Techie Mommy

We woke up today excited for X's swimming class. There was no class last week, and we missed the week before that (When I came back from San Francisco). When we got there, we learn that the class was cancelled because a meet was scheduled. Bummer, we were looking forward to some swimming time. At lunch, we packed everyone up to attend a birthday party at the Jump Zone. XYZ enjoyed themselves and had fun! Had a couple of photos but especially loved this one of Z. He's a bit mesmerized by this funny mirror and he kept on looking at himself on it. One time, I caught him doing this! And I don't blame him. I kiss him everytime I see him too. He's just soooo cute :)

I know Valentines day is over - but everywhere around the house, we continue to have reminders and everyday, X eats something from her Valentines treat bag from school. I was having a conversation in the office, and a colleague mentioned that he found the phrase "Tweet me" in one of these sweetheart candies. So, curious - I grabbed X's box of candies and started going thru each one to find "Tweet me" for the photo of the day. I found "XOXOXO", but unfortunately didn't find "Tweet me". I did find something that said "weet _e" but it wasn't printed clearly and could have been "Sweet Pea" for all I know! If you find "Tweet me" or something equally modern, reply and share! :) Totally out of topic, X tells me: "Mommy, XOXOXO kisses!". Where did she get that?!

I love long weekends, and today is the first day back from the long weekend. The problem with long weekends is that you get swamped on your first day back. And such is my day today. It was also my birthday yesterday, and today, my team mates are treating me out to lunch. Got a photo of the whole team at the table (well, our server did), but I am not using that as photo of the day. Instead, I am using a boring photo of one of our rooms in the office. This room used to be a closet used by our IT to store spare keyboards, cables, etc. It's a utility room. But then, the company started growing and room became sparse that the closet became a "war" room. We actually was just using this as a war room for one of our projects before a bigger one opened up and we moved there. Then, facilities came over, painted the room and this is the next incarnation of the room. It is now referred to as the Lounge and is a good place for an informal conversations and meetings. Do...

Landed in Chicago around 5am, and finally got home and on my own bed around 6:30am. X has a 10:30am swimming class that we missed because X (and I) both overslept. In the afternoon we attended Nathan and Danny's birthday party at the Odyssey Fun World. X, Y and Z all had fun in their own way. We played games and won tickets, went and played at the Exlporation Adventure. I can't pick any one photo so I collaged three, one for each of them. X loved the obstacle courses, Y the moon jumps (as long as she was the only one in there) and Z loved walking, running and riding the horsey! Thanks Nathan and Danny for such a fun time.

The weather has turned for the worse this week. From the rainy but warm(ish) days we had last week and the weekend that melted ALL the winter snow accumulation, we woke up to chilling temperatures and a light coating of snow. As such, its inside the house photography again, courtesy of my kids. I had a series of fun portraits with X and this one is my favorite. We are featuring her tattoo from Y's birthday party. That one was already almost gone, and we put a new one just before the shoot.

Tonight is my company's holiday party! Went with all my team mates, and since I live far far west in the suburbs, I had to go in my work clothes :( I was told this is the same place we had the holiday party last year, which I missed because I was on maternity leave. The place was huge! It had a lot of different chandeliers, that I actually think are for sale (I took a photo of one of them). The main entertainment of the night is CRUX Capacitor, our very own rock band! They were awesome!

Q4 over... projects all launched... Time to party! Went bowling at 10pin after work with all the team members working on the account. It was a fun night! I think I played 5 games, and should have stopped at 3. I had a great game, and I had the worst.game.ever! I should have stopped while I was ahead! :) Even though we were having fun, I had to find my photo of the day. This drink became a topic of conversation because we didn't know what it was. Since it was laser bowling, the drink "glowed". I just had to take it's picture.

Every so often, my colleagues and I get together after work to unwind and relieve some stress.  Q4 has always been a busy time for us, and this year is no exception.  With most of my teammates working over the holidays and a bunch of projects launching in the next few weeks -- we are due one of these sessions... and today is the day. Just two blocks from our office is Carnivale , an Authentic Nuevo Latino cuisine in Downtown Chicago.  Since one of us has been boycotting Jeff's Tap & Grill, this has been our go to hang out place after work.  Being the finicky eater that I am, I always order the same stuff - a frozen (lime) margarita and Pollo Estilo Billy . It is a spice rubbed chicken breast that comes with papas fritas (aka french fries, which I ALWAYS forget, and have to ask every time) and a citrus butter sauce (mmmmm!) Food, drinks and conversation with friends... a good way to end the work day!