The Randomness of Life

My Loves!

2012-02-18T05:58:00.001-08:00

Two years ago (Feb 2010)

One year ago (Feb 2011)

Today

xoxo!

Snack of the day....

2012-02-16T14:41:00.000-08:00

DIRT! Yumm....potting soil. EWW ZOEY!

Gym Tots Class!

2012-02-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday Zoey started her first gymnastics/tumbling class at Head Over Heels in Emeryville, and it was such a FUN experience for all of us! Zoey got to roll around, jump on trampolines, walk on the balance beam, and slide into a giant foam pit with her "Gym Tots" class. And the parents got to play too! What a great way for Z to burn off energy, work on her balance and coordination skills, interact with other wild kiddos, and start to learn about following instructions and listening to a teacher in an organized class. We look forward to class again tomorrow - we'll be in class for the next 9 weeks every Sunday morning. :)

Super Bowl Sunday!

2012-02-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

A little belated, but we had a FAB time last Sunday watching the Super Bowl (aka Awesome Madonna Half-Time show and funny commercials!) with our friends Andrea & Marianna. The girls played well together, we laughed and ate yummy food, and most importantly we spent quality time hanging out and catching up with our dear friends. It's so cute to see Z & M growing up together and becoming friends! : )

LOVE my new running shoes!

2012-02-05T07:09:00.001-08:00

Now that I'm running longer distances and training for my first 1/2 Marathon, I realized I needed to invest in some higher quality, cushioned running shoes. I did a lot of research and tried on a slew of different shoes, and these were the clear winners - the Brooks Glycerin 8. I was ready to make the investment in these shoes while shopping at Transports in Oakland, and was happily surprised to learn they were on sale for 40% off!
And as I break them in, I've reconfirmed that I love them! I wore them for the first time yesterday during my run and it felt like I've been wearing them for years! Perfect fit, super cushy and great support. Let the training commence!

Daddy's Little Girl

2012-02-04T14:36:00.000-08:00

who loves wearing daddy's hats! : )

Talk about RANDOM and WEIRD!

2012-02-03T09:11:00.001-08:00

Happy Super Bowl Weekend!
Ha! "How you know you walked into the Super Bowl party of an insane person."

Lower Sproul Project - A new home for the Career Center!

2012-01-31T12:40:00.000-08:00

The Berkeley Career Center (my lovely place of employment), will be moving later this summer up to campus! As part of a complete re-design of the Lower Sproul student center, MLK will be revamped and the current Eshleman Hall will come down and be entirely rebuilt. And we'll be right across the street from all this excitement (and construction, temporarily) : ) I'm excited for the Career Center to have a new home!

It's Official - I'm a Diva! : )

2012-01-30T12:51:00.000-08:00

Registration PAID! I'm officially running a half marathon.....WOW! : )

Getting What You Most Want This Year!

2012-01-21T12:50:00.000-08:00

A great article for inspiration regarding how to achieve your most important goal(s) this year!

Taken from"Work-Life Balance.com"

READ HERE....

As for me, I've always been a goal-oriented person and I love making New Year's Resolutions. Here are a few of mine for 2012:

1) SIMPLIFY! Reduce clutter, email subscriptions, drama, negative people and negative energy, and unnecessary crap and stuff from my life
2) Complete all coursework for my California LPCC license – Psychopharmacology, Crisis Counseling, and Spousal/Partner Abuse
3) Study and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE) in March 2012
4) Train for and run my first half marathon on May 6th - The Diva's Half!

Movie Date!

2012-01-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

Monday we had a movie date with Uncle Michael.....we ate popcorn, snuggled up on the couch and watched The Lion King! I love that Zoey is at an age where she's finally able to start appreciating Disney movies. Fun! : )

There's nothing like the bond between a mother and her daughter!

2012-01-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

More than anything in the world, what melts my heart the most is when Zoey says, "Love you Mommy!". What a sweet little girl she can be! : )

Tilden Park: Little Farm & Steam Train!

2012-01-15T12:34:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a super-fun playdate with Abby & Kate up at Tilden Park in the Berkeley hills. We first met at Little Farm to feed celery to the cows, goats, sheep, rams, pigs, ducks, chickens and even a turkey! We were also happily surprised to see some newly born baby chicks! Then we headed over to the Steam Train for a fun ride through the trees, with great views of the East Bay hills. I highly recommend it to anyone with young kids, or even "big kids" who love trains! We're so lucky to live in an area with so many great free and low-cost family activities - and Tilden Park is full of options! Next time we want to ride the Carousel and also visit the Botanical Gardens.

One of my projects from today...

2012-01-14T14:37:00.001-08:00

I love Shutterfly! Not only did they send me a free $20 credit as a thank-you for my business, but they now have the option to directly upload and share products I've made via Facebook & Blogger! : )

Classic Collage 3x5 folded card

Click here to see graduation announcements by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

BUSY YEAR!

2012-01-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

So far, 2012 has been a strange, busy, and exciting year! Not much time to write blogs, however, which makes me a little sad but the good news is that we're out LIVING and exploring our world!

More to come....including some recent Zoey developments, my 2012 resolutions, and more!

Happy Feet!

2012-01-12T16:58:00.000-08:00

This movie is so adorable - if you haven't seen it I highly recommend it! Not only do I love it to pieces, but so does our little dancing Zoey - too cute! There's been lots of dancing in our house lately! : )

Our wild, curly haired, crazy, silly, sweetie lovebug Z!

2012-01-03T20:21:00.001-08:00

New Year's Weekend

2012-01-01T20:05:00.000-08:00

David and I enjoyed a couple of days off together while my mom and sis watched Zoey last Thursday & Friday. Then Saturday we joined them all in Manteca on NYE to ring in the new year as a family. Unfortunately the weekend ended with 4 of us coming down with a NASTY stomach flu, but thankfully it passed quickly. Here's to the rest of 2012 being happy and healthy!

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-28T13:45:00.001-08:00

My favorite holiday! : ) Another fun and memorable year!

Christmas Eve in Lodi!

2011-12-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

Another one of our annual traditions is to spend Christmas Eve with my mom's side of the family in Lodi. My Aunt Karen has been the hostess most years in my memory, and she continued to do an amazing job at keeping the tradition alive! Even though we were definitely missing my Grandma Ruth and my Uncle Ken, we all managed to have a great time celebrating the holiday, enjoying each other's company, playing with the kiddos, and eating yummy food. Once we got back to my parents house in Manteca, we played with Hayden and Zoey for a bit, and after they were in bed all the adults played Apples-to-Apples before prepping for Santa's visit and turning in ourselves. : ) As I always say, we are so blessed and I love my family oh-so much!

Our day so far....

2011-12-27T15:47:00.000-08:00

Pancakes and meeting baby Violet for the first time! I love vacation!

Baking Christmas Cookies

2011-12-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

Even though Z is only 2, and not quite ready to perfect her kitchen talents, this year I still wanted to start the tradition of making Christmas cookies with her in preparation for the holiday. It wasn't quite the peaceful bonding experience I hoped for (I was probably being too optimistic given my high-spirited little girl!), but it was definitely still a fun-filled, memorable adventure! My crazy toddler sure knows how to keep me on my toes - especially around a hot oven and a carton of eggs! We ended up with a messy kitchen, tons of laughter, Z's first experience licking cookie dough from the mixer, and 6 dozen yummy un-broken cookies! Overall definitely a successful inauguration for our new annual holiday tradition!

Mixing and Stirring...

Laughing and Tasting.....

Patienty Waiting!

I think for now, I'll have Z stick with her Play-Doh. : )

Our Annual Holiday Party 2011!

2011-12-20T10:10:00.000-08:00

FUN TIMES AS ALWAYS! I am so glad that we've been able to keep up this tradition for so long - I think 7 years?! Lots of great memories with our amazing family and friends. Happy Holidays!

Scary Day - Fire on Shorepoint Court

2011-12-19T12:20:00.001-08:00

Fire in Alameda

Saturday morning started out very peacefully - we got up around 7am, had breakfast while listening to Christmas music, and then took Zoey to Story-time hour at the Alameda Library. On our way home we were planning to stop by the grocery store to pick up a few things; but as we headed back across the island we saw a huge plume of black smoke coming from the area right near our home! So we rushed back towards our condo, and sure enough one of the apartment buildings on our street was engulfed in flames. It was so scary and surreal - we watched as windows shattered, bright orange flames overtook the building, black smoke filled the air, and people fled and evacuated in fear as the firemen attempted to control the blaze.

Two ladder rescues had to be made, but luckily nobody was hurt. But after the fire was finally out, 20 families - upwards of 60 people, are now displaced from their homes. So sad. We are just very grateful for our brave Alameda firefighters, and so glad that nobody was injured.

AHP Holiday Party!

2011-12-15T07:41:00.000-08:00

What fun! We feel blessed to be part of such a loving, diverse community of families. Zoey got an animal balloon and her face painted for the first time. And Cowboy Jared was a hit! Yay for Alameda!

Our Fur Babies - All 4 in one picture!

2011-12-11T13:24:00.001-08:00

Zoey's been in a phase of giving very aggressive (yet love-filled!) hugs and kisses to our kitties - you can imagine how well that goes over - ha! I feel sorry for them as I know Zoey has rocked their world and turned their entire existence upside down; but they're troopers. I know they must be having kitty dreams longing for the day that she calms down a bit, learns that kitties don't love tight bear hugs, and when they can eventually curl up with her on her bed, all peaceful, warm and snuggly. Someday.... : )

Hayden's 4th Birthday and the CA Railroad Museum!

2011-12-10T19:31:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we had so much fun celebrating Hayden's 4th Birthday! We spent time exploring the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento (Zoey loved seeing all the "choo-choo twains!"), and then had a fun-filled birthday party at the home of friends in Davis. Even the grumpiest, most bah-hum-bug person would have been entertained with all the yummy food, a unicorn pinanta, the rainbow cake, and a gaggle of crazy little kids with a sugar high running around outside on a sunny day at a unicorn/rainbow themed party! And check out Hayden in her Rapunzel wig - lol! :) What fun!

I LOVE Christmas and all......

2011-12-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

But seriously? Hmm.....Ho Ho Ho Huggies?

The Toddler Brain....

2011-12-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

LOL, LOVE THIS! Being the parent of what "they" call a "high-spirited" kid is a mix of emotions everyday - but our love and laughter triumph over the moments of frustration and insanity. Love you Zoey! : )

The weekend is here....

2011-12-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to RELAX! : )

Just an average day in our lives

2011-12-01T21:08:00.000-08:00

haha....everyday is a party around here! : )

Backes Family Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-30T21:02:00.000-08:00

We have a tradition of getting together with my dad's side of the family for Thanksgiving the Saturday after the official Thursday holiday...and for years it's always worked out great! Our family continues to grow and grow, yet there is always room for more love, more friends, more kids, more food, and more fun! We are blessed. : )

Thanksgiving 2011 - #1

2011-11-25T15:28:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving day with Leah, Lukasz, Hayden and my parents on Thursday out in Manteca. It was such a relaxing day and we all hung out in our comfy pants. : ) Since we have two more Thanksgiving dinners this weekend, we opted to have lasagna, salad and french bread instead of turkey and the traditional fare. And my dad made a delicious spiral cut ham...yummy! I'm thankful for my beautiful healthy family. The holidays are here!

CREAM!

2011-11-18T19:04:00.000-08:00

SUPER YUM!

Hunter's 1st Birthday!

2011-11-15T21:04:00.000-08:00

Our adorable little cousin (well, cousin 1st removed if we're getting technical, e.g. my cousin's son), had his 1st birthday on Sunday - what fun! It was a gorgeous day, and we enjoyed lots of laughter, yummy catered Italian food, presents, cake and family fun. Mommy Heidi went all out to plan a great party for "Hunty" as she calls him, and even prepped a cookie-making station for the older kids. What an adorable little guy! I can't believe it was already one full year ago that he was born about 5 weeks early! Happy Birthday lil Hunter! ; )

Cassie came to visit!

2011-11-14T21:20:00.000-08:00

Cassie, one of my oldest and dearest friends, came up to visit from LA this weekend - it was so great to catch up and spend some QT together! We met when we were around 10 years old via our Camp Fire clubs. Oh the memories. : ) Zoey also loved having Cassie visit - she warmed up instantly and made a new friend/playmate! We love you Cas!

Zoey and the Felines

2011-11-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

Our life is FULL of love, laughter, silliness, cat hair, smiles, and FUN. Zoey loves her kitties, and her kitties love her!

Humanity

2011-11-09T22:09:00.001-08:00

One relaxing, rainy day at home....

2011-11-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

.....in my life with Zoey! Fun Fun! : )

Is it Monday already???

2011-11-07T07:23:00.001-08:00

Yawn!! If only we could have an extra hour of sleep every night!

Warm Evening Walks in Alameda...I'll miss you!

2011-11-06T19:06:00.000-08:00

Brrr........it's crazy how fast the seaons can change here in the Bay Area! I feel like it was just yesterday we were wearing shorts, enjoying our "Indian Summer" in late October, and going for warm evening walks along the beach (one of the things I miss the most when Summer departs!). Not it feels like Winter is here! At least that means the holidays are coming soon as well!

Art is Everywhere!

2011-11-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

Especially in Berkeley! : )

My Grandma Ruth

2011-11-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take moment to remember, and to honor, the life of my Grandmother Ruth. She passed away last Saturday 10/29 from lung cancer after 80 full years of life. While her sickness and her passing has been really hard for my family, her last day was peaceful, sunny, and pain-free and she was surrounded by family and loved ones the whole day. I love you and I'll miss you Grandma Ruth, and I am so glad that Zoey Ruth has your name to keep your memory alive. I wish you the best in your journey onto new adventures - you will be in my thoughts and in my heart always. xoxo

Halloween Fun - Z's 1st Trick-or-Treating Adventure!

2011-11-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

I have very fond memories of celebrating Halloween and Trick-or-Treating with my family when I was a child in Manteca. We always carved pumpkins, decorated the house, and spent lots of creative energy coming up with our costume ideas. My mom even made our costumes for us most years when I was little! Some of my favorites were being Pink Panther, a white bunny rabbit, a ballerina, and a 49er's cheerleader. : ) We were quite impressed with Zoey's confidence and excitement for her 1st Trick-or-Treating experience yesterday evening! We met up with our friends Beth, Jason & little Jonah (the robot family clan!) for a joint family outing. The kids were a bit frightened by the scary decorations on some of the porches (skeletons and giant spiders can be a bit scary!), but overall they did great and were brave, energetic little 2 year-olds. Good times! We even let them have one piece of candy each......we won't mention how many mom had though - ha! Hope your Halloween was a fun and spooky night too!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

Our cute little Halloween witch is excited to go Trick-or-Treating for the first time tonight - and so are her mommy & daddy! Happy Halloween!

Wild Z!

2011-10-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

My Beautiful Girl.....!

2011-10-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

Amongst all the chaos, despite all the challenge and difficult experiences life throws my way, there is one little person who always makes me smile and brings so much joy into my life. I love you Z!

Success......

2011-10-26T12:26:00.001-07:00

SO TRUE! Sometimes we take sharp, unexpected turns in our pre-planned paths, other times we veer off into uncharted territory for a bit to learn and experience something different, or we decide to scrap the original route and just follow our hearts and our intuition, or maybe we even choose to go backwards a bit in order to get ahead. Life (just like success) is rarely, if ever, a smooth paved road from Point A to Point B. The juicy stuff, the FUN, and all the learning are in the journey anyhow!

The Joyful Mother Manifesto!

2011-10-25T06:49:00.001-07:00

Even on the toughest days, when my patience is tested, when my spirit is down, when I'm TIRED, and even when I'm forced to carry my screaming, tantrumy 2 year-old down to the car like a sack of potatoes when I'm already late for work.....I love my Zoey more than words and I wouldn't trade my life for anything. It's funny how kids are soooo smart - they test us and push us right to the edge.....but then just when you're about to snap, they say something drop-dead cute, or start dancing and making silly faces, or run up to us with open arms and stammer...."Wuv you mama!". Oh Zoey, you keep me on my toes and open my heart more than I ever thought possible. Being a mom is the best thing in the world! : )

LIFE.......

2011-10-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

I LOVE THIS! Words to live by!

The busy life of a 2-year old!

2011-10-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Baby Lindgren to-be & her awesome parents! : )

2011-10-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

Mental Floss - I love this site!

2011-10-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday blog followers. Enjoy your day, and if you're looking for some mental distraction, intellectual entertainment, and/or some random yet stimulating reading material, check out Mental Floss.

They apparently have a print magazine too, but I sick to their online articles and blogs. They also have online quizzes and random trivia questions for all you game enthusiasts out there. Good stuff!

: )

Rosemarie & Alan's Wedding!

2011-10-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

Our fabulous daycare providers Rosemarie & Alan got married on Saturday! Their ceremony was held in St. Joseph's Basilica here in Alameda, and the reception was at the Officers Club on Coast Goard Island. It was a lovely celebration - thank you Rose & Alan for inviting us to share in your memorable festivities!

2nd Birthday FUN!

2011-10-10T15:31:00.000-07:00

What a fun-filled, wild day we had yesterday celebrating Z's milestone of turning 2 - I still can't believe the last two years flew by so fast! It was a lovely day filled with family, two of our best-est friends, fun presents, balloons, BBQ hotdogs, lots of laughter, and a Thomas the Train cake which was super yum (thanks Michael!) Although Zoey probably won't remember her 2nd birthday party, at least we'll have some wonderful pictures to capture the day, and David and I will both have these memories in our minds and hearts forever. : ) Happy Birthday Z - we love you!

GUESS WHO'S TURNING 2 TOMORROW?!

2011-10-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

Birthday pics to come! : )

A much needed night out!

2011-10-07T21:52:00.000-07:00

I've bee working so hard in my new position managing our Externship program at the Career Center, but Friday night we got a much needed night out with our good friends. Mexican food, margaritas and the company of great friends - the perfect way to start a weekend!

Cameron comes to visit!

2011-10-06T20:55:00.000-07:00

Zoey had so much fun hanging out with our friend Cameron. She insisted on climbing up on his lap and demanding that he read her "The Napping House"...so cute! : )

Cheese!

2011-10-01T14:16:00.001-07:00

Zoey and I had a super fun play-date with Uncle Michael this morning. Lots of smiles and giggles all around! : )

Random week night fun!

2011-09-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

...just in case you ever wonder what our little family does for fun during our weekday evenings at home together! Lately we've been playing choo-choo trains, giving horsey rides, watching Caillou and Angelina Ballerina, running around the house in circles pushing Z'sthe play shopping cart, and chasing the kitties. Never a dull moment in our house with 4 cats and our wild toddler Z!

My life...my loves! : )

2011-09-28T20:56:00.001-07:00

Our current life is busy and crazy FUN - I'm working 1.5 jobs, David is a full-time student, we're busy with family & friend get togethers most weekends, on top of managing our day-to-day home life with errands, chores, and our wild almost-2-year old Z and 4 CATS! It's a crazy life....but it's OUR life....and I love it! : )
BTW, today is a special day.....David and I are celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary, and my dear friend is celebrating her birthday. Smiles. : )

Little Farm!

2011-09-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

We love Little Farm! Last Saturday we ventured out to Tilden Park's Little Farm in the chilly fog to celebrate lil Jonah's 2nd Birthday! What a fun, animal, bubble, cupcake and friend-filled morning! We also got to play with Tova and Ozzie, and rub Beth's belly....she's having a girl! Zoey had such a blast feeding the goats, sheep and cows celery, running around checking out the chickens and the pigs, and taking in all the beauty of the beautiful Bay-Area outdoors.

Happy Birthday Lukasz!

2011-09-24T15:17:00.001-07:00

Happy 30th brother Lukasz! Welcome to the club! We love you and I'm so glad you had fun last night at your surprise party...and that you really were surprised! My sis Leah did a great job planning such a fun night, and picking such a great spot for a party! : )

Our little artist

2011-09-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

Zoey loves to "DAAW!" She also loves to collect flowers and leaves when we go for walks outside. So the other day we decided to go on a nature walk, collect some fun things along the way, and to do an art project afterwards. Fun stuff! I have fond memories of doing leaf rubbings with crayons when I was a kid, and its so fun to create memories like these with Zoey. : )

Friendship

2011-09-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

I've always loved this script, as it's given me peace in times of conflict and loss, and clarified some confusing experiences for me. In my life I've been so blessed to have lots of different types of amazing, unique friends, and I love you all. A shout out to my LIFETIME friends....you know who you are. : )

Reason, Season, or Lifetime
By: Brian A. "Drew" Chalker

What are you??? Are you a Reason a Season or a Lifetime?

Pay attention to what you read. After you read this, you will know the reason it was sent to you! People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON. . . It is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong
doing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

Then people come into your life for a SEASON. Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind
but friendship is clairvoyant.

THANK YOU for being a part of my life.

Work like you don't need the money
Love like you've never been hurt, and
dance like no one is watching.
but friendship is clairvoyant.

xoxo

2011-09-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

Not everyone is lucky enough to work with one of their best friends. But I'm proud to say that now I am! I wrote about my friend Pamela back in January, and I can't believe we've known each other for over a year now! A public THANK YOU to my dear friend - you're FAB! : ) Thank you again for a lovely day of lunch, window shopping, great convo, and mani pedis last Saturday!

An Everyday Vacation!

2011-09-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

Making Your Whole Life a Vacation

From WorkLifeBalance.com - Taken from their free Work/Life Tips Newsletter
As the traditional summer vacation period comes to an end it is a good time to think about extending your vacation for 12 more months. You and everyone around you will be better off when you do.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My first start up company necessitated travel to varied locations, some interesting and potentially exotic: meetings with vendors and distributors in Hong Kong, Reno or Los Angeles; incentive meetings with sales teams or managers in Key Biscayne or on a Bahamian cruise. When I would arrive back to our headquarters a bit weary our receptionist would consistently greet me by asking, “How was your vacation?”

Now as glamorous as some of these places may have sounded my typical work day on such a trip was an intense 16 to 18 hours so I could finish and get home sooner. Rather than trying to explain to my co-worker that my just completed travel was for business, I took to answering that the trip was, “Great. My whole life is a vacation.” I initially did this for brevity, but I soon realized that my whole life potentially was and should be a vacation. And so should yours.

When you think of your vacations, what comes to mind? Probably you are doing something you enjoy or something different, in a pleasant spot with people around you who are likeable and amiable. Some vacations might include exploring some place or someone new; a quest or risk a little out of the ordinary.

Often to help insure those results, you are a bit friendlier, even to strangers. You may be more open to striking up a conversation and hearing about their adventure of the day and talking about yours: the restaurant enjoyed, the play attended, the fish caught, the sunset taken in. You are in a physically, mentally and emotionally pleasant state and you offer that up to others.

You tend to be more inclusive in your pleasantness when you are on vacation as well as to look for common ground to connect with others. It’s not to get something out of them, as you probably will never see these strangers again. It’s to make your life more pleasant. You have a different state of mind and a different way of acting. As a result the best vacations often end up being both relaxing and exhilarating. They leave you with memories of positive things done and people pleasantly engaged.

Should your life only be like that two or three weeks a year plus an occasional weekend? Should you be more amiable and your life be pleasant only when you are on vacation? Or should your life be pleasant everywhere? Why shouldn’t every day be a vacation?

Work as a Vacation

Work is where you probably spend most of your time AND the best of your time. It is when you are most mentally alert and physically energized. You probably spend more time with the people at work than you do with the people you love.

Think about all the different people you will encounter at work today. Each one of them is as important an individual as anyone you will meet on a vacation, and each one of them can effect you, your life and career in thousands of little ways – either positively or negatively. And they will, depending on your state of mind and way of acting when you encounter them.

If you have within you the physically, mentally and emotionally pleasant state you have when you are on vacation, and openly offer that up when you engage them, you will find that pleasantness is just as contagious at work as it is on vacation.

When you show an active, positive, supportive interest in their work and personal journey, most will respond in kind. And when you determine to celebrate your job and your accomplishments, any honest work can be a personally gratifying adventure.

There is an ancient parable that is often repeated because it makes this point so well. In the Middle Ages a traveler came across three stone cutters doing the grueling, dirty work of cutting massive rocks into blocks for building a church. He asks each of the three what they are doing. The first replies with a frown, “Are you blind. I am cutting stones from these filthy rocks.” He moves on to the next man who replies, “I am earning an honest living to support myself and my family.” He then approaches and waits on the deeply engaged third man. When the worker looks up he asks him the same question. This stone cutter’s face brightens with a contented and energized smile as he answers, “I am building a great cathedral that will stand for a thousand years.” The same job for one man was a grind, for another a living and for the third an everyday vacation, a celebration of his work and his life.

It is not what you do that primarily determines whether you enjoy your work. Instead it is how you view it and how you do it. So bring that vacation outlook of anticipation and celebration to your work and that sense of inclusive pleasantness and interest to your everyday encounters with your co-workers. Take a risk by approaching something or someone new, or someone old in a different way. When you do everybody’s job gets better.

Life as a Vacation With Family and Friends

Do the same in your personal life. Make a little vacation call to a friend. Phone to anticipate together a trip you are considering or to check in on their adventure of the day. Or just trade a smile or joke.

With your family, rather than just bringing the problems of the day home with you bring the pleasantries you encountered and the anticipation of a relaxed and happy evening with them.

Life as a Vacation for Your Self

What you bring most to others is the mental, physical and emotional pleasantness you have developed internally. When you develop your internal sense of vacation you will radiate it with little effort to others. So that is where you gain the most: by making the effort to consistently see and absorb all that is joyous about where you are right now.

Although official vacation time may be temporarily over that shouldn’t keep you from taking one every day. Learn to be truly joyful within yourself and the rest of your perpetual external holiday will follow. Every day will become exciting, interesting, enjoyable and sometimes even relaxing. Your whole life will be…a vacation.

Jim Bird
Publisher

©2011 WorkLifeBalance.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved

I Love Cute Overload!

2011-09-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks Cute Overload! You always make me smile. : )

BBQ Fun

2011-09-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday we made the trek out to Manteca for a fun-filled BBQ with our good friends and their FUN family. Leah and I have been friends with Michael and Kevin since High School, and it's so wonderful that we've all kept in touch and remained close. Love you guys! And Zoey had a blast playing with Legos and her new train set, and running around wild in the backyard. Even though it's mid-September, it still felt like a hot summer day out in the Valley.

A Weekend of Weddings!

2011-09-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

What a busy, fun-filled weekend of wild wedding fun! David and I got married very young - at the sweet young age of 23 we tied the know and later this month we'll be celebrating 9 years of marriage! We were the first among our group of friends to get married, but over the last couple of years (including this one!), our friends are finally catching up to us and the wedding invitations have been rolling in. : ) No surprise there - with most of our friends in their late 20's - mid 30's.....getting married and having kids are common milestones at this stage in life. No complaints from me....I love weddings (and engagement parties, baby showers, etc!!) How special to witness our friends expressing their vows, sharing their love with the world, and celebrating with all their friends and family on such a special day.

Wedding #1 was for my friend Danielle and her beautiful wife Jen - what a FUN wedding! The ceremony was held on the bluffs in Aptos, CA just south of Santa Cruz. The reception to follow started outside and then we made our way indoors to the Seaside Resort for dinner, dancing, and cupcakes! Congrats Dani & Jen!

Wedding #2 was for my friend and former client Rachel! She finally got to tie the know to her love Gary on the gorgeous grounds of Green Gables in Woodside, CA. What a breathtaking, stunning property! They had a traditional Jewish ceremony followed by a fun-filled outdoor reception with a yummy plated dinner and a live band! Congrats Rachel & Gary! : )

Zoey @ 23 Months

2011-09-06T07:40:00.001-07:00

Our crazy little toddler loves to play outside, splash in the water, wear silly hats, play her piano, chase the kitties, watch Thomas the Train and Caillou, and make our hearts melt with her innocent smiles and her curly golden hair. We love you Z! It blows my mind to think that you are almost TWO! : )

Our End-of-Summer Party!

2011-08-30T15:42:00.000-07:00

David and I have amazing friends - as does Zoey! A couple weekends ago we had some people over for an end-of-Summer celebration, and we had a great time laughing and connecting with everyone. At one point there were 5 kiddos under the age of 4 in our small condo.....whoa! : ) Is it just me or did this Summer just FLY by?! I guess time just tends to go faster and faster as we get older, eh? Well at least fun-filled experiences like this with friends and loved ones remind us to slow down and enjoy the moment!

USS Hornet

2011-08-30T07:40:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Groupon, we were able to get 1/2 price tickets to tour the USS Hornet - and we finally took advantage of this deal last Sunday. We met up with our friends Jason & Jonah, and had a blast running around the ship (well the kids were running anyhow!), checking out the cool artifacts, soaking up all the history held within that ship, admiring the restored airplanes and helicopters, and taking in gorgeous views of the Bay and the City from the flight deck. I highly recommend checking out the USS Hornet, especially if you're a history buff!
Welcome to the USS Hornet Museum

The Aircraft Carrier USS HORNET Museum is a national treasure, having participated in two of the greatest events of the 20th century -- World War II and the Apollo 11 manned space mission.

Now peacefully moored at historic Alameda Point on San Francisco Bay, the USS HORNET is a timeless memorial to those who defended our American values and to those who have pursued America's technological advancements.

Fall Semester 2011!

2011-08-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting my blog lately, but I have a good excuse. Life is crazy busy! The weekly challenges of being a FT working mother of a crazy toddler are hard enough to manage during slow, "normal" periods at work, but this past week was INSANE! School started on Thursday @ Cal for the Fall semester which means more students, more work, and more stress. And the campus held Welcome Week last Monday - Wednesday which featured many events and workshops for new students, including one that I led for 105 students about Law School prep. I love the optimistic energy and excitement of a new semester, but geez.....I'm tired!

My new favorite jogging spot - Alameda's Marina Village Harbor

2011-08-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous scenery, peaceful ambiance, and so many beautiful yachts to admire as I jog by! Seeing so many lovely boats also prompted me to research the history behind why boats are always referred to as "she" and often named after females....and here's why!

Jury Duty & Lake Merritt

2011-08-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

Aerial Shot of Oakland and Lake Merritt

I love Lake Merritt (as I've mentioned before) - not only is it an amazing place for a relaxing jog or walk, but it's such a beautiful sanctuary within the middle of urban chaos. Not to mention the wonderful bird watching AND people watching that can take place around the Lake everyday of the week. After FINALLY getting out of jury duty in downtown Oakland last Wednesday (long story - it was a double murder trial but I'm off the hook!), I definitely needed a way to release some built up tension....and a 3.4 mile jog around the Lake was the perfect outlet. : )

The Rene C. Davidson Courthouse of Alameda County

Happy Friday!

2011-08-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

I love this print! It makes me feel relaxed and peaceful, as if in a state of whimsical zen. :)
I thought it was perfect to share on a foggy Friday afternoon in Berkeley. (Courtesy of Etsy.com)

Tahoe Vacation Highlights!

2011-08-16T21:10:00.001-07:00

Busy week....but Tahoe bound tomorrow!

2011-08-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

This has been a busy, BUSY week for us personally & professionally. I've hit "crunch time" as we gear up for the new school year at Cal, and David is busy in the midst of his academic quarter. Plus family stuff, errands, chores, and other evening commitments, we've been busy! But luckily tomorrow we're off to Lake Tahoe for a 4-day getaway....our first real vacation as a family of 3! We'll be staying at Tahoe Seasons Resort in South Shore, thanks to David's very kind parents Norma & Gary who are sharing their time-share with us! I can't wait to sit on the beach and soak up sunshine while reading magazines and watching Zoey play in the sand... : )

Happy Birthday Uncle Michael!

2011-08-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

Last night we went over to Michael's house for his birthday celebration dinner & party - fun fun! We had pizza, drinks, lots of laughs, and great company. And Zoey just loved being the center of attention - 2nd to the birthday boy that is!

My Little Fashonista

2011-08-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

Zoey LOVES playing in her closet, and trying on shoes and clothes - I wonder where she gets that from?! : ) Yes, wearing her boots and wool cap in August and snuggling with daddy.

Fun @ The Park Street Art & Wine Fair

2011-08-03T07:02:00.001-07:00

Sunday we met up with Scott & Megan @ The Park Street Art & Wine Fair - fun! We window shopped at the interesting booths, people watched, and enjoyed the summer sun. :)

Bacon, Beer, and even Breastmilk Ice cream?!

2011-08-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

Offbeat Ice Creams to Tempt Your Taste Buds
10 Ice Cream Flavors We Dare You to Try
I scream, you scream, we all scream...for bacon ice cream? These oddball flavors — from gourmet (olive oil) to just, uh, gross (breast milk) — are cropping up at parlors around the world. Interesting....

Zoey & Co.

2011-08-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday everyone - haha!

Family Weekend in Manteca/Lodi

2011-07-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went up to Lodi to visit with my grandma Ruth and my aunt Karen, and to stay the weekend with my parents in Manteca. After a nice lunch with Grandma, we took a dip in the pool and Zoey got to play and swim with her sweet cousin Bailey. It was such a fun day that Zoey skipped a nap, (besides the 30 min snooze in the car on the ride back to Manteca from Lodi.) Despite the lack of sleep, she was a sweet girl all day and took advantage of the newly re-organized playroom at Grandma & Grandpa's house. :)

A Glimpse....

2011-07-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

....into the daily craziness and silliness of our fun-filled home life with lil Miss Zoey. We all have so much fun laughing and dancing together! Our lil girl is such an energetic, goofy, spunky, confident, spirited, hilarious little person. - we love you Z!

Zoey's new favorite show....Caillou!

2011-07-28T06:46:00.001-07:00

It's actually a very cute little show that teaches kiddos many great lessons. : )

Curly & Grog Get Married!

2011-07-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we were honored to attend the wedding of our two close friends, Raquel & Greg. They got married on a lovely Friday Summer evening at the Oakland Zoo's Snow Building . What a beautiful, unique, fun-filled celebration of love! Not only was it amazing to see our dear friends share their vows, but also to party with our old-school crew. Love all around! : )

Campus Quest!

2011-07-21T17:41:00.001-07:00

Today we had a fun-filled staff day at work that featured a scavenger hunt across campus and a BBQ lunch at the International House. Katie, Loy and I had fun running around campus testing our trivia knowledge, seeing the sights and learning more about Cal history, and taking pictures of various Berkeley buildings and landmarks. And our team won the challenge - yay! I was reminded today of how much I enjoy the company of my co-workers, and how lucky I feel to work at such an amazing, world-class academic institution.

Family Camping 2011

2011-07-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

We had yet another fun-filled adventure at our annual family camping trip with my dad's side of the family last weekend @ Capps Crossing. Lots of beautiful nature, fun-in-the-sun, rock throwing, splashing in the river, yummy food, giggles, stories & s'mores around the campfire, and laughing kiddos. Love & hugs to all my amazing relatives! xoxo

Our weekend - Family, Friends & Fun!

2011-07-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

Partying and dancing @ Alameda's Crab Cove Concert watching "Foreverland", a 14 piece cover band/tribute to Michael Jackson! Fun times with Beth, Jason, Jonah, Scott & Michael.

Eating homemade Raspberry pie (and finger-painting with it too!), and playing with Grandma & Grandpa Buffon. We had a lovely dinner together catching up.

A lovely afternoon visit & BBQ dinner with Auntie Desiree

What a fun-filled, love-filled weekend!

Sad News Regarding Higher Education in California... :(

2011-07-07T13:07:00.000-07:00

From a letter I received via email on Wednesday, July 6th from California Assembly Woman Nancy Skinner:
----------------------------------

Dear Colleague:

On June 30, Governor Brown signed California’s budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, which began on July 1. Thanks to the voters’ approval of Proposition 25 last November, the Legislature was able to pass by majority vote a budget that was both balanced and on time. It is very important that advocates for higher education in our state understand what effects the budget will have on the UC and CSU systems.

Unfortunately, without the support of any Republican legislators, the Governor was not able to get the extension of existing sales and income tax rates as he had sought since the start of his term. These extensions would have brought in revenue that could have prevented cuts to UC and CSU campuses and allowed us to increase funding for K-12 education. Republican support was necessary because all legislative action to increase or extend taxes still requires a two-thirds vote.

The 2011-2012 budget includes a number of reductions to California’s public higher education system. The budget that the Governor approved contains an additional $150 million reduction in funding for the UC system and for the CSU system. When combined with reductions approved in March, the total reductions for each system comes to $650 million for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

The budget also assumes that current economic trends will continue and that the state will take in an additional $4 billion in revenue in the upcoming year. If revenue falls short of this estimation, however, a number of programs will be subject to additional cuts. If revenues are $1 billion or more below this estimation, the UC and CSU systems will each be subject to an additional $100 million reduction.

Beginning in the fall of 2011, student fee increases that were approved by the UC Regents and the CSU Board of Trustees last year will go into effect. It is now likely that student fees will be increased further to offset the additional cuts. UC President Mark Yudof and CSU Chancellor Charles Reed have announced their intentions to propose further student fee increases of around 9.6% for the UC and 12% for the CSU.

Because the Legislature had to close this year’s sizeable budget deficit and was unable to extend income and sales tax rates, many important state services, including higher education, have lost funding, have been reduced in size or scope, or have been eliminated. I did not want to make these cuts. I have always been, and will continue to be, committed to the principle that our state’s higher education system is the economic engine that drives our economy and educates our future leaders.

The UC and CSU communities – students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their supporters – must organize to fight for new revenue. As your representative, I will continue to look for ways to restore UC and CSU funding, and am eager to work with advocates for higher education.

As always, I welcome your comments and concerns. It is an honor to represent you in Sacramento.

Sincerely,

Nancy Skinner
Assemblymember, 14th District

Oh Austin....

2011-07-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

you're such a HOT city, yet so much fun and intriguing. Like a unique combo of San Francisco meets Portland, yet with the thermostat turned WAAAAY UP! : ) Thank you for the good times, fun memories, and beautiful Texan sights.

NCDA & San Antonio - Hot fun! :)

2011-07-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

Don't mess with Texas!

San Antonio River Walk

Yummy Mexican food on the river

NCDA 2011!

David and his 'coon skin cap - watch out!

Exploring the bridges of the Riverwalk

Remember the Alamo!

Prickly Pear cactus

: )

Austin, TX!

2011-07-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

After the NCDA Conference in San Antonio, David and I drove up to Austin for the weekend - and we LOVE it! Austin is so diverse, liberal, friendly, eclectic, funky, and FUN! Reminds me of a mix between San Francisco and Portland in culture, but HOT HOT HOT in weather! But the warm summer evenings draw out thousands of people who walk the streets eating, laughing, drinking, socializing, shopping, and listening to live music - I've never seen a city with so much live music happening at the same time; almost every other bar/restaurant had a live performer last night when we were out (and many places don't even have a cover!)

Austin is also a bit weird, funky, and unique very much like San Francisco. If it wasn't so hot here in the summer, I might even consider relocating here someday! But then again I was born a California girl.....and the Bay has my heart forever. : )

Texas Bound!

2011-06-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

David and I are leaving early Wednesday morning bound for Texas! I'll be there for the National Career Development Association NCDA) Conference and David is coming along for the ride! I'm excited for a fun trip, both personally and professionally! I'll try to blog while we're traveling, but if I don't keep up it's simply because I am having too much fun "professionally developing" and vacationing in San Antonio & Austin, Texas! So excited for NCDA! : )

Fun in the Sun (and the Bath)!

2011-06-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon/evening we had a fun-filled dinner date with Leah, Lukasz, Hayden, Raquel & Greg - good times! Hamburgers, outdoor play, sunshine, story telling, and lots of laughter were had! We are blessed - surrounded by so much love, friendship, happiness and FUN.

Leah's 30th Birthday!

2011-06-26T07:51:00.001-07:00

My family got together yesterday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of my sister Leah's arrival into this world - HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS! It was a beautiful, sunny day and we spent lots of time playing outside with the girls, relaxing on the patio, eating pizza and cake, playing, playing and MORE playing, and yes dealing with a few tantrums and cousin fights (with an overly-tired Zoey and Hayden, it's expected)....but it was a great day overall. :)

Side note: Leah I know your 30th didn't have the WOW factor you might have liked, but at the same time it was a special day to be all together as a family, celebrating YOU. We're so lucky to have each other, even on days that feel a bit stressful or when our girls have meltdowns. :) I was pregnant on my 30th and had a very similar type of birthday (low key, family focused), and in retrospect it was exactly as it should have been. Love you!

LOVE THIS! Love Katy Perry!

2011-06-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

HAHA too funny - this video cracks me up. : )

More Yosemite Pics

2011-06-22T21:11:00.000-07:00