So we haven't blogged in a while because I am depressed about my tooth. But that is neither here nor there...I have to get a root canal and a crown for my front right tooth. I guess...if I am going to knock a tooth out from its root, that sledding in Switzerland is the way to do it.
Any of you had root canals? 'Cause if so, I'd like to hear if it was just awful...or bearable...or a piece of cake!
I also went on Wednesday to get my nose checked out since the end of it is still hurting just a tiny bit when I pick my nose too rigorously or try to push it to one side or another. I went to my ENT (Ear/Nose/Throat) guy and he said nothing was broken and my nasal passages are still straight. So hopefully, I didn't do any other damage. But while he checked out my nose, he decided to check out my ears...
And he decided to vacuum out my right ear. I have a tendency to build ear wax in my right ear by no fault of my own. He kept pulling small-ish pieces of ear wax out and saying, "This is incredible! It's so big! I have to go in again!"
Now, if the ENT doctor thinks it's incredible, you know it's no exaggeration of the truth. Then, he apparently got to a stoppage so big, he had to flush my ear out with water and out came a piece about the size of my thumbnail.
To which he stopped, showed it to me, and said, "You see this? This was in your ear. This is incredible because you have a very small ear canal."
Glad he thought it was "incredible." He must be in the right profession.
He did the same thing to me last year about this time...and the last time I had to get this done, on the same ear, I was at A&M.
Yea! 120 Euro to pull out my earwax. Should have just left good enough alone with my nose!
On a less disgusting note...
On Wednesday, I was cooking steamed salmon with ginger/green onions with Michael. And I let him do quite a bit. Put all the ginger/onions/salmon on each plate to steam, dump in rice to be cooked/etc. And while I was stirring the soy sauce on the stove, he hugged me really big...and said, "I love you Mommy."
Now doesn't that just warm your heart? I might have a little chef on my hands because he really really loves to cook.
Love,
P
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Swiss blog order
If you would like to read the blog in (chrono)logical order, go to Switzerland 2009 and then read up or follow these links.
1. http://besancons.blogspot.com/2009/02/switzerland-2009-cbgt_28.html
2. http://besancons.blogspot.com/2009/02/jungfraujoch-top-of-europe.html
3. http://besancons.blogspot.com/2009/02/schilthorn.html
4. http://besancons.blogspot.com/2009/02/swiss-blog-order.html
1. http://besancons.blogspot.com/2009/02/switzerland-2009-cbgt_28.html
2. http://besancons.blogspot.com/2009/02/jungfraujoch-top-of-europe.html
3. http://besancons.blogspot.com/2009/02/schilthorn.html
4. http://besancons.blogspot.com/2009/02/swiss-blog-order.html
The mouse hole
Rick Steves is always pushing his "through the back door" concept. It's quite good except for the fact that he's so famous now, we often find that his back doors and other recommendations are all filled with people holding Rick Steves guidebooks. Nevertheless, we like Rick Steves and are almost always satisfied with his choices. On this trip, we went though the mousehole.
We found the Chalet Berna online and they only spoke German. Correction, Swiss German. The son (30 years old) greeted us when we drove up. He had the thickest Swiss accent and looked a lot like Adam Morrison:
We found the Chalet Berna online and they only spoke German. Correction, Swiss German. The son (30 years old) greeted us when we drove up. He had the thickest Swiss accent and looked a lot like Adam Morrison:
I had no idea what he was saying half the time. It took two times talking to him, once to his mom, once to the caretaker of the cows, and by the second time I talked with his mom, I had a pretty good handle on things. It seemed like everyone else I had to talk to spoke german German and were easy to understand so I don't know how we lucked into the thick accents.
Schilthorn
After visiting the Jungfraujoch, the following day we went to the top of the Schilthorn and had a buffet breakfast at Piz Gloria restaurant at 10000 feet. We woke up at 6:15, got four young boys ready to go, drove away by 6:55, and arrived with ten minutes to spare for the 7:55 departure. This allowed us to get the breakfast and lift ticket for the same price as a normal lift ticket.
Whereas we had taken the train to the Jungfraujoch, the path to the Schilthorn was all by lift. They had large cars holding around 40 people that were carried by cables strung hundreds of feet in the air over the mountains. We had to change in Gimmelwald, Murren, and Birg in order to reach it but it was worth it.
Once atop the Schilthorn, the views were amazing. The restaurant rotates so we go to see all the surrounding mountains and the Thunersee and Beatenberg. The weather was immaculate - we could even see Mont Blanc over a hundred miles away in France! The Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau were also up close (apologies to Corban on the right - the restaurant was rotating too fast).
Whereas we had taken the train to the Jungfraujoch, the path to the Schilthorn was all by lift. They had large cars holding around 40 people that were carried by cables strung hundreds of feet in the air over the mountains. We had to change in Gimmelwald, Murren, and Birg in order to reach it but it was worth it.
Once atop the Schilthorn, the views were amazing. The restaurant rotates so we go to see all the surrounding mountains and the Thunersee and Beatenberg. The weather was immaculate - we could even see Mont Blanc over a hundred miles away in France! The Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau were also up close (apologies to Corban on the right - the restaurant was rotating too fast).
The breakfast wasn't that great, but was still pretty good. When you're used to eating bread, jam and some cold cuts in a normal hotel buffet, getting all you can eat link sausage, bacon, endless coffee, waffles, and bad champagne was quite a treat. Needless to say, we didn't require lunch.
After gorging ourselves on American sized portions, we went out on the observation deck and took photos before hustling back in. It wasn't as cold as the Jungfraujoch, but the wind made us go inside asap. Still we got a few good photos.
After gorging ourselves on American sized portions, we went out on the observation deck and took photos before hustling back in. It wasn't as cold as the Jungfraujoch, but the wind made us go inside asap. Still we got a few good photos.
There were lots of skiers on the lift and we expected them to all get off in Murren, but they all went to the Schilthorn to ski down from the top. Look at this snowboarder, he's crazy. Off piste from the top. Just jumped the rails and took off.
Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe
On Tuesday we went to the Jungfraujoch, the highest point in Europe accessible by train. We drove in the morning to Lauterbrunnen,
and then took the cable car up past Wengen
to Kleine Scheidegg. Then we transferred to another train and rode through the middle of the Eiger to the Jungfraujoch. Phuong has a busted lip and doesn't like our pictures so here's one of the Atkins on the platform with the glacier and mountains behind them. It's cold.
It was kind of cloudy in the lower altitudes but by the time we made it to the top, it was beautiful...and freezing cold: about 3F with winds of 30+ mph. Here's a picture Albert took of me with the Monch in the background. Notice the ice on the pole on the left of the picture that the wind has blown sideways. Notice also the grating beneath us that blew ice cold air up our pants - no time for fill flash!
and then took the cable car up past Wengen
to Kleine Scheidegg. Then we transferred to another train and rode through the middle of the Eiger to the Jungfraujoch. Phuong has a busted lip and doesn't like our pictures so here's one of the Atkins on the platform with the glacier and mountains behind them. It's cold.
It was kind of cloudy in the lower altitudes but by the time we made it to the top, it was beautiful...and freezing cold: about 3F with winds of 30+ mph. Here's a picture Albert took of me with the Monch in the background. Notice the ice on the pole on the left of the picture that the wind has blown sideways. Notice also the grating beneath us that blew ice cold air up our pants - no time for fill flash!
We also visited the ice palace inside the Jungfraujoch complex. The kids had a great time and so did we. Albert nearly broke his wrist trying to slide around like we do on the parquet here in Paris.
Switzerland 2009 - CBGT
In response to Phuong's post after this one. I'll tackle the first item.
We could only find one place in all of Bourg Saint Maurice, Chamonix and Interlaken regions that fit our criteria of being dirt cheap and near snow. We found it in Interlaken, to be more precise, Beatenberg. They only spoke (Swiss) German. We didn't have any idea where Beatenberg was or what the conditions (snow, temperature) would be like. I assumed that since it wasn't in the resorts of Murren or Wengen that we would be in the valley and wouldn't have any snow. Was I ever wrong!
It turns out that Beatenberg is on the north side of the Thunersee, up from which rise some mountains that crest at around 2000 m (about 6000 ft). We drove up the first night from Interlaken, which still had a little snow, and made numerous switchbacks as we increased our elevation. And as we went up, the snow level increased too. There was probably two feet on the ground when we arrived at our chalet in the early evening.
We could only find one place in all of Bourg Saint Maurice, Chamonix and Interlaken regions that fit our criteria of being dirt cheap and near snow. We found it in Interlaken, to be more precise, Beatenberg. They only spoke (Swiss) German. We didn't have any idea where Beatenberg was or what the conditions (snow, temperature) would be like. I assumed that since it wasn't in the resorts of Murren or Wengen that we would be in the valley and wouldn't have any snow. Was I ever wrong!
It turns out that Beatenberg is on the north side of the Thunersee, up from which rise some mountains that crest at around 2000 m (about 6000 ft). We drove up the first night from Interlaken, which still had a little snow, and made numerous switchbacks as we increased our elevation. And as we went up, the snow level increased too. There was probably two feet on the ground when we arrived at our chalet in the early evening.
Although it wasn't a famous resort or resort at all, it was perfect with all the young kids. We had a snow and a hill outside the door, and a hill a few miles away with 4 easy slopes and a ski school - perfect for kids who had never skied before and intermediate skiers like us adults. So the chalet was great because Albert and Jenny's boys were gung ho about playing in the snow and since we had three feet everywhere we looked, we didn't have to make any special effort to drive to play in it, and we could warm ourselves whenever we wanted. Also we had gorgeous views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, the three grand peaks of the Swiss Alps in the Berner Oberland.
The second day (Sunday) we were there, it snowed all day, adding about a foot to what we already had as evidenced by the buildup on our cars.
Albert, KC (dad of another family from AL-Paris that stayed on the ground floor) and I decided to walk into town and buy some bread and other basic necessities from the one shop that was supposedly open. As it turns out, this shop was not even ten minutes from our chalet...in the opposite direction from the one we went in. Luckily, we found an awesome bakery/konditorei to get bread and cookies for the kids. We also stumbled onto Intersport, which rented sleds on the cheap (about 3 Euro a day), so we got two and sledded home with our loot.
Now, not only did we have about 3 feet of snow on the ground, our chalet lay on an amply sloped hill. The snow was awesome because the bottom had been compacted over time so when you sat in it, it made a natural chair so we made a grandstand area with several rows of seats. The soft overlayer of snow (about six inches) made for awesome chilled beer holders and we would sled, drink beer, and cheer on the sledders.
We had paved a path down the hill with a shovel and incrementally lengthed and straightened it by sledding. With every time down the hill, the sled run got longer and more compact. Here's a picture of KC going down on one of the initial runs:
Here's a view of the run from the side:
After some initial trials sitting up, we started to go face first down the hill using our feet as rudders to steer and then we'd hit the three feet of snow at the end. This stopped the sled instantly but our inertia would shoot us off the front of the sled and we'd happily crash into the snow. Then the gallery at the top of the hill would cheer us on.
Well this was all fun and games for the first day but after Sunday night, the track got really fast and there were two sizeable bumps at the end of the track before a ramp that Albert and KC made Monday morning, which got you a bit of air. When you went down the sled run on Monday, first of all, you went fast. Secondly, you hit those two bumps before the ramp and absorbed the sled into you midsection or crotch. Third, if you didn't let go of the sled and shoot off to the side into the softer snow, you landed back on the sled and crunched any part of your body that came into contact with it.
So KC, Albert and I already had a few close calls with the ole junk when Albert's wife Jenny decided she was going down the run headfirst. She hit those two bumps and the ramp and flew off the sled. When she got back up she was complaining about getting hit hard by the sled in the crotch. Later that night, she and Albert coined the term crotch banging good time. Voila.
After Jenny banged her crotch, Phuong mustered all her courage and decided to go down headfirst. There's no way you can get hurt, Albert told her. Albert, KC, and I figured that she had been watching so we didn't tell her about the bumps at the end of the track. Well, as it turns out, this was a large oversight. She hit the two bumps, flew off the ramp and crashed back in the sled and snow to the cheers of Albert, KC and I. Then I sprinted to the bottom of the hill.
In fact, she had not known about the bumps and had banged her face into the front of the sled which was stronger than she was. One of her front teeth was loose and her nose was bleeding. Luckily, nothing was wrong with her nose. I think she took the brunt of the hit on her upper lip, which was puffy for a couple of days afterwards and black and blue on the inside. This impact must have wobbled the tooth indirectly. Luckily, the tooth didn't move much and though it is still loose, we hope that everything will be fine with it. When I say loose, you can't move it that much and can't visibly tell that it has moved from its position before the hit, but it isn't fixed like the other ones.
And We're BACK!
No pictures yet because I need to download them from my camera and also get Albert's off his camera. But here are some quotes from our trip to spark your interest. Be warned, they are a little crass and all need explanation. Keep in mind that nothing is at it seems at face value.
"Switzerland 2009: A Crotch Banging Good Time."
"Girls bring their problems home. Boys bring their problems to someone else's home."
"If Rick Steves travels through the back door of Europe, then we must be traveling through the mouse hole."
More later...
"Switzerland 2009: A Crotch Banging Good Time."
"Girls bring their problems home. Boys bring their problems to someone else's home."
"If Rick Steves travels through the back door of Europe, then we must be traveling through the mouse hole."
More later...
Friday, February 20, 2009
If I Won the Lottery...
If I won the lottery, I'd buy this:
Nikon D300 - $1800
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 - $1700
Lightroom2/CS4 software - $700-$1000
There goes almost $5K. What should I do with the other million(s)?
Hmmm....I think I am going to HAVE to start charging for my pictures...
What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
Love,
P
Nikon D300 - $1800
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 - $1700
Lightroom2/CS4 software - $700-$1000
There goes almost $5K. What should I do with the other million(s)?
Hmmm....I think I am going to HAVE to start charging for my pictures...
What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
Love,
P
Mon Petit Artist
Michael draws a lot. I need to scan somethings in for you guys to see!
Yesterday, he drew 3 lines and as he was drawing them, he said this:
While drawing the 1st line - "Daddy"
While drawing the 2nd line - "Mommy"
While drawing the 3rd line - "Michael."
Then he erased it because it was on the dry erase board. But I thought it was cute that he knew who his family was.
Lately, Michael is listening to this one song on his French Catholic songs CD. Number 6, otherwise known as "Clarinet song."
So we've been singing this for the past 2 days:
"C'est si bon seigneur de grandir jour apres jour. C'est si bon seigneur de grandir dans ton amour."
Which translates to"
"It is so good Lord to grow day after day. It is so good Lord to grow in your love."
Not a bad thing to sing a lot of...
Yesterday, he drew 3 lines and as he was drawing them, he said this:
While drawing the 1st line - "Daddy"
While drawing the 2nd line - "Mommy"
While drawing the 3rd line - "Michael."
Then he erased it because it was on the dry erase board. But I thought it was cute that he knew who his family was.
Lately, Michael is listening to this one song on his French Catholic songs CD. Number 6, otherwise known as "Clarinet song."
So we've been singing this for the past 2 days:
"C'est si bon seigneur de grandir jour apres jour. C'est si bon seigneur de grandir dans ton amour."
Which translates to"
"It is so good Lord to grow day after day. It is so good Lord to grow in your love."
Not a bad thing to sing a lot of...
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
You're HIRED!
Today, someone used the word "hire" when asking me to take pictures of their newborn. The first time it happened, about 2 weeks ago, I just thought it was funny.
And then today, someone else said the same thing. "Hired."
Hired to take photos...since when did my hobby become a possible job? I'm still not charging...but maybe I should? I certainly don't think of myself as being good enough to charge...and am far from it!
But so far, I have 2 newborn sessions, 1 maternity session, and 1 toddler and 1 baby session that people want me to do.
WHAT? I can't barely keep my toilet clean and Michael has to help me do it! Some days, I can't even get to the dishes! How am I supposed to launch a bonafide business on top of this?
So even though it is a happy realization, it also is a hard one...to have to confront whether I am really going to do this...and if I might just fail.
So now, I better go in search for motivational quotes about not being afraid of failure and how only losers are afraid to fail.
And then today, someone else said the same thing. "Hired."
Hired to take photos...since when did my hobby become a possible job? I'm still not charging...but maybe I should? I certainly don't think of myself as being good enough to charge...and am far from it!
But so far, I have 2 newborn sessions, 1 maternity session, and 1 toddler and 1 baby session that people want me to do.
WHAT? I can't barely keep my toilet clean and Michael has to help me do it! Some days, I can't even get to the dishes! How am I supposed to launch a bonafide business on top of this?
So even though it is a happy realization, it also is a hard one...to have to confront whether I am really going to do this...and if I might just fail.
So now, I better go in search for motivational quotes about not being afraid of failure and how only losers are afraid to fail.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Valentine's Craft Playgroup
On Friday, Feb. 13th, I hosted a Valentine's Day craft playdate. Here's a picture of the attendees:
Pictured (L to R): Jonah, Kirsten with baby Ella, Michael, Laura, Shena, and Ulysses (sp?)
Not pictured but present: Oliver and Henry (Laura's 2 children)
Pictured (L to R): Jonah, Kirsten with baby Ella, Michael, Laura, Shena, and Ulysses (sp?)Not pictured but present: Oliver and Henry (Laura's 2 children)
The kids enjoyed it for about 2 minutes and 34 seconds. After which, they proceeded to do what they wanted! Then, the moms made valentine's themselves! It was great fun!
Now...onto Easter crafts to think about!
Love,
P
P
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Blanquette de veau
Phuong made some blanquette de veau tonight. I've never had anything so good. I'd like to thank Julia Child and Phuong for taking the time out of their busy schedules to make Michael and I dinner while we have guy time.
Toilets
Michael has a fascination with cleaning the toilet. So much so, that if I find the house eerily quiet, I go looking for Michael in our toilet room.
This morning, here is the order of events:
8:00am: Brian wakes up. Plays on MyFamily.com
8:20am: Brian hears Michael wake up and leave his room
8:30am: Mom wakes up to Brian's voice bellowing: "MICHAEL, GET OUT OF THE TOILET!"
Have got 1 picture of the Valentine's playgroup yesterday! Will post when I decide to not be lazy and go and get it off the camera.
Happy Belated Valentine's day to those who celebrated it!
P
This morning, here is the order of events:
8:00am: Brian wakes up. Plays on MyFamily.com
8:20am: Brian hears Michael wake up and leave his room
8:30am: Mom wakes up to Brian's voice bellowing: "MICHAEL, GET OUT OF THE TOILET!"
Have got 1 picture of the Valentine's playgroup yesterday! Will post when I decide to not be lazy and go and get it off the camera.
Happy Belated Valentine's day to those who celebrated it!
P
Saturday, February 14, 2009
No Stinkin' Way
So, I read this on Yahoo! News today. Do you always have to put an exclamation point after typing Yahoo! ?
Anyways, this:
"First-time homebuyers who purchase their homes before Dec. 1 would be eligible for an $8,000 tax credit, and people who buy new cars before the end of the year can write off the sales taxes."
If this is true...wow...I can't get my hopes up. Someone in the government must have thought to themselves... "I think the Besancons are coming back to America and they have to buy a house and cars. Let's help them out."
I don't know who that person is, but I thank them. And I hope that Air Liquide can get it together and send us home in time for us to take advantage of all of this. We shall see won't we?
Love,
P
Anyways, this:
"First-time homebuyers who purchase their homes before Dec. 1 would be eligible for an $8,000 tax credit, and people who buy new cars before the end of the year can write off the sales taxes."
If this is true...wow...I can't get my hopes up. Someone in the government must have thought to themselves... "I think the Besancons are coming back to America and they have to buy a house and cars. Let's help them out."
I don't know who that person is, but I thank them. And I hope that Air Liquide can get it together and send us home in time for us to take advantage of all of this. We shall see won't we?
Love,
P
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Sun and All Its Glory
When living in Texas, you REALLY take the sun for granted. It comes out almost every day. It warms everything and makes everything seem happier.
In Paris, there is a reason why you see Parisians just sprawling out all over cafes come spring when it is warm enough to relax outside. It's because the sun is a widely missed phenomenon.
Despite our rather rain-less winter...there has been a difference between the sun I saw yesterday and today! Is there a difference between sunlight? I think so.
When I woke up yesterday, the sunlight was streaming in the window. Hard, fast, full of warmth and joy. That's what she said.
Oh sorry. Anyways, it was great! For the first time since I have come to Paris, I thought:
"OH MY GOD! THE SUN! THE SUN! Let's go outside! Let's get things done! It's time for a day full of fun!"
In full Dr. Seuss style. However, by the afternoon, it was cloudy again.
But for a little bit of time there...it felt like we were back in Texas. Full of warmth, happiness, and joy! Don't get me wrong, we love it here and our life here is great. But there is just something to be said for seeing a "Texas Strength" ray of sunshine that you took for granted while living there.
SO there is one difference between living in Paris and Texas.
Another? Being able to buy 15 travel packets of tissues for 1.67 euro. THAT IS CHEAP. I remember in Texas, I never bought those little travel packs of tissues because they were 6 for $2.50 and I thought that was outrageous. I just made my own travel packs by putting tissues from the tissue box into ziploc bags.
But here, I can really go crazy and buy the store-made travel sized tissue packs.
VOILA
In Paris, there is a reason why you see Parisians just sprawling out all over cafes come spring when it is warm enough to relax outside. It's because the sun is a widely missed phenomenon.
Despite our rather rain-less winter...there has been a difference between the sun I saw yesterday and today! Is there a difference between sunlight? I think so.
When I woke up yesterday, the sunlight was streaming in the window. Hard, fast, full of warmth and joy. That's what she said.
Oh sorry. Anyways, it was great! For the first time since I have come to Paris, I thought:
"OH MY GOD! THE SUN! THE SUN! Let's go outside! Let's get things done! It's time for a day full of fun!"
In full Dr. Seuss style. However, by the afternoon, it was cloudy again.
But for a little bit of time there...it felt like we were back in Texas. Full of warmth, happiness, and joy! Don't get me wrong, we love it here and our life here is great. But there is just something to be said for seeing a "Texas Strength" ray of sunshine that you took for granted while living there.
SO there is one difference between living in Paris and Texas.
Another? Being able to buy 15 travel packets of tissues for 1.67 euro. THAT IS CHEAP. I remember in Texas, I never bought those little travel packs of tissues because they were 6 for $2.50 and I thought that was outrageous. I just made my own travel packs by putting tissues from the tissue box into ziploc bags.
But here, I can really go crazy and buy the store-made travel sized tissue packs.
VOILA
Friday, February 06, 2009
family bed
When Michael gets hurt, he asks for a kiss on the booboo. Yesterday when he was brushing his teeth, he slipped off the stool and Phuong caught him, but he looked like he strained his groin pretty bad. It certainly would have hurt me in my old age. Then we put him back on the stool and he pointed to his crotch and said "kiss". We were like, no Michael no way. Then he went back to brushing his teeth.
The other day, I woke up before my alarm and I heard Michael push open the door to our room. I saw the door open, and then I heard some grunting as he tried to climb into bed. Then hear more grunting and I see Phuong rolling. Then I look over and see Michael settling down into the space he had created by pushing his mom out of the way. Then I went back to sleep and missed my bus.
Phuong said a couple of weeks ago, she woke up in the middle of the night. Michael was asleep between the two of us. She said she saw me pick up Michael's stuffed animal dog and make it dance around on him like I was trying to entertain him and I was saying doo-doo doo-doo as I moved the dog around next to him. Then as quickly as I had done that, I put the dog down and went back to sleep.
Tomorrow we're having guy time. We'll probably go to the zoo or dinosaur museum, shop at Hugo Boss, and eat at "Breakfast in America". Mom's going to scrap and watch "Emotion" or maybe "Frisson" if Underworld or 13th Warrior is on. If she's lucky.
Don Juan and Kelli have decided to take a trip to London so we'll probably meet them there. And we'll have to have a few feats of strength, especially since Wild Bill won't be there to humiliate us. Michael will compete in booger picking, farting, and jumping. The boy is really proud of his jumping ability.
The other day, I woke up before my alarm and I heard Michael push open the door to our room. I saw the door open, and then I heard some grunting as he tried to climb into bed. Then hear more grunting and I see Phuong rolling. Then I look over and see Michael settling down into the space he had created by pushing his mom out of the way. Then I went back to sleep and missed my bus.
Phuong said a couple of weeks ago, she woke up in the middle of the night. Michael was asleep between the two of us. She said she saw me pick up Michael's stuffed animal dog and make it dance around on him like I was trying to entertain him and I was saying doo-doo doo-doo as I moved the dog around next to him. Then as quickly as I had done that, I put the dog down and went back to sleep.
Tomorrow we're having guy time. We'll probably go to the zoo or dinosaur museum, shop at Hugo Boss, and eat at "Breakfast in America". Mom's going to scrap and watch "Emotion" or maybe "Frisson" if Underworld or 13th Warrior is on. If she's lucky.
Don Juan and Kelli have decided to take a trip to London so we'll probably meet them there. And we'll have to have a few feats of strength, especially since Wild Bill won't be there to humiliate us. Michael will compete in booger picking, farting, and jumping. The boy is really proud of his jumping ability.
DONE!
I have merged Michael's blog and ours together! So everything will be right here from now on.
I also merged his previous posts into this blog. I started to double check every post, but then got tired of doing that and Michael got up from his nap. So I am just going to have to trust technology!
I am pretty proud of myself for figuring this technology thing out. Now...onto Photoshop CS or Lightroom? Anyone have a preference?
{
I also merged his previous posts into this blog. I started to double check every post, but then got tired of doing that and Michael got up from his nap. So I am just going to have to trust technology!
I am pretty proud of myself for figuring this technology thing out. Now...onto Photoshop CS or Lightroom? Anyone have a preference?
{
Squirt bottle
From Brian:
Vannah gave me a squirt bottle so I could efficiently iron my shirts. Michael has since found it and taken quite a liking to it. Unfortunately, or fortunately for me, he has not figured out how to use it. Well, that's not true, he does know how to use it, just not in which direction.
Vannah gave me a squirt bottle so I could efficiently iron my shirts. Michael has since found it and taken quite a liking to it. Unfortunately, or fortunately for me, he has not figured out how to use it. Well, that's not true, he does know how to use it, just not in which direction.
From P:
I had the following conversation with Michael today at lunch about his dreaded Doctor Cohen:
Michael: Nut!
Mommy: No, it's not a nut. It's a seed from my clementine. Are you allowed to eat nuts?
Michael: Doctor
Mommy: That's right, if you eat a nut, you have to go to the doctor.
Michael: Doctor Cohen
Mommy: Do you like Dr. Cohen?
Michael: No (pause)... Candy
Mommy: Oh yes, Dr. Cohen does give you candy. Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
Michael: Bad thing
Michael: Metro
Well, at least MICHAEL knows he's not supposed to have candy. And as with everything in the whole wide world, it all comes back around to choos choos or metros.
Today, MIchael found a tiny little splotch of snow left on the ground at the park, he laughed, and then proceeded to throw it at my head. THANK YOU DAD for showing him that little trick.
Yesterday, we had a playdate with Jonah at Kirsten's house. We had fun, as always!
Today, planning for special date night has commenced. I am thinking steak with these fancy mini potato gratins, haricot vert wrapped in bacon, and an upside down pineapple cake with a nice bottle of Saint Emilion....mmmm....heaven....
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Allergist
So we went to visit a French pediatric allergist yesterday at 6pm. The doctor is well recommended in the mother's group I am in, Message. And he has written a book on allergies and has a website:
http://allergienet.com/
According to Michael's skin test, he is:
Very Allergic To:
Pecans
Allergic To:
Peanuts, cashews, Pistachios, walnuts
No Reaction To:
Almonds, hazelnuts
Which explains why he can have nutella and not have a reaction. As well as the muesli I had been giving him and not have a reaction (it had hazelnuts and almonds in it). What is strange is that he has had a peanut before and been fine.
To be certain, the doctor prescribed for me to take Michael to a pediatric lab to get blood drawn to confirm what he is allergic to and what he is not. Until then, no nuts for Michael, obviously. After it is confirmed that he is not allergic to almonds and hazelnuts, it is best to slowly re-introduce these back into his diet so that he does not develop a new allergy to them.
He also prescribed an antihistamine for me to carry at all times. And an Anapen, which is the French equivalent of the Epipen. The doctor even had an epipen in his desk so he is very familiar with the American practices.
And he probably printed out about 15-20 sheets of paper for me to bring home about what to do in what cases...summary of the visit...prescriptions...etc. Very informative.
He also said that it was ok if Michael ate things that were processed in a factory that also had peanuts, etc. This is because the fats that are in the nuts that cause the allergic reaction are not present. Hmmm...Ok. I'll have to take his word on that.
I am to check under the "Ingredients" label. If there are no nuts there, it is ok.
Voila,
P
http://allergienet.com/
According to Michael's skin test, he is:
Very Allergic To:
Pecans
Allergic To:
Peanuts, cashews, Pistachios, walnuts
No Reaction To:
Almonds, hazelnuts
Which explains why he can have nutella and not have a reaction. As well as the muesli I had been giving him and not have a reaction (it had hazelnuts and almonds in it). What is strange is that he has had a peanut before and been fine.
To be certain, the doctor prescribed for me to take Michael to a pediatric lab to get blood drawn to confirm what he is allergic to and what he is not. Until then, no nuts for Michael, obviously. After it is confirmed that he is not allergic to almonds and hazelnuts, it is best to slowly re-introduce these back into his diet so that he does not develop a new allergy to them.
He also prescribed an antihistamine for me to carry at all times. And an Anapen, which is the French equivalent of the Epipen. The doctor even had an epipen in his desk so he is very familiar with the American practices.
And he probably printed out about 15-20 sheets of paper for me to bring home about what to do in what cases...summary of the visit...prescriptions...etc. Very informative.
He also said that it was ok if Michael ate things that were processed in a factory that also had peanuts, etc. This is because the fats that are in the nuts that cause the allergic reaction are not present. Hmmm...Ok. I'll have to take his word on that.
I am to check under the "Ingredients" label. If there are no nuts there, it is ok.
Voila,
P
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Catch Up
So we had a great weekend!
On Saturday night, Brian and I went out on a date! It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! We had a fantastic time. We went to a place in the 6th called La Petit Cour and it was a little hip, but not too trendy. The wait staff was as warm as French wait staff could be. And the food was GREAT! It was not the standard heavy French food we are used to! It was a bit hip and fresh with different combinations. Here's a link to the place:
http://www.bestrestaurantsparis.com/en//en//en/restaurant-paris/detail/la-petite-cour.html
The chairs were not SO red nor the walls SO yellow as in the picture. Here is what we ordered:
Phuong
Veal medallions with a lobster cream sauce and zucchini
Risotto au lait
Cafe
Brian
We had amazing conversation and just thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Our sitter put Michael down for bed so we both got a break from bedtime!
You saw what we did on Sunday already. See previous post.
Monday, it was cold/wet/snowy so we stayed inside. Brian had to brave it to go to work!
Tuesday, Brian took the day off! We took Michael to gymnastics and Brian had a great time watching Michael bounce around! Home for lunch/naps while Mom bought some groceries/snow proof hiking boots at Italie2.
And then I made homemade spaghetti and meatballs (courtesy of my Gourmet magazine) while Michael and Dad went to the park! The meatballs were amazing and Brian made sure to throw lots of snowballs at Michael during "guy time."
Then, my sitter came and Brian and I went on ANOTHER date! We took one of our Paris walks around Bastille in the 12th and it was ok. Definitely should have said on the card, "Best done after 8pm" because it was pretty dead around that part of town. Seemed like a cool night place though!
Now we are on Wednesday. So far, I took Michael to visit the bilingual Montessori I want to send Michael to. IT WAS AMAZING. But sadly, about an hour away. UGH. And at 6000 euro a year, we are glad we won't be paying for it!! EEK!
So now I am trying to decide. Here are the options:
Private Catholic ALL French School which is REALLY close to my apartment, but was not as nice. The staff is great, and the school itself was fine...but it looked like a place where they just keep kids and entertain them while they are there. It is also an all day kind of thing. 8:30-4:30 4 days a week. Wednesdays are off or half days.
OR...this amazing bilingual Montessori which will have great experiences and discoveries for him. Plus, you can see the are about teaching kids numbers, colors, and learning through sensory activities. It says so in the brochure! :o) It will be 4 half days a week (9am-12am)
Let's face it...we're talking about pre-school here...they're just needing to place and glue pinto beans to stuff. But Still...you want the best for your kids....
Where would you send YOUR kids???
Love,
On Saturday night, Brian and I went out on a date! It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! We had a fantastic time. We went to a place in the 6th called La Petit Cour and it was a little hip, but not too trendy. The wait staff was as warm as French wait staff could be. And the food was GREAT! It was not the standard heavy French food we are used to! It was a bit hip and fresh with different combinations. Here's a link to the place:
http://www.bestrestaurantsparis.com/en//en//en/restaurant-paris/detail/la-petite-cour.html
The chairs were not SO red nor the walls SO yellow as in the picture. Here is what we ordered:
Phuong
Carrot/Cumin soup with light orange mousse
(I swear it tasted like chile con carne...DELICIOUS even when you are expecting carrots. Just wish I had chips)
Veal medallions with a lobster cream sauce and zucchini
Risotto au lait
(Like sweet rice but with risotto)
Cafe
Brian
New York Steak with Mache salad
Assorted cheese plate
Risotto au lait
Cafe
We had amazing conversation and just thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Our sitter put Michael down for bed so we both got a break from bedtime!
You saw what we did on Sunday already. See previous post.
Monday, it was cold/wet/snowy so we stayed inside. Brian had to brave it to go to work!
Tuesday, Brian took the day off! We took Michael to gymnastics and Brian had a great time watching Michael bounce around! Home for lunch/naps while Mom bought some groceries/snow proof hiking boots at Italie2.
And then I made homemade spaghetti and meatballs (courtesy of my Gourmet magazine) while Michael and Dad went to the park! The meatballs were amazing and Brian made sure to throw lots of snowballs at Michael during "guy time."
Then, my sitter came and Brian and I went on ANOTHER date! We took one of our Paris walks around Bastille in the 12th and it was ok. Definitely should have said on the card, "Best done after 8pm" because it was pretty dead around that part of town. Seemed like a cool night place though!
Now we are on Wednesday. So far, I took Michael to visit the bilingual Montessori I want to send Michael to. IT WAS AMAZING. But sadly, about an hour away. UGH. And at 6000 euro a year, we are glad we won't be paying for it!! EEK!
So now I am trying to decide. Here are the options:
Private Catholic ALL French School which is REALLY close to my apartment, but was not as nice. The staff is great, and the school itself was fine...but it looked like a place where they just keep kids and entertain them while they are there. It is also an all day kind of thing. 8:30-4:30 4 days a week. Wednesdays are off or half days.
OR...this amazing bilingual Montessori which will have great experiences and discoveries for him. Plus, you can see the are about teaching kids numbers, colors, and learning through sensory activities. It says so in the brochure! :o) It will be 4 half days a week (9am-12am)
Let's face it...we're talking about pre-school here...they're just needing to place and glue pinto beans to stuff. But Still...you want the best for your kids....
Where would you send YOUR kids???
Love,
P
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Big Boy Bed
Michael's been talking a while about: "Jonah" "Big Boy Bed"
Well, he's now part of the big boy bed club!
Michael is taking his nap right now in his big boy bed. Brian built it for him today! There's still egg crating at the foot/head of the bed and his mattress doesn't have a sheet because I have it in the wash. There is a stupid story about that, but I don't think it's worth blog space.
YEA! Michael! Big Boy Now...sniff...sniff...
Well, I got these shots of Michael today. Not exactly astronomical, but I like them. And they are quite innocent enough at first glance:
Don't worry, Brian was spotting him to the right. Don't want any "good golly, THIS is how they take care of Michael??" comments. Or Social services come knocking on our door...
Well, he's now part of the big boy bed club!
Michael is taking his nap right now in his big boy bed. Brian built it for him today! There's still egg crating at the foot/head of the bed and his mattress doesn't have a sheet because I have it in the wash. There is a stupid story about that, but I don't think it's worth blog space.YEA! Michael! Big Boy Now...sniff...sniff...
Well, I got these shots of Michael today. Not exactly astronomical, but I like them. And they are quite innocent enough at first glance:
Until I tell you that he was right here when I took those pictures:
Don't worry, Brian was spotting him to the right. Don't want any "good golly, THIS is how they take care of Michael??" comments. Or Social services come knocking on our door...It's a bright beautiful sunny day in Paris. If Paris was like this the first winter we were here, I might not have fallen into a deep depression...
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Ode to being a mom...
I am so glad I don't have a friend like the one who wrote here! All our friends without kids are amazing and so understanding about everything to do with kids!
If you can't see it well, click on and see if it will enlarge.
If you can't see it well, click on and see if it will enlarge.
Thanks, Gina, for sending the article!
Love,
P
Sensors
I have been setting off anti-theft sensors at the entrances of all sorts of stores all over Europe. Spain, here, and Germany. I always wondered why...thinking it was my camera bag. Then it started happening in Paris when I didn't have my camera on me.
Turns out, I have not been removing the tag that says, "Remove before wearing or washing" on some of my bras. AND not doing it on some of Michael's clothes. So we've been setting off sensors all over Europe.
NICE.
And if you have been looking at my facebook...there is some explaning to be done. I went to my favorite little papeterie near my house and was reading People magazine for free there (as it is 6.70 euro for ONE)...and I notice a rather burly looking guy standing very close to me arranging all the magazines around me.
I continue to read about halfway through the magazine and then I start to feel uncomfortable as he is quite in my personal space.
So I move to the TV guides and he moves with me...glaring at me...all the way, standing there...glaring, standing, and glaring, and standing.
So I calmly put my TV guide down, and give him as mean of a look as I can muster up since I am "stealing" magazines and I walk straight out of the store. Vowing never to return.
And it is a disappointment to me and I feel no guilt about it all. It's the "Barnes and Noble" phenomenon. Where I go and read all the things I want for free...but whenever I need to buy a book, I go to Barnes and Noble. No amazon, no nothing. Only Barnes and Noble. So I don't feel badly about my "stealing" of the magazines.
Same goes with this papeterie! If I want to buy my 7 euro edition of American Elle, I buy it there. For a while there, I bought a TV guide from them EVERY week. AND I buy my Interntaional Herald Tribune newspaper there. So I was quite upset to be "mobsterred" out of MY neighborhood papeterie since I had never seen that guy there in the 2 years I have been here. AND I have been to that papeterie a lot.
All for the love of celebrity gossip. Guess I'll just stick to the internet website.
Turns out, I have not been removing the tag that says, "Remove before wearing or washing" on some of my bras. AND not doing it on some of Michael's clothes. So we've been setting off sensors all over Europe.
NICE.
And if you have been looking at my facebook...there is some explaning to be done. I went to my favorite little papeterie near my house and was reading People magazine for free there (as it is 6.70 euro for ONE)...and I notice a rather burly looking guy standing very close to me arranging all the magazines around me.
I continue to read about halfway through the magazine and then I start to feel uncomfortable as he is quite in my personal space.
So I move to the TV guides and he moves with me...glaring at me...all the way, standing there...glaring, standing, and glaring, and standing.
So I calmly put my TV guide down, and give him as mean of a look as I can muster up since I am "stealing" magazines and I walk straight out of the store. Vowing never to return.
And it is a disappointment to me and I feel no guilt about it all. It's the "Barnes and Noble" phenomenon. Where I go and read all the things I want for free...but whenever I need to buy a book, I go to Barnes and Noble. No amazon, no nothing. Only Barnes and Noble. So I don't feel badly about my "stealing" of the magazines.
Same goes with this papeterie! If I want to buy my 7 euro edition of American Elle, I buy it there. For a while there, I bought a TV guide from them EVERY week. AND I buy my Interntaional Herald Tribune newspaper there. So I was quite upset to be "mobsterred" out of MY neighborhood papeterie since I had never seen that guy there in the 2 years I have been here. AND I have been to that papeterie a lot.
All for the love of celebrity gossip. Guess I'll just stick to the internet website.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Plays!
I took Michael to a French play today and he LOVED it. It was a story about a little frog who was looking for Frog Country. Come to find out, Frog Country existed in the audience and all the little kids were the frogs.
http://www.akteon.fr/spectacle.php?ids=71
It was precious and had TONS of instrumentation and songs so Michael just had a field day. One guy could play a mini accordion, 2 types of recorders, a mini piano, a tambourine, a guitar, and a kazoo. Some people get all the talent!
When we got up to leave, Michael looked at me and said, "MORE!"
Then, he proceeded to act like a heathen at lunch and refused to eat the noodles he asked for at the mall. I decided to have a nice lunch out with Michael so we could make a whole fun morning of it and instead he was crazy. And when mom gets woken up at 1am and 5am every night, the first irritated mom to show up is NOT a nice one.
P
P.S. I am going to start posting about Michael here too. I can't keep up 2 blogs. It's ridiculous.
http://www.akteon.fr/spectacle.php?ids=71
It was precious and had TONS of instrumentation and songs so Michael just had a field day. One guy could play a mini accordion, 2 types of recorders, a mini piano, a tambourine, a guitar, and a kazoo. Some people get all the talent!
When we got up to leave, Michael looked at me and said, "MORE!"
Then, he proceeded to act like a heathen at lunch and refused to eat the noodles he asked for at the mall. I decided to have a nice lunch out with Michael so we could make a whole fun morning of it and instead he was crazy. And when mom gets woken up at 1am and 5am every night, the first irritated mom to show up is NOT a nice one.
P
P.S. I am going to start posting about Michael here too. I can't keep up 2 blogs. It's ridiculous.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Chuc Mung Nam Moi
Happy Chinese New Year! We happily welcome the Year of the Ox!
As Brian's Mom pointed out, Obama was born in the Year of the Ox. Here is what the Chinese Zodiac had to say about people born in this year:
The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. This powerful sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.
Now, most of you know, I did not vote. But if I...
As Brian's Mom pointed out, Obama was born in the Year of the Ox. Here is what the Chinese Zodiac had to say about people born in this year:
The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. This powerful sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.
Now, most of you know, I did not vote. But if I...
- ...was Chinese,
- ...didn't know anything about any platform,
- ...could only go by the description of the character of his Chinese Zodiac sign...
...I'd say, I would have voted for Obama.
Very interesting!
No huge Chinese New Year events during these 3 days. However there are some this weekend and at the end of the week that I plan on bringing Michael to!
Enjoy yourselves! Eat Well! And May your year be full of prosperity, health, and happiness!
Love,
Phuong
Friday, January 23, 2009
Les Cheques!
So, we've been asking our bank for checks now for about a year. We've asked about 5 times and we finally got them. They were waiting for us at our branch. No notice or anything telling us they were here. We were supposed to just know.
Anyways, Brian picked them up and our checks have the picture of the Arc de Triomphe on them! HOW COOL IS THAT? We are going to keep one as a keepsake. Now, I'm trying to figure out how to write "VOID" on there without ruining what it looks like.
Preparing for Chinese New Year now! Cleaning and buying food that does not have any nut products or uses any nut oil in it. Not incredibly hard but I do have to take the time to read the labels.
So get ready, Chinese New Year is Jan 26-28. Don't spend any money on those days (except to gamble or eat), do not sweep or mop your house (or your money will just fly out all year long), and don't take out the trash.
I'll say, the last 2 things are NO PROBLEM in our household!
Anyways, Brian picked them up and our checks have the picture of the Arc de Triomphe on them! HOW COOL IS THAT? We are going to keep one as a keepsake. Now, I'm trying to figure out how to write "VOID" on there without ruining what it looks like.
Preparing for Chinese New Year now! Cleaning and buying food that does not have any nut products or uses any nut oil in it. Not incredibly hard but I do have to take the time to read the labels.
So get ready, Chinese New Year is Jan 26-28. Don't spend any money on those days (except to gamble or eat), do not sweep or mop your house (or your money will just fly out all year long), and don't take out the trash.
I'll say, the last 2 things are NO PROBLEM in our household!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Review Meetings
My review went pretty well. I completed most of my serious objectives. My boss, Christophe, told me I have to be more assertive this year. Every one of you could have told him that. Other than that he seemed very pleased with what I did. We discussed the rumors as well that I would be sent back early, and he said that if it was mid-year and there was a manageable amount of money left, he would try to put me on the GPE group payroll so I could finish the year. So that was good news.
The START meeting was disappointing but good in its own way. They just wanted to inform us that they are actively searching with our home country HR teams to try and find us (all expats except upper upper management and experts) positions and move us back early. They didn't seem to have a real plan developed yet, but they told us they would get back to us in a month with something more concrete. In the meantime, I guess I just work as normal and wait for a call from the HR chief in the US. Then we have 2-3 months to move back is what it sounded like.
There were three of us there, and we were the last ones to have a meeting amongst the START bunch so there was a good reason for the rumors - they were more like meeting minutes.
I asked about what my manager had said and Sandra told me that the home country has priority - basically if they find a position for me, I'm going, and there's nothing Christophe, CRCD HR or I can do about it. I guess they can tell HR US not to look very hard for jobs, but that probably wouldn't reflect well on the HR manager in the US.
Fair enough, glad to know. While this isn't great news and they don't seem to have a concrete plan, at least they're telling us rather than hiding it and springing it on us without a moment's notice. I'm planning on going back in April or May. If we stay later, party. We can't go before March, I already bought my ticket to Phoenix.
Now I have some moral questions - should I take 2 months of vacation right now - which I will likely lose when I go back to the US? I'm taking a week in February - vacances scolaires - everyone takes a week in February.
The START meeting was disappointing but good in its own way. They just wanted to inform us that they are actively searching with our home country HR teams to try and find us (all expats except upper upper management and experts) positions and move us back early. They didn't seem to have a real plan developed yet, but they told us they would get back to us in a month with something more concrete. In the meantime, I guess I just work as normal and wait for a call from the HR chief in the US. Then we have 2-3 months to move back is what it sounded like.
There were three of us there, and we were the last ones to have a meeting amongst the START bunch so there was a good reason for the rumors - they were more like meeting minutes.
I asked about what my manager had said and Sandra told me that the home country has priority - basically if they find a position for me, I'm going, and there's nothing Christophe, CRCD HR or I can do about it. I guess they can tell HR US not to look very hard for jobs, but that probably wouldn't reflect well on the HR manager in the US.
Fair enough, glad to know. While this isn't great news and they don't seem to have a concrete plan, at least they're telling us rather than hiding it and springing it on us without a moment's notice. I'm planning on going back in April or May. If we stay later, party. We can't go before March, I already bought my ticket to Phoenix.
Now I have some moral questions - should I take 2 months of vacation right now - which I will likely lose when I go back to the US? I'm taking a week in February - vacances scolaires - everyone takes a week in February.
My husband...in a nut shell
First of all, this is my latest fav pic of Brian. So cool, handsome, and happy:
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Today is an interesting day for Brian. He's got a meeting about right now or very soon with his manager for his year end review. And then he's got another meeting about the START program (the one he's in that sends him over here to work). Which may or may not be a good thing. We're still wondering exactly what it will be about.
Anyways, you can check back soon to find out. I'm sure I'll blog about it.
We were in music class last Saturday. We go as a family. And as in any Children's music class, you start by going around the room and saying your name to a little song. And this one not only had you saying your name to a little song, but also tapping out the beat with your hands at the same time.
Needless to say...when it got to Brian, Brian did a STELLAR job singing his name. But when it came to tapping out the beat with his hands, not only was he COMPLETELY off beat with the rest of the group, but he was completely off beat with himself. So he's singing and tapping to God only knows what song and God only knows what rhythm.
AWESOME. Then we sing another song and the teacher says, "This is a good song to introduce duple and triple meter." Brian looks at me and says, "What's that?"
And I say, "You know...we are getting our money's worth out of this class because it is teaching both YOU and Michael about music."
Last night, we had this conversation while Brian is surfing espn.go.com (otherwise known as the black hole of man time on the internet...oh wait, that's myfamily.com for Brian).
Brian: You know, I don't really like the NFL that much.
Phuong: Oh yeah, why not?
Brian: Well, I like baseball.
OK. Didn't realize that you could only like one or the other!
Brian is funny. And even after nearly 7 years of marriage, he still surprises me with how funny/weird he is. I am glad he picked me to be his wife. Good thing he has a thing for Asian chicks.
Just a random post. That's all.
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Today is an interesting day for Brian. He's got a meeting about right now or very soon with his manager for his year end review. And then he's got another meeting about the START program (the one he's in that sends him over here to work). Which may or may not be a good thing. We're still wondering exactly what it will be about.Anyways, you can check back soon to find out. I'm sure I'll blog about it.
We were in music class last Saturday. We go as a family. And as in any Children's music class, you start by going around the room and saying your name to a little song. And this one not only had you saying your name to a little song, but also tapping out the beat with your hands at the same time.
Needless to say...when it got to Brian, Brian did a STELLAR job singing his name. But when it came to tapping out the beat with his hands, not only was he COMPLETELY off beat with the rest of the group, but he was completely off beat with himself. So he's singing and tapping to God only knows what song and God only knows what rhythm.
AWESOME. Then we sing another song and the teacher says, "This is a good song to introduce duple and triple meter." Brian looks at me and says, "What's that?"
And I say, "You know...we are getting our money's worth out of this class because it is teaching both YOU and Michael about music."
Last night, we had this conversation while Brian is surfing espn.go.com (otherwise known as the black hole of man time on the internet...oh wait, that's myfamily.com for Brian).
Brian: You know, I don't really like the NFL that much.
Phuong: Oh yeah, why not?
Brian: Well, I like baseball.
OK. Didn't realize that you could only like one or the other!
Brian is funny. And even after nearly 7 years of marriage, he still surprises me with how funny/weird he is. I am glad he picked me to be his wife. Good thing he has a thing for Asian chicks.
Just a random post. That's all.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I will do anything to procrastinate doing my French Homework
Including blogging!
So...there are some rumors flying around about Brian's company sending the expats back earlier than expected. Very unsubstantiated. Like I said, these are rumors but they do inspire some reflection on our part.
Getting sent back early. I should be doing a little booty dance inside my head...but I am not. If they sent us back much later than expected, I would be desperate. If they sent us back on time, I would be ok. But...if they sent us back early? I had never even thought about THAT being an option!
And I don't like it. NOT ONE BIT. I started to get really nostalgic because you know what? The grass IS always greener on the other side. Here, I yearn for properly grilled steak, Piranha sushi, barbeque, queso with beer, and a good enchiladas suizas. And I think about America all the time. How efficient it is, how friendly, how clean, how the shopping carts are huge and have wipes next to them so you can wipe them down, and how you can drive places. Easily.
BUT. When you say I have to leave Paris...
I think...wait, so I can't have my croissant or baguette tradition whenever I want? Or have cassoulet made for me anytime I want? No Luxembourg Gardens to play? Excuse me? I still have to see Greece/Norway/Egypt...
So it is weird...thinking about leaving...the most hardest thing though isn't any of the above. It's the fact that we raised Michael here. That all of our young childhood memories of Michael involve Paris. How our boulangere just adores him and he knows which way to go to get bread there. How he loves the duck pond and the Medici fountain at the Luxembourg gardens. How he says, "Merci, Au revoir, and bouge pas." Every time I think of Michael as a baby, I will remember Paris.
And so I find it hard to leave.
I better get back to my French homework now. My french teacher has me doing exercises from the French exams they give to French students to get into La Sorbonne (college). So I DO NOT WANT TO EVEN GET TO IT. It wil depress me.
P
So...there are some rumors flying around about Brian's company sending the expats back earlier than expected. Very unsubstantiated. Like I said, these are rumors but they do inspire some reflection on our part.
Getting sent back early. I should be doing a little booty dance inside my head...but I am not. If they sent us back much later than expected, I would be desperate. If they sent us back on time, I would be ok. But...if they sent us back early? I had never even thought about THAT being an option!
And I don't like it. NOT ONE BIT. I started to get really nostalgic because you know what? The grass IS always greener on the other side. Here, I yearn for properly grilled steak, Piranha sushi, barbeque, queso with beer, and a good enchiladas suizas. And I think about America all the time. How efficient it is, how friendly, how clean, how the shopping carts are huge and have wipes next to them so you can wipe them down, and how you can drive places. Easily.
BUT. When you say I have to leave Paris...
I think...wait, so I can't have my croissant or baguette tradition whenever I want? Or have cassoulet made for me anytime I want? No Luxembourg Gardens to play? Excuse me? I still have to see Greece/Norway/Egypt...
So it is weird...thinking about leaving...the most hardest thing though isn't any of the above. It's the fact that we raised Michael here. That all of our young childhood memories of Michael involve Paris. How our boulangere just adores him and he knows which way to go to get bread there. How he loves the duck pond and the Medici fountain at the Luxembourg gardens. How he says, "Merci, Au revoir, and bouge pas." Every time I think of Michael as a baby, I will remember Paris.
And so I find it hard to leave.
I better get back to my French homework now. My french teacher has me doing exercises from the French exams they give to French students to get into La Sorbonne (college). So I DO NOT WANT TO EVEN GET TO IT. It wil depress me.
P
Tower of Power
Michael is doing this right now. Who would have thought boxes from grocery delivery would be a toy?
Sunday, January 18, 2009
groins
I played four plays and called it quits because I couldn't run. I'm just glad I didn't pull two hammies and two groins, which would have been the outcome had I played any longer. I'm just old.
Love You
Yesterday, I was eating dinner with Michael. He looked at me and said, "Hug. Hug." So I give him a hug and while I am doing that he says to me, "Love you."
WOW.
WOW.
football!
I'm off to play football in 30 minutes.
Last week I played for the first time. Two hours and a half. I couldn't move all week. My groins were about to explode. My hammies hurt and I was all bruised up on my knees and elbows from diving and sliding on the frozen tundra of Les Invalides. It was above freezing that day but the ground was frozen and there was still snow on the ground. So I'd like to think my muscle problems were less about being old and out of shape and more about the fact that I did the splits every play from a lack of traction on the ice. But it was fun nonetheless. I think I'm fairly fast which is a sad commentary on the physical ability of the other guys we play with.
So pray for my groins today.
Last week I played for the first time. Two hours and a half. I couldn't move all week. My groins were about to explode. My hammies hurt and I was all bruised up on my knees and elbows from diving and sliding on the frozen tundra of Les Invalides. It was above freezing that day but the ground was frozen and there was still snow on the ground. So I'd like to think my muscle problems were less about being old and out of shape and more about the fact that I did the splits every play from a lack of traction on the ice. But it was fun nonetheless. I think I'm fairly fast which is a sad commentary on the physical ability of the other guys we play with.
So pray for my groins today.
Walnut
Phuong was making dinner Friday evening and Michael and I were sitting in the kitchen waiting. I had bought a bunch of nuts - walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts - and a nutcracker. So I took one of those walnuts and with excessive force, destroyed the shell and splintered the nut inside. Since there were small walnut bits everywhere, I decided I would give a bit to Michael. So I told Phuong, hey I'm going to give Michael a bit of walnut. As she's busy cooking, she says, I don't know, well whatever. I reply, well we have to find out sometime whether he's allergic or not.
Two minutes later, he's pointing at his tongue and telling us it hurts. Then he starts getting red in the face. 5 minutes later, his lips were all swollen. So we were like, well, let's go to the hospital (St Vincent's is only 3 bus stops away) and if it clears up, we can turn around and if it worsens, then well, we'll be there. By the time we get to the hospital his head must have inflated by 25% or so it seemed. His cheeks were all red and puffy, and his lips looked like those of Bubba in Forrest Gump. Good thing there were no tripwires at the hospital.
We checked in, had his vitals measured, and then he from either pain or fear of doctors - probably a little of both, started wailing until he got his first round of medication an hour later. I'd say he got a dose of oral medication around 8:00 or 8:30 and then around 9:30 they put an IV in his little hand to administer another medication around 10:00 to make the swelling go down. Then we had to wait until the swelling and redness went away completely before we were allowed to leave. Michael and I fell asleep around 11:00, and the doctor finally came in just before midnight to tell us it was fine to leave. He was late, but there was a young newborn that was really sick and he was spending most of his time and rightfully so attending to it. In the end we made it home around 12:30 and Michael was fine. He was a bit red yesterday with a small red rash and today he is fine.
The nurses and the doctor at Saint Vincent were really nice and helpful. We did allow the intern to put Michael's IV in his hand. I think she did ok, maybe she took a little bit longer than the older nurse, but she didn't have to fish around for five minutes for the vein like the person in Arkansas did.
The staff were really funny though because they must have told us ten times, no more nuts for the boy! Maybe they thought we didn't understand. At midnight they finally found out we weren't tourists so that's certainly a possibility.
Two minutes later, he's pointing at his tongue and telling us it hurts. Then he starts getting red in the face. 5 minutes later, his lips were all swollen. So we were like, well, let's go to the hospital (St Vincent's is only 3 bus stops away) and if it clears up, we can turn around and if it worsens, then well, we'll be there. By the time we get to the hospital his head must have inflated by 25% or so it seemed. His cheeks were all red and puffy, and his lips looked like those of Bubba in Forrest Gump. Good thing there were no tripwires at the hospital.
We checked in, had his vitals measured, and then he from either pain or fear of doctors - probably a little of both, started wailing until he got his first round of medication an hour later. I'd say he got a dose of oral medication around 8:00 or 8:30 and then around 9:30 they put an IV in his little hand to administer another medication around 10:00 to make the swelling go down. Then we had to wait until the swelling and redness went away completely before we were allowed to leave. Michael and I fell asleep around 11:00, and the doctor finally came in just before midnight to tell us it was fine to leave. He was late, but there was a young newborn that was really sick and he was spending most of his time and rightfully so attending to it. In the end we made it home around 12:30 and Michael was fine. He was a bit red yesterday with a small red rash and today he is fine.
The nurses and the doctor at Saint Vincent were really nice and helpful. We did allow the intern to put Michael's IV in his hand. I think she did ok, maybe she took a little bit longer than the older nurse, but she didn't have to fish around for five minutes for the vein like the person in Arkansas did.
The staff were really funny though because they must have told us ten times, no more nuts for the boy! Maybe they thought we didn't understand. At midnight they finally found out we weren't tourists so that's certainly a possibility.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Adventures...Adventures...
Yesterday, Michael and I took a field trip. Michael has a little book with flaps. And under the flaps, are pictures of artwork like the Venus de Milo...and his favorite...The Mona Lisa.
He has been asking to see the Mona Lisa for weeks and he knows it's in the Louvre! He points to the picture of the Louvre and will say, "Louvre...Mona Lisa."
So. I took him.
BUT FIRST, I took him to BHV (crazy store here) and we had lunch at the cafeteria. When we walked in, a whole gaggle of kids walked in with their teachers. Apparently, BHV is a popular field trip destination in Paris. I grew up going to NASA and Jesse H Jones Park. The kids here go to BHV. It's just sad really considering BHV is like Dillards, Home Depot, and Office Depot rolled into one.
I digress.
So we had lunch there, I shopped for some cheap Le Creuset items and walked down Rue de Rivoli. I am looking for a sparkley t-shirt for a friend. All this while Michael is napping.
I digress yet again.
SO...after this, I took napping MIchael to the Louvre. I shopped all in the Carrousel du Louvre. Michael is STILL napping. So finally, he wakes up and we stop to look at the Winged Victory, which is also in his book. He says to me, "Statue...big...up high." Yes, that's true.
Luckily, we were able to avoid all the stairs by the Winged Victory and found the Mona Lisa after making only 3 turns. If you've been the Louvre, you know that you will take many stairs to go see the Winged Victory up close, then you will make many strange loops through much Italian Renaissance before you stumble upon the Mona Lisa.
We got there and Michael reacted as most adults react. He looked at the picture in his book, pointed to the wall and said, "Mona Lisa!" and gave me a HUGE smile. Then he said,
"Outside. Done."
Ok, so that's it. We looked at the Louvre pyramid out a window and left.
VOILA!
And next...to keep you highly in suspense...Brian is going to blog about our Friday night date night which involved:
Walnuts, Hopital Saint Vincent, and 12:30am.
He has been asking to see the Mona Lisa for weeks and he knows it's in the Louvre! He points to the picture of the Louvre and will say, "Louvre...Mona Lisa."
So. I took him.
BUT FIRST, I took him to BHV (crazy store here) and we had lunch at the cafeteria. When we walked in, a whole gaggle of kids walked in with their teachers. Apparently, BHV is a popular field trip destination in Paris. I grew up going to NASA and Jesse H Jones Park. The kids here go to BHV. It's just sad really considering BHV is like Dillards, Home Depot, and Office Depot rolled into one.
I digress.
So we had lunch there, I shopped for some cheap Le Creuset items and walked down Rue de Rivoli. I am looking for a sparkley t-shirt for a friend. All this while Michael is napping.
I digress yet again.
SO...after this, I took napping MIchael to the Louvre. I shopped all in the Carrousel du Louvre. Michael is STILL napping. So finally, he wakes up and we stop to look at the Winged Victory, which is also in his book. He says to me, "Statue...big...up high." Yes, that's true.
Luckily, we were able to avoid all the stairs by the Winged Victory and found the Mona Lisa after making only 3 turns. If you've been the Louvre, you know that you will take many stairs to go see the Winged Victory up close, then you will make many strange loops through much Italian Renaissance before you stumble upon the Mona Lisa.
We got there and Michael reacted as most adults react. He looked at the picture in his book, pointed to the wall and said, "Mona Lisa!" and gave me a HUGE smile. Then he said,
"Outside. Done."
Ok, so that's it. We looked at the Louvre pyramid out a window and left.
VOILA!
And next...to keep you highly in suspense...Brian is going to blog about our Friday night date night which involved:
Walnuts, Hopital Saint Vincent, and 12:30am.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Food, Etc.
So...Michael has a fetish. He likes to put whatever is shaped like a ball in his ball popper, especially if it will fit. Look what we found recently:
Next, I'm going to do the Letter A. Artichokes, Apples, and ... anyone have a good guess for something starting with the letter A that is a protein?
Yup, that's a clementine.
Lately, Michael has had a standing lunch date with the letter "P." We eat pizza, pears, and peas and the letter P shows up to eat with us:
Next, I'm going to do the Letter A. Artichokes, Apples, and ... anyone have a good guess for something starting with the letter A that is a protein?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Michael's Stories
Michael tells me stories about things. Here are some:
Michael: Grandpa
Phuong: What about Grandpa?
Michael: Texas
Phuong: Yep, Grandpa is in Texas
Michael: Drive
Phuong: Oh yeah, what does Grandpa drive?
Michael: Big car.
OK.
Michael: Balloon
Phuong: Ok, let's play balloon
Michael: Mommy cry
Phuong: Did I cry?
Michael: Pop
Phuong: Oh yes, Mommy did cry when the balloon popped in her face because she's a scaredy cat. It was a fake cry, for the record.
Last Tuesday, Michael was the only one in gymnastics so he got to do all sorts of things he normally does not get to do. The teacher usually leads the kids in running around in circles, taking big steps, jumping all while she beats this little drum. Well, she graciously let Michael lead the 2 adults there for him and Michael ran around in circles really quickly beating the drum while the adults followed. Like HE was teaching the class. It was precious.
And then the other little whiny girl showed up. She apparently had fallen on some ice like 15 minutes ago and was still whimpy about it. Figures. GIRLS. This is the same girl that Michael ran smack into on the 1st day of class. Michael got up, and continued running like crazy. The girl stayed on the floor and cried for 5 minutes and had to get a cream for the welt on her head.
Very funny, but makes me glad I don't have a girl. Or rather, it is me rationalizing with myself and making me feel better that I will never have a girl. So for those of you who have girls, don't take offense. I'm just REALLY jealous.
Michael: Grandpa
Phuong: What about Grandpa?
Michael: Texas
Phuong: Yep, Grandpa is in Texas
Michael: Drive
Phuong: Oh yeah, what does Grandpa drive?
Michael: Big car.
OK.
Michael: Balloon
Phuong: Ok, let's play balloon
Michael: Mommy cry
Phuong: Did I cry?
Michael: Pop
Phuong: Oh yes, Mommy did cry when the balloon popped in her face because she's a scaredy cat. It was a fake cry, for the record.
Last Tuesday, Michael was the only one in gymnastics so he got to do all sorts of things he normally does not get to do. The teacher usually leads the kids in running around in circles, taking big steps, jumping all while she beats this little drum. Well, she graciously let Michael lead the 2 adults there for him and Michael ran around in circles really quickly beating the drum while the adults followed. Like HE was teaching the class. It was precious.
And then the other little whiny girl showed up. She apparently had fallen on some ice like 15 minutes ago and was still whimpy about it. Figures. GIRLS. This is the same girl that Michael ran smack into on the 1st day of class. Michael got up, and continued running like crazy. The girl stayed on the floor and cried for 5 minutes and had to get a cream for the welt on her head.
Very funny, but makes me glad I don't have a girl. Or rather, it is me rationalizing with myself and making me feel better that I will never have a girl. So for those of you who have girls, don't take offense. I'm just REALLY jealous.
FINALLY!
It has finally warmed up in Paris to a high in the mid to upper 30s. Thank GOD. Because before, it was too.cold.to.function.or.leave.the.house.
I'm sure Team Besancon Boston will be laughing at my shivering with the highs in the mid 20s.
We have not been doing much. Just trying to get back into our routine here with the cleaning/cooking/etc. So we have nothing interesting to report except the snow from last week which blanketed Paris and made it more beautiful than ever.
Today, I was walking back from the market with Michael and singing ABC's for him. And I looked up at all the pretty buildings and actually thought, "I am going to be sad when it comes time to leave here."
GASP
I'm sure Team Besancon Boston will be laughing at my shivering with the highs in the mid 20s.
We have not been doing much. Just trying to get back into our routine here with the cleaning/cooking/etc. So we have nothing interesting to report except the snow from last week which blanketed Paris and made it more beautiful than ever.
Today, I was walking back from the market with Michael and singing ABC's for him. And I looked up at all the pretty buildings and actually thought, "I am going to be sad when it comes time to leave here."
GASP
Monday, January 12, 2009
Chopper dead
Michael killed the chopper crashing it into walls and the floor. He broke off the rear rotor and that was it. That didn't stop him from flying it for two days along the ground just to make it move.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Snow Covered Paris
Click here to see some great pics of snow covered Paris. Scroll down a bit...it's the 2nd blog entry. You won't miss them! They are amazing:
http://www.sarahgardan.com/blog/
http://www.sarahgardan.com/blog/
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Tagged!
My sister-in-law, Kelli, tagged me in a photo search, I guess you can call it! It is fun, so I'm doing it!
Here are the rules:
1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder
3) Explain the picture
4) Tag 4 people to do the sameNO CHEATING! (cropping, editing, etc!)
1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder
3) Explain the picture
4) Tag 4 people to do the sameNO CHEATING! (cropping, editing, etc!)
Unfortunately, no one is in the picture! But it is a picture of some wildflowers (duh) at a winery we visited in the Hill Country in Texas. I remember that it was a Saturday after I had worked a 70 hour work week to set up a tool and I had this one day off before I was back at work on Sunday. So we drove out to a winery and sampled some of their goods!
Now, I tag Kim Kropka, Gina Dickerson, AK Besancon, and Renee Nieh!
Love,
P
P
Monday, January 05, 2009
Chopper
Mom bought my brothers and I a remote controlled helicopter for Christmas. Michael loves it. The past two days, all he can say is chopper, chopper when I come home. He can really control it well too, or at least we can get it in the air. The landing rails broke so I hold it in the air in the middle of the room and he holds the controls sitting on the chair. Then he starts up the rotors and I let it go. It looks like a dying dragonfly and buzzes all around the room. I try to avoid it and then try to catch it before it crashes and burns. Michael sits in his chair giggling and trying to fly the chopper. Phuong sits in her chair praying not to take a chopper to the face.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Better
Most of us are feeling better. I hate to speak too soon about Michael since I did in the last post. Right after I posted the last post, his fever came back. We went to the doctor yesterday.
So we'll just see what happens today!
So we'll just see what happens today!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Fever broke!
Michael's fever broke early this morning so I don't have to worry about medication and whether or not a doctor will be open on Friday, January 2nd!
We're all thankfully feeling a bit better but it was nasty along the way! And I think we watched every animated movie and Baby Einstein 30 times each.
Love,
P
We're all thankfully feeling a bit better but it was nasty along the way! And I think we watched every animated movie and Baby Einstein 30 times each.
Love,
P
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Vacation is OVER
We are all sick. Brian and I have been sick sick sick since Sunday but are slowly (very slowly) getting better.
However, Michael's got it too, poor thing. And it's awful! He's got 104 fever and we're giving him fever medication every 6 hours. And every time he coughs, he cries for a while because it hurts. We know exactly how he feels because we felt this way on Sunday.
Oh well, there goes our wonderful plans for the week. I was going to go to a baby shower for my friend Kirsten on MOnday and get some more maternity pics for her at the Louvre and at her shower. And then Tuesday, we had a get together at a friend's house. And then Wednesday night we were going to ring in the new year playing pinochle at the Atkins.
ALL CANCELLED.
Love,
P
However, Michael's got it too, poor thing. And it's awful! He's got 104 fever and we're giving him fever medication every 6 hours. And every time he coughs, he cries for a while because it hurts. We know exactly how he feels because we felt this way on Sunday.
Oh well, there goes our wonderful plans for the week. I was going to go to a baby shower for my friend Kirsten on MOnday and get some more maternity pics for her at the Louvre and at her shower. And then Tuesday, we had a get together at a friend's house. And then Wednesday night we were going to ring in the new year playing pinochle at the Atkins.
ALL CANCELLED.
Love,
P
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Cook!
Michael and I were sitting at the table while he was eating his dinner and I was encouraging him in his endeavor. Phuong was over at the counter making hot chocolate and then she came over to talk to us standing next to Michael's chair. A short while later, he pushes her away, points towards the counter and yells COOK! Then 30 seconds later, even though he has a whole plate of food that he's not eating, he yells ME WANT FOOD!
Well then.
Well then.
My Goodness!
Brian is having a massive vacation right now! Two and a half weeks off for us to all look at each other all day! Here is a run down of activities:
Friday, Dec. 19: Dad's Day Off. Brian went Christmas shopping in the morning and then watched movies all afternoon at home while Michael and I hung out! We had delicious carne adovado for dinner. Thanks to Jamie and Kim for that New Mexican gift!
Saturday, Dec. 20: Mom out shopping with Su. Christmas shopping mostly done.
Sunday, Dec. 21: Christmas gouter/party at the Daniels. Their son, Jonah, is Michael's best friend. Sure helps out that Kirsten and I get a long GREAT as well!
Monday, Dec. 22: Christmas shopping with Kirsten around Paris. GREAT fun. Original day for her maternity photoshoot, but it was raining so shopping just HAD to be it! We went to Galeries Lafayette and then Cyrillus and then bopped around Opera.
Dec 23-24: Family time!
Thursday, Dec. 25th: Christmas and breakfast at home. Then Christmas dinner with the Atkins like we did last year! Super delicious and super fun. The kids all played well together and didn't eat a SINGLE thing for dinner. However, Michael did enjoy his 5 scoops of ice cream. We were glad he was quiet. It's the holidays!
Friday, Dec. 26th: No Day After Christmas shopping frenzy here! It is COLD. Like almost freezing cold. However, Brian and I braved the winds and walked all the way to Chatelet (40 minute walk) and I exchanged a couple of presents and bought Kirsten's shower gift. Shopping for girl clothes is SUPER fun. So I guess there was still Day After Christmas shopping...but no FRENZY to go along with it.
Which brings us to today! It was gorgeous and cold so I called Kirsten to come out and do our photoshoot. Here are my fav 3 pictures from today. She's gorgeous!
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Friday, Dec. 19: Dad's Day Off. Brian went Christmas shopping in the morning and then watched movies all afternoon at home while Michael and I hung out! We had delicious carne adovado for dinner. Thanks to Jamie and Kim for that New Mexican gift!
Saturday, Dec. 20: Mom out shopping with Su. Christmas shopping mostly done.
Sunday, Dec. 21: Christmas gouter/party at the Daniels. Their son, Jonah, is Michael's best friend. Sure helps out that Kirsten and I get a long GREAT as well!
Monday, Dec. 22: Christmas shopping with Kirsten around Paris. GREAT fun. Original day for her maternity photoshoot, but it was raining so shopping just HAD to be it! We went to Galeries Lafayette and then Cyrillus and then bopped around Opera.
Dec 23-24: Family time!
Thursday, Dec. 25th: Christmas and breakfast at home. Then Christmas dinner with the Atkins like we did last year! Super delicious and super fun. The kids all played well together and didn't eat a SINGLE thing for dinner. However, Michael did enjoy his 5 scoops of ice cream. We were glad he was quiet. It's the holidays!
Friday, Dec. 26th: No Day After Christmas shopping frenzy here! It is COLD. Like almost freezing cold. However, Brian and I braved the winds and walked all the way to Chatelet (40 minute walk) and I exchanged a couple of presents and bought Kirsten's shower gift. Shopping for girl clothes is SUPER fun. So I guess there was still Day After Christmas shopping...but no FRENZY to go along with it.
Which brings us to today! It was gorgeous and cold so I called Kirsten to come out and do our photoshoot. Here are my fav 3 pictures from today. She's gorgeous!
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Friday, December 19, 2008
Alsacez-Vous!
Brian's parents came in on a whirlwind trip to Paris to deliver Christmas goodies (both edible and non!) and to run off to a region in France called Alsace, known for its German influence. We were in search of schnitzel, but found mostly sauerkraut and sausage. Yeah, we'll take that too!
We stayed in this AMAZING gite (French for rental house) that was situated up HIGH in the mountains with snow everywhere. There were just tons of live Christmas trees, covered in snow, growing everywhere! It was like in a Christmas storybook. And at night, it was even more enchanting. Incredible! We took many opportunities to take pictures!
Family pic:_BW.jpg)
My favorite pic of Michael from the vacation:
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Happy parents with their adorable hats:
.JPG)
And boys conquering piles of snowcovered wood:
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One of our first adventures was putting chains on our tires. When we first arrived at the gite, we were met by the owner who was waiting for us by the side of the road with a flashlight. After some exchanges, we decided it would be best if he drove our car up the mountain without chains and Dad would drive his. So far so good!
Then, the guy who drives very often in snow left. Something about meeting his friend. I thought our snow driver was included in the cost! Anyways, we put chains on the back two tires of the vehicle and proceeded to slide down the snow covered hill 3 times before a nice Belgian living upstairs told us, "You need to put the chains on the FRONT 2 tires of a front wheel drive vehicle. NOT the back 2."
Why yes...that seems to make sense now doesn't it?? Here's a nice picture of our chains:
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_BW.jpg)
We stayed in this AMAZING gite (French for rental house) that was situated up HIGH in the mountains with snow everywhere. There were just tons of live Christmas trees, covered in snow, growing everywhere! It was like in a Christmas storybook. And at night, it was even more enchanting. Incredible! We took many opportunities to take pictures!
Family pic:
My favorite pic of Michael from the vacation:
Happy parents with their adorable hats:And boys conquering piles of snowcovered wood:
One of our first adventures was putting chains on our tires. When we first arrived at the gite, we were met by the owner who was waiting for us by the side of the road with a flashlight. After some exchanges, we decided it would be best if he drove our car up the mountain without chains and Dad would drive his. So far so good!Then, the guy who drives very often in snow left. Something about meeting his friend. I thought our snow driver was included in the cost! Anyways, we put chains on the back two tires of the vehicle and proceeded to slide down the snow covered hill 3 times before a nice Belgian living upstairs told us, "You need to put the chains on the FRONT 2 tires of a front wheel drive vehicle. NOT the back 2."
Why yes...that seems to make sense now doesn't it?? Here's a nice picture of our chains:
.JPG)
Later, we found out those same Belgians were driving fine up and down that hill with neither snow tires or chains. NICE! I guess that's what the owner meant when he asked me, "Are you guys used to driving in snow?" Ummm...that's a resounding "NO!"
The parents, Michael, and I arrived in Colmar in the early afternoon before Brian. We picked up Brian late that night at the Colmar train station and settled in after our eventful first day. For more random and possibly humerous stories, see the end of the blog.
At the beginning of the 2nd day, Saturday Dec. 13th, we got an early start at 11:00am. Ahhh...it is so nice to have a VACATION! The first place we visited was a quaint little town called Riquewihr..JPG)
We drank lots of hot beverages (cocoa, wine, etc):.JPG)
And had fun exploring the small village. We bought choucroute there (sauerkraut and sausage) and poele alsacienne (potates skillet fried with cheese and sausage) for dinner. And by skillet fried, I mean in pans as large as a 18 wheeler tire. It was super cute and we had a great time wandering the little cobbled streets.
On our drive up and down the mountain, we had some amazing views. Here's a really cool cemetary we found:_Screen.jpg)
And I just love this snow covered view:_screen.jpg)
On the 3rd day, Sunday Dec. 14th, we explored Colmar! The German inspired colored houses were too cute and the market spanned the entire town. In Nuremberg, the market is really in their main square. But in Colmar, we went to different parts of the village to see different markets. Really cute! Here's a family picture there, of course:.JPG)
And my favorite night market picture:.JPG)
We had an amazing apfelstreudel in a cafe near Petit Venise in Colmar and some Frenchies in the table next to us were seriously enchanted by Michael! All he was doing was eating a mini ice cream cone!
While in Colmar, we shopped, ate, and Michael rode the horse ride and the mini carrousel a ton of times. Check out this great picture Dad took:.JPG)
On our last day, Monday Dec. 15th, we explored Eguisheim. It had a sign greeting us saying, "One of the most prettiest villages in France." Any time we see this sign, we brace ourselves a bit because what France considers one of their most prettiest villages, is a bit different than what we expect! While Eguisheim was cute (the streets form concentric circles), it was just ok. I think it would have helped had we come on a Sunday since Monday was pretty dead in the village. As in most villages actually! Usually Sunday is a dead day too but since it is Christmas season, things are open. Either way, we got our family picture! Dad already had Michael snuggled in his coat so we just said, "Hey, you can get in the picture too!"
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After this, we returned the rental car in Colmar and had a nice uneventful train ride back to Paris with sauerkraut in our bellies and visions of whittled Christmas ornaments in our head.
Michael had a great time with his grandparents and these 2 shots show just that:
Michael had a great time with his grandparents and these 2 shots show just that:
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VOILA! And that was the end of our trip! Amazing!
Love,
P
P.S. Funny moments:
- While waiting at the train station (Gare de l'Est) to go to Colmar (we were an hour early), we helped a Chinese guy who was seriously stressed out about the trains in France. He couldn't imagine why they would be late. And I wondered, are trains always running perfectly in China?
- At this same train station, I got pooped on by a bird. This is my first memory of the trip. This should teach me NOT to come to the train station an hour early!
- We had to transfer trains in Strasbourg to a regional train that went to Colmar. Brian left us 10 minutes to do this transfer. By the time we got on the train, it was pulling out and Brian's mom was reaching for her inhaler so she could breathe.
- When we got to the Avis rental agency, they only had 2 cars for us. They took us to the parking lot and showed us the car we ordered, a Citroen C3 with no chains. Reasonably sized car. Then they showed us a Ford Fiesta with chains. The Ford fiesta was small. To put it generously. But we went ahead and chose it because it had chains. Luckily, someone returned a big Volkswagen Touron which easily could seat 4 and a carseat AND it had chains. WHEW. Otherwise, I may have had to ride tied to the top of the Ford Fiesta.
- When we were looking at the cars, Dad and I had to walk nearly to the other end of the parking lot. Then, when we were going to pick up our huge Volkswagon Touron, they drove us to it. And I am serious when I say it was like a 30 second walk away.
- Don't ask about navigating within the city of Colmar itself, OR finding our way out of Colmar to Kaysersberg for the first time. Let's just say, Brian's mom said, "Look for the D4 on the map." I couldn't find it until we went about 5km north of Colmar. Oops, better go WEST.
- Since Brian did not join us until late Friday night, I did all the information gathering in FRENCH! I am super proud of myself so I have to toot my horn.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
2 nights ago, Michael did not want to go to sleep. We put him in his crib like usual and he got up and started crying. So we went in and had this conversation with him through his tears and while hugging him. He was holding 2 dogs, a penguin, and a blanket all at the same time:
Michael: Mommy, Mommy
Mommy: Michael, it's ok. You are going to sleep in your crib
Michael: No, No, No
Mommy: Yes, it is ok. Tomorrow, we'll come in and get you when you wake up.
Michael: Get you...get you...
Mommy: So you be a big boy and sleep in your crib like a good boy ok?
Michael: Good boy, good boy...
And Brian layed him down, we left, and we shut the door. He went to sleep.
I guess we said the right things this time.
P
Michael: Mommy, Mommy
Mommy: Michael, it's ok. You are going to sleep in your crib
Michael: No, No, No
Mommy: Yes, it is ok. Tomorrow, we'll come in and get you when you wake up.
Michael: Get you...get you...
Mommy: So you be a big boy and sleep in your crib like a good boy ok?
Michael: Good boy, good boy...
And Brian layed him down, we left, and we shut the door. He went to sleep.
I guess we said the right things this time.
P
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Battu Part Deux
Today Michael, Phuong and I went to "Breakfast in America", a diner where they serve American style breakfast and hamburgers and all things deliciously American. We ordered our 2x2x2 (bacon, eggs, pancakes - B) and breakfast burrito (P), which came with toast. Phuong gave Michael a piece of toast and then a package of butter so he could spread some on his toast. We got to talking, wooing each other if you will, and we look over and the butter is gone and the boy is just sitting there with a spoon in his hand and greasy lips. He ate it all! Then he started asking for more battu, but we resisted and gave him syrup for his pnacake instead.
Friday, December 05, 2008
The Possible end of Scrapbooking
I think the end of scrapbooking is coming near for me. I just don't have time with my photography habit as well and now people are asking for photoshoots so I spend some time proofing.
Anyways, Kim Kropka introduced me to this site today for photobooks. It looks amazing. And guess what? They can turn your blogs into books with just some clicks of a mouse.
http://www.blurb.com/create/book/blogbook
You guys may be seeing A LOT more blog entries since I can just import it into a book and get it published. I think I am going to reserve my most favorite pictures for scrapbooking still...but I do believe my hobby is going to start taking a backseat to technology. And I better get a lot better with my grammar and spelling if I am going to put it in a book form.
Anyways, Kim Kropka introduced me to this site today for photobooks. It looks amazing. And guess what? They can turn your blogs into books with just some clicks of a mouse.
http://www.blurb.com/create/book/blogbook
You guys may be seeing A LOT more blog entries since I can just import it into a book and get it published. I think I am going to reserve my most favorite pictures for scrapbooking still...but I do believe my hobby is going to start taking a backseat to technology. And I better get a lot better with my grammar and spelling if I am going to put it in a book form.
My Cup Runneth Over
Tonight, Michael and I had the following conversation at bedtime:
Michael: Daddy?
Phuong: Daddy is playing poker tonight.
Michael: Friends.
Phuong: Yes, Daddy is playing poker with his friends. Do you have any friends?
Michael: Mommy, Joda
And he meant it too because he said Joda right after me, which is his best friend here in Paris (Jonah)
Are there any words to explain how you feel after your son tells you that he thinks of you as his friend? I must have done something right!
Then, I remember that line in The Wedding Singer when Adam Sandler's nephew tells him that "Everyone is saying you are coocoo." And Adam Sandler replies, "What do you mean everyone; you only talk to your parents."
I may be only 1 of 3 people he ever talks to but I am happy to still be his friend. Do you think he'll add me as his friend on Facebook one day?
Good night!
P
Michael: Daddy?
Phuong: Daddy is playing poker tonight.
Michael: Friends.
Phuong: Yes, Daddy is playing poker with his friends. Do you have any friends?
Michael: Mommy, Joda
And he meant it too because he said Joda right after me, which is his best friend here in Paris (Jonah)
Are there any words to explain how you feel after your son tells you that he thinks of you as his friend? I must have done something right!
Then, I remember that line in The Wedding Singer when Adam Sandler's nephew tells him that "Everyone is saying you are coocoo." And Adam Sandler replies, "What do you mean everyone; you only talk to your parents."
I may be only 1 of 3 people he ever talks to but I am happy to still be his friend. Do you think he'll add me as his friend on Facebook one day?
Good night!
P
Elle a Fait Ci
Thursday afternoon, we went to playgroup at Laura's place across the street. I met a mom who has a 22 month old girl who's got tons of health problems. She's hooked up to an oxygen tank and has a medicine dispenser box that is connected to her leg. She's had heart surgery and has possible liver problems, etc. She's gorgeous and so cute and my heart just goes out to her and her family!
Anyways, Michael has gone twice to French Music class. And today, I'm singing the song that they sing when they hold hands and go in a circle...and MICHAEL KNEW THE WORDS!!! It was incredible. Here's how it started:
Phuong: Ma grand mere fait tous ca
Michael: Elle a fait ci
Phuong: Elle a fait ca
Phuong: Ma grand mere, Elle a fait ci
Michael: Elle a fait ca
And he was saying over and over in the elevator, "VOILA!"
INCREDIBLE! Gotta get Vietnamese in there next!
Love,
P
Anyways, Michael has gone twice to French Music class. And today, I'm singing the song that they sing when they hold hands and go in a circle...and MICHAEL KNEW THE WORDS!!! It was incredible. Here's how it started:
Phuong: Ma grand mere fait tous ca
Michael: Elle a fait ci
Phuong: Elle a fait ca
Phuong: Ma grand mere, Elle a fait ci
Michael: Elle a fait ca
And he was saying over and over in the elevator, "VOILA!"
INCREDIBLE! Gotta get Vietnamese in there next!
Love,
P
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
SMOOCH
Yesterday, Michael has started kissing for REAL! He's been kissing us for a long time, but with wet open mouth kisses on our cheeks.
Yesterday, Michael put both his lips together, put them next to my cheek and made a kissing noise! He is thrilled with it!
One of his delay tactics for naptime is to smother me in kisses all over because he knows I love it and I let him do it all he wants! It is too cute to stop.
Other funny things:
On Tuesday, we went to gymnastics. He loves it and was running around the little play area that they set up. And as he went by, I could hear him under his breath saying, "More..more..more.." He just loves it!
However, he does not follow instructions well in gymnastics. The teacher will tell him in French to sit down and he'll just stand there staring at her. So she'll switch to English and he still does not obey, even though all the other kids are sitting all in a row. What do I DO??? Is there anything?
Michael was throwing around a football at home and wanted to throw it at a picture frame. I said, "Michael, don't throw it there or Mommy will get upset." And he looks at me and points to his timeout corner as to say, "yup, I go there if Mommy gets upset." Then, he pointed to the laptop and said, "Touch." Because he knows if he touches that, it's timeout too!
Michael can play memory now. It's a bit crude, bit it's there. I noticed it yesterday. I pull out 6 cards and put them face down and he knows to turn one over and look for the "match." And he can remember too! If he's turned it over before one time, and he sees it again somewhere else, he'll know where he saw it the first time. BONAFIDE. It's amazing! He's still learning how to take turns, but for now, I am letting him remember what he's done.
I taught Michael to say "crazy." So whenever he's turning things upside down and making a mess, he'll say "CRAZY!" while doing it and then point to the mess and say, "Mess."
This week so far:
Monday - No playgroup, fever recovery
Tuesday - Gymnastics in the morning, babysitter in the afternoon
Wednesday - MOther's coffee break in the morning, french music class in the afternoon
I think that's it. We'll see.
Yesterday, Michael put both his lips together, put them next to my cheek and made a kissing noise! He is thrilled with it!
One of his delay tactics for naptime is to smother me in kisses all over because he knows I love it and I let him do it all he wants! It is too cute to stop.
Other funny things:
On Tuesday, we went to gymnastics. He loves it and was running around the little play area that they set up. And as he went by, I could hear him under his breath saying, "More..more..more.." He just loves it!
However, he does not follow instructions well in gymnastics. The teacher will tell him in French to sit down and he'll just stand there staring at her. So she'll switch to English and he still does not obey, even though all the other kids are sitting all in a row. What do I DO??? Is there anything?
Michael was throwing around a football at home and wanted to throw it at a picture frame. I said, "Michael, don't throw it there or Mommy will get upset." And he looks at me and points to his timeout corner as to say, "yup, I go there if Mommy gets upset." Then, he pointed to the laptop and said, "Touch." Because he knows if he touches that, it's timeout too!
Michael can play memory now. It's a bit crude, bit it's there. I noticed it yesterday. I pull out 6 cards and put them face down and he knows to turn one over and look for the "match." And he can remember too! If he's turned it over before one time, and he sees it again somewhere else, he'll know where he saw it the first time. BONAFIDE. It's amazing! He's still learning how to take turns, but for now, I am letting him remember what he's done.
I taught Michael to say "crazy." So whenever he's turning things upside down and making a mess, he'll say "CRAZY!" while doing it and then point to the mess and say, "Mess."
This week so far:
Monday - No playgroup, fever recovery
Tuesday - Gymnastics in the morning, babysitter in the afternoon
Wednesday - MOther's coffee break in the morning, french music class in the afternoon
I think that's it. We'll see.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Monday, December 01, 2008
Crayon on the wall
The Thursday that the Kropkas came into town was November 6th. I was chatting with them in the living room and Michael was being very well behaved and quiet in his room.
At least I thought. I found blue crayon marks all over 3 of my white walls and 2 of my white doors.
Thank God for washable crayola crayons.
Love,
P
At least I thought. I found blue crayon marks all over 3 of my white walls and 2 of my white doors.
Thank God for washable crayola crayons.
Love,
P
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Michael has a fever today. 100.5 taken from the armpit so that means more likely around 101-102. I know, super accurate right?
Anyways, I gave him some fever reducing medication before bedtime and that seemed to help. *sigh* I hate fevers because you just have to sit around and wait for it to break. And then 3-4 days later, if it doesn't you have to call the doctor.
So here we go again.
P
Anyways, I gave him some fever reducing medication before bedtime and that seemed to help. *sigh* I hate fevers because you just have to sit around and wait for it to break. And then 3-4 days later, if it doesn't you have to call the doctor.
So here we go again.
P
On Saturday, we celebrated Thanksgiving again! There is a building in the 7th arrondissement that houses about 4-5 Air Liquide expat families. Isn't that incredible? I can't imagine living in a building where I knew 4 other English speaking families! Sounds amazing! What ISN'T amazing is that they spend an extra 600-800 euro PER MONTH to live there next to the Eiffel tower. I'm happy to be either saving that money or traveling with it!
Anyways, they call that building the Air Liquide compound so we had Thanksgiving there! They moved all the tables to one apartment and all the couches to another. So we had Thanskgiving dinner on the 3rd floor and then the babysitters took all the kids to the 6th floor to play. THEY HAD BABYSITTERS! How amazing is that? The babysitters were really the teenage kids of other Air Liquide expats living also in the 7th, but not necessarily in that building.
It was a lot of fun!
That's all. That's an entry for me.
P
Anyways, they call that building the Air Liquide compound so we had Thanksgiving there! They moved all the tables to one apartment and all the couches to another. So we had Thanskgiving dinner on the 3rd floor and then the babysitters took all the kids to the 6th floor to play. THEY HAD BABYSITTERS! How amazing is that? The babysitters were really the teenage kids of other Air Liquide expats living also in the 7th, but not necessarily in that building.
It was a lot of fun!
That's all. That's an entry for me.
P
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