thus fas has to be her obsession with her iPad. There are so many useful applications for children available, I suggest every child should get one. The counting games, videos, stories, flash cards, etc. all add up to a fun and engaging experience - even for an infant. Give it a whirl. Your children will soon start begging you to count, read and dance more often. And that’s a gift you can’t buy anywhere.

Each year, me and 7 of my compatriots get together for some fun, golf, poker, drink and perhaps a dash of trouble. Our Association event is one of the things I look forward to the most every year. Like death, taxes, and Gordo falling asleep at the table, I can rely on these dudes for a new batch of memories to last me until the next Association outing.

I have had the pleasure of knowing these clowns for as long as I care to remember. The cross section of individual is diverse, indeed. We comprise Restaurantueurs, Internet Gurus, Sales, Environmental, Retail, Insurance and more. One thing we do all have in common is a very high degree of success in our fields, the ability to focus and work harder than the next guy and a knack for extracting much out of life in general. There is not a guy here I would’nt give a Kidney to and I’m sure they would do the same for me (for a free pizza, anyway).

This weekend, we head to our pals house in Arizona. I’m sure I’ll have plenty of stories to share upon my return. One thing’s for sure; With guys like this in my camp I am guarenteed a rich, full life.

Let Association 2010 begin!

For those of you who follow me on Twittter or Facebook, you’ve obviously been privy to my contiuous posts about the P90X fitness program and my progress therein. Many of you have asked me questions regarding the program, its benefits (if any) and the level of difficulty. I hope to shed some light on P90X here.

P90X is an extreme home workout series. It was designed to help those that were in already decent physical condition to take their workouts and their fitness levels to another level. There’s nothing complicated or secret about P90X’s methodology. Muscle Confusion is used to stimulate the body in ways that prevent it from “getting used to” any one routine, thus preventing the common Plateu Effect. Just when you start to think that you have this regime mastered, it changes alltogether, further stimulating your development and challenge level. There are almost a dozen different routines on DVD’s that you use in a certain order to complete the program in 13 weeks. Each week is 6 days in a row, the 7th being a rest or stretching day. Each workout, including the Ab Ripper workout will take 75 - 90 minutes.

I was not in too bad of shape when I started this progrm 3 months ago. But I had been going to the gym for a couple of years with the same results you have probably seen - the same program, a plateuing of performance gain and a stall in weight loss. I decided to try another type of workout regime and P90X seemed to fit the bill.

Prepare to do a shyte load of push-ups, pull ups, ab work, even Yoga. You name it! Most of the people I know that are doing this workout refuse to do the YogaX part of this workout for whatever reason. I relent - I too was a YogaX hater - too slow, deliberate and girlie. However once I started doing the weekly YogaX routine I immediately saw dramatic changes to my body’s shape and fitness level. Don’t skip the YogaX!

P90X is very difficult - make no mistake. But like everything in life, the hardest challenges, once complete, offer the biggest rewards. I’m almost 40 and in the best shape of my life. On the Legs/Back workout I can bust off 93 pull-ups. That’s right - PULL-UPS. Although I didn’t really lose alot of weight according to my scale, my body has been completely transformed. Do not fall victim to what a scale tells you. Look in the mirror, take some photos during your journey and watch yourself change for the better.

As I was cleaning my office today, I happened upon a sweater I used to keep on hand for those extra cold winter days (like today!). I was shocked to see how B-I-G I really used to be! At one point in my life I hit the scales at 250lbs. I’ll never go down that road again. I’m taking December off and then doing P90X all over again. Why? Because it’s FUN and I love the RESULTS I now know I can achieve.

Set your goals and work hard. What’s 90 minutes a day as an investment in your life and your health? I am a partner in 3 restaurants and my Fiancee had our 2nd baby girl in September. I never - ever missed a workout. I’ve done them on 3 hours sleep. Some days are much harder than others (just like any other job) but you keep fighting.

Trust me - If I can do this, so can you. Just tell yourself what I told myself. “I MUST do this, because I think I can’t.”

Best of luck in all your fitness goals, friends.

Sometimes, it’s the simplest things in life that give us the most pleasure. A few Christmases ago, my younger sister, Sonia gave me one of those little hand-held electronic casino type games. It has Blackjack on it as well as Deuces Wild. As a man who’s enjoyed video games from Atari, Colecovision (Zaxxon, baby!), the Commodore 64, Nintendo (all versions) and now PS3 and XBox - I know and love the fine art of console gaming.

But this hand-held game had me by the innards. As I played it (predominantly whilst in the loo), I got curious as to how long it would take me to “wrap” this game (one million, plus points in this particular circumstance). It took almost a year, but I finally did it - sending the machine into a tizzy.

I am like that in all my goals. All in. Whether it be fitness, golf, business or friendship - I give it my full effort. It’s how I extract the most out of life. Don’t give up on your goals. The biggest mistake people make is giving up too soon. The next time you feel you can’t accomplish something, think of the Chan on the loo and give ‘er another go!

My Fiancee, Kelly has no sooner handed out the last piece of Halloween Candy when she’s pushing me out the front door to retrieve our Christmas Trees out of storage. That’s right! Trees - plural. Kelly always goes to great lengths to ensure our home is appropriately decorated for the current season, but for some reason Christmas brings out the absolute best of her talents.

This year, we are celebrating Christmas with our newest daughter, Leila. She will be about 15 weeks old. And although our “oldest” daughter Bianca will only be a year and a half, she is smart enough to know what’s going on. The prospect of Bianca’s little face light up on Christmas Day presents feelings to me I simply can’t describe. Every time I see her gleaming face light up with joy reminds me that there indeed must be a God. 

Although it’s early; From my family to yours we wish you the very best this Holiday Season.

Richard