Hey Casanova!

Micro is steppin' up his game with the ladies. This post may be a little bit late for Valentine's Day, but it shows how Micro has become increasingly affectionate, not only with us, but with others too. He's making moves already. He is a little Casanova, and rightly so. Who could turn down a hug or kiss from this sharply dressed man (courtesy of Mr. Fliz)? He's growing up way too fast.

Check out my cool Adidas shoes from Lola!

The Big Easy

Three years ago, Mr. Fliz and I, along with my brother-in-law and a few other friends, went to Jazz Fest in New Orleans. Though I hear that Mardi Gras is the time to really get the New Orleans experience, I had an amazing time during Jazz Fest. It was an even bigger highlight, because I got to work with folks from all over the U.S., for Habitat for Humanity in rebuilding homes after Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Fliz had done it the year before as part of his bachelor party weekend (how kind). This was a great opportunity and experience to do it together. New Orleans certainly left an impression with me that I can't forget. Despite the heat and the exhaustion, I remember the kindness and hospitality that was extended to us by the people of New Orleans. I had never been to the South and was really impressed with these people's perseverance and fortitude, considering all they had been through. I also won't forget many of the young people that had committed to helping rebuild the city. Many of them had forsaken a year's education or a year's worth of earning potential to make a difference in the world. I was humbly touched. 

 

 

But I won't lie, I also love New Orleans for its AAAAMMMAAAZIIINNGGG FOOD! Diet, schmiets--don't be on one when you visit, because you'll be passing up what is clearly part of the soul of the city--THE FOOD. My favorite jambalaya was found at Mother's. I still reminisce about that every now and then. During Jazz Fest, I managed to snag those coveted soft shell crab po'boys--man, oh man--I'm salivating just thinking about it. Of course I could go on and on about the different places we ate at or the foods we tried, but, perhaps, another day. After our time in the "Big Easy," we had decided it would be fun to go back every year during Jazz Fest and invite family and good friends along. Last two years we had travel commitments and this year, we have family visiting us. We had been looking forward to bringing Micro along with us, so that he too, can fall in love with New Orleans. One day it will happen. I look forward to coming back. Congrats to the Saints and to the city! You truly deserve it :)

Long gone are the days . . .

When winter came around, I used to look forward to heading up to the snow and snowboarding almost every other weekend with friends. That was the life! Day trips to Northstar, Sierra, Kirkwood, and many other ski resorts were my weekend destinations. It's roughly been three or four years since I was last on a snowboard. Lucky for Mr. Fliz, the January right after we had Micro, he got in some quality snow time with his friend to board. As for me, I've been wanting to go up and have a turn on the slopes--if I can still fit in my snow gear! Ugghh, having had a baby changes everything. Last January, my goal was to take the family up to Yosemite to experience winter there. Plans were in early stages, but handling a newborn and adjusting to motherhood just sort of took over. 

 

This is a photo of me pre-baby, with my girlfriend at the top of Heavenly.

It was one of the best snowboarding days I had that season. I could see all of Lake Tahoe from the top.

As for the snow, I'm sure I'll have my chance again one day. It might be sledding or tobagganning down the slope with Micro, but it will still be fun. Perhaps my in-laws can send some of the snow they've amassed this past winter over here (they live in Northern Virginia-right next to D.C.). My poor in-laws have been snowed in since last Friday. I heard that my father-in-law stopped by their local grocery store a few days ago and there was no milk to be found--ANYWHERE. Shelves were cleaned out. I hope they'll get a break soon and manage to have those roads plowed. I won't lie, the few days we got snowed in during the winter over there, made me think twice about living where it snows. 

If you're heading up to the snow with your family this winter, please share some favorite spots (that's right, don't be greedy--let us in on the secret) you like to frequent, places to eat, and things to do with your kids.

Mangia! Mangia!

The above photo was one of the first of Micro eating solids (rice cereal) way back when. Over this past weekend we enjoyed hanging out with good family friends and their kids at Fondue Fred in Berkeley, located in a small outdoor plaza off Telegraph. It was challenging keeping the kids in line. Thankfully we ate outside (to save those poor patrons from the noise our little ones made) and that too, proved to be a bit difficult. Though the bright lights and fresh air made a nice distraction, so did all the open space for the kids to run around and explore. The food was ok and nothing quite like the delicious food found at La Fondue in Saratoga. But it was an excuse to get together and they were very accommodating to our large party and putting up with our wee ones.

It got me thinking as Micro is growing up so quickly, to start taking advantage of some of those kids eat for free meals. If your child is a fan of pasta (who isn't?), Pasta Pomodoro offers kids eat free on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for Northern California locations. Score! I know there are plenty of restaurants that offer similar deals, and since we're all waiting for the economy to bounce back, feel free to share some other info below.