I had the pleasure of attending !!con west last weekend. I met a lot of incredible people and listened to talks that rekindled my joy in programming. I took out my trusty Stabilo point 88 and started taking notes. The person sitting next to me complimented my choice of pen. I got very excited that someone recognized the pen and shared my interest in stationery. She then proceeded to show me her stationery collection from Japan (tiny scissors, a permanent marker, multicolor highlighter, and a twist top eraser)....

Vian (3yo) is in the bathtub and I’m trying to get him to come out. Sempi (7yo) is already out and changing his clothes. I am losing my patience with Vian and he is losing his patience with this toy that he’s trying balance on the rim of the bathtub. After pleading with him for a while, I lost my patience and stormed out and turned off one of the lights in the bathroom....

One of my favorite items is sourdough toast with butter. This morning I decided to spread some jam on the toast as a treat. Vian enjoyed it quite a bit and came back for a second helping. Vian: Appa can you make me a loaf of jam? Me: You mean a slice, not a loaf. Vian: Oh, can I have a slice of jam? Me: Yes! Btw, it’s a slice of bread with jam....

Imagine a chubby 3 yr old with stubby legs and a cute smile. That’s Vian. Vian can be a charming little kid when he chooses. This morning I was helping him use the restroom. After he washed his hands I offered him a towel to dry himself. He refused the offer and decides to wipe his hands on his shirt. I told him with a hint of frustration that he should use a towel and not wipe his hands on his shirt....

It is raining in San Jose, there are little puddles of water on the sidewalk. I’m walking with Vian in our neighborhood. I notice a small puddle and step over it to make sure I don’t get my shoes wet. Vian walks right through the puddle. Stops. Turns around and jumps in the puddle for good measure and then runs over to hold my fingers as we proceed with our walk....