digital musing

Sometimes I really feel like I need to join the digital revolution.

There are Apps now that are not available on the web.
Apparently Spotify is going to stop working on my laptop in four months
When I'm in a different city, rest assured I will get lost because I don't have a smart phone.
I can only get to level 14 on Angry Birds and my Tiny Tower really isn't where it should be

When did having a laptop, cell phone and wireless access NOT qualify you for Digital World Domination?

Oof. Kindle Fire, I'm looking at you.

A scanner darkly...

Sometimes the hardest thing anyone can ask you to do is to create something out of nothing.

Giving someone carte blanche with no boundaries and asking them to put a description down on paper can create nothing but havoc, confusion and migraines.

So can asking someone: "What do you want to do?"

Most of the time my answer is, what needs to be done? I'm not great at setting the grand oeuvre of a project, but rather good at execution once I see the path.

It is hard to make one's life the project. Especially when everyone around you is encouraging you to be a diver, and you're really a scanner. What's a scanner? According to life coach/self-help guru sites, it's a dilettante, a jack of all trades, a modern Renaissance Man. They are people who are adept at learning new skills, intelligent and efficient learners. But they rarely delve too deeply into one area of expertise. Doctors, consultants and experts are rarely Scanners. Scanners often take the time to become mostly proficient in an area then move on.

video via Pauly Math.

It's why I have a degree in architecture.
Worked two years as a law office manager
Six years as a draftsperson
3 years as a bookkeeper, junior finance admin
2 years in my free time as a theater producer
have 10+ years writing a blog
2 years writing a play
8 years building a lyrical mezzo soprano and alto belt voice for musicals and theater
and 3 months developing a web app.

There are downsides to being a Scanner too - even though we have unique skills and applications.

For example:
I have a 2 year College level proficiency in Italian. I only needed to complete one more year of language and another semester of Cultural Studies to earn a minor.
I played viola for 7 years in middle school and high school, and was section leader for all of middle school, but never took a private lesson
I worked in an architecture firm for 6 years and studied for the LEED exam but never took any tests.
I am a proficient bookkeeper and can analyze finances fairly easily, but I have no desire to take an accounting course.
I am a very good theater producer, but have no desire to run a theater or theater company as my primary source of income
I am a great singer, but have no desire to be on tour or a professional actor.
I'm a great cook, but have no desire to go to culinary school or open a restaurant.

Barbara Sher writes on how a lot of Scanners need a Good-Enough Job. One that pays the bills and leaves enough time to work on hobbies and other interests. It's not a career, it's the thing that you do well that gives you money. While you work at things that don't affect your livelihood but rather your happiness. It's about being a moving target, being awfully good at being balanced and a multi-tasker extraordinaire. Being skilled, efficient and smart - but never dedicating all of your time, resources or emotions to one particular field.

I am scared to tell my friend and HR Manager, that what I'm really looking for is a Good Enough job that pays more. I am too smart and too able for what I'm currently doing. But I don't want to try to make an income with my current passions. And because, honestly, at my company the Good Enough Job would actually be the Totally Awesome Job; great co-workers, good and healthy work environment, benefits, natural light the whole bit - just not my obsession. And I think that's ok.

So the question becomes, not, what do you WANT to do? But more of a situation of what DON'T I want to do?

Marts, markets, craft fairs...legends of the unknown

OH on Castro Street: "Well, you know I don't have pockets in these pants Dave, so where would I have put it?" - elderly gentleman in assless leather chaps after Dore Alley Fair.

I've tried to give this entry a somewhat catchy title and am failing pretty badly. After a month long silence, I've decided to give blogging a try again. On another note, I've noticed that any sort of preconceptions about gender biases in nature has gone out the window. Most photo blogs - I've tried to get Scott to start using the term "phlogs", so far it has not gone as planned - belong to women these days. And they are mostly to market products, cute sparkly fairy-like children, pretty parties and themselves. Most male blogs focus on the funny, the mundane and the out there. I'm not talking about Tumblr - but a lot of the blogs that I like to read, rarely if ever have a picture attached to them. I just start to get distracted with blogs that have a lot of pictures. This goes against the notion that men are visually oriented/stimulated and women more so by words and the imagery created by them.

In the last two weeks alone, I've been to two separate outdoor fairs. And had a markedly different experience at both.

Last week was Indie Mart: hipster, crowded, thronged with wannabe emo-folk bands overidden with badass house music coming from a one-eyed monster speaker on a handcart. Lots of skulls, vintage clothes, necklaces with teeth. Screen printed shirts, succulents stuffed into finished nubbly sea wood bits. Everyone is wearing: plaid, scarves, skinny jeans (rolled up for bike riding), ironic t-shirts, oddly proportioned dresses, bangs and Toms. They are all mostly pretty nice. Victoriana and steampunk make their presence known. Bigtime. Food is taco truck chicken and waffles. Little dogs are everywhere underfoot. Average age, probably about 23.

I bought a super cool jasper necklace with chains. I kind of love it. S. got a bag made out of a vintage feed bag.

This weekend was Treasure Island Flea: mostly older folk looking for good deals, much more spread out and quiet. Families wearing sneakers, jeans, backpacks and visors. Lots of estate jewelry, old pottery, rust and dust. Vintage clothes - more of the sort that you find in a St. Vincent De Paul society store. They are all nice. Steampunk jewelry still finding its way to the front of the line along with old art prints, windchimes, rasta wear and old jelly jars. The hard sell is king here. Food is amazing: belgian waffles with raspberries, chairman bao, garlic noodles, vegan food, greek and kebabs. Kids can spend their afternoon hula hooping on the sunlit lawn in full view of the bay.

I bought a super cool black glass claw necklace with beads. I'm wearing it right now.

Is there something about fairs that we just love? Is it the novelty of being outside? Is it the thrill of the deal or finding something that isn't sold in stores tax free?

Thoughts? I happen to like em.

Cristobal...

Oof, 2 hr nap in the middle of the evening, NOT the best idea. But it means you guys get a blog post. Hoorah!
Weekend has been full of amazing things and some wholly INTERESTING things. First up: the Balenciaga exhibit at the deYoung.

Balenciaga (Spanish pronunciation: [βalenˈθjaɣa]) is a fashion house founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga, a Spanish designer, born in the Basque Country, Spain. He had a reputation as a couturier of uncompromising standards and was referred to as "the master of us all" by Christian Dior.^[1] His bubble skirts and odd, feminine, yet ultra-modern shapes were trademarks of the house.

The Wikipedia entry hardly describes the phenomenal collection (most personally owned by famed stylist Hamish Bowles) still showing at the deYoung through next weekend. The stunning collection of brightly candy colored party dresses, Spanish culture influenced toppers (and yes, the cardinal's coat is INSANE) and chic day suits reflect the best of Balenciaga. Unlike Dior or other designers of the time (he designed through the 40s all the way through the early 70s)
Balenciaga created designs that had both a looseness and elegance to them all the same time. If a jacket had a nipped waist, it probably also had a very loosely cut back or bloused sleeve. But because of the casual flow of the clothing, everything was also cut extremely precisely. Seams disappear into folds, curved bodices and peplums were everywhere and simple shirt would have 6 seams instead of two. The art of making things simple is always more complicated.

(the "Infanta" dress inspired by Valezquez's painting Las Meninas)

The deYoung doesn't disappoint, with more than 4 showrooms of fashion, that also includes several hats, a doll, and a costume from a historical play, Balenciaga designed. Historical influences are also shown throughout in pictures so that the viewer understands the inspiration for the clothes. However, for a designer to take a monk's habit and turn it into a chic hood or a cardinal's coat into a sexy evening jacket - is something of a talent that had to have been nurtured. The most playful thing about the Balenciaga collection is his attention to proportional detailing. Many times, skirts are higher in the front and lower in the back, creating a frame for the legs of the wearer. Hems are often given frills ala flamenco costumes, making them not only pieces of art but girly and fun to wear as well.

Balenciaga was also a study in convertible clothing, way before the tech revolution. He designed several outfits with large draped hoods, skirts that turn into capes and also items that could be worn from day to evening quite easily. He was at home as much with fancy appliqued toreador inspired boleros as he was with a simple silk tunic.
This pink dress was one of my favorites in the collection - a simple shantung frock with a lace underdress, it was sweet and yet cut impeccably. The exhibition closes next week, GO GO GO!

The Curse of the Designer Eye

If you consider yourself an artist; and many of us do, writing is not just a way for us to create outlets for our emotions, but it is also the art of word combination and flow that makes poetry on the page. However, while writing, the feared and maligned "artist's critic" often rears its ugly head.

"You're not good enough."
"Why would you ever write that?"
"No one is going to read that."

It's why writing in a journal or a blog is a safety net. Rarely will people see what you write and you're selectively putting out to the world what you want them to see. But what happens when that critic's voice becomes internalized? And then YOUR voice becomes the critic's voice? I say this after a four month stint of working with a very talented but very bitter and wounded theater set designer. While her creations are something that dreams are forged from and her paint skills alone are worth odes; her verbal diarrehea left much to be desired. And it often made me wonder, are we as artist's so used to being critical of ourselves, our own worth and objectively, others - that we start to lose our grip on how our words can harm?

Some of the things our set designer has said:

• "Well, we're going to a high school production, I hope it doesn't look amateur."
• "I can't believe none of the reviewers said anything about the set. They NEVER do.
• ""The marketing for this show has been so quiet - almost non-existent! It's very sub-par compared to our last big show." (said TO our Marketing Producer)
• "Why is [the artistic director] doing that show? Doesn't he know how horrible it is?"
• "You just don't understand, I have to have a larger workspace. Isn't there something else available?"

These are all lines out of some bad dream. And yet, I assure you - she's said them all. They're petty, egotistical, arrogant and downright mean - all in turns. And yet, I sometimes get the impression that these are not out of the ordinary. Nor does she realize that anything she's saying is improper. In fact, I'm sure our designer actually thinks that the things she says are accurate assessments of situations. In her recent article about "real girls" from the blogosphere becoming famous, feted and then condemned for/ashamed of their "real girl" measurements, Gala Darling had this to say about a recent friend's experience:

But it brings up some questions, & certainly raises many insecurities. I know a girl who was hired as a “real girl” for a clothing campaign. She is gorgeous, & by the way, she is tiny. When she arrived on set, the stylist looked her up & down, stared at her boobs, & said, “I don’t know what to do with those.” The (female!) stylist continued to make disparaging remarks to her about the size of her breasts all day.

It definitely casts an ugly pallor on what is supposed to be an exciting, fun experience."

-Blogger Beautiful? An Examination of what it means to be Beautiful and Valuable in Fashion Blogging by Gala Darling

In this age of revealing everything; perhaps it is time to put away our critical eye - at least outwardly. Critics have power; because influence is power. If you have the ability to judge what others should and should not do - it becomes a rush of domination. Critical people often bulldoze the people who would balk at their criticism; because if they lose one person, they will lose them all. While it seems that everyone these days is unabashed and unafraid to be "honest" it is not an excuse to be blatantly rude. And I will tell you why.

BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW THE WHOLE STORY.

For example, take our set designer's denunciation of our production decisions. That amateur high school show? We ended up hiring their Technical Director who saved us more than $3,000. (Set Designer's comment? "I love him, but I'm glad he never told me he had only td'ed two other shows. I would have been scared.") The set? Finally reviewed in one of the Bay Area's most well-known critic's personal blog. The "sub-par" marketing? Resulted in a profitable show, with over 3000 people seeing the show in a 4 week period, 7 Bay Area Theater Critic's Circle reviews, a Huffington Post article and mention, and countless blog kudos from near and far. The workspace? Well...let's just say we got lucky and used "The Farm."

This is why you need to count your blessings. Why you cannot face a problem as personal (as to the awful stylist - why should the shape of someone's body mean that you cannot do your job? Get creative! Accessorize! Play! Use the gift that god gave you! As Albert Einstein says, "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.")

Is that "designer's eye" the one that makes us strive for perfection at the 11th hour, the one that keeps us working and striving and doing "just ONE more thing" the same thing that keeps us alone, isolated and tormented? Are the truly successful people the ones who learn to quiet and restrain their inner critic and use it only to make the world a better place? I say this and I get this email from our Volunteer Coordinator. A 7+ year volunteer, who has always just wanted to make this little theater company the best it could be:

Dearest volunteers,

On behalf of the ROL family, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your help ushering, selling concessions, directing patrons and for just being there to help our little company that could. I sincerely hope you enjoyed [our show] and being a part of making it all happen. Because that's what you did. Without you, we wouldn't have been able to have such smooth performances. I know I didn't get to meet every one of you, but please know that I am so very grateful that you were there.

I hope you'll be interested in ushering for future shows (you're on my list now!), and if you're interested in volunteering for positions with more commitment (backstage crew, costumes, props, fundraising, etc) feel free to contact me.

Have a wonderful summer and be on the look out for ROLT updates in the Fall.

Thank you again

That, my friends, is CLASS. For every whiny, self-absorbed Set Designer, I have my generous and caring Volunteer Coordinator. And so the world balances. But imagine, imagine if we could get past our own misgivings, our own catty opinions and diva yearnings - to create a world that all of us could live in.

Just imagine...

Dartmouth

I promise there are new things afoot - for the loyal three of you who have stuck it out with me - but for now, read/watch Conan's 2011 Dartmouth Commencement speech:

I did a lot of silly, unconventional, spontaneous and seemingly irrational things and guess what ---- with the exception of the blue leather suit, it was the most satisfying and fascinating year of my professional life. To this day I still don’t understand exactly what happened, but I have never had more fun, been more challenged, and this is important ---- had more conviction about what I was doing.

No specific job or career goal defines me and it should not define you. In 2000, I told graduates to not be afraid to fail, and I still believe that. But today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality.

It makes me so inspired to watch stuff like this. It's ridiculously inspiring and indicative of where the human spirit is headed. Good times to come!

Do you enjoy grapefruit?

oh god...yes, yes, yes.

day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio

This one, I'm not sure why, but every remix known to man plays to my ears. I don't even really like this song..



I mean, it's cool. I heard this song a LOT when I broke up the Scotsman. And it was always when I was driving by his apartment or the Mission. And I would always think, "Cool, do your thing man. Cause at the end of the day, I'm way better off."

day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate

Train, you failed me in many many ways. I keep thinking that someday I'll come back to this song, cause it's fun, poppy and upbeat. And yet, when you let your bit hit be added to a television commercial - it's sort of done.

day 15 - a song that describes you

What? How existential. I mean somedays I'm like this...



Other days it's like this..



Sometimes it's like...



And then it's like...



You know, pretty typical.

day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love

I guess what saves this day is that the word "love" is involved. I think there are plenty of songs that I like and a bunch that I rock out to, but an usual one that I LOVE? That might be hard, maybe this one? When it's super hot out, I like to drive around with the windows down and rock this.

Cause the guitar intro (along with Sweet Child O Mine) are such frickin' classics..

day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure

Oh...ha, I feel like lots of my songs are guilty pleasures. I mean, I could put Mmm..Bop could I not? Oh wait...this is what I play on my iPod when I'm running and I get to that top of the curve, right when the endorphins kick in...

hey, I never said I was COOL.

day 12 - a song from a band you hate

Hey Sucky McSuckerson...

Suck it.

day 11 - a song from your favorite band

So...true story, I do not have a favorite band.

No really, I don't.

I really want to, and at the same time, there is a huge part of me that is way too lazy to be a joiner. I enjoy coming across music and listening to it and then going about my merry way. And most of the time I like singers not bands.

So here's something I've been listening to non-stop that I enjoy.

Trolling...

Because I am stronger everyday, I dare to open myself up to the world around me. And because you are not, you try to scare me back into the dark oblivion whence you come. But for every one of you, there are a hundred benevolent strangers, and my faith in the world remains unshaken. I stand for myself, and I stand for my friends who suffer you in dignified silence. I'm not going anywhere.
-Little Girl Big Closet

Why vulnerability always trumps anonymous hatred.

With the internet becoming more and more revealing on a day to day basis, maybe it's just more important to say what you mean. And to find out ways to say things in ways that are mean.

day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep

True story, there was about 8 months one year, where every night because of my weird insomnia issues (I need to have background noise in order to make me comfortable enough to fall asleep) I listened to this. Josh Groban's "When You Say You Love Me". On repeat.

Please, please don't ask me why and please forgive my horrible, sappy bedtime choices...

day 09 - a song that you can dance to

Well, the roomie hosted her first big theme dinner party last night. I'll get her permission and possibly post a link to her blog as well, cause it was EPIC. The night was filled with laughing, slightly buzzed and efficient people (hey 5 stage managers will do that). Drinking, singing and grooving. Sexposito and I grooved right along to this when it came on...

day 08 - a song that you know all the words to

If you are a female aged 10-40 and do not know all the words to this song...

There was something wrong with your childhood.



...and why does it, what's the word? BURRRNNN?!?!

day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event

8th Grade Dance...need I say more?
(ps. why did middle school teachers think that a song about DEATH was an appropriate ditty to play before our trip off to high school? macabre bastards)

day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere

Whenever anyone asks me for one of my favorite memories. I always quote this one.

"In 1999, I traveled to Italy for two months to study Interior Design. It was my first time, officially, completely separated from my family. And it wasn't without its own special brand of difficulty. My ATM card demagnetized itself while traveling and I freaked out. I was certainly quite a bit poorer than my classmates, and was also traveling sans credit card. What I choose to forget about Italy was the heat, the cold and dirty stone floors, and the feeling of being alone among people my own age who I couldn't relate to. And the loss of a friendship. Because the trip taught me that I love to travel alone. That I prefer the peacefulness and grace of studying native people in their native land and not slumming around Europe with rough and rude Americans. (Sorry, y'all, it's true) That amazing food, architecture, art and culture ARE mutually exclusive from your travel companions. That I can be independent and happy.

And that I can be alone. That being alone is preferable to pretending to like to hang out with people you don't like very much. And while I may have lost a friendship that I thought was great; it turned out she wasn't that fantastic of a person - and I gained the friendship of an absolutely fabulous roommate who was smart, funny, lovely and sensible.

But the one night that I remember best. Was being in the darkness in the middle of Piazza San Marco - that historical plaza where ever movie ever made about Venice features prominently. And the small string quartet playing outside of Harry's Bar at midnight. And the stone square and Moorish influenced Ducal Palace to the Campanile (the same one my own college's tower was modeled after) echoing back the traces of this song while the waves of the lagoon slapped against the piers and the gondolas swayed back and forth...

day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone

omg...catching up, catching up!

So this song reminds me of an ex of mind. I don't really have horrible memories of this guy, but I'm certainly glad that we're not together anymore. Maybe it sticks out because this was the first guy I ever broke up with. Huh...

listen up!

Rock out!! via I Feel Unmotivated.com

Day 04 - a song that makes you sad

Day 04 - a song that makes you sad

Hmmm...this bears some thinking. Maybe this...



Which, as it's from William Finn's "Elegies" makes sense that it would be sad. I'm not a fan of how belty this woman makes it, but it's still a completely poignant message. And is, according to the story, dealing directly with the death of Finn's mother, Barbara.

Day 03 - a song that makes you happy

Day 03 - a song that makes you happy

Roll to Me - del Amitri. Yeah, deal with it. It takes me right back to being 16 again where I thought I had the whole entire world all figured out. heh. Way to be wrong Pen, way to be wrong...

Song Day #2 - a Song you Hate

Here's a couple of songs I absolutely can't stand. Generally, I feel like I have pretty eclectic music tastes - pop, jazz, classical, rap etc. but there are a few songs that get my goat, and here they are.

Every time I hear Tonic's "If you Could Only See" - I literally turn it off or change stations. Just because it's probably the worst reasoning to love another person tribute song ever. And what it means is that nobody else can see what the reason you love this woman is cause she's probably a bitch to everyone else in your life. Which is never a good reason to keep dating anyone. uff.



and the other honor belongs to Sir Paul McCarthy and his wife Linda. Because as lovely as they are, I cannot listen to this during the holiday season without wanting to tear my eardrums out with a dull implement.

01 - Your Favorite Song

This is a really vague and difficult way to start off the 30 Day Song Challenge, mainly because I have so many. And in all different genres. So I'll just start with three...

Favorite Musical Theater Song to Sing. Stephen Schwartz's Meadowlark from 'The Baker's Wife'



I have a total soft spot in my heart for this song. It's completely self-indulgent and melodramatic; but I mean, if you're gonna sing musical theater, that's what it does best. The song is an epic story within a story and takes all the skill of a singer (goes from legit mix to belt and even has some spots with soprano) The song with a consistent eighth note current running throughout is 16 pages long. It's been tackled by some of the best including Patti LuPone who originated the character of Genevieve, but Liz Callaway still holds the top spot.

Sentimental Favorite: Janet Jackson's 'Escapade'

30 Day Song Challenge

W00! 30 Day Song Challenge! (yet another project for me to start then fail...oh well - I never did get through that pyramid did I?)

day 01 - your favorite song
day 02 - your least favorite song
day 03 - a song that makes you happy
day 04 - a song that makes you sad
day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone
day 06 - a song that reminds you of somewhere
day 07 - a song that reminds you of a certain event
day 08 - a song that you know all the words to
day 09 - a song that you can dance to
day 10 - a song that makes you fall asleep
day 11 - a song from your favorite band
day 12 - a song from a band you hate
day 13 - a song that is a guilty pleasure
day 14 - a song that no one would expect you to love
day 15 - a song that describes you
day 16 - a song that you used to love but now hate
day 17 - a song that you hear often on the radio
day 18 - a song that you wish you heard on the radio
day 19 - a song from your favorite album
day 20 - a song that you listen to when you’re angry
day 21 - a song that you listen to when you’re happy
day 22 - a song that you listen to when you’re sad
day 23 - a song that you want to play at your wedding
day 24 - a song that you want to play at your funeral
day 25 - a song that makes you laugh
day 26 - a song that you can play on an instrument
day 27 - a song that you wish you could play
day 28 - a song that makes you feel guilty
day 29 - a song from your childhood
day 30 - your favorite song at this time last year

Breakdown.

You know, every now and then?

It's ok to have a breakdown.

It doesn't mean you're weak.

Or bad.

Or hopeless.

In fact, it sort of means you're hopeful. Full of hope. That you're not alone in all of this. That a call to arms will mean that it will be answered.

That's all I've got for today. I've had some breakdowns this week; and have been relieved. Now onto the next task.

Missing...

have been trying to put together a power-point fundraising presentation tonight.

which is horrible for someone who is bad (ie. read not experienced) at sales.

but at least it's not like writing an online dating profile. cause it's not about me. it's about the thing that i love.

but it's not easy. and then...i saw this on Tumblr tonight.

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approximately. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.

The questions raised:
*In a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

*Do we stop to appreciate it?

*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made…

How many other things are we missing?

This is absolutely incredible. And sad. Mostly sad because as a musician, I wonder if I would even recognize what was happening had I passed by.

(Source: Washington Post)

And it reminds me, that we will pay for things that we qualify as having value. so I'm working on creating a presentation that accurately represents the value of a great show produced by one of the greatest theater companies I've ever worked for.

bao = love

This morning I stepped out for brunch with some friends I hadn't seen in about a month. It was a warm wonderful and delicious meal (never eaten at Luna Park? I highly recommend it)

And it was wonderful to hear a friend talk the way she normally doesn't. At length. Excitedly. It was such a blessed relief to just listen. Spending a lot of the week walking people through tasks or explaining methods, my life turns into a lot of talking. So it was nice to give a friend her space, for her to feel comfortable and delighted in having the spotlight.

Also had to go home to pick up my stupid traffic violation fine (San Bruno, you may have had a pipe explode, but your yellow light cameras suck), and when I got home - my parents had picked up an extra chicken bao in Chinatown all for me.

Not because I said I was stopping by. But just because...I said I might.

That's some serious love people. Buying a bao cause your daughter MIGHT stop by.

Went straight home to get a pedicure and now out for a night on the town. It's a good Saturday.

Worth...

Hi Team!

Still out and about and recovering from my company's Annual All-Hands Meetings last week. I have to give myself and my peeps for organizing a delicious meal at Foreign Cinema (which is amazing) and getting through the week without killing anyone.

This article today via Already Pretty: Learning How to Believe You Are Worth It.

Too many of us are walking around in our daily lives pretending and hiding from our inner lights. I'm sure the blogosphere is overrun with the retreads of "Asian culture = humility, modesty and denial of accomplishments" While American culture is rife with self-promotion and bolstering up achievements. Too much self-esteem leads to arrogance and disregard for others, too little leads to a sorry sense of depression. There has to be some sort of medium ground. I believe that all achievements are tempered with gratitude and generosity.

Give thankfully.
Receive thankfully.

To me, the best people are not those that step on others, interrupt conversations or disparage the people around them. The people who use their incentives of "getting ahead" to justify the worst human actions. The best people are the ones that ask questions, that are constantly willing to grow, who are gracious and kind and fair to the people around them.

“ Insensitivity makes arrogance ugly; empathy is what makes humility beautiful."
— Renford Reese, Ph.D

One of the best things I've ever told myself was, "You're not crazy." That revelation was the lead up to just one of the reawakenings I've had in my life. I'm sure a ton of kids with Asian parents can relate. That moment when you decided to stop living their insecurities and started to live your own life. When their opinions became "just" their thoughts, and not your doctrine.

The moment when you decided to be different.
Be different today. If not for yourself, then for your children. Or someone who needs you. Or for the inner peace that you'll attain.

Be. Different.

Block 4: Cooperation

Today's Building Block of the Pyramid of Success : Cooperation
[koh-op-uh-rey-shuhn]

–noun

1.an act or instance of working or acting together for a common purpose or benefit; joint action.

2. more or less active assistance from a person, organization, etc.: We sought the cooperation of various civic leaders.

3. willingness to cooperate: to indicate cooperation.

4. Economics . the combination of persons for purposes of production, purchase, or distribution for their joint benefit: producers' cooperation; consumers' cooperation.

5. Sociology . activity shared for mutual benefit.

6. Ecology . mutually beneficial interaction among organisms living in a limited area.

Ever notice how easy things are when you have a friend? And how easy it is to complete tasks or reach goals when you work together? Selfishness, while touted and hailed by objectivists and business people alike, doesn't work in the grand scheme of things. Sure you have the most toys, and then what? Webster's also quotes "cooperation" as mutually beneficial interaction. You never have to view cooperation as only benefiting one party. So when you're helping someone, think of all the different ways you could be helping yourself. Only small minded people who don't take sight of the larger goal reap the benefits of pure selfishness.

Wooden's quote: "Have utmost concern for what's right rather than who's right."

Do you ever realize how much your personal feelings about someone will affect your reaction to their decisions? Even though that decision could be one that is highly appropriate or effective considering the situation?

This week's challenge. Listen honestly and as objectively as possible to the people around you, especially the people you don't generally like, respect or answer to.

Emotion is your enemy.

2011...get better.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! (Be back soon, just going to the copy store... (the below via unicornology)

"We need hard working people with excellent work ethics. I’m not sure I’m aware of a group of people who work harder than design students. We need individuals comfortable with ambiguity. We need people who can simplify complex ideas, without watering them down, and transform intimidating data to approachable information. We need people who can tell a good story to soften hardened ears. We need individuals who have a knack for stepping back from everything and recognizing patterns in the big picture. The best designers do all of these every day, and these are the skills you’ve been polishing (hopefully) in school.

The tools of creation are widely available: they’re out there for almost everyone. If you figure out what better is, you don’t have to wait for someone to enable you. You can make it yourself, or with the help of like-minded people. Better is about more than typefaces, composition and color. It’s about planning action and moving. Better is about change and recognizing potential. This world can be better. And we can make it that way. The world is not yet done."

Getting Better by Frank Chimero