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.
Friday, June 20, 2008
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!!!
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