First day back to work

This year I wasn't able to take the full two weeks off, so my first day back to work was this Thursday. Having to go back while the girls were still on vacation was not ideal, but at least I was able to work from home ... and that helped soften the blow.

2014 - Day 1

Today we got up late again, late enough that after taking our time to get moving we skipped breakfast altogether and went straight to lunch. We then just hang out, and by the time we finally left the house it was close to 3:00 pm. Lionel went to the movies with Raj, and the girls and I went to Abuelitos' house to wish them a Happy New Year. We then went to Yagoot by ourselves because Gabi was supposed to come with us, but at the end couldn't because Diego was taking a late nap. After Yagoot we came back home and it was already time to start making dinner. The movie Lionel and Raj went to see was a long one, so by the time he came back it was close to 7:00 pm.

I was sad and disappointed that we ended up spending the afternoon by ourselves, because I couldn't help but to feel lonely - as if nobody loved me enough to drop everything else and spend this special day with me. I have always liked the Holidays, but as this year's vacation comes to a close I have become very aware of the fact that the Holidays make me stressed and turn me into kind of a needy and sappy mess.

New Year's Eve Dinner

Last night we went out to dinner to celebrate the last day of the year. We were about the only people with children at the restaurant, but the kids behaved well overall. And the place was noisy enough anyway, which helped so we didn't get any stares. After dinner we went straight home so the kids could go to bed, and we could welcome the New Year in the comfort of our couch. At this point in our lives we don't need to go out and party all night. Welcoming the new year next to our kids, safe and sound, is just fine!

Happy New Year 2014!!!

Girls new year resolutions

If I could, here are the top new resolutions that I would put on each of my girls' list:

Bella

1. I will stop pushing my sister's buttons
2. I will listen to my parents, the way I listen to my teachers at school
3. I will stop my bad behavior when  I am asked to do so
4. I will stop waking up my parents at night
5. I will not leave my clothes on the ground when I take them off

Sofia

1. I will stop overreacting about everything (especially things my sister says or does)
2. I will stop getting in trouble at school because I talk too much
3. I will stop asking the same question over and over (and over) ... and will listen to the answer
4. I will stop constantly humming and making noise during dinner ... because it is annoying to others
5. I will be less afraid of trying new things

Thank You 2013!

Looking back at 2013 I must say that I think it was a pretty good year for me. I enjoyed a good job, a stable family life, safety, health, plenty of good friendships, and even achieved several goals that I never thought I would, like running not one, but two half marathons.

There were definitely difficult moments here and there, but the fact that I can't pinpoint them right away - from the top of my head - means that they were not significant enough and therefore have faded in the background not to be remembered again.

So Good Bye 2013, and Thank You again!

New year resolutions

As we close out 2013 I didn't necessarily spend a ton of time thinking about my new year resolutions, but a few things did come to mind:

1. Go to Church at least once a month
2. Continue working out regularly
3. Don't let work take over all my time
4. Be patient with Lionel and the girls ... just in general
5. Spend less on clothes/random stuff
6. Continue teaching French to the girls
7. Really spend time planning my sabbatical

I am sure I will come up with a few others, but for now that is the starting point.