tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34930272024-03-07T11:23:32.398-08:00around and about with 2 boys, 2 dogs, and a camera (or 2)Q & A with a side of photosbeverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.comBlogger351125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-76871341366944303142014-09-10T17:57:00.001-07:002014-09-10T17:57:42.135-07:00Hard to believe it has been over a year since my last posting. I mentally write entries... I can't say I don't have time - work has greatly calmed down. Could be the calm before another storm - we'll see. Not traveling at present since I opened the Hong Kong office. So I'm trying to make use of the local amenities. Our Wellness Center is phenomenal. I went to a few specialists in the past weeks beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-80515884424709092522013-08-09T18:37:00.001-07:002013-08-09T18:37:17.039-07:00This afternoon I went to the annual "Corporate Games" beer bash on main campus. Lots of fairly entertaining events like the shark cup on the head water exchange event. Bounce on those balls you loved as a kid down the course. Giant sling shots of water balloons to your team mates where were supposed to capture them unbroken. Spell lots of words from certain letters as fast as possible. I don't beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-21951887190692763472013-05-21T09:39:00.001-07:002013-05-21T09:39:40.395-07:00
The photo quality is poor as I shot this through a fence at night but I thought it was worth capturing. This is the "House Rules" for the contractors on a Sydney Opera House project.
Our House Rules
I will...
1 Do everything I can to go home safe
2 Never forget rule #1
3 Respect my workmates
4 Communicate positively with those around me
5 Challenge my mates to do the right thing
6 Present beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-53549492688817665362013-05-21T08:29:00.001-07:002013-05-21T08:29:44.481-07:00
Q scored a goal in a lacrosse game. Sadly neither parent was there to see it. He scored #4 out of about 10 goals and they were dominating the other team - a nice change from some of their games where they are the scoreless team. After 6 goals they go to mercy rules and coach insisted that they pass ball at least twice - later increased to 4 times - before scoring. Q said he had a “break-a-way” beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-13605867567658153192012-09-28T18:31:00.001-07:002012-09-28T18:31:44.783-07:00So I made it back to Tokyo. Also the Park Hyatt. Even less time on the ground this trip - less than 24 hours. But still it was enough to get me thinking about toilets. Specifically Japanese toilets. The hotel room toilet was pleasantly heated. There was also at least 6 different buttons I could choose from for my hygiene and comfort. Spray size, strength, temperature. Air dry. Have to admit I beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-77078807941773195572012-05-13T19:19:00.002-07:002012-05-13T19:19:41.570-07:00Tokyo looked to be a city worth spending some time. I only had 26 hours on the ground so clearly didn't have anywhere near enough time to do it justice. I've always wanted to see Kyoto and some of the country side - I've had an interest in Japan ever since high school. We were waiting to take the kids when they finished 5th grade at their school in the city where they learned Japanese (and beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-24076854500874790202012-05-12T20:58:00.001-07:002012-05-12T20:58:58.338-07:00
I had forgotten what a great city Sydney is. I was only there almost 2 days but happened to hit some great weather - mid-70s and sunny. I managed an evening walk the first night - just around the neighborhood. My hotel turned out to be in the same building as our office (convenient!). Also across the street from Queen Victoria something - a lovely 3 story shopping place that must have been anbeverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-66424109989525670542012-05-07T05:11:00.001-07:002012-05-07T05:11:06.697-07:00I could enjoy being rich. Work puts us up at very nice hotels. After using the heated toilet seat I poured myself a purple shower. I didn't bother to use the loofa although I did watch TV while bathing. I weighed myself after showering off. I have traditional Japanese PJs to wear - along with the ever present asian slippers (even United offers them). This is my first stay at a Park Hyatt - I'm beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-74518599820701257962012-05-06T11:27:00.001-07:002012-05-06T11:27:12.925-07:00Forget to mention that I dropped iPhone getting out of car Fri. It went skidding across sidewalk on the glass. The glass is tough but nOt that tough. Bunch of scrapes on left side now. Think I can get it fixed next wk at work - I hope.
Also feeling really bad for A. He had little sore at corner of mouth that has become big deep sore - every time he opens mouth it gets a bit bigger. Also beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-70246383658378183292012-05-06T11:11:00.001-07:002012-05-06T11:11:10.894-07:00Life todayOn the bus to airport to head to Tokyo. I've wanted to go to Japan for a long time but sadly this will only be 26 hrs on the ground. Feeling sadder than usual heading off. Kids didn't seem to care I was leaving altho A was more wrapped up in his own 3 day Yosemite field trip. Dog will miss me. The car has a completely flat back tire (hence the bus). Poor P is left having to deal with it - plan isbeverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-3030884227015755392012-03-13T20:20:00.000-07:002012-03-13T20:20:12.894-07:00Wow it's been a long time. Last weekend we tried for a little skiing for the family. We took the dogs so I decided not to bother trying to ski - instead I would keep the dogs entertained - and maybe get a little work done on the side. The cousins had rented us a nifty cabin right on Lake Tahoe. It wasn't cheap but considering that she and I ended up spending much of Saturday hanging out there it beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-58498614740054565942011-11-19T12:02:00.000-08:002011-11-19T12:02:07.063-08:00 A heading off to his first cotillion class in his new suit (and tie and shoes)
Q thought the suit was great for dress up. He subsequently talked us into buying him his own jacket (which at $30 from Target I was willing to participate esp when he contributed $20)
A thought he looked pretty cool in his suit too. He was cooler after we removed the tag on the sleeve...beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-82991679707077880622011-11-19T11:48:00.000-08:002011-11-19T11:48:04.013-08:00A recently turned 12. Wednesday was his Cotillion ball - held at the Grand Ballroom at the Embassy Suites with all the other 6th graders at his school. Friday was his first "dance" at school. We were surprised he agreed to go although when a buddy called today the conversation went like this "Why weren't you at the dance last night dude? Did you hear the news? Will kissed Emma for a looong time. beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-38504379902733082382011-10-13T09:20:00.000-07:002011-10-13T09:20:14.396-07:00This morning I stood in the Colma BART parking lot with a dozen other silent denizens awaiting our anonymous silver coach with the black leather seats. I was just pondering that I would never have imagined I would end up here. Architecture offices tend to be smaller funkier things without luxuries of coaches or excellent healthcare that removes your appendix for a mere $200. I also just received beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-59538054369147643532011-05-28T19:37:00.000-07:002011-05-28T19:37:35.488-07:00Dinner was at Room at the Park Hyatt Hotel. Pretty much across the street from our hotel - but we had to go down and through the subway station to cross the road - it is a very major road. The plan had been to sit outside in the courtyard - and as the temp was in the 70s that would have been lovely - but the late afternoon lightning storm had made it too soggy. We ate bar food in the bar (chinesebeverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-44460790858449522282011-05-28T19:04:00.000-07:002011-05-28T19:04:20.297-07:00<!--StartFragment-->
Here’s a link to my Beijing hotel – China World Summit Wing by the Shangri-La Hotel group. I’m in town for a day between 3 days in London and flying home to CA.
Love the hotel. I’m on 71st floor. If Beijing wasn’t so smoggy the view would be amazing. In the direction my room faces (appears to be west – into the setting sun) there are many multi-story buildings as far as I beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-64362462731521780702011-04-24T20:54:00.000-07:002011-04-24T20:54:07.630-07:00Like the wide angle distortion? I kind of do. Here is main entrance to my new company. Of course I work across town and not on main campus - hence I don't get to enjoy the large cafeteria, the gym etc. I do get an espresso bar. And shuttle bus.beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-14654161904610792752011-04-24T20:40:00.000-07:002011-04-24T20:40:08.663-07:00Feb 21st was my official first day at the big A. I had been on loan from my architectural firm since late October. Sadly the office is almost 60 miles from my home - altho about half the trip is down 280 - a lovely stretch of freeway (unlike the very unlovely 101). I was lobbying for a "work at home a couple days a week" but didn't manage to get it. Did get nice bump up in salary, some stock, beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-20344879481955522772011-03-10T19:56:00.000-08:002011-03-10T19:56:21.673-08:00Appendix. A useless organ.
I was lucky enough to be the ER's "mystery patient" - or at least my 3 ER Drs. Friday I woke with a little pain but went to work. My commute is over an hour. Got there and realized I probably should head home while I could still drive - clearly my insides weren't happy. Only had to stop once (conveniently placed mall) on the way home. Huddled in a ball all afternoon beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-77717165121779923962011-01-09T21:29:00.000-08:002011-01-09T21:29:20.333-08:00
Foxy thought we must be setting out Christmas eve treats just for her! The kids had arranged the carrots just so for the reindeer and the cookies, marshmallows and milk the Ole St Nick.beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-70849428136069028612010-12-24T20:14:00.000-08:002010-12-24T20:14:59.064-08:00Christmas eve. Swingin' tunes in the DVD player. Pete in the back wrapping presents. Kids in the garage. They have probably put in a full work week in hours on their latest projects - which will remain secret until tomorrow. The garage is rather chilly but they seem impervious. The good news - a home made Christmas. The bad news - the presents appear to be huge and I am sure we will be expected beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-82060855292255814262010-12-11T08:12:00.000-08:002010-12-11T08:12:28.845-08:00From a Facebook app. Interesting to see what it grabs and includes from your status updates.beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-24270089832206248682010-10-17T19:15:00.000-07:002010-10-17T19:21:31.565-07:00Ghosting.
We were ghosted last night. Here is what the accompanying paper says:
You've been Ghosted!
Late last night, we left you a treat.The tradition is fun, one we hope you'll repeat.
Take the ghost and pin it on your door,to let the others know, you need ghosting no more.
Now it's your duty to pass on the surprise,to at least one more family we must advise.
Gather some treats and deliver beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-61558755033523530702010-10-07T15:00:00.000-07:002010-10-07T15:00:00.902-07:00Quotes from A last night while on our doggie walk: "The only things I don't like about our new house are the bugs, scorpions, and snakes" (for the record I have NOT seen any snakes although the boys report seeing them while hiking on the hill) and "Grandma has GREAT taste! Everything she likes is what I like" (I think mainly referring to her cooking and car but he might have had other things in beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3493027.post-7011743916720792972010-10-05T17:11:00.000-07:002010-10-05T17:11:47.291-07:00Friends brought this little sparkly covered keychain flask gift for liquid courage. I was photographing stuff for email thank yous (printed ones never manage to get in the mail somehow...). It cracks me up. Dog was keeping me company at the time so I decided to see how she looked sporting it. Not bad.beverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04187299201258584045noreply@blogger.com0