Category Archives: Uncategorized

Summer and Structure

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Those two words don’t seem to fitin the same sentence for stay at home parents of tweens and teens. 

We haven’t had any “real” plans for the past three weeks and I’ve realized (a little late) that this might not have been a good idea.

Structure provides order and helps to create a shared expectation plan.  I think I like flexibility and going with the flow but when you have teenagers, they all have their own plans and agendas and it’s hard to figure out a plan if you don’t plan and then chaos and nagging ensues and that’s no fun! And yet I don’t mind having a plan and then changing it, because at least we have a starting point from which change can be implemented.

So I’ve learned that while I like summer freedom and all, I do like having the kids engaged in what makes them happy and having at least a day ahead plan versus continuously reacting to each demand or request.

I think I’ll be ready for school to begin this week and I’ve already updated my calendars and spreadsheets and am loving the anticipation of what’s to come.  I’m practicing living in the moment with my little micro structures and am feeling happy again!

Wishing all families a safe and healthy 2015-2016 school year!!

1989

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This was the year Taylor Swift was born and this was the name of her concert tour that we saw tonight at Levi Stadium.  It was an amazing and entertaining show that she performed in front of a sold out crowd of 50,000.

 

I love how authentic Taylor seems. She expressed her gratitude to her fans and for the experience of being with us tonight and worked hard the entire time to entertain us. 

I liked the montages she had with her girlfriends, who shared their feelings about Taylor and life and love.  I loved that she brought on a new girl band from the UK and highlighted how great they are and sang along with them. She is not threatened by other strong women and I love this about her.  She also brought on stage her surprise guests, Julia Roberts and Joan Baez, as she sang about never going out of style. 

 

The best little tidbit she shared with us was to embrace our imperfect life and to know what makes us happy. 

I know Juliana and I and ML and J are very happy for having shared this experience on a warm and comfortable night at Levi Stadium. Thank you Taylor Swift for sharing your gifts and talents with all of us tonight and for being passionate about what you do. Your light shined!!
  

 

Life is fun and good!

The Plus Side

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There’s always a plus side. It’s just sometimes challenging to see it when you’re feeling or looking at the negative side.

Today I found balance. Oh, how I love balance. The yin and the yang is great and where there is balance, there is peace.

I volunteered this morning and had time to chat with my sweet friend, E.  I loved catching up and working side by side and having some “me” time.

I did a little cooking and cleaning and chauffeuring.  And then I spent the afternoon and evening with my baby girl. We had a girl’s day planned and I loved every minute being with her.

  
We went and got bubble teas and drank them as we drove over to downtown Campbell. We strolled through the boutiques and shops, looking for back to school clothes and shoes, sharing ideas and laughter. She picked out the latest Rainbow thongs, which are apparently as cool as Uggs, a cute tank top, and two rompers. We got our hair cut and straightened and loved being at the salon together, taking our time with no rush.

We weren’t quite hungry and we weren’t quite ready to go home, so we decided to stop in at Capers to see my friend as we often do after hair cuts nearby.  This was a great way to end the day. The food and company was just what we needed.

It was nice to enjoy a day with my teenager (who will always be my baby girl). I am happy that she wanted to spend the day with me and that we both enjoyed each other’s company.

I am lucky and content. Growing up isn’t so bad after all. It’s just another chapter I wasn’t ready to begin and I think it’s gonna be a good one. 

nAMaste

 

They’re Growing Up!!

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It’s easier to talk about the cats growing up than admitting that my kids are growing up.

I’m having an emotional week or two observing my life changing in front of me and I know it’s all normal and great and I’m still struggling.

My baby went to middle school orientation today. My baby girl went to Freshman orientation and my 1st baby started driving!! They’re doing exactly what they’re supposed to do and I’m freaking out. I want to step on the brakes and slow down and we’re going full speed ahead.

I always dreamed of being a mama and yet I never fully imagined them growing up and doing their own thing, even though my goal in raising them was to raise independent, kind and compassionate thinkers. They’re on their way and I’m feeling a little lost. I’ll find my way again, I’m just in that transitioning phase, redefining my role and I don’t like it very much. I’m proud and happy for them and figuring out what the next phase looks like for all of us.

We’re all growing up and figuring it out as we go, bumps and tears, frustrations and laughs and opinions and all.

Are you in a transition phase? How do you create peace as you go through the change? Wishing you happiness.

xoxo

You’re Bugging Me!

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Think of someone who bugs you. Think about what this person does that irritates you.  Then think about how what you don’t like in that person is probably something you don’t like in yourself. Isn’t that a weird twist? But really, try it. It’s the craziest thing.

I tried it on my run today. I thought about how Charlie has been bugging me all week and how irritated I’ve been. I kept telling him that’s he’s harassing me and to leave me alone and to stop nagging me all day.  Then, today I decided to think about what motivates him to act the way he does and why does it bug me so much, and then I figured it out.

He asks me questions incessantly because he wants to know what to expect and he wants control over his young life.  He doesn’t have all the answers and he wants structure and wants to look ahead and wants his needs met and his needs are different than my needs at any given moment. He needs me to fit into his world and not the other way around. We have been clashing and he’s been BUGGING me.

Instead of being bugged today, I decided to listen more patiently and to provide more clear answers. I finally realized that he needs to know what to expect and he’s very uncomfortable not knowing what’s coming next and I get to hear about it every minute. Well, at least it feels like every minute.

Today I practiced giving him more concrete answers. I gave him structure. I gave him boundaries. I gave him expectations. And he was content. Miraculously, he stopped bugging me. Well, at least until the next need popped up, but I didn’t overreact (as much) the next time and the next time.

I realized that I am a lot like him. I like to know what to expect and I like to plan and to fill my day. Huh. What I don’t like him doing, is the same thing that I do. Strange. That was an interesting experiment. I wonder if I can get credit for that assignment.

Okay, your turn. Who bugs you and why? Do you have the same traits somewhere hidden? Hmm…. such a curiosity!!

Good luck and I wish you peace with all who are bugging you!!

nAmaste

Lake Shoreline 

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I don’t think of Shoreline as Lake Shoreline, but I saw a hat and a shirt today that had this statement written on them.  I think of Shoreline as this place by the Bay with goose poop that is land locked by the Google Complex.  

It is a little lake and people do enjoy being on and near it. I just think of it as a man made body of water and not as a lake lake, where you want to hang out. 

But today my opinion changed. The boys have been wanting to play together and have asked for a week or two if they could rent a paddle boat.  We finally made the time work today and their wish came true.  

We lived in the sunshine, again! As they paddled, I sat on the shore and read a book and checked email.  I was happy they were out together keeping each other company and I could relax for a bit and  keep an eye on them from my chair since the lake isn’t that big.  

             

Lots of kids were out enjoying paddle boarding, wind surfing, kayaking, and sailing. It was a gorgeous day again in California and I was happy to have a day at the Lake after all.

There are so many beautiful places in Silicon Valley and I probably am only scratching the surface. I wonder what other unknown outdoor places are waiting to be discovered. Do share if you have a favorite.

Life is good!

Exploring Open Space

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Being outdoors and exploring new places makes me happy.     

Love this land

 

It was a hot and gorgeous Sunday and I’m so glad we got out to enjoy the views, a chat and 6.6 miles of exercise.  We loved exploring the trails at Fremont Older and finding our way to the horse stables at Garrod Farm.

 

Silicon Valley Cowboy

  

Garrod Winery

  
Life is good.  Hope you enjoyed your week-end.

Bloom

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My birthday succulents are blooming. I loved this little surprise, especially since we spent most of the day at home while Juliana continued to rest and recover.  Poor girl is still not feeling well.

I had fun baking a spaghetti pie, just for fun.  I felt like making something savory and it was good, although next time I’d add some ricotta cheese to make it a bit less dry. The boys still seemed to like it. 
This was one of the perks of staying home with a sick child. Plus the laundry is all done!! 🙂

But seriously, I was going stir crazy.  Jeff and I snuck away for a walk for awhile to get fresh air and exercise. This made me happy!  We went looking for the best grass alternative front yards and gathered a few ideas, with our few thousand steps.

  
 
The funny thing that happens when you slow down is that the day is really long. I guess we need to bloom where we’re planted.

  
Life is good, in sickness and in health.

nAMaste 

Home. Sick.

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 My baby girl is home and is so sick. She fell asleep in the arm chair today and is hardly eating  or drinking a thing.  All that she wants to do is lay down and rest and have me close by.  I wish I could take away her pain.

I took her to the doctor and he said a virus is going around and she has the same symptoms. He advised that she just rest and drink water and to eat small bites if she could, until she begins to feel better. I wish I could make her feel better.

We changed all our plans for the weekend and are staying still until she feels better.  Be well, baby girl.

nAMaste