Rock Shic

#903 Year of the Rat 🐭🐭🐭

Happy Year of the Rat!!! 

It’s funny to think that so much has happened since Chinese New Year 🧧 this year (which hit early as it’s usually in February).  I ALWAYS love Chinese New Year and this year is really no exception... although the unfortunate thing is this year Corona virus is all abuzz. In fact, one could argue that things are even worse now than they had been during actual Chinese New Year, which is a real bummer. 

The truth is, there is nothing I love more than the anticipation of Chinese New Year — the excitement and anticipation of it all.  The ability to recall stories of New Years last, reading the race of the Zodiac, sharing little pieces of the tradition with my children.  All of this becomes so magical and beautiful.  Even the negative bits (likes being sick this year which was so awful and wretched)... to feeling like you’ve missed out on critical things such as our annual philharmonic outing.  Nevertheless — it is all okay because at the end of the day, I still hold these precious memories near and dear, and I know that with each year, our family tradition of celebrating Chinese New Year will only grow stronger.  🧧🧧🧧

#902 A belated post on Christmas 🎄🎁

Hello! It’s now 2020 but I am still holding on to those holiday thought (they are slipping away rapidly as we speak but this year I think I am going to try my best to focus more on family, personal matters and self-care).

That being said, I’m also hoping to have more time to do things that I love, like blogging and being with friends.... as these actions truly invigorate me, and give me a sense of peace and joy.  

So.... Christmas 🎄 what can I say but.... it was frantic, and it was over before I even knew it.  If you’ve seen my Instagram stories then you know what I’m talking about.  A few takeaways from Christmas:

1) It’s really just too much stuff and too much wrapping!! Literally... all that wrapping.
2) I don’t think my kids even knew what they were opening... they just wanted to open up their presents.  It’s all about the process for them. 
3) My husband and I are looking to re-evaluate how we do Christmas.  I’m not sure that what we’re currently doing serves the best purpose.  But my kids are still so young!
4) I literally ended up returning half the stuff we bought because it was simply not needed.  We were in Florida and the boys weren’t even going to see the rest of the toys until NEXT Christmas (if we continue the tradition of celebrating in Florida).  Guess what.... nobody even noticed!

So the bottom line is — I want to preserve the magic of Christmas for my children, especially given their young age.  Perhaps there is a more creative and meaningful way to do so.  I will certainly share that as we get closer.  For now... I just want to savor those magical moments of the here and now. They are young for such a short period of time! 

#901 Escaping the New York snowstorm ❄️❄️

Happy holidays!!! We’ve been listening to Christmas songs on repeat (courtesy of Alexa)... and I must say I don’t hate it.  It’s really funny how your life changes when you become a parent. 
More importantly — we managed to escape the snow!! As our plane headed out of JFK, we all received some dodgy ring on our phone (think: amber alert), notifying us of impending hail and sleet and all things bad.  All hubby and I could think of was “oh no please don’t let this delay our plane.”  Thank goodness all was okay in the end we made it out (whew).  It’s been one hectic year and I’m sorry to say that I haven’t even written very much to tell the tale. Mamma’s been too busy working and hustling, not spending enough time on my creativity which is what I love to do the most (mental note to self, more of the creativity please!). 
Now that we’re in Florida... I am actually feeling much more grounded and rooted.  So you will hear more from me I promise!! For now I am just glad to be here.  Let the 🎄 and 🌴 and ☀️ and 🌊 begin! 
I’m also hoping, btw — that the slower pace of Florida will help me catch up on some much needed writing. Here is hope! 

#900 Election Day 2019

Election Day!!! 

Happy November everyone - I cant believe that we are nearing the end of the year already.  You know today I started hearing my first jiggles if Christmas songs today? Plus a special promotion for Starbucks cups??? What. Insane 

Election Day holds a place near and dear to my heart — as I do believe in Democracy and of it weren’t for this tremendous privilege — well then I would have never even ended up in this country and I don’t think I would have met my husband and then had our beautiful children.  

Speaking of which, we even read the Dr. Seuss book “One Vote Two Vote — I Vote You Vote.”  My munchkin was really into it!!! I was super proud of him. He is really growing up to be a thoughtful, artistic, sensitive, and easy-going little man.  The things that come out of his really surprises me sometimes, like he is really paying attention to this grand world us... and absorbing everything that the universe has thrown his way.  It makes me take a double take at times like... whoa! 

#899 Fall 🍁🍂

 

Hello!!! 

Yes I know what you’re thinking... who is this? It’s been much too long since the last time I’ve written, you must have thought that I’ve forgotten all about you.  I often wonder myself these days.  Mamma has been tired!! So so tired.  I missed all of September and if I’m not careful October is going to slip by too and I shouldn’t let it.

What can I say, life has been busy busy busy... mostly in a good way but sometimes it can be a slog too! I have to be careful too as I got mega sick (like bronchitis sick earlier in September and I was completely useless as a result... poor hubs was sick too). That was not a good look for us.  We FINALLY recovered at the beginning of this month, just in time for our anniversary trip! We were in Vegas.  More on that later.  If you follow me on Instagram (@Rockshic) — you’ll know that I’m a lot more active there, but yes yes I need to get my act together that is for sure!!!

In any case — we are now in full on Autumn mode and I couldn’t be more into it. The crisp air, the foliage, the pumpkin and apple cider all around... it really is a lovely season and my kids are so into it!!! (Or is it because I am so into it? Haha).  We went to a pumpkin patch last weekend, as you do — our on Long Island to kick of the kids school break (they’re on some weird system as it’s a British school).  The pumpkin patch was a huge hit!!! As was the apple cider mill we visited afterwards.  Nothing spells Fall fun better than a mix of Halloween spook and corn maze fun I say 😍🍁🎃.  Now that my little guy is older he gets to join in!!! It’s really perfect and loads of fun.  I can still recall Fall 2016 when he was in my belly! We went it the New York Botanical Garden, followed by a visit to Salem which was groovy.  Then 2017... that was pretty much all spent out East in the Hamptons.  Last year was a bit of a blur, I think we did our anniversary trip at the Castle in Tarrytown but mostly stayed in the city.  This year though — we are all IN!!!! I imagine it gets more and more fun as the kiddos get older (until they reach that age when they no longer want to hang out with mum and dad ☹️) and I would be so sad! 

All the more reason to enjoy the here and now I say! 

#898 A very Hamilton Birthday

It has been terribly long and if I don’t write soon then August will nearly be over!!! What can I say... the last I wrote we were  just kicking off the start of summer with the Fourth if July — and here we are, about to bid adieu.

I leave you with some fond memories of us this week (mid-week) going to see Hamilton with my munchkin as he turned 6. It was a really lovely moment and many many months in the works! Hubs and I first went to see Hamilton in early January (I think, maybe even before New Years?!) and I absolutely fell in love with the play.  We then downloaded the soundtrack and the rest is history as they say.... the whole family got into it and mu boys (even the little one!) knows all the words.  

As they say in the show... you’ll be back — and history has its eyes on you! We are throwing munchkin a “Hamilton” themed birthday in September (stay tuned!!) — and I think the Broadway musical experience was basically icing on a very delicious cake for somebody who just turned six! ❤️🎂

 

#897 Fourth of July in Southampton

Eeks!!!

 

This was likely the longest ever hiatus we've taken from the blog.  It's one of those things you see -- where the longer you wait... well, the longer you pause!

 

Mamma has the usual list of excuses of course -- life's been busy -- I've been so tired, etc etc etc.  The list just goes on and on.  The truth is, well, I've been tired! Haha.  We've had to sort our life out, particularly the period btw May and June.... (and now July eeks!!).  They are always a nightmare.

 

As I sit now in bed... tapping away on my laptop channeling some my inner Carrie (or am I dating myself now?) -- I literally had to tell myself, "no you're going to do this."  

 

That's how the creative juices start flowing you see -- little by little, piece by piece.... and even if it's just a snapshot of your life at the time -- well, it's worth it!

 

To give a very quick rundown of life since Mother's day (sheesh!!).  We celebrated mamma's birthday in the Caymans, which was LOVELY.  This was followed by a frenzy of activities in early June (largely involving preparing for Kindergarten graduation -- or as munchkin's British school calls it -- "Year 1").  That takes us pretty much to the end of June (interspersed by Father's Day, of course, which we will chronicle).  So yes, I did miss an entire month right there.

 

Then off we went to East Hampton for the weekend -- because that is how we roll.  There was a pool, loads of BBQ's, munchkin went back to the Children's Museum of the East End, which he loves (we've had so many great adventures there!!).  This was interspersed with a reading of "Montauk has a hungry shark" at the Book Hampton.  Last I recall -- we met Alec Baldwin there!

 

That takes us to (drum roll)... July!!!

 

Which is how we arrived at today's post isn't it.  I tell you I had an entire narrative planned in my head on that very day, but was simply too knackered to write.  So here we are, nearly at the end of July -- and I'm just capturing it.  There was sweltering heat (though the last few days have taught me that we ain't seen nothing yet) -- there were loads of BBQ (again)... and time spent in the pool.  We rented a farm house in Southampton and the kids had a fabulous time.  I just wish that I had the energy to remember all of it!  We even attended the Fourth of July parade in town! Which was truly a spectacle to behold.  My oldest munchkin also hit up the local carnival on not one, but TWO nights in a row.  So yes, I guess you can say that we made the most of our foray in Southampton.

 

Next stop -- North Fork!  Stayed tuned for more updates there.

 

P.S. It sure feels good to be back!!!

 

 

 

 

#896 Mothers Day 2019 – Lower East Side Style

Happy Monday!  So… how about that Sunday folks?  Here in NYC it’s been rain rain rain all day long…. Were all mommies somehow naughty this year is that why?  The weather certainly did not come through this year for Mother’s day (and the trend is continuing even today).

That said, we still had a great old time!  We took the entire crazy crew to a local LES spot called Devon – where they served up some cool cocktails and downhome comfort food (the Huevos Rancheros were to die for!!).  The only bummer was that they didn’t have any high-chairs, but I suppose you can’t have everything can you.  Not sure how this would rank within City Baby Dining for this mamma but the food was great!!! Plus they gave us this lovely pastry box at the end with the most delicious baked goods so I suppose all is forgiven in the end! 

Despite the cold, windy, and rainy weather – we (all four of us) huddled and rushed into the new Essex Market (love it!) and treated ourselves to some cupcakes by Sugarsweet Sunshie and Ice Cream from Lower East Side Ice Cream factory.  Love love love!  It was the perfect mother’s day brunch, surrounded by the only people who matter to me… and mamma couldn’t have asked for anything more!

#895 Climbing the Vessel in Hudson Yards

A few weeks ago we finally got around to checking out the Vessel in Hudson Yards (you get to climb it!).  It’s quite fun (and free if you get tickets on-line), and my oldest munchkin certainly had a ball doing so… plus you get some fantastic views of the Hudson River overlooking New Jersey.  

Structurally, it is quite impressive, as it stands tall in all of its futuristic glory, reminding me of the modern ethos that’s quite reminiscent of Dubai.  Plus, the new Hudson Yards mall boasts multiple stories of brand new stores, restaurants, art installations and fun for the entire family! It reminds me of the Oculus from a few years back but BIGGER AND BETTER!!!

#894 Members only dining at the Met

Happy May my lovelies!  

Goodness gracious me is it May already?  Seems like just yesterday that I was contemplating my “best of” series for 2018… thinking about all the things that we would do for January and February – yet here we are (gasp)… MAY!!!

Time really does seem to take on a whole other dimension these days doesn’t it?

I, for one, am embracing the idea of SPRING!! The weather has been really up and down these days, so it’s not entirely clear to me when we can finally run outdoors without a care (or jacket) in the world.  I suppose that moment will still have to wait.

In the meantime, I wanted to share some happy moments from our recent outing to the Metropolitan Museum of Art!!  We were there for a special concert (more on that soon)… but one of my favorite things to do is to eat at the Member’s only dining room which overlooks Central Park on the 5th floor.  The Executive Chef Fred Sabo really serves up a nice seasonable fare, in collaboration with Michelin starred Chef John Fraser.  More recently, Chef Fraser's Forest Mushroom Exploration is inspired by seasonal ingredients that we really got to take advantage of for dinner.  My favorite part, after dining at the museum’s restaurant, is the ability to roam around freely in the art galleries.  Generally, during this time, the crowds have largely thinned out, making the museum roaming experience far more pleasant!  This is when you can really hone in on some of the intricate details of the exhibits, and relish it without feeling rushed.  Plus, a bit more walking is welcomed after eating a full belly from all that delicious cuisine!