Oakland Raiders vs Cleveland Browns

It was not the most equal of games in terms of players being on point. I have to admit, I wore my brown to support my home, but the playing was terrible. Poor Cleveland, but at least they won last week. Here is a nice quote from Brian Billick:

Seattle and Cleveland could play each other 10 times and the score would probably be the same. At least Cleveland is trying to develop a QB, but having said that, it is hard to watch him throw the ball 35 times for only 157 yards.

Being 3-3 isn't that bad. Another Bay area team has the opportunity to rumble and tumble this sunday. woot woot!

Russian River Valley

So I am not going, but as I look at the map and book tasting for my boss and his family I am thinking about my own trip to Monterey this weekend. Why am I so lucky to have Saturday off where I can take a mini-road trip with someone I care about, head down to the coast, look at the ocean and sip award winning wine cultivated and fermented not far from my post? Who cares why, I suppose gratitude is an order.

Being sick sucks

Back home I would have gone to a doctor that I couldn't afford because I couldn't afford health insurance. Here in the Bay Area I have options. Acupuncture, medical clinics, chinese medicine and chinese pharmacies.

Yesterday, I went to Chinatown, walked in to Draline Tong on 10th & Webster and told him my symptoms. He checks my pulse on each wrist and my tongue asks me a few questions and gives my three satchels of stick and herbs to make into tea. If I had health insurance, my doctors visit might have still been more expensive than the herbs. Boiling my first pot of tea now. Maybe this will work. After all the guy has been in business for close to 30 years. While Western Medicine is still trying to figure its self out Chinese Medicine has been around for over 3000 years. You can't mess with wisdom.

Livermore Wine Time

Yesterday, my boss and I had an amazing morning. We began our day meeting clients for an offsite catering event Here. Afterwards we stayed and tasted their wines. (delicious!) The owners are very personable and down to earth. There is no flash or glam, just real people making really good wine. There facilities are beautiful and their grounds are breathtaking. If you find yourself on Tesla Road, stop in to see these people. Its nice to remember that wine doesn't have to be Hoity-toity, just wet.

Following the tasting and wonderful conversation, we moved on to Lunch. We were truly wined and dined. My best girl and another friend joined us. I must admit the service was flawless, the food was decadent and the company was, well, as always, fabulous.

The side story of yesterday, is that my best friend works with me and my boss is convincingly not the biggest fan. Thats fine, but its uncomfortable, and I believe the two of them having had bonding time will prove to be an essential part of growth for the bistro. At least I hope so. Sometimes seeing people you think can't shine, when they do brings a little grain of salt.

Livermore is wonderful for not just the rolling hills stocked with rows of grape vines, varying styles of architecture and landscapes, but on what it can do to friendship. It can bring people together, make memories, and open a new page. I am grateful to have been a part of this. I am grateful to have experienced a new place in the world with people who mean great amounts to me.

It isn't everyday that the profoundness of life reveals itself to you, but I do believe the bay area is more apt to experiencing it then the cold struggle of Ohio. While Youngstown brought me a new level of humility, California has brought me life's gold: accomplishments. Because it is not always what you see in the world, but how you react to what you see. Thank you Livermore.

holy crap

Wow. So its been almost a year. I am a slacker. Well here is the update:

I am still in school and working towards my degree. In fact I kind of am finally serious about it. After a small hiatus I am due to graduate at the end of summer. A little late but not bad.

I am planning on moving to Austin Texas next year. Its close to friends and family. Also, there is an amazing graduate program at UT. It has really reasonable admission requirements and there is no income tax in Texas. Crazy. I think I will miss the Bay Area, but thats what vacations are for.

At work, I am learning a lot about PRM and CRM. Its really been the greatest challenge of management. Speaking lightly and learning to communicate quietly has been a great dream of mine and now I am getting closer to it. Thanks JOB!!!

As for school, I took a fun class, Acting. While it is not for me long term, I do believe that I am okay at it (for a beginner) I might even try another class at some point. Also, my teachers are amazing and I am sad to be ending my time with them soon. But at some point we all have to move on.

As for love, happy and single. I have no time for love, which may be sad for now but is amazing for my passions.

As for Tigerlilly. She is 12 now. Hard to believe. After a small batch of fleas, she is happy again. I think the warmth of Texas will be good on her aging hips. We finally found a food she likes and is good for her. You wouldn't believe the challenges and complications it has been in the search.

Holidays are around the corner, and I am, unfortunately stuck working them. One day, I will leave the hospitality industry (and burn all of my clothes from them too) forever. I look forward to that day. It is a difficult industry to age in. The money comes fast and regularly but goes just as quickly. It is easy to get burnt out and hard to remember to take personal time for the self. There are vapid and intellectual individuals that come through on a regular basis, but no matter who calls to you, you are forced to communicate in a contrived way. Being yourself is limited, as I am sure in many industries, but without time for a personal outlet, I have become its slave. I think it was this wondrous industry that also reminded me of what I want. So all is not bad. I keep pushing forward.

Web 2.0 tickets for free

I am not new to the geeky world of computers, but only recently have I began to embrace the beauty of my geekiness. I am able to survive in an expensive area such as the San Francisco Bay Area and experience amazing new adventures and free. My recent excitement comes from Web 2.0 tickets for free. I will be posting photos from the event via my geeky android phone. Stay tuned...

fancy phrases

http://fancyphrases.blogspot.com/

the new posting is long and talks about the past.