May 12, 2012
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Okay, so what happened after we got back from our cruise … well, we flew back on a Friday, which meant I had the weekend to rest. Saturday after Calie’s ballet class, we took the kids to “Kids Day in the Park.” The kids did crafts, carnival games, and bounce houses.
In the evening, Calie went to Cassie’s birthday party at Tricks … so much fun, especially the trampoline and swing! Happy 4th Birthday Cassie!
Sunday, after a short jog with Bev, I took the kids to the Sacramento Children’s museum. Since we’re members, we were able to get in an hour earlier than public hours, before it got too crowded. There was a new string exhibit, and the kids potted wild flowers. Back at home we planted the flowers, as well as 2 tomato plants, and some basil.
Taking advantage of jetlag, I took a few 5:45am yoga classes the following work week. I was hoping to make it a habit, but it was too much. I can’t get up to exercise at 5:15am, put in a full work day, play with kids and manage the household in the evening, and then log into work and catch up on housework after the kids are in bed. A more capable (or highly caffeinated) person maybe, but not me. At least not long term - I know my limits!
The following weekend, we drove to San Francisco to celebrate James’ Intel Achievement Award (IAA) with a 2-night stay at the Fairmont hotel. Friday night, there was a dessert reception. Since we didn’t have time for dinner, we made impromptu mini sandwiches from the cheese platter. Dessert was terrific … lots of bit sized treats from cupcakes to fruit tarts to cheese cake. There was also a made-to-order banana foster station. To entertain the kids, Kinect game stations were set up around the room.
Upon seeing James’ award, Zach asked,”How come Mommy didn’t one?” I’m glad he believes I am capable of getting one – and of course I’m going to try and prove it!
Saturday, we thought we would take a trolley to Pier 39. While waiting for the trolley, James calculated that it would cost us almost $50 for the trip. We had some concerns since Calie’s only 3 … but cheapness prevailed and we decided to walk it. It was actually a great decision because the weather was terrific and we got some exercise. We strolled around Pier 39, the kids rode on the carousel, we looked over the pier and saw Golden Gate bridge and Alcatraz, and then had lunch at Boudin before heading to Ghirardelli Square for dessert. With our bellies full, the kids and I sang the whole way back as a distraction from the uphill climb – totally sweaty, but we made it! $48 saved… ka-ching! While James watched the kids back at The Fairmont, I walked around San Francisco for 2 hours. I love walking around the city … I treated myself to a Lululemon jacket and leggings, and got a manicure. When I got back, it was time to get ready for the “Awards Ceremony.”
The IAA was very nice … it started with mingling, networking, and cocktails in a smaller room. We were one of the first arrivals. and it wasn’t very crowded at all. Suddenly James said,”Hey, look behind you.” I turned around and my face lit up as I saw a waiter walk by with a platter of hor d’oeuvres, in arm’s reach. Yes! My mouth was full when James corrected me with:”Um. I meant Paul.” Our CEO was standing right next to us. I walked over to introduce myself as part of the Graphics Software team, and told him how great it was that babysitting was provided upstairs. I told him James also worked at Intel, and he replied with “Maybe you’ll win next time.”
After talking to a few other executives and IAA winners (including Melissa’s brother Greg), we were escorted to the main dining room.
For Paul’s keynote/welcome speech, he mentioned the babysitting upstairs with all the details I told him in our short conversation. I was pleased he remembered! James said,”Must be nice not being another guy in a dark suit.” But let’s face it, I’m also a better conversationalist. At the end of the speech, Paul revealed a pile of Ultrabooks behind the curtains – this year, all the winners would take home an Ultrabook. During dinner, we were entertained with professional Tango dancing and short, entertaining videos of the 20 winning accomplishments. After dinner, there was dancing (and drinks and desserts) back at the cocktail room, but babysitting was only open until 10pm, so we called it a night.
The next morning, we met up with my Aunt Helena, Cousin Ricky, my sisters and their significant others for dim sum at Koi Palace.
After brunch, we drove to my Grandparents’ grave site to pay our respects. My kids have never been to a cemetery before, so I was a bit concerned about how they would act, but they did fine. They kowtow’d with the rest of us. Calie found some Easter toys next to a headstone that I had to put back, and Zach was mostly interesting in doing the math to figure out how long people lived.
The drive home was uneventful, and we got home early enough to rest up for the work week ahead! Kicked it up a notch these past 2 weeks with either yoga or jogging or boxing 4-5x a week. Alas the scale is not budging, but at least I feel stronger and more toned. Sort of. Maybe. Thursday after work, we went to Zach’s school open house. Then on Friday, a Mother’s Day Tea in Calista’s class. Unfortunately I had a work meeting scheduled on top of the first half hour.
Me: “Calista, I have something to tell you. I am going to be late for your tea party because I have a meeting at work. Is that okay?”
Calie: “Oh Mommy! Don’t be sad. It’ll be okay, I promise. You have a job to do. Just don’t be all the way late” (ie miss the whole thing)
And that’s the exact quote. Sometimes it’s hard to believe she’s only 3. Anyway, fortunately I found out it was open house style, so parents will be coming in an out … and hence not a big deal to come in 30 minutes late.
(Note: We do not have a fish tank)
After the tea, it was cardio boxing with Melissa followed by dinner at Chicago Fire and dessert at Pinkberry with our families. Saturday was ballet for Calie, a morning jog and yoga for me with coworkers (plus a 2nd yoga class in the late afternoon with Calie). We also had Alex and Nicole over for a games playdate … we are now 0 for 3 in Pandemic. In the evening, James and I went to Chez Daniels for our date night – how wonderful to have such a romantic restaurant, with such good food, in our small town. We shared an escargot appetizer, James had beef tenderloin, and I had lamb. The price went up since our last visit, but it’s still a great deal – soup, salad, entree, and dessert for $30 Prix Fixe.
Tomorrow morning … I’m off on a girl’s getaway with my BFFs to celebrate Kathy’s 40th birthday! (Feeling like I’m living out of a suitcase lately, but NOT complaining!)
