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Two More Weeks

By admin | September 28, 2008

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

It’s still sunny in Seattle.  I’m under the weather today so I can’t enjoy it as much, but life is good.

Topics: Personal, Political, Professional | No Comments »

Salsa, Sunshine, and Stanford

By admin | September 14, 2008

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.

Topics: Hobbies, Personal | No Comments »

Running Away from Seattle

By admin | September 7, 2008

 

Giant Sitka Spruce from the Perspective of Little Deep

 

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!

Topics: Personal, Travel | No Comments »

A Busy Few Weeks!

By admin | August 31, 2008

My Sister and I (Me?)

Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging.  I’ve had a busy few weeks:

The election cycle is in full swing and the biggest surprise in the Republican VP pick - Sarah Palin.  McCain throws a hell mary pass.

Football season has just started.  Hook ‘em horns!

Topics: Personal | No Comments »

Two Incredible Achievements in Entertainment

By admin | August 1, 2008

This past week, I had a chance to see both The Dark Knight and complete Metal Gear Solid 4.  I doubt that I will ever see two mediums of entertainment achieve such greatness ever again.

The Dark Knight was spectacular.  Rarely have I ever felt like a movie about superheroes could transcend the lines between good and evil.  Christopher Nolan took Batman to new heights and Heath Ledger set the bar for villainy.  The body count in this film is tremendous and some of the deaths are mind-blowing.  However, the film goes far beyond its shock value and weaves a message of epic proportions.   Its a long movie but every minute counts.  I’ve rarely been this engaged with a film. 

I also completed Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid 4 for the PS3.  It’s a masterpiece!  Despite a convoluted, heavy handed story, it redefines the standards for virtual entertainment.  The graphics are gorgeous and the gameplay is deep and challenging.  The execution was perfect. 

If I was looking for an escape from my work and my life, I found it this week in my entertainment.   I almost feel like I need to grab a good book to top this off… I’m on a winning streak!

Topics: Hobbies, Personal | No Comments »


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