We got our bid lists today! This is the list of all the places we could be assigned to. We'll have a week or so to research the list and identify our priorities and meet with our CDO (Career Development Officer).
I can't share what's on the list (that "need to know" bit), but there are two things I can tell you.
First - the CDOs do an amazing job of preparing us to receive the bid list and understand it and conduct research.
Second - I can tell you that we will likely go to one of these places:
March 30, 2011
March 29, 2011
Twas the Night before A-100
N. and I had gone to the nearby Eden Center to check it out and perhaps get our toes done (my good friend had taught me the importance of having fabulous toes) in honor of our first days at
our new school and job.
I got a call from K. letting me know that they were all right, but that the sirens we were hearing were because our building had had a small explosion in the electrical room (?) causing a nearby car to catch fire and the entire building to lose power. The entire building had been evacuated while they worked to determine the problem.
K. and O. joined us in the Eden Center and we got some snacks while we waited to see what happened. When we returned, we found that we were able to enter the building, but there was no power. So - we got dressed and went off to the great welcoming reception hosted by the 158th class.
At the reception we got to meet lots of members of the 160th. It's such a great group. People from all over with such varied experiences. There are a bunch of us and everyone is so interesting. I'm glad I've got 6 weeks to get to know them better.
When we returned, we found that there was still no power - and that this meant also no water or heat. Now being a good Californian, I always have my emergency flashlight and candles. But with the pack out and weight allowances, they hadn't made it into our luggage! So we headed off to the nearby Safeway to find that they had sold out of candles and flashlights! Luckily Target was also nearby (life in the suburbs!) and we were able to get items there.
The Virginia Power Company worked all night (jack hammers and all) and finally got the power back on around 10 AM the next morning - a bit late for the early risers, but nice to come home to.
Getting dressed the next morning was a bit of a challenge. I was in a new place (so much more difficult to navigate in the dark). Luckily I had showered late the day prior so I could get a way with a sponge bath using the big bottled water we had bought. And I had steamed out my suits and organized my papers the morning before. Putting on makeup in the dark was a challenge (it's quite hard to hold a flashlight so that it doesn't cause shadows).
But I got it together and was out the door while it was still dark and early. Our first day of A-100 was fascinating and that's all I can really say because you don't have a "need to know". Suffice it to say that I'm enjoying it all very much!
our new school and job.
I got a call from K. letting me know that they were all right, but that the sirens we were hearing were because our building had had a small explosion in the electrical room (?) causing a nearby car to catch fire and the entire building to lose power. The entire building had been evacuated while they worked to determine the problem.
K. and O. joined us in the Eden Center and we got some snacks while we waited to see what happened. When we returned, we found that we were able to enter the building, but there was no power. So - we got dressed and went off to the great welcoming reception hosted by the 158th class.
At the reception we got to meet lots of members of the 160th. It's such a great group. People from all over with such varied experiences. There are a bunch of us and everyone is so interesting. I'm glad I've got 6 weeks to get to know them better.
When we returned, we found that there was still no power - and that this meant also no water or heat. Now being a good Californian, I always have my emergency flashlight and candles. But with the pack out and weight allowances, they hadn't made it into our luggage! So we headed off to the nearby Safeway to find that they had sold out of candles and flashlights! Luckily Target was also nearby (life in the suburbs!) and we were able to get items there.
The Virginia Power Company worked all night (jack hammers and all) and finally got the power back on around 10 AM the next morning - a bit late for the early risers, but nice to come home to.
Getting dressed the next morning was a bit of a challenge. I was in a new place (so much more difficult to navigate in the dark). Luckily I had showered late the day prior so I could get a way with a sponge bath using the big bottled water we had bought. And I had steamed out my suits and organized my papers the morning before. Putting on makeup in the dark was a challenge (it's quite hard to hold a flashlight so that it doesn't cause shadows).
But I got it together and was out the door while it was still dark and early. Our first day of A-100 was fascinating and that's all I can really say because you don't have a "need to know". Suffice it to say that I'm enjoying it all very much!
March 26, 2011
Arriving at Oakwood
After traveling all day we finally arrived at our new home for the next weeks, months ????
We were so exhausted when we got in that night - the kids got to bed at midnight!!!!
Even though we landed at 7, it took until 8:15 to get out of the airport (huge with a train to get to baggage claim), get our bags, get to the rental car and then get the car. Then drove to Oakwood (30 minutes) and got registered there, then got to our place and unloaded. Then we got back in the car (by this time around 10:30) and (after driving in circles) found a big grocery store and got stuff for dinner. It took some time to wind down.
We slept in a bit (of course O. was still up at 7!!!). We then registered both kids for school. N. starts on Monday. There are 6-3rd grade classes. The principal is reviewing her recent report card and will determine which class she'll start in. School for both of them is from 8:30 to 3:30 each day. K. will take N. to school on Monday to get her settled and then after that she'll take the bus. There is a bus stop just for all the Oakwood kids.
O. will start school on Tuesday as he has his reading assessment (1 hour) on Monday. So K. will get N. to the bus stop on Tuesday and then take O. to school on Tuesday. Both schools look great and the people in the office are nice.
Our place is great - each bedroom has it's own bathroom, we have a washer dryer in our walk in closet and a dishwasher in the kitchen. There's a balcony off the living room and our bedroom. They've been renovating Oakwood and I think we've got one of the recently renovated apartments. Here are some pictures of the living room and the kitchen.
We were so exhausted when we got in that night - the kids got to bed at midnight!!!!
Even though we landed at 7, it took until 8:15 to get out of the airport (huge with a train to get to baggage claim), get our bags, get to the rental car and then get the car. Then drove to Oakwood (30 minutes) and got registered there, then got to our place and unloaded. Then we got back in the car (by this time around 10:30) and (after driving in circles) found a big grocery store and got stuff for dinner. It took some time to wind down.
We slept in a bit (of course O. was still up at 7!!!). We then registered both kids for school. N. starts on Monday. There are 6-3rd grade classes. The principal is reviewing her recent report card and will determine which class she'll start in. School for both of them is from 8:30 to 3:30 each day. K. will take N. to school on Monday to get her settled and then after that she'll take the bus. There is a bus stop just for all the Oakwood kids.
O. will start school on Tuesday as he has his reading assessment (1 hour) on Monday. So K. will get N. to the bus stop on Tuesday and then take O. to school on Tuesday. Both schools look great and the people in the office are nice.
Our place is great - each bedroom has it's own bathroom, we have a washer dryer in our walk in closet and a dishwasher in the kitchen. There's a balcony off the living room and our bedroom. They've been renovating Oakwood and I think we've got one of the recently renovated apartments. Here are some pictures of the living room and the kitchen.
The Happiest Place on Earth
We decided to ease our family's transition away from Berkeley and to the Washington, DC area by spending some time at Disneyland in between the two towns.
I hadn't been to Disneyland for several years and this was the first time for our kids. I was in heaven - I got to revisit a favorite place from my childhood (I grew up in LA so have been often). And I got to share it with my family.
We were lucky with the weather - meaning it rained 2 of the 3 days we were there. You might not think rain is a good thing at Disneyland, but it makes for fairly short lines. The first day we were there, we were able to go on the Jungle Cruise, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Teacups (a personal favorite!), Autopia (N.'s favorite), Space Mountain, Small World - and that was after getting there late and leaving before dinner.
The next day it rained again. Of course O. and I were not deterred, but K. and N. went back to our hotel to get warm and watch a movie. O. and I hit California Adventures - a first for both of us. O.'s favorite ride was California Screaming - he just loves the roller coasters. I really liked Soaring over California - it reminded me of the IMAX movie at the Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian.
On the third day it was sunny and beautiful and the crowds came out. Yikes!!! Luckily by this time we had been on the rides we'd wanted and could just go back for our favorites.
Space Mountain - always a winner!
I hadn't been to Disneyland for several years and this was the first time for our kids. I was in heaven - I got to revisit a favorite place from my childhood (I grew up in LA so have been often). And I got to share it with my family.
We were lucky with the weather - meaning it rained 2 of the 3 days we were there. You might not think rain is a good thing at Disneyland, but it makes for fairly short lines. The first day we were there, we were able to go on the Jungle Cruise, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Teacups (a personal favorite!), Autopia (N.'s favorite), Space Mountain, Small World - and that was after getting there late and leaving before dinner.
The next day it rained again. Of course O. and I were not deterred, but K. and N. went back to our hotel to get warm and watch a movie. O. and I hit California Adventures - a first for both of us. O.'s favorite ride was California Screaming - he just loves the roller coasters. I really liked Soaring over California - it reminded me of the IMAX movie at the Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian.
On the third day it was sunny and beautiful and the crowds came out. Yikes!!! Luckily by this time we had been on the rides we'd wanted and could just go back for our favorites.
Space Mountain - always a winner!
March 20, 2011
The adventure begins
I didn't think it would start so soon.
Yesterday, we left our home and community of over 10 years and are now on our way eventually ending up in DC and begining our new Foreign Service life.
This morning we're on our way to Disneyland for a proper transition.
The shuttle that took us from our hotel to the airport really highlighted the new life for me. It was packed with all sorts of people from all over the world.
The Brazilian soccer fans quickly established a common language by naming cocktail favorites "...mojito...caipirinha ...".
The guy from Philly pontificated loudly and often (4 times on a 15 minute drive) that "they shoulda taken reservations so we don't hafta be treated like animals".
And all this at 6:30 AM!
We've left our Berkeley bubble and are now out in the big world. Bring it on!
Yesterday, we left our home and community of over 10 years and are now on our way eventually ending up in DC and begining our new Foreign Service life.
This morning we're on our way to Disneyland for a proper transition.
The shuttle that took us from our hotel to the airport really highlighted the new life for me. It was packed with all sorts of people from all over the world.
The Brazilian soccer fans quickly established a common language by naming cocktail favorites "...mojito...caipirinha ...".
The guy from Philly pontificated loudly and often (4 times on a 15 minute drive) that "they shoulda taken reservations so we don't hafta be treated like animals".
And all this at 6:30 AM!
We've left our Berkeley bubble and are now out in the big world. Bring it on!
March 18, 2011
The Packout
Packing out is probably the most stressful and difficult thing I've had to do as part of this foreign service process.
Now you are quite possibly asking yourself why I chose this job / career / lifestyle is packing out is so difficult.
Harder and more stressful than studying for and taking the written exam; more difficult that the PNQ essays for the QEP; and more intense than the oral assessment this Packout has touched just about every mental nerve I possess.
Sorting and organizing began weeks ago - at least in my head at 4 AM each day. I really couldn't start putting things into piles until this past week. And then our house became so chaotic that it was difficult to have a clear thought or prepare a healthy meal. Which if course contributed to the stressful ADD aspect of all of this.
By the night before the movers came, we were all so tired that all we wanted to do was go home and relax. But of course our home was gone at this point so we went to a hotel and tried to get some rest. I'm so glad I got a hotel with an indoor pool and hot tub!
The packers / movers were so wonderful when they arrived. So calm and soothing- they really put me at ease. I was able to relax for the first time in weeks. And they were so kind as they gently let me know that I had no concept of what 700 pounds of stuff was. At least I got the really important stuff in the air shipment - the kids scooters and toys, our clothes ( well all of the family's and most of mine - who knew clothing weighed so much?), and the TiVo.
Well - I am of course hoping ( and counting on) that it will get better and that I will get better at it. And I figure that since obviously it's an area where I seem to have some issues, this is a good opportunity to address and work on those issues. After all - isn't this one of the many many benefits of this lifestyle - the opportunity to push the envelope and challenge ourselves in ways we hadn't even contemplated. I just hadn't thought it would hit so soon.
But I am so glad it's over for now. Our stuff is packed and in it's way!
Now you are quite possibly asking yourself why I chose this job / career / lifestyle is packing out is so difficult.
Harder and more stressful than studying for and taking the written exam; more difficult that the PNQ essays for the QEP; and more intense than the oral assessment this Packout has touched just about every mental nerve I possess.
Sorting and organizing began weeks ago - at least in my head at 4 AM each day. I really couldn't start putting things into piles until this past week. And then our house became so chaotic that it was difficult to have a clear thought or prepare a healthy meal. Which if course contributed to the stressful ADD aspect of all of this.
By the night before the movers came, we were all so tired that all we wanted to do was go home and relax. But of course our home was gone at this point so we went to a hotel and tried to get some rest. I'm so glad I got a hotel with an indoor pool and hot tub!
The packers / movers were so wonderful when they arrived. So calm and soothing- they really put me at ease. I was able to relax for the first time in weeks. And they were so kind as they gently let me know that I had no concept of what 700 pounds of stuff was. At least I got the really important stuff in the air shipment - the kids scooters and toys, our clothes ( well all of the family's and most of mine - who knew clothing weighed so much?), and the TiVo.
Well - I am of course hoping ( and counting on) that it will get better and that I will get better at it. And I figure that since obviously it's an area where I seem to have some issues, this is a good opportunity to address and work on those issues. After all - isn't this one of the many many benefits of this lifestyle - the opportunity to push the envelope and challenge ourselves in ways we hadn't even contemplated. I just hadn't thought it would hit so soon.
But I am so glad it's over for now. Our stuff is packed and in it's way!
Mental Health
I've spent the last 8 months as the Office Manager at the Mental Health Association of San Francisco.
When I took this position last August, I was interested in it because it was a position that would provide benefits and sustenance for my family and because it was a non-profit who's mission I could support.
In those 8 months it has become so much more.
I've had the wonderful opportunity to work with some amazing and talented people. The friends I've made I hope will be with me for a long time. They've taught me so much and I'm so excited at the directions that their lives are taking them.
I've learned more about the harm that our stigmas and discrimination cause to our society. And I do mean our society - not individuals. By not seeing and including all the members of our society we really do ourselves a disservice. Everyone has something to bring to the table and a perspective to share and deserves the respect that goes with that contribution. The more that we can take advantage of everyone and everything the world has to offer, the closer we can come to the important truths in life.
I wish my friends and MHA-SF the best as they continue fighting the good fight.
When I took this position last August, I was interested in it because it was a position that would provide benefits and sustenance for my family and because it was a non-profit who's mission I could support.
In those 8 months it has become so much more.
I've had the wonderful opportunity to work with some amazing and talented people. The friends I've made I hope will be with me for a long time. They've taught me so much and I'm so excited at the directions that their lives are taking them.
I've learned more about the harm that our stigmas and discrimination cause to our society. And I do mean our society - not individuals. By not seeing and including all the members of our society we really do ourselves a disservice. Everyone has something to bring to the table and a perspective to share and deserves the respect that goes with that contribution. The more that we can take advantage of everyone and everything the world has to offer, the closer we can come to the important truths in life.
I wish my friends and MHA-SF the best as they continue fighting the good fight.
March 13, 2011
San Francisco
Lara's Song - the love theme from Dr. Zhivago - that's what the street musician was playing in his saxophone as I walked to Bart on my last night in San Francisco.
I had just left The Slanted Door - a farewell dinner with my friends from the Junior League. As I walked to Bart, the city looked so beautiful. I noticed the lights on the Bay Bridge and the Embarcadero. What a great way to say goodbye to a city that I've lived in and around for over 20 years.
So many great memories and so many great times. The next time I'll be back I'll have a whole load if new experiences and perspectives under my belt.
I had just left The Slanted Door - a farewell dinner with my friends from the Junior League. As I walked to Bart, the city looked so beautiful. I noticed the lights on the Bay Bridge and the Embarcadero. What a great way to say goodbye to a city that I've lived in and around for over 20 years.
So many great memories and so many great times. The next time I'll be back I'll have a whole load if new experiences and perspectives under my belt.
Drinking the Wine
When you're in the Foreign Service (or about to be), you know longer pack yourself when you move. There are packers that come and pack your belongings for you. You still have to organize everything, but the packers put it all in the boxes.
You get a booklet that let's you know what all the parameters are. So much weight is aloted to be shipped by air and meets you in a week or so. So much goes by boat or ground and you won't see for perhaps months. You also have restrictions on what you can bring.
For the air shipment, the items must be able to fit within a certain size (so no bikes unless they fold up). You also can't send liquids. Not such a big deal - unless you've got a wine collection.
We've got a few special bottles that we've acquired over the years. With our impending move, we figured now was a good a time as any to open them with good friends and toast life.
The first bottle - Chateau Haut Brion 1983 was given to me by my good friend from college, S., to celebrate my graduation from cooking school. It was delicious!!! And what a treat!
Then we opened this great bottle. A magnum of Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 from our good friend D to celebrate us getting married.
It as a great night toasting and celebrating with friends! We are so lucky to have such wonderful people in our life to share these special times with.
You get a booklet that let's you know what all the parameters are. So much weight is aloted to be shipped by air and meets you in a week or so. So much goes by boat or ground and you won't see for perhaps months. You also have restrictions on what you can bring.
For the air shipment, the items must be able to fit within a certain size (so no bikes unless they fold up). You also can't send liquids. Not such a big deal - unless you've got a wine collection.
We've got a few special bottles that we've acquired over the years. With our impending move, we figured now was a good a time as any to open them with good friends and toast life.
Then we opened this great bottle. A magnum of Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 1995 from our good friend D to celebrate us getting married.
It as a great night toasting and celebrating with friends! We are so lucky to have such wonderful people in our life to share these special times with.
March 08, 2011
FS Blogs
When you first become interested in the Foreign Service, you do a lot of research. And to be honest - I think the research aspect never really stops.
The State Department website has some great information and some great tools about becoming a Foreign Service Officer.
But in addition to that - there are the FS Blogs. They are wonderful and a source of so much information. There are blogs written by both male and female FSOs; blogs written by both male and female partners of FSOs; blogs written by straight people; blogs written by gay people; even some blogs written by children of FSOs.
This blog (which is a favorite of mine) has a list of all the FS blogs. There are brief descriptions. Digger also does a welcoming blog post when a new set of bloggers start their A100 class.
This blog (another fav) has organized a weekly round-up where individual bloggers can volunteer to host a round-up and share what's going on across the FS blogosphere. She also has a map of where bloggers are around the world.
The FS blogging community is incredibly rich and supportive. Everyone may not be in the same physical space, but we all share the commonality of this lifestyle. When some has a momentous occurrence - people reach out and are very supportive. It's nice to know you're not alone.
Here are some more if my favorites:
This and this are anonymous blogs that provide rich and cutting commentary and pose great questions and points to ponder.
This is written by a FSO who's also a mom with small kids. I love reading about her experiences - I figure I'm getting a bit of a preview if what's to come.
This blog is funny and poignant and very insightful.
This one is written by the male partner of an FSO. It's important to always remember the sacrifices our partners make to go on this journey with us.
This, this, this, this & this are written by my fellow classmates. I look forward to getting to know them in person.
Check them out. Theres something for everyone.
The State Department website has some great information and some great tools about becoming a Foreign Service Officer.
But in addition to that - there are the FS Blogs. They are wonderful and a source of so much information. There are blogs written by both male and female FSOs; blogs written by both male and female partners of FSOs; blogs written by straight people; blogs written by gay people; even some blogs written by children of FSOs.
This blog (which is a favorite of mine) has a list of all the FS blogs. There are brief descriptions. Digger also does a welcoming blog post when a new set of bloggers start their A100 class.
This blog (another fav) has organized a weekly round-up where individual bloggers can volunteer to host a round-up and share what's going on across the FS blogosphere. She also has a map of where bloggers are around the world.
The FS blogging community is incredibly rich and supportive. Everyone may not be in the same physical space, but we all share the commonality of this lifestyle. When some has a momentous occurrence - people reach out and are very supportive. It's nice to know you're not alone.
Here are some more if my favorites:
This and this are anonymous blogs that provide rich and cutting commentary and pose great questions and points to ponder.
This is written by a FSO who's also a mom with small kids. I love reading about her experiences - I figure I'm getting a bit of a preview if what's to come.
This blog is funny and poignant and very insightful.
This one is written by the male partner of an FSO. It's important to always remember the sacrifices our partners make to go on this journey with us.
This, this, this, this & this are written by my fellow classmates. I look forward to getting to know them in person.
Check them out. Theres something for everyone.
California
California is such a great state and I'm so proud and lucky to be from here.
Driving up Highway 99 in the springtime is absolutely beautiful. All the fruit trees are in bloom. There's rolling hills with field after field of pale pink, purple, red, yellow and white. As the petals fall, they create a carpet that looks like snow under the trees. And that's interspersed with the new grass coming up after the rains.
California has so many other magnificent parts - the rugged coastline or the wide beaches or redwoods or the mountains. The San Joaquin Valley that feeds so many often gets upstaged but is truly beautiful. I'm glad I got to go through it in springtime before we take off to see the world.
Driving up Highway 99 in the springtime is absolutely beautiful. All the fruit trees are in bloom. There's rolling hills with field after field of pale pink, purple, red, yellow and white. As the petals fall, they create a carpet that looks like snow under the trees. And that's interspersed with the new grass coming up after the rains.
March 07, 2011
Mojave and Dryden
The Mojave Air & Space Port is a big piece of land out in East California very close to Edwards Air Force Base. Many companies and individuals come there to work on their air and space projects. It is a tremendously creative place. People are trying all sorts of whacky things and pulling them off.
Mojave has also brought a lot of jobs to this part of the state. There's not much out there, but the folks at the Space Port are constantly looking for ways to create partnerships and bring industry into that community. Old planes come there before they get recycled; metal wheels get refurbished there; long windmill blades are housed there for the nearby wind farm. Numerous jobs have been created, the area is being spruced up - it's great community building!
At NASA Dryden we got to see many of the planes that have made history. Breaking the sound barrier; skimming the endosphere; exploring new galaxies - these are the people and this is the place that make that happen.
We also got to go on the F-18 flight simulator. Wow! It was amazing to sit where our pilots sit and use the same test equipment to practice landing an F-18. I managed to land it with only a few bounces - of course on the easiest setting. My niece spun it head over tail and my dad missed the runway completely on his first attempt. He did get to roll the plane though. It's incredibly challenging and I have tremendous respect for those who pull it off everyday in much more stressful circumstances.
NASA is doing some great things with our tax dollars and they are in line to make even more breakthroughs. You can feel the excitement and enthusiasm of all the people there. They are doing something they love and have passion for and it's incredibly inspiring. The innovations being made and the boundaries being expanded are a amazing. I feel very lucky to have been able to witness it.
The guy that runs it (my cousin) has created a safe supportive environment where people can push the envelope of rockets and space. Everyone there is so focused on the experiments and tests they're doing. It is a joy to watch all that passion being nurtured and exercised.
Mojave has also brought a lot of jobs to this part of the state. There's not much out there, but the folks at the Space Port are constantly looking for ways to create partnerships and bring industry into that community. Old planes come there before they get recycled; metal wheels get refurbished there; long windmill blades are housed there for the nearby wind farm. Numerous jobs have been created, the area is being spruced up - it's great community building!
At NASA Dryden we got to see many of the planes that have made history. Breaking the sound barrier; skimming the endosphere; exploring new galaxies - these are the people and this is the place that make that happen.
We also got to go on the F-18 flight simulator. Wow! It was amazing to sit where our pilots sit and use the same test equipment to practice landing an F-18. I managed to land it with only a few bounces - of course on the easiest setting. My niece spun it head over tail and my dad missed the runway completely on his first attempt. He did get to roll the plane though. It's incredibly challenging and I have tremendous respect for those who pull it off everyday in much more stressful circumstances.
NASA is doing some great things with our tax dollars and they are in line to make even more breakthroughs. You can feel the excitement and enthusiasm of all the people there. They are doing something they love and have passion for and it's incredibly inspiring. The innovations being made and the boundaries being expanded are a amazing. I feel very lucky to have been able to witness it.
March 03, 2011
Celebrations
Today my father turns 75.
I am so proud to be his daughter. So much of who I am is from him. Not just my coloring ( thanks for the tannable skin!), but also my attention detail and my follow through. He taught me to analyze and question anything I didn't understand and to never accept something someone says just because of who they are.
We're celebrating by visiting the Mojave Space Port. My cousin (second, third? once / twice removed?) is the main guy there. He's the greatest guy - took us all for a ride in his plane last time we saw him.
And then of course the important birthday meal. Switched to Saturday because that's "lamb day" at the Woolgrowers. Food that tastes the way my grandmother used to make it.
Family is a wonderful thing - it shapes us all in so many ways.
Happy Birthday Daddy!
I am so proud to be his daughter. So much of who I am is from him. Not just my coloring ( thanks for the tannable skin!), but also my attention detail and my follow through. He taught me to analyze and question anything I didn't understand and to never accept something someone says just because of who they are.
We're celebrating by visiting the Mojave Space Port. My cousin (second, third? once / twice removed?) is the main guy there. He's the greatest guy - took us all for a ride in his plane last time we saw him.
And then of course the important birthday meal. Switched to Saturday because that's "lamb day" at the Woolgrowers. Food that tastes the way my grandmother used to make it.
Family is a wonderful thing - it shapes us all in so many ways.
Happy Birthday Daddy!
March 02, 2011
How We Prepare
As we are all getting ready for this new adventure we are about to embark on, it's interesting to see the different ways we prepare for it.
For myself, being a control freak, I've been obsessed with organizing and inventorying everything. I lie awake at night thinking about the spices I have and ranking them in order of how frequently I use them. Then I re-rank them in order of how hard they'll be able to find away from Berkeley.
Then there are the nights I obsess about trying to finish every last unfinished project before we go. There's my son's baby book (he's now 7 - second child syndrome). There's the unfinished baby quilt for a good friend's baby (now 6). My mother's photo montage from a family vacation that was taken 4 years ago.
But I think my son has the best way to prepare. Every morning he watches this video. He tells me he wants to learn all about our country in preparation for our adventure.
For myself, being a control freak, I've been obsessed with organizing and inventorying everything. I lie awake at night thinking about the spices I have and ranking them in order of how frequently I use them. Then I re-rank them in order of how hard they'll be able to find away from Berkeley.
Then there are the nights I obsess about trying to finish every last unfinished project before we go. There's my son's baby book (he's now 7 - second child syndrome). There's the unfinished baby quilt for a good friend's baby (now 6). My mother's photo montage from a family vacation that was taken 4 years ago.
But I think my son has the best way to prepare. Every morning he watches this video. He tells me he wants to learn all about our country in preparation for our adventure.
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