We Are Family!!!

Can I just say that "Miss Saigon" had one of the best cast EVER?!!!! Anywhere I go, I can always call, email, or post on FB and get responses where we all get together and have a fabulous time catching up and just seeing where we all are these days!

Today was no exception. The boys and I met up with Joe Foronda, MoonHi Hansen, and Keith Byron Kirk at the Corner Bakery here in Chicago. MoonHi is here visiting her parents. She grew up here and went to college here, but lives in L.A. as a video editor. Keith is working on his Ph.D. at NorthWestern Univ. and is doing great!!! Joe lives here with his kids, who are all grown up now, and is still one amazing actor and musician. The boys are always impressed with the amount of people we know when we travel to various cities. Since Greg was working the show, we caught up till he met up with us after the matinee. Then Bob Billig and Steve Landau came by to say hello as they were done (conductor and assistant) with the show as well. They work on the same show as Greg. It still amazes me how we all just get right back to where we left off and catch each other up. It has been 10 years since the 2nd Nat'l closed and 11+/- yrs. since the B'way show closed. If you have done "Miss Saigon" with either Nat'l tour or B'way, you are considered family. Also meeting up with us later was Mike Flanigan and Melinda Chua. We had the best time!!! Thanks goodness for friends and "family".

By this point, our boys were beyond themselves (we were there for 4 hours). They were given m&m cookies and hot cocoa and they were zinging from their seats by the time we were ready to leave. The sugar or something must have hit. It was wild!! So, off Greg and I went to feed them. We took the subway back to our place and stopped into Giordano's Pizza. It truly is the best Chicago pizza!!! We had a lot to eat and they eventually calmed down. Now, Greg and I had some "drinks" that seemed to help the zaniness of our boys. LOL!!!

Great night and more tomorrow as we head to the Field Museum.

Favorite Things

It's been quite festive here in Chicago. Yesterday, we stayed in all day except my jaunt out to the grocery store. Geoffrey has been coughing so we decided to keep him inside for the day and rest. Fortunately for us, he had homework to do since he took some days out of school to visit here. Nonetheless, this is the time of year where I make my favorites and they have become my boys' favorites. They love my peppermint hot cocoa! So, starting from here till X'mas, they get a cup of their favorite hot cocoa for the day. It's fun!

Our other favorite when we are here is Garrett's popcorn. Their Chicago mix is perfect for my boys. Geoffrey loves the caramel crisp and Seb loves the cheese popcorn. It's really delicious and of course, a line to get our bag of popcorn. We've been here at least 4 times now and it has never failed us. Yum!!!

The boys had a chance to see "Young Frankenstein, The Musical". It's nice to have my boys old enough to sit through a show. They had a really good time and all the "other R-rated" jokes flew over their heads. Thank goodness! Thank you to Judy, the company mgr., for getting us the best seats in the house. It was my third time seeing it and Mel Brooks is brilliant. He still amazes me. His humour is amazingly smart! The boys had a chance to see Bob conducting in the orchestra pit. They had a good time watching everything go on. Fun day for all!

Sunday at the Park

Today, we took it easy. It takes a couple of days for the boys to adjust and just wind down from seeing their dad. Yesterday was also a busy day.

We didn't do much today other than head to the grocery store. One of my favorites here is Potash Bros. market. It was fun to walk in the brisk weather and enjoy the city life. I love to walk and cities provide the best walking for me. I think the kids are getting used to it. Sebastian will get a little tired on occasion and so we'll stop at a park or something to rest his tootsies and then within 5 minutes he'll tell me he's ready to walk again.

This time we stopped at the park that I know of near the Chicago Fire Dept. It's right next to the Water Tower Place and has its jungle gym for the boys to climb and run. Last time we were here, we were staying at the Seneca Hotel (a great hotel with kitchen and separate bedroom) and found this park for Geoffrey to play. It was on the way to the theater and so we would always stop here for him play. Sebastian was too little then, but not this time. The boys had a blast. This time we're only a block north of the Seneca in a quaint little corporate apt. called 900 DeWitt place. We played at this park before grocery shopping and after. My boys have a pretty easy time making new friends at new places so all the kids were playing tag. Very cute and very fun for them.

That is all we did today and it was enough. Tomorrow Greg is off and it'll be a busy day for us. The kids will get a chance to see the show Wed (matinee) which they are excited about. It's great that they are old enough to sit through a show and enjoy it. Geoffrey enjoys the sets moving off and on and Sebastian will love the dancing and music.

Happy Holidays....While the merry bells keep ringing,

Again, the weather is pretty amazing here in Chicago. We really lucked out so far. We took the kids down Michigan Ave toward the theater since Greg had to go to work (2-show day). We came across the Holiday Light Festival here. We had been to this once before when Geoffrey was only 2y.o. The nice red tents were passing out hand warmers for everyone. Hmmmm.....I guess it'll be cold once the parade starts (@ 5:30pm). There was so much stuff going on walking down Michigan Ave. Freebies galore!! Well, it was being put on by Disney so it was all about their new shows and movies coming soon. This translated to posters, toys, etc for the kids. It was a lot of fun and a lot of people. But, I don't mind the people. The Chicagoans are the nicest people. People weren't pushing or shoving and the kids always went first. Kind of reminded me of Japan.

We get to the theater and it was great seeing all the old "Producers" people. Geoffrey knew these people since he was 18 mos. Sebastian was a "Producers" baby.....born while they were in L.A. A lot of fun. We had a fabulous lunch next to the theater named "Ruby of Siam". Their Tom Ka Kai was delicious!!! Very good. We had enough left overs for dinner.

Greg had to go back to work so we headed back down Michigan Ave. because the kids saw the Disney store and with our handy dandy coupon, the kids got to purchase a little toy and received free Disney Lightflashing paraphernalia. I have to hand it to Disney. The store was PACKED, but the line moved ever so quickly. They were extremely organized and that makes me so very happy!!!!

We head to the Water Tower Place (mall) for a bathroom break. Boys had to go! So, off we went and since I wanted some tea, we stopped at Teavana. I ended up with a lovely tea called Swiss Melange (herbal). I must say.........it's wonderful! I might have to get some more before I head home. The boys enjoyed the decorations.

Then it's to the Hancock Bldg since we are only a few blocks from there. They had the cutest train set with all the holiday decor. The boys stayed there for quite some time. I was fascinated by it as well. The details in the scenes were so full. One could have stayed there for over an hour soaking up all the lovely "towns".








Now, those of you who didn't get a chance to read up on Geoffrey............he LOVES cheesecake! Well, right in the Hancock Bldg is The Cheesecake Factory. We get in line and found that we accidentally cut in line, not intentionally. There were so many people there that we didn't realize we had walked into a line. The couple behind us were so sweet! They told us to just stay there and put in our order. We get Geoffrey's slice of cheesecake and head back to the hotel.

After resting our feet and eating dinner, we head back out for the parade. It's 5:15pm and dark. We walk to Michigan Ave and there are even more people. We keep walking looking for a little opening. We find none, so I decide to stop where there are little children and my boys can look over their heads. This mom was so nice.......she told the girls to scoot over and to let my boys in so they can watch the parade. I can't get over how nice everyone is here!!! We watch for a bit and then my California boys decide it's way too cold now. We had hats, gloves, and those handy dandy hand warmers, but no. They decide it's too cold. So, we walk to find a place where we can get hot chocolate and a cookie. By the time we got out of Frango's (Macy's taste bar), the parade was over. Wasn't a long parade which I am glad. They had a lot of other festivities closer to the river, but we had done enough walking for the day. We head back to the hotel.













Another great day in Chicago.

Razzle Dazzle

Here we are in Chicago. We are visiting my husband who is on the musical, "Young Frankenstein". It's my 5th time here? Here with Saigon, then with The Producers, Sweeney Todd, Pippin...

I love coming to Chi-town! The people are just so awesome. It has always felt very "homey" to me and yet it's a metropolitan city. Full of wonderful stores, culture, and the food is out of this world. The flight is only 4 hours long so not too bad when it comes to travelling with children.

Our day started yesterday from the Oakland airport. It's always pretty stressful for me when travelling with children. Even after doing it for so many years (my oldest started at 17 mos. and he's now 8y.o.; youngest started travelling @ 6 mos.), it's just filled with anxiety for me. I have to keep the kids occupied while waiting, slip on shoes ONLY due to security, backpacks filled with snacks (they are allergic to nuts).

We flew Southwest because it was direct to Midway. If I can, I avoid O'Hare airport at all costs. It is such a nightmare airport....busy, delays, FAR from Chicago, terminals are miles apart, etc. Southwest was great in that they allowed us to preboard due to my kids. As you know, they do not have reserved seats and my concern was being split up in a very full flight. Kudos to Southwest for that, but I was disappointed with the guys loading the plane. He kept saying, "preboarding for families with children under 4". Well, my youngest is 5 and very tall. Thought about just sneaking on, but the guilt ran over me and I tried to follow the rules. So, we sat there waiting for our "group" to be called. When they preboarded us, I heard the guy say, "she was just sitting there..." I wanted to turn around, but thought, nope....get our seats first and then complain later. I know where my priorities are when it comes to flying.

Southwest is truly a no thrills airline. I packed the DVD player and DVD's for the kids to watch (this is a staple, even if they have screens on the back of each seat (sometimes they don't work)). Their backpacks had lunch and their snacks and DS games. Due to security, I am forced to buy drinks at the airport at $4 for a bottle of water. I hate that, but what do I do. Go with the flow here.

We arrive and I had already had car service arranged since it wasn't any less or more than a taxi ride. With 2 children, 3 huge pcs. of luggage, and carry-ons.....no way was I going to wait in a taxi line. NO WAY! Chicago Limo Service was great and they got us to our corporate apt in good time. Very nice driver, but then again, I have always had nice encounters with Chicagoans. Great suggestions for food from him.

The boys were so excited to see Greg. It was all fun and I wanted to keep them awake since I try to keep them on pacific standard time. We go back and they go straight back to school the next day so it's easier to stay with our time.

We awoke to a lovely day a few blocks off Michigan Ave. We take a nice stroll to the Navy Pier because our boys absolutely love the Chicago Children's Museum
We always get our membership there because our boys go there more than three times a week to play with all of their fun exhibits. With the membership, we get free or 50% discount off all other museums in the U.S. Definitely worth it for us since we travel a lot when Greg is on the road.
There are so many things for the boys there. Because Geoffrey attends a Science Magnet, he gets his academic fill here at the museum. This year, Geoffrey really wanted to play Chess with Greg on their room size, floor board, chess room. The pieces are about as tall as Sebastian. Unfortunately, they replaced the large chess floor board with an ice-skating rink and a lot of snow play. It was fine because Geoffrey enjoyed what was there.


We'll be here for another 12 days or so. Many more museums and people to see.

I"m Going To Wash That Curl Right Out of my Hair

Some of you may or may not know, but I"m really picky when it comes to people cutting my hair. Why? Well, it starts in 4th grade when my mom takes me to get my hair cut. My cousin, Teresa, comes along since my aunt thought she could use a haircut as well.

I won't give dates, but it was a loooong time ago and hairdressers did NOT know how to cut Asian hair........let alone a 4th graders hair. To make a long story short, we leave with permed hair, short, and coiffed. I...............was..................horrified!!!!!

So that's is my PTSD for my hair stylist issue.

Fast forward to living in L.A. and finding the most fabulous hair stylist in Beverly Hills. I paid a lot as a college student, but it gave me more in return. I had no anxiety, stress, or anything remotely fearful when I had my haircut by Nick at Bruno & Soonie's.

The other importance of my hair is that I had headshots that needed to remain the same or else I would have to pay an arm and a leg for new headshots because of a new haircut. So, Nick was my hair god! Loved him till he moved to Phoenix.

It's not easy having Asian hair and finding someone who knows how to work with it. It's doubly difficult to find someone who understands Asian curly hair. You see most non-Asian people think we ALL have stick straight hair. NOT ME! It's all waves on my scalp.

Fast forward to San Francisco Bay Area where I live now. The progress has been huge and/or hair dressers "get" my hair. After finding a fabulous man, Jay, at Oxenrose, I find he left. sigh again!

Today I find someone who cuts my hair. Was I nervous? A little, but not stressed because I'm so much older and wiser? Nah, just more "go with the flow" attitude nowadays. He does a pretty darn good job. The thing is that he flat-ironed all of my hair. It's stick straight. The cut looks good though, but the verdict is still out if my hair will look good when the curls come back. But, as for now, I have straight Asian hair! Go figure!

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Well, the day is at the end and I picked up my oldest. At the suggestion of a very dear friend, I made pumpkin muffins for an afterschool snack (he loves them). It's still pouring like crazy here and as we are walking out of campus, a classmate says, "Where did you get that umbrella?" My son, "I don't remember." I tell his classmate where it was and as I am telling him this, I notice his rainboots are frog rainboots. Ha, ha, ha.........too sweet!

So, my son was not chastised for his umbrella. My son didn't say anything about the day that was out of the ordinary. I asked him what he thought of his umbrella and he still thinks it's cool. So, all went well and I"m relaxing........................until the next possible lesson presents itself.

Thanks to my friends who gave me the support to make it through the day.

Billy Elliott

No, my oldest son doesn't take dance classes or has any real interest in singing or tapping. Well, I guess he taps or does the jig when he has his flip-flops on cuz he likes the sound. I titled this Billy Elliott because of my issues with what occurred this morning.

It's pouring down rain here and the boys are all getting ready to go to school. They put on their rain coats (with hoods) and my oldest decides he wants to bring the umbrella that we had bought for him when he was 5y.o. Oh, how adorable! Even though he's 8y.o., he still has that little boy in him and I love that! The umbrella goes up and 2 frog eyes stick up. The umbrella is bright green and his rain coat is the typical yellow raincoat with hood, zipper and hooks to close up the coat. Gosh, he's cute and still so very sweet.

As we are driving to school, I realize all the other kids have the typical umbrella. Kids his age have regular umbrellas, kids his age have the regular umbrellas, kids his age have the regular umbrellas....................oh no, is my son going to get teased at school for having his frog umbrella? Maybe it's even cooler that he has this type of umbrella. So, I ask my son if he would rather have my umbrella (typical) for school or just use his hood. Nope, he wants his umbrella. How awesome that he wants it and is confident with it. What if some boys at school tease him? This might be my own projection. But, if he does get teased, it'll kill me.........think Vivian....teachable moments here! If I tell him not to take his umbrella, then he'll be upset that mom took it away. What do I do? Oh God, goddesses, universe, help my son through this if he gets teased. Give him the power of persuasive rhetoric!! Vivian, you must let go and allow life to teach its lessons. Don't be one of those parents who coddle their kids to the point where they have no ability to make decisions on their own.

We get to school and he happily says, "Bye Mom! See ya afterschool." I see the back of his bright yellow raincoat and 2 frog eyes sticking straight up above him on his green umbrella. It only takes us 5 minutes to drive to school. sigh..........I hope I did the right thing.

Comments anyone?

Just Breathe

I have now taken the best yoga class these past 2 weeks. One my of best friends and godmother to Geoffrey, Julianne Rice, is an amazing yoga teacher and dancer. She has been teaching yoga for over 25 years and understands kinesiology like no other yoga teacher I've met.

One of my friends heard about me taking yoga and stated that she would benefit because her bones have been fused. The funny thing is that I know what she means. We were in "Miss Saigon" together on tour and we've been dancers for a very, very long time. We both have children now and the time it takes to raise our boys can be insurmountable. I don't think a lot of people understand what is required to take a one and one-half hour class. First, we have to find a babysitter. On occasion, I'm lucky that my family can watch the kids. But for those who don't have family nearby, they have to hire a babysitter. Then you have to drive to class, take the class, drive back only to pay the babysitter. So, a $15 yoga class can end up costing $45. Crazy, eh?

Is it worth it? yes!!!!! And, Julianne is the best!!! Her ability to communicate how the body moves and the timing of the movement makes yoga enjoyable. Her ability to fully accept where you are and give you enough to challenge your body is growth enhancing. Her ability to share her spirituality is just a blessing.

So, now I have a little more space between the joints and my body feels good!!!! Go take a yoga class. I promise you and your body will love you for it!!!

Y.M.C.A.

This is the only song I could think of with what I've been experiencing and thinking of. They say it takes a village to raise a child. I BELIEVE it!!!

I am one of the lucky ones who has family all over the Bay Area or just all over who are willing to help me out. As some of you know, my husband, Greg, works in technical theater. He's been home for over a year, but has had to go back on the road to keep our health insurance going (60 days = 6 mos. coverage...not bad and it's really good insurance). So, I've been home since the middle of this month and will continue this for awhile as a "single mom".

Thank God for my cousins. My cousins are very close to me. We grew up together, but more importantly, it reminds me of my Asian heritage and how valuable the family is. They are my village. On some occasional Fridays, my cousin in Palo Alto will have me over and our kids (she has 3, I have 2) will play late into the evening while we have appetizers, a drink or two, dinner for everyone, etc. I get to chat with an adult and relax a bit. It's a lot of fun. The benefits other than myself having some adult time and a drink or two, are that my boys really know their cousins. They understand who they are and how important they are. My boys know that their cousins are family and they will defend them to the end.

It's really quite amazing. My youngest son was happiest when he had a birthday party just with his cousins at our house. I ask him, "Chuck E. Cheese?" "Gymnastics?" "Pump It Up?" He said no to all of that and said he just wanted his cousins over at our home. Easy enough and very sweet. The reward is that my boys understand the value of family.

My other cousin in Castro Valley calls me today and states that she wants to take the boys out for a belated shopping spree while I go get a massage. What?!!! Really? She was dead serious. I have the best family and my heart is filled with gratitude, love, and respect.

No worries people.....we do get to see Greg in Chicago for Thanksgiving and D.C. for X'mas. Adrienne, my sis, will meet up with us since she lives in NY. So, all is good.

Broadway Baby

As some of you know, I love listening to NPR/KQED (local area) and came across in the beginning of this month a great talk about kids. It was on "Forum" and the guest was Po Bronson. What an amazing discussion on his topic called Nurture Shock.

Essentially, it was about how "we" as parents have an innate tendency to overpraise our children. We want our kids to do well. We don't want them to feel like they are not worthy, etc. Instead of making these praises in a general statement, we need to be very specific. Now, I have heard all of this before and I have always tried to be very specific (having been a teacher and school counselor), but it's different when they are your own children. Added to the genetics is the fact that caregivers can get rattled and end up reacting rather than being just present and conscious (a lot harder than most people think when your own children have needs and continue to share them with you). I am guilty of doing the general statements and then catching myself or not. The great thing is that Po Bronson normalizes it.

I loved the information shared on NPR, but what I got out of it is the understanding that we, as mothers, try to do it all and do it all perfectly. Crazy, eh? This leads me to another book I read many years ago by Bruno Bettelheim called "The Good Enough Parent". I learned that if I take the anxiety away from myself trying to be the "forever conscious" parent, then my kids don't get anxious. I"m not saying it's okay to be in zombie-land while parenting all the time, but those that try so hard to be the "great parent" can chill out a bit.

Isn't this great?! Now go have a glass of wine!!! :o)

One Love, One Heart

One love, one heart
Let's get together and feel all right
Hear the children crying (One love)
Hear the children crying (One heart)
Sayin', "Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right."

Ahhhh....Bob Marley and my high school daze!!! Felt the need after a friend of mine who is no longer at ACT, but in Florida teaching at the university, sang Marley. Also, it helps that I was just at a Science Committee meeting and remember those days when I was a teacher staying late at night for the students. Students weren't there, but parents and teachers were there to help kick start the year with a science bang! I figured it's tough being a parent whilst her husband is on the road, but then I see the teachers and realize I don't have it that rough. Or, if I do, the teachers are still there. So, I will be too. That's right Marley........"I will feel all right".

I"m Sorry

Oh dear.....it's been so long! I'm so sorry for neglecting my blog. I get into these modes where I want to blog and then I'm tired of blogging. Life gets busy with a family.

What all has happened since 2008? A Lot!!!

1. Our cabin in Tahoe burned down and it's finally getting re-built. Yes, it looks like Mars up there, but it's getting done. Added square footage and hopefully, it'll be done by winter time.

2. Greg, my husband, has been home for over a year. He turned away 3 jobs. I know it's not the best time, but he really missed being with the boys and I dont' blame him. I got spoiled with him around. He's now on the road again with Young Frankenstein.

3. I"m a year older. Love it!

4. Went to Hawaii for Dec 08; NYC to visit Adrienne Apr. 09; San Diego Aug. 09. It's been fun!!!

5. Still in the window business and now distributing and getting acquainted with Passive House regulations that are great for our environment!!!! Such energy efficiency!!!! Love it.

6. Kids are older and wiser. Wiser? Well, they try. They are adorable and I love seeing them grow and learn new things in life.

I'm off to a Science Curriculum meeting now to keep our school in tip top shape since...well....everyone knows how the Ca. State Budget is these days. I have to do my part!

Will be back soon.