Life

Spain

Image posted on by Seniye Groff

I was lucky enough to travel to Spain for two weeks! Spain has always been on my travel list, so it was great to finally see it. A nice bonus was that I got to use my Spanish skills, which although were a little rusty, worked just fine for our trip.

We flew into Madrid and figured out the metro system very quickly. We stayed in the Bibao area of Madrid in an Airbnb apartment. This was my first time using Airbnb, so I did not really know what to expect. Overall we used three different Airbnb apartments on our trip and for the most part it worked out great. I figured traveling with the family would be easier in a full apartment rather than a hotel room, especially since Spain’s hotels do not have two double beds in their rooms (but rather only two twin beds). A word of warning when using Airbnb…the pictures make the rooms look much larger than what they are. Also, read the comments carefully so that you can piece together the “true” details of the accommodation.

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In Madrid, the metro system was easy to navigate to all the “must-see” sights. The weather was a heatwave at about 20 degrees hotter than usual, so we used the subway a lot more than usual. On our first full day, we meandered over to Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace gave insight to the opulent lifestyle of this national palace.

There really is something magical about the meandering cobblestone streets that were built hundreds of years ago. We also visited (and ate) at the Mercado de San Miguel. There are many art museums to choose from so we went to the Thyssen because of its smaller but impressive collection. On day two we went to Retiro Park, which is a beautiful respite of green space from the very busy city. We also walked the Gran Via and were amazed by all the hustle and bustle; Madrid is a lively (and very clean) city!

We rented a car from Madrid to Barcelona, which was a five hour drive, but much more economical than taking the train or airplane for four people. Barcelona’s metro was not as easy to navigate and so we took a taxi (a definite splurge) to our apartment in the El Born neighborhood. During our time there, we went to Ramblas, La Boqueria Market, Cathedral of Barcelona, Santa Caterina Market, Church of Santa Maria del Mar, Casa Batilo, Palau Guell, the Barceloneta and Block of Discord. It is so interesting to see how Gaudi has influenced the architecture of the city. Barcelona’s must-see attractions are much more close together, so it was easier to walk everywhere instead of navigating the metro.

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We then flew to Mallorca. (I definitely would not recommend Ryanair!) I was expecting a quaint, undeveloped island but Mallorca is definitely not that. There were lots of tourists and tourist-related activities. We stayed in C’an Picafort which was primarily a family area. We visited three different beaches in some wonderful hidden coves. We also visited Soller, which is situated high in the mountainous side of the island.

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Spain is a beautiful place. The people were very friendly and we had a great time discovering these three areas. The vibrant Spanish lifestyle was very apparent as people seemed to hang out, eat late and then walk the streets late into the night. We managed to find some traditional Spanish fare (versus the touristic menus) and definitely recommend the Menu del Dia to sample the wonderful food. Olives, olive oil, jamon and wine reign in this region! I am sure my kids will remember their Spanish experience for years to come. And ultimately the lesson I always walk away with when I travel is that the world really is a pretty small place where we are more alike than different and location certainly does influence building materials, food and lifestyle.

Middle Schoolers

Posted on by Seniye Groff

Copy of 2014-07-14 13.51.58I never realized that having a young child was such an ego boost; they ask you tons of questions and wait anxiously for your answers.  I only realize this now that I have a 13-year-old in the house because every comment of mine gets an eye roll and I have been told I am “so embarrassing” more times than I can count.  I wonder way too much, if I will survive the next several years.

It is difficult to not be bitter as I look at her incredulously when she must show off. Treating me poorly in front of her friends is the new past time. I pour over the photo albums of the various family vacations we have taken; she looks at me lovingly and expectantly. And as a parent, I wonder where has the time gone and how can someone I love so ferociously treat me in her self-centered middle school “way”.

I am told this is a phase. “Get through ages 12 and 13 and things will return to normal,” they say. Maybe so, I think, but will I survive and endure is the question. Even more depressing, is that in six years I will be going through this all again, as my now-seven year old reaches 13!

Spring has sprung!

Posted on by Seniye Groff

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Winter was long and nasty (and we aren’t even on the East Coast!) so seeing flowers is thrilling.  I never noticed flowers on my sage before, but this year they are on my plants.  Most of my kale and beets did not make it through the winter, but I will begin to plan my summer garden. Tomatoes, of course, but since I signed up for a CSA for June through October, I will need to plan a bit more carefully for what else I will grow.

Recent Customer Service Snafu and Lesson

Posted on by Seniye Groff

There are many valuable lessons I have learned from being a parent.  Two that stand out in my mind are one, birthdays are very important.  So important, they can almost be similar to a national holiday in a child’s mind.  And second, kids do not forget (or forgive) when you screw up something related to their birthday.  I learned this when I failed to get my daughter a birthday card for her last birthday.  I heard about it for this past year repeatedly.  (I am proud to say not only did I not forget this year, but I actually hand made the card!)

Given these lessons, I have to tell you about a recent experience in my local Portland ice cream store (to remain nameless).  I typically bake cupcakes for my daughter’s birthday but this year wanted to do something a little different for our family celebration.  So, last Sunday, I called the ice cream store to order an ice cream cake.  My soon-to-be 12 year old and I poured over the ice cream store’s website looking for the perfect cake.  My daughter decided on the watermelon cake with chocolate ice cream and vanilla cake.  When I called on Sunday evening, the young man told me he would have to call me back because they were busy.  I gave him my number.  Twenty minutes later he called me back.  I told him the cake we wanted and he asked for how many people.  I told him eight to ten.  He said fine and that it would be ready to pick up the following Saturday.

On Saturday, my husband went to pick up the cake.  He was immediately informed that there had been a mix up and that the young man who took my order did not realize there was no such thing as a cake for eight to ten people.  The employee stated they tried to call but could not find the number.  And so since they could not get a hold of us, they “chose to do nothing.”  Nothing????  Really?!! If the employee stopped and thought about it for one moment, he would have realized #1.  This is a BIRTHDAY cake order and #2.  It is for eight to ten people (which means there is some type of get together involved) and #3.  If the person picking up this cake is planning on having this cake, what other options would they have with such late notice and #4.  Again, this was a BIRTHDAY cake for a CHILD. 

My husband was offered another cake out of the case.  There were not a lot of choices and frankly, we had nine people to feed in less than an hour so we did not have any other options.  My husband chose a cake which was not even close in style or flavor to what my daughter wanted.

And the end result: my daughter CRIED when she saw that the cake she had been waiting all week for, was indeed not what she had waited all week for!  My husband and I wondered why better decisions could not have been made.  For example,  make the watermelon cake for the correct size the ice cream store makes it for and call it good. 

Of course, I called the manager the next day to explain what happened and to ask WHY?  I was told that not everyone is trained in cake details and probably the person I worked with did not have the cake training.  Well, no doubt about that!  Also the manager explained that the person I worked with was young and young people do not always make great decisions.  Hmmmm!  That explanation really makes you wonder.

I propose a few solutions to ensure great customer service:

1.  Train everyone on the cake details.  If that is not possible, how about ensuring a customer ordering a cake, is given to the “cake expert” in the store.

2.  Create a quick reference guide about the cake ordering process.  A checklist could be included to make sure all details are covered.

3.  Offer some training for employees on how to troubleshoot and solve problems.  It could be structured almost like a FAQ (frequently asked questions) document.

These are just three quick ideas.  What other ideas to YOU have?

One thing for sure, I am back to making cupcakes next year, when my daughter turns 13!

Friday Happy Hour

Posted on by Seniye Groff

A couple of weeks ago I picked up the book, “Happy Hour at Home” by Barbara Scott-Goodman. This book, coupled with a mushroom tart recipe I have been eyeing in my “Smitten Kitchen” book inspired me to schedule a Friday night Happy Hour with some friends.

I settled on making mojitos, mainly because I have never made them and I have a bottle of Cruzan run sitting in my pantry.  Since the rum is from St. Croix, where I lived from eighth grade through high school graduation, I knew memories would shower me, too.

I made an onion & gruyere tart from Scott Goodman’s book.  The recipe is here.  I also made the mushroom tart.  The recipe index is here, but not sure if the particular tart recipe is there. Coupled with a salad, these tarts were filling and delicious.  A few mojitos and ice cream with homemade chocolate sauce finished out the night.  It was a great way to finish off the work week!ImageImageImageImage

Physical Versus Mental Parenting

Posted on by Seniye Groff

I remember the days of sheer physical exhaustion from chasing after my kids; always worrying if they were going to tumble down the stairs or get into some type of poison underneath the kitchen sink.  Now that the kids are six and 12, there has been a noticeable shift in my worries–especially for the 12 year old.  I no longer am physically exhausted from playing hide and seek and chasing after them down the block.  Instead, I now am in the role of “detective”.  I have to review my older daughter’s website history, her emails, her texts and various accounts like Instagram and Snapchat.  There seems to be all sorts of dangers lurking and an innocent child has no idea of the possible outcomes.

When I chat with other parents and tell them of my trials and tribulations, most are shocked.  Their first reaction is “How do you know?”  and then “How do you check?”  Ignorance is not bliss here, people.  As a parent, you must know what your child is doing online.  Parents should know every place their child goes online and should have every user name and password to every account.  I am currently creating a job aid for parents so that they know how to check the most commonly sites and apps that 11-13 year-olds are using.  Of course, things move rapidly, so fully expect to update the document regularly.

  • What things do you need to know how to do?
  • What sites does your child visit regularly?
  • Have you implemented internet “rules” that your child must follow?
  • Does your child have an email address?
  • Does your child text?

Let me know what your experience is with your child and the online environment.  Also let me know what would be helpful to know so that I can consider putting it on my document.

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Giving Thanks

Posted on by Seniye Groff

It is difficult for me to believe that we are once again at the time of year where we are celebrating Thanksgiving!  Although Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, I do wish the years would slow down a bit!  Thanksgiving is a time to reflect how lucky I am.  I get to work in a career that I love and feel I offer value to.  Since I have many eclectic interests and my work is flexible, I am also fortunate that my career allows me to do many things such as volunteer weekly in my children’s classrooms, volunteer at Dress for Success (for the last 14 years!), read voraciously and write 10-20 book reviews per month, exercise regularly and practice at being an accomplished cook.  I am able to help friends and family any time they ask for a favor or need assistance and I truly get to be present in my life.  

Take a moment to reflect on what you are thankful for.  In today’s harried world, it is not easy to slow down and really “smell the roses”, but I believe it is necessary and critical to do.

I wish you much love and happiness.  Happy Thanksgiving!