Monthly Archives: September 2008

Personal, Political, Professional

Two More Weeks

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It’s been a busy two weeks since my last post!

  • A friend and I met with Mayor Nickels for lunch in his office.  He was incredibly charismatic and charming.  Highlights included his thoughts about his time at the Democratic National Convention and his ideas on the light rail.
  • Texas has won its first four games by ridiculous margins.  Is this the year?  It’s burnt orange Friday for me every week till the end of the season.
  • My work is going well, but I definitely feel more like a consultant than a full time Gates employee.  However, there are occasions when I realize how amazing it is to be part of such an incredible organization.  Two weeks ago we had a going away party for Patti (our current CEO) and I loved the energy.  We’re changing the world here!
  • The financial crisis is insane.  Washington Mutual closing down?  While I’m not a McCain hater or supporter at this point (I admired him so much during his first 25 years as a maverick… not as much now), he mentioned a spending freeze during the debates.  That’s a huge deal… . I’m not sure if I would agree with what he’d freeze though.
  • Watched the entire fourth season of House.  It is a great show.  It seems to follow the same story line formula for each episode, but I really enjoy how they mix it up occasionally.
It’s still sunny in Seattle.  I’m under the weather today so I can’t enjoy it as much, but life is good.
Hobbies, Personal

Salsa, Sunshine, and Stanford

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I started salsa lessons earlier this week.  As expected, I’ve forgotten all my lessons from a few years ago.  My novice companion is completely embarrassing me on the dance floor.  She’s picking up the moves so fast, it’s ridiculous.  It’s going to take a lot more work for me to do this.  AGAIN.  I couldn’t be more delighted. This is where my perseverance intersects with my lack of shame.  This is me at my best.

It’s still sunny in Seattle.  Usually the changing of the weather here has a huge impact on my mood.  Will this year be different?  I certainly hope so.

It’s also the time of the year when I need to plan for the future.  Last year, I made the mistake of deciding on business school but only applying to Stanford.  I still think an MBA is in my future, but I will apply to more schools.  I do want to come back to the Gates Foundation when I’m finished.

I watched a couple of movies this week: the critically acclaimed Pan’s Labyrinth and the manic Mission Impossible 3.  I disliked both of them.  MI3 was a waste of time… an episode of Alias without likeable characters or an overarching story line.  Pan’s Labyrinth deserved its accolades. It is brilliantly written and well-acted.  It reminded me of Mystic River… never has a brilliant movie felt more abusive.  It’s advertised as a fairy tale but it was more of a historical piece mixed in with the delusions of a young girl in misery.  MI3 was easily forgettable.  Pan’s Labyrinth is not and I would not have seen it if I knew what I was in for.

I’ve replaced my addiction to reading with a Netflix subscription.  That’s what a new 52″ HDTV will do to you.

Personal, Travel

Running Away from Seattle

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I had an awesome week at work.  I sacrificed Labor Day Weekend to change the entire approach of a presentation and it was worth it.  The presentation went well and instead of feeling like the third backup quarterback of a Super Bowl Contender, I’m finally front and center. 

However, I needed to get away.  My restlessness had increased to a point where I was having a hard time focusing.  I shared my feelings with a special friend and we decided to make an impromptu excursion to the Olympic Peninsula.  We “ran away”!

It was amazing.  We spent Friday night at a dive bar with live music and a old lion named “Bob”.  We played an awful round of pool and discovered that another world could exist a ferry ride away from Seattle.  I had a few lessons in driving with a manual brake instead of automatic.  The weather was perfect as we hiked for six hours in the Hoh Rainforest.  When we looked for a restaurant to replenish our calorie deficit, we discovered a gem of a burger shop called Bellas.  They served us massive burgers, non-alcoholic margaritas, and plastic vampire teeth on the side!

I discovered an important lesson this weekend:  to have a great time, it’s not where you run away to but who you run away with that counts.  What a paradigm shift!  I’m looking forward to our next escape!