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Reading to Heal

2009-10-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

Nothing cures my blahs quicker than losing myself in an all-consuming novel. A book you just cannot put down. A book that allows you to happily shut out the rest of the world.

And during those shakier periods in my life, I’ve found books to be like a best friend.

Like when I was a teenager and my parents were in the midst of a nasty divorce. Throughout those turbulent years, I plowed through a ton of novels--okay, mostly romance--and never came up for air. I especially recall discovering V.C Andrews. I couldn’t put down Flowers in the Attic. Transporting myself into those REALLY messed up characters’ lives helped numb the pain.

I remember thinking at the time: How much worse off those kids are than me. Their parents abandoned them and locked them in the attic!

Recently, I was diagnosed with medical condition. Luckily, it’s nothing life threatening (I hope!), but it was a blow, nevertheless. Gone with the Wind helped quell my anxiety. YES, I know, I never read it! (By the way, whoa, how politically incorrect that novel is).

Again, something about witnessing characters go through such chaos and devastation, helped me realize how minor my own suffering is.

What about you? Any book or author that you read during a rough period in your life that helped assuage some of the pain?

Photo courtesy of Gibsonclaire via Flickr

Main Reason I've Been MIA

2009-09-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

Between the youngest heading off to kindergarten and the challenges of my elder daughter's homework (not to mention, all those back to school illnesses!), lately I've been neglectful of my blog.

And, because life isn’t crazy enough around here--meet the newest addition to our household--Ella, a 4-month-old beagle. (Don't worry, I moved her head).

I haven't gotten much sleep lately.

While this pup seems to nap all day long.

Sept. 9th! Help a Mother Out --Diaper Drive Event in Silicon Valley

2009-09-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

If you get a chance, come out to BabyBuzz in Willow Glen next Wednesday and donate some diapers to mothers (and babies) in need!

The event details:

Date
September 9th, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm

Location
BabyBuzz in Willow Glen
1314 Lincoln Ave #1A
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 885-9870

The San Jose Mercury News recently did a write up on this organization and its mission. Click here for the article.

A County Fair in the Silicon Valley? The Santa Clara County Fair

2009-08-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to a fair here in the Silicon Valley.

You know, a county fair, one of those old fashioned things where people would once flock in droves to eat cotton candy, ride the Ferris wheel and play those ridiculously over-priced games.

If you live here, chances are you didn't even know there was a fair going on in the first place.

The San Jose Mercury News reported that this was yet another year (it's an annual event) with few fair-goers. One person observed that people were walking around like "zombies".

Back in its heyday, it was quite the event, the Santa Clara County Fair. Click HERE to check out some fun historical pictures.

But kids just don't go to fairs anymore, do they? At least here in the Silicon Valley.

I was glad we went. My children loved seeing all the agricultural stuff (free by the way) that you don't find anymore in the Silicon Valley, or, as we used to call it back in the gold ole days, the Santa Clara Valley.

Walking into the agricultural section was like a walk back into time: Hogs, cows, chickens, rabbits, turkeys, ponies, miniature horses (sadly, I didn't spot any bigger sized horses--which was the ONE thing back in my childhood that my friends and always looked forward to seeing, being total horse lovers).

It was weird going to the fair again after all these years (last time I went to the fair was when I was a teen). So hard to believe the fair used to get so jam packed, you couldn't even move.

Now you have ample room to roam and no waiting in line for a snow cone.

John Steinbeck's sister's cottage--Writing Retreat?

2009-07-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

This cabin once belonged to John Steinbeck's sister, Esther. It's located on the Asilomar Conference grounds in Pacific Grove, California.

Today it's called The Guest Inn.

John Steinbeck would retreat to his sister's cabin often to write. It's believed he wrote part of the narrative for Sea of Cortez here.

Care to stay in this quaint cabin? Apparently you can for $305.22 a night (sleeps up to 6 people). We spotted a family staying there. I felt kind of weird taking pictures, but they kindly let me. No, I didn't take any pictures of inside the cabin. I was tempted to ask though.

Asilomar grounds is surrounded by the woods and right across the street is the stunning Asilomar State Beach.

The kids love exploring the tidepools.

What Happened to the (French) Guy I Married?

2009-07-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

13 years ago my husband got an H1B VISA and left behind his home in Paris, France to come work temporarily here in the Silicon Valley. His plan? He'd return back to his homeland in a few years, once his working VISA expired.

But that plan flew out the window when one day, just a year after his arrival, he walked into traffic school and sat down next to me.

It was fate. My destiny. He would later tell me (our chance meeting).

He never did return home. He continues to work at the same Silicon Valley company. And in a few days we'll be celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary. We've known each other for 12 years and have been together ever since.

I marvel over all the astounding changes my husband has been through, not only as a husband and father, but culturally as well.

When we first met, he had a heavy heavy accent. He came to the U.S. barely speaking any English. I still recall vividly our second date:

"Can you call for pizza?" He asked me, somewhat embarrassed. "They don't understanding me."

After I made the call he confessed to me, "Wish I had an American accent like YOU." (Huh? A French person admires MY American accent?)

Through the years, I've seen my husband transform from a chain-smoking Parisian into a more laid back Silicon Valleyite Engineer, shunning ties and suit jackets in favor of wearing khakis and biking to work.

And 5 years ago he became an American citizen. What a dramatic transformation. I SO admire people who can pick up and leave their family, friends and native country and live somewhere else. Especially those that give up their native language. I try not to take it for granted either.

He insists he prefers living here. (He would spend every weekend at Santa Cruz if given the chance).

As the years pass, more and more I see that French guy fading away. His accent is only slight now. He rarely gets the tenses wrong. Less and less he needs me to correct his grammar.

And he’s recently taken up American pastimes such as American football, basketball and baseball. Sometimes it seems he is becoming more American than French. Which of course, is to be expected--he came to America, married an American, became an American.

Sometimes though, I become nostalgic for that person I once knew.

Luckily there are remnants of that former Frenchie: my husband still converses in his native language with his French friends and family members. He continues to eat baguettes, Brie and drink red wine (Trader Joe's is his favorite store). To this day he refuses to eat Baby Back Ribs with his hands; he chooses to eat them with a knife and fork instead. (I'm amazed how masterfully and neatly he performs this feat.)

And some evenings I find him sitting on our backyard deck, strumming his guitar while singing French folk songs.

Alas, at his core, he remains a Frenchman.

This post was inspired by Silicon Valley Mom's book selection, Michael Miller's What Happened to the Girl I Married, which, Lisa believes every good husband (and wife) should read. (Full disclosure--received the book for free from Silicon Valley Moms Book selection for the month of July

Guest Book (Vacation Rental)

2009-07-13T08:28:00.001-07:00

I have a confession. Whenever I spot a guest book, I just can't help myself. I read it.

Do you? Or, am I the only weird one?

Sometimes the former occupants leave invaluable tips which trump any travel guide. I have discovered helpful info, such as where to find the best restaurants. Where the best hiking trails are located. And the best places to spot sea otters and whales. The most interesting thing I gleamed from a guest book recently was that at twilight you can occasionally spot bats.

Okay. I admit I also read because I'm nosy.

Like the recent guest book I perused while in Cambria. I got a chuckle over reading about the Harley bike rider who chronicled his adventure of biking through the central coast along with his fellow 20 biker buddies. I grieved for the family who came to the beach house to heal and reconnect: a few years ago their mother and wife, was taken too young. They claimed the trip helped lift their spirits. And I labored over the barely legible scrawl of elder man who wrote numerous lengthy entries chronicling some of his adventures along the central coast--he's been coming to Cambria annually since 1967.

Now, there have been some things I wished I hadn't read. Like the time I was scanning a guest book while vacationing in Mendocino (with husband peering over my shoulder) and some guy wrote:

We just worked at conceiving our first-born in YOUR hot tub!

Definitely WON'T be hitting the hot tub, joked my husband.

Photo courtesy of Tek in the box via Flickr

It's Tough Not Speaking the Same Language as Your In Laws

2009-07-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

The first time I met my future MIL, she poured coffee in my cereal.

Such misunderstandings are not uncommon when you don't speak the same language. My post, reflecting on speaking Franglish with my French in-laws, is up on the Silicon Valley Moms Blog:
When You Don't Speak the Same Language as Your In-Laws

Photo courtesy of Al Lanni via Flickr Creative Commons.

Renting A Vacation Home in Cambria, California. Great for Families

2009-07-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

With the in-laws visiting, we decided to rent a vacation home in Cambria, California. In the past, we always booked hotels for this area.

So glad we did. For $275 a night we got a huge, beautiful home overlooking the ocean. It even had a hot tub!

For bigger families or groups, I think renting a vacation home is the way to go. Semi-decent hotels in Cambria usually come close to $200 a night anyhow (one room, we'd need 2). Throw in a kitchen where you can cook meals and you are definitely saving some money. Not to mention makes it easier with the kids. Our daughter likes pasta and grilled cheese, so I could make those for her in a pinch. So, renting a home for 5 days was a no-brainer.

The best part about this home was that just down the block is a bunch of trails that overlook the Pacific. I loved hiking every day and spotting deer.

I was also glad the in-laws got pampered. They deserved it. Especially after Philippe was busy dragging them all over lol.

We used Cambria Vacation Rentals. (We booked the house on Marlbough).

In this little Town called Harmony...

2009-06-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

I just love small towns! Those who know me, real well, understand my fascination/obsession with them. They also know that I harbor a secret yearning to live in one. (Or, at least own a vacation home there).

So, while vacationing on the central coast with the in-laws, I just HAD to force my husband to stop in this small, quaint town about 5 miles near Cambria, California called HARMONY.

As you can read from the sign, the population is only 18.

Local legend has it that in the mid 1800's local rivalries resulted in a shooting death. Everyone agreed to a truce and hence, the town was aptly named Harmony.

Today the town offers wine tasting, a pottery and a glasswork shop and a historic chapel. You can actually observe the glass artisans in action crafting fine glass wares (you can even take classes). There is also a open space preserve park called Harmony Headlands Park.

The town's original Creamery building, also the town's post office which they used until recently, was deemed unsafe. Now there is a petition to try and save it. (Please sign the petition if you happen to stop by!) Save Harmony's Post office.

Just LOVE this blue door.

Teenage Drinking and Denial: SV Moms Book Club for June--Testimony

2009-06-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

Teenagers and alcohol.

I shudder thinking back to my teen years. One day during my sophomore year in high school, a group of teenagers from a local high school were killed (one was crippled) in a car crash. It occurred off campus, during lunch break.

I had grown up with some of the victims. We even hung around the same circles. It was never discovered whether or not alcohol or drugs played a part in the accident, but we we all suspected it did. It was pretty well known that this group, as well as many kids on school campus, partied during the school lunch hour (and beyond).

And it wasn't just troublemakers either--it seemed no social or economic class was immune to teenage drinking.

During my youth, it wasn't uncommon for parents to automatically deny that their own child had a drinking/drug (I found the two usually went hand in hand) problem. These parents sometimes would even go as far to shift blame onto others. It wasn't their child who had the problem, but rather, their child's friends or peers. Bad influences.

Equally troubling, I also remember those cool parents who would even supply a keg or two for their own teens and their friends.

Now that I'm a parent and some our own circle of friends have teenagers, it's scary how quickly some of us parents block out our own teen years. It couldn't possibly happen to my kid we rationalize.

Anita Shreve's moving novel, Testimony, explores the consequences (and parental denial) of teenage drinking when a group of teenage boys at a local boarding school become involved in a sex-scandal after being caught on videotape having sex with an underage girl while intoxicated. In an interview with her editor, the author admits she considers teenage drinking an epidemic and even more worrisome, are the parents who fail to do anything about it; the mothers she has come across who deny their own children are drinking. As Shreve points out:

Why aren't we outraged about this? ...every single one of them [mothers] believed that their own child was not doing it [drinking]. Even though the odds would tell you that that was simply not possible.

I can believe this. Today when I hear of teens we know getting caught drinking or doing drugs, our reactions as the other parents are telling: we wonder where the guilty child (or parents) went wrong. To some of us it seems unfathomable that this could happen to our own child. And we then secretly breathe a huge sigh of relief. Thank god it wasn't our child.

But we just don't want to consider the grim possibility that the only difference between our child and theirs is our child didn't get caught.

Trio of Baby Seals in Morro Bay, California

2009-06-24T16:30:00.001-07:00

Look at the little one hugging the gutter as if it were a pillow.
Why does that NOT look comfortable lol?
I was so bummed that the shot turned out blurry. The camera battery was dying!
The second picture is a slightly more focused, but I accidentally cropped off dad's head.

grandmère and grandpère (swear my kids have manners, I swear!)

2009-06-05T16:28:00.001-07:00

(Overheard Samuel saying to his grandmère, minutes after their arrival)
What? What ARE you saying??

I don't understand you!

I don't speak French. Let's speak English.

Oy! He is usually a polite kid. I swear grandmère!

Let's hope his manners and French improve. (We are only on day 1 lol)

Sometimes a Rainbow Comes before the Rain

2009-06-03T08:59:00.001-07:00

In San Jose, we've been having some strange spring weather. Yesterday it was sunny but breezy.

And we spotted this rainbow. It's very faint in this picture, but if you squint you can see it in the clouds, right above the palm tree.

The odd thing was, it came BEFORE the rain.

It wasn't until late last night we got hit with a (very brief) downpour.

Strange.

My (Dis)Comfort With Some French Food

2009-05-26T06:41:00.000-07:00

When the plates, laden with shiny silver fish, landed on our table I did a double take: the fish heads were still intact and their bulging eyeballs were staring right at me. Our daughter, aged three at the time, reached over and stuck one of her des frites (french fries) into the wide-open toothy mouth of one. (Apparently, trying to feed it).

At the time, we were sitting at some fancy restaurant in Normandy, France.

OMiGosh. Ewwww! I recall thinking when Philippe and his parents nonchalantly picked up their knives and forks and dug right in.

I probably had ordered something more typical of French cuisine, like a Croque Monsieur.

My husband and his family are French. And, I must admit, before I met him my only exposure to French cuisine was Chicken Cordon Blue, Potatoes Au Gratin and croissants. Naively, I assumed typical French food consisted mostly of custard-y things like Quiche and entrees slathered in rich creamy sauces with tons of éclairs and croissants for dessert. Wasn't prepared for all the seafood.

Which Philippe and his family just love. Shellfish--mussels, sardines, anchovies, squid and octopus, they eat it all. They also love Foie Gras, pate and all kinds of sausages.

Not me. Never been a fan of seafood, squishy-raw things or meat that comes in any type of paste.

There is a passage or two in Kate Jacob's novel, Comfort Food, which delves into the clashes between different cultures over certain cuisines. I found myself laughing when I came to the part in the novel where Gus, the protagonist, receives a shock. Her nemesis, Carmen, surprises--and disgusts--her by presenting her with an octopus during their first cooking show together.

I could relate.

This discomfort, or revulsion of certain foods got me thinking. I'm trying NOT to voice my disgust in front of my children. I'm trying to encourage them to be more adventurous eaters (unlike, um, their mother).

I've come along way since meeting my husband. I've actually tried Escargot a few times, not bad, at least the sauce is good I remember thinking. And I've even tried mussels and Foie Gras. Now, can't say I would make these a regular part of my diet, but hey, at least I've tried them. I'm hoping to be more opened-minded!

A few weeks ago we spent the weekend in Monterey. My husband ordered, guess what? Octopus. Our youngest, Samuel, dug right in. I think he actually enjoyed it. Marisa wanted nothing to do with it though.

I wonder if she remembers the fish heads when she was younger.

Monterey--Pacific Grove--On a Budget

2009-05-13T15:14:00.001-07:00

Since my husband loves to go to the beach (and who doesn't?), every few months we do a weekend near Monterey, California. Anyone familiar with the area knows that hotels are pretty pricey, especially near downtown.

We usually travel a few miles to a nearby town, Pacific Grove. A night at Butterfly Grove Inn is around $108.00 off-season. (Which is cheap, believe me--but if you find better, do let me know!). It isn't so touristy in Pacific Grove and they have a small, cute downtown. There is also an excellent kids' park. Only downside is that you would need to drive a few miles to hit the Aquarium in Monterey. But really its only a few minutes drive, so no biggie.

The inn isn't super upscale--more on the modest side. But the rooms are spacious and clean and some rooms do come with kitchenettes which is great for cooking pasta or smaller dishes for the kids (another money saver).

Right next door to the inn is a Butterfly park. Each year from October to March, the great Butterfly migration happens in Pacific Grove; you can spot a zillion little Monarch Butterflies zipping around. It is quite a spectacular sight. (Oh, and signs are everywhere warning that if you "molest" a butterfly the fine is $500!). The inn also is right next to a small woodsy area where you frequently spot deer.

And the beaches? The beaches are stunning. My kids could spend all day at Asilomar state beach investigating the tide pools.

Beautiful butterflies at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco

2009-05-03T09:50:00.001-07:00

butterfly, originally uploaded by lct_00.

If you are ever in San Francisco, you must see the recently renovated California Academy of Sciences.

They have a rainforest building where you actually see some live critters such as these stunning butterflies who flit all around you: "make sure you don't have any butterflies on you" the docent warns as we board the elevator to leave.

The tickets are a little pricey for adults, $25; however, children under 6 years are free!

Swine Flu Hits Close to Home

2009-04-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

My sister just called. The high school just down the street from them, the SAME high school I attended, now reports they have a student who came down with swine flu. The school will remain closed for a week.

I try not to panic, but....this is only a few miles away.

My sister is keeping her 7 year old home today. Would you?

My kids are going to school. Thank goodness summer is just around the corner.

Earth Day: Eco Friendly Lawn in Silicon Valley

2009-04-22T14:07:00.001-07:00

Eco Friendly Lawn in Silicon Valley, originally uploaded by lct_00.

Every day should be Earth Day. But....on my way home today I spotted this cool front yard in our neighborhood.

The homeowner, who happens to be an award winning designer featured on HGTV shows such as Curb Appeal and Landscape Smart, reused most materials for the project. She even broke up her old front walkway and remade it into a broken concrete wall.

Some plants were still in pots, so I'm assuming it's not 100% complete yet.

Sure is cool. We need to do something similar with our front yard. Our entire lawn is a weed patch and with this drought and Santa Clara Valley water doing mandatory water rationing, we may ditch getting a new lawn and just install native/drought tolerate plants too.

Paris? This Summer?

2009-04-07T18:19:00.000-07:00

So, it looks like this summer we will NOT be going to Paris after all. Too expensive. We're looking at flight prices starting at $6,000 for a family of four.

Instead, Philippe's parents ( Air France gives their senior citizens smokin' deals apparently.)
will be staying with us.

For 3 and 1/2 weeks.

2 kids, 4 adults--inlaws don't speak English--cooped up in our small 3 bedroom 1100 sq. foot home in San Jose.

Looks like I need to break out my French-English dictionary.

Should be an adventure.

Photo courtesy of roblisameehan via Flickr

Retired Silicon Valley CEO Returns his Pension to Company

2009-02-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

This IS so refreshing, especially here in Silicon Valley where greed of executives is the rule rather than the exception. The San Jose Mercury News just published this article claiming retired CEO Bertrand Cambou of Spansion, returned all of his pension (403K after taxes) upon hearing that 3,000 employees at his previous company were laid off without any severance. (By the way, the top executives at this company got a pay increase as their pay cuts were reversed).

This is what he said:

My heart is broken to see that large amount of great people have been laid off without any severance.

He also further states that he hopes the company will use the money to help the laid off workers. Let's see if they follow through with it, especially since the laid off workers have now filed a lawsuit against the company.

Giveaway!!! FREE Gymboree 20% off Coupon (US Only)

2009-02-24T15:11:00.000-08:00

Just leave a comment somewhere here on my blog (NOT on this post though) and this weekend I will chose someone to receive:

One 20% off Gymboree coupon code, good for entire purchase. It states the coupon is good for EITHER online or in the store. The coupon is valid from 2/17/09 through 3/29/09.

Hint: I'm looking more from a comment than, I want this!

If you are chosen I will mail you the coupon (sorry, will go snail mail). If you prefer I can email you the bar code on the back so you can place an online order (remember, online code is only good for order placed on their website and, from my understanding, it cannot then be used also inside the store). Also not responsible for any errors or problems placing/redeeming the code. (I've never had a problem though!)

We don't buy Gymbo anymore, sniff sniff. So I hope someone else can use it!

Sorry, good for U.S only, (not other countries nor US territories). Not responsible for lost mail.

Pre-Silicon Valley: Ranches in Old Almaden

2009-02-19T14:54:00.000-08:00

The smell of sweet grain and hay and horses and mud. Ah, the childhood memories these odors evoke--mostly good. Back then we'd hang out all day long at the ranch (which has since been replaced by housing development) and play in the muck with the horses. Funny, I didn't mind the smell back then and I don't mind it now. Some things never change.

It's probably been around ten or so years since I've been up to Old Almaden. Today I went with my friend who, believe it or not, boards her horse at one of the few remaining ranches in Silicon Valley.

Hard to believe that only 20 minutes away from Apple Headquarters, you can still spot a little bit of country (psst...it's not called "Silicon Valley" out here--it's still referred to as Santa Clara Valley in these parts).

Looks odd, seeing newer stucco gargantuan homes juxtaposed next to sprawling ranches and rambling hills.

Spotted this Mediterranean style mansion smack dab in the middle of the hills of Almaden.

Sorry, just doesn't have that ranchy feel to me.

Here Comes the Sun

2009-02-18T08:14:00.001-08:00

Sunny Day Child's Picture, originally uploaded by lct_00.

And finally the sun comes out! Yay.

M drew this picture while cooped up inside dreaming of brighter days.

Rainy Days and Tea Parties in California

2009-02-17T10:56:00.001-08:00

A funny thing happens when a native, hence spoiled, Californian is suddenly confronted with perpetual dreary gray skies and non stop rain.

You adapt. (Sort of)

And you settle for indoor activities. It's been a non-stop tea party here with me and the kids, who coincidentally, have this week off at school.

And part of me wonders: could we possibly move somewhere like Seattle or somewhere else in Washington or even Oregon where everyday rain is a fact of life? Heck, we could we could probably buy a huge plot of land or something.

But then, how could we enjoy it if we are always inside?