Wow! What A Performance!

About 6 months ago, I purchased tickets to the Broadway show Book of Mormon. For those of you who don’t know much about Broadway, this is the number one show right now. Tickets were sold out within minutes & going on Stubhub for $500-$2000! I was able to purchase tickets early and for a discounted rate! So, I bought 60! With a sold out show, and the rave reviews, I knew this was going to be a great event! We had a huge group of members there, all dressed up for the theater! We had great seats in the Mezzanine & enjoyed a wonderful show! We all were cracking up through the “Hello” song & left the theater in high spirits. Afterwards, a group of us went for a drink at a nearby pub. It was a lot of fun watching the performance and seeing a couple jaw drops from others who were surprised at how far they took some of the jokes. Overall it was a wonderful experience. My favorite part would probably have to be the number of people we ran into afterwards who commented how lucky we were to get tickets. It really made me realize what a treat to be able to bring 60 members to a show that no one else could get tickets to! Events And Adventures Santa Clara

Holy Guacamole! What a night!

The new member icebreaker was full! We reserved a big area at the Marriott Marquis bar, thinking there would be plenty of space to share, and we used all of it! It was a dark and stormy night, pouring rain, cold weather, and strong winds… and one of the largest icebreakers we have had in a while! What a good group of people to face the storm and come hang out and meet other newbies. There were over 40 people, or maybe it was over 50… Anyways, everyone was so outgoing and friendly, it was hard to do introductions! Everyone was introducing themselves before Bryan and I could even get to them. They all participated in the icebreaker & really came alive during our games. Man, what a great group of new members we have. I am definitely looking forward to seeing them all again in the future! Events And Adventures San Francisco

Cirque du Soleil "Amaluna"

It's time for a moment of truth. While I know that there are many fans and it is generally loved, I'm not a lover of Cirque.  The production values are great and the music always fun and wonderful, but it's never thrilled me. Thankfully, I was able to see it through E&A eyes last Wednesday.

I booked the great rate through Cirque months ahead of time, and was able to even get a special deal for food, drinks, and a CD soundtrack souvenir of a previous Cirque show.  What made it "over the top" for me wasn't the incredible feats of gymnastics (although the balancing act was truly elegant and exciting)  or the incredible costumes (someone please make me the lizard tail costume!) but the excitement and wonderful from the E&A peeps. Most were cold before entering the tent but the childlike anticipation in the group trumped any concerns over the weather.  

I arrived to my seat late, and enjoyed the first half, but was surprised by the uncontrollable gasps and cheers from the great people around me.  I asked Jeff about what he thought.  He turned to me, jaw still gaping in wonder, and told me that this was his first show and that he hadn't even heard of Cirque before E&A. "I never knew such things were even possible." He said.  Whether or not it was their first visit, the smiles, energy, and pep in everyone's step showed that everyone had a great time.  "How did you enjoy it?" someone asked me. "It was a great time.  Will be glad to do Cirque with you all again soon." Events And Adventures San Francisco

Another Awesome Trip To New York!

Traveling with E&A is awesome. Not only do they do all the planning work, but we get to hang out with members of the other cities. I had such a great time! For many of us it was our first time in New York City. I got to experience the city with friends not only from Dallas but also Minneapolis, San Jose and Vancouver. I met a bunch of new friends from other cities too. I love that E&A scheduled the best stuff for us. Carnegie Deli, Radio City and the Rockettes, Hop on & off bus tour, boat tour around Manhattan Island with a fabulous narrator that knew, well, everything about the city’s history. The holiday lights are awe-inspiring. We had time to do our own thing, too. We got discount tickets for Broadway shows. Spiderman Rocked! Visited the Empire State & Rockefeller buildings-WOW. Sat in the audience of my first TV show. Really cool. We ate all kinds of delicious food (think I’ll be paying for that for a while). How can you stop when it’s EVERYWHERE? Thank you so much for a great trip! I’ll remember it forever! 
Events And Adventures Travel

Special Friends Made Through Events And Adventures!

E&A has definitely been a great time in my life. I have met some really awesome friends that I am so thankful for. For Thanksgiving, I spent the weekend not working at all (which is probably a first, and really only because I didn’t have any cell service or wifi). Instead, I was tucked away in a friends cabin near Pinecrest. It was a small group of 4, but we have all become extremely close. We met through E&A and have been close friends over the last 4 years. Charles & Stacy have always been dear to me (I even preformed their wedding ceremony), and this last weekend really helped me remember the great relationships that E&A creates. The fact that we all were brought together again and spent Thanksgiving weekend in their cabin was something that you can’t do with just anyone. You have to truly like the people! We drank wine, we ate TONS, watched movies, talked, and played Cards Against Humanity. Thanksgiving was special this year because of the friends I made through E&A. Events And Adventures Santa Clara

Goodwill Toward Men And Bottomless Mimosas

There are many words I'd use to describe brunch (tasty, slow, hangover cure), but until a weekend ago, connected, trusting, and meaningful weren't among them.   

It all started like any other: perfect local French bistro, a diverse and fun group of ladies (and me), lots of coffee and bottomless mimosas, and entertaining conversation about favorite books, good movies, plans for the holidays. You know, typical stuff.  So the sharing continued: pet owners, volunteering, children,  and then, perhaps a bit more unusual, a member shared her love for boxing.  Not watching, actual study and participation in the sport.  She brought up an observation about how men and women act differently to each other in the ring and how they behave afterwards.  

Then in a wonderful way it got personal.  The different stories, the passion for their work, or maybe we just had a place and moment where we felt comfortable and more difficult questions were shared."How do you know to trust someone out on the street when your heart wants to help but your mind knows it's probably not a good idea?" "How do we keep the experience of sharing/caring when it's necessary to protect ourselves as well." "Sometimes a simple smile to someone on BART can make a world of difference in a better way." We all nodded and sighed a little. We all felt a bit more calm, confident, and ready for the day. Goodwill toward men and bottomless mimosas. Perfect. Events And Adventures San Francisco

It's Holiday Beer Fest Time!

We were kids in a holiday candy store.  Well, beer store that is.  All of us at E&A had a great time at the Holiday Beer Fest, but I never thought it would be a team effort.  It started with me saying I wanted to try a beer from every maker (there were over 50 local, national, and international, brewers at the event). Despite comments that it couldn't happen, I soon realized why they were saying it: the makers were pouring full glasses of their beverage and everyone just assumed they had to drink it all.  I shared my "rule:" small sips, try it a second time if you like it, pour the rest out.  Only when you have a favorite do you drink the entire cupful. "What? We can pour it out?" were their replies.  Of course, it is even encouraged. Soon we were working the space like a swarm of eager bees. "I'll try the IPA while you get the Porter. Don't bother with the brown ale over there, but the pinot barrel aged stout, is incredible." Now we all got to experience many more tastes, styles, and didn't have to be afraid to try something new.

The laughs, fun, and teamwork continued through the night.  After a quick picture with the Beer Santa, It was almost immediate when everyone felt tired and ready to leave. Now, it was sharing cab rides home, walking each other to the bus stops, and keeping a close eye on each other.  We all left with an expanded beer palette, smiles from the memories, and closer and better friends.  Events And Adventures San Francisco 

Painting & Pinot!

I have never been an artist… but our Painting & Pinot event allowed me to feel like one! It was a beautiful evening with E&A members. I set up a delicious cheese platter with brie, goat cheese, soft swiss, charcuterie, chocolates, fruit, and had some yummy wines and bubbly fruit juices. Wine & Canvas came and taught the painting “September Rain”. We followed Carmens instructions and had a wonderful time chatting, listening to music, and painting the night away. At the end of it all, it was surprising to see how many great paintings everyone had created. There literally was no bad ones! What a fun way to spend a Wednesday! Events And Adventures Santa Clara

Only An 8 Mile Round Trip......

I assumed I wouldn't feel anything. I mean, there were no hills, no climbing, nothing at all that should cause worry.  Fine, it was an 8-mile round trip, but I've walked more in a day holiday shopping. Walking (or hiking) the newly completed East Bay Bridge this morning turned out to be a marathon event in many aspects.  First, there was already a group of 25 or so at the start time ready to embark. Another 10 or so arrived soon after and the huge group made our way under the Oakland maze and next to newly planted landscaping. I kept running back and forth from the front to end of the lines just to catch up with everyone.  Actually, it was more difficult to just keep going as the picture opportunities didn't stop. If you weren't focused on the beautiful modern structure holding the bridge, then you could see a new perspective of San Francisco.

Add to it the old bridge which is still standing and you have interesting views of new and old. It was a perfect day: clear and sunny but with enough fall breeze that it wasn't too hot either (Why didn't I remember sunscreen?).
We made our way back and ran into more E&Aers who decided to come late and do the walk as well.  They knew they would run into us and it was great motivation to keep going as we got a big hug and smiles from them.  Then, it finally happened.  Was it my quads or my knees that started screaming first? We were almost off the bridge, why now?  All of a sudden, lunch seemed like a great idea.  Forget lunch, anyplace to sit was a great idea.  With plenty of conversation for distraction we made our way back to Bay Street in Emeryville for a nice lunch.  I kept calling them with reservation updates as many weren't certain if they were going to stay.  I was more than pleased (and not surprised at all) that a huge group all joined me.
Events And Adventures San Francisco

Great Holiday Traditions!

Tamale making is a tradition in Mexican culture. During the holiday season, large groups of families and friends get together to mix the masa, wrap the tamales with their favorite fillings, and then steam them… All the while sharing the work, food, and laughs. What a great tradition.

This year I decided to bring that tradition to my E&A family. We got together on Sunday and made over 100 tamales! Lisa opened her home while we cooked, ate tons of delicious foods, and spend the day laughing and enjoying eachothers company. It was so much fun watching George attempt at mixing the masa, having TJ teach the group how to spread the masa on the corn husks, and sharing our hard earned tamales. Everyone was able to bring home a tub to eat & share with family and friends over the holidays.
I love traditions! Events And Adventures Santa Clara

Happy Veterans Day and So Many Awesome Events!

Happy Veterans Day and Thank You to the Men and Women that have served and continue to serve our country! 

I am so ready for another week of Awesome Events! There's Trivia Night, Night Roller Rink, Midweek Mingle, Billiards, SF Bulls vs Idaho, Hiking, Dancing and 49ers vs Saints Free BBQ in San Francisco and Trivia Night, Volleyball, Painting & Pinot, Dog Walk, Scuba Certification Course, The Ballet, Saturday Afternoon Happy Hour, Jazz Under the Stars and Hiking in Santa Clara!Signing up now for my favorites...woohoo!

Events And Adventures San Francisco

More & More New Members!

 The new members icebreaker was a blast. It was great meeting so many new people! We learned lots about each other by throwing the ice breaker ball around… Everyone found out about George’s giant family, 12 brothers & sisters! Great tips were given to all the newbies from our amazing host Robert. And afterwards we all went bowling and hung out with members old & new. It was a fun night had by all!  

Events And Adventures Santa Clara

Very Cool Movie Theater!

Walking with the manager of the Oakland Parkway last Wednesday into the black box theater turned movie house, I looked for the best places to reserve for our E&A group.  Plenty of clean dining room tables and some chairs underneath the balcony.  Balcony?  What's up there?  Wow.  Couches.  All kinds of couches and cushioned chairs each with perfect views of the screen.  That's it.  Back downstairs to meet the others.  

The Oakland Parkway is more than just a movie house.  In addition to the variety of films including two documentaries, a Hollywood blockbuster, and a foreign film, they have a full kitchen , weekly specials, beers on tap, and they serve it to you at the above mentioned couches.  Feeling adventurous?  Go for the secret dish, which is different with every order.  Alvin got roasted chicken with wild rice and veggies while Catherine got a turkey melt.  Another person got a bucket of fries with cheddar cheese and bacon.  

I sat down to the movie with my salad and then popcorn, and I realized that I'm not sure I cared what movie was about to start.  No one next to me on the couch?  Thank you, I will put my feet up. Just like home, but better: bigger screen, and all my E&A friends watching and chatting with me. Events And Adventures San Francisco

Wine Tasting!

I really never get nervous anymore.  Nowhere, playing music, in front of new people, first dates. Never. Then I had my first E&A wine tasting event. Within moments of entering the lovely home of member Matt Voss, I learn that he is the owner of Jamber, an excellent and cool wine bar in SF! (Really, check out his great place or look at the events in future months to be at his restaurant). Why did I pick Zinfandel to start the wine series!?

Then all the fun people started to arrive and I soon forgot to be nervous and jumped right in the great night.  I had wine sheets prepared with information to help articulate what each person thought of the wine, and kept the evening in a place where everyone could just enjoy (or not enjoy in the case of a few) the wine and food.  

The first wine was divided down the middle.  Some really hated it and some liked it. I was not surprised the way everyone could discuss and know what they were tasting.  We tasted all of the wines "blind," meaning we did not know the label nor the price, nor even what area of California it came from. I told them only that they were all likely Zinfandel. I added a special bottle from my own collection, but before doing that, when everyone was involved in the discussion, I poured a little of #1 back in their glasses. All of sudden, we had a huge change in the perception of the wine. "This is elegant!" "Delicious!" "This one is more complex." I waited and waited until I couldn't resist anymore and told them it was the exact same wine, from the same bottle that I poured first. Lesson learned, always, and I mean always, taste the wine you tasted first. You will always perceive it differently.  Eventually we got to the end and I revealed the wines. Surprises were everywhere.  One of the most expensive, from Napa Valley was the least favorite, while the cheapest, was considered decent before the reveal. My special bottle was the favorite of a few (including  my unbiased opinion). Amid much laughter , new discoveries about what we like and dislike, and plenty of food, we all agreed that this event needs to happen again. Nervous? Who's nervous?
Events And Adventures San Francisco

Getting Lost In A Corn Maze!

Getting lost never seems like a good idea. Unless, of course, it’s in a corn maze. The fun part though is getting lost with 30 other people! What a fun night that was! Our group headed in to the maze with the expectation of taking about 1.5 hours to finish it… Apparently though, we are rockstars because we finished it within 45 minutes! Following the clues, our group didn’t make one wrong turn! (Ok, we might have and just didn’t notice it) But really we had a great time running through the corn and following clues. When we reached the end, we were having such a good time that we decided to turn around and find how far back we could go! Our group re-entered the maze and went all the way back until we couldn’t go back any further. What a fun Halloween treat! Events And Adventures San Francisco

Another Great Halloween Party!

I knew it was going to be a great party when the passersby started coming in to look at the decorations.  Mind you, this wasn't at the start of the party but in broad daylight, before we were even ready.  It was mostly adults, but sometimes kids who recognized the special tree doors from "The Nightmare Before Christmas."
"Wow!  Those look great!" was followed by "What's going on here tonight?"  There was more than one person who wanted to come to the party and then, I think, wished they were in E&A so they could be part of the party.  

With the exception of a few devout fans of the film and the two hosts who dressed as Sally and Jack, most didn't dress up with the theme.  It didn't matter much though as there were mobsters, raver vikings, a Double Dare group (complete with dare "tasks" for the party), and group favorites, the "Bounty Hunters" from the tv show and an almost perfect likeness of Peggy Bundy from "Married with Children."

There was great food, great drinks (with fun, friendly bartenders), and the DJ played everything from "Monster Mash" to house mixes of popular tunes.  I don't think the dance floor was ever empty.  1:00 arrived and although it was difficult to get people to leave, some special things happened.  Part of what makes E&A so great is that the members felt some ownership and special part of this fun party, and they responded in kind by lending a hand by helping clean and take down decorations.  We left exhausted and with smiles on our faces.  Well, everyone except the bar owner who begged us to keep our decorations up through Halloween.

 Events And Adventures San Francisco

Donation Bowling for Loaves & Fishes!

We did it! I have been working with Loaves & Fishes to have a food drive and we successfully helped fill their cabinets for the holidays! Donation Bowling was great. We had everyone bring something to donate for a discounted bowling rate. We filled two giant containers & had a good time doing it! Berret & David worked hard to teach me how to curve my ball when bowling  (I am a terrible bowler) and I successfully started getting the hang of it! About halfway through, Cupid Shuffle came on… This was the best part of the evening. Our entire group got up & danced in the lanes! Even those who didn’t know the dance learned it to participate! What a sight we must have been to the other bowlers. HA! It was such a fun night.

Events And Adventures Santa Clara

Mini Golf Fun!

I didn't expect I would be laughing so much and fearing of being hit by a small ball at the same time.  I mean it was mini golf after all.  What could possibly cause such reactions?  It wasn't the different holes that recreated iconic Bay Area sights, from Lombard Street to the Winchester Mystery House, nor even the fact that many holes needed a bit retouching so that it didn't take 500 strokes to get past the tee off marker.  It was the fun and interesting group of E&Aers that made it so fun !  Ken the expert golfer could be counted on to make a hole-in-one while I think we all ran for cover whenever it was Catherine's turn to putt.  Best of all, no matter how many strokes it took to complete the crossing the Golden Gate or the skateboard park, there was much laughter and smiles all around.  If I had even the slightest worry about playing mini golf, it was replaced with smiles and fun by the 2nd hole.

Events And Adventures San Francisco

Getting Lost...A Good Thing?

I didn't realize that getting lost was the best thing that could have happened.  The beautiful hike in Sunol was carefully planned and the route clear to me.  I was ready to give our members a fun new workout; a steeper and more challenging hike than the last few, but not impossible either.  Then, about 15 minutes of the hike walking the bridge over the rolling river and enjoying the shade, I had to make a choice.  The trail markers were no help at all and the wide path here looked like a tractor could ride on it.  I went left and soon I realize that my intermediate, challenging hike was turning into an easy stroll.  I let it go and made a quick plan, head to the river and then back around the hill.  Not only did we discover some of the most peaceful and beautiful places in the park, but, after carefully avoiding the cows grazing and protecting their calves, we made a fast march up the mountain to get a better view.  Once back, I knew I made the "right" choice when everyone smiled and said that the hike was the perfect exercise; challenging, but not impossible.  I think I'll make the wrong turn more often.

 Bryan Event Manager San Francisco

Events and Adventures San Francisco

Being "Stealthy" Playing Laser Tag!

Laser Tag is one of my favorite events. Running around in the dark arena, trying to be “stealthy”. It can be so much fun! It’s funny because every time I play, I think I am a ninja… and then I see my score…. And I’m not as good as I thought I was. E&A went to a new laser tag location last week & it was a blast. Angela & I teamed up to cover each other’s backs while we tried to protect our home base. I feel I may have let her down though, I got caught up in a laser war with Nadia & totally forgot to protect Angela! We lost that game but got another chance!

The highlight of the evening for me was the laser maze! This was really where I felt like James Bond. It’s a room full of lasers that you have to navigate without touching any of them. I was nervous because I got so into mood! I seriously felt that if I touched the laser it would be the end of me! Ritu busted out her yoga skills and rocked it! She put the level on extreme & finished quickly and only touched 1 laser. Then new member Berret (it was his first event) came & bunny hopped over the most difficult part! He did it without touching any laser & getting through it the fastest! What a rockstar! It was one seriously good night!
Julie Event Manager Santa Clara

Events and Adventures San Jose

An E&A Wedding!

Saturday was the day! The wedding of Jen & MJ; MJ or MJen, as they like to put it. I had such a good time surrounded by E&A’ers! It was festive and beautiful! I loved listening Kate’s maid of honor speech using the lessons you learn in E&A (specifically how trampoline dodgeball relates to a happy marriage). As expected, all the E&A’ers shut down the party. The last dance, we all surrounded MJen and danced together. It was so much fun! After, we headed to Bennigans to continue the party and to bring back memories of many after events there. Such a great evening filled with friends and festivities and the love between MJ & Jen shined bright for everyone to share!

Events and Adventures Santa Clara

Working on the Holidays!

Yes, it’s only October… But for an E&A Event Coordinator it’s the holidays! This time of year is so much fun! The plans are made for Halloween & New Years eve, and now it’s planning all the in-between. This is my favorite time of year when all the E&A people get together to celebrate! It’s such an awesome experience to realize that even if you don’t normally have tons of holiday plans, you will once you’re in this group! We are going to a corn maze, and a haunted house, then volunteering & having a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. We are even planning a white elephant party & cookie swap! It’s time to get festive!
Julie.....Event Manager Santa Clara

Events and Adventures San Francisco

Tib Loop Bike Ride!

It was my first bike ride with the EandA crew and I didn't know what to expect. Would this ride be too easy for the group?  Too difficult?  I gave them the option of taking the traditional route which means a 2 mile uphill climb on El Camino Real near the start of the ride.  Not a single person looked worried.  In fact, everyone was excited.  Everybody mastered the hill, even the brave soul who took her mountain bike.  After some water, deep breaths, and a little stretching at the top we sped down the winding decent.  Then it was off to Tiburon (thus the name Tib loop) and incredible views of the bay and San Francisco.  My worry melted into smiles and pride as the excellent riders came up to me and said, "This could be the most beautiful ride I have ever taken."  Now I can't wait to do the next ride.

Bryan Event Manager San Francisco

Events and Adventures San Francisco