Wow, I can't believe that it's been almost a year since I last posted anything new on this blog. I owe all of my friends near and far a long overdue update. A lot had happened during the time I was absent. There had been so many new people we meet, places we travel to, endeavors we undertake... All in all, it was an eventful half a year, and a very exciting one!
1) The Move West
After much thoughts and careful deliberation, (and consultation with his wife of course) Huy decided to accept the job offer with Oracle in Redwood Shores, CA and as a result, uprooted the whole family to the West at the end of the 2010 summer.
The decision was made without ease as we constantly felt so nostalgic about the East Coast and its people, and feared to venture to a place where we had significantly fewer social connections. But we took that giant leap of faith, and here we are, feeling so settled and happy in the heart of the Silicon Valley that we kept wondering why we ever doubted this move. As all things in life, it just requires a little courage and determination to break away from the familiarities and embrace the unknown. After all, moving from coast to coast couldn't be that disruptive to our lifestyle, because we would still be living in the same country, under the same government, using the same currency, and bound by the same law and order.
2) The CA Weather
California is known for its acclaimed beautiful weather. Many relocate here for the blessed year-round moderate temperature. Others who can't make envious remarks. It's true that the temperature here rarely reaches the unbearable point, but because I'm so used to the extremities of Hanoi and Boston weather, I find the half-winter/half-summer weather really disturbing. I need my perpetual sunshine and warm, light-filled days to feel cheery, happy and active. But all I get is many rainy winter weekends in Belmont, where I live, and gloomy overcast, wind and chill almost everyday in San Francisco, where I work.
Of course, the bay area does get some spells of good weather, and when it does, I make sure to take full advantage by taking our son to the pool, going for a hike, wearing t-shirts and mini skirts...
3) The ubiquity of water
Growing up in Hanoi, where lakes make up the city's soul, I definitely have this thing for the open water. It's only natural then that I feel a strong affinity for the bay area because here I'm surrounded by water. There is the gorgeous bay, the long coastal line, and many lakes and waterfalls in scenic national parks. Within 30 minutes drive , I'm already in quaint coastside towns that offer breathtaking ocean panoramic views.
4) The proximity to nature
California is definitely also a wonderful joy for outdoor lovers. Biking and hiking trails along the ocean bluffs and among the mountains abound. Parks, camp sites, picnic areas are free for reservation at any local cities. Even though I haven't perused these resources as much as I should, I greatly appreciate the endless options to be so close to nature and stay active.
5) The job market
After graduate school, I discovered my pregnancy and took some time off to be a mother. I however did not want to confine myself forever within the home, so kept looking around for job opportunities in the Boston area to get out. A flurry of resume submission resulted in some promising interviews, but nothing materialized. Also, it was set in March that we would head West in August, so after some more failed attempts, I gave up and happily accepted my temporary role as a housewife, taking little Mun to the park/library everyday, making friends with other moms, talking about nursing, feeding... Once we were done organizing our life in the West, I immediately resumed my job hunting process.
Despite the prevailing economic conditions of depressed demand and high unemployment (which many economists believe to be now quasi-permanent), California actually opened a lot of doors for my nascent career. Booming tech companies are what keep the local economy afloat and allow job seekers to fare well.
I landed two offers with H1B sponsorship and within 2 weeks, arranged for Mun to be in daycare, and transitioned seamlessly back to the workforce. I could not have been happier.
6) The little angel called "MUN"
Now, at 20 month of age, Mun can do everything a mature toddler can/should be doing, except talking. With his perceptive mind, he can probably say many words, but only utter "mommy" and "no", and "open", words that are very indicative of his high-maintenance nature (wanting "mommy" to hold him, saying "no" when mom and dad do things that are contrary to what he expects, and "open" anything and everything, from toys, toothpaste, shampoo bottle, to laptop, ipod, ipad, TV...)
It's gonna be a mounting task setting up boundaries with this child! We will have to see how I succeed at being a TIGER MOM, as I wish.
