Friday, November 4, 2022

Alva’s “First “ Birthday Party

Yes Alva turned four this year and yes her birthday was in July. But we still threw her a birthday this past weekend since we were gone most of the summer and this was the first weekend we could make it work. I should also confess this was her first true birthday party, complete with friends, cupcakes, etc since Covid has ruined our plans the last two years.

We made it a Princess in Black theme to cover both princesses and monster fighting super heroes. And not to brag, but I think I nailed it. Why? It is simple really. 

But before I share my secret first let me tell you all of the reasons that didn't factor into the success of the day: it wasn’t because of the balloons, well planned activities, party favors or decorations. We didn’t have those. It wasn’t because we went to a fancy all-inclusive location or had an on-site bouncy house. We didn’t do that, we hosted at our local park. And it wasn’t due to the gourmet appetizers, custom charcuterie boards or artisan made cupcakes. Nope, we had golden boy pizza and home made cupcakes.
In spite of the lack of flair that is normally at a kid's party (mostly for the adults I might add), Alva had a great time. And you want to know why?
When asked if she had fun and what her favorite part was she said it was the best day ever and she loved the presents (although we asked people not to bring any) and the snacks.  Gotta love my daughter. Let's hope she is this easy going forward. 

Alva sitting at the table eating snacks while everyone else played

Martin's home made chocolate cupcakes

Alva showing off her new necklace from her friend Alec 

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Introvert or Exhaustion?

We all know how susceptible I am to the power of suggestion. Two minutes into the trailers at a movie theater and I want popcorn, I listen to a few stand up comedians and think I could do it too, I read a book about introverts and convince myself I am one. You get the picture. 

However, I must say, this last point might have merit to it. After a full ten days of socializing, travels, parties and visitors I am spent.  I just want to curl up in a dark room by myself for at least 24 hours to recharge my batteries. So this is a serious question: can a person become an introvert overtime, has Covid made me socially out of shape or am I suffering from a serious case of exhaustion?
Maybe it will help if I give you a cliff notes overview of the last few days
Wednesday: Participate in a fireside chat in front of the entire Finance organization about my participation in the Black Owned Business Mentorship program
Thursday to Sunday: Travel to Colorado for the annual Halloween girls weekend with McKane
Monday to Wednesday: Coordinate and host a team offsite with my entire team in town, meaning full days in the office and two big dinners out on the town
Wednesday: Participate in another fireside chat at an ESG training to talk about my team's structure and our accomplishments in ESG reporting
Wednesday to Thursday:  Host my new friend Jessica (Juliet’s daughter) during her visit to California including a full day off work on Thursday for us to hang out
Thursday:  Bring on the mom guilt. Oskar had to have his eyebrow glued back together after a minor accident at school.  Martin was there to console him while I was off galivanting around town with Jessica
Saturday:  Organize and host Alva’s birthday party at the local playground
Monday: Go trick or treating for Halloween
Thank goodness Martin and I have a weekend getaway with just the two of us this upcoming weekend. I need a break!
Scratch that. Martin got sick so we cancelled the trip. But the kids still really wanted to go to the parents house so I ended up with a free night to myself downstairs. Which honestly might be even better than Napa. Here's to hoping we all get a break soon. 

Thank goodness I got a spa day in Colorado.  I wouldn't have made it through the week otherwise

Lollipops always help


Carving pumpkin the Sunday before Halloween

Oskar gave up carving his pumpkin (delegated to Martin) but Alva did hers all by herself

Trying on a few wigs before heading out to Trick or Treat

My princess and race car driver