My daughters Elsie and Apollonia!

Looks like my nephew has a pretty significant role in The Transformers.

To all the fathers out there, a happy Fathers Day!

Today is Mrs. Anderson's birthday. She wont tell me how old she is, and I forgot. At least I did not forget the day.
Happy Birthday Mami!

Sometimes I envy my Dog Romeo....
All night chasing bitches, all day sunbathing...

Hehe....

How fast they grow up!

Apollonia just turned 3. It's amazing to me how fast she has grown. You know its all coming together when every top commercial they see on TV is followed by "una de esos!" I want one of those! Hehe!

At his recent graduation party....

Is he a chip off the old block, or what? BAD BOY Jean!

Doesn't she look like she was born to eat the stuff?

Ten years with my wife! It's been a bumpy ride, up and down, but we hung in there and made i work some how. Here's to 10 more!

Costa Rica is celebrating Black History for the next two weeks. Took the family to a fantastic Gospel music concert tonight.

We ended up leaving a bit early as Apollonia got antsy listening to music for two and a half hours. But there was some amazing music on display.

This group from Limon was unbelievable. (Sorry, I don't remember their name).

The headline group was from the United States. I forgot their name too. (Ever tried to attend a concert with a two year old?)

I have not published any pictures of my little Princess for a while. Probably why my friend Rogue has not been visiting much lately.

So for all the Apollonia fans, here is a recent picture of her in our neighbor's rose garden.

It's unbelievable how much she has grown in the last six months. Her vocabulary has also grown, and she can actually count to five in English.

Apollonia loves Dora The Explorer, (The Cartoon), and I have recently come to appreciate how much she learns, just watching it. Especially language skills, since the program is bi-lingual.

I will post a few more later when I have some time. Right now my back is against the wall with a number of projects.

To all those dads out there.
To those who work hard all day and come home to spend time with their little ones, even if they cant seem to stay awake to enjoy it...

To all those who's love is so profound that nothing is more important.

To all those who chose to be Dads instead of just fathers.
There is no job harder on this planet, except that of Mother.
So I hope you enjoyed your day.

I had a wonderful day yesterday watching my very grown son play futbol in the stadium of his favorite team.

It reminded me, as I sat there with my wife and two daughters, how very special it is to be a Dad. What a great gift it is to be blessed with children who love you, who look up to you for guidance. I was reminded of the song Cats in the Cradle, and how I was that little kid from the song.

It was a beautiful day in Costa Rica today, and my son made his debut playing goalie for the Heredia branch of the Jr. Liga Football program. The son was shining, but it wasn't too hot, and the Soccer Moms and Dads were out in force. The picture above was taken when we arrived at the stadium and before the people started filling in.

One of the cutest things was watching all the little kids play. This squad was made up of about 25, 5? Year Olds (I am guessing on the age), and it was a hoot watching them converge on the ball like one huge wave. That is, the ones among them who didn't just get distracted and stare off into space, or scan the stands looking for their mothers.

There were also quite a few little girls playing on most of the teams. I cant wait to see Apollonia out there on the field. She is already a huge soccer fan, and roots for her big brother.

In fact one of the first words she learned to speak was, "GOOOOOOOOAL!"



In this sequence you can see her enthusiastically rooting for Jean as he appeared as Goalie.


This picture, (Jean is on the ground) is indicative of the kind of day the kid had today. He team was literally destroyed by the home Team 13-1, and Jean suffered the indignity of having 4 goals scored against him. Which is bad, but not that bad considering the starting goalie had 9 scored on him and literally begged to be taken out at the end of the first half. The poor kid was shell shocked.

My son plays for the Heredia branch of Liga, but the professional team is located in Alajuella, and the team that wiped the floor with my kids team today are from Alajuella, so they were the home team.

They played like it too. It is obvious the kids from Alajuella get a little more attention from the pro team, as they play and practice in Alajuella. Jean's team had horrible defense and poor ball handling, and the kids from Alajuella exploited both weaknesses with impunity.

Jean spent most of his time on the field nearly alone at his end, as
his team mates were generally out hustled, out played and out ran.

I was nevertheless proud of the kid. Putting him in this program was good for him. I think it is teaching him some things about discipline and team play.

I have seen Jean play twice now, and I still think he makes a better forward, than goalie. But he complains that when he is playing forward, that his team mates don't pass the ball enough. That deficiency was obvious today, as one or two players seemed to hog the ball, and it only got worse as they got further behind, and the prima donna's tried to make things happen on their own, instead of settling down and playing a team game.

I had a blast today, even though it meant getting up at 5am to drive to the stadium in Alajuella at 6:15. Sorry I dont have pictures of the "Soccer Moms," Boyd, but the wife was with me, and she got pissed at me looking. I can only imagine how pissed she would have been if I had trained my camera anywhere OFF the field.

I first came to Costa Rica in Early 1994. The mission was to establish an offshore call center for Acer America Corporation. The Early going was tough, but in three months we had established the call center, and hired the first 100 or so employees.

I was employee number 0000, and Director of Operations. I would live in Costa Rica that first time for a little over three years, and form a love affair for Costa Rica and its people that I carry in my heart to this day.

During that time I would make lots of friends, learn a new language, gain an appreciation for a culture other than my own, work hard and play harder.

It was perhaps the BEST of times for me...

Today I look back on those days and realize how fortunate I was to be in the right place, at the right time and have the right skills.


Costa Rica truly changed my life.

During my time here I partied till I dropped. Met the beautiful lady to the right, and eventually married her. Hehe.. Not that I was in any big hurry to get married back then. The truth is that we were on a great adventure back then. We were building a new company in another country. We were sort of heroes too. Everywhere we went, people pointed us out as, "the Acer guys."

I remember that as one of the first High Tech companies to open in Costa Rica, and the very first call center, Acer was something special. It was a high paying job for the kids who worked there, and something of a status symbol.

People wore their badges outside of work, and it was a pride thing. And I was big poppa, the founder and leader. Man those were heady times. We were pioneers, and there were times when it was rough... challenging. Costa Rica had never had a company like ours before, and I think it fair to say that we impacted the culture as well.

My team from the States were a bunch of young, wealthy (by Costa Rican Standards) "tech gunslingers." We rolled into Costa Rica with a California style party attitude, lots of money and a fun loving spirit. Many broken hearts were left in our wake, and I was responsible for a few of them myself.

But it was the work that was most important. We partied hard, spent weekends (when we could), at the beach and generaly just lived it up when we could, but we got the work done. We would hang out at strip clubs and discos until two in the morning, and roll into work by 7am. We faced enormous technical challenges in linking two call centers and two cultures (three if you count the conservative Chinese owners of Acer). We had system failures (swapping our first telephone system after less than a month), and problems with recruitment (Finding enough English speaking employees). But we got the job done.

And we got it done right. By the time I left Acer in '97, the call center was over 450 seats and taking tens of thousands of calls a week. We had also helped to create a new industry in Costa Rica, with Intel and others following us in opening new Operations in Costa Rica.

In September of 1996, I married my girlfriend of two years, Lourdes Maribell Calederon Castillo, and started work on building a family.

I cant believe I have been married for nearly 10 years, or that it has been 12 years since I helped to found the Technology Revolution in Costa Rica.

Today Costa Rica host call centers from Dell, Sykes, HP, Western Union and a number of other companies, including numerous Sports Books and Online Casinos.

Without us taking that first leap, it might never have happened, and I certainly would not be running The Utopia Group.


Who knows if I would be married and have the beautiful children I have been blessed with.

Today I am a little bit grayer. And a little thinner, though not by much. But I am the same old David, with a little more responsibility.
Life changes us in many ways, but I would like to think that it has not robbed me of my sense of adventure.

Today I run a small, but by all measurable standards, successful business. I am well respected in my community and I have a still beautiful wife and wonderful children.

Jean Carlos is a young man now, almost 15 years old. Elsie is 8 going on 20, and Apollonia is 2 1/2. We live in a small but comfortable home in Heredia, Costa Rica. I am a Soccer Dad, with my son playing goalie for the Junior La Ligua team. We have a dog, Romeo, who we rescued from the Animal Shelter as a puppy, and I work hard to build the business and keep beans and rice on the table. All and all, it's not a bad life, though I do miss some things about the U.S.

Will write more later...

I picked up a new Epson Multifunction Scanner last night, and wanted to test it out, so I pulled out the old photo albums.
Here are some cool pictures of my famous nephew Anthony, with my family.

This one is of Anthony, my wife, Elsie (My daughter), my son, Jean Carlos and Anthony's wife and kids. This was right at the point his career was taking off.

Anthony with his wife, kids and my daughter Elsie.

For those members of my family who were hurt/pissed off about my comments on the passing of my brother last week, two things...

1. Sorry you misunderstood my comments as being critical of him, when I meant to pay homage to a man I loved.

2. More sorry that you chose to make a decision on how I feel without talking to me about it.

I have deleted the post, all of them, including the one's that were most personal to me. But I am going to keep this... The closing to my last post...

"Today the gathering celebrated your life. Speeches were made. Massive quantities of food will be eaten, and everyone will share their favorite Tony story. I hope your son managed to get over his disspointement in you long enough to be there in the end. I will do my part by keeping your memory alive with my children. Mama and Claudia are waiting for you. Your suffering is over. So is my saddness. I rejoice in your liberation. Be at peace Bro, and know that in the end. I loved you."

That is for Tony, not any of you. If any of that offends you, my deepest sympathies for your offense. Amazing that it took something like this to bring you all to my Blog, since I have been trying to get a number of you to read it for years.

I will refrain from any mention of the US family on my blog any more, and confine my ramblings to my own family here. Despite what any of you may think. I love you all. Since I know all of you are Born Again Christians, I will close with this...

At least I think she does...

Well, she likes something? Maybe she is thinking of her auntie Angela. Anyway, Apollonia lost her bottle yesterday. We were expecting a tough night last night and a tougher day, since her "chuppon," is a constant companion.

She actually made Daddy pretty proud. She did not cry last night, although she woke up a few times looking for it. Today she has been drinking from her favorite cup all day, and not complaining one bit. Of course it helps that Daddy keeps reminding her that big girls dont need a bottle, and that big girls drink from cups... Hehe.

Hard to believe that Apollonia is less than 2 1/2 years old. She is smart as a whip, with a strong personality and great attitude... Most of the time.

Of course she has Anderson lungs, which means that she can scream with the best of them, and exercises her right to do so with alarming regularity.

My son Jean Carlos played his first organized soccer game today, and kicked butt. His team won 6-3, and Jean as goal keeper permited only one score during his half of play (He started). He also played forward during the second half, and while he did not score, he played aggressive defense and contributed to several scores.

Jean playing goalie, while one of his defensive team mates stands guard.

Jean comes out to defend against a pass from the other team.

In position and ready to defend.

Knowing all of you, and what you expect from me... You are probably wondering where all the soccer moms are? Hehe... Did not see but a few, and not that impressed me enough to want the shot, but it was a fun day.

We finished off the morning at McDonalds, where we had a late breakfast. I'm proud of the kid. He showed some great potential out there today, but more importantly, he showed HEART!

Thanks to all who called, and wrote wishing me a happy birthday. It was a wonderful day with the family. I want to especially thank Robert, (Pictured below with his latest Tica Girlfriend), for flying down from New York, just to be here for my Birthday!

Rob, his "new girlfriend," and I.

I spent the day Grilling in the yard and then hung out with the folks from next door, Rob and the family.

The Cake was delicious....

A family portrait on a very special day...

I had a Blast. Good food, good company and after three great days at the beach, the perfect way to end the weekend!

But I haven't posted any pictures of the children to the Blog. Here is an update. They grow fast in this tropical environment.

Elsie, Apollonia and Friends...

Apollonia enjoying the sun.

Screening Dad's Calls

My very handsome son (He takes after his mom) chopping firewood at the family farm.

See, I told you he was handsome...

I haven't seen this movie yet, but from the looks of it, Anthony put in another great performance. Anyone seen it? Comments?

I haven't done any family pictorials lately, so I thought it time to share some pics of the kids... My they are growing fast!

Apollonia with my "other kid," Romeo the puppy. Romeo thinks he is one of the kids, and is so happy when I come back from a road trip that he has almost knocked me down a couple of times. I saved him from deplorable conditions at a local pound, and I don't think he has ever forgotten that fact.

My two girls in a rare moment when they are not fighting. Elsie was so long the baby in the family, that I think she sometimes resents the attention Apollonia gets. I try real hard to make her feel special, but Apollonia is a handfull at times, and it is hard to get Elsie to understand that the Baby sometimes needs us a bit more than she does.

Many have asked me why I dont post more pictures of Jean Carlos, my son. The truth is that even though Jean is a very handsome kid, he doesn't like to take pictures. Here he is with the girls, watching tv in the bedroom.

And below the fold, a special picture for Rogue, who is Apollonia's biggest fan!

A rare moment of peace, my little diablito sleeps!

I see Anthony made Wikipedia.

What sucks is that with all my nephew has acomplished in his career, the dominant thread in the Wikipedia article, refers to two bullshit claims against him. My nephew is one of the most dedicated family men I know, despite being surrounded by sexy Hollywood Starlet types all the time. I have talked with him about what happened in Tennessee, and it, like the other claim, was nothing more than opportunism.

I will be home tomorrow. I am looking forward to my own bed, home cooking and kissing my kids... And oh yeah, my lovely wife too!

These are some additional pictures from Saturday's baptism. For those of you who are bored, just skip to the half naked girl pictures below, or read my political treaties or something, these are for Rogue and Boyd and my Family back in the states, and Jack and anyone else who appreciates one of those powerful moments of being a parent!

The Padre annoits Appolonia's head with oil.

She may be mine, but she is precious nonetheless...

Some kind of blessing, what do I know, I'm not Catholic! hehe...

The actual baptism part...

The Godmother, Flor, lights the candle...

And this one is my favorite. It just says it all for me...

I had a long day today, early morning meeting at my new bank, some errands to run, and then a rush home to finish some documents for the Guatemala project. I decided to take Apollonia along for the ride...

We went to Tapia, a local restaurant in San Jose, known for typical Costa Rican food. We sat out on the patio and Apollonia enjoyed a little Watermelon and Pineapple, while dad enjoyed eggs and pancakes.

I think you can tell from these pictures, that she enjoyed herself! Apparently so did the gentleman behind us who was eating a HUGE hamburger. He he....

Hello all! Your missing in action Blogger here dropping in to say hello and let you know I am still alive.
I have been busy this week working on an RFP response for the new call center I am building. On top of that we were planning for the Baptism of my Youngest daughter, Apollonia. For the Appolonia fans, the following are some pictures from the Baptism.

I have to say, and as Boyd would say I have no objectivity about this, but I am sure Rogue will agree.... She was beautiful!

She slept through most of the ritual, right up until the time the priest poured the water over her head.

She was a brave litte trooper, not crying even when the water woke her up. She just grabbed my arm and looked at me like, "Dad, what's going on here."

I am not Catholic, but I am raising my kids as Catholic out of respect to their mother and the culture here, while explaining to them the differences. Jean Carlos has already made a decision to become an evangelical Christian. I figure when the time is right, Elsie and Apollonia will make up their own minds...

And the following is my favorite picture from the set...

It's been nine years since Lourdes Maribell Calderon Castillo accepted this very imperfect, sometimes impertinent, always crazy creature as her Husband. And while I have not always shown it, I am grateful that she has stuck it out with me, despite those imperfections.

The wild looking guy in the background is Juan Carlos Quiros, one of the best friends, partners and business associates I could ask for, and one of the people who has been instrumental in helping to keep us together, despite our hard heads.

So Mrs. Anderson, this is Thanks, before the whole world I offer it, because without you, I would not be half the man I am, or 1/10th of the Father or Husband. Muchisimo Gracias, y Te Amo Mucho.

From Ezra:

As for all this talk over guys getting freaked out by the delivery room view of their partner's suddenly giant, bloody vagina, I don't quite see the problem. If you're the sort of guy who thinks this'll haunt you forevermore, either stick near your wife's head so you can be with her without peering up her or stay out of the delivery room.

Maybe I am weird, but for me, the experience of being there with my wife when she gave birth, was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. Was it messy, yeah it was. Was it scary, yeah that too.. But it was beautiful in a way that defies description for me. We lost our first child, and I was there for that one too. She was a beautiful baby girl, and I remember crying and then going out and getting high with a friend of mine. Mind numbing, I don't ever want to come back high. My wife was seven months along when her placenta ruptured. The doctors tried, but could not save the baby. When she got pregnant the second time, I was so protective I probably drove her nuts.

The night before she gave birth, I drove 50 miles to San Francisco Airport to wait for her mother who was arriving from Costa Rica. (We lived in San Jose, California at the time). Due to some mixup, her mother actually flew into Los Angeles, nearly 400 miles away. I found this out after spending three hours waiting in the airport. I called friends in Los Angeles and had her mother picked up, and a flight to San Jose booked for the next morning. By the time I got home it was nearly 4:00am. My wife went into labor at 5:30.

Surprisingly, operating on almost no sleep, I managed to keep a cool head and get her to the hospital. A few hours later, her mother arrived from LA just as she was in the last throes of giving birth. It was one of the most compelling experiences in my life, and far from disgusting me, it made me love my wife even more. All I could think of was the pain she was going through, (that part was easy since she was cursing me in Spanish for being so big, and giving her a baby that was huge, hehe). I kept thinking about how brave she was in losing the first baby... How she endured her pain, and the emotional pain of that loss with grace and dignity. And I watched with pride as she worked to deliver our baby.

I held her hand. I encouraged her. I accepted her insults. I coaxed her, and I prayed. And when little Elsie emerged, I cried. Cried like a baby... and I loved... Loved them both. For me, birth is still a miracle, an amazing, beautiful, incredible miracle. I don't even remember any of the clinical stuff. What I remember is my joy, my relief and my sense of sharing something very, very special.

I think the guys who get hung up on the "nasty," aspects of child birth are missing the real significance of it. The beautiful sacrafice in pain and suffering, that there lady is making, to create something they will both share for the rest of their lives...

Looks like my nephew Anthony may be coming to visit me later this year. Just got an email from him and he is wrapping up filming his latest movie, and then will take some time off...

Question is, can Costa Rica handle TWO Anderson's at once? Hehe...

Never let it be said that I only post sexy pictures on ISOU.

Not a very flattering picture, but who says The Great Utopian does not know how to make fun of himself. (Wink) You try working a 20 hour day and then tending to two attention loving little girls.

Elsie Anderson

May 9th, 1918 - Feb 1993

You taught me well, and I remember those lessons daily.
I know that you are at the right hand of the Lord you served so well your entire life, and I am grateful that you still find time to watch over us, and give me guidance from time to time....

Your Loving Son,

David