CROSSROADS

Allex just got home!

stierzah@gmail.com — Sun, 13 Apr 08 03:21:00 UT

Allex just got home safe and sound! My Mom pulled in the driveway at 3am. I carried him into bed and she unloaded all his little treasures. Mom stumbled a bit from exhaustion, but she was in great spirits.

It sounds like they had an amazing time - better than she could have hoped for. I'll hear more about the trip tomorrow. For now, Allex is tucked in tightly and I don't think he'll be waking up any time soon :-)

I missed him a lot while he was gone!!! I'm glad he's home! But I bet this is something he'll never forget. What a great experience for him. I talked to him every day on the phone and each time I did, he was animated and happy and content. He never cried or got scared. I'm so proud of him!

They Landed!

stierzah@gmail.com — Wed, 9 Apr 08 17:20:00 UT

They Landed!!!! Now the real fun begins!

Allex is Flying to Pennsylvania!

stierzah@gmail.com — Wed, 9 Apr 08 01:00:00 UT

My little boy is in the air - flying to Pennsylvania with my Mom!! I've been tracking their flight the whole time and it's going well. I'll feel much better though when they've landed!

My Mom wanted a travel partner to visit my Sister and Allex was thrilled to go with her. He's been so excited! Though this morning, when it came time to separate, Allex and I both did a double take. I tried not to tear up and be strong for him, but I think he saw me choke up a little :-).

Even still, as he left, it was all very positive. We blew kisses and waved happily. I know they'll have a wonderful time. It will be excellent bonding time for my Mom and Allex and for Allex with Trisha and Phil. I'll also have a little break from daily child training. I'll only have real estate business, taxes and the house to take care of :-). I definitely need some catch up time and this should do it.

I'll also have time for reflection on what's most important in my life...we are so blessed to have a nice life! And I feel this is yet, another little lesson. Allex is learning how to be brave in this big world (with little baby steps - cause Grandma will spoil him mercilessly). He will be so busy with attention, he won't even think about missing me...which is absolutely perfect! I'll miss him a lot but I'll appreciate the time for myself that I rarely get. It's a good excercise for both of us.

Allergies

stierzah@gmail.com — Fri, 28 Mar 08 22:27:00 UT

I'm relieved to find out that the reason Allex has been sick with Cold-like symptoms these past few weeks is because he has Allergies. It's not the greatest thing in the world - but at least it's treatable. Now that I know, I'm able to give him medicine that really softens his symptoms.

Apparently, living in the Central Valley causes most people to get some type of Allergy. The Doctors are telling me it's due to all of the Agricultural activity in the region. I never had Allergies before moving here. And now, after 4 years, I've developed them too.
Oh well, what can you do? :)

Accupuncturist on Qi

stierzah@gmail.com — Wed, 26 Mar 08 05:17:00 UT

I've had weekly Chinese Accupuncture treatments for the past 10 weeks with Jack Caraco. He's an amazing healer from the Bel Air area of Los Angeles. He's lived in Mariposa now for about 15 years. Jack recently attended a workshop at Berkeley on Japanese Accupuncture.

The instructor there described a study done in Japan where a scientist fed unwashed, non-organic apples to mice and compared the effects of eating the skin on with the effects of eating without the skin.

Her hypothesis was that eating the fruit without the skin would have less chemical contaminants. Her result was entirely different though. There were less chemical levels in the mice when they were fed the apples with the skin on (even with all the pesticides)!

Jack explained this is because when the fruit is whole, it's Qi works properly and counteracts the chemicals. When the Qi is disturbed, the defenses are not working and the chemicals have full effect.

Could this be what nutritionists have been trying to describe as more vitamins being in the skin? In my opinion, the explanation of Qi energy is a fuller undersanding of the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables with the skin. Either way, this is a new insight to consider.

I'm still going to eat Organic fruits and vegetables. But, I'm not going to peel the skin off my carrots anymore! Now...Oranges and Bananas...that's a different story!!!

But it begs the question, What does this mean about anything we eat? What does that mean about our own Qi? I know, personally, I've felt good affects with my health from Accupuncture (which is basically Qi synchronization). Now, while I'm having treatment, I can feel energy flowing fluidly, like an electrical current or circuit throughout. All my little energy blocks from misc. injuries through the years have been flushed out. It's amazing! Maybe this will help my body defend against chemicals and free radicals! Who knows? But, the more I learn, the more I'm liking Accupuncture!

Technology! Gotta Love it!

stierzah@gmail.com — Sat, 15 Mar 08 08:01:00 UT

I am feeling really proud of myself right now. I just successfully installed a new keyboard on my laptop! I've been missing several keys since my, then, little 2 year old, pulled them all off! (I got most back on except for about 4 keys.) I made do by pushing the little 'dohicky' underneath the letter plate when I typed.

At the time it happened, it was brand new and I was told by Gateway that there was no replacement keyboard available. Ah! Well, I tried again recently (before I was just about to buy a new one thinking this is enough) and miraculously, there was a replacement available! haha

So, now, thanks to Mundo Corp. - my new favorite company - I have a beautiful laptop, complete with all the keys!!! I followed the directions from their website, including how to avoid static discharge, and wallah. In 15 minutes, I have a new laptop!! Woohoo....doing the happy dance...hehe

Allex would have loved to help me install it, but I didn't want to chance the static discharge he may have inadvertently caused by bouncing around while we did it :-). When he gets older though, look out. He will be great! He is almost 4 now and he knows how to use the laptop really well. He can put in a movie and follow all the prompts to start the DVD. And he knows which keys to use to fast forward, rewind, stop, play, etc. Just recently, he's started having fun typing the Alphabet on 'Word' in different colors. It's a great way to teach him to type and use the computer - Now, that he's not pulling off the keys!!! :-)

When I was a kid, my Dad got one of the first Mac computers when I was about 7. When I was about 11, I remember my Dad telling me that soon, we will be able to send letters directly from computer to computer. Wow, I thought! When I was about 15 the internet starting becoming popular. Then, when I was about 18, high speed internet started becoming commonplace. From 20-30, I use it so often that, now, I can't imagine not having it available.

Imagine what starting at Allex's age never knowing what life was like before copmuters and the internet! I still have a grandmother that won't use email and barely uses the internet. My Mother uses it, but thinks of it as an effort. But, most of my Aunts and uncles have adapted well and use it regurlarly. My Dad is fluent - even has his own MySpace and is addicted to Ebay! Haha....gotta love it! Where were you and what were you doing when the internet changed life? Kind of fun to think about!

Good Meeting

stierzah@gmail.com — Fri, 7 Mar 08 19:30:00 UT

I got a chance to go to Silicon Valley yesterday and meet with the Chairperson, Tallat Hasan, of the India Community Center. She was wonderfully gracious and helpful. She gave me excellent advise on our Art Project and has offered to introduce us to another person who may be able to help. It was a successful meeting and well worth the drive.

She told me stories of her daughter's wedding 5 years ago and it sounded amazing! They had 45 Americans attend it in Delhi. And she had clothes made for each of them for every day of the 7 day event! Wow! We had a lot of fun talking about it! I hope I get another chance to attend an Indian Wedding. They are amazing!

And so is India. The culture and the history and the development of the nation is captivating. Talking with others who have gone, we all seem to have a similar breathtaking experience. My Accupunturist went there in the 70's and ended up staying for 6 YEARS. I've heard others do the same. And now, I can see why. I could do it. I even think it would be an amazing experience for my son. Probably won't happen, but I can see the allure. It is a very special place.

I was very thankful to have the oppurtunity to meet Tallat (which my wonderful cousin, Jarrod, arranged). It was a very nice experience and it was very helpful. If I lived closer to the center, I would definitely volunteer and take Bollywood Dance lessons :). Until then, we'll see if we can contribute an effective fundraiser for the American India Foundation.

A Day at the Ocean

stierzah@gmail.com — Mon, 3 Mar 08 06:30:00 UT

Allex and I just got back from a wonderful weekend at Kelly & Ron's. On Saturday Kelly, Allex and I went to a beach in Santa Cruz, called Capitola. We found a great little spot that was flat and had lots of seashells. There was a nice amount of people - not too crowded.

It was a beautiful and warm day. Allex filled his bucket with seashells, buried his feet in sand and chased seagulls as far as he could. He and I spent a lot of time playing in the waves. We would run out with the tide and then race back to the shore before the waves would catch us. We had so much fun! Kelly enjoyed relaxing on the beach, brainstorming great ideas for our Art Project. We joined her after awhile and watched as other people flew their kites. We all had a wonderful time. The fresh, salty air cleared our heads and rejuvenated our spirits.

Afterward, we went to a great restaurant on the wharf and ate excellent seafood while watching the ocean below us. We went home and went to bed quickly - we were tired from all that fun! The next morning, first thing, Allex told me, "I'm glad we went to the beach yesterday." It made me feel good that we took the time and effort to do it! Every kid needs to experience the wonders of the ocean.

Slower Things in Life

stierzah@gmail.com — Tue, 26 Feb 08 20:01:00 UT

Allex is safely in bed and I feel thankful that he is. There are so many things to be thankful for. Life is so precarious. I get caught up in the details and have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the moments.

Allex makes so many moments worth savoring that I feel trully blessed to have him in my life. Children really add a lot to life. They add a lot of work too :) but the reward is exponential.

I have been really sick this past week. And Allex has been content to watch movies with me and take it slow. In fact, I think he enjoyed that more than our usual schedule. It makes me realize how nice it is to stop and just BE for awhile. He does that naturally. He reminds me to slow down. He seems to thrive more when things are slower. I think maybe I do too. (Its wonderful what you can learn from different sources.)

Speaking of learning things from different sources, I'm convinced that the Orchid Plant in my kitchen, given to me by good friend on her moving day, is teaching me patience. I water it every 3 days and every 3 days it rewards me with 1cm of growth! It's like clockwork. No more, no less. And only every 3 days. It has taken me awhile to figure out the optimum watering cycle. But, now I've got it and I'm hoping that eventually, on the strict 3 day cyle, the stems will grow tall enough and sprout flower buds.

Nurturing the Orchid is now my daily meditation. Esther gave it to me as a priveledge and made me promise to take care of it. So, I am. And I feel like it's some excercise given to me by a Guru. I wonder if Esther intended it to be? She has that way about her. I fought it for awhile, even thought about chucking it, but now, I'm resolved to endure the process and see what the outcome will be.

Quirky, Progressive, Retro - all in one night.

stierzah@gmail.com — Fri, 15 Feb 08 22:37:00 UT

After lots of phone calls, plans made and undone and made again, two of us girls were able to go out tonight and see a movie at the local, progressive cinema. The cinema is a non-profit corp. supported by donations. They host one film per weekend. The theater is quaint and cozy, holding about 60 seats - all different kinds - 5 rows of classic theater seats, mixed and matched. 2 sofas in front, angled towards the screen. And single, arm chairs lined up along the walls.

This eclectic arrangement lends to the quirky atmosphere of this historic, masonic building, still fronting the sign of its roots. Sometimes, it's crowded enough that people sit on the floor. Tonight, though most people were at the 'Vagina Monologues' being performed at the Yosemite Bug Hostel. I've seen it the last two years in a row and it is great. Tonight, it just worked out easier to do this. And I was not disappointed.

I honestly wasn't sure what was playing. Imagine my surprise to find out it was, "Across the Universe." A kind of modern musical set to songs by the Beatles. Kind of like 'Hair' meets 'Seargent Pepper' :). It was well done and really enjoyable. The actors were fantastic and sang beautifully! The songs were well chosen and sung in moving and dramatic ways. Bono from U2 had a cameo appearance, singing one of the songs!

It was a nice evening out and a nice distraction. I'm glad I was able to go!

Nix Miami

stierzah@gmail.com — Tue, 5 Feb 08 18:26:00 UT

Oops...turns out I'm not going to Miami. Allex has come down with a terrible cold and needs me, so I better stay home with him. Just part of being a mom :-)(which I love and would never trade!)

That's ok. I usually get to do a lot of fun things - especially for being a single mom! So, I'll get Allex better and then plan for something else fun another time.

I have a Vegas weekend planned in May with my Aunt and Uncle for the Coutry Music Award Show. I've got a girlfriend scheduled to go with me, but there is a great guy I've met recently that I'm tempted to invite. It's a tough decision. I've told myself I wouldn't date anyone in Mariposa. But, he's tempting me to break the rule!

I've also got a NYC weekend planned in June with a girlfriend and Kelly!!! I LOVE NYC!!! I haven't been there in about 7 years, so I'm really excited to go!!! And we'll get to meet up with a cool guy we met in India - who I'm pretty impressed with ;). So, it should be a good trip!

I'll be getting my share of fun this year, Miami or not! :D

Drink in the Beauty

stierzah@gmail.com — Thu, 31 Jan 08 18:57:00 UT

I live in such a beautiful place!!! I am often amazed as I drive the windy roads of the Sierras. As I come around a bend, the most spectacular view will open up, revealing a canvas of layered, distant mountains blanketed in blue skys, draped with white puffy or dramatic red swift clouds.

The other day, all I was doing was taking allex for a drive to help him fall asleep and it was breathtaking! We drove down a back road where there are few homes far and in between. Just rolling hill, cattle ranches with Oak Trees dispersed here and there.

It was after a storm and the air was crisp and clear and bright. The hills and meadows were covered in lush green grass and the creeks and ponds were filled with glistening blue water, gently rippling in the breeze. I took in a deep breathe and drank in the beauty! Its things like this that make me glad to be alive!

Going to Miami

stierzah@gmail.com — Tue, 29 Jan 08 22:31:00 UT

I'm off to Miami in a week or so. Tom gave me a lot of grief for not letting anyone know I was going to India last time, so I thought I'd let everyone know this time!
:-)

I'm going for a sales training seminar. I'm going with a fun group too! So, it should be a good time! I keep playing Will Smith's song, "Miami". "Party on the beach till the break of dawn...going to miami...Welcome to Miami...Bienvenido a miami!" Aye poppie! hehe

Will let everyone know how it goes!

Snow

stierzah@gmail.com — Sat, 26 Jan 08 20:52:00 UT

It snowed at our house two days ago! Our elevation above sea level is only about 1200ft. So, it is rare, if ever, that it snows here. But the other day it snowed all through the night and we woke up to the whole yard covered in about 4" of snow!

We'd been given word to expect snow, so I kept a fire going in case the power went off in the night. I would wake up every once in awhile and check the fire. As I did, I would watch the snow fall gently outside. It was truly beautiful. It was soft, muted and graceful. I realize now that I'd never experienced anything like that before.

In the morning, we quickly got dressed, ran outside and built a snowman!!! Allex and I had snowball fights, and made snow angels and slid down a hill in our back yard. Then we came in and sat by the fire, drinking hot cocoa with marshmallows. And we even roasted marshmallows in the fire. We had so much fun! It is a day and night I will always remember.

Awesome Dinosaur Show

stierzah@gmail.com — Thu, 3 Jan 08 14:23:00 UT

Over the weekend, we visited Kelly and Ron in San Jose. They took us to see an amazing, life-size, walking and 'talking' Dinosaur Show. It was SOOOO AWESOME!!!! It's sponsored by BBC Worldwide and based on a Discovery Channel series and you can tell! It was educational and fun. The Dinosaurs looked, moved and roared so real you felt like you were a cave man! :-) They showed them in action too. Like, a T-Rex hunting a Stegosaurus - the Stegosaurus would back up at the T-Rex, swinging his tail for defense. It was awesome. The movements were so real. I'd see it again!!! If you have a chance, be sure to see it! It is traveling California's major cities right now.