August 31, 2010

• School started since the last time I posted, 3 weeks ago. Zachary really likes his new teacher – yay! And if you’ve ever wanted to feel like a superior parent, I’ve enclosed a photo of my 2-year-old eating raw fish (hamachi.) Everything in moderation, including our mercury intake!

    

  The first weekend after school started, we went to Lowes visit to build a bug box. Then my sisters came to visit for an early birthday celebration (mine!) We all went to Dave & Busters to play games … using the same token cards we got from a work event in July. I have no idea how much was on those cards, but they really lasted. Sophie got the all-time high score in Whack-a-Mole (no cheating either) … and the ‘Deal or No Deal’ game was surprisingly exciting! We had over 3000 tickets, but there was nothing of interest in the prize redemption store – not even for a 6-year-old. We saved our credits in hopes they will restock with better items, or maybe we’ll just lose the card and/or forget about it.

     

  In the evening, my sister’s treated me to Mulvaney’s in midtown for dinner. The restaurant had great service and even gave us a special menu with a birthday message. Thank you Alice and Sophie for coming up to celebrate! Happy 36th Birthday to me!

  

  Later that week, Dana took me out for Mikuni’s. I deviated from my normal order of sashimi and indulged in a specialty roll, drenched in yummy (and I am sure calorie-laden) sauce. Thank you Dana! For my actual birthday on Friday, James and I went out for dinner (Fat’s) and a movie (Inception.) That Saturday, a few coworkers and I had a surprise birthday party for my pre-reorg manager… Happy 50th Birthday Steve!

   

  That weekend was also ’Opening Day’ for our city’s youth soccer league. It was basically a lot of bounce houses and a few vendors selling food and soccer related paraphernalia. Luckily, we got there early because the lines for bounce houses got long pretty fast. On Sunday, we went to Ed and Lori’s for dinner … salmon barbecued/smoked on cedar planks. I think it was the best grilled salmon I’ve ever had. They have a huge backyard, and the kids enjoyed playing outside.

   

  This past weekend, Calie went to a trial class at Trick’s gymnastics. I’ve heard great things about them – however, the class Calie went to was mostly free play, which she gets plenty of at daycare. I later found out it was ‘creative week’ and usually, there’s more guidance. We may have to do another trial class before making a decision – I really want something that’s for Calie since Zach has soccer. Speaking of soccer, Saturday was the seeding tournament. There are 3 groups in his age division based on ability/experience. Since Zachary (and quite a few of his teammates) are new to soccer this year, they defaulted to the 3rd group. The purpose of the seeding tournament is to move teams, if needed, to the appropriate group. They played 3 games … and after a tie and 2 loses, they stayed in the 3rd group. All the boys (and more importantly the parents!) were good sports. Zachary practiced kicking off and on all weekend - I really hope they win at least one game this season! One of the boys’ mom is a great photographer:

  

  My sister made the team banner, which solicited tons of compliments – thank you Alice!

  

  In the evening, we went to a small zoo fund raiser event. Dinner was samples from Olive Garden, Granitos, and Cupcake Cravings. There were a few live animals, 2 art projects, live music, and docents on-hand to talk about their displays. We recieved a goodie bag, which included a coupon for a free Round Table Pizza.

  

  Zachary and Calie continue their Sunday swim lessons – both are making good progress. Monday and Wednesday evenings are reserved for soccer practice, and starting mid-September, there will be Saturday games. Homework has started again, but fortunately it’s just review. Yep … summer is over, and we’re getting into the school year routine.

  On top of kids and weekend activities, work has been very busy the last 3 weeks … 5 full days of meetings and 4 days of classes (1 down today, 3 more to go in Santa Clara tomorrow.) Lots of catered/working lunches and two dinner team builders (Bistro33 and Scott’s Seafood). Exercise has, unfortunately, taken a back seat to work and family life and I’ve gained 2lbs (which doesn’t sound like much, but I only lose 0.5-1 lb per week). My ‘Largest Loser’ team at work has only 1 month to go. I’m 3.5 lbs from my pre-baby weight … can I do it?!

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