Sunday, February 26, 2012

Tween + moving + 10 years old = problem solving



Ten years old... who wasn't too happy to leave her best friends behind... Plus new location, new school, new neighborhood, new friends... makes it even tougher...
In addition to anger, I also get some tears for not liking her new environment.

She started to say... "I don't like school". It has been bugging me since about 1 month ago. I have been listening to her, giving empathy, trying to find out what is it the real cause of that,... she still came home with tears.

I almost gave up. I'm so ready to e-mail her teacher and perhaps look for a professional help. I guess my creative, thinking out of the box gene kicks in.

I decided to ask her what she wants to do to make her "happier". She said... "no school". So I asked her if she meant for a different school or if she meant stay at home. She wants to stay at home with me...
"Sure...", I said. "But you also have to tell me what do you want to do when you stay at home. You can clean up the house, cook and you need to work because we have to make a living...."

Then the conversation starts around her skills, what is it that she can do to make a living. I gave her some options what she can do to find work and I asked her to think about it and tell me what's her decision, tomorrow.

I was worry... I'm not sure what's the outcome. But I think it's a good idea to involve her with problem solving rather than giving solutions...

Tomorrow afternoon I asked her... "So what is your decision..."
And she said "school".... And then I said "What are you going to do with new friends, new school...?" She thinks she could handle that part too...

Starting that day, she changed. No more tears on the way home and she looks happier. I guess I did the right thing... It works for me... so I thought I should share it in my blog...

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

The Med at Boulder... a reasonably priced restaurant to eat



Last Sunday afternoon, we were in Boulder. The kids just done skating at One Boulder Plaza and it was around 4:30. We want to get something to eat and go to church. We found out there is a church on Sacred Heart of Jesus on Mapleton and 13th in Boulder that starts at 6pm.

Where to eat?
We learned there is a restaurant called The Med (Mediterranian ) in Boulder, on Walnut and Broadway that serves tapas. Plus... they have happy hour from 3-6:30 pm every day.
That sounds perfect. So, we decided to drive there. We arrived at almost 5. The hostess said it will take about 15 minutes before we get our seat. 5-10 minutes later, our name was called. We ordered the tapas, get some bread for a start, tapas arrived, we have happy tummies.

We left at around 5 to 6 and we still have enough time to go to church. Everyone have their own favorite. My daughter likes the baked feta, and mozzarella cheese. I like bacon wrapped dates, prosciutto with melon and calamari. There are a lot of good tapas choices. With the happy hour price, their tapas and service are unbeatable.

Wouldn't you agree?

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

A taste of Indonesia... Food Fund Raising by KKI Colorado


A taste of Indonesia? It may very well be. A group of Indonesia Catholic is doing their once a year fund raising.

They will cook and deliver Indonesia food for those who live in Colorado - Denver area. Orders form available on line and it will be closed on March 20, 2012 or when we reach our target, whichever comes first. They will deliver your order on Saturday March 31, 2012 between 2 – 7 p.m.

To learn more about this Food Fund Raising, please visit www.kkicolorado.org.

Good luck and happy tummy...

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Lime juice me... a tip when you ran out of acid for jewelry pickling

I ran out of "pickle", acid that I need to clean sterling silver due to oxidation during soldering process.
Thanks to Jusuf Baba, I borrow his idea on using lime juice.
So, opened up my fridge, cut a slice of lime and squeeze the juices. I added some hot water and put them in the crock pot.



See before and after picture.

One hour later... voila...
It does take a little longer time compare to store bought acid. Besides, I have some lime enough to make my favorite drinks. Margarita anyone....?

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Boys Personalized First Communion Gifts

Looking for personalized gifts for boys? How about this hand made sterling silver tie tac? It's mad with hand stamped sterling silver charm on a chain tie tac. It's great for keepsakes. It fits boy's size tie.

To learn more about this, please visit my Etsy store.