Paula Golfing

I went golfing today with a group of gals at another course out of town Riverside. Cheaper prices during Idul Fitri (Muslim's time of year similar to Christmas is for us Christians). It was fun.

We're all beginners so had fun laughing and cheering each other on. My goal is usually double the par of each hole. :-) I just played 9 holes and the heat never got to me. Talked with my friend that played all 18 and she said it just wasn't enjoyable once it got too warm, glad I called it quits.

One scene you don't normally see in America- an entire squad of ladies were lined up resting near one hole. They were waiting to cleanup any debris on the green and pickup the plugs of soil a machine had left behind when aerating the green. Their bamboo sun hats were enormous!

Loui kitty

Meet the newest member of our family!

Tia and Sara are the proud owners of a 2 month old kitten named Loui. He's very gentle little sweetheart and purrs all the time. Needless to say, the girls are thrilled.

He was owned by a teacher who just had too many kittties (eight) in her house to allow one more to stay. Judging from his personality he got lots of loving attention at their house and I expect that'll continue. :-)

Girl Scouts Begins

Tia and Sara are both Brownie Girl Scouts again this year. I'm leading Sara's 2nd Grade Brownie troop (10 girls) and Tia's 3rd Grade Brownie troop (15 girls).

The Jakarta Girl Scouts Overseas opening ceremony was fun last Sunday. I led the event so lots of singing and parading by the girls and not much talking by the leaders. I know most parents attend these events to see and hear their daughters, not some silly ole' leader.

Tia's 9th Birthday

I had fun watching Tia host her own birthday party today. She really enjoyed making her cake, creating the homemade invites and paper mache piñata, and planning the cute snowman game. About 14 little girls came over this evening and everyone had a wonderful time!

At least she let her Mom feel a little useful- I got to order the pizza. :-) We're going ice skating tomorrow as it's a no-school day.

First day of School

Tia and Sara just finished their first week of school and all went well. They were excited to ride their bikes to school on the first day and we'll probably do that often. (at least until the rainy season...)

Both girls report that they really like their teacher too so that helps the transition. Sara has her best friend in class and Tia is with one of her good friends too. As you would expect, they still suffered from jetlag the first few days but that just means they woke extra early (3AM) and were asleep early too (down by 4:30 on Mon)Luckily their sleep schedule worked fine with school hours and everything else is flexible.All's normal now.

The school held a "Welcome Back" picnic today and the girls had a great time with their friends on the bungee jump and dumping bottles of water on each other's head. Yes, it was HOT.

Both girls will be in gymnastics and Girl Scouts this year. Hopefully piano too but their Mom has to get on the ball with arranging a teacher.

Giang Family Reunion

25 Randon Things about Quyen

Here's the list Quyen created in Facebook.
I truly love this man.

1. I have very few friends because I don’t put out the effort and I don’t like rejection. I cherish the friends I have in my life (especially my wife).
2. I believe that love is unconditional, unwavering, and forever.
3. I am so very grateful that I am married to such a beautiful woman, wonderful person, and caring mommy to my children.
4. I believe in doing everything 100% or not at all. My wife is terrified I’ll become a born again Christian and she gets out of the way when I set my mind on something.
5. I am not religious or political because I see religion and politics divide people in the world. I like beliefs that focus on the common good in all and for all (but I keep them to myself).
6. I want to do business deals based on a handshake and a person’s word.
7. I am the eighth child of 10 in my family. My mom is an incredible woman.
8. I love to hold my children. I love it even more when they hold me back. I have never found anything more special than holding my child (especially when you can hear her breathing in your arms when she is asleep).
9. I want my children to know everything I know and start from there.
10. I have two pairs of cowboy boots I’ve never worn. They looked so cool in Mexico . I look like an idiot with them on.
11. Once I get something in my head, I can’t let go. Drives me nuts and keeps me awake at night.
12. I built my own cabin in the woods with a chainsaw mill 10 miles off the road system next to a salmon stream. My neighbors call it a lodge. I just love to build and couldn’t stop. And there is something about being able to make your own lumber.
13. I used to like dancing but not anymore. Don’t really know why. Probably because of Elaine Benes from Seinfeld.
14. I constantly worry about my children and my wife’s safety. This keeps me awake at night too.
15. I think my mother in law is an incredible person and does not see limits that most people see. I wish I could have spent more time with her father (my wife’s grandpa).
16. I love anything about fish. Especially fishing, filleting/cleaning fish, aquariums, scuba diving, fly tying, fly fishing, boating, watching people catch fish, books on fish, big fish, little fish, cooking fish, eating fish. Something about fish!!!!
17. I hate being in crowds but I also hate being alone. My family is my cocoon.
18. I speak five different languages. I have some really weird dreams in different languages.
19. I think having a successful career means you have less time for your family and friends. I work to live not live to work. Hopefully I’ve done a good job of balancing.
20. I love to read Louis Lamour books. Can’t figure this out either, they are all the same but I keep reading them over and over.
21. My favorite things to do include fishing, crabbing, clamming, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, golfing, traveling, boating (especially jet boats up into small shallow streams), building things (especially structures), scuba diving, snorkeling, and being with the 3 girls in my life.
22. I love standing around a camp fire with friends and family drinking beers and making smores (even though I don’t eat smores). Ok you caught me, I like to drink beer.
23. People say I am smart, but my little secret is that I just work hard. Although I wish I was smarter, then I wouldn’t have to work so hard.
24. I believe the only thing that can replace hard work and sweat is more hard work and sweat. More action and less talk.
25. I love to cook. I love it when people eat things I prepare and love it. I wish I could’ve been a chef.