Saturdays at the CIA

Today went a lot smoother than last time we featured Saturdays at the CIA. Today I know what is expected of me, and at what time I am supposed to do whatever it is that I am supposed to do. On the main level of the budilding,The cooking demo featured Corn beef and Potato gratin. Chef Steve does a great demo, he is quite entertaining and good about answering questions from the audience (quite the showman).Sometimes we bat it back and forth during the demo just to keep each other on our game. I run the cameras and help him with the plating of the dishes. I am grateful for the fact that I still have a job and am a valued employee where I work. I still yearn for those long hikes in Bothe State Park however, in spite of the poison oak that I have acquired. My bank account these days is slowly getting whittled down to nothing, and I was not paid for the time I took off. Unfortunately, suspensions don't count as vacations.Bah !

The forecast looks sunny for the next week. We have been having very nice weather here in Calistoga. This morning I put my house plant "Warren" to sleep. His instructions recommend that I cut back his stalk and leaves at the base of the roots. I think that he will be ready to bloom again next fall. Spring here is allergy season and yesterday I mentioned that my eyes will start itching. Well today I have discovered that I have itching on my legs and ankles. Oh no ! It's Poison Oak ! All that hiking I was doing during my time off makes me think that I must have brushed up against some small crop of poison oak. I will go by Smith's Pharmacy to pick up a bottle of Aveeno cream to keep the itching and scratching down to a bare minimun so that it can heal.The picture in this post is Warren after he bloomed. I feel sorta bad that I had to cut him down to the quick. Yah ! Well, that's about it for now folks.

Beginner's Mind

Today is sunny and bright. Spring is in the air and it is also the beginning of Allergy season. Little hints like scratchy red eyes and a little post nasal drip , along with ringing in my ears are tip offs. I take a prescription of Allegra when it really gets out of hand. I am returning to work today with what the Zen masters call "Beginner's Mind". I have an attitude of quiet anticipation of what the day will bring and I withhold judgement whenever I encounter something difficult. I ask my higher Power for guidance and direction, as I am sure it will come. Wish me luck !

Liz to the rescue l

It's only the second day of Spring, so started out fiddling on my computer restructuring my web pages and updating the colors, text, pictures and links. By 10 am I knew I had to make a call to Bob Graham to let him know that I intended to return to work on Wednesday at 9:30am ( too long a story to go into here ).By 2:30pm, I had a light lunch of Mackerel and Broccoli and head out the door to go for a hike up to Coyote Peak. I called Don, but I think he was in jewelry class at the JC today. I just wanted to get out into nature for a little P and M ( Prayer and Meditation ). When I got there, I took my jacket off and then my fleece shell I have for extra warmth off and left it on the front seat of the car. I put my jacket back on and made sure that my IPhone was in my pocket. I closed and locked the door. Two and a half hours later, after a very serene hike, I return to my car and noticed that the engine is running ! OMG!!! I left the keys in the ignition with the car running ( don't laugh this isn't the first time I have done this.) Now Luckily, it was past 5pm and I knew that my neighbor would be home, so I called Andres. He was just about to take a shower but understood my predicament and agreed to come by and pick me up. Just at that moment , my co-worker Liz comes driving up offering to take me home to get my extra set of keys. I call Andres back and thank him, but inform him that it won't be necessary for him to come and rescue me. I had a good talk with Liz and gave her one of my drawings that I thought she would like. Thankfully she did, so it made my day when she let me off to I get back into my car and drive home. Liz is a very spiritual person, and I love her way. I got home and Andres invited me over for some Barilla(?) , a Mexican chicken dish that was fabulous. For dessert we had some fresh Mango with cucumber, broccoli (second time today) drenched in lemon juice and salt. I have not tasted something this fresh and delicious in what seems like a very long time. Today, I feel very hopeful about the future, and the kindness of friends like Andres and Liz. The picture posted here is called "Skybird," and it is the one I gave to Liz.

St. Patty's Day Hike

My friend Don Freeland and I went for our usual jaunt up to Coyote Peak today. It has been quite awhile since we have done this hike at Bothe Park. Don's wife Pat used to hike the Ritchie Creek Trail and be able to identify a great number of the plants there. Today, Don proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he received a vast botanical education from his deceased wife. It certainly opened my eyes to a host of plants I had previously overlooked. I learned about the Trifoil plant, the Stream Orchid and the California Lilac (cera something ). The Stream Orchid was very rare according to Don. He mentioned that Bothe Park was one of the few places,that it may be found. We counted about 20 of them along the trail.It really feels good to make the time to go for these brief hikes ( all in all about 2hours total ).March is a beautiful month, with winter almost over and everything looking so green. The Vernal Equinox is in four days. Today I have a lot of hope for the future in spite of the economic downturn.

Now in honor of St.Patrick's Day, my brother posted this humorous list via email...

What it means to be Irish ( I have edited a few to my liking ).


1) You will never play professional basketball.

2) You can screen strangers better than a Nazi check point.

3) At least one of your cousins is a
fireman, cop, bar owner, funeral home owner
or holds political office. And you have at least one aunt who is a nun, or uncle
who's a priest.

4) You think you sing very well, and will sing louder to prove it.

5) You have no idea how to make a long story short!

6) There isn't a big difference between you losing your temper or killing
someone...

7) Much of your childhood meals were boiled. Instant potatoes were a mortal sin.

8) You have never hit your head on a ceiling, but you are not beyond wearing lifts in your shoes to make you look taller.

9) You spent a good portion of your childhood kneeling in prayer (Catholic guilt
forever!).

10)"Irish Spring" serves as soap, deodorant and mouthwash after being caught swearing.

11) Raisins were added to a Irish soda bread recipe when they couldn't figure out what else to do with them.

12) You will be punched for no good reason...but all in good fun mind you.

13) Some punches directed at you are from legacies of past generations.

14) Many of your sisters and/or cousins are named Mary, Catherine or Eileen..

15) Someone in your family is very generous. It is more than likely you.

16) You may not know the words, but that doesn't stop you from singing.

17) You can't wait for the other guy to stop talking before you start talking.

18) You're not nearly as funny as you think you are ... but what you lack in
talent, you make up for in frequency.

19) You are, or know someone, named Murph.

20) If you don't know Murph then you know Mac. If you don't know Murph or Mac
then you know Sully.

21) You are genetically incapable of keeping a secret.

22) You have Irish Alzheimer's... you forget everything but the grudges!

23) 'Irish Stew' is a euphemism for 'boiled leftovers.'

24) Your skin's ability to tan.... not so much.

25) At this very moment, you have at least two relatives who are not speaking to
each other (not fighting, mind you, just not speaking to each other)...

26) Childhood remedies for the common cold often included whiskey .

27) There's no leaving a family party without saying goodbye for at least 45
minutes.

GOD BLESS THE IRISH ! ! !

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY ! ! !

Keeping my chin up

Last night was cold.I went to bed around 10 PM and turned off the heat before I jumped under the cover of my down comforter. I awoke around 7:30 AM and noticed frost on the roof of the apartment next door. After taking a shower and getting dressed, I began thinking about the people that care about me and love me. It is important that I maintain my relationships with these people. I have been blessed with a host of friends, but only a handful know me as they may know their car or a house pet. I think more people "know of" me rather than know me. I am okay with this, because I too, try to respect people's privacy and personal space. Yesterday, I had put my plant, "Warren" outside for some sunshine and fresh air. I regret to tell you that I left him outside overnight in the cold. I think the frost almost killed him. I forgot to bring him back in after sunset. This situation has caused me much grief and stress. It seemed to be an apt metaphor for how my life has been going lately. I gave Warren a few eyedrops of plant vitamins and propped him up next to the window as the sun shone through.Eventually, his leaves began to straighten out, as did his long stem and bud. However, he is not out of the woods just yet. As you can see by the picture I put a neck splint on him because his head fell over . All of this has made me hopeful that I can still bring him back to life.

The electric plant

Another day spent drawing. Today I drew a picture of a plant that was given to me by a very sweet person I who happens to be one of my co-workers. She was one of only a handful of people who thought enough to send me well wishes with a plant when I was out during the month of December. The plant is really starting to grow big now. It seems to let me know when it wants to be outside and when it needs a little drink of water. I am going to try to take good care of it, because my history demonstrates otherwise. I have had a cactus die on me. This is not going to happen to Warren. There, I have given the plant a name. The drawing shows a lot of red and purple energy around it because those are the colors that seems to be around me these days.

A New Drawing

I've been off the last couple of days and the weather has been mostly cloudy. It's nice to sit at my drawing table, listen to music and create. The image attached to this blog entry is an interpretation of a Alphonse Mucha drawing that was popular during the Art Nouveau Era.It started out looking mostly like a drawing of a young girl, but as the drawing progressed it took on a more Androgynous look.I like using soft leaded color pencils to draw on a dark textured background. The results have a museum quality feel about them.

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.