Marine Mammal Sunday

Sometimes when you plan an event, you think it's going to be great, but you aren't really sure until you arrive.  On Sunday, a perfectly clear sunny day, I crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and drove into the Marin Headlands, one of my favorite places in the Bay Area.  My destination was the Marine Mammal Center, an incredible modern building, located with an incredible view, of the Pacific coming into a small cove.  

This Sunday was Marine Mammal Sunday, a special day where this hospital, dedicated to saving sick animals in the wild, healing them, and re-releasing them, opened its doors to the public to see what they do.  Everyone arrived and got to stroll the grounds, then watched a fun and brief presentation about Arctic Mammals.  that was followed by a private docent tour of the grounds.  It was wonderful to have a full group sell out and I only wished I could have included those on the wait list!

Some events here at Events and Adventures are all about excitement: Broadway plays, Trapeze classes, skydiving, for example. Others, I like this one at the Center empower us.  All of them strengthen our friendships and the E&A community.  As we left I made a suggestion that we have an event where we spend the day volunteering for the Marine Mammal Center: either helping with the mammals or perhaps cleaning up the beach to protect wildlife from plastics and other garbage.  It wasn't just the unanimous responses, of "yes!" that told me this was a good idea.  It was the excitement in our eyes, the passion in the responses and the desire to volunteer for a good cause.  Guess I have another event to plan...
Events And Adventures San Francisco

Circuit Hacking.....On My Bucket List?

There are many things still on my bucket list, and I have an interest in many things, but I never thought that circuit hacker would be one of them.  That was, until Circuit Hacking Night at Noisebridge with E&A. Noisebridge is a non-profit dedicated to creativity in all things technological and we visited on a night where we could make our own mini projects.  Alvin created a key chain sized remote control that could turn of a TV anywhere.  Kate made a special techno-pencil for her artist daughter that "sang" and changed pitch and volume based on the stroke and pressure of the pencil.  I created an LED heart and then learn to program patterns in the lights.  

Another E&Aer mentioned, before the hacking started, that he joined E&A because he was always nervous, especially around ladies.  But being in his element, his natural interest in all things tech, and the ease he had with us, he soon started chatting with another women about their projects and they were soon sharing sodering irons.  Another felt completely confused but masterfully had every expert in the room guiding her and helping her understand.  All remarked at the end that they would have never come here before but all got something out of it: one made a special gift for her daughter.  Another learned to feel comfortable with himself and ask a smart techie "nerd" out.  Happy holidays to all the "nerds" and E&Aers everywhere! Events And Adventures San Francisco

Nervous About Rock Climbing......

The first three members who arrived at Mission Cliffs for a rock climbing lesson were visibly nervous. "I've never done this before.  What if I fall?" Despite my attempts to calm them, sometimes digging, or in this case, climbing right in is the only way to assuage ones fears.  

The incredibly nice and articulate instructors that were reserved especially for the E&A group privately certainly helped. The lessons in rope, belay, and climbing may have felt long to one not participating, but with safety always the main concern, each member, could safely climb or belay their partner.  

Then they were let loose.  One group stayed on the shorter climbs, while others took to the four story high climbs.  I checked in with everyone, and most were having a great time.  Some still had some reservations, but the instructors and especially the other E&Aers just helped out and made them feel comfortable.  Two climbs later and the fear left their facees.  I asked if everyone wanted to grab some lunch but with the All-day passes that were arranged for the group, more than half wanted to stay and keep climbing!  Best of all was an e-mail I received the next morning:  Bryan, please send me pictures from the rock climbing on Sunday.  My friends and family won't believe that was me on the rocks!" Events And Adventures San Francisco

Another Awesome New Years Eve!

After months and months of planning, and hundreds of hours of work, the day finally came. New Years Eve was so successful and so much fun! With 190 members, and an evening filled with glitz, glam, dancing, and friends, it turned out as a New Year’s Eve for the record books.

The venue was stunning, with the rotunda & stained glass. The open bar was… open, for all to enjoy. The Brie Crab Mac & Cheese delicious, and DJ Rich didn’t disappoint. On top of it all, the E&A staff made it so memorable for me! Rich, Courtney, Eric, and Anum really made me feel good. They surprised me in front of the entire membership with roses, a crown, & a sash. They made it so that I could be appreciated for all the hard work I do for E&A. It was such a surprise and so sweet of them. It was wonderful hearing all the congratulations throughout the night & everyone telling me how much I deserved it. It really did make the night feel special… even if it ended with me scrubbing the floor on hands & knees in my evening gown to make sure the venue looked spotless when we left. Events And Adventures San Francisco/Santa Clara

Ugly Sweater Christmas Lights Party Bus!

It was an Ugly Sweater Christmas Lights Party Bus! We met at the Caltrain Station & hopped on a party bus. We listened to a mix of top 40 & Christmas music and danced our way (in the bus) to the Festival of Lights at Vasona Park, where we saw a light up T-Rex & so many elves you would believe you’re at the North Pole. Afterward, we headed to LGBG for some cocktails, while dancing and mingling! Robert’s lightup sweater was terribly ugly… and FANTASTIC! While George 1 & George 2 had a great time bouncing around. I had on some blinking Christmas lights & a very ugly non-sweater (Amazon, you failed me there). Anyways, it was definitely a party… Must be why they call them Party Buses. Events And Adventures Santa Clara