Hi folks,

Saturday in the suburbs and life feels exhausting. Not really a reason why, but after a year of restrictions and limited social interactions, life is catching up. For some reason I do think I am one of the lucky ones. I have people around me, living in the same house, dogs to snuggle and walk with, food on the table and a fireplace that burns every day. It is good to remind yourself that life is not bad, and it is ok to feel the ups and downs.

I am lucky to have three terrific, magnificent, and marvelous kids. Three individuals with the same upbringing and the same set of genes. Same parents, same food, same house, same schools… and they could not be more different but also so much alike. They are a three-piece puzzle that fits like a glove, the best of friends and three golden nuggets apart. Right now, I am lucky to have two on this side of the world but the third is only a facetime away. The world is getting smaller every day. I am going to repeat part of a post that is over ten years old. They are all adults now, independent, well educated, smart and on their way to bounce, take a big step, fly, or maybe dive into an unknown world. They are brave, beautiful, and absolutely amazing.

• Be nice to your sisters, always.
• It is ok to be homesick and long for all loved ones in our other country… they will still be there next summer.
• Never get in a car with a drunk driver. Call home, any time.
• Work out. As much as you can and as hard as you can. And it is ok to look sweaty, not very cute and feel like you are going to puke. It is actually good for you.
• Always work hard in school, it will pay off. But remember, you can only do your best.
• Never be afraid to ask for help.
• It is ok to spend a lot of money on shoes, especially running shoes.
• Don’t worry about love when you are 15, you have plenty of time. I am sure you will not even remember the name of the cutest guy in 9th grade when you turn 30. Life goes on.
• Accept people around you. Nobody is perfect. Not even you.
• Do your thing. Be different. But do not wear too short skirts.
• Travel as much as you can.
• Laugh often and hard. And laugh at yourself.
• Keep your eyes on the ball, in sports and in life.
• Learn how to drive a stick.
• Learn how to cook and bake bread. Enjoy food, it is good for you and it brings people together.
• Change is good, scary but good.
• Do things that scare you.
• No tattoos or visible piercings. And no, I will not change my mind about this.
• You are all three so much stronger than you think.
• If you can’t think, go for a run, a long run.
• Don’t stress… you have a long life ahead of you.

Let us review this after 10 years.

I failed with the stick shift driving lessons, we only have automatic cars. We still laugh, work out and worry about love. We drive around, play loud music, sing out loud, and eat ice cream. Very often. We get Thai food and do stupid things. And eat French fries. I enjoy every minute we spend together. I still have not changed my mind about tattoos, but I do understand that we are all adults, and it is not my problem if it will happen. We had a good run with sports. Climbing, volleyball, soccer… and I am kind of happy it is now easy going and not dead serious. We all spend money on shoes. The traveling is kind of limited. They are all great at cooking and baking. The long runs are also long walks, bike rides and long reading sessions. We all spend too much time with our dogs. The hard work in school paid off and everyone is on a great path. I never thought I would have a stem kid but here we go – women in tech.