Our 8th anniversary and dinner celebration @ Print Works Bistro

Yahoo! we passed #7 year of marriage that a lot of people believe it's an unlucky number with safe and sound...we officially announced our 8th anniversary on June 29, 2009!!!!

This year we didn't getaway out of town since Mark just started his new job and we just had a family trip to the beach. Mark & I decided to celebrate our anniversary at Print Works Bistro, Greensboro eco-friendly restaurant (next to the Proximity hotel). I was so impressed about the reviews of how great of the food and service were that I couldn't wait to enjoy the taste of the delicious food. Then we made a reservation at 6 p.m.

When we got there, a staff walked us to a table behind a family of 5 (there were plently of tables available in the restaurant for 2 people and of course, we needed a privacy). "Nevermind" I thought in mind. We started with an appetizer - pieces of garlic toast and dipping with tomato chunks, olive, cheese and wine (sorry, I couldn't remember that name and it was not on the website's restaurant's menu). It was quite good since we were also hungry - I gave 3 stars rating.

Since I was so impressed about the ratings of the food, I couldn't wait to see my main course I ordered "Overnight Duck Confit" and Mark ordered "Grilled Lamb". When our food arrived, I was so surprised with cheap white ceramic plates and plain decoration on my all over brown and dark green with 2 thighs of ducks and brussels sprouts plus yellow polenta in the middle. Mark's order was not too different but red tomato salsa made it better. Ok...for the feature I gave 1 star rating.

Wow! what I expected to say when I tasted it. Unfortunately, I was speechless and very disappointed (so was Mark). I gave 1 star rating for the taste.

We hesitated to order our dessert but we did order anyway "Mini Dessert Me'lange". Perhaps it was the best of the night. I gave 3.5 stars rating (I didn't want to be too negative:>).

Total we spent $100.

Overall ratings : 2 with no desire to come back.

I was not surprised why only great ratings on their website. This was because the survey I just did for them suggested the postive feedback that would be useful for guests to visit to be filled and would be published on the website....so don't expect to read any negative feedback there (except my blog). I didn't give them any feedback except ratings. That was not fair, was it?

Three basic words of my current parenting

It was just 2nd week of our summer break and I had extremely been patient with my 2 active girls. While 5 years old started teasing and 2 years old started imitating 5 years old whining habits, my mood was like a non-stop rollercoaster that was up and down until the park was close. The frequent word I heard from them was "Mommy, Tasha (or Sonya) is not sharing" after they disagreed with each other.

My reaction after I heard them again and again....I took a deep breath and said 3 basic words (depending on my mood level); Quiet please, Stop it and Shut up. Usually, I ended up with the last basic or magic word "Shut up".

I felt little guilty to say "Shut up" since I had been telling the girls that this word was rude. Tasha used to tell me that she heard one of her friends at school saying to her and she didn't like it at all. Well, for now, the girls probably heard 3 basic or magic words from her supermom (and superdad) almost everyday. Hopefully, this child development would be gone so soon or it would drive me crazy and become a momster forever :>

Tasha's first day of Tae Kwon Do

"Mommy, why it took so long to Tae kwon Do class?" Tasha had been asking for days.

Finally, today, her first day of Tae Kwon Do arrived. She was so excited and couldn't wait to start the class. Just only one day (30 minutes), I could tell that Tasha would love to continue for years. After her 1st class was done, she told me "Mom, I can't wait to come back"

At the same time, outside the classroom, while Sonya and I were waiting for Tasha, Sonya kept telling me "I want to go in there too, it is not fair...hmmm". Absolutely, Sonya will be joining Tasha very soon (yes, in 2 more years).

On the way home, Tasha was so proud of herself as she asked me "Mom, did you see me jump over the mountain?...I know I didn't jump so high but I know I did a great job today". I said nothing but my face was so full of smiles.

A cupcake party

Last Friday, Tasha and Sonya were invited to a cupcake party at one of their friends' house, Katie. The party was about 2 p.m but we were late about 15 minutes. We just got so lost but finally we found its way after driving around the neighborhood area several times. I know I should use GPS but I didn't....I was kinda trust Google or Yahoo map but it was so wrong this time!!!

The girls had a fun day as well as all moms. While the girls were chasing around in the house, we, moms had fun talking and sharing about parenting and crazy stuff we had.

I used to think that when I wanted to take a break, the best way was to stay home and rest or go out to do something alone...just had a personal time should be great. However, after this party or playdate, I thought it was a good idea to go out and have a chat with other moms. Especially, when I learned from other moms on the same issues ie..out of control life after mothering more children, etc...I realized I was not alone and I was not a bad mom.

When I came home, I felt relieved...kinda got a heavy rock out of my chest. I had a fun day and stories to share with my husband, Mark. I felt like I was myself again (very happy mom) even if it was just temporary and I will be back to a Momster very soon :>

Our family vacation at Wrightsville Beach, NC

We just came back from our family vacation at Wrightsville Beach, NC. It was our best 2 day beach vacation that I could not be happier.

We started our journey on late Tuesday morning (June 9) by driving to the end of I-40. It was a nice and easy drive to the beach and it took only 3.5 hours to get there (by the way, Mark drove all the way there :>). We stayed at Blockade Runner Resort and Hotel. When we first arrived the hotel, I talked to myself "Oh no, not again". The front of the hotel looked like an old fashion apartment so I couldn't imagine how bad of the room would be. Surprisingly, our oceanfront with 2 queen bed were so beautiful, big, clean and well-maintained. Even if the bathroom was small and no bathtub but we didn't have any problems at all. It was worth it with the special rate $159/night included breakfast.

Tip : Early June (1st or 2nd week) is the best period of summer vacations if you don't want to pay double of hotel stays.

After enjoying our bedroom, we couldn't wait to get to the beach...Wow, it was amazing...beautiful and quiet. It was just where I really wanted to be with my family, perhaps to be alone with my husband next time!

Not only we enjoyed the best oceanfront hotel and the most beautiful beach, we also found Oceantic, our favorite oceanfront seafood restaurant as well.

Overall, we just found our favorite place of vacation and I could imagine us to be there again soon.

When we got back home late Thursday evening (June 11), I couldn't wait for the girls' bedtime. Why? I missed my bed more than anything because I hadn't slept for 2 days while I was at the beach. Poor Ped!!! :>

http://picasaweb.google.com/phiyaratana/WrightsvilleBeachShared?authkey=Gv1sRgCJOmi_W_gN_sgwE&feat=directlink

Tolstoy : Are you coming home? (Part II)

Just before noon, Mark drove home from the vet. I couldn't wait to know if Tolstoy was home alive until I heard "meow" loudly. I was so happy to hear his voice...and that meant he was better. Whenever I thought of him on the night before, it was so incredible (did he cheat death?).

The doctor diagnosed that he had some swelling tissues in one of his ears and that made him lose his balance and strong muscle. He was given Cortisone or Corticosteriod. The chance for Tolstoy could be 50/50. We should see the result (increase his appetite) within 2-3 days. If Cortisone doesn't work, he probably has a brain tumor. If so, it could take a thousand of dollars for analysis and diagnosis.

Since Tolstoy came home, he has been improving obviously...ate and drank a lot more, walked more comfortably, mew louder especially when he wanted his new food I bought this morning and he could go upstairs and downstairs with no problems. Hopefully, he can keep it up a couple more days so we make sure that Cortisone works well with him.

I'm glad you are home with us again, Tolstoy.

Tolstoy : Are you coming home? (Part I)

Last Friday, Tolstoy started to meow all day and night (mostly) and walked around aimlessly between our bedroom and bathroom. I knew that something was not right with him. He was so old and possible he might have Dementia. He didn't show any pains but less activities. He stopped jumping to our bed as he used to. He slept a lot during the day but still ate and drank as usual.

He had been acting like this until last night...when I was sleeping and Mark woke me up to say goodbye to Tolstoy. When I walked in our bathroom, he started to walk weaker and weaker and then he collasped and closed his eyes. He tried to stand up and walked several times, but he was just too weak. Mark & I said goodbye to him and we thought he wouldn't make it last night.

We went back to bed but I couldn't sleep well at all. I just hope I could see his last breathing. Surprisingly, an hour later, he just woke up and pushed himself and walked again (slowly though). He had kept walking and going back to sleep then walking until morning.

In the morning, even though he still looked so weak, but he didn't look like he was going to die. I bought him soft cat food and he ate almost all and drank a lot. He must be very hungry since he didn't eat and drink last night. For me, he is a real fighter!

Mark just took him to a vet nearby to see if we can do anything to make him most comfortable. We are also prepared that he may not come back home if the vet suggests to put him to sleep.
Now, Sonya & I are waiting to see if he will be back home.

We love you, Tolstoy!

http://www.pictures-of-cats.org/cat-dementia.html

Tasha's first baby tooth

Finally, Tasha's first baby tooth just fell out. She is expecting the tooth fairy to come :)

Tasha's first performance at school (update)

Yesterday was Tasha's big day. She had her first performance at World Music Concert @ Greensboro Montessori School. She had done an awesome job! We were so proud of her.

Guess what? She did not show any nervous feelings at all (she had been telling us for the whole week before the show) but confidence for the entire show on the stage. Wow!!!

http://sharing.theflip.com/greeting/4369124/sid/748951f36a40102a7e9de5e44a8bad83

P.S The loudest singing voice was from my silly daughter, Tasha :> LOL.