Caterpillar Garden

US Botanical Garden's caterpillar train setup for the holidays.

Familiar Ceiling?

The enclosed courtyard in the Washington, DC National Gallery of Art looks a lot like the British Museum.

Inauguration

Getting the stands ready!

Obama's New Home

Are those moving trucks out front?

Present, Past and Future

Last night my folks, Matt and Rachel, her mom and I went to see the new production of West Side Story at DC's National Theatre. Climbing to the third floor balcony I realized that our seats were nosebleeds. As I stepped into the theater we had a direct view of the ceiling and looked down on the lights. As this was happening I remembered a dream from a few nights ago in which the Earth was falling away from me and I was unattached, disconnected. It took my breath away. I had awakened a moment later and couldn't shake the two words: unattached and disconnected. That's how I have felt for so many years; out of control, alone, angry, and damaged.

I tried my seat and then felt the need to get up and step back against the wall. As people shuffled to their seats I continued to stand against that back wall next too a guard/usher in his red jacket. He took no notice of me until I asked if I could take an empty seat in the back row because I was concerned about the height. He shrugged his shoulders and said sure. But as the theater went dark every seat was filled except for mine. On a scale of 1 to 10 of fear I was at about a 3 which was pretty good. The guard exited the theatre and I decided to sit down on the floor. Now I was down to a 2 and I could see the performance just fine. As the music and dancing started that 2 became a 1.5 and as intermission started I was sure I could take my seat for the second half. The fact that no one was making an issue of my fear was a huge help. In the past I felt like an idiot and embarrassment to everyone around me. Not this time.

As we re-entered the theater after intermission I took my seat and my fear was now a 1. I even got up to let my mom shuffle in to her seat after she braved the endless bathroom line. There I was, in my seat, enjoying the performance without fear. That was until the gunshot in the final scene, which is my other theater snaffoo. I'll work on that next.

As we exited the theater we asked some of the staff about the sound system and lack of supertitles which we had heard would be used for the scenes acted in Spanish. Their response over and over was that this was just a preview for Broadway and they were working out the kinks. We kept responding that that was good and fine for them but for us it was a "real" night out and not a preview. I suppose we were really saying that we were experiencing it in the present whilst they were looking at the future and to take it one step further I was letting go of the past.

Knit and Stitch

I have become a bit of a celebrity at Knit and Stitch in Bethesda, Maryland. The women in the store loved my crackberry cozy and then they insisted that I show them the felt skirt on my blog. They love it. So cool that they are supportive of my craftwork!

Matt and Me

Here we are posing for Rachel.

Ikea Lunch

Matt and Rachel in the Ike a Cafe.

Flying on Christmas

The Jewish secret to holiday flying is to head out on Christmas day for the best rates. the only challenge in my case is that I am waiting for the bus in the dark and cold and rain. Once again I ask myself, "am I living simple or being cheap?" Maybe a little of both. At least I'll arrive at the airport refreshed. Here's the bus!

Chanukah Dance

Cousin Diana and Adela do the newly created Chanukah dance as Robin washes the dishes. Oy.

A Very Merry Peeps Holiday

Ah yes, once again a sweet Christmas greeting from my favorite peeps.

Images of Asilomar by the Ocean

Photos from Asilomar taken with my fancy pants camera.

Asilomar Escape

Down here in Asilomar for the weekend with my friend Maureen to see Belinda Taylor's play Becoming Julia Morgan. The play was superb. Presented in the theater/chapel that Julia designed, it artistically presented the architect that was so much operating in a man's world.

Asilomar is a state park and conference facility in Pacific Grove located just along the ocean front. We had the pleasure of watching the sunset and following the pelicans on their fishing adventures along the coast.

I just noticed a deer resting a few feet away from me. Maureen and I were conjecturing during our ride up about where deer rest during our waking hours. Now I know - under small pine trees.

A Party Afterall

After my two posts about how much I do not enjoy planning parties - the happy hour turned out to be a success. We had 15 folks turn out, some familiar faces and new peeps as well. Now to get other people to organize the gatherings.

www.meetup.com/BizArts

Good Use of Time Meter

I need to create a Good Use of Time Metrix Meter. Here are some thoughts:

Score each opportunity/idea on a scale of 1-10 (low to high):

- Makes me happy.
- reflects my values.
- Promotes goodness in the world.
- I am not losing money or time.
- There are more people involved than just me.
- I am doing this promote my goals and not someone else's.
- it fulfills a "moving-towards goal as opposed to running-away-from goal"

The good news is that two folks just showed up at the happy hour! I am no longer alone.

Event Planning is So Last Career

I admit it, I do not like being the organizer of events. At this point in my career I can advise folks on events and how to make them work for their business but I don't want to do them myself.

Why am I writing this "note to self - because here I am again, organizing an event. I dreaded it all week and then all day. Now I'm here and no one has shown because we had to move the location last minute. Plus, it is raining. Rain for Californians is like cryptonite. Plus, the bartender at this new location is super not friendly.

Okay, enough kafetching and now to make myself look like 15 people.

New Urban Art Piece

At Mission and 15th in San Francisco.

Grad School Here I Come

A week later and the acceptance into Golden Gate University's Doctor of Business Administration is finally sinking in. Received paperwork outlining the required courses and with it a copy of my previous grades from when I attended the university in 1997 when working towards my Masters in Arts Administration. I was shocked to see three A+ grades. My lowest was a B-, my only B, for accounting. I remember just not getting it and was doubly challenged by the coursework being taught online.

Now I'm motivated to learn everything business, like a sponge!

Freezing in San Francisco

Sleet, snow, hail? Am I on the East Coast? Nope, just some Northern California winter weather. My friends in SoCal and Texas are reporting cold weather as well.

Probably not the best temperature for bike riding. Went to a meeting in Oakland via bike and got a huge ear ache. Plus, our house is not well heated. But, I do have some fantastic new flannel sheets to keep me warm.

A week of Julia Morgan Begins

Tonight I am at a lovely holiday dinner with my friend Rachel, hosted at The Bellevue Club in Oakland. The building, designed by architect Julia Morgan, began as a womans club and is now a social club.

This weekend I am seeing the play Becoming Julia Morgan written by my friend playwright Belinda Taylor. It is being performed at Asilomar in Monterey. To work up to it I am going to spend the week seeing Julia Morgan buildings.

Yoga Log PSA

In our yoga class this morning at Alameda Yoga Station with Nancy Leigh-Smith we agreed that we need to broadcast a yoga moment on TV during the holiday season. A Public Service Announcement (PSA) moment of Zen. Something like a Yule Log but actually a Yoga Log.

Is a Yule Log uniquely American?

ColitiScope

Andrew Tubesing, a friend of mine from when I was at Ithaca College, has just published a new book called ColitiScope. Here's info about the book:

More of an adventure story than an encyclopedia, this book weaves humor with introspection, offering an enjoyable way to learn about the difficult subject of life with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The tales and insights within this book chronicle the challenges common to sufferers of digestive illness, while also covering the symptoms, medications and procedures, from a uniquely entertaining viewpoint.

ColitiScope is the perfect book for patients to share with friends and family to foster understanding of this debilitating and potentially embarrassing disease. Sharp observations, handy tips, and hilarious anecdotes make it a must-read for every IBD patient and their supporters.

Learn more at his website http://www.colitiscope.net/

Self Portrait in Rocking Chair

Here's a shot of me sitting in the rocking chair in my office. I'm creating a reading nook.

Redwood Grove

Here's the redwood grove view from my office window. On top of the post, in the center of the image, is a birdhouse. We have many birds including humming birds and some very fat squirrels.

Home Office

In the past 24 hours I have become totally inspired to settle into my house. Stacey, Stefan and the boys live on the main floor and I have the upstairs. I've been slowly taking over this room and today I made it official by moving out their storage boxes. Instantly doubled my living space and now have a fantastic room in which to do my consulting and soon my school work.

After beeing a "squater" of sorts for six months I am finally committing to making this my home. Must be school that is helping me feel settled.

My plan is to spend most of my time in Alameda and only go into San Francisco when I have client meetings. That should be about twice a week. Alameda is so beautiful. We're two blocks from the beach and on from Trader Joe's. But the best feature of the house are the giant redwoods out back. Photo to be posted in a moment.

Strange Day Indeed

Today started out strange and became progressively weirder with a happy ending.

Starting with the end...I have been accepted into Golden Gate University's Doctor of Business Administration program! So very happy about this news. My focus will be sustainable social enterprise.

Previous to that was the meeting in which I was let go from my company and then contracted as a consultant at a far better hourly rate. Health insurance is going to be the challenge there.

So, spreading my wings and feeling more secure than ever in a certain uncertain set of circumstances.

More Cafe Trieste

Julie and Andrea do La Bamba.

Cafe Trieste

Here we are again on a Wednesday with the Zisman Clan at Cafe Trieste North Beach. Gotta love the cousins. However, these are not them - just a few avid fans. Cousin Michael Z aka Zbo is in the background wearing the black hat.

(had to severely edit this post - too much wine when written.)

The Garage

The Garage art space is a super secret and unexpected arts space hidden in SOMA (South of Market) in San Francisco. The outside is an assuming red door and inside is this 17 seat theater space. Talk about emerging alternative arts. "Stuff" like this is the reasons I love the arts. The secret is out 975 Howard Street!

Ike's Leash

To ensure that no one snags Ike's seat I've attached this highly unattractive but hugely practical seat leash. Now he can was his tail.

Bridge, Tunnel, BART Disorder

I've been resisting biking in the dark, cold nights of winter. Okay, dark but not too cold as this is California after all. I'm geared up with very good lights and warm clothing so all you worriers can worry a bit less.

Tonight I'm heading into San Francisco to see my co-worker Kay Hilton's play. The ride to BART was surprisingly easy. However, I think I'm getting the bridge, tunnel, BART disorder which many East Bayer's are afflicted with when considering expedition's into the big scary city. The only problem with my affliction is that I work there!

Time Keeps on Slipping, Slipping, Slipping into the Future

Something came down from outer space and sucked up my time last week. Perhaps a combination of now having a busy consulting schedule and full social calendar. Or, maybe it was a post-Tofurkey daze.

Had a fantastic visit with another long lost friend found on Facebook. This time it was Andrew who worked for me at CopyMat three lifetimes ago when I lived in Salinas. Reconnecting after all these years and catching up on our various adventures was fun. Plus, I exposed him to some San Francisco Bay arts and arts folks and he fit into the scene.

Indecision and Chronic Illness

Last night I had the opportunity to hangout with Liz, Nicole's friend who is a chiropractor. Last time we were together was in London when Liz was visiting from Barcelona and Nicole from San Francisco. Both Liz and I are now back in San Francisco and as with out first meeting this one was just as profound.



Liz is beyond a free spirit. I would call her a free radical. When we met in London she was bouncing off the walls, literally. But then she sat down next to me, put her hand on my back and I felt this unexpected surge of warmth. sometimes when all around me is chaos I imagine that warmth and instantly relax.



Chatting with Liz she bestowed another gem. "Chronic illness comes from indecision, causing endless suffering, but it can be reversed." This reminds me of what I am learning through Buddhist meditation. Trying to hold on to something or even pushing it away results in suffering.



I am working on letting go of the painful past which I keep revisiting over and over to figure out the clues that will help me understand what went wrong. I am doing the same with a few current situations as well. This causes me headaches and stomachaches. Is this really how I want to live my life, noodling over what I wish was or wasn't?



My goal is to be more decisive and to be present with the intention of living healthily in mind, body and soul.

Again with that Style

A homeless woman on the bus just told me she loves my outfit and that I have great style and a unique look. That's it, I'm signing up for Project Runway.

You've Got the Look

This morning my housemate Stacey gave me the most fantastic compliment. She said that I have a fantastic look and style that she loves and is impressed every day with what I wear. Wow. I thought I was cultivating, unintentionally, the frumpy shlumpy look.

To top off this upbeat Monday morning my co-worker Theron told me how much he loves working with me and how I inspire him. Theron also lives in Alameda and is my neighbor so maybe us island-based folks like to share the love.

Holiday Photo Expedition

Images from my annual holiday card photo expedition taken yesterday on the Alameda-Oakland-San Francisco ferry. The day started with thick fog and ended with a perfectly clear sky. My favorite image is the one of the American Flag but in consideration of my UK friends I decided it was too go-go America for them.

San Francisco Bay

What a beautiful day for a ferry ride!

On the Bay

Windy ferry!

Kaiser Knows All?!?

I just had the most freakiest experience when signing up online for access to my new Kaiser Premanente health insurance plan. I had to answer a few questions - with multiple choice responses. How in the world they knew this information about me I will never know because it was not on my health care application form and I never previously enrolled with Kaiser.

It knew...

My address when I lived in Salinas, CA
I am/was connected to Stephen
My sister Marlene's age - how did it even know her name?
That I graduated from Golden Gate University

Either they are reading my blog, I am being stalked or everything is connected through my social security number.

Flash Back to College

Find Amy in this photo.... from the archives of Kate Butler. This must have been 1990/91? The Photography majors - how many of us are still in photography? At least Clay Enos who is doing some scary stuff to his face, as are Kate and I.

Mini Winter Wonderland

I love this giant mini city that is setup in the futuristic lobby of the downtown Hyatt in San Francisco. This morning the Designer and Engineer were getting it all ready for the masses.

Himalayan Pug Cat

Dan with his cute cat Samantha on Market Street in San Francisco. The perfect combo of pug and cat. She even snores.

Tofurkey Trio

Here are the Tofurkey, Foturkeys we had for Thanksgiving at cousin Diana's house. When you spellcheck Tofurkey on a crackberry it suggests the word "divorce" and I can understand the thinking.

Lady Bug Sanctuary

I've just noticed that there are at least three lady bugs living in my room. You can just about see one here on the top of the window shade. Two others were racing up either side of the window.

Are these fairies watching over me? They need names... Lady, Sandy and Penny. Starting to wonder if I am losing the plot.

Mellow Thanksgiving

This year is a mellow Thanksgiving and a bit melancholy. Feeling a bit homesick for my US and UK families.

I'll be dining on Foturkey/Tofurkey with my cousin Diana in Berkeley whilst my folks are dining with her parents in Westchester County. So, we're having a virtual bi-coastal gathering.

Turns out that my schedule allows me to be off work until Tuesday. My project over the next few days is to take my annual photo expedition to make images for my holiday greeting card. I'm scoping out the Golden Gate Bridge this year. Last year it was The London Eye from the Millennium Bridge over River Thames. Maybe I should make this an annual expedition to bridges around the world.

Ah yes, thinking about photography has pulled me out of my Foturkey stupor.

As a side note, my crackberry doesn't like to spell check Tofurkey and keeps suggesting that the actual spelling is "divorce". I suppose that could be a meat-eating computer programmer's hidden message.

Breaking My Heart for Baghdad

Carrying on my marathon arts week I attended Berkeley Rep's Arabian Nights by Mary Zimmerman with my arts peep Julie. This two and a half hour production transported us into the world of lessons learned through storytelling. Each tale was a mix of comedy, tragedy and romance.

The conclusion was understated tragedy of legacy lost in this endless war, instantly breaking my heart for what was Baghdad.

Photo: Sofia Jean Gomez whispers tales into the ears of the king (Ryan Artzberger) when Mary Zimmerman returns to Berkeley Rep with The Arabian Nights.
Photo courtesy of kevinberne.com

Crying Out with Social Insecurity

Now that I'm facilitating retreats and coaching on a regular basis, human behavior is becoming as interesting as organizational development. In fact, I believe the two are linked.

I am especially interested in folks who are driven to undermine themselves and their organizations. Sounds harsh but I'm seeing it regularly. In coaching there is a concept called Limiting Beliefs. These are negative and undermining thoughts that directly connected with your core values, even if they are in direct conflict with your goals. Limiting beliefs need to be explored and hopefully dispelled if you want to reach your goals.

What I am now interested in is what compels people to derail meetings by trying to make others fearful. Is it control? Power? Ego? Actually, it seems to come down to insecurity. I've always been dazzled or perhaps dazed by people who are loud, critical and negative. In the past I've interpreted this behavior as power and security. After much exploration I now realize it is really insecurity that drives their actions. In fact, it can tip over into bullying quite quickly.

I don't have a psychology degree but what I do recognize amongst these folks is the need for attention. If they say something outrageous they immediately get our attention, even if it is negative attention. It is like they are crying out to be noticed, literally. Within an organization these people often, mysteriously rise to the top. Perhaps others step aside to avoid conflict?

As a facilitator and coach I focus on solutions. As these folks raise their endless criticisms and complaints I reflect on the goal and how these negative comments aren't getting us closer to what we've all agreed needs to be accomplished. It is a constant test of my "power" in the facilitation, and as the meeting leader I do have to hold that space. Plus, I need to ensure that the other folks, who may have fantastic contributions to make to the organization, are not derailed and disillusioned. It is become an easier task as I practice stepping back and not to getting all wrapped up in their issues.

In the past I would have taken their comments to heart - even as personal attacks. Now I know that they are just crying out to be heard.

Zen of the Prairie Dogs

On my drive up to Napa yesterday I heard this interesting report on NPR that indirectly talked about prairie dogs. Apparently half an hour before sunrise and sunset prairie dogs silently stand facing with their little paws in a prayer position. Who knew they were so zenned out?

Photo from Parade Magazine.

Rene Magritte Gets Googled

In honor of Rene Magritte's 110th birthday today Google is using this fantastic logo. One of my favorite images and I had the pleasure of seeing it at the Menil Collection last week in Houston.

Glowing Teens

My friends John, Maureen and I were I East Palo Alto this evening to observe and help. Volunteer at a teen program called GLOW. It is a college planning series for teens that are high achievers but from economically challenged families. Tonight's session was all about student loans and believe me. If I had had this advice I wouldn't be carrying some tremendous student loan debt.



What was most wonderful and brought tears to my eyes was the first question the facilitator asked the teens, please tell us your dream college." They each were able to immediately share the school of their dreams. I was so impressed. We were also asked to share the school of our dreams and I was surprised that Rode Island School of Design was my response.



I was shocked that through the course of the evening I had learned so much about student loans and financing that I was able to work with two young guys to explore the best financial aid options based on financial obligations.



The highlight was when they asked us what we studied, what our first job was out of college and what we do now. They were so impressed that I studied Cinema/Photo, English and Arts Management and especially liked that I had worked at CopyMat. Who knew that would be considered cool some day.

There's No Place Like Home

I had the most spectacular feeling this evening coming home to my house. My friends John and Maureen drove me back to Alameda after dinner in Hayward and as we approached my house I though, "hey, that's my house." As I walked in I felt like I was really coming home as opposed to just arriving at the place where I stay. These warm feelings of love for my housemates Stacey and Stefan welled up in my heart.

A few factors were at play. First, the fancy mixed drinks we had for dinner put me in a happy state-of-mind. But also it was the affection I saw between Stacey and Stefan this morning as they flirted. This is the couple I knew before they had two boys. It was a little peak into the affection that holds their relationship together at the core.

So fantastic to live in a loving home with great friends, their sister and two crazy kids and their. Redefines family.

Felt Skirt

I am still in shock from yesterday that I made this felt skirt, in eight hours, starting from raw wool and didn't have to sew an inch! However, it mat require a button.

BART at Sunset

The end of a fantastic weekend.

Surreal Zone

A sunrise shot of my bedroom that makes it look quite surreal.

Used Photographers for Sale

A photographer-friendly bookstore on the Oakland/Berkeley border.

Prolific in Felt

Here are just a few of our class creations. The ones on the left are mine; apple cozy, blakberry cozy and vase. More tomorrow.

Textile Lab

I'm taking a 3D Felting weekend course at California College of Art with my friend Megan. My mom's passion for felting and Megan's encouragement inspired me to take the course.

This is a photo of the textile Lab. I love the windows and the great shadows. The room has a deep silence as sound is absorbed by the fabrics and low ceiling.

Healing Your Soul Deep in the Heart of Texas

This trip back to Houston has healed my soul in so many ways. I had mixed feelings about heading back to the city that I thought would bring up sad feelings about me and Stephen and our failed marriage. Instead I found friends and serenity.

Highlights of my visit...

- Staying with Sara Kellner at her tree house apartment for 6 days and. Experiencing the serenity of her lifestyle.
- Reconnecting with Roberta Levy after 30 years and being blown away by her achievements.
- Every minute of the National Arts Marketing Project Conference www.artsmarketing.org.
- Catching up with Jenny P over dinner at Niko Nikos and having her offer to join me to go visit my stuff in storage.
- Connecting with the folks who run or are considering starting Business Volunteers for the Arts in Houston, Portland, Miami, LA, and Phoenix. They've all inspired me to keep moving forward on the feasibility study.
- Facilitating the Release Your Inner Blogger roundtable discussions and making a new friend, Clay, who works at Theatre Bay Area in San Francisco.
- Adventuring with Jenny P. to locate and visit the three containers of stuff Stephen and I have in storage. After three years of dreading the visit it turned out to be a healing experience.
- Visiting the new Aurora Picture Show now located across from the Menil Collection in the heart of Montrose. Reconnecting with Andrea Grover, seeing how beautiful and relaxed she looks and bringing closure to feeling like I let her down when I left the Assistant Director job.
- Dining with Bob and Lillian Warren, catching up on all their adventures and viewing Lillian's new video work. How wonderful to be trusted by an artist to share their latest ideas.
- Seeing the new and improved Houston Center for Photography with its digital darkroom and fantastic library.

Leaving is bittersweet. There are a few more folks I would have loved to have seen but ran out of time. What was so surprising was how happy I felt here and that I could pick up and start living in Houston again with hardly a second thought.

The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.
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Goodbye Houston

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Storage for Life

Here's one of three storage containers with all my stuff in Houston. It is all in good shape and I even snagged a pillow.

Releasing Your Organizations Inner Blogger

Still in Houston at the NAMP conference. Facilitated two roundtable sessions yesterday on the topic of Releasing Your Organizations Inner Blogger. Excellent turnout at both roundtables which tells me this is a hot topic. The first session were mostly folks thinking about setting up a blog for their arts organization.



The biggest challenge was getting started and then who will keep it going. There was lots of concern about letting people post bad reviews of arts performances. We're so enabling in the arts.



Getting staff, board, artists and volunteers to blog was like climbing a mountain. Came up with some great solutions.



- give people a tape recorder, have them speak their post and then transcribe. Even better post it as an audio podcast. Better yet, get them on video and post it.

- give people a digital camera and have them take photos and post those. How about backstage shots during the performance and posting them in real time. Imagine the buzz you'd build.

- have people complete questionnaires about there arts/involvement and post the responses.

- ask everyone to post a minimum of three words or a maximum of three sentences about how their work/involvement in the organization relates to the current production/exhibition.



The second session had many folks who post personal blogs. They had good advice about how a blog communicates your values and the same could be true for your arts organization's blog. This is done through the various topics, links and which blogs you recommend reading. One woman said that when they post bad reviews about a member theater company they actually get the most comments and sell more tickets because people want to see the show and witness just how bad it is...or is not.

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The Influentials

The National Arts Marketing Project Conference just launched and our keynote speaker was Ed Keller from Keller Fay Management. He's the guru of word-of-mouth marketing. Just published a book called The Influentials and I picked up a copy. What I realized during Ed's presentation is that my mom is an influential. Go mom!

Houston Rocks!

I'm loving being back in Houston. Resisted at first visiting my old house but did a drive-by and it was fantastic. I noticed that the new tenants have the same rickety old table on their porch. This city has so much to offer. Chatting with Roberta about her quality of life and seeing her huge house filled with art I realized that living in an affordable city certainly has its advantages. Food for thought.

This evening I hook up with my friend Jenny and then possibly George and Victoria. But first and foremost I have to find an ATT store to fix my crackberry and the Dessert Gallery to get a huge slice of cake. Satisfy two addictions.

New Old Friends

When I lived in Houston I had no idea that just a few miles away my classmate from elementary school had settled her family in the same city. Through the power of Facebook we reconnected and today I was able to visit Roberta. She looks the exact same after all these years. Amazing reconnecting first with Hal and then Roberta. Next Stephanie who lives in San Francisco.

Back in the Bayou

I am back in Houston for the National Arts Marketing conference www.artsmarketing.org and it feels fantastic to be here. The past couple of days I was getting worried about my visit. Didn't know how it would feel to be back here, especially considering al my stuff is in storahe in some mystery Houston location. I have the opportunity to go visit it but what's the point really? I'm doing fine with my few posessions in Alameda.

Driving out of Houston's Hobby airport in my snazzy rental car a few hours ago the first thing I noticed is that this city smells like BBQ. A lovely welcoming fragerance. My friend Sara is hosting me this week andher cozy little garage apartment is about six blocks from my former Houston home. Driving around is like re-drawing latent map ib my mind - the same experience I had upon returning to San Francisco four months ago.

I had some Tex Mex for dinner at Chuye's which I actually only dined at once in the ten months I lived here in 2005-06.Would you believe I even bought one of the restaurant's t-shirts? It has martinis on the front and says "group therapy". I think I needed a Houston full-on experience to get in the Sothern groove. Let's just hope I don't meet any Palmetto bugs.

This blog was actually launched when I moved to Houston! Am I retracing my steps?

Life Without Crack

My crackberry has lost access to my email and as it sourches the battery is draining. Now the blackberry has an addiction to battery juice and I'm inrehab as it crashes.

We the Electorate, In Order to Form a More Perfect Union

The electorate spoke for change and by pulling together we are now moving in a new direction. It was a long road to electing Obama and the train that got us there was driven by volunteers and powered by the technology. Could we have been as successful without the internet?

We used our internet-based social networks to get out to the vote. We used our cell phones to call swing states. We drove our cars around the country to implement voter drives. We carried a message of hope, a message of change, an undying optimism that brought us together towards change as opposed to four more years of living in fear.

Watching the electoral votes stack up for both candidates I had my arms and legs wrapped like pretzels - my expression of concern. Even after McCain's concession speech I was not yet believing that our hopes would come true. Finally seeing Obama and his family standing on stage I felt somber hope for the future and hearing his victory speech I was proud of our country's leadership and the possibility of regaining respect and influence around the world.

Democracy, Liberty, Opportunity and Unyielding Hope!