When I was a teenager, my mother always laughed when she would ask me how a party was. I would very often respond "It was the best party ever". She laughed because I had said the same thing the previous week and because she knew that most probably I would say the same thing about the next one the following week. It used to drive me crazy if there were 2 parties I wanted to go to on the same night. To this date, she is constantly reminding me that I just cannot be in 2 places at the same time, regardless of how much I wished I could be. Instead of enjoying completely what I was doing at a particular time, I would stress about and wonder how the others were doing somewhere else.
Well, I guess that trait of mine has not changed. I have gotten to know a really fun couple of moms from Diego's school. They are all very involved in the school and seem to enjoy it very much. Now, partly because of them, I have been thinking about all the things I am potentially missing. If I was not working, I would have more time to participate in school stuff, to spend time with great people that could become good friends. I could travel more and stay longer in Guatemala so Diego and Isabel's Spanish could flourish. I would have more time to exercise and to keep my house looking perfect at all times (...mmm, well, three out of four is not bad).
So, I find myself daydreaming about how useful and practical it would be not to work, when suddenly, the opposite thought enters my mind. Maybe what I need is to be more ambitious with work and money and try opening my own business again. This time I would do better research of what could be a perfect fit for me and I would definitely make it successful.
So, I am creating my 3 year business plan in my mind, when yet another thought comes...
"Paola, are you and idiot or what?" "you have the best of both worlds". A great job that I like and because it is not full time, enough time for the children, etc. Besides, let us not forget that a steady income is no small thing. I surely enjoy the steady income. No doubt about that.
I want to work AND I want to be with the kids AND I want to have time for myself AND I want to do something that matters AND I want to help others AND have more money AND, AND, AND.
So what is going on?!?!
I am driving myself crazy with all this conflicting thoughts. Could it be that I am going through an early, early, early mid-life crisis? No way, I am way, way, way too young for that.
Patrick says that I just say I don't want to work, but that I am lying to myself because after two weeks, I would be going insane at home. He is probably right.
In the mean time, I will pray for some guidance. Maybe God wants me to build another ark (I know nothing about building, but I am getting good at grouting tile, so if God wants me to tile a bathroom, I am game). Maybe the winning lottery ticket will land in my lap and I will understand that I am supposed to sip rum and cokes in my new villa in the tropics. Maybe I should just open my eyes for a second and realize how lucky I am and start appreciating more and complaining less.
Who needs therapy when I can blog my way through my problems!?
Friday, August 8, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Advice for my Very Good, Very Pregnant Friend
Oh, how I wish I could see you now. When you called me the other day complaining about not sleeping well. It all brought awful and wonderful memories back. Well, I guess that is just very fitting because that is exactly how being pregnant feels... awful and uncomfortable and magical and wonderful all at the same time.
Well, this is not going to be a list of what to do or when to do it once the baby comes. I am sure absolutely everyone you know and many people you don't know will give you unsolicited advice on the subject of the new little baby. I am sure at some point I will too and for that I apologize beforehand.
I just want to warn you on how your life will change and how to survive all the madness...
Well, you should forget about all the political books you love for a while. "What to Expect the First year" and "How to train your Baby to Sleep through the Night" will be your favorite titles. Whoever said that there should be a course on parenting before one becomes a parent was right. Instead we are all simply trying to play catch up after the fact.
You have always been very fashion oriented and that should not change. Just be aware that baby vomit will be hard to get out from your designer clothes.
Selfishly speaking, I have personally found 2 great things about being a mother... one is that if you were always late to everything, now you have a good excuse. "I had to change the baby at the last minute", "he wouldn't wake up from his nap", etc. Half of the time it will be true, but it comes in handy for the other half.
The second great thing is that you can blame your child (when they are a little older) for the house being a mess or for the ice cream being gone or (my personal favorite) "the kids are dying to go to that Japanese restaurant".
At any rate, the most important thing is to have a sense of humor about whatever comes. It will be up to you if all the little "challenges" are tragedies or comedies. I suggest the latter.
So, please remember that your baby is already loved by many people and that, maybe, some times we will all ask how you or your husband are doing (but don't expect it often ;)) Enjoy your last month of having a good excuse for eating ice cream at 3 a.m., rest as much as you can and hold on tight. It will be the most amazing ride!
All my love,
Paola
You have always been very fashion oriented and that should not change. Just be aware that baby vomit will be hard to get out from your designer clothes.
Selfishly speaking, I have personally found 2 great things about being a mother... one is that if you were always late to everything, now you have a good excuse. "I had to change the baby at the last minute", "he wouldn't wake up from his nap", etc. Half of the time it will be true, but it comes in handy for the other half.
The second great thing is that you can blame your child (when they are a little older) for the house being a mess or for the ice cream being gone or (my personal favorite) "the kids are dying to go to that Japanese restaurant".
At any rate, the most important thing is to have a sense of humor about whatever comes. It will be up to you if all the little "challenges" are tragedies or comedies. I suggest the latter.
So, please remember that your baby is already loved by many people and that, maybe, some times we will all ask how you or your husband are doing (but don't expect it often ;)) Enjoy your last month of having a good excuse for eating ice cream at 3 a.m., rest as much as you can and hold on tight. It will be the most amazing ride!
All my love,
Paola
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
What I know about marriage, after 12 years!
The one thing I know about marriage and actually, it very well may be, the only thing I know about it, is that love matters.
You can have real high highs and pretty low lows in your relationship. There have been instances when I have wanted to throw plates into my better half's face. We argue a lot! What makes me the angriest is that if you would ask him, he would tell you that we almost never fight. That is so frustrating to have a fight with someone that is not even aware that World War 3 is brewing in his very own living room and that he was the one who started it. I do not understand why he does not realize that our life would be smooth sailing if he accepted that I am always right. It shouldn't be that difficult since it is true. Isn't it? ;)
In any case, we are no better and no worse than any other couple. The culture difference might make things a little more interesting, but at the end of the day the reason why we keep going strong is because if there is something not lacking in our relationship, it is love. I love that man so much and he has confessed that against his better judgement, he loves me too.
So, even if he is stubborn like a mule, moody and inflexible, he is a keeper. I hope he feels the same way about me even though I am mmm, wait a minute... ehhh, (I am trying to think of some of my flaws and nothing comes to mind). LOL
Now, for real (like my daughter would say), I married Patrick 12 years ago and I thank God for each one of them and pray that he will grant me many other dozens of years by his side. Happy Anniversary Schatz! Te amo!
You can have real high highs and pretty low lows in your relationship. There have been instances when I have wanted to throw plates into my better half's face. We argue a lot! What makes me the angriest is that if you would ask him, he would tell you that we almost never fight. That is so frustrating to have a fight with someone that is not even aware that World War 3 is brewing in his very own living room and that he was the one who started it. I do not understand why he does not realize that our life would be smooth sailing if he accepted that I am always right. It shouldn't be that difficult since it is true. Isn't it? ;)
In any case, we are no better and no worse than any other couple. The culture difference might make things a little more interesting, but at the end of the day the reason why we keep going strong is because if there is something not lacking in our relationship, it is love. I love that man so much and he has confessed that against his better judgement, he loves me too.
So, even if he is stubborn like a mule, moody and inflexible, he is a keeper. I hope he feels the same way about me even though I am mmm, wait a minute... ehhh, (I am trying to think of some of my flaws and nothing comes to mind). LOL
Now, for real (like my daughter would say), I married Patrick 12 years ago and I thank God for each one of them and pray that he will grant me many other dozens of years by his side. Happy Anniversary Schatz! Te amo!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Patrick Berny Vs. The City of Fremont
If you know Patrick, you know that he is a very easy going, good hearted man. If you really know Patrick, I mean, if you really, really know him, you know that he is quite complex, stubborn like hell and he can easily get obsessed with little things.
Our soon to be shower is a good example...
The inspector came to see the progress and stated that the controls to the shower had to go on the other wall because a person may get scolded if he or she were to turn the water on while standing right in front of the shower.
Scott (our contractor whom we are thinking of adopting since he basically lives in our house anyway) understood and agreed. I, understood his point and agreed as well. Patrick.... oh no, all hell was about to break loose!
There is no way he was going to accept it. The shower we got has a thermostatic valve to prevent exactly that. "If the inspector had any brains, he would know that".
I know my husband well enough to know when a battle is brewing and I was absolutely going to stay away from this one. Patrick started getting very angry while doing all kinds of research online. He accumulated pages and pages of articles and technical drawings showing that our original plans for the shower were perfectly safe and that the inspector was the one that was wrong. Not us! Not him!
I simply told him to please, please be calm when talking to the City. I did not want the whole project shut down because the City of Fremont decided we were undesirables anyway. I asked Patrick if he was going to be O.K. if the City refused to see things his way. He looked at me and shouted "I will take this case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if need be!!!".
I know he meant it, so I tried my best to keep a straight face. (It was not easy).
I am happy to report that we found a solution to make both the inspector and Patrick happy. Scott came up with an ingenious idea for the layout. It is too complicated to explain, you will all have to come to our house and check it out for yourselves anytime after 2011 when we approximate that the the project will be finished. (insert an angry, sarcastic smiley).
Our soon to be shower is a good example...
The inspector came to see the progress and stated that the controls to the shower had to go on the other wall because a person may get scolded if he or she were to turn the water on while standing right in front of the shower.
Scott (our contractor whom we are thinking of adopting since he basically lives in our house anyway) understood and agreed. I, understood his point and agreed as well. Patrick.... oh no, all hell was about to break loose!
There is no way he was going to accept it. The shower we got has a thermostatic valve to prevent exactly that. "If the inspector had any brains, he would know that".
I know my husband well enough to know when a battle is brewing and I was absolutely going to stay away from this one. Patrick started getting very angry while doing all kinds of research online. He accumulated pages and pages of articles and technical drawings showing that our original plans for the shower were perfectly safe and that the inspector was the one that was wrong. Not us! Not him!
I simply told him to please, please be calm when talking to the City. I did not want the whole project shut down because the City of Fremont decided we were undesirables anyway. I asked Patrick if he was going to be O.K. if the City refused to see things his way. He looked at me and shouted "I will take this case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court if need be!!!".
I know he meant it, so I tried my best to keep a straight face. (It was not easy).
I am happy to report that we found a solution to make both the inspector and Patrick happy. Scott came up with an ingenious idea for the layout. It is too complicated to explain, you will all have to come to our house and check it out for yourselves anytime after 2011 when we approximate that the the project will be finished. (insert an angry, sarcastic smiley).
Miley Cirus, Jonas Brothers... this is a great time to be a mother!
I have always loved Teen Idols. The cheesiest the music, as long as it is accompanied by a great choregoraphy, the better! When I was a teen, I adored the Latin teen idols (Menudo, Los Chicos- I don't think I missed one of their concerts). New Kids on The Block were gods to me. I would practice their moves for hours.
When the Backstreet Boys were going to come to the Bay Area (1998 or 1999), my nephews wanted to go see them while they were here on vacation and I,quite obviously, volunteered to go with them. I actually got early on the Saturday the tickets went on sale. I waited patiently in line and got the best tickets I could afford.
We were all so bummed when the concert was cancelled because one of them had nothing better to do than to have an overdose and head to rehab. How rude! I never got the chance to go to one of their concerts.
Ahhh, but when God closes a door, he opens a window. I am not a teen any more (by just a couple of years ;), my nephews and nieces are too old to need a chaperon for such occasions, BUT I found the perfect little victims for my evil plan... my children.
Radio Disney is a preset station in my car and we listen to it (when I am not listening to POTUS 08) all the time. High School Musical I & II, The Jonas Brothers, Hanna Montana aka Miley Cirus, we love them all. Patrick thinks I am crazy, other people think I am just such a good mother that sacrifices for her kids. The truth is that I enjoy it with them and we have a blast!
Tonight is the "World Premiere" of Camp Rock on the Disney Channel and I am sure we will be all over this one too.
When the Backstreet Boys were going to come to the Bay Area (1998 or 1999), my nephews wanted to go see them while they were here on vacation and I,quite obviously, volunteered to go with them. I actually got early on the Saturday the tickets went on sale. I waited patiently in line and got the best tickets I could afford.
We were all so bummed when the concert was cancelled because one of them had nothing better to do than to have an overdose and head to rehab. How rude! I never got the chance to go to one of their concerts.
Ahhh, but when God closes a door, he opens a window. I am not a teen any more (by just a couple of years ;), my nephews and nieces are too old to need a chaperon for such occasions, BUT I found the perfect little victims for my evil plan... my children.
Radio Disney is a preset station in my car and we listen to it (when I am not listening to POTUS 08) all the time. High School Musical I & II, The Jonas Brothers, Hanna Montana aka Miley Cirus, we love them all. Patrick thinks I am crazy, other people think I am just such a good mother that sacrifices for her kids. The truth is that I enjoy it with them and we have a blast!
Tonight is the "World Premiere" of Camp Rock on the Disney Channel and I am sure we will be all over this one too.
My Mother's Day Present and My Father's Day Revenge
To fully understand this story, I need to start by telling you that for my birthday 2 years ago, Patrick gave me wireless bluetooth headphones. I thought the idea was kind of neat. I tried them and to be totally honest, did not like them. If and when I want to use headphones, I don't want to worry about whether or not they are charged. Besides, they were big and did not stay nicely on my ears. Patrick was just too happy to take them from me and that was that. I never saw them or spoke about them again.
...Fast forward to Mother's Day 2008. Patrick hands me a box and I get all happy about what could be in there. Maybe the I-phone I so desperately desire or perhaps tickets for a cruise around the Greek islands... No, that would not come in a box.
Well. I proceed to open the box and what do I find... bluetooth wireless headphones. I was perplexed. I did not understand... "Schatz (that is my pet name for Patrick), I don't know if you remember this or not, but this is exactly what you gave me 2 years ago for my birthday".
Patrick: "Oh yes, I know, but I lost them, so I wanted to replace them".
It is truly not often that I am speechless, but this was one of those occasions. He remembered that once, months ago, I was watching Meet the Press on a Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. and he told me to lower the volume. I did and added that I needed headphones for the TV so I would not wake him up on Sundays.
I laughed about the situation and decided right then and there not to get mad... but to get even.
I thought long and hard about what would be the perfect Father's Day gift for my thoughtful, sweet husband (yeah, right!).
Susan suggested pearl earrings. I could say that they are cuff links. Of course, when he is not wearing them, well I could use them as...mmm...earrings? That would have been way too obvious.
I believe I found the most adequate gift for the occasion! I gave him an evening out. I got a babysitter and made reservations to a wonderful upscale restaurant in San Francisco, followed with tickets to Hairspray, The Musical.
I, of course, was going to love it. Patrick? Well, he was welcome to like it, but if he didn't... oh well, that would be just so sad. ;)
We went and during the intermission I asked him if I had done a good job planning my revenge and he told me that I hadn't because he was enjoying himself and that our "date" had been a great idea. I guess Patrick might not be too thoughtful, but he is smart!
...Fast forward to Mother's Day 2008. Patrick hands me a box and I get all happy about what could be in there. Maybe the I-phone I so desperately desire or perhaps tickets for a cruise around the Greek islands... No, that would not come in a box.
Well. I proceed to open the box and what do I find... bluetooth wireless headphones. I was perplexed. I did not understand... "Schatz (that is my pet name for Patrick), I don't know if you remember this or not, but this is exactly what you gave me 2 years ago for my birthday".
Patrick: "Oh yes, I know, but I lost them, so I wanted to replace them".
It is truly not often that I am speechless, but this was one of those occasions. He remembered that once, months ago, I was watching Meet the Press on a Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. and he told me to lower the volume. I did and added that I needed headphones for the TV so I would not wake him up on Sundays.
I laughed about the situation and decided right then and there not to get mad... but to get even.
I thought long and hard about what would be the perfect Father's Day gift for my thoughtful, sweet husband (yeah, right!).
Susan suggested pearl earrings. I could say that they are cuff links. Of course, when he is not wearing them, well I could use them as...mmm...earrings? That would have been way too obvious.
I believe I found the most adequate gift for the occasion! I gave him an evening out. I got a babysitter and made reservations to a wonderful upscale restaurant in San Francisco, followed with tickets to Hairspray, The Musical.
I, of course, was going to love it. Patrick? Well, he was welcome to like it, but if he didn't... oh well, that would be just so sad. ;)
We went and during the intermission I asked him if I had done a good job planning my revenge and he told me that I hadn't because he was enjoying himself and that our "date" had been a great idea. I guess Patrick might not be too thoughtful, but he is smart!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Diego's first communion was truly special!
May was full of excitement for our family... Right after Isabel's birthday, we had to prepare for Diego's First Communion. Diego had actually been preparing for two years. He attended "first communion preparation classes" every Saturday morning. I thought it was overkill at first, but I am very glad he did it. Other than praying in bed at night, we had not spent much time at all educating him in the subject of religion. He knew about God, Mary and Jesus, but not in any detail and not much else. I got the wake up call when he was 5 years old and I guess they were talking about different religions in his class. We were in the car when he was telling me about his day and told me that he had a friend who was Budhist and I almost crashed the car when he asked me what religion we had. What???!!! Don't you know???!!!!
I realized that for me, it was so very obvious that we were Catholic, that I just expected Diego to know it instinctively. I told Patrick that night and we knew that some things had to change.
My religious beliefs are a huge part of who I am and we gave so much emphasis to teaching him his ABCs, making sure his Spanish and German were up to par, teaching him about sharing and limits, etc., that we forgot about religion. Shame on us, I know!
I totally went off subject... we were talking about his First Communion... We are now a family that speaks about God and how grateful we are on a regular basis. We go to mass on Sundays and it is precious to see how Diego gets it and all this will be part of who he is as well.
So, he was very ready for his big day and it turned out to be a wonderful day! My parents and my oldest sister came just for this occasion. The mass was very nice, and then the "reception" was held at a local restaurant where we, joined by good friends, had brunch.
We gave a "goodie bag" to each family present which consisted of a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine and a note that reads:
"Now that Diego has had his first Holy Communion, we pray to God to please remain with him now and always.
We pray that Diego will strengthen his faith through the years and that he will always know in his heart that whatever life may bring his way, God loves him and will be by his side.
We ask God to watch over our dear son and to lead him always on the right path.
We give thanks for all our many blessings and we thank you for sharing this very important and special occasion with us!"
Patrick and Paola
I realized that for me, it was so very obvious that we were Catholic, that I just expected Diego to know it instinctively. I told Patrick that night and we knew that some things had to change.
My religious beliefs are a huge part of who I am and we gave so much emphasis to teaching him his ABCs, making sure his Spanish and German were up to par, teaching him about sharing and limits, etc., that we forgot about religion. Shame on us, I know!
I totally went off subject... we were talking about his First Communion... We are now a family that speaks about God and how grateful we are on a regular basis. We go to mass on Sundays and it is precious to see how Diego gets it and all this will be part of who he is as well.
So, he was very ready for his big day and it turned out to be a wonderful day! My parents and my oldest sister came just for this occasion. The mass was very nice, and then the "reception" was held at a local restaurant where we, joined by good friends, had brunch.
We gave a "goodie bag" to each family present which consisted of a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine and a note that reads:
"Now that Diego has had his first Holy Communion, we pray to God to please remain with him now and always.
We pray that Diego will strengthen his faith through the years and that he will always know in his heart that whatever life may bring his way, God loves him and will be by his side.
We ask God to watch over our dear son and to lead him always on the right path.
We give thanks for all our many blessings and we thank you for sharing this very important and special occasion with us!"
Patrick and Paola
Children's Birthday Parties are a Rip-Off!
I haven't written in the longest time, but I've been angry about this since Isabel's birthday almost a month ago.
She insisted that she wanted to celebrate her birthday in "The Little Gym" and well, it seemed like a good idea because the house looks like a war zone and I don't think people would have enjoyed washing their hands in the kitchen since it is the only place where we currently have a sink. (That is a whole other topic).
It was a very nice party. Everyone had lots of fun, Isabel was thrilled and the photo ops were priceless. So, why am I complaining? When everything was said and done, we spent almost $500 on a party that lasted ONE HOUR AND 30 MINUTES!!! It is not that I am cheap and I don't want to spend in making my daughter's 5th birthday memorable. I just truly don't think it is a good price/value ratio. After the food and cake, the kids were playing, the adults were chatting and I was finally relaxed and having fun, when the "hostess" pretty much kicked us out. The nerve!!!
For the same money, we could have gone to Disneyland for a long weekend and really create some great memories. We could have thrown a even bigger party at home, invite more people and have it go way into the night.
Patrick and I have decided that from now on, we will make sure the kids know their birthday is very special, but we won't fall for the rush-rush commercial type cute little birthday party.
DISCLAIMER: I reserve the right to change my mind and let the status quo prevail if desperation takes over me (or if my children ask very nicely) ;).
She insisted that she wanted to celebrate her birthday in "The Little Gym" and well, it seemed like a good idea because the house looks like a war zone and I don't think people would have enjoyed washing their hands in the kitchen since it is the only place where we currently have a sink. (That is a whole other topic).
It was a very nice party. Everyone had lots of fun, Isabel was thrilled and the photo ops were priceless. So, why am I complaining? When everything was said and done, we spent almost $500 on a party that lasted ONE HOUR AND 30 MINUTES!!! It is not that I am cheap and I don't want to spend in making my daughter's 5th birthday memorable. I just truly don't think it is a good price/value ratio. After the food and cake, the kids were playing, the adults were chatting and I was finally relaxed and having fun, when the "hostess" pretty much kicked us out. The nerve!!!
For the same money, we could have gone to Disneyland for a long weekend and really create some great memories. We could have thrown a even bigger party at home, invite more people and have it go way into the night.
Patrick and I have decided that from now on, we will make sure the kids know their birthday is very special, but we won't fall for the rush-rush commercial type cute little birthday party.
DISCLAIMER: I reserve the right to change my mind and let the status quo prevail if desperation takes over me (or if my children ask very nicely) ;).
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Do we get points for effort?
Roger Berny, my father in law, passed away late last year.
April 15 would have been his birthday. We wanted to mark this special day in some way.
I came up with the idea of having Diego and Isabel draw birthday cards for their "Opa" (grandpa in German). We got a dozen colorful balloons and the idea wast to tie the cards to the balloons and let them go so the cards would reach Roger in Heaven.
The idea seemed loving, sweet and simple enough. The kids did a great job with their cards. Isabel insisted that she wanted to write hers without help and so part of it, had many letters that do not make words (at least not in any language I know). Patrick wrote the longest letter I have seen him write in decades. I did not read it, but it was evident that a lot of love went into it. I also made a card; wished Roger happiness (even though I don't have any doubt that he has it ) and asked him to look over his grandchildren.
The next day, on the 15th, we were running to have a couple of minutes free before school, work, etc. We all went out to the back yard. Patrick managed to take a picture of the balloons with the cards and letter. We sang Happy Birthday and counted... "one, two, three..." Diego and Isabel let go of the balloons which started going up and up. We all were wondering how long we would be able to still see them. Would they go into a cloud?
Well, the anticipation ended much too quickly. It just so happens that it was a windy day. We did not take that into consideration in the midst of our little ceremony. the balloons' journey came to a screeching halt.... when they got stuck in a branch in our neighbors big, tall tree.
We were all disappointed, but it actually made for a funnier. more memorable story.
The balloons are all gone, of course, but from our kitchen window, we can still see the bunch of colorful ribbons and the cards all mangled around the branch.
We all agreed that it did not matter that the balloons got stuck. Opa had surely seen all that we did. He surely appreciated the drawings in the cards and read the letter from the son that loved him so much. Besides, I can just bet he had a good laugh about the end result.
I will upload the little "balloon action" video tonight...
April 15 would have been his birthday. We wanted to mark this special day in some way.
I came up with the idea of having Diego and Isabel draw birthday cards for their "Opa" (grandpa in German). We got a dozen colorful balloons and the idea wast to tie the cards to the balloons and let them go so the cards would reach Roger in Heaven.
The idea seemed loving, sweet and simple enough. The kids did a great job with their cards. Isabel insisted that she wanted to write hers without help and so part of it, had many letters that do not make words (at least not in any language I know). Patrick wrote the longest letter I have seen him write in decades. I did not read it, but it was evident that a lot of love went into it. I also made a card; wished Roger happiness (even though I don't have any doubt that he has it ) and asked him to look over his grandchildren.
The next day, on the 15th, we were running to have a couple of minutes free before school, work, etc. We all went out to the back yard. Patrick managed to take a picture of the balloons with the cards and letter. We sang Happy Birthday and counted... "one, two, three..." Diego and Isabel let go of the balloons which started going up and up. We all were wondering how long we would be able to still see them. Would they go into a cloud?
Well, the anticipation ended much too quickly. It just so happens that it was a windy day. We did not take that into consideration in the midst of our little ceremony. the balloons' journey came to a screeching halt.... when they got stuck in a branch in our neighbors big, tall tree.
We were all disappointed, but it actually made for a funnier. more memorable story.
The balloons are all gone, of course, but from our kitchen window, we can still see the bunch of colorful ribbons and the cards all mangled around the branch.
We all agreed that it did not matter that the balloons got stuck. Opa had surely seen all that we did. He surely appreciated the drawings in the cards and read the letter from the son that loved him so much. Besides, I can just bet he had a good laugh about the end result.
I will upload the little "balloon action" video tonight...
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
A Lesson in what really matters
The remodeling project is slowly (very slowly) moving along. Two days ago Scott (our contractor) told me that he was ready to unveil the tub. I was very excited and happy when we saw it for the first time (bought it online so had never seen it live). It was only after a second inspection that I realized that the company had sent us the cheaper model (but had charged us for the top of the line one). They made the mistake, but I made a bigger one because the purchase order that I approved, listed the cheaper model.
AAAHHHH! The 30 days after shipping had passed and so legally, we were royally screwed (pardon my French). Patrick was very angry with me for not checking the P.O. 10 times before accepting it, but not as angry as I was with myself.
I called the company, almost cried and they promised to look into it and hopefully help us out somehow. This truly ruined my day. I felt physically ill to think that I made a potentially very expensive mistake. I knew that Patrick would never let me forget and that each time I would look at the now infamous bathtub, I would feel bad.
I was perfectly aware that I should not be feeling sooo down and bad about a tub. I knew that if this was my biggest problem, I was a lucky woman. I knew all of this, but I just could not shake the disappointment I felt towards myself.
In the afternoon I was explaining what had happened to Scott. he continued working and before he was ready to leave for the day, he called me and told me that he needed me to do him a big favor. I said "sure what is it?"
He told me the story of when he was working in another house. The wife was upset because she could still see the grain of the wood in a door after it was painted. He suggested changing the door to steel... there is no grain in steel. She got upset at his remark... This was happening when his mother was in the hospital and was about to die. He got to the hospital to see all the terminally ill patients and their families. They had real problems and real pain...
"Paola" Scott said " I promise you, everything will turn just fine no matter what. When we finish the project we will all sit with a bottle of wine and laugh about it. Please don't be sad. This was not your fault. If anyone's, it was my fault for not opening the box to inspect the tub sooner. Please cheer up! I will personally tell Patrick that he can never mention this again or I won't do his CAT6 lines around the house".
He knew that his last comment would make me laugh and it made Patrick laugh when I told him later. As cliche' as it may sound, it felt like a veil had lifted. I needed to hear Scott's story to really put things into perspective and realize how stupid I was for letting the "tub issue" affect me so much. Scott taught me an important lesson and the thing is... I got it!
We still don't know what will happen with the tub, but I now think that each time I see it, it will remind me of what really matters and make me smile!
AAAHHHH! The 30 days after shipping had passed and so legally, we were royally screwed (pardon my French). Patrick was very angry with me for not checking the P.O. 10 times before accepting it, but not as angry as I was with myself.
I called the company, almost cried and they promised to look into it and hopefully help us out somehow. This truly ruined my day. I felt physically ill to think that I made a potentially very expensive mistake. I knew that Patrick would never let me forget and that each time I would look at the now infamous bathtub, I would feel bad.
I was perfectly aware that I should not be feeling sooo down and bad about a tub. I knew that if this was my biggest problem, I was a lucky woman. I knew all of this, but I just could not shake the disappointment I felt towards myself.
In the afternoon I was explaining what had happened to Scott. he continued working and before he was ready to leave for the day, he called me and told me that he needed me to do him a big favor. I said "sure what is it?"
He told me the story of when he was working in another house. The wife was upset because she could still see the grain of the wood in a door after it was painted. He suggested changing the door to steel... there is no grain in steel. She got upset at his remark... This was happening when his mother was in the hospital and was about to die. He got to the hospital to see all the terminally ill patients and their families. They had real problems and real pain...
"Paola" Scott said " I promise you, everything will turn just fine no matter what. When we finish the project we will all sit with a bottle of wine and laugh about it. Please don't be sad. This was not your fault. If anyone's, it was my fault for not opening the box to inspect the tub sooner. Please cheer up! I will personally tell Patrick that he can never mention this again or I won't do his CAT6 lines around the house".
He knew that his last comment would make me laugh and it made Patrick laugh when I told him later. As cliche' as it may sound, it felt like a veil had lifted. I needed to hear Scott's story to really put things into perspective and realize how stupid I was for letting the "tub issue" affect me so much. Scott taught me an important lesson and the thing is... I got it!
We still don't know what will happen with the tub, but I now think that each time I see it, it will remind me of what really matters and make me smile!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Back from Vacation!
We spent 2 wonderful weeks in Guatemala.
This time, our vacation was truly relaxing at times, very hectic here and there and positively, absolutely fun!
A whole week at the beach house was just what the doctor ordered. Patrick slept and slept (I guess he really needed it). I was afraid that the kids were going to grow gills and fins. They just would not come out of the pool.
We had the oportunity to go deep sea fishing and even though some of us got sick, it was all worth it. We saw dolphins swimming right beside our boat, we saw tiny jelly fish and lots of see turtles. We were hoping for whales, but did not see any. Oh well, there is always next year.
Patrick and I went to a concert at the beach. (Fanny Lu and Elvis Crespo). We were afraid we were too old for this and that we would not enjoy it. Boy, were we wrong!!!! We had an amazing time. Instead of a concert it felt more like a huge party. Everybody was dancing and the energy level was through the roof. Patrick and I used to love to dance (all Latin rhythms) and had not done it in a long time. It felt great! The only thing I need to remember for next time is to bring more suitable shoes. I had flip flops on and it was super challenging. At the end of the night I could hardly walk.
Patrick and I escaped for 2 days to Antigua on a romantic getaway. It truly was so special. We reconnected and were just like honeymooners wondering around and kissing in public. Getting away just the 2 of us for a couple of days is now our new tradition. We never get to do it, so we really try to make the most out of it. By the way, Antigua has a bunch of new, very small luxury hotels that are simply gorgeous and not expensive at all.
The days in Guatemala City flew by. We always seemed to be busy and I was reminded (yet again) of what an amazing, fantastic family I have. They were all so sweet to Diego and Isabel and we had a blast together.
Two weeks is not a long time, but I am not complaining. I am grateful and very happy!!!
This time, our vacation was truly relaxing at times, very hectic here and there and positively, absolutely fun!
A whole week at the beach house was just what the doctor ordered. Patrick slept and slept (I guess he really needed it). I was afraid that the kids were going to grow gills and fins. They just would not come out of the pool.
We had the oportunity to go deep sea fishing and even though some of us got sick, it was all worth it. We saw dolphins swimming right beside our boat, we saw tiny jelly fish and lots of see turtles. We were hoping for whales, but did not see any. Oh well, there is always next year.
Patrick and I went to a concert at the beach. (Fanny Lu and Elvis Crespo). We were afraid we were too old for this and that we would not enjoy it. Boy, were we wrong!!!! We had an amazing time. Instead of a concert it felt more like a huge party. Everybody was dancing and the energy level was through the roof. Patrick and I used to love to dance (all Latin rhythms) and had not done it in a long time. It felt great! The only thing I need to remember for next time is to bring more suitable shoes. I had flip flops on and it was super challenging. At the end of the night I could hardly walk.
Patrick and I escaped for 2 days to Antigua on a romantic getaway. It truly was so special. We reconnected and were just like honeymooners wondering around and kissing in public. Getting away just the 2 of us for a couple of days is now our new tradition. We never get to do it, so we really try to make the most out of it. By the way, Antigua has a bunch of new, very small luxury hotels that are simply gorgeous and not expensive at all.
The days in Guatemala City flew by. We always seemed to be busy and I was reminded (yet again) of what an amazing, fantastic family I have. They were all so sweet to Diego and Isabel and we had a blast together.
Two weeks is not a long time, but I am not complaining. I am grateful and very happy!!!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Absent Minded and Forgetful! Blame genetics!
I was on the phone last night with my parents as I frequently am (I have this fantastic service that lets anyone in Guatemala call me and for them it is only a local call) and my mom was telling us (my father is on one phone, my mother on another and more often that not, they end up catching up on each other's day with me simply listening. I often need to remind them that I am also on the line) that Nandi (my beautiful 20 year old niece) lost her laptop. she then explained that she did not really loose it. She forgot it in the school where she teaches English. When she came back to retrieve it all she found was the laptop case.
My father went on saying that it was a good lesson and that next time she would be more careful with her things.
My mother didn't agree and I didn't either. I started thinking that I am always forgetting things. I have to say that I have been very lucky in my life (knock on wood) because I am always surrounded by people that "watch over me". I cannot count how many times I have left my purse in park benches, restaurants, movie theaters, etc. Amazingly, I always find it and nothing has ever been missing. (knock on wood once more). I believe I lost at least a dozen sweaters in my childhood and I posses absolutely no sense of direction.
I don't think I am an irresponsible person, I am simply absent minded. The fact that I loose something today does not mean that I will be "more careful" with my things tomorrow. I can say this with a straight face because I have been trying all my life. I now do things like not bringing a purse at all or making lists to make sure I don't forget stuff.
When I think about it, my wonderful beloved mother is 10 times worse and has been all her life. She is a very accomplished business woman who has managed to raise 6 children and run a busy household, yet she is always forgetful an dare I say... a little chaotic.
So, I feel for my niece. I actually think it is a genetic defect that runs in my family. I am not trying to excuse our behaviour. I am simply stating factual history. I guess we can always keep trying to do better and thank God for the people in our life that love us regardless of our flaws.
My father went on saying that it was a good lesson and that next time she would be more careful with her things.
My mother didn't agree and I didn't either. I started thinking that I am always forgetting things. I have to say that I have been very lucky in my life (knock on wood) because I am always surrounded by people that "watch over me". I cannot count how many times I have left my purse in park benches, restaurants, movie theaters, etc. Amazingly, I always find it and nothing has ever been missing. (knock on wood once more). I believe I lost at least a dozen sweaters in my childhood and I posses absolutely no sense of direction.
I don't think I am an irresponsible person, I am simply absent minded. The fact that I loose something today does not mean that I will be "more careful" with my things tomorrow. I can say this with a straight face because I have been trying all my life. I now do things like not bringing a purse at all or making lists to make sure I don't forget stuff.
When I think about it, my wonderful beloved mother is 10 times worse and has been all her life. She is a very accomplished business woman who has managed to raise 6 children and run a busy household, yet she is always forgetful an dare I say... a little chaotic.
So, I feel for my niece. I actually think it is a genetic defect that runs in my family. I am not trying to excuse our behaviour. I am simply stating factual history. I guess we can always keep trying to do better and thank God for the people in our life that love us regardless of our flaws.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Do Not Use The Water, I am Taking a Shower!!!!!!
This is what we are used to shouting before stepping into the shower in my house. The kids normally take showers in the evening and I have to make sure that I fill pots with water or wash vegetables, etc. before they step into the bathroom because if while in the shower, anyone else in the house turns any other faucet on, you will instantly get re-invigorated in the form of very, very cold water. In the morning ,this is my normal routine....
ME: "la, la, la, la... oh what a wonderful , nice, hot shower I am taking this morning." "AAHHHGH! PATRICK TURN OFF THE FAUCET!"
Patrick: "Sorry Schatz, I was brushing my teeth".
me: "Oh, O.K..... la, la, la AAAHHHHGH! Patrick, what now?"
Patrick: "I am trying to shave, do you mind?"
me: "Yes I mind. It is freezing, you know!"
Patrick: "Well, suck it up!!!"
... needless to say, I don't suck it up. I blame him for daring to even think of approaching a faucet while I am taking a shower. I blame the piping for not working right. I blame the water for being too cold and then too hot. I blame the bathroom for ...well I blame the bathroom for being ugly. This last one has nothing to do with the water temperature, but I still thought it was important to point out.
We realized this interesting detail about the water flow in our home after we moved in over 4 years ago. A couple of years later we installed a bigger water heater thinking that it would solve the problem... but it did not.
Our contractor Scott, called me this morning and told me that he now figured out why this was happenning. It just so happens that someone along the way (the house is 37 years old) mixed the water lines... the cold line goes to the hot or something like that.
The promising news is that since he found the problem, he will fix it (at least that is the plan)!
You might take normal hot, uninterrupted showers for granted, but for us it will be a huge upgrade.
ME: "la, la, la, la... oh what a wonderful , nice, hot shower I am taking this morning." "AAHHHGH! PATRICK TURN OFF THE FAUCET!"
Patrick: "Sorry Schatz, I was brushing my teeth".
me: "Oh, O.K..... la, la, la AAAHHHHGH! Patrick, what now?"
Patrick: "I am trying to shave, do you mind?"
me: "Yes I mind. It is freezing, you know!"
Patrick: "Well, suck it up!!!"
... needless to say, I don't suck it up. I blame him for daring to even think of approaching a faucet while I am taking a shower. I blame the piping for not working right. I blame the water for being too cold and then too hot. I blame the bathroom for ...well I blame the bathroom for being ugly. This last one has nothing to do with the water temperature, but I still thought it was important to point out.
We realized this interesting detail about the water flow in our home after we moved in over 4 years ago. A couple of years later we installed a bigger water heater thinking that it would solve the problem... but it did not.
Our contractor Scott, called me this morning and told me that he now figured out why this was happenning. It just so happens that someone along the way (the house is 37 years old) mixed the water lines... the cold line goes to the hot or something like that.
The promising news is that since he found the problem, he will fix it (at least that is the plan)!
You might take normal hot, uninterrupted showers for granted, but for us it will be a huge upgrade.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
s
Diego Breaking Boards (hearts will surely come later)
Diego during his "Green-one" karate test. He had broken one the day before, so he was not too worried about it. I surely was. If you don't break your board, you don't get your new belt. Imagine the disappointment. Thank God everything went really well.
Isabel and Diego- 2008 Calendar
We started giving calendars of the kids to our family in 2003 or 2004 (I can't remember). A couple of years ago we simply did not have the time to go through all the pictures and perform the great "calendar task". We thought, "Oh well, I guess there will be no calendar this year and that will be that". Wrong! Both Patrick's family and mine complained and demanded a calendar.
We gave in an finally created one that starts in April.
Now that has become the new tradition. We always give the calendars starting in April which actually has a couple of advantages from your normal January through December variety.
There is first of all the originality aspect. The end of the year is already swamped with things to do and this project always takes longer than anticipated. My favorite reason why giving the calendars in Spring is a good idea is that we have found them for sale. I guess calendars are not in big demand in March and we are more than happy to take advantage of that.
Well, I just ordered this year's run and wanted to share the pictures with you. These are the finalists...
For some reason this thing only let me upload 4 pictures, I will make new posts with the rest...
We gave in an finally created one that starts in April.
Now that has become the new tradition. We always give the calendars starting in April which actually has a couple of advantages from your normal January through December variety.
There is first of all the originality aspect. The end of the year is already swamped with things to do and this project always takes longer than anticipated. My favorite reason why giving the calendars in Spring is a good idea is that we have found them for sale. I guess calendars are not in big demand in March and we are more than happy to take advantage of that.
Well, I just ordered this year's run and wanted to share the pictures with you. These are the finalists...
For some reason this thing only let me upload 4 pictures, I will make new posts with the rest...
Friday, February 29, 2008
The Future Holds Dust and Sand
After two years of talking about it, we are actually going to remodel our bathrooms. We have made everyone we know sick with our bathroom planning conversations and honestly I, myself, cannot hear about it anymore.
I think I am dreaming when I go into the kids' bathroom and see that it has been demolished. At this point, the actual rennovation has to happen, right?
We have been waiting for sooooooooo long, that all the construction nightmares that people talk about, I will welcome with open arms.
I am so excited!!!!!
I am getting a new closet out of the deal, the kids are getting a nice, spacious jetted spa and a slightly bigger bathroom. My environmentally conscious better half insisted on "dual flush toilets" (you press one button for #1 and the water consumption is just 0.9 gpf, you press the bigger button for #2 and it delivers a 1.6 gpf) (gpf=gallons per flush). When he was trying to "sell" this toilet to me, I looked at him with great big eyes (well, at least as much as I can open them, which granted, is not much at all) and a light bulb went on in my mind. "Ohhh, so that's why in your parents' home there are 2 buttons to flush" I never knew. No one ever explained this system to me. I always pressed one, I don't know which one." I feel so stupid! For 15 years I have visited bathrooms in Europe and I never had a clue about the two flushers. Wow, I feel enlightened!
Anyway, I went off subject.... back to our beautiful soon to be remodeled bathrooms...
Right now, Patrick and I share a sink and I cannot wait to be able to brush my teeth without waiting in line or blow dry my hair without sharing the space with a man shaving. Did I mention the walk-in shower with a glass block wall; the "car wash" style shower panel with 6 body jets and the heated tile floor? Yep, we are getting those too. In my mind both bathrooms are just gorgeous. I truly do hope the reality will be the same.
After all this wonderful mess, the nicest part of our home will, by far, be the bathrooms so don't be surprised if we invite you for tea and cake in the bathtub.
So, that is the dusty part of the news. For the sandy part, we are just so happy to announce that we are going to Guatemala for Easter (a whole two wonderful, fantastic weeks). One of those weeks we will spend in my sister's beach house. I cannot wait! There is too many exciting things happenning! Life is good!
I think I am dreaming when I go into the kids' bathroom and see that it has been demolished. At this point, the actual rennovation has to happen, right?
We have been waiting for sooooooooo long, that all the construction nightmares that people talk about, I will welcome with open arms.
I am so excited!!!!!
I am getting a new closet out of the deal, the kids are getting a nice, spacious jetted spa and a slightly bigger bathroom. My environmentally conscious better half insisted on "dual flush toilets" (you press one button for #1 and the water consumption is just 0.9 gpf, you press the bigger button for #2 and it delivers a 1.6 gpf) (gpf=gallons per flush). When he was trying to "sell" this toilet to me, I looked at him with great big eyes (well, at least as much as I can open them, which granted, is not much at all) and a light bulb went on in my mind. "Ohhh, so that's why in your parents' home there are 2 buttons to flush" I never knew. No one ever explained this system to me. I always pressed one, I don't know which one." I feel so stupid! For 15 years I have visited bathrooms in Europe and I never had a clue about the two flushers. Wow, I feel enlightened!
Anyway, I went off subject.... back to our beautiful soon to be remodeled bathrooms...
Right now, Patrick and I share a sink and I cannot wait to be able to brush my teeth without waiting in line or blow dry my hair without sharing the space with a man shaving. Did I mention the walk-in shower with a glass block wall; the "car wash" style shower panel with 6 body jets and the heated tile floor? Yep, we are getting those too. In my mind both bathrooms are just gorgeous. I truly do hope the reality will be the same.
After all this wonderful mess, the nicest part of our home will, by far, be the bathrooms so don't be surprised if we invite you for tea and cake in the bathtub.
So, that is the dusty part of the news. For the sandy part, we are just so happy to announce that we are going to Guatemala for Easter (a whole two wonderful, fantastic weeks). One of those weeks we will spend in my sister's beach house. I cannot wait! There is too many exciting things happenning! Life is good!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
My Perfect Heaven
I am currently reading a book recommended by my boss. It is called "The Lovely Bones" (the name of the author escapes me). It is about a 15 year old girl who is savagedly killed. The story is not so much about her, but rather about her family, their grief and how they find love and a new "normal" in their lives. I am not even half way through it, so I cannot review it yet.
There is one concept in the book that caught my attention and that seemed fun to explore...
This girl goes to heaven, but in this book, heaven is not one place. Each inidvidual person has a different heaven filled with anything and everything they liked while alive.
I starting thinking about how my heaven would be...
The first real problem I see is that the people you love are not with you anymore, but if I think about it, it is my heaven so I say everyone I have ever liked, would be there. It is my rules anyway...
My heaven would be a beautiful city with nice huge parks. The weather would be mild and all days would be sunny. The sky would not be totally blue, you would see those big puffy fat clouds. You could see a volcano or two far away in the background (close enough to admire, but far away enough not to have to go climb it).
There would be people around, but it would not be overly crowded. I would work in my heaven. Doing nothing does not seem appealing to me. I obviously would not over do it. I would take long leisurely lunches and many, many long weekends.
My children would be the happiest, most well rounded kids ever. Their Spanish would be flawless and I would always approve of their friends and all of their friend's parents would be our good close friends as well. We would all get together on weekends to have parties with dancing, drinking and great food.
My friends and family would not always agree with everything I say, but we would all appreciate the others' point of view and we would constantly learn from one another.
All days would be good hair days. No one would ever be overweight and I would not need a "boob-job" simply because, well, you know... they would be naturally perfect.
The term "house work" would not exist. As soon as you would take your clothes off, they would magically be nicely washed and ironed back in your closet. In my heaven, Patrick would do all the cooking because he likes it and he would also have lots of time. Right after dinner, all the cleanup would instantly be done, so we could have more quality time together.
I love watching my tv shows so they would be around, but commercials would not exist.
Planes would not be necessary because we would all use tele-trasportation to move around.
I am sure I am missing a lot of stuff... oh well, I have to now work hard in making sure that many, many, many years from now I will get my chance to be in my heaven. What would your heaven be like?
There is one concept in the book that caught my attention and that seemed fun to explore...
This girl goes to heaven, but in this book, heaven is not one place. Each inidvidual person has a different heaven filled with anything and everything they liked while alive.
I starting thinking about how my heaven would be...
The first real problem I see is that the people you love are not with you anymore, but if I think about it, it is my heaven so I say everyone I have ever liked, would be there. It is my rules anyway...
My heaven would be a beautiful city with nice huge parks. The weather would be mild and all days would be sunny. The sky would not be totally blue, you would see those big puffy fat clouds. You could see a volcano or two far away in the background (close enough to admire, but far away enough not to have to go climb it).
There would be people around, but it would not be overly crowded. I would work in my heaven. Doing nothing does not seem appealing to me. I obviously would not over do it. I would take long leisurely lunches and many, many long weekends.
My children would be the happiest, most well rounded kids ever. Their Spanish would be flawless and I would always approve of their friends and all of their friend's parents would be our good close friends as well. We would all get together on weekends to have parties with dancing, drinking and great food.
My friends and family would not always agree with everything I say, but we would all appreciate the others' point of view and we would constantly learn from one another.
All days would be good hair days. No one would ever be overweight and I would not need a "boob-job" simply because, well, you know... they would be naturally perfect.
The term "house work" would not exist. As soon as you would take your clothes off, they would magically be nicely washed and ironed back in your closet. In my heaven, Patrick would do all the cooking because he likes it and he would also have lots of time. Right after dinner, all the cleanup would instantly be done, so we could have more quality time together.
I love watching my tv shows so they would be around, but commercials would not exist.
Planes would not be necessary because we would all use tele-trasportation to move around.
I am sure I am missing a lot of stuff... oh well, I have to now work hard in making sure that many, many, many years from now I will get my chance to be in my heaven. What would your heaven be like?
Saturday, February 16, 2008
What I want my Kids to Remember about their Childhood
After reading the title of this blog, you might think that I am about to get very profound and that what I wish for my children is for them to remember a home filled with love. You might think that I want them to remember that they always felt safe and that we encouraged them to go after their dreams. You would guess that I want them to remember that they could not get away with stuff. That their parents were strict, but at the same time they were tremendously spoiled from time to time. It would be great if the moral lessons of working hard, being fair, polite and to have good manners will stay with them forever.
Yeah, yeah... I of course want them to remember all that good stuff, but that is not what I am talking about.
I come from a big family and when I think about my childhood the thing I remember most of all is simply the chaos of so many people. I remember going on vacation with my immediate family (the 21 of us). Always sitting in extremely long tables at restaurants and loving being part of all the mess. I remember always looking up and wanting to be like my sister Yolanda. (that has not changed, even though nowadays I look down on her, simply because she is shorter than me ;).
I do hope Diego and Isabel remember how great it is to be part of such a big, fun, complicated family when we go visit, but I want my legacy to be more direct and immediate.
I picture Diego, for example, talking to his kids many years from now and saying " the thing I remember most about my childhood is that we were always dancing. My mom was always trying to teach us new latin steps and even though the whole thing was very silly, we had a lot of fun".
I make a very conscious effort of constantly having music around. Sometimes it is salsa/ merengue stuff, very often it is simply whatever is popular in latin pop. Currently we are well versed in High School Musical , Hanna Montana and The Jonas Brothers. As long as we are singing and/or dancing in the car and around the house. Poor Patrick tries to play jazz and classical music but it never lasts for too long because I am always changing it back to what the kids or I want.
So that is it. I hope my children remember a house filled with DANCING!
Yeah, yeah... I of course want them to remember all that good stuff, but that is not what I am talking about.
I come from a big family and when I think about my childhood the thing I remember most of all is simply the chaos of so many people. I remember going on vacation with my immediate family (the 21 of us). Always sitting in extremely long tables at restaurants and loving being part of all the mess. I remember always looking up and wanting to be like my sister Yolanda. (that has not changed, even though nowadays I look down on her, simply because she is shorter than me ;).
I do hope Diego and Isabel remember how great it is to be part of such a big, fun, complicated family when we go visit, but I want my legacy to be more direct and immediate.
I picture Diego, for example, talking to his kids many years from now and saying " the thing I remember most about my childhood is that we were always dancing. My mom was always trying to teach us new latin steps and even though the whole thing was very silly, we had a lot of fun".
I make a very conscious effort of constantly having music around. Sometimes it is salsa/ merengue stuff, very often it is simply whatever is popular in latin pop. Currently we are well versed in High School Musical , Hanna Montana and The Jonas Brothers. As long as we are singing and/or dancing in the car and around the house. Poor Patrick tries to play jazz and classical music but it never lasts for too long because I am always changing it back to what the kids or I want.
So that is it. I hope my children remember a house filled with DANCING!
How to Age 10 Years in Two Minutes...
I was minding my own business yesterday morning. The most immediate worry I had was that I had forgotten (again) to bring my lunch to work and I was pondering whether I was going to buy some fast food, wait and eat after work or go buy a wonderful (NOT) frozen meal.
Suddenly, the cell phone rang... It was my good friend Gyongyver (aka Pearl, Gaby).
..."Paola, have you heard what happened"
(here I thought, oh goodie! She will tell me some good gossip... boy, was I ever wrong).
She explained to me that a friend of hers had called her asking for my number because she wanted to talk to me. Apparently her son had kicked Isabel on the mouth and broke a tooth.
"What?!?!?!?!?!?!" " I have not heard anything. The school has not called me! What happened? How did it happen? Was it an accident? Where were they? Where is she? Does Patrick know?
I promised her to call her right after I called the school and find out what the hell was going on?
While I was dialing the school's number (good thing I know it by heart) I could imagine my beautiful girl all bloody and I could picture the tooth on the floor. I felt really mad at the school for not calling me immediately. How can it be that I find out from someone else?! I felt guilty for being at work and not protecting her. That is it! From now on both my children will be home schooled (ja, ja, that last one I just made up for dramatic purposes... that thought never entered my mind).
I guess I wasn't making much sense on the phone because whoever answered the phone was absolutely not understanding me. I regained my cool, took a deep breath and started again.
Oh dear Lord, what a relief when she explained to me that in fact, all the story had happened... two days ago and the little girl was Isabella in Kindergarten. Not my daughter!!! Not Isabel in Jr.K
When I went to pick Isabel up, I checked her smile anyway, just to make quadruple sure. I actually saw poor Isabella as well and it was 2 teeth that were knocked off.
Yep, if you notice yet another gray hair... you know why.
Suddenly, the cell phone rang... It was my good friend Gyongyver (aka Pearl, Gaby).
..."Paola, have you heard what happened"
(here I thought, oh goodie! She will tell me some good gossip... boy, was I ever wrong).
She explained to me that a friend of hers had called her asking for my number because she wanted to talk to me. Apparently her son had kicked Isabel on the mouth and broke a tooth.
"What?!?!?!?!?!?!" " I have not heard anything. The school has not called me! What happened? How did it happen? Was it an accident? Where were they? Where is she? Does Patrick know?
I promised her to call her right after I called the school and find out what the hell was going on?
While I was dialing the school's number (good thing I know it by heart) I could imagine my beautiful girl all bloody and I could picture the tooth on the floor. I felt really mad at the school for not calling me immediately. How can it be that I find out from someone else?! I felt guilty for being at work and not protecting her. That is it! From now on both my children will be home schooled (ja, ja, that last one I just made up for dramatic purposes... that thought never entered my mind).
I guess I wasn't making much sense on the phone because whoever answered the phone was absolutely not understanding me. I regained my cool, took a deep breath and started again.
Oh dear Lord, what a relief when she explained to me that in fact, all the story had happened... two days ago and the little girl was Isabella in Kindergarten. Not my daughter!!! Not Isabel in Jr.K
When I went to pick Isabel up, I checked her smile anyway, just to make quadruple sure. I actually saw poor Isabella as well and it was 2 teeth that were knocked off.
Yep, if you notice yet another gray hair... you know why.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Republican No More (Part 2)
Let us get right to the point... I could not disapprove more with George W. Bush!
He has made such a mess of things in so many levels.
It makes me really angry to hear the rest of the world trash the US because of the idiotic (just my humble opinion) foreign policy of one administration. This country has been very good to me and after 10 years, I guess I have earned the right to feel protective of it.
I was so relieved when I found out that I was not alone. I actually found a website called republicansagainstbush.com Pretty cool, I thought... But wait! Something weird started to happen. My strong dislike of the Republican president made me actually open my eyes and realize that everything is not either black or white. I actually started noticing that I did not agree with everything and anything Republican.
"What... It cannot be" "I must be wrong because surely they are not. Are they?"
Even worse... I started agreeing with a couple of points some Democrats were making. "Dear Lord, I have been living in the Bay Area for too long. Next thing I know, I will be in favor of gay civil unions. Hey, but I am in favor of gay civil unions!?!?"
Instead of running to the nearest Republican shirnk, I decided to accept the possibility of the world having shades of grey. I find myself now in a very intereting position. All politicians on both sides of the aisle will campaign to earn my support. Hey, I guess I am pretty special. I still agree on a lot of the conservative views (specially regarding economic policies and against unions). I favor the solution Democrats present on Immigration and about universal healthcare FOR CHILDREN. I am in favor of gun control and pro-life. I would love to see the Libertarian eduaction program in place where parents have absolute freedom about where they children will go to school. I could go on and on...
It has taken me a lot of time to be able to say out loud that I no longer consider myself Republican. I am a die-hard Independent. Ahh... that felt good!
He has made such a mess of things in so many levels.
It makes me really angry to hear the rest of the world trash the US because of the idiotic (just my humble opinion) foreign policy of one administration. This country has been very good to me and after 10 years, I guess I have earned the right to feel protective of it.
I was so relieved when I found out that I was not alone. I actually found a website called republicansagainstbush.com Pretty cool, I thought... But wait! Something weird started to happen. My strong dislike of the Republican president made me actually open my eyes and realize that everything is not either black or white. I actually started noticing that I did not agree with everything and anything Republican.
"What... It cannot be" "I must be wrong because surely they are not. Are they?"
Even worse... I started agreeing with a couple of points some Democrats were making. "Dear Lord, I have been living in the Bay Area for too long. Next thing I know, I will be in favor of gay civil unions. Hey, but I am in favor of gay civil unions!?!?"
Instead of running to the nearest Republican shirnk, I decided to accept the possibility of the world having shades of grey. I find myself now in a very intereting position. All politicians on both sides of the aisle will campaign to earn my support. Hey, I guess I am pretty special. I still agree on a lot of the conservative views (specially regarding economic policies and against unions). I favor the solution Democrats present on Immigration and about universal healthcare FOR CHILDREN. I am in favor of gun control and pro-life. I would love to see the Libertarian eduaction program in place where parents have absolute freedom about where they children will go to school. I could go on and on...
It has taken me a lot of time to be able to say out loud that I no longer consider myself Republican. I am a die-hard Independent. Ahh... that felt good!
Friday, February 1, 2008
We are thrilled about Patrick's promotion, aren't we?
Patrick started his profesional life in 1995 just after finishing university (God, we are old). He has worked as a software engineer all his life. Like most of our friends, he is very dedicated and works hard. He has had ups and downs along the way, but I truly believe that things happen for a reason. Take Logitech, for example. I thought Patrick would stay there for a long time, but things worked out differently. (I dislike them terribly, but please keep buying Logitech mice and keybords, etc. We still owe some of their stock and some of our dearest friends are still working there).
Anyway, Patrick is now in a small company turned huge company (they were bought last Summer) and he was getting a little anxious about his prospects with them. he started looking around and testing the waters for a better oportunity... and he got it!
He was just promoted to a position that still has no title and we have no clue of the salary increase (if any), but we are very excited still.
Patrick is now very aware of the meaning of "be careful what you wish for". He always wanted to have more responsibility. He always wanted to be a manager and be able to mentor young engineers. He always wanted to be more involved in the development of new products. Well, he is getting his dream and feels completely SCARED!
I think is cute and funny. As my father said, he would think less of Patrick if he did not feel a little scared about the new challenge ahead. I told him that he feels like the pre-schooler that is scared about starting Kindergarten. He doesn't want to leave his old friends, and he is not sure if he is going to like his new teacher.
All I want to do is kiss his rapidly expanding forehead and say "my darling Patrick, everything is going to be just fine and you will be great. I promise".
How do I feel about Patrick's promotion? I thought you would never ask...
Part of me is very happy and proud. the idea of more money is promising....but... I cannot help but feel somewhat worried about the balance in his life. I already promised him that I will be very supportive and understanding until he gets the ball rolling. I am sure there will be long nights, trips, weekends working, etc. That is all o.k. for the first six months and here and there after that. I just pray to God that his new job won't consume him in a way that he will have no time left for his two wonderful children and his amazing, sexy wife.
Anyway, Patrick is now in a small company turned huge company (they were bought last Summer) and he was getting a little anxious about his prospects with them. he started looking around and testing the waters for a better oportunity... and he got it!
He was just promoted to a position that still has no title and we have no clue of the salary increase (if any), but we are very excited still.
Patrick is now very aware of the meaning of "be careful what you wish for". He always wanted to have more responsibility. He always wanted to be a manager and be able to mentor young engineers. He always wanted to be more involved in the development of new products. Well, he is getting his dream and feels completely SCARED!
I think is cute and funny. As my father said, he would think less of Patrick if he did not feel a little scared about the new challenge ahead. I told him that he feels like the pre-schooler that is scared about starting Kindergarten. He doesn't want to leave his old friends, and he is not sure if he is going to like his new teacher.
All I want to do is kiss his rapidly expanding forehead and say "my darling Patrick, everything is going to be just fine and you will be great. I promise".
How do I feel about Patrick's promotion? I thought you would never ask...
Part of me is very happy and proud. the idea of more money is promising....but... I cannot help but feel somewhat worried about the balance in his life. I already promised him that I will be very supportive and understanding until he gets the ball rolling. I am sure there will be long nights, trips, weekends working, etc. That is all o.k. for the first six months and here and there after that. I just pray to God that his new job won't consume him in a way that he will have no time left for his two wonderful children and his amazing, sexy wife.
Am I a Republican? Not anymore (I think)
People who have known me for a long time know that I have always been a little obsessed with US politics. It all started when I was a little girl. The political atmosphere in all of Central America was very unstable. The sandinistas where already inside Nicaragua. I knew that my parents were worried about Guatemala's future. Carter was the US president and it was an election year. It's funny... I was only 8 years old and I remember it all so clearly. It seems like everybody was talking about the upcoming US elections. My father explained to me that to Americans, who would win (Carter re-elected or Reagan), did not matter nearly as much as it did to us. Carter was not doing anything about the turmoil in our region and my father kept insisting that it was in the best interest of Americans not to let the Central American countries fall to regimes like Cuba's. The Republican candidate Gov. from California- Ronald Reagan got that, and promised to help out if he became the next president.
He won and when the results came in, I remember understanding how big it was becasue you could here fireworks all throughout Guatemala City (or maybe throughout my neighborhood). The ones that normally we hear at midnight on Christmas Eve.
That was the night I became a Republican!
Four years later I was staying with a family in Salt Lake City studying English and I was very happily surprised when I found out that my "dad" was the biggest Republican political junkie ever. They had fundraising dinner parties and I helped bake US shaped cookies. We placed a jelly bean around Washington DC and another one around Utah. The night before the election I volunteered to go house to house to leave door hangers encouraging people to go out and vote. When we celebrated the re-election of Ronald Reagan the following night, I felt as if I truly was part of that victory. What can I say, Iwas hooked for life. From then on, I would take a very profound interest in US politics.
The next 15 years passed and I was one of the proudest Republicans (mind you I was not an US citizen, did not leave in the US and was underage) alive. The university I got my B.A. from has very strong conservative economical views and a political philosophy leanning heavely towards the right. Needless to say, that school fitted me like a glove.
Those were simpler times. I was so sure of who I was (politically speaking) and what I believed in. So what happenned? Many things all at the same time... keep reading.
I was obviously very happy when the first Bush became president. Simply put, a Republican in office could do no wrong. I was disappointed when Clinton became president. To this day, I find some of the things he did reprehensible. Take the "morning after pill" for example. Making it so readily available seems absolutely irresponsible. I don't want to get into the abortion debate...
Anyway... when it was time for a new president I supported George W. Bush and I can honestly say that I am so relieved that I was not allowed to vote becasue I would have voted for him and would not be able to forgive myself for that mistake.
Ah... so this is where things start changing and my world started turning upside down. Yep, I guess. Stay tuned...
He won and when the results came in, I remember understanding how big it was becasue you could here fireworks all throughout Guatemala City (or maybe throughout my neighborhood). The ones that normally we hear at midnight on Christmas Eve.
That was the night I became a Republican!
Four years later I was staying with a family in Salt Lake City studying English and I was very happily surprised when I found out that my "dad" was the biggest Republican political junkie ever. They had fundraising dinner parties and I helped bake US shaped cookies. We placed a jelly bean around Washington DC and another one around Utah. The night before the election I volunteered to go house to house to leave door hangers encouraging people to go out and vote. When we celebrated the re-election of Ronald Reagan the following night, I felt as if I truly was part of that victory. What can I say, Iwas hooked for life. From then on, I would take a very profound interest in US politics.
The next 15 years passed and I was one of the proudest Republicans (mind you I was not an US citizen, did not leave in the US and was underage) alive. The university I got my B.A. from has very strong conservative economical views and a political philosophy leanning heavely towards the right. Needless to say, that school fitted me like a glove.
Those were simpler times. I was so sure of who I was (politically speaking) and what I believed in. So what happenned? Many things all at the same time... keep reading.
I was obviously very happy when the first Bush became president. Simply put, a Republican in office could do no wrong. I was disappointed when Clinton became president. To this day, I find some of the things he did reprehensible. Take the "morning after pill" for example. Making it so readily available seems absolutely irresponsible. I don't want to get into the abortion debate...
Anyway... when it was time for a new president I supported George W. Bush and I can honestly say that I am so relieved that I was not allowed to vote becasue I would have voted for him and would not be able to forgive myself for that mistake.
Ah... so this is where things start changing and my world started turning upside down. Yep, I guess. Stay tuned...
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Welcome to my Blog!
Hello everybody!
I have been wanting to this for a very long time. I always liked the idea of sharing some of my crazy thoughts, experiences and just interesting stories with my friends and family.
I have been living in the US for more than 10 years now and I have noticed how living here has changed me in some respects; and how other aspects of my life will never change no matter how long I am away from home. It is absolutely interesting to see how Isabel and Diego (my children, but most of you already knew that) are different from me and the same at the same time.
Don't even get me started on how complicated it gets to try to be true to my beliefs, traditions, routines and values and at the same time accept and even participate in Patrick's (my lovely Swiss hubby) beliefs, traditions, routines and values.
So, we are a family where 3 languages are spoken, many times simultanously; where my husband and I do not agree on a lot of issues, but somehow have managed to raise two wonderful, kind and dare I say, extremely cute (I am being totally objective, ofcourse) children.
This blog will simply have stories about our life and my thoughts. I presume that it would be rather boring for most people, but somewhat amuzing to those of you who know us. I promise to throw some pictures here and there (mostly of the kids and/or Patrick- I hate pictures of myself).
I am thinking that I will do most of the writing in English, simply so more people can read it. All my friends and family (with the exception of my parents) understand English very well, so here we go...
I have been wanting to this for a very long time. I always liked the idea of sharing some of my crazy thoughts, experiences and just interesting stories with my friends and family.
I have been living in the US for more than 10 years now and I have noticed how living here has changed me in some respects; and how other aspects of my life will never change no matter how long I am away from home. It is absolutely interesting to see how Isabel and Diego (my children, but most of you already knew that) are different from me and the same at the same time.
Don't even get me started on how complicated it gets to try to be true to my beliefs, traditions, routines and values and at the same time accept and even participate in Patrick's (my lovely Swiss hubby) beliefs, traditions, routines and values.
So, we are a family where 3 languages are spoken, many times simultanously; where my husband and I do not agree on a lot of issues, but somehow have managed to raise two wonderful, kind and dare I say, extremely cute (I am being totally objective, ofcourse) children.
This blog will simply have stories about our life and my thoughts. I presume that it would be rather boring for most people, but somewhat amuzing to those of you who know us. I promise to throw some pictures here and there (mostly of the kids and/or Patrick- I hate pictures of myself).
I am thinking that I will do most of the writing in English, simply so more people can read it. All my friends and family (with the exception of my parents) understand English very well, so here we go...
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