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
Saturday, February 14, 2009
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.
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