The Napa Valley Premier 09'

Well last year I got to ride the elevator with Denny Crane, aka Captain Kirk, aka
( William Shatner ), and this year I got to meet another type of celebrity.
This is me with my new friend ( and bodyguard ) from the
Boston Celtics, #66 Center Forward,
Scot Pollard.
This guy is 6' 11" and I am 5' 8" standing on a step. Notice the dude in the background tending to his nose. Sometimes it's my job to keep the paparazzi away from our celebrity guests, even though this guy can certainly fend for himself... ( just kidding ). He came by to visit the CIA and bid on some barrel lots at the Napa Valley Premier ( a Prestigious invitation only wine auction event attended by the NV Vintners, Restauranteurs and other assorted Buyers.) It's here where the insiders get first crack at the best wines in the Napa Valley. This happens well before the actual wine auction which takes place in June. It was also attended by Home run (steroid) slugger, Mark McGwire, but I wasn't able to get a picture taken with him...Oh well, he was probably swarmed by a multitude of wine snobs and autograph hounds.

Playing Through

If I were playing golf, this would be a day where I would request to"Play Through". This phrase usually applies to a group of golfers who are moving at a quicker pace than a group in front of them. Generally,as a courtesy they would request to play through, rather than being held back by the less skilled. No one person or group is really holding me back, but I can see that my ability as a Concierge is to facilitate communication throughout the building and provide current and accurate information in the face of mounting distraction and time urgency. Not everyone where I work recognizes this aspect as my job and my mission.I am just one of many who have adopted the Standards of Excellence, which is the written code to which all employees have agreed to uphold. Playing through sometimes just means staying the course.

Today went surprisingly well in that respect., considering the fact that I started my day with a root canal treatment on an abscessed molar.I prayed about being pleasant towards my co-workers and to do the job that my Higher Power has set out for me. Having a numb face was the least of my concerns.

My actions and intentions seemed to dove-tail today in a rather pleasant way.I could have gotten uptight about all the challenges that my supervisor presented to me, but I am seeing that she is doing her best as well. In response to a tightening budget that is going on everywhere these days... Well,we are all doing the best we can with the marbles we've got.

This downturn in the economy affects everyone differently, yet universally the same. Taking stock of this fact is recognizing the fact that there is no such thing as "business as usual", in maintaining what is perceived to be the status quo. I think we are all looking for a way of validating our worth as a people that cannot be measured in a purely monetary sense. As a nation, we are learning to "play through" the capitalist mentality that assesses it's worth in terms of material abundance,tangible wealth and a credentialed resumé.

A New Video Cam!

Who / What is it? This little owl video was taken on my deck.I went out this morning just to give this new gadget a whirl. Today I went down to Napa to visit the Doctor in the hopes that I could get something that would quell the itch on my arm and left leg. I went in and was prescribed an antibiotic which after a week should eliminate this persistent problem. After the Doctor's visit, I went to have my car tuned and lubed at Quality Auto Tune on Soscol avenue in Napa ( now that I am back driving my car again ). Because it was going to be a major tune-up, I walked to Wal Mart and ended up purchasing a new Zi6 Video Camera that can take HD Video ! After shelling out 170 bucks I drove home and loaded the Camera with a new 6GB memory card and fresh rechargeable batteries. Today I went to Bothe State park to shoot some scenes... just to try it out. I also edited my little Quicktime movie and added a few clips from other scenes I had shot. Unfortunately the first file was too large to upload, and Blogger wouldn't allow it.By the way, anyone who can guess what is in the bowl at the end of the video wins one free night to sleep out on my deck during the summer... no expenses paid !

Stuff to do...

This picture was taken at this year's Mustard Festival.The lady is a model who showcased Erte's fashions of the Art Deco Era in the early part of the 1900's.

Tomorrow I have an appointment with Dr. John. My left arm and leg still have a rash from the accident and if it weren't for some hydrocortisone cream I would have scratched them both to the bone by now.

Today,I went to mass in St. Helena and learned that after the priest fainted on the altar last week, Deacon Bob stepped in right at the consecration of the host to continue on with the mass. Today at the end of the service, Father Brinkle kindly informed us that everyone did indeed recieve the blessings of the Holy Spirit last week, but the host was NOT consecrated because the Priest had not completed the Eucharistic ceremony,which according to Catholic Faith and tradition is when the transubstantiation takes place.Deacon Bob forgot that he could have used some already consecrated hosts that were kept in the tabernacle across the street in the main church which is currently being seismically retrofitted.The gymnasium is where the congregation meets now.Apparently, he was so caught by surprise that he just continued with the mass right where the African American priest had left off without missing a beat.Father Brinkle assured us that the communion at today's mass was Ex-Facto, "The Body and Blood of Christ" according to Canon Law. Some of the parishoners were a little upset, or more accurately... flummoxed because they were not sure if an ordained deacon had the same powers as a priest in that instance.

Mustard Magic 09'

Today Laura Lynn is coming to Greystone to put the finishing touches on the Mustard Festival's kickoff event. The building takes on a another kind of energy. Tonight many people will show up wearing costumes and finery to see and be seen. Great food and wine will be showcased throughout the event.I will be meeting lots of the locals tonight when they arrive. It is always great fun. Marnie Cunningham is my co-worker and she will be helping with the cameras at the cooking demos which are the regular part of the weekend activities here at the C.I.A. The weather continues to be pleasant and bright as Feburary peeks its head around the corner tomorrow. February is going to be a month of big changes.

Business as usual...

I just finished filing my 2008 Federal and State Income Tax return. I stand to get a refund of around $1000. this year. I made around $250. more this year than last year.It feels good to get these little chores out of the way. I am using Turbo Tax again this year. I must say that the process is pretty interesting. They even have little worksheets, a live support team and frequently asked questions section that explains EVERYTHING. Not bad, and yes, fairly painless. Tonight, I got a ride home from my boss... Charles. He drives a nice Mercedes. We talked about the World's of Healthy Flavor Conference that just ended. This year I am learning to be more flexible. At least this is my motto for 09'. The day went by pretty smoothly. Lately, i have been experiencing lots of itching all over my legs, arms and head. I told a few people about this and they have told me that it is part of the healing process. I think I am coming out of shock. In another week, I will be going to the sentencing of the man who ran me down.I will be requesting that I be allowed to keep the settlement that his insurance company is offering. Many Insurance companies will go to great lengths to make sure that victims of vehicle accidents are not "overcompensated" by the system (too many fraudulent claims). I feel that it is my job to make sure that I am justly and fairly compensated. I want a new vehicle, and a chance to get on with my life.

Frustration

Last night before I went to bed I recognized a challenge that needed to be faced. Sunday mornings are when I usually get up to go to mass in St. Helena, after which I head off to work. My car runs, but unfortunately it has a flat tire and is in need of a whole new set. It also needs a catalytic converter in order to pass smog. Then, of course I need to re-register the vehicle and get sufficient insurance coverage. My life has become frustratingly difficult since I was mowed down by a drunk driver. To top it off, I still have a rash on my left arm where the cast was; and two of my teeth need to be re-capped. Naturally, I started my day checking the bus schedule only to find out that the first bus leaving Calistoga for St. Helena is at 10:15 am., exactly forty-five minutes after the time I am supposed to start work. Great. I tried calling my neighbor to see if I could get a ride. I woke him up and he was not happy about that. I walked into town thinking I might see someone heading 7 miles down the road to St. Helena. It's 9:15 am and no such luck. I stick out my thumb on Hwy. 29 only to watch numerous people whiz by in their S.U.V.'s and sports cars. The migrant workers hanging out at the local gas station are probably watching me with a mix of curiosity and amusement. Finally at 9:30 am I walk back into town to Cal Mart trying to revise my game plan. A friend finally drives by and I call her name... Carol !! She keeps driving, and I suddenly remember that her name is Eleanor. Damn it ! I have a hunch that the number she gave me is for her cell phone. Luckily, I have the new IPhone, so I call the number and she answers. Eleanor has been giving me rides home from the local AA meetings for about a month now. She turns around to pick me up at Cal Mart. Her dog keeps the front seat of her car warm for me. I offer her ten bucks to take me to work but she refuses the money. Once I am in her car I cannot help but think how utterly dependent I am on people and realize that these are the kind of situations I used to drink over. You know, the "F it all and get drunk attitude" can still haunt me no matter how many years of sobriety I have.

Thinking Spring already

The weather here is unseasonably pleasant. Today it hit the mid 60's, which is something of a heat-wave for the early part of January. The weather people say that it is an "El Niña" effect. This probably means that February will be a torrential downpour with much flooding ( ... we shall see ). Today was rather uneventful at the CIA. We had a training for the captains of the Special Events Team of Banquet Servers and that was about it . The Campus store and Demo Theater were the only venues that were available today. There was an average amount of foot traffic coming through and I gave one tour to some guys from North Carolina.

2009 on the edge

So New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with the run across the Golden Gate Bridge came and went. Now MacWorld, sans Steve Jobs already came and went. Today, the sun is shining it is the 9th of January... time is flying by as we are concerned about other things like doing the laundry. Today I am heading off to work and will be working the cameras for our regular cooking demos and with the restaurant closed for cleaning, it still should be pretty quiet.( I actually kind of like that ) Lately, it looks like everyone is hunkering down for the winter, and catching up on their correspondence. Yesterday, three more members of my family joined Facebook. Now if only we can get my sister Rita to join. We shall see.

Useless Worry

It seems like everyone is concerned about getting money these days.The economy is still in a tailspin and people seem to be squeezing their nickles a little harder these days. This is an "On Demand" society now that the internet has facilitated an unprecedented quickening of information ( i.e. services and billing ). I have received some medical bills in the mail and have to wait to be paid until I talk to a Civil Litigation attorney on Monday morning, just to figure on the best way to proceed. I am the victim here, and the man who hit me has to make restitution. But as the saying goes, "you can't get blood from a turnip". We shall see... Earlier today I heard my co-worker talk about how the teenagers in half moon bay walk around with droopy jeans. That made me think about the picture I created in Photoshop here.

Charmed, I'm sure

Yesterday, I received a document in the mail for $15,000. If I sign off on it, I will receive this money from the insurance company and the case will be closed. I need to be a little more cautious at this point. Tomorrow I will consult with a personal injury lawyer, a human resource person and my insurance company. Should I take the deal of this "under - insured" motorist or try to get more money through a civil case. The medical bills already total more than $19,000. and I am assuming that the insurance I have received through the Culinary Institute will pay for most of my medical expenses. Thus the reason to call HR in the morning... to verify that this is true. Tuesday is MacWorld Day in SF ... the last one I am told.

A picture of patience.

So, I guess I didn't miss payroll after all. I called this morning and Marilyn informed me that payday is this coming Friday. Phew!
Even still, I am having money concerns. I got a call from Progressive Insurance informing me that the guy who hit me is under insured ( i.e. has $15, 000. worth of coverage ) and so far, my medical bills are at $ 19, 000. and rising. I haven't had any physical therapy, my arm has a rash from the cast that doesn't look too good, and I still don't have a reliable means of transportation. Oh well, like they say in Al-anon... "This too shall pass". I am going to try not to be such a whiner come the new year. In other words, this is going to be a resolution of mine this coming year. Don't complain about things I either a.) Can do nothing about or... b.) Am willing to try and work towards a solution. Nuff said. Above is a picture I drew of my mom who was a great example of patience and tolerance in my life. She put up with the shenanigans of nine kids, assorted grandkids and fools who were quick to judge her. I still miss her very much to this day.

Missed Payroll

Today is Sunday, the 28th of December and I am sweating it. I have a big red rash on my arm where the cast was, and now I am trying to figure out how to obtain a reliable, legal means of transportation (My car would not pass smog) so I can make it to church on time . I am going to mass and will be back in an hour to finish this blog.

Okay, I am back. Mass was a wash. Today was the feast of the Holy Family. I feel estranged, because I don't really have one of my own. Although I come from a large loving family, I personally never found a wife with which to bear children of my own. I am not happy with my life as it is right now. The priest talked about the efficacy of Proposition 8; Which only made me feel anxious about being a single male in a congregation filled with the righteous worshippers of parenthood. Jesus Christ was never a parent. My name is Christopher, which means "Christ-bearer" ...go figure.

This time of the year is so dismal and grey in the Western Hemisphere. I am beginning to think that Jesus was more a metaphor or an archetype rather than a living person seeking redemption for us all. It seems that more heartache and destruction has been carried out in His name, than the miraculous events that have occurred on His behalf. Has this world truly become of better place since the Advent of His birth? Presently, I am eating a bowl of cereal ... and as i write this. I am thankful for the food I have to eat, but I have to buy from the Grocery Outlet Store to make ends meet. I also purchase clothes from the Salvation Army for the same reason. The rent for my one-bedroom apartment in Calistoga is something I can barely afford to pay. Today, I am living out the legacy of a universal, ecclesiastical religion that has only served to maintain the status quo.

I just had a good talk with my sister Tara in Portland. Somehow, I thought of calling her to let her know how I was feeling. Man, I am sure glad that I did. She basically told me something that I hadn't thought of... that I really do love Jesus Christ. I just am not so happy with the way the world is right now, and religion hasn't been of much help lately. I am going to explore my relationship with Christ more as the new year approaches.

Christmas Eve 08'

Here it is, noontime on Christmas Eve. Now does that make any sense? I am sitting here typing away on my puter after watching some hysterical comedy bits using the CoolIris app. I intend to go shopping (not last minute, mind you) at some point today, to get some coffee filters, cream, tissues and other assorted grocery items. Big Whoop. The other thing I have to do is come up with some other t-shirt designs for Ubuntu. A former co-worker called me to see if I could come up with some " Expressions" to complement their dishes that are served in the restaurant. For instance... An edgy carrot expression, or asparagus expression etc. Well, without the freedom to add some human characteristic to the vegetables, I seem quite limited. So this visual of "Fred Asparagus" did not go over with a bang.I sketched another one, but this one seems really uninteresting to me. I don't feel very creative when I am told what to do and how do it. On the other hand, this comedy bit with John Malkeovitch is much more interesting and enjoyable than drawing t-shirt designs, anyway.

Winter is...

The Holidays come at a time of year when the weather is bleak and dismal. The days are short and the nights are long. I don't really like this month, even though Jesus came into the world during this time. Spring can't seem to come too soon, and it doesn't really take hold until early May usually. People are said to hunker down for long winter naps and attend to activities like reading, wrapping gifts and letter writing (((Yawn))) Even talking about stuff like that, makes me feel like having some comfort food to fill me gullet, and then crash out for a few hours.Speaking of comfort food, I went to Theresa and Johnny's Restaurant in San Raphael yesterday with my friend, Dieter. We had a "Norcal Eggs Benedict" special with home fries and some French toast that was other worldly. Leslie is actually the head Chef there. She is the "Theresa" of the Theresa and Johnny's . She has been a friend of Dieters for a long time. I met her when we went to visit a mutual friend of ours up in Grass Valley last Spring. This person would be John Kane, who is a boyhood pal I know from St. Francis Woods, who went on to become a chef and open his own restaurant just a few years ago. He is married to Maria, who also owns a restaurant there in Nevada City. They are both very busy (as one might imagine) , and spend most of thier time managing BOTH restaurants! Leslie is the same way (workaholics, all of them). She was taking orders and cashiering the whole time we were there stuffing our faces at the counter. Her place is so amazing with all of it's Kitsch items everywhere you look. Leslie likes to collect vintage Diner signs and it shows. I suspect that I will return there sometime soon.It attracts a specialized clientele (i.e. foodies, like Dieter and I).

"Cast-off " Day

Even though I was late for my appointment by a half hour, the good doctor still got me in. I missed the bus from Calistoga and ended up getting a cup of coffee and waiting for the next one to arrive. Naturally the #10 makes every stop and then some on its journey to the city of Napa.The weather was cold and wet today. The first winter storm of the season. I noticed white stuff on the surrounding hillsides. I was sort of hoping that my nephew Edward could steal away for lunch, but such was not the case. The radiology department a the Queen of the Valley was quite busy.Instead, I sauntered over to Staples to buy a black ink cartridge. The same one I was going to go buy the day I got rear ended on my scooter. This coming friday is the preliminary hearing for Mr. Madrigal. In the interim, I have been sending all my medical bills to his insurance company. My wrist and fingers feel kind of tender and sore, but it is SOOOoooo nice to take a shower withouthaving to wrap my arm and wrist in a plastic bag. My lacerations are clearing up on my face too. Pretty soon I will be back to my old obnoxius self again. Yipppee !!

Don't be this guy!

If it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone. I am referring to being hit from behind on a scooter by a GMC truck driven by an intoxicated person ( who fortunately was caught and arrested ). It could have been lights out for me... no last minute preparations, just goodbye!

Watch my Public Service Message

Part of me wants to go out fast like that. Not to have a slow death (like Cancer). But since I was given enough of a preview a few weeks ago, I have changed my mind. First of all,I am not ready to go by any means. If I have to be taken out, though; I would prefer to leave this world "in my sleep" as they say. Not a care in the world... in a peaceful manner. Enough of the morbitity.I want you all to live long and prosper, and as my boss likes to say, "May the farce be with you !"

Google's Street View

This is so cool ! Here is a Street view of my place.Click on the picture to get a larger view and notice the two windows on the top floor of the building in the back. That is where I reside... it's my humble abode! To explore the neighborhood visit Google maps Street View and see what there is.

Thats what friends are for

Dieter has been driving me to meetings, feeding me and keeping my company over the past couple of weeks since my accident.I have been recovering nicely yet have periods of great discomfort and pain.I've been asking lot of questions about how best to proceed on a daily basis with my friends and family. I have been getting a variety of answers in the realm of legal advice, medical and insurance advice, and even a little motherly advice too! I think that everything is proceeding accordingly.

Typing with a cast on

This is tricky, because I have learned to touch type and now I am going back to looking at the keyboard ! A very bad habit! This cast I am wearing is made of rigid fiberglass material, and my hand is forced to stay in one position. Last evening I had a very wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with my neighbors Andre, Dinora and her brother.They all signed my cast with a sharpie pen to commerorate the occasion. We gobbled up a delicious boneless turkey with barbecue sauce and homemade fries. Later we played Poker and watched Spanish Television to while away the hours.Dinora is expecting a child in February, and is starting to get pretty big. We laughed and joked as we speculated on how the Turkey we ate had no bones. Mmmmm and... Hmmmmm !?