Meaningful Life

Moving my blog

2006-09-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

Finally after weeks of procrastination I've moved my blog over to my own domain. Please update your bookmarks to www.puffinranch.com.

Enjoy!

Falling Sunshine

2006-09-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

It's fall. No really, it is! Friday morning hubby and I took Guinness for a walk in Nisene Marks and with each inhale the cold air stung my lungs, fresh and whole. The evenings now fade away in golden-hued sunlight and my deck is covered in leaves from a sudden surge of wind. But what I love about fall most is that it makes me fall in love. With life, the sky, and everything around me. It's when hubby and I fell in love and got married, it's when I adopted Guinness and Jasmine, it's when hot chocolate sounds good again.

Yesterday, I fell in love with something else, Miss Bella, a 9 week old German Shepard/"Something" puppy. We adopted her from the Animal Friends Rescue Project (an organization I'm very supportive of, and the same I adopted sweet Jasmine from). So far she is a delight, but Guinness is a little unsure. I think she'll win him over in no time. We still have MUCH training to do, but it's fall and I'm in love.

I got an offer I couldn't refuse...

2006-09-08T22:04:00.000-07:00

....A job offer, that is. Coming back from our relaxing three-day weekend, I jumped on my to-do list when my boss invited me into her office and informed me she had just given her two weeks notice. Completely stunned, but happy for her (her new post is at an interesting sounding startup called ourstory.com, check it out!), the wheels in my head began to turn "But what about all the projects we're working on? What will happen next?" After a few lightening-speed days, and several meetings, I was offered the position of Marketing Manager at Cruzio Internet. I immediately accepted, and will be moving my way -officially, for the first time ever- into management. I will be the manager of my department including supervising one staff person, hopefully some future interns, and planning all our of marketing activities.

While I'm totally excited, I do not take the position lightly. I have big shoes to fill, like Ronald McDonald size. Not because my predecessor was excessively tall, but because she is *excellent* at her job, very well known and respected. It is truly the end of an era (she has worked for the company 9 years, taking it from 4 person staff, to 25).

I expect the next 6 weeks to be a mad-dash of long days, hard work, planning, meetings, and a steep learning curve. But I have been waiting for a long time to move forward in my career and today is THE DAY. I have never been so excited and so overwhelmed in my whole life (except maybe my wedding day).

It's nice to have good news to report. It feels damn good.

The Adventures Continue

2006-09-06T22:32:00.000-07:00

Labor day is for everything but labor. But it's not just for relaxing either. A special day off work is for stepping outside of your regular routine, seeing the bigger picture and catching up on the good things in life. So that's what we set out to do on our three days. The first day we drove to Pleasanton for the annual Highland Games. Despite frustratingly hot weather and a fruitless search for some of hubby's piping gear, I took a happy trip down memory lane after sipping some Irn Bru. Irn Bru is a staple soda of the Scottish world (probably elsewhere in Europe too). This orange colored and flavored soda was one of our common libations absorbed with "Nice 'n Tasty" eggsalad boxed sandwiches during our Scotland travels in June of 1998. Okay, I realize that might sound kind of gross, but we would pick up our nourishment on the food trolley that strolled down the aisle of the trains where we would eat over game after game of cribbage. We now realize how truly formative this trip was in our relationship and later our marriage. We discovered we traveled together very well and never got sick of each others company, even after four solid weeks. Pretty cool huh?On Saturday we headed to Santa Barbara to visit my best friend Rianna who was in California for a brief three days, far from her home in Boston. Seeing her was a sort of coming home. As one of my oldest friends (in years, not age of course) she is like a sister to whom I need to explain nothing. We kicked back on the Santa Barbara coast, drinking pints at Dargan's pub and enjoying the sunshine. After sending her off at the airport, we slowly made our way home visiting the funny Danish town Solvang and lunching in San Louis Obisbo. Our stop in SLO opened my eyes to another place we could consider building our Puffin Ranch. With realty prices a few hundred thousand dollars less than their SCruz peers, perhaps my Puffin Ranch dreams are not too ambitious. Friends, relaxation, and the potential of making a dream reality? That's a labor day to enjoy.

'Frisco Kids

2006-08-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

We once fantasized about moving to the City, even long enough to pick out our favorite neighborhoods (I fancied Noe Valley). But after my travels in Spain and sleepless nights in Madrid I realized I couldn't survive in a big, noisy city very long. However, this weekend made the City very alluring. After spending Saturday morning on the beach enjoying coffee with an old friend, we headed up to San Fran to break in my good friend Rachel's new adorable studio at a housewarming party. Good conversation, highly-spiked punch and a wild haired cabby (When we exited the cab Hubby asked "Was that a man or a woman?") served as the perfect Saturday night. Making it a full weekend, we stayed overnight at the Pickwick Hotel (featured in the classic flick "The Maltese Falcon") and woke up late in search of a java-jolt and sugary pastries--the perfect hangover medicine.
What is a trip to the City without art and shopping? So we perused the Market Street wares (I got a fab fall sweater, Hubby some much-needed t-shirts) and then embarked on a tour of the SFMOMA's Matthew Barney exhibit. We were familiar with Barney's work from our trip to New York in 2002 and his bizarre exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum. But his "Drawing Restraint" exhibit took weird to a whole new level. I could become very tangential about what art is, and what makes an artist after viewing Barney's show, but it would be far too long.
After another short visit with Rachel we headed back to our shore-side home, missing the electric vibe of San Francisco, but refreshed by the green air and somber silence of home. Maybe someday we'll experience city living, but for now, our proud redwood trees fill the soul (and encourage the zzzzs).

Mud Lovers

2006-08-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

I never thought I'd like riding a bike. Bikers or cyclists just looked like children with too many toys--brightly colored jerseys, arched sunglasses, and camelback water systems. They also traveled in obnoxiously large pods, teaming past my home yelling at one another to be heard. But I'm starting to come around. The first weekend in August some co-workers and friends set out to Waddell Creek, several miles north of Santa Cruz, near Davenport. The journey was an awesome, mud-soaked 6 mile ride, followed by a 3 mile hike rewarded with views of four waterfalls. Although I was initially put off by the dirt, the more splattered I got with each puddle, the wider my smile grew. If you had asked me a year ago if I liked mountain biking, or even just a simple bike ride, I would have said no. But with this whole new wheeled world open to me, I now see previously hidden adventures awaiting. My office mate Nikkie and I (pictured along side me) have posted a local cycling map in our office where we're plotting our future destinations. Those toys (especially the padded spandex shorts) don't sound so silly anymore.

Returning to Normal..Sort of

2006-08-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

My life has been full. From the break of dawn until late into the damp midnight air, my body has been in motion, mouth moving, or brain focusing diligently. Some times all three at once. But the causes of this overly-packed lifestyle have been good ones, sometimes even wonderful.
The first is love. Love in the form of a wedding between two of my very good friends in one weeks time. Being a part of their planning and celebration is a blessing and a joy, but not without its due time and attention.
The second has been work. My transition into a new workspace (we moved offices) is now complete and I am adjusting to the lifestyle of an overly airconditioned office with no windows to the outside world. To top that off, I've been preparing for our presence at this weekend's Strawberry Festival, from staffing to banners, and actually working at the event (just returning home at 10pm tonight).
The last and best thing that has filled my attention these past few weeks is my beloved sister and her baby dog Ranger. While most of the time we spent together were casual dinners or watching DVDs, her presence in my home changed my day-to-day routine. Now that she has flown home to North Dakota I find myself looking at her favorite spot to sit on the couch, her empty bedroom, and the lack of her presence filling my senses.
Guinness dog feels it too. He has repeatedly walked into the room where Sister and Ranger slept, searching for them, and is trying to reteach himself how to be an only-child dog playing with toys by himself. Some special love and attention is sorely in need.
So while my life has technically returned back to normal, with my sister home and the Strawberry Festival in my past, I've grown accustomed to the new norm. When I passed the threshold, the absence of my sister's smiling face was immediate, the uplifting energy of Ranger missing, and my heart sunk a wee bit in my chest. I sighed and made myself a hot chocolate to cope. So cheers to my returned norm, but I hope she comes home again soon.

Summer Delights

2006-07-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

As an adult I've grown jealous of school aged children, teachers, and those with ample amounts of paid vacation time when summer roles around. I see them stroll the streets of my town iced coffee in hand, slow paced, beach sand caught between their toes. I imagine if I were them what I would be doing. Would I be reading more? Spend a slow morning over a latte with the newspaper? Lay on the beach? But in the past couple of weeks my life has been full of wonderful summertime experiences, and I feel there is nothing to be jealous of. Of the many things I have enjoyed, the highlights have been both expertly planned and completely on the fly--both equal in richness. One of the simplest and most delightful was Triskel Hubby and I claiming a simple afterwork picnic on the beach, complemented by a bevy of sailboats on the water and a perfect sunset. Another was a night of Rumikube with my mother and sister, where my sis finally laughed and smiled (not always a regular occurance).The latest was a weekend in the Happiest Place on Earth only somewhat dampened by the 104 degree temperature. Tomorrow night is sundown soccer with the work crew. So indeed I have my own summer full of delights, no vacation necessary.

What are you grateful for?

2006-07-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like bountiful sunshine and a brightly colored fresh harvest to fill up your senses and make you grateful for being alive. Today as I strolled the aisles of our local farmers’ market I thought about how lucky I am and how much I am grateful for.

After a hard weekend of feeling upset and worrying about my employment I purchased a copy of SARK’s book Prosperity Pie. She supports the idea that we already have everything we need, we are enough, and we know enough. It was just the reminder I needed to get out of my own head of worry and circular thoughts. An exercise I found especially thought provoking was writing down things you are grateful for, large and small, simple and silly. Of course, I couldn’t help but draw my list into my watercolor journal, pictured here.

This is just a taste of my never complete, always growing list of things a I'm grate-"full" for:
- Having a job! - My husbands hugs and smiles - My cat Jasmine's never ending love - Not needing an alarm clock - Steamed milk & apple pie - My fuzzy blue bathrobe - Really good cheese - Sunrises - Redwood trees with ferns ensnaring them - Pink jasmine flowers - A full nights sleep! - Waking up to the sound of birds (not 18 wheelers) - Cool earrings - A nest-like bed - Friends who totally get me and love me exactly how I am

That's just the beginning and a taste of the things that make my life juicy.

So share with me, what are you grateful for?

I Got Skunked

2006-07-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

On Friday I got skunked, both literally and figuratively. My day began at exactly midnight with a skunk attack upon our pooch Guinness just outside the backdoor, leading Guinness to run wildly about the house spreading the scent. But amazingly, this was not the most unexpected part of my day. After a detox dog bath and opening all the windows, I headed out to a fairly normal day at work and a deliciously light dinner of sushi. Then I got home.
On my answering machine was a message from the HR Director at my "new" job--the one I've already given 2-weeks notice for and announced to the world. Seems there are "big changes" happening at the company and that they CANNOT bring me "on board." I went from 2 jobs to zero in sixty seconds flat. Lets just say, ever so eloquently, it sucked.
My current boss (God bless her) is more than willing to hire me back, but we won't know for sure until it is discussed with management. If I'm lucky, I will get to stay at my current job, continue riding my bike to work, and carry on.
While I cannot say this hasn't been a very difficult weekend for me, I have to believe that there is a greater reason all of this has happened. The universe has much to teach me. Since my objective is to learn more, I can now reconsider registering for that Business Calc class at the Junior College and possible night-time MBA programs.
While the dust has not yet settled I am okay and know I will survive. Hopefully stronger in the long run because of it.

I got a Bouteille Call

2006-07-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

You may have heard of a Booty Call, but just what is a Bouteille Call? Well, it's a naughty little port dessert wine produced by the infamous, notorious, irreverent Bonny Doon Vineyard. Why does this matter to you and me (besides that it's a tasty beverage)? Because I have accepted a position as their new Ecommerce Coordinator where I will be charged with handling their online sales, emails and membership fulfillment among other things.

Why Bonny Doon you ask? Well, following my graduation from college I spent sleepless nights, hot showers and walks along the shore contemplating my direction in life. Who did I want to be? What was my place on this planet? What was my final destination and how was I going to get there? Unfortunately, the ultimate goal wasn't clear, and still isn't. I've considered many possibilities: Director of a Non-profit, Marketing Director, private Marketing Consultant. But these all had the same requirement: there was more I needed to learn and whatever job it was, I wanted it to be in an industry/cause I am passionate about. So I journaled nightly about what fills me up and excites me, trying to discover the best application for my talents. The repeating patterns were healthy living, animals, nature/outdoors, wine, music and art. And then, after many months, I saw a job listing for Bonny Doon Vineyard...

While I have learned much at my present job, my path here has ended and lead to this new fork which will allow me to learn the ecommerce side of marketing for a product I love that is marketed nationally. All new for me! Bonny Doon is not only a quality winemaker but a fun artistic one that is continuing to grow.

So on August 1 I will get my first sip of the wine world and start this unexplored trail. At least I have my new bike for the journey. Wish me luck!

It's all about balance...an Interview

2006-07-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where exactly I got the bug to pursue a meaningful life, or the firm belief that you can create and build the life you want (instead of just living one that's handed to you). But I'm sure one of my early influences was my dad, Papa Triskel. He has lead several lives, from kayak instructor, to bus driver, and most recently uber-stressed out management man (I can actually give him ties for Father's Day now). However, his change in job duties resulted in his surrendering to the hopeless abyss of stress, despite years of preaching to me about balance. Papa was the one who taught me to "read" the river, the man who stopped to point out the first signs of Solomon's Seal along a hiking trail, or hit the road to see fresh wildflowers. How could it all fade so quickly under the fluorescent lights of the management world? Could not the two be meshed? But when I feared all was lost, Papa took a leave of absence and began the long, slow process of a rebound. At this passage I thought it would be fitting to find out what he's learned and discovered about himself, his life, and happiness during this process, so I asked him a few questions.

An Interview with Papa Triskel

#1. You were the man who taught me about the "B" word - Balance. How do you feel about that mantra today?

Still believe in the concept... it's putting into practice that I find challenging. When I went back after my leave [of absence], and ever since, I've been wearing my "yin-yang" earring to remind me.

#2. What have you personally found to be the most effective in achieving a work/life balance?

The period when I was most successful with that was the first couple of years of driving a bus. Work that was a benefit to the community (and planet), but that didn't require me to 100% focus my energies there. When you punched out, you left the work behind. I built in time to take care of my body and I still had time/energy at home.

#3. You joke that you're "almost set." Tell me about a time that you felt you were, in fact, set.

There are moments that I have felt "set". The strongest image that comes up for me is sitting in camp on the banks of the Klamath, after days of "chilling in", boating, swimming, biking, reading. Sitting in a camp chair in the late afternoon with a cold beer watching TV (Turkey Vultures). Nothing needing to be done, no one needing taking care of...

#4. What was the best part of your day today? What made you laugh/smile?
So far today, the best parts have been going for a walk, finding that my bike tires still hold air, and setting up the washer to drain into the flowers (reusing a waste product rather than putting it into the septic/leach field). So far today, Ginger [the dog] has made me smile. She is the embodiment of love and acceptance. She has the sweetest smile.

#5. What's next in your process to achieve balance/what are your goals for the next year?

Well, I put the bike rack on the car yesterday and aired up the tires in my bike today... I've been trying to be sure to walk more regularly. It's time to start getting into shape to go on vacation. I'm cutting back a bit on my "working from home" hours. Next in the process...spending more time with you! My goal remains the same as my new year's resolution... to have more FUN!

Here are few key points Papa Triskel provides:
-Give yourself visual reminders to remember balance throughout the day
-Detach mentally from your job at the end of the day, or find a job that lets you do so
-Doing nothing is, in fact, doing something (relaxing)
-Animals are a great way to connect and be grounded
-Life is always a work in progress.

Thanks Dad!

Trekking It

2006-07-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

I recently watched Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" and my brain flooded with everything I learned in my Global Climate Change course during undergrad. I didn't learn anything new (and was sad that when mentioning cattle, Gore did not discuss the effects of methane from ranching, but I digress) but the film served as a catalyst to change my mode of transportation.

I won't lie, I love my car, but with my recent move, I'm driving more than ever and have concerns about the damage I'm doing to the atmosphere. The reduction of one car on the road is small, but something none the less. So began my decision to ride my bike to work. Now this is no wimpy ride--9.5 miles, with many hills, taking about 1 hour from my front door to my office. But I'm an avid hiker/jogger/cardio gal, so I thought I'd give it a shot.

The first day I asked myself what I was doing. During the first 20 minutes I contemplated turning around. A lot. I also was a little unprepared: I was riding a 7-speed cruiser with a mans seat. Ouch. But I did it anyway. I didn't give up. Even when the "real" bikers whisked by me, I persisted. I walked a couple of hills, but made it to work relatively unscathed-sweaty-but fine.

My success was exhilarating, so I rode my bike again the next day, and again, and again. But by the third day, I knew one thing had to change--the cruiser wasn't cutting it. So I did a quick Craigslist search and within 24 hours I had a like-new Trek mountain bike, complete with front shock, 24 speeds, a rack on the back, and the perfect size frame for Triskel Anne.

Also, in another unplanned purchased, the REI bump-and-dent sale found me a new pair of Vasque hiking boots for only $25. I can't think of a more satisfying weekend: saving my planet and my pocket book.

Spanish Memories

2006-07-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt, casual free-form afternoons with friends are the memories that last. This one was at a small bar at the top of a hill in Cuenca, Spain. Visiting Spain in September of 2005 was just one of the ventures in my not-yet-complete twenties that required going outside of my comfort zone, upsetting my employer, and parting from my husband (ever so briefly).

However, doing what's easy or predictable does not require us to change or challenge ourselves. For this trip I learned Spanish (as much as I could in 3-4 months), traveled alone across the globe, and carried my world on my back without assistance.

The result? I discovered that I am stronger and braver than I ever imagined. Not to drink and take painkillers at the same time. That family, friends, and a sense of connection are what makes life rich. And that my next voyage would include my husband--my best friend, because having someone to share the experience with is priceless.