Blurbs for the Brain
The founder of Spanx, Sara Blakely, is the first female billionaire to join the Giving Pledge, whose signers commit to giving the majority of their wealth to philanthropy. I am a firm believer that inheritances suck the drive out of people and thus love the concept around the Giving Pledge. According to Forbes, Blakely is the youngest female self-made billionaire. Check out her inspiring commitment letter.
Read about the person who received the highest honor to be bestowed on a graduating senior at UC Berkeley. Ritankar Das is a double-major in bioengineering and chemical biology with a minor in creative writing. He completed his degree in 3 years and, get this, is only 18 years old. I think that’s how I was when I was a freshman at Cal! His bio goes on and on and on, including founding a non-profit and organizing poetry slams. Ummm, Ritankar got an overallocation of the genius genes!
Prayers and Perseverance
First, a story.
Late in 2011, I got snapped by camera running a red light on Geary in the Inner Richmond. I knew it almost immediately, soon after I hit the gas pedal on a yellow light, as a series of white flashes flickered in my peripheral vision. A couple weeks later, a red light citation arrived in the mail with a fine of $480 to be paid even if I planned on contesting. I begrudgingly submitted the check, but was determined to see that money again.
No one said it could be done. Wait, I take that back. Dean nodded with apathy (as any good husband should) whenever I regaled him with my back-and-forth correspondence with the court. “I asked them about the accuracy of their photographic instruments. I want to know how often they’re maintained and checked for quality control!” Dean nodded off to sleep.
With the court rejecting all the evidence I could muster in letters, I had one last chance to appear in front of a judge with an officer assigned to my case. On D Day, my coworkers laughed when I told them I had to go to the court house. The cab driver insisted I was wasting my time. The uniformed officer sympathized when I told him my plight in line, but said gravely, “No one gets out of a red light citation!”
Eight months after knowingly and guiltily running a red light, despite what everyone claimed, what every said could not be done, I cashed a check from the San Francisco Superior Court for $480. I knew in my heart I was getting that money back.
That story isn’t about money. It’s about persistence. It’s about believing in yourself when the whole world is against you.
I’ve been meaning to rehash this story (I’ve written about it in piece-meal on my blog before) mainly for me because I need the inspiration. I need to believe. Dean and I could really use your prayers for a sick loved one as we have gotten some devastating medical news that we have been painfully dealing with for the past month. Honestly, I think I am all cried out for a lifetime. Never have I experienced such anguish. Prayers, your support, and good thoughts would be most appreciated during this time.
Sponsored Post: The Lowdown: Booking Your Holidays to Malia
It’s Malia 2013, is it? You cheeky thing, you. How exciting! But you’ve not got it booked? Amateur. Spring is well and truly in the air, if you haven’t yet booked your holidays to Malia for this summer, you better get on it like a proverbial car bonnet, my friend.
But where to start? Booking clubbing holidays to Malia isn’t rocket science, but there are a few neat tricks and tips to ensure you
a) Pay as little as possible
b) Have an epic time once you hit down abroad
Those are the key factors really. That’s what you’re aiming for.
First things first, forget booking through a travel agency. Get online, at http://www.club18-30.com/malia-crete. Book with Club 18-30 and you’re cutting out all those middle men. The best deals are going to be right in front of your eyes on your lappy screen, simply waiting for you to take your pick.
In addition, booking online, you’ll benefit from any web exclusive discounts as well as an offers on group bookings. Depending on when you book, simply pop down the deposit, divide the remaining balance between you and your chums, and Bob’s your uncle. Pay in affordable instalments over the coming few weeks.
When booking Club 18-30 holiday to Malia, you’re guaranteed to be experiencing some messy madness at the hands of experts. The club reps out there know the place better than the warts on their mother’s faces, they’re gonna guide you to all the unmissable bars, clubs and events that Malia has to offer.
Exclusive nights out, activities, wristbands and a photo CD of your holiday, all make your clubbing holiday session that little bit more sensational. And that’s just a few of the perks you get when you book with a company that know how to coordinate carnage.
Get your mates round – have a look online. There’s only one link you need: http://www.club18-30.com/malia-crete #Malia2013
Jack London State Historic Park
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
While wining around Sonoma and Glen Ellen, we popped into Jack London State Historic Park since it was on the map. We didn’t know anything about it. Wow, were we surprised and impressed. We sauntered into the House of Happy Walls Museum which gave an excellent overview of Jack London’s life and his work. Docents were on-hand to answer all questions. A volunteer was upstairs playing the piano! We were totally floored. I thanked him for volunteering his time and his gift.
I kept telling everyone, “I’m taking pictures and putting this up on my blog. Free marketing!” They all laughed. Clearly, they know not who I am.
Make sure to read the picture below about Jack London studying in Oakland and Alameda and getting into the UC system. Local boy makes great!
Jack London’s wife Charmian was a prominent figure herself who outlived her husband by almost 40 years.
A docent asked if we were interested in joining him as he gave a 90 minute leisurely guided tour around the park. Hello, no brainer! We walk and enjoy the sunshine and you spout historical facts? Totally game. This guy was on it! No question stumped him. He, swear to God, had an answer for every question our small group of 4 asked. That is straight up dedication, knowledge, and volunteerism in effect. Again props to this park. I told Dean that when we retire we have to become docents and give back. The ruins are of Wolf House, a palatial home that was a few weeks near completion before it was destroyed by some type of natural spontaneous combustion.
Lastly, I want to leave you with a quote from Jack London who wrote 1,000 words every day of his life. “I am a believer in regular work, and never wait for an inspiration.” The guy died at the age of 40. Think about all that productive output within a short 40 year lifespan. I’m a fan. Need to read more of his work.
We Be Illin
My poor puppy hubby has a sore throat and a fever. I have the chills and severe diarrhea (picture explosive fecal vomit) which makes it hard to get continuous sleep. Sadly we can’t take care of each other because we’re too busy tending to our own dependencies. We need our moms or a nurse for hire.
Partner Post: Highlights of San Francisco in One Day
If you only have one day to visit San Francisco, make the most of it without wasting too much time in between. Here’s a one day itinerary that will take the first timer methodically through some of the most interesting places the city has to offer. Wake up early and have breakfast at the Ferry Building. This wonderful waterfront market bustles with activity, with people buying coffee on their way to work and shoppers looking for the best cheese and produce. The stunning view of the bay alone is worth a trip. Stroll the market hall for fresh baked pastries or have a proper breakfast at Boulette’s Larder, where you can sit outside and watch ferries pulling in.
In the afternoon, head over to Crissy Field for up close views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Dip your toes in the icy Pacific or stroll along the beach. If you wish to take a break from your busy schedule, you can head to Chinatown to enjoy great dim sum. While there, you can access online and mobile pastimes like online gaming. To complete the experience, go to binguez to enjoy brief moments of bingo to recharge your tired senses.
For dinner, book a table at one of the cutting-edge eateries South of Market, a trendy area brimming with terrific restaurants. Coco500 offers Mediterranean food in an intimate and casual setting, while Town Hall is big and bustling and serves New Orleans inspired fare.
Immune System Failure
There is something seriously wrong with me. I woke up sick Monday morning after a relaxing vacation in wine country. I felt like I’d been hit by an oncoming BART train. I literally hobbled down the stairs of our apartment and forced myself into the office. And thank the Lord that we have a quiet lounge room at work with comfortable couches to sleep. I took an hour nap in the afternoon, I was so tired. Who does that? Well apparently, I wasn’t the only one. Two other people were sleeping and one woman was doing yoga.
Dean picked me up from work at 5:15pm. I managed to take a shower, scarf down a handful of blueberries, then I slept straight until 7:30am this morning. Wait, I lie. I woke up momentarily because Dean asked if I wanted to watch the Warriors in double overtime and I said no, I was too beholden to my pillow and blanky.
I think I was born without an immune system.
Taking Friends Along on Vacation
One of the best things about taking a staycation is hanging out with friends! We bumped into friends while we were at Cornerstone Gardens. And we spent time with my friend Patricia and her daughter Chloe who live in Sonoma. Their dog Lola was throwing herself at Dean. Hilarious! She’s so good natured I asked Dean if we could get a mastiff. He said no.
It’s so nice to get out of the city and see lawns and backyards! I told Dean we should look into buying property in wine country and he said we need to focus on purchasing our primary residence first! Boo. Dean’s such a naysayer.
Slowly Sonoma
I am melting in this heat! We are taking it slow with the wineries. Yesterday, we only managed to go to 2 (B.R. Cohn and VJB). I needed to get back to the hotel and spend quality time napping by the pool!
Glen Ellen Star
Call this number 707-343-1384 and make a reservation now. Do it today. Make a point to come to Sonoma over the weekend and have lunch or dinner at the Glen Ellen Star which opened in 2012. It is phenomenal. The chef hails from French Laundry and New York’s Daniel and Picholine.
Dean and I agreed it was one of the best meals we’ve had…hands-down the best meal we’ve had all year. Quite a declaration from a couple who eats out all the time.
I forgot to take pictures, I was too busy having an orgasm with every single bite of the caramelized golden beets, the margherita pizza, and the cooked-to-perfection duck. The duck was so good it was like eating Ad Hoc‘s fried chicken, but fattier and tastier. Holy shit. I was like, this duck is seriously the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my life. Note that the duck was the special for the night, so not sure you’ll see it on your menu. We topped off our meal with their homemade ice-cream. Way too decadent. It was like they’d blended peanut butter and stuck it in the freezer. I’d pass on their ice-cream flavors. Not a fan.
The service was spot on, the restaurant is totally lively, and well, the food can’t be beat. GO NOW!
