I had a super chill Friday, first non-work friday since April? It felt luxurious to be going to the gym at 10:30am with husband and have calm lunch at home. Then I checked my flight, thinking it was Sunday evening, only to discover it’s Saturday evening as it’s 00:55 on Sunday. So panic packing and re-arranged few things.
Saturday was grandma’s birthday. I had booked a British restaurant at a 5-star hotel near our place. It did not disappoint! We all loved the vibe, the food, and the service.
Girls were super happy to be “dressing up” for the occasion and eating all the delicious food and sweets.
I was happy celebrating my mom’s birthday with her and the family. She turned 74 and still active and healthy, that could come to stay with the girls while I go away for a work trip.
best dishes we ordered: this smoked salmon salad with tomato, super fresh and satisfying
slow cooked lamb shank…. girls and husband loved it
fried fois grass with bacon
We were super impressed by the hotel decor and took a bunch of pics.
after lunch, girls went home with grandma, husband and I went for foot massage and pick up the cake. Dinner was cake!
Lizzy cried in my arms for a good 45 min…. kept asking why I had to go; why can’t daddy go; why she can’t go with me; why I can’t come back in 3 days; why I have to go for almost two weeks, etc. etc. I patiently answered all her questions, although I know nothing could console her as she just doesn’t want me to go. I feel less bad this time because I was prepared and I know grandma will be there for her when she wakes up tomorrow.
I am also sad to leave the family, anxious about 28 hrs travel time, and excited to see friends and colleagues. It has been over a year since I last went to DC. I hope I can make the best out of this trip, in many ways, and stay positive and focused on my goal. I often got “sad and depressed” when going away for a long work trip as I miss the family terribly. So I am reminding myself to stay strong and focused.
Our New Journey 
Safe travels.
That food all looks amazing (including that cake!) and what a great set of memories for both your girls + your mom. Time with grandparents is so special and it’s a great idea to have her come when you’re away for a longer stretch of time.
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Oh hope you have a safe flight! I’ve definitely made that mistake before of thinking a flight is the night of one day when it was really just past midnight of the day before! How funny our sense of days and time.
Next week is supposed to be not so hot here in DC, compared to the past few weeks, but it’s still pretty hot. Everyone says “heat wave” but I think this is just what it is going to be – the new normal. But perhaps not as hot as coming from Asia?
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Happy birthday to your mom! She looks amazing!! It is nice that she can come stay and help your husband during your long work trip! Mine are at most 3 nights typically which is not too bad. Taco has been having a harder time with my travel lately although yesterday he was in a terrible mood and told me to go back to the airport. But I know he didn’t really mean it and didn’t get offended by it.
Have a great work trip! I hope you get some runs in along the mall! Too bad we weren’t there at the same time. We missed each other by a few days!!
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Awww, very cute pics! I agree, your mom looks great! I am sure the girls are so excited to have her there. That will help distract them from the fact that you’re gone for a while. On the plus side, they are getting older now, even Lizzie!, so I’m sure it will be a lot easier than if they were little toddlers. They’ll stay busy with their own activities and things and they’ll be just fine, don’t worry. 🙂 Have a great trip! Wish we could have met up for a beach weekend with shu in florida!! haha.
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28 hours travel time, holy moly. Two weeks is a lot but having Grandma there will be great for the girls. Happy birthday to her! She looks fabulous!
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Happy Birthday to your mom! She looks fabulous, and I’m so glad that she can come and help out with the girls while you are gone. 2 1/2 weeks is a long time to be gone, I feel for all of you.
I hope you enjoy DC, and get some down time to spend at the Mall and the Smithsonian. I love DC. My daughter hasn’t been yet, I’d like to take her to see it some time.
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Happy birthday to your mom. What a fun get together… but I understand you’re also sad to be leaving. Traveling solo is hard. Safe travels.
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