HP Pavilion Staff Are Awesome!

My friend Hal invited me to my first professional hockey game and we're seeing the San Jose Sharks. I didn't even think about seat location until we started walking up the steps. Oh no, nose bleed! I startes breaking out in a cold sweat.

I told Hal not to worry about me as I slowly made my way back down to earth. From there I went down to information and asked if they could help me. Within three minutes they got me and Hal new seats! How is their customer service? Go Sharks!

Thousands of Angry Bees

As I was starting my walk to BART this morning I turned the corner and found myself amongst thousands of swarming bees. This was an unusual and unexpected scene for an urban street. An ellderly woman sitting at the bus stop that was being swarmed started screaming, "I'm scared! I'm scared!" I helped her get our of the way and we both commented that we had never seen such a thing.

I noticed that the bees were swarming out of a second story window of an abandoned church. The building had a real estate sign so I called the number. The phone was immediately answered and I told the woman that one of her sale properties was swarming bees. She too was shocked and said she would take care of it.

When I got off the phone a woman about my age had arrived at the bus stop. The elderly lady and I told her to watch our for the bees. "I called the real estate company." I told her. Her response? "Why did you do that? They are going to kill the bees! Is that your plan? To have them kill the bees?!" I informed her that I had no plan and that she was free to call them too. It was the most unexpected comment. But then I remembered that this corner served a hospital and perhaps she was insane or paranoid.

Now I'm walking home and am interested to see what awaits me at the corner. hopefully peaceful bees back in their hive. I wonder what caused them to swarm?

Inspired by Taliesin: Outlining a Vision and a Plan

Spending the evening at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin inspired me to think about both architecture and interior design as well as teaching emerging artist and arts leaders.

As I walked around the property and had the pleasure of sitting on the custom furniture in cozy rooms, I made an effort to note what was making me feel so comfortable. It was the natural materials, the blend of interior with exterior elements and the warm tones of reds and oranges used in the paints and textiles that united all the architectural components.

At the conclusion of our tour the guide gave us a pitch about the architectural school. Listening to her I got an idea: what of I could be a visiting professor teaching the business of art? That made me think about my future in education and how I have so many options open to me for next steps. Now to start outlining a vision and a plan.

Biltmore Hotel

After our day at the ballpark, Karen an I are relaxing with a drink at this Frank Lloyd Wright gem.

I had the honor of taking Karen to Denny's for her first ever visit. Only the best for us.

Spring Training

SF Giants wilting in the sun.

FLW's Taliesin West

Photo for my album cover...some day.

Queen for a Day

Photo by Karen.

Where the boys are...

...in Phoenix! Sports stadiums and men fill every block.

Giant Girls' Weekend

I'm heading to Phoenix to spend the weekend with my childhood friend Karen and to stay at my cousin's house. Unfortunately my cousin is away but we get to enjoy her hospitality, regardless.

Karen and I are going to the Giants' Spring Training game on Saturday!

Meditation Retreat

I am in Auburn Caliornia on my first meditation retreat. It is being facilitated by my friend Stefan's father. Stacey, Stefan's wife and my long-time friend and former housemate is here with me too. It is good to sit with people who know me so well.

My CloudForce Experience

#cloudforce #eprint

CloudForce!

My Executive Leadership class is with me on a field trip to DreamForce and are blown away by the size and sound of the event. I've asked them to analyze messaging, branding and the leadership presence of the CEO.

Cupcake Extravagaza!

My friends Hisun and Zoe directed a cupcake decorating brigade at my house on Saturday. We ended up with four dozen beautiful cupcakes, each one unique. Plus, there were even gluten free creations!

Wall Heart

My friend Alec has painted a heart in my walk. Sweet.

Birthday Fried Ice Cream

My peeps Hisun and Leah took me out to sushi and then the whole restaurant sang my happy birthday over fried ice cream. Yumminess!

OMG me at 43!

Waiting for BART after waking up with a start.

Talking Too Fast

I was chatting with a friend today and he gave me some feedback that when I get excited I talk too fast to understand. That immediately made me think that there are times when I probably do that during class. As an extrovert it is very difficult for me to first think my thoughts and then say them. I have to say them as I'm thinking them. Now to develop some strategies for slowing down.

Ike The Bike is Back!

Customer Service Highs and Lows

Today I had two very different customer service experiences when I asked for a "correction" on a product and a service. The first was when I went back to my hairstylist and asked for a modification on my haircut. Building up to the ask I was nervous about her reaction. There was no need to worry. Carol improved my haircut no fuss and no charge.

Then I went out for some decaf chai at a tea shop. The beverage they served me was so sweet I could not even drink it. When I asked for a less sweet chai the employee tasted my beverage and said it was not sweet at all. He scowled at me and said, "you will have to have one without sweetener. We only put 3 tablespoon of liquid sugar in your drink." He was not interested in working with me to make a tasty beverage. Instead, he handed me an unsweeetened one which tasted too bitter, and walked away. I'm too nice because I found myself apologizing. I'll no be returning to that place.

10 Blocks and 10 Years

Something has occurred in conjunction with my Oakland move ten blocks into a new neighborhood. It is like I have stepped back into a life I lived ten years ago. It is not people but rather places that seem so familiar, and welcome. I have relocated out of the pristine neighborhood of Piedmont Avenue into the edgy, nowhere land of "Pill Hill' which is located just enough closer to the heart of cool Oakland that I feel rejuvenated.

All this time I thought I had allowed myself to be "open again" and really I had still been hiding for two and a half years. At least I had graduated from living in a friends' attic. Amazing how long it takes to find yourself after striking out on your own.