So, being new to a school, and not having connected with the parents at his last school, I was leery of how I’d fit in with the parents at Max’s school. I shouldn’t have worried. These are the coolest parents I’ve ever known.

My theory is: people that want their kids to learn French are just cool.

Some are native French speakers, like my new friend, Laurence, who is from a teeny island called Reunion, off the coast of Madagascar. She brings a bit of Euro-Afri-Island breeze to any conversation. Others, like me, are Francophiles, meaning we speak French and love the culture. Others don’t even speak French, but want their kids to.

We let the kids run off steam in the park every day after school. We talk about San Diego, the school, the usual parent stuff.

I’m at ease. I’m around people who, like me and the hub, value the importance language has in our children’s lives. I’m sighing a breath of relief. I can see Max growing up with these kids (who are all really well behaved) and me getting close to the parents.

Je suis content.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Dove Ice Cream. All opinions are 100% mine.

I often talk about how important it is to do things for yourself, be it get a massage, get a pedicure, take yoga or just get out of the house. Dove Ice Cream Miniatures agrees with me. The company conducted a survey of over 400 mothers and 70 percent  are taking time for themselves each day.

That’s good news. I meet so many moms that fear leaving their kids with their husbands (c’mon! They’re parents too!) to go out for a drink. I am 100% in favor of taking mini moments. Even if you can’t get the hub to watch the kid, take 15 minutes to read a book or something!

DOVE®’s “My Mini Moment” contest is pretty cool, so I wanted to share it with you.  DOVE® Ice Cream is asking women to share their favorite mini moment of escape and one lucky winner could win one of 3 sensational mini-grand prizes:

• a mini-getaway to Napa Valley
• Spa services for a year
• A mini-home makeover

All you have to do is submit a photo and short essay at DoveIceCream.com/myminimoment by June 7, 2010. I entered and have my eye on the Napa trip. Love me some wine.

The contest is sponsored by the new DOVE® Ice Cream Miniatures. They’re only 70 calories! I haven’t tried them yet, but the  Café Collection, which features Java Chip and Cappuccino Flavors, sounds really yummy. The older I get, the more I realize I just need a little sweet or chocolate to fulfill my taste. For years I’d eat an entire candy bar when all I really needed was a tiny taste. These seem perfect for getting your sweet tooth satisfied without packing on the pounds. And with summer coming, the fact that they’re ice cream is perfect!

I have long loved yoga. For ten years, to be exact. And my practice has changed over the years.

When I started, I was more concerned competing with the people on the mats around me. I’d bend into any pose just to prove I could.

Now I compete only with myself. I want to push myself, but know that sometimes the most challenging poses aren’t the ones where I pretzel myself, but rather the ones I do correctly.

I’m able to let go easier. Once I get on my mat, I’m 100% 94% fully in the moment. I shed work duties, parenting worries and to do lists. For the most part.

I’m proud, because whereas I’ve always practiced at the Y or a gym, or wherever I could get the best deal, I now practice at a studio. That doesn’t have a pool. Or sweaty men pumping iron. It’s 100% yoga, and there’s better focus, I think. If you’re in San Diego, check out A Gentle Way in La Mesa.

That’s all. This post doesn’t have much point. Except to say that I am a better person because of yoga.

Namaste.