Coffee, Tea - but Mom's leaving for First Class

Let me pose a question to you moms out there (and dads). At what age would you feel comfortable abandoning your children? Wait, hold on and let me rephrase that. At what age would you feel comfortable allowing your children to self-manage themselves on a plane ride so you and your spouse can enjoy the benefits and luxury of First Class on the last leg of your plane ride home (after 10-days of 24x7 vacation with the kids)?

Well, I quickly discovered my answer to that question. In the wee hours of the morning my family and I embarked on our return flight from our east coast vacation. Visions of my Tempur-Pedic bed floated through my mind as I tried to get some shut-eye on the plastic airport bench between flight segments. Meanwhile, while I was trying to get some shut-eye, my husband decided to check our seat assignments because he was sitting in a different part of the plane for the last leg of the trip home. He was informed by the ticket agent that two First Class seats were available for us, but it would mean being separated from the children. He called out to me and asked what I wanted to do. Without a split nanosecond of hesitation, and shamelessly in front of my three children, I answered "Go for it!" I think I may have actually yelled it at the top of my lungs so that the whole terminal at Chicago Ohare could be clear on my choice. So in answer to my own question, at a shameless 51 years old for me, and 11, 14 and 17 years for the kids, I definitely felt comfortable abandoning my children (ok, allowing them the independence to self-manage themselves) on the last part of our trip home. I just couldn't take another leg of the trip sitting on top of a quarter-inch thick piece of foam for five hours. Crying babies and ill-mannered children who kick the back of your plane seat just didn't rest well with me. I'd had enough of that. So when my husband announced our chance to upgrade (free I might add, because of his frequent flier status), there was no question that I would leave my children in the poor section of the plane so I could immerse myself in the upper class section. Just like the episode of Seinfeld where Jerry gets upgraded to first class and Elaine is relegated to coach, there are two distinct worlds on an airplane. And I quickly discovered how easy it was to become part of that Business and First Class world. I mean I could actually lie in a prone position in my First Class Lazy-Boy-Like seat while the flight attendant fluffed my pillow and offered Bloody Mary's.

Prior to boarding our flight, I told the kids we'd let them take turns sitting with one of us so they could benefit from our seats. But I forgot the FAA regulation prohibits changing seats enroute for safety reasons. The FAA person who wrote that regulation was probably a mom who'd traveled a lot with her family too! Thank goodness!

So for the next few hours my husband and I dined with silverware and table linens, watched whatever we wanted to on our own individual TVs, took a restful nap in our lazy-boy thrones and got such individualized attention on the flight it was insane! While the ratio of flight attendant-to-passenger in economy is about 100 to 1, in First Class it is about 10 to 1. And we were loving every minute of it. I realized how easy it would be to get used to this First Class lifestyle. My husband and I took a moment to go downstairs (yes, we were aboard a 747 where the First Class seats were located) to check on our kids. It was as if we left Beverly Hills for East LA. The kids were all huddled up in tight quarters, begging for a bite of our hot chocolate chip cookie, asking what other food did they serve "over there". But the curtain was drawn separating First Class from the rest of the plane. We had to leave them quickly so we could go back and savor every minute of First Class while we could. Because once we deplaned, we knew we'd have to go back to our humble home where we didn't have people serving us and fluffing our pillows and asking what beverage we'd like.

Now that we are back home, I can always go back to that little piece of First Class in my memory bank. It was nice while it lasted!

A Rude Awakening

Today I was out running a few errands for my upcoming trip to Germany. I'm leaving in just a few days and needless to say, I have not done much to get ready (our bags are not packed, I only have one hotel reservation, and I just reserved a car last night). With the count down on, I figured I better go and get the few items needed for our trip.

On the list an adapter plug for our computer and blow dryer. I'm not sure that all of the inns we will be staying at (wherever they may be--we do not have a concrete itinerary) will have a blow dryer and that is the one thing that I need. I never take the time to blow dry my entire head, but I at least like to tame the front of my hair with my Conair 500. I digress, the point of my story is my search for the adapter. I ended up at Radio Shack where a very gregarious, twentysomething salesman was happy to help me find what I needed.

He advised me to get a voltage converter for my blow dryer and a smaller adapter plug for the computer and cell phone (my means for staying connected to the rest of my family back at home). He told me that a cell phone will automatically adapt to the higher voltage but I should check my charger to see if it has a 120-200 voltage range stamped on the back. To make sure I understood, he showed me what numbers to look for on a charger he had in the store. And this is when I had my rude awakening.......as he handed me a charger he asked me if I could read the numbers or would I need some reading glasses to see them! Much to my dismay, my highlighted hair (to cover the gray) and non-mom jeans did not disguise the fact that I am of a certain age that may need reading glasses. Wahhhh!

I stifled the gasp that was about to escape my lips and instead told him that I could see the numbers just fine! I quickly grabbed the charger and rattled off the numbers, just to prove how keen my eyesight is! And then I picked up another and probably more loudly than I needed to, read off the numbers (he must have thought I was also losing my hearing). Reading glasses! Hah!

As I put down the chargers (with a "take that you twit" attitude), I almost asked "How old do you think I am?" But then realized that I really didn't want to hear his answer. I figured I better grab my purchases and go and quit while I was ahead.

Less is More

I never thought my family would take separate vacations but that is exactly what we are going to do this summer. In just a few days I will be traveling to Germany with my two oldest children. We will meet up with my parents and travel with them to their childhood towns. My husband will be staying behind with our twin boys and will take them on a mini-vacation to Safari West and Tahoe.

At first, I felt guilty even contemplating going to Europe with only half of my family but the more I thought about it the more logical it became. Did I really want to drag 4 kids around castles, medieval towns and European cities? Did I really want to increase the whining quotient? I'm no fool, I'm sure my two older kids will do their share of complaining on this trip but to add two more to the equation could really put a damper on a European vacation. Plus the logistics of traveling with 6 can be a real challenge. We would need a bigger car, additional hotel rooms and of course more $$.

I know my two older children will get much more out of a trip like this. They are more patient, more interested and all around are better travelers. They have both expressed an interest in learning about our family's heritage and were eager to join their grandparents on this adventure. My twin boys (who are 8) were not at all interested in going. When we started throwing around the idea of going to Germany their response was "Do we have to go?" I guess I should take this as tell tale sign that they are not ready for a boat trip down the Rhein.

So after weighing the pros and cons, we decided that only 3 of us would go. My husband is perfectly happy to stay behind and take care of the boys. They will go on their own little adventures camping at a wild animal park--Safari West and hanging out in Tahoe with my aunt and uncle. This is definitely more up my little boys' alley. I'm sure they will have a great time.

I guess, sometimes less is more. My husband and I will each get to spend quality time with our kids and create special memories. In the end, we will all have a better time. I know one day, the little boys will get their turn to go on a fabulous vacation and when they do it will be just as wunderbar!

Doggie 911

Yesterday our pooch, LuLu, gave me quite a scare. She jumped our barrier gate (which she does effortlessly) and headed upstairs while I wasn't looking. After noticing that she was no longer downstairs, I went up to retrieve her only to find pills and a tube of toothpaste scattered across my bedroom floor. Evidently, our beloved puppy somehow got my husband's pill case and a tube of Crest off our bathroom countertop.

My first thought was "Oh crap, there goes another tube of toothpaste!" (she's been chewing numerous tubes up these days) followed by "OMG, how many pills did she ingest?" I quickly ran downstairs to see if she was acting lethargic (some of the pills were high blood pressure meds) and then frantically called our vet. Unfortunately, our vet is not open on Sundays but they did have an emergency number to call.

I called the after hours number only to be told that I should call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center. I didn't even know there was a special poison hotline dedicated to pets. But it makes sense, I'm sure my dog is not they only canine to get into medicines and or other harmful items. Anyway, I called and for a $60 consultation fee, spoke to a very kind and knowledgeable vet. I told her the names of the meds that LuLu may/may not have eaten and told the vet her weight and breed. Thankfully the medicines and quantities that she possibly ingested would not do her any harm. She said that Lulu may experience nausea if she ingested the pills on an empty stomach but that would be the worst of it. With that said, my blood pressure came down.

This whole little incident reminded me how much I love this little four-legged friend and of how I should now add pet poison control to my list of emergency numbers. And better yet, to create that list of emergency numbers and have it readily available. To those of you with pets, who like me were clueless, be sure to add this number to your emergency list 1-800-548-2423.

Happy Father's Day

Here's to the dad that:
*Takes his kids out to play tennis and has the patience to run after each ball.
*Takes his 8 grandkids out to Angel Island and doesn't lose any of them on the way.
*Reads books each night with his kids and falls asleep while listening.
*Takes his daughters to Daddy/Daughter dances and does the Macarena.
*Takes his boys for haircuts and then a sundae at McDonalds.
*Joins multiple Y-guides groups so that all of his kids can participate.
*Does not get upset when his daughter burns out an engine because she forgot to put oil in the car.
*Leads Y-guides groups when no one else will.
*Takes his 8 grandkids blueberry picking in 90 degree weather and tunes out the whining.
*That always helps his daughters in times of need.
*Administers first-aid to even the most minor scrapes and cuts.
*Takes time off of work to help out with a clay or art project at school.
*Takes his daughter to the doctor to have a mole removed because his wife is afraid of needles.
*Will play with his kids in 75 degree pool water.
*Will take his son deep sea fishing and hold his son's hand while he gets seasick.
*Will play laser tag and let the kids win (o.k.--he didn't let the kids win because he can be a kid himself).
*Sends his daughter a lovingly restored car just because it would be fun to drive in California.
*That tells his granddaughters that they are beautiful inside and out.
*That comes for a visit and asks for a to do list and gets it all done.
*Is incredibly patient and rarely raises his voice.
*That is generous with not only his own family but with others.
*That loves a good cognac, cigar, and bottle of wine.
*That has a spirit of adventure and lust for life.
*That laughs so hard he sounds like a school girl.
*That coaches the soccer, football, and baseball teams.
*That lets his daughter paint his nails.
*Takes his grandkids to the train museum for the 100th time.
*That loves his family unconditionally and wholeheartedly.

Here's to YOU!! Happy Father's Day

Summer Vacation--Off to a Good Start!

Today is hump day during our first week of summer vacation and so far so good. The kids and I are definitely in a summer state of mind. We are not in a hurry to go anywhere. Aside from a couple of small activities on the daily calendar we are easing into summer. And I'm definitely embracing our laid back lifestyle.

Our week started with a very lazy Monday. I crawled out of bed at 8:30 and stayed in my robe until 10:30 a.m.--LOVE IT!! My kids slept in too. We all lolled around in our pjs until mid-morning. By 11 a.m. we were having brunch and soon after we were finally getting ready for the day. On the agenda, 1/2 hour swimming lesson and later in the afternoon a Karate lesson and that was it. Tuesday, was pretty much a Groundhog Day--same slow start, same activities.

Today, however was a bit more hectic--an a.m. Zumba class for me (I can't be too much of a slug), a visit to the community pool, a quick work meeting, swimming, Karate and a bbq. I began to feel the tension rising in my shoulders and neck with all that rushing around. My summer state of mind was flying out the window. My hurry up and get moving, high-pitched mommy voice was back on. Uh, oh.....I need to get back my summer slo-mo mojo. I'm only 3 days in!!

Note to self: do not schedule more than two things per day.

Another School Year Comes to an End

Every year at this time I am mixed with emotion. Part of me is elated that the school year is FINALLY over--no more homework, no more nagging, no more living by the clock. And the other part of me is a bit melancholy--sad to see another year pass by so quickly and a bit weepy to think that my kids are moving beyond the early primary grades (can I really be that old??).

I'm always amazed at how easily I can tear up at an end of year talent show, sewing party or picnic. How receiving a thank you gift from my kids' teachers can turn on my waterworks. All of these little milestones and gestures make me melt. I guess it is because as much as I complain about that which annoys me (too much homework, not enough volunteers, blah, blah, blah), I really do love my children's school and am thankful for the experiences they and I are having.

Happy Last Day of School Everyone!!!

Sew Much Fun!

My eight year old twins have a new activity that they like to do before and after school these days. It is not playing with Pokemon or Yugi-Oh cards (that is soo yesterday) and it is not playing Brawl on the Wii (believe me, they don't need electronics to brawl). No, they have uncovered their own inner Martha's and are now sewing fiends.

It all started with a wonderful quilting unit that every second grader at their elementary school participates in each year. The unit focuses on the mathematical aspects of quilting as well as design. The unit concludes with each child designing a quilt square. At the end of the year the students and parent helpers have a sewing party where they turn the quilt squares into pillows.

When I first heard that they were going to do this in class, I thought it could be trouble. I mean, c'mon giving a room full of 8 year olds needles and thread seems like a recipe for disaster. But I helped out in each boys' class and was amazed to see how much the kids enjoyed it. Most of the kids got the hang of it in no time and thoroughly enjoyed this age old past time. Of course there were a few kids who nearly put me over the edge by tangling their thread over and over again, but overall it was a lot of fun. And we didn't even need to pull out any Band-Aides.

I got a kick out of listening to the kids as they worked on their projects. They would comment on how surprised they were to be so good at it, how this was their first time using a needle (clearly kept away from some kids for a reason) and how they never knew sewing could be so easy. They were enthralled and enamored with the whole process. The best part was seeing how proud they were of their finished pillows.

Needless to say, my boys LOVED it! They enjoyed it so much that this week we went to Michael's to get sewing materials in order to create more masterpieces. They decided to make their own stuffed animals (pictured above) and my son N. made his for his teacher because she collects frogs (yes, that green guy is a frog). Their enthusiasm for this new activity is terrific. And I must admit, that I never thought that working on a sewing project with my 8 year old boys could be so much fun!

Get Ready to Clean with Activeion! Contest!

Who ever thought cleaning could be so much fun? Last Saturday my entire family was lucky enough to attend a fun event at the San Jose Tech Museum. As a Mommy Blogger, we have a few perks such as the invitation to attend special events where the collective minds of moms and families can help get a product off to market. This was one such event where a new product called Activeion was shown, and by none other than Mr. Science himself, Bill Nye the Science Guy! Now I must admit, initially I wasn't that excited about the notion of attending, I have three graduations in the span of 24 hours coming up, and am running a fundraiser/silent auction at the moment. So I felt rather harried to even mention the prospect to my children. But when I did ask my three daughters, ranging in age from 11 to 17, they all excitedly and unanimously insisted that we attend. On a regular basis, they see Mr. Science himself throughout their school week, as teachers often show his videos during science class. It really makes learning fun when you have someone like Nye getting excited over experiments and test tubes.

So away we went, and spent a very fun few hours at the San Jose Tech Museum. In all honesty, it was nice for me to get the chance and get away from the fray. We proceeded to watch Bill Nye the Science guy show a variety of experiements that explained the product he was introducing to us - "Activeion". Most of us use 409 cleaning spray for the kitchen, or Windex to clean our windows and mirrors. I know more moms who are going green and getting products from Whole Foods that claim to be earth friendly. But Activeion is different. Activeion is less about what's in the bottle than the bottle itself. The bottle has an ergonomic design (see photo top left) and takes tap water from your kitchen sink and creates a powerful, general-purpose cleaner that works better than commercial chemical or green solutions. As I mentioned, it's really about the bottle itself which takes your tap water and flows it through a water cell that applies an electrical charge to it. Thus the "ion-ization". It creates an oxygenated mix of postive and negative nano-bubbles which lift dirt and stains like magic. I sound pretty scientific, eh?

Of course, as a mom, I'm always skeptical of cleaning gimmicks. I don't have time or money to waste on products that don't work. Especially when it comes to cleaning. But Mr. Science demonstrated cleaning a window with ordinary Windex and 409, and they all leave streaks and residue. But not Activeion! We saw for ourselves stains and streaks are totally gone with just simple tap water. My three daughters, now known as my cleaning ladies, were entralled with the demonstration. As Bill Nye showed us other demonstrations, he also showed the concept of surface tension in water, and how that applies to Activeion. I didn't need to see all that, I just needed to try it myself and see how it works in my daily life!

The enthusiastic folks from Activeion gave us one of our own to put to the test at home. I have to say I like it already because it's making my kids love cleaning! They all want to try this cool design and spray away. We cleaned two terribly dirty windows, and they are so clean we nearly injure ourselves trying to walk through them. My newly remodeled stainless steel kitchen sparkles - no streaking which tends to be the problem with stainless, and all it uses is tap water from your sink. So you feel good about saving the environment and how clean your house is.

I do have one thing to mention. My blogging partner has made me more aware of clean and "ah" fresh odors and that fresh roses or apple blossom smell is something you won't get that other cleaning products have. That's because you are only using odorless tap water. But you also won't get the chemical residue that it takes to produce those odors when you clean. In the past I didn't take note of odors and nice smells, but what I actually do notice is the absence of the chemical smell which Windex and 409 produces from the ammonia. So I like that Activeion is odorless. But my blogging partner has made me appreciate fresh, clean odors, so maybe that is something they can figure out in their next release of Activeion. The "smell" industry is pretty huge. But for now, I'm a very happy mom with Activeion and the three new cleaning ladies in my home!

Would you like your very own Activeion? Then add your comment to our blog below. If you have trouble entering your comment, then email us at blog.tina@yahoo.com. Tell us what product you use most today to clean your kitchen and bathrooms. We'll announce a winner on June 12th at noon!

My Alter Ego--Nelly

I have always known that I am kind of a chicken and a bit of a worrier. I'm not embarrassed to admit it. It is just a part of my personality, my genetic makeup (my mother and sister are chickens/worry warts too). I thought as I've matured, that I was getting better, that I was becoming stronger and less anxious but try as I might the truth is I'm still a "Nervous Nelly."

This characteristic has actually earned me the nickname of Nelly. It came about when we vacationed with friends a few years back and the group dubbed me Nelly. I was the one worried about missing the boat (literally, we were on a cruise), I was the one constantly making sure that we were getting the most out of each port of call and counting heads to make sure we were all together. I know they called me that name with love in their hearts (they better have) and I find it kind of funny and fitting, but I want to move beyond my "Nelly" tag.

The thing is, it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks. I find my inner Nelly comes out a lot. I just need to control her a bit. For instance yesterday when I was at the doctor's office, I needed to get my nerves under control but couldn't. Granted I was anxious about the medical procedure that I was about to undergo, but did I really need to start crying when the nurse came to put the IV in? Not my best moment. And when my son had a social studies test this week, did it make sense that I had the stomachache? No, it did not. When our school auction catalog came out with a few oversights, did I really need to get worked up about the fact that maybe we misrepresented some of the items--probably not. No one is reading it with a fine tooth comb besides me (albeit after the fact). Good grief, that Nelly is hard to reign in!

I guess I need to accept the fact that she is a part of me. That maybe being a bit of a worrier is o.k. In some strange way, maybe this little quirk of mine has served me well. After all, my son got an A on his test, the auction turned out great and I had a doctor (instead of the nurse who I made nervous) insert the IV in my arm painlessly. Whoa Nelly!