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It's been three months since we left California.

This summer was an 8-week whirlwind filled with some of the greatest memories we've made in a long time. It was filled with many highs and a few lows, and now that we're here in Oregon, and the dust has settled a bit, I've had some time to reflect on it all.

Our summer started off with a trip back to AZ to visit our people. Moving away from our home state makes the return hard for me, because I want to see everyone, yet I feel so disconnected to the daily norms that exist there with our family and friends. It doesn't feel like vacation (because it was home), and it just seems like there is never enough time to see everyone I want to see, and really make it quality time. I knew this was going to be our last time driving to Arizona for a while, because what was a 12-hour drive made over 2 days, will now be a 21-hour drive. Things will be different going forward. And change is hard, so I was pretty emotional that week. I remember getting there and realizing how much had changed in the lives of several people I love dearly, and combining that with what the million balls I had in the air with our impending move, I was overwhelmed and my already emotional barriers had completely overflowed.

The drive back always seems to ground me, and I just knew we had to keep plugging away, one day at a time.

Solon's sabbatical began at the end of June, and we embarked on an epic 12-day trip in a 30-foot-long Cruise America RV. It is something I HIGHLY recommend. We had a wonderful time just being together, experiencing nature and new surroundings. We saw Mount Shasta, Crater Lake, a little of the Oregon Coast, we spent time with family and friends in Seattle, we drove the kids around the Portland area, we fished in Oregon in the morning, and enjoyed our fresh catch on the grill in the California Redwood Forest later that same day. It was amazing.

 The kids LOVED the RV (above); 

the area around Mount Shasta was gorgeous (below)

 Crater Lake was the most magical place. 

I can't wait to go back and spend more time there.

There was SNOW in July!

 Loving the nature all around us

 Enjoying fresh seafood and campfires on the Oregon Coast

 Visiting old friends in Washington

 Fourth of July with FAMILY!

 Visiting the Stromski family in their new home

 Oregon's landscape is gorgeous

 Loving that camp life

 Getting our FISH on!!! Yummy Rainbow Trout

 Redwood Forest, California

The following week, we flew to Portland for our house hunting trip, and after 2 months of viewing listings on the internet, we were able to have our fabulous realtor, Debbie, show us a dozen houses, of which we found one that made all 4 of us (and Sunny) super happy. Our offer was accepted by the end of the weekend. Now that we had an address of where we were going to be living, I could determine what school my kids would be going to, so now there were a few less balls in the air.

Check out that yard!

The end of July brought our 2nd epic "Sabbatical" trip of the summer, spending a couple days in New Orleans, before embarking on a 7-day Carnival Cruise with the kids, our moms, and Alynsia. The motto of this week was to be fearless, in the cuisine that we ate, and the activities that we experienced. We battled our fear of heights as we zip lined through the Jamaican jungle; the kids tried so many new foods they would normally have never even thought to try (frog's legs, jerk chicken, escargot, braised ox tongue) and actually enjoyed them; we snorkeled the barrier reef in the Cayman Islands (my favorite - can't wait to do that again); we shared a meal with my mom's side of the family in Mexico; we sang karaoke almost every night; we met the most wonderful people from all over the world. It was such an amazing trip, and my heart was so full, I had almost forgotten how quickly the hardest part of the summer was approaching.

 Exploring New Orleans, LA
before getting on the cruise ship (above); 

Getting to know the Carnival Glory (below

 Montego Bay, Jamaica

 Grand Cayman Island

 Cozumel/Playa del Carmen, Mexico
with Mom's side of the family

 Fancy Chef's dinner for my birthday = AMAZING; 

Alynsia won the Friends' Trivia Contest

Saying goodbye to Piedmont was rough. Who would've thought that we would have loved it so much? I certainly wasn't sure 4 years ago when we moved there. But over our short time there, in that little community, we built an extended family that we will cherish forever. We miss our neighbors, we miss our friends, but we are so grateful for the mark our time in the Bay left on our hearts. It was a gift that I never knew I always wanted.

 Our Annual end of summer culdesac dinner (above); 

saying our "see-you-laters" to so many lovely people (below)

 Last days in Piedmont

Fast forward a couple months, and we are in our new house and fully settled. Almost everything has a place, and almost all the paintings are on the wall. We have already had several visitors that have helped make our new space feel like home. We have met a few of our neighbors and they are great. Solon is enjoying his new position in his company's satellite office here in Portland, and after a very full, very busy summer and early fall, we are so excited to enjoy the holiday season in Oregon, creating some of our first memories in our new home.

Life has truly been an adventure over the last several months, and we are excited to see what the future holds. We hope to continue to build community in our new surroundings, and we look forward to the visits with family and friends that are to come...

* * * * *

Every day seems to be a reminder to me how short life is, and how important connections are, and how vital it is to nourish those connections. A month ago, October 17, my cousin Mauricio passed away at the young age of 54. He was in a really good place. He had finally found a career path that he was really excited about. He had paid his debts off. He fostered senior dogs, and worked his butt off to take care of them, and his mom. He played soccer on the weekends and did Tae Kwon Do a few times a week. He was healthy, by all means, except for the undetected clog in one of his arteries. Life is short. We have to live each day to the fullest. Surround ourselves with lovely people. Put some money aside for the unexpected. Use the fancy dishes and the crystal stemware mid-week sometimes. We need to call that family member or friend that we haven't talked to in a while. Check in with our people. And when we check in, even if it seems a little awkward with the timing, we should tell them how much they mean to us. It's those moments that matter. We may not be given tomorrow.

So my dear cousin Mauricio, here's what I know:
I know that my Dad wanted kids because of how cool he thought you were.
I know that my Mom thought of you as more of a son than a nephew.
I know that you took Natan and me to the San Diego Zoo and the beach when we were about the same age that Quincy and Paloma are now.
I know that you opened your home to us when we were older and wanted to get away for a weekend in the summer.
I know that a few summers later, you let me get drunk for the first time at your house with my friend, so we could be safe and you could keep an eye on us. "Don't tell your mom," you said. "She's going to kill me."
I know that when you lived in Minnesota, those were the happiest years of your life.
I know how much loved spicy food, even though it made you sweat profusely.
I know you loved art, and you worked on your paintings as often as you could.
I know you always made room in your heart and home, for another dog that was in need.
I know you tried feverishly to discover something you were passionate about for a career, and it didn't always work out, but you kept trying.
I know I admired the way you would stick up for your family on one hand, and call us on our shit on the other.
I know you loved your mother more than anything in this world.
I know that I loved you very much cousin, and my husband and my kids did too.
You will be missed dear Mauri, by all who knew you.
May you rest in peace.

Mauricio Gonzalez Camarena Nieto

7/27/1965-10/17/2019

* * * * *

Grateful, Hopeful

I just realized that this is my 100th post since I started sharing our life in the blogosphere 11 years ago. I think it's quite fitting that it starts off with a display of gratitude.

We are three months shy of our 4-year mark here in the Bay Area. Moving here took a major leap of faith, as I had lived in Arizona my whole life (36 years at that point) and we had just begun to build a community around us in Phoenix when Quincy was in Kindergarten. My dad dying only four days after we arrived in our new home threw me off my square in a major way, and it took me six months to a year before I (honestly) even made an effort to rebuild for our family. One thing at a time, brick by brick you could say, I started to slowly open myself up, and with each new activity or new friend, we started to make our little space in this lovely Piedmont community. 

The various activities available to my kids refueled my many passions, and allowed me to reconnect with them, while simultaneously working with elementary-aged kids (so much fun!). Directing Quincy's 1st grade class in Beach Revue was the first thing that made me fall in love with the school, and it's community; dozens of creative and devoted parents investing every weekend for three months to bring this show to life. Coaching Paloma's softball team reinvigorated my love and passion for the game, as did playing co-ed Summer softball with Solon on the Beach Bums (2018 PRD Champions!). While teaching Lunchtime Art and After School Enrichment (Art Explorations), I was able to use the example my Dad had set for me at a young age, when he was an “Art Guide” at our grade school. Teaching Moves and Grooves after school, and even a few Zumba routines at the Berkeley YMCA, helped me remember how much I LOVE to dance, and that you can do it well, and have fun, no matter what your size or shape or ability is. Ultimately, all these things allowed me to FIND JOY after the loss of my father (and two years later, our dog, Forrest), and the people and connections I made throughout it all were the cherries on top!

It’s hard to make friends as an adult. Having kids and bringing them into a school community makes it a little easier, and, as I said, it took me a while to put myself out there (not normal for me). But the beauty of Piedmont isn’t necessarily the place itself – it’s the people that live here – people who fully encompass the definition of a good neighbor. The people who made us feel welcome immediately, who received us with open arms, are still some of my favorite people that we have met in our time here. From the first dinner a neighbor made us when we came back from my Dad’s memorial service, to the many baked goods and Instant Pot soups that have been shared across our culdesac and with my dearest friend here, to the way our neighbors and nearby community celebrated my Mexican heritage on Cinco de Mayo. That party in particular is a perfect example of the growth we have had in this community. What started as an impromptu Happy Hour (with our seven sets of neighbors) in our driveway (with chips/salsa/margaritas) three years ago, turned into an 80+ people pot luck fiesta this year, where we closed off the street to through traffic, and had a fully-stocked piñata on either side of the street!! 

I'm familiar with the saying, “You get out what you put in,” but here in Piedmont, everyone puts in so much that you feel like you (figuratively) won the lottery by living here. The school community is so tight-knit, filled with parents who give so much of their time and talents despite (mostly) everyone working a full-time job. The teachers are seriously all so wonderful, that my kids can’t pick their favorite – they love them all. 

So, in a nutshell, here’s what I want to say:

Dear Piedmont, CA and our Beach School Community,

Thank you for welcoming us with open arms.

Thank you for helping us grow our village, filled with support, love, laughter, trust, carpools, and lots of food.

Thank you for loving our kids.

Thank you for loving our dogs, past and present.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my joy and my many passions with your kids.

Thank you for having a co-ed softball league, so Solon and I could relive our High School days, and showcase our competitiveness to our kids. (hahaha)

Thank you for being filled with creative, compassionate, civic-minded people, who inspire me daily.

Thank you for everything else I have forgotten to say here.

You have made a mark on our hearts in a way that I’m not sure I can fully express. We are so grateful to have found this magical place, we will never forget this experience, and we look forward to the next time our paths cross again.

* * * * *

So, with all that said, it’s time for our family to embrace our next adventure, in Portland, Oregon!

Solon was personally recruited for a new position that is truly a fantastic opportunity for his career, and our family. He officially signed the offer earlier this week.

We will move to Portland at the end of the summer. After he enjoys a 6-week sabbatical in which we have two epic family trips planned, as well as some summer softball games in between.

Here's what I know about Portland so far - it is known for:

1. FOOD - Portland is a town for people who really love to eat. Not only does it have access to the amazing Northwest seafood, but the (sustainable) farm-to-table movement is so prevalent in almost all the cuisines available, and food cart "pods" are a thing, in every corner of the city where you can get literally any kind of food you want, from crepes, fresh vegetable bowls, to fish and chips, tacos to vegan BBQ.

2. THE GREAT OUTDOORS - Portland is one of the most lush, green places I have ever seen. Just 20 minutes from the city provides access to over 100 hiking trails, tons of beautiful waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery. One hour to the west is the Oregon coast, and there are vineyards, flower farms, lakes, rivers all around, not to mention the Columbia River Gorge.

3. COFFEE - It's an essential part of the city's character, and attracts visitors from all over the world. Portland's coffee is known for being one of the country's best (behind Seattle of course). There is an entire website devoted to guiding you to what's brewing in and around the city. www.caffeinatedpdx.com

4. GROWN-UP BEVERAGES - Breweries. Distilleries. Urban wineries. Enough said.

It will be a new adventure for sure, and we are ready to find our way in our new space, as soon as we figure out exactly where that is.

* * * * * 

Here are some things that have brought us joy since my last post:

Not only has Paloma advanced to Level 3 in gymnastics, she also got to try the trapeze for the first time, and nailed it LIKE A BOSS! My heart practically stopped while watching it, yet I had tears of pride in my eyes at the same time!


Quincy has made approximately 100+ Stop Motion videos, and you can see them all on my YouTube Channel. He just recently learned how to add effects and sound.

Star Wars Stop Motion (with Quincy playing the piano)


Superhero Battle (voiceover by Quincy)


Sunny has been living her best life, and her favorite place in the world (besides home with all of us) is the dog park where she is a social butterfly (like her mama). She is always exhausted afterwards!

Quincy got to participate in California Living History Day at school, which gave the kids an idea of what it was like to live here pre-Gold Rush. They made candles, ground Nixtamel corn kernels to make their own tortillas, pounded holes in leather to make a satchel, and more. It was a really cool experience.

We enjoyed a visit from the Belanger family 

over our Spring Break

We celebrated Easter with Lisa and Tony

Tommy and Geena spend a whole weekend with us!

Paloma has discovered a love of baking, and made me 

a delicious marble cake from scratch for Mother's Day

* * * * * 

Our summer will be filled with many adventures. We will be GRATEFUL for all the remaining experiences to be had with our Bay Area friends and family before we leave at the end of summer, and we are HOPEFUL to find the the same kind of community when we get settled in Portland this August.

Wish us luck!

Connections

I went to the Kona Club with 20 other second grade moms on Saturday night. It was the first "girls' night" I had attended in a while, and I needed it. As much as we do for our children in the day-to-day, it's important that we, as moms, get a chance to connect and bond over drinks and stories of the constant struggle we feel. For the career-moms, the struggle to be the best mom, but also provide financially for their family - feeling like they wish they could do more. And the stay-at-home moms, who (especially here in Piedmont,) are few and far between - we get maximum exposure to our kids through volunteering at school, coaching sports, etc, and we're grateful for the extra time we get with our children, but we feel the guilt of not contributing more financially. Both types of moms often feel like it's not enough. These moms are amazing and talented, and really down-to-earth, and down for their kids. And we often forget to do something just for us (because of the mom guilt), but sometimes it's nice to take a few hours to recharge among your village. So that's what we did.

Some of us talked about how we met our husbands, others discussed current projects at work, some of us got deep and talked about corners of our history that aren't always out in the open, but help explain us a little better. And I was able to talk about my big insecurity - going back to work. Trying to figure out your place in the workforce after not having a career for 10+ years can be extremely daunting. The thought of putting together a resume that is all over the place is overwhelming, because you're not sure how it will appear to a potential employer. Then comes the part of knowing you're worth. When I left my full-time job in Phoenix radio, I learned I was paid HALF of my male replacement, all because he had a degree, and most likely, because he was a man. Even though (I was told after the fact), I did a much better job than he. So then I got the degree, and then some part-time event planning before having kids, and then fast forward 10 years... how does one figure out their worth? And then the thing that makes me most hesitant: How do I find something that brings in the extra money we need to live here (because we LOVE living here), but also allows me some flexibility to be available to my kids when they need me (maybe working 9am-3pm?), and allows me to participate in their school lives the way I have been? Is it possible? So, this is what I am working on now... updating my resume and adding in the skills that I have used as a mom in the various volunteer positions I have held which are actually a lot! Event coordinating, writing social media content, website management, managing multiple groups, customer relations, etc. I've got mad skills. Now, I just need to figure out how to use them to also help my family.

* * * * *

Life continues to surprise me. The way our kids are growing; the little humans they are becoming. Each with a unique personality, that resembles characteristics of our various family members all rolled into one. Our house has a new energy since Sunny's arrival. She is definitely my dog. She is by my side as I type this, and she always wants to be near me in some capacity. When I leave the house, she sits in the Bay window and just watches out until I return. But she has a particular connection with each of us. Solon has found his new nap buddy, and the way she greets him when he wakes up is pure love. She will stretch out over his body, pressing her paws on either side of his face, as she showers him with licks all over. Then there's the kids. Sunny walks them to school every day, and upon drop off, immediately starts to do this slight howl/whimper sound, as if she's never going to see them again. And after a trip to the dog park, she waits for them patiently at home, until it's time to pick them up from school. Quincy is her full-size chew toy. She loves messing with him. Probably because he gives her the least attention of all of us, and she's begging him for it. Paloma is Sunny's second mommy. She cuddles her and cares for her when I'm doing various things around the house and Sunny just wants to chill. Sunny loves to sleep beside (or right on top of) Paloma, and is never too far from her when she's at home. Her love has helped us heal, as she has found her place in our family.

Spring softball has started, and it literally is the activity that makes me happiest. It makes me think of my Dad at least twice a week. He is with me the minute I have a softball in my hand. When I am on the field with these 7 and 8-year-olds, I'm hearing his words come out of my mouth as I teach them the correct batting stance, "Feet parallel, knees bent, front elbow down, back elbow up". I heard that so many times growing up, it is engrained in me. I chuckle sometimes, because I am such a stickler for proper form in this game. It's how he taught me, and now I'm sharing that. And on the weekends, there's nowhere I'd rather be than in the sunshine surrounded by kids who are learning and playing the game. Their energy, their growth, their small victories - it all brings me such joy. The highlight of course, is sharing this with Paloma, the way my dad shared it with me. To see her charge the ball with confidence, to see her pitching like her mama, to see her reach her goal of getting a hit every game, it is everything. I love it so much.

* * * * *

Here are the things that have brought us joy since my last post:

Quincy's 10th Birthday

 

Meeting Santa

Road Trip to AZ for Christmas 

 

Women's March San Jose with Lisa

Paloma's 8th Birthday

Quincy's Basketball Season

Kick off of Spring Softball - GO PANTHERS!

And of course - SUNNY 

Grateful for our many connections (family, friends, community), the sunshine, the promise of new life every Spring, the highs and lows, and all the excitement and adventures that lie ahead!