Day 1 of stroller shopping

I saw my Bugaboo today and I must say I am impressed -- it is as good as it looks on the website. I'm seduced! Thethe Gecko is tempting but my practical side says the Frog will do nicely. But the Frog doesn't have fleece... Should I splurge?

I also picked up a copy of What to Expect the FIrst Year so I know what to expect the first year. I flipped right to the page where they suggest the shopping list for baby's first few months. And then quickly closed the book because that list was more than one page! So many onsies, footsies, creams and ointments I don't know where to begin. I have a feeling this is another thing I'll put off until the 8th month.

TV nation

It's so strange to watch TV here (it's strange for me to watch TV period but let me continue) because there is no end to all the comericals. There are so many that I actually forgot what I was watching this afternoon. They either want to sell you a new car, help you decrease your debt, or get you to try the latest feel-good drug on the market. Even the evening news feels like one long series of ads interrupted by "news": panic-inducing segments on the safety of plastic diapers or the threat of avian flu. Everyone has their own talk show, it's not just Oprah anymore, and they all want to have Mary Jo Buttafucco on or tell you what jeans you shouldn't wear or how to keep your man happy. And why is it, with the 500 channels we have here at the house, I can't find PBS?

Here in sunny & HOT California

I always forget how long that flight actually is... 11 hours really forces you to get creative about entertaining yourself. The in-flight movies help, of course, but your eyes tend to dry out and feel like they're becoming square after two in a row. Luckily, the flight was half empty so I had plenty of space to get comfortable and sleep.

As planned, upon arrival our first stop was Brandy Ho's for lunch. I get out of practice with spicy foods and their "medium" had my eyes watering and my face all red. The waitress finally gave up and left a pitcher of water on the counter within reach. Their ginger-garlic dumplings are too good! We were even able to buy some frozen so that we can make them at home. I wonder if I could take those back to France with me?

All clear for departure!

The doctor said I'm fine and Boo's in great shape! I have some packing to do so see you all in California!

American media blunder

On the evening news of France 2 tonight they had a great media mishap from the American stations. The F2 piece was about how the riots have been perceived around the world and how the situation was basically running as the opening story on most newscasts. There were lots of over-exaggerated reports about "all of Paris burning" and entirely false rumours about the army being called in. (Which would explain the panic I heard in my mom's voice and the increase in urgent emails from friends and family.) Anyway, CBS was shown as one of the examples, and not to its credit. They had a map of France to show the "hot spots" where Toulouse was placed near the Alps and Lyon was on the Atlantic coast. Maybe I have high expectations but it's impossible for me to find their reporting credible if they can't even get their geography right.

Media mania

I'm disappointed, by not surprised, by the media's coverage of what's happening in France. So far, I've only stumbled across one fairly intelligent article that goes beyond the alarmist journalism seen in most other publications: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/06/weekinreview/06smith.html?emc=eta1

Keep in mind that the majority of these actions are done by attention hungry teenage boys, not fury-filled adult "Muslims". This is not a problem of religion but a problem of class that, until the appointment of the ex-PM Raffarin, was on the mend through numerous government sponsored programs to boost employment, increase education levels, and rehabilitate social housing areas.

The only good news published today in the papers is about my favorite candidate for the '07 presidental election Mme Segolene Royal. The PS president for the Poitou-Charents region, she's listed as the top potential candidate for the socialist party, beating out Jack Lang, Bertrand Delanoe and Lionel Jospin.

Benvenuti bimbi!

The boys took their time but they're finally here.
Julien & Damiano, both healthy and 3,7 kg (more than 8 pounds!!).
They were born on the 27th of October at 11:55 and 56. 

A boring old Friday night

We had planned to go visit sister-in-law Sophie and her family down in Pau this weekend but we were much too tired to make the drive tonight. Thomas had to taste all the press wines this morning and I spent my second full day in front of a computer for a program training session. So we punted... and opted to inagurate our fireplace and stay in. It must be a sign of age to say that there's nothing better than a Friday night spent on the couch next to your husband with a good book in hand and a fire to warm the feet. Or a sign of intelligence.

Business dinners galore

This is our second one this week and I'm counting my blessings that I found a dressy outfit I can still fit into. It was a near miracle as the skirt I had planned to wear was a good two inches away from buttoning at the waist. I really must dig out the needle and thread to make way for the waistline.

Anyway, we had a great evening at the chateau with the jolly Englishmen of the DDC (Dangerous Dining Club). Served: Bollinger RD '90, Gewurztraminer from Hardys '91, Ch Palmer '96, Ch Reynella '63, Ch Palmer '66 and '59, Quinta do Noval Nacional vintage port '83, a port from Hardys '54 and a Verdelho Madeira Solera from 1870. Wow! Lucky Boo.