December 18, 2010

• Early December, I took my direct team to ‘Brew It Up’ to make vanilla oatmeal stout. I had never made beer before, and there were a lot more steps than I expected.  Between measuring and stirring, we had $3 happy hour appetizers and drinks. Given the stressful weeks post driver release, it was great to get out of the office. Of course, a few of us (myself included) had smart phones, and we kept them dialed into work email just in case there was an escalation.

   

  The next 2 days I had all day meetings. I’m starting to get used to standing up and presenting to big groups! After the first day, my manager took his staff and a few other extended team members to Q’Bole for dinner. I specifically sat next to people who flew in from outside the country (I.e. India, Poland, Mexico) since it was a somewhat rare opportunity to get face time with them. Imagine my embarrassment when I introduce myself, and someone responds with, “I know you, and actually you know me too. We talked last time I was down here, and we have exchanged numerous emails as well.” Hahaha. I am a walking social faux pas.  After the 2nd day of meetings, I was mentally exhausted  – and it was quite ironic that I had to present 6 quarter plans when I don’t even know what I’m doing Christmas weekend!

  
   
  Since James was in San Francisco with his parents (his dad had surgery), I kept the weekend pretty low key. It was cold and drizzly Friday evening, so I opted out of the city tree-lighting event and had Dana and Dave over for dinner instead. As it was a work day, I kept dinner easy … grilled butter garlic mahi mahi, salad, and pesto pasta. After they left, the more lenient parent (me) let the kids stay up and watch Polar Express on TV. James unexpectedly came home that night since his dad’s surgery went well – Busted!   Saturday, I took Calie to dance class. She can’t put steps together yet like some of the older girls, but she does well in the first half when they go over and repeat the moves. The best part is that she is so happy and proud of herself.

    

  That evening, we helped host our annual neighborhood progressive dinner. I totally over ate (typical!) and am disappointed to report that I have gained 2 lbs since the start of the holiday season.

   

  

  Sunday, I took this kids to their swim lessons, followed by a playdate at Dylan’s house. We had planned to go ice skating afterwards, but we were rained out.

  

  Tuesday, I hosted my annual team holiday party at my home. I’ve missed two years in a row due to maternity leave (2008) and a feverish baby (2009.)  I roasted a turkey (yes, while I was at work) and asked the other manager to bring in a ham. Right before I left to make sure my house was not burning down, I received news that funding for a new program was approved – hooray! I now have 3 more positions to fill (so 4 in total) … and fortunately also a part time administrative assistant to help me. With that good news, the team enjoyed a potluck dinner at my home, complete with turkey, ham, garlic mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, gourmet mac/cheese, a vegetable platter, *5* pies, and lots of festive beverages including homemade limoncello. It was great to meet/catch up with the spouses, and the kids kept themselves entertained with the Wii.

  
   
  On Thursday, Zachary’s school hosted a ‘Festival of Lights’ celebration, where tables were set up, representing different countries and how they celebrate the holidays. The Diwali table had the best food.  There was also a Santa, but since James took Calie home already, I only got a photo with Zachary.

  

  Friday was Zach’s first basketball practice. He has never played (aside from throwing a ball at recess), but since he has a good coach and 2 assistant coaches, I think he’ll learn a lot his first season. Go Bruins! After practice, I headed out to catch a movie (Burlesque) with my girlfriends Sandy, Karen, and Rachel.  I enjoyed it quite a bit … the dancing and singing more than made up for the bad acting. And quite frankly, on a Friday night, I just want a light hearted movie where I don’t have to think too hard!

  

  (Calie’s big girl bedroom set is here! We are officially a crib-free family … whoo-hoo! )

  Saturday, Calie went to her pre-ballet class, and then we headed to Intel for their annual family holiday event. Zachary wrote a letter to Santa asking for “real” sports equipment. I guess he has outgrown the plastic Little Tykes toys! The kids also made ornaments using sticker foam. And of course … met with Santa. The event was not nearly as crowded compared to years past, and the lines moved quickly. Calie was afraid of Santa (clung to James for dear life), so we ended up with a photo of just Zachary and then a family photo.

     

  

  Afterwards, we went to BJs for lunch with Bhavana’s family. I had to get the ahi appetizer … yum! In the late afternoon, Zachary went to Shaan’s 7th birthday party at the local sports complex. The kids played indoor soccer and basketball. Happy 7th Birthday Shaan!

     

   

  Sunday, the kids had their swim lessons. I’m pretty happy with Zachary progress (especially given that we only go once a week), but Calie is still not swimming on her own. If anything, for water safety, I’d like to see more progress from her before next summer. After class, we headed to Alex and Nicole’s pajama party smelling like chlorine. We had turkey sandwiches for lunch, decorated cookies, and socialized in comfy attire. Thanks to Melissa and Sam for hosting this annual tradition!

  

  This week was the last full week of work before the holidays, so there were lots of celebrations. Tuesday, my team wrote/signed/decorated holiday cards for the local nursing home during our lunch break. On Wednesday, we took the afternoon off and bottled the beer we made 2 weeks ago. We bottled over 100 bottles, and split them amongst the team so that everyone who wanted to, could take home a 12-pack. My manager and another staff manager decided to join us for appetizers and drinks. I had to leave at 5pm to make it back home and then back out again with the family to see the Radio City Holiday Spectacular.

  

  I was impressed by the precision of the moves, but the seats we won from work were not very good and the kids got restless halfway through. I may be a bit spoiled since I tend to get ‘best available’ when I buy show tickets myself. I’ve found the experience to be worth the price premium, especially since I don’t go often. Friday, the Graphics Validation department had our annual holiday potluck and gift exchange. I ended up with a Charlie Brown Christmas DVD for the kids and a $10 iTunes giftcard – not bad!

  

  In the evening, we went to Calie’s preschool holiday party, where the kids made numerous ornaments and reindeer food (a mess of oatmeal and glitter). I steered the them away from the cookie decorating and gingerbread house making rooms since we came straight from work and no one had dinner yet. The preschool also hired a Santa, and we *finally* got a picture of both kids!

  

  And that brings us to today … Friday … so glad for the upcoming days off, but unfortunately it’s supposed to be rainy all week. At least we’re not going to Tahoe this year. We had thought about it, but decided last minute that we would wait and only hit the roads under good conditions. So let’s see what we end up doing on our least planned holiday break ever!

  (Hm. What’s the probability of both kids wearing the same outfit for the Christmas and Thanksgiving school event? See photos of post below… )

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