Alexis is putting the playground in good use

We go there so often. Here are all the photos in the last few weeks.

Alexis first time on Carousel on her own

We took this when we went to Happy Hollow 2 weeks ago. Lei

Alexis first time on big swing and slide

Alexis loves the new playground near our house. We probably go 5 times a week. So she is now a pro on the swing and slide. Lei

My Parents Last Minute Visit to SF

My parents decided to visit last weekend since Isabel is going to school for the first time and we were able to borrow our friends place for them to stay.  Overall they had a blast.  I was impressed that they walked every day in the morning and can still walk quite a bit every where.  I am glad they are continuing to move and exercise even though they are getting older.  I hope to always stay active in my life as well.

Here are some photos.

Isabel's First Week of Kindergarten

Dawn of a new Era - my baby girl Isabel is a kid now who goes to Kindergarten 5 days a week. Ahhhh! Where did all the time go?  I cry 3 times in the last month thinking about it.  It's hard to thinking she is growing up so far.  Even with all the preparation mentally, the first week was still quite a transition

• Isabel went from a preschool of 12 kids to attending Starr King which has 300+ kids 
• Our commute went from 30 min mornings and another 30 min evenings twice a week to 90 minutes mornings and 90 min evenings 5 days a week.  Let's just say that Jaime and I are still adjusting and looking into carpool option.  
• The longer time is partly contributed to the fact Starr King is farther away (about 20 min drive without traffic one way).  
• But also because Isabel is still adjusting and we have to stay with her for 25 min until assembly is done and we walk her to classroom
• Also with giants games, the longest time it took one way can be 45 minutes. - Yikes
• It's great she is going to school with friends she already know - Weston is from her preschool and is now in her class Room 114.  Isabel is also making new friends fast - Danika, Lucas, Leah, Emily, etc...
• Isabel is also learning that she should not leave her lunch bag out on a bench to play.  She forgot about it.   Thank goodness she already ate.  We did find the bag but the rest of the food and the topperware were gone
• We learned that white shirts may come home with paint all over it. Blue tops may be better and last longer.  Starr King has uniforms - white and blue collared top and blue bottoms.  
• We are learning to put Isabel in bed earlier than 9 as her days starts at 7:40 wake up 8:40-2:40 school.  2:40-5:30 after school,  then dinner, bath, games, and bed. 5 days a week.  She is pretty tired after that as are we with all the extra commute.
• On Friday, I got a call from the school that Isabel fell on the pavement and bruised her face.  I found out it's a complete accident from Isabel. She just ran into another kid her age and fell.  Her shiner is recovering very quickly.  Kids heal so far.  
• I took the bus to pick up Isabel on Friday 30 min to get there and 45 min to get back.  The seat was not that comfortable but at least I didn't have to drive and I had seats in both direction.  Isabel liked it and actually took a nap on the way back.  

All in all, still adjusting but going well.  I guess I should treasure this time while she clings to us still as soon enough she will run to school and not even look back to say goodbye.   Letting her go a little at a time is something we must do but it's definitely not easy.  I am glad I get to spend enough time with her to see her grow into such a multi-faceted little girl.

Here are some photos and video.

A fun day at happy hollow

I took the day off on Friday to take the kids to Happy Hollow.  We arranged so that her good friend Alina will also be there as well.  We had a blast.  Happy Hollow is a small amusement park, playground, and zoo. Ling rode her first carousel.  She liked it.  Isabel of course was a pro.  I rode the rollercoaster 3 times with Isabel.  caught some air time on the first drop.  Impressed that Isabel wasn't too scared.  It's a smart rollercoaster.

The playground was big with tons of these netted bridges etc..  Isabel loved going through them and it was a good workout for me.  We also saw a puppet show, a live animal demonstration (which was really good) and walk through the zoo.  

All in all, a great day.  I wanted to take her somewhere before she starts Kindergarten which is next Monday - yikes.  Traffic back was surprising okay. We left at 4:10 took 280 back and only hit traffic at the ballpark in SF.  Got back by 5:25.  Life is good!

Great educational websites for young kids

My friend at work just told me some great educational websites for kids

• www.ixl.com - teaching/ practicing math and logic by grade level starting pre-K
• www.starfall.com - teaching kids phonics and how to read
• www.pbskids.com - games intends to teach kids spelling etc...  Isabel already loves this.  

I bought Isabel a leapfrog game she wanted for math and it was Horrible.  It was a little pony's game.  Because it's multiple choice, she just tries every option until it's correct.  No teaching at all.  These other sites seems better.  can't wait to try the first one with Isabel.

Lei

____________________________________________________________________

Cell  - 415 225-3413 |  www.linkedin.com/in/leihan | @leihan @bemycareercoach
Websites - www.bemycareercoach.com | www.rwomarketing.com | 

Facebook page - www.facebook.com/bemycareercoach - Support me by clicking LIKE on page

"Vision without action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare!"

My First Ever Timed Race - 5K Giants Race 2013

Even though I have been running for exercise for over 15 years, I have never been in a timed race before.  Thanks to Agnes who signed us for the Giants Race this year, I was able to finished my very first 5K race with official time of 29 min 45 seconds or 9:31 per mile

It even amazed me how fast I ran given my regular pace is around a 10 min mile or more.  I think it was really because of all the energy in the crowd.

• There were over 7000 people running, jogging, and walking in the 5K.  some with stroller as well.
• Sometime it was like an obstacle course to get around people that were walking in the middle but for the most part it was just awesome to see so many people running
• The powerade or gatorade midway definitely helped
• On the way back to give myself more of a boost, I put my hand out for high fives with strangers still going toward half way mark.  Remarkably, every time I did that, I got a bit of an energy burst.
• I had to stop once to loosen my left shoe as my left foot was going numb from tightening the timer to my left shoe too tight.  First time rookie mistake I guess.  I needed the break anyway.  Each mile was not easy.  I never got a runner's high, but seeing everyone else running motivated me to keep going
• the best part is we end up inside AT&T park for the finish which was awesome.  I have never been on the field before.  Agnes and I were able to stretch on the outfield grass - really surreal and a great feeling.  We also took some funny photos near the dug out and home plate which was fenced off.
• We then all came home and headed to Chinatown for a decadent meal of crab, shrimp, fish, pork, and beer.  YUMMY!

All in all, a great day.  My sister and brother in law also ran although they were way ahead in the line.  We got there just at 11am when the starting line started.  We didn't actually cross the starting line until 11:10am.  Good thing for these sophisticated timers which times you only when you step on the mat crossing the start line.

I am pretty sore now.  Was very sore to begin with as I took a TRX/ViPR work out on Friday and did like 80 squats.  not smart.  I was surprised I could even run as getting up from the couch was painful.  Although once the muscles warmed up, it was actually less painful running than walking.  I will pay for it tomorrow I guess.

Today, I am just enjoying the high of finishing my first official race ever.  Agnes says next year it will be the 10K - YIKEs!  next race probably the 5K on Turkey day.

See our photos here

Lei