Life is good.

It's been a year or nearly a year since I last posted anything here.  I am happy seeing my daughter grow and never thought life could be this good.  Finding time to juggle family, work and everything else in between is a challenge. 

Thankfully I am able to stay connected with friends, family, and clients via a combination of email and Facebook.  I don't mind that it's considered the new "AOL" or too trendy, I enjoy how easy it is to stay in touch.

We are still in our lovely Craftsman gingerbread home.  The market is still a little rocky, but definitely improving.  Can't wait to see more summer fruit this year.  Loquats have been plentiful.  Pluots and peaches are my favorite.  Photos to come

For your viewing pleasure...

I love these literal music videos.

Another long past due entry...

It's 2:16 a.m. and Aislee is sleeping in my lap.  She's growing amazingly fast and is really active these days.  It's been challenging for her fighting her first real cold.  She'll wake up several times frustrated with her stuffy nose.

I've been thinking how incredibly different life has changed with the baby.   I wouldn't have it any other way.  It's almost frightening how much I love this tiny human.  The funny thing is, before she was born, my dear friend told me that it's important to not neglect the husband when the baby arrived.  It's been non-stop taking care of her that there really is no time to pay attention to Naoki or really myself these past several months.  Taking a shower uninterrupted is a luxury and I'm thankful when papa is able to take Aislee for a walk while I handle a few household chores.  He spends most of his free time caring for the house and garden.  What's interesting and a little funny, is that after you have this cute little one with small everything and inquisitive expressions, anything that was remotely cute or appealing in your partner ceases to be...well, cute.  Suddenly, the baby has taken control of all that is cute.  Not even Lucky, our comedic bird, can compete.

Other observations of life with baby...  Buying new clothes, shoes, makeup is no longer a necessity.  It has been replaced by buying food, toys (for baby), and diapers.  I wear mostly what's comfortable now.  Her comfort and well-being is my top  priority.  So far, I've been blessed with clients who are baby-friendly. She comes with me everywhere -- even to tour properties.

I never thought becoming a mother would incur so many changes.  The pressure cooker Naoki purchased is a lifesaver.  It makes healthy baby food in minutes!  I'll try chubbing Aislee up with avocados, sweet potatos, and bananas.  She loves Japanese pumpkin, kabocha, which cooks beautifully in the pressure cooker.  I add a little cinnamon sometimes.  She seems to enjoy it.

Finding time to eat for myself has been difficult while juggling caring for the baby and working.  Making sandwiches enables me to eat and have a free hand while eating.  My current addiction is Trader Joe's Garlic Cheddar Sourdough toasted and smothered with avocado on one side and thinly sliced cucumbers and cream cheese.  Sometimes I'll slather raspberry jam and a savory speadable cheese on the same bread which is super good as well.

Ok, time for us to move to the Sun Room to sleep.  This is where we now have our bedroom.  The Star Room is our library/office, the Moon Room is also an office (that's in serious need of cleaning).  I work in the Fire Room most of the time and the Sky Room (aka the dining room is used for gatherings.  We'll be hosting Aislee's first birthday in July and hope to see some of you here at our gingerbread house.

Meet the Hada Family

Make your Stick Figure Family at FreeFlashToys.com

Another long overdue entry...

As I sit under the warmth of the much appreciated kotatsu (heater table) with my daughter sleeping peacefully in my arms, I can't believe a half year has already passed since living in our home.  For nearly three weeks two months ago, we dealt with uncomfortably cold weather and met with the challenges of staying warm in an older (109 yrs old) home while making an effort to keep the PG&E expenses down.  With all my complaining and grouching, our last two bills came in under $100 dollars!  Even while living in our tiny condo, our electricity bill usually fluctuated around $150.

I've really come to love this house with it's beautifully painted rooms.  Naoki finished the Venetian plaster in the sun room and recently the star room.  He did a wonderful job and they look wonderful and bring a warmer feeling to the house.   

Life has been busy with family and business.  We've been blessed in both areas.  Naoki's mother and sister came for a brief nine day stay. They really enjoyed all the tasty fruit (navel oranges, pummelos, fuji apples, and oro blancos) that are in season from the farmers market in Campbell.  I made a garlicky spinach pasta with fresh Meyer lemons from our yard one night.  It came out very well, though I would have liked it to be spicier...recipe to follow.

In business, I feel very fortunate and again blessed to be working with so many incredible people.  My listing in San Bruno thankfully sold and the seller is buying a lovely place to call home in Sacramento.  Four deals have closed this year so far and with another in escrow, there is much to be appeciative for.  Although the news is always painting a bleak outlook, they are usually behind in reporting how things are looking up.

Back to talking about home...  We have nearly 50 fruit plants/trees in our yard now.  The potatoes are sprouting in the crop circle Naoki made.  The blossoms are radiant on Aislee's white peach / white nectarine tree and on the Georgia Peach tree we adopted from a home in Palo Alto.  I'm looking forward to making fruit pies if the fat squirrels don't get to them first.

The old avocado tree that came with this house bears California Diablo avocados.  They're smoother and creamier than Hass and have a thinner skin.  They take two weeks to ripen once picked from the tree.  Hopefully we'll have more growing as I love avocado sandwiches on toasted bread with Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie brand) and slices of cold cucumber! So good!!  I could go off on a tangent when it comes to avocados...  Actually it looks like I did.

Ok, on to the pasta recipe -

Boil your preferred pasta al dente (slightly undercooked) as you'll be adding it to another pan to mix in with the garlic lemon sauce.

1. In a large sauce pan drizzle a tablespoon of grapeseed oil (olive oil is fine too) and a pat of butter, heat on medium flame.
2. Add crushed garlic, approximately 5 - 7 cloves
3. Sprinkle a teaspoon (or more depending on your heat preference) of red pepper flakes
4. Add a few pinches of salt to meld flavors, more can be added later to adjust
5. Careful not to burn the garlic, give your mixture a few pushes around your pan.
6. Once garlic is crisp, add spinach and pasta.
7. Mix everything well til spinach is cooked, adding a touch more oil or butter as needed.
8. Finally add thinly sliced lemon wedges of one lemon or juice lemon and add it's zest.

 

For Rent: $1850 Spacious 2 Masterbed / 2.5 Bath w/private patio & garage

Jeanette Hada | Realty World Peninsula Group |  415-480-4232 651 Boynton Avenue, San Jose, CA Spacious 2 Master Bdroom / 2.5 Bath End Unit Townhouse 2BR/2+1BA Townhouse $1,865/month Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Sq Footage 1,187 Parking 2 dedicated Pet Policy No pets Deposit $1,865 DESCRIPTION Gorgeous & Spacious End unit Townhouse w/2 Master Bedrooms, Vaulted Ceilings, Private enclosed front patio. Central Airconditioning, Fireplace, Open Kitchen w/Breakfast Bar, 1/2 Bath on lower level. Attached garage w/extra pkg space. Lots of light, storage, and conveniently located near shops, schools & I-280/San Tomas Expressway. Kitchen appliances, W/D, & Patio set stay! Move-in ready! see additional photos below RENTAL FEATURES - Air conditioning - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Living room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - garage - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Cable-ready COMMUNITY FEATURES - Garage parking - Storage space(s) LEASE TERMS Property is simultaneously listed for sale (We will take it off the market if it rents or sells, whichever comes first). Please contact agent for rental application. Potential tenant to supply current credit report. One year lease preferred / Six month lease considered. Tenant pays for utilities (gas, electricity, and water). ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Front Enclosed Patio Entry Patio Livingroom One car garage w/storage Photo 6 Contact info: Jeanette Hada Realty World Peninsula Group 01800767 415-480-4232 Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jul 5, 2010, 6:21pm PDT

$415K Spacious 2 Master Suite w/ half bath, Private Patio & Garage in W. San Jose

Jeanette Hada | Realty World Peninsula Group |  415-480-4232 651 Boynton Avenue, San Jose, CA Price Reduced! Spacious & Bright Townhouse w/ 2 Master Suites 2BR/2+1BA Townhouse offered at $415,000 Year Built 1987 Sq Footage 1,187 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size 852 sqft HOA/Maint $339 per month DESCRIPTION Gorgeous & Spacious End unit Townhouse w/2 Master Bedrooms, Vaulted Ceilings, Private enclosed front patio. Central Airconditioning, Fireplace, Open Kitchen w/Breakfast Bar, 1/2 Bath on lower level. Attached garage w/extra pkg space. Lots of light, storage, and conveniently located near shops, schools & I-280/San Tomas Expressway. Kitchen appliances, W/D, & Patio set stay! Move-in ready! **HOA Dues to be Paid by Seller until end of 2010!!*** ~ SPECIAL OFFER - GO THROUGH OUR OFFICE TO MAKE PURCHASE AND RECEIVE 2 YEARS PAID HOA DUES!! ~ see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Living room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - garage - Balcony, Deck, or Patio COMMUNITY FEATURES - Garage parking - Guest parking OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES - Desirable End Unit - Private, enclosed patio - Electronically-controlled seat-bidet - Attached garage - Near I-280 / San Tomas Express Way, Valley Fair and West Gate Malls - Low maintenance garden area ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Front Patio entrance Livingroom Kitchen Full size Washer/Dryer Attached one car garage Contact info: Jeanette Hada Realty World Peninsula Group 01800767 415-480-4232 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jun 7, 2010, 12:54am PDT

For Rent: Luxury 2 Bed/2 Bath w/Den @ The Axis San Jose

Jeanette Hada | Realty World Peninsula Group |  415-480-4232 38 N. Almaden Blvd., San Jose, CA Spacious & Bright 2 Bed / 2 Bath Condo w/Den at the Axis, DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE'S FIRST LUXURY HIGH RISE 2BR/2BA Condo $2,295/month Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Sq Footage 1,300 Parking 2 dedicated Pet Policy No pets Deposit $2,295 DESCRIPTION Bright, spacious with gorgeous views and conveniently located in the heart of downtown San Jose. Easy access to many restaurants, HP Pavilion, Farmers Market and more! Amenities include pool, outdoor kitchen and BBQ area, two spas, state-of-the-art fitness facility, lobby attendant, and concierge service. **New appliances, closet organizer, and solar shades to be installed*** see additional photos below RENTAL FEATURES Central heat High/Vaulted ceiling Living room Office/Den Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Microwave Granite countertop Washer Dryer Balcony, Deck, or Patio Cable-ready High-speed internet COMMUNITY FEATURES Garage parking Business center Clubhouse Storage space(s) Fitness center Swimming pool(s) Sauna/Spa Secured entry Elevator New property (< 5 years) Wheelchair access LEASE TERMS Available month to month for $2295 or from March through July 1 for $2100 a month. Security deposit to equal one month's rent. Now accepting applications. Please contact me for a rental application. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Photo 1 Contact info: Jeanette Hada Realty World Peninsula Group 415-480-4232 Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 12, 2009, 10:38am PDT

San Jose Home Show - March 13, 14, 15 - $2 discount off admission

Why Attend?

The Home Show is an event designed for homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping and decorating their homes. Each event includes hundreds of exhibits with merchandise, product demonstrations and sample interior and exterior vignettes. With a combination of new products and expert advice from the pros, the Home Show inspires homeowners with countless ideas on enhancing their home's comfort and functionality, as well as its aesthetic appeal and overall value. Who should attend? Whether you are a new homeowner, or someone who has lived in your house for years, anyone with an interest to update, enhance, and create a new look or amenity for their home will enjoy the Home Show. Why attend? Shop and Learn. Shop Meet hundreds of exhibitors under one roof Discover new, interesting products and services Find the best resources in remodeling, landscaping, and design      services Learn Visit exhibits Compare and save Speak with experts What types of companies will I find at the show? Almost any home product or service that you can imagine will be represented at the show. You'll meet contractors, landscapers, architects and interior designers. You'll also have a chance to see samples of products such as the newest in flooring and walkways to transform your home and add to its appeal. View displays of kitchens, baths, windows, doors, appliances, furnishings, spas, pools, fireplaces, sunrooms, and so much more. Come with ideas, photos and an open mind. You'll leave with inspiration

For Rent: Top Floor Condo Unit w/Private Garage

Jeanette Hada |  415-480-4232 2033 Castlebury Drive, San Jose, CA Quiet one bedroom / one bath condo, upper unit with private garage and extra storage space (235 sqft) 1BR/1BA Condo $1,490/month Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Sq Footage 560 Parking 1 dedicated Pet Policy No pets Deposit $1,490 DESCRIPTION Bright, clean, and conveniently located within a short distance to downtown San Jose. Quiet one bedroom, one bath with one car garage and patio (Optional one car parking pass available for lot space). Perfect for one person or a couple. Gorgeous sunset view from private balcony. Reverse osmosis water system installed, ADT security system (ready for activation), combo washer/dryer unit, electric garage door opener, plenty of closet and storage space. Unit available now. Please contact for more information. see additional photos below RENTAL FEATURES Central heat Walk-in closet Living room Refrigerator Stove/Oven Washer Dryer Laundry area - inside Balcony, Deck, or Patio COMMUNITY FEATURES Garage parking Storage space(s) LEASE TERMS One month's rent (plus one month's rent as security deposit), 6 month lease then month-to-month or lease renewal, sorry - no pets or smoking. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Renter contact info: Jeanette Hada 415-480-4232 Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Sep 8, 2008, 10:49am PDT