Find your Passion

I am thrilled that CareerApple has invited me to present two online courses entitled Crafting a Killer Elevator Pitch and Networking 101. CareerApple is a website dedicated to help people discover their passion and these courses are an expression of my passion and experience with Branding and Marketing. I invite you to attend these webinars so I can hopefully bring you one step closer to finding your career passion!

Below is info from the CareerApple launch email from its founder, Sunita Sayana:

Do you wish you were doing work that you loved? Are you going through a career transition and want to explore new options but don’t know where to start? Hi, I’m Sunita Sayana and I am the founder of CareerApple. CareerApple is focused on helping people find passion in their career. Our services can help sharpen your skill set, pave the way for a promotion or provide you with the resources to take your career in an entirely new direction. We can guide you toward your ideal career.

Having gone through this journey myself, I have found that the path to finding the right job can be a long and arduous one. The right job inspires you to get up in the morning. When you are doing what you love, it never feels like work. But take it from my experience and the experience of the hundreds of people whom we have interviewed who have all found their career passion: Finding the right job for you and doing work you love IS possible.

Where do I start? The process of reviewing all your options and discovering your new career path can be overwhelming. Our goal is to bring focus to and simplify the process.

Step 1: Discover what you want to do. Take CareerApple’s flagship course on career discovery. This is a one-of-a-kind course that uncovers the core of who you are, what you are passionate about, and which career options will best utilize your skills and talents.

Step 2: Get inspired and informed by people who have done what you want to do! We have met hundreds of people who have found work that absolutely inspires them. Visit CareerApple online to see the profiles of people who have discovered how finding the right job can lead to both fulfillment and success.

Step 3: Take action on your new goal. Finally, regardless of whether you are interested in expanding your professional options or going down an entirely new career path, CareerApple offers the tools and expertise to help you get there.

Thinking about a career in Cleantech? Take our Cleantech course to get a complete understanding of the space, the market forces impacting the industry, the technology, the economics, the key stakeholders and opportunities within the space.

Want to enhance your personal brand? Take our personal branding course along with our course on creating a killer elevator pitch. Meet with one of our career coaches to work out an action plan.

Learn how to leverage the internet to find your next role by taking our course on using social media to network. Whether you are exploring career options or ready to make a change, CareerApple is committed to helping you find a job you can be passionate about. Now, we need to hear from you! Go to Careerapple.com – tell us what you think of our site and what resources you would like to see in the future.

Dave and Maya

Last night, my husband and I, tired of the the exploits of political idiots on The Daily Show (most days it's funny, but some days I find the stupidity and hypocrisy downright depressing) caught Sundance Channel's Iconoclasts. This smart show pairs up two unlikely figures and let's them just talk, debate and get to know each other. Pairings have included people like Ashley Judd + Madeline Albright; skater Tony Hawk + director/actor Jon Favreau; activist Desmond Tutu + entrepreneur Richard Branson.

We watched as comedian Dave Chapelle met with poet, activist, and general inspiration Dr. Maya Angelou. What a pairing! It was a poignant meeting of a wise older soul passing life lessons onto a 30-something man who has been through a lot but is still on his journey. As some of you may know, Dave walked away from his hit TV show and $50 million dollar contract at Comedy Central a few years ago just to get away from it all and save his soul. Maya seemed to understand this act, while many others have not.


You could see in Dave's eyes he wanted to just soak up as much knowledge and insight from this woman as was humanly possible. And she was eager to share, teach, praise and comfort. It was just awe-inspiring to watch so much love pass between two souls right in front of your eyes.


I am a huge lover of independent film and adore many of the selections on the Sundance Channel. Having attended the Sundance Film Festival 5 years in a row (2009 was the first year I'd missed it in a while), I love the energy of storytelling and community that permeates Park City for 10 days out of the year. But I often have a hard time with some indie film that is avant-garde for the sake of being avant-garde, rather than in pursuit of the story. Sometimes shocking is just shocking and it doesn't work. I will never forget an interview I saw back when Melanie Griffith was promoting the film Working Girl in 1988 (not that I would ever confuse that film with an arthouse classic, but bear with me on this point...). She was justifying a scene where she is vacumming the house topless because she's in a rush as "central to the story and what my character would do" or something like that. Seriously? That was pivotal to the entire plotline to have you vacuum topless and was not just a shameless attempt to sex up a late 80's film? I love non-cerebral entertainment just as much as the next guy, but let's call a spade and spade, shall we?


But I digress. Often Sundance Channel carries over some of the best films from the festival, ones that never got full distribution in the light of day. And original, smart, compelling, and eye-opening series like Iconoclasts actually help me regain some of my brain cells back from shows like I wrote about last time. True, honest, insightful storytelling is why I love film so much and showcases its potential to change minds, hearts and the world.

Hate, Inc.

What's with all the shows about people being so horrible to each other?

I am overwhelmed by all the TV series showing women being nasty and fake, men being boorish and rude and generally just celebrating conflict of all kinds. Can't we all just get along, people?

While many people are all about the escapism and drama of reality TV, I've gotta say I think the end of civilization as we know it is finally upon us. Before you judge me, hear me out.

Reality TV can be really fun. I enjoyed the first season of Survivor, before people figured out how it worked and used it to launch their own acting/modeling careers. I even loved The Mole, which used to show people figuring out different challenges in romantic locations like small villages in Italy. It was actually a game of wits, and I dig that. I also love Top Chef and Project Runway because, even though these shows can get a little "meow" at time, they require real skill and talent in order to win. Everyone loves a good competition. And I admit, I really like Millionaire Matchmaker becaue she's so ballsy and speaks her mind without hurting anyone. I've also heard great things about Amazing Race.

But when did shows like The Real Houswives become acceptable? They don't even DO anything. I don't even watch any of the show's incarnations (Orange County, New York, New Jersey) but just from the ads on Bravo, my skin starts crawling. Wealthy women getting upset about not getting invited to a dinner party, or being catty about another "friend" behind her back but sweet as pie to her face. Every teaser ad seems to show some sort of immature remark, backstabbing comment, or whining debutante. I'm really sorry you are pissed that she didn't invite you to her dinner party. But can't you put this much energy into doing something about global warming or animal abuse? Geez....

I seriously just think that entire franchise is disgusting. I won't even eatch it because I don't want to contribute one ratings point to this behavior. I struggle enough with my own inner demons and childish behavior - do I really need to encourage yours? What does this say about us as a culture? Fans tell me, "I love that show! It's like my release to watch all their antics!" And I get that. But it's just people being horrible to other people - and we make these people celebrities as a result. People who are so egocentric, they don't do anything but let cameras follow them around as they whine about whose husband got their wife a bigger diamond for Christmas.

I have to admit I melted some brain cells yesterday: I actually watched 15 minutes of Prais Hilton BFF over lunch. I admit it. I was curious. The entire 15 minutes consisted of these pathetic people vying to become best friends with a woman they don't even know (and when someone figures out what she's famous for, other than being brilliant business woman who has snowed us all into thinking she is a celebrity - which I do kind of admire in a warped way - just give me a call). There was a bachelor party and one young woman obliged the groom-to-be's request for a kiss (and not a peck). Apparently, this gal is the goody-goody in the group so it was not like her at all. The next day, she was forced to confront Paris and the other contestants (who Paris had ordered to "look at her shamefully when she comes out.") as well as the groom -to-be and his fiance. It was horrible. And as fake as Pam Anderson's breasts. The groom actor pretended to be all upset; the bride actress pretended she would call off the wedding and said, "We need to talk." And the poor girl who was goaded into all of this fake drama in the pursuit of being someone's "friend" apologized profusely and looked like she was about to cry.

These are the role models my nieces have to look forward to? They are 3 and 1 years old. God help us. After I saw that show yesterday, I needed a shower. I think we're seriously 2 steps away from Running Man.

I'm not a prude and I'm as pop culture junkie as the next person (probably more so), but this has got to stop. It's not like we have to be highbrow all the time, but seriously. We are influencing a generation of people who want to be known for how awful they are to each other, rather than one working to make this world a little bit better. And God knows, we need some help in that department right now. And I don't even have kids!

I have this awful feeling that when civilized society does implode, people will just stare at each other, dumbfounded, wondering what the hell happened. I'll give you three guesses, my friend.

La Dolce Vita Lives Up to Its Name

My hubbie and I decided to be a bit adventurous Saturday night. Craving Italian food (maybe it's all the research I'm doing for my new book proposal) we decided to try a new place. We were both in the mood for more traditional Italian cooking, not nouveau/gourmet nonsense. Don't get me wrong, that has its place but I was looking for comfort food and a nice solid glass of wine.

Booking through Open Table (we love getting the points), we came across La Dolce Vita in Lower Queen Anne. There were some lovely reviews and the menu looked right on - lots of pastas, bruschetta, even this amazing pinwheel pork loin stuffed with ricotta and served with green beans and a root beer and stoned ground mustard reduction. Yummers.

Che bella! This place is a true gem. The owner, Chris, waited on us, as it was a slow night. They are a little off the beaten path but so close to Queen Anne Ave, it's ridiculous. The decor is classic Italian bistro, with burgundy banquette seats accented by a simple floral fabric pattern, tasteful Italian landscape art on the walls and just a few faux collonades that stop way short of being cheesy. Chris was friendly, amusing and attentive. We opted for the bruschetta sampler - one of them had roasted garlic galore (My husband made me try some, too, so I couldn't refuse to kiss him for 3 days) - and the Insalta Girasole: mixed greens salad with sunflower seed vinaigrette. Simple. Lovely.

Our mains were tortellini alla'amatriciana and pappardelle alla bolognese. All I can say is "WOW!" This dished were made with love. I'm a huge fan of the pancetta and onion marinara that is Amatriciana, but had never had it with anything but bucatini before. It was lovely with the fluffy, fresh tri-colored tortellini. And Paul's pappardelle was some of the freshest pasta I've ever had, ful of meaty ragu goodness with a little bit of a kick.. I always think it's a good sign when I can see the olive oil residue in the plate after I've had a sauce dish, as it reminds me of my mother's sauce. We cleaned our plates. We both agreed we hadn't had Italian this good since Incanto in SF.

For dessert, we ordered the Dulce de la Torat di Leche: Shortcake soaked in spiced sweet milk, sweet macarpone, raspberries, caramel, and nuts. It was rich, sweet and delicious.

Wines were a Barbera for me (which Chris let me taste first, always a classy move) and a Montepulciano for Paul. I thought the Barbera might be too complex for me, but with my heavy meal, it was perfect.

It was one of those adventurous evenings that works out just perfectly. This is our new neighborhood gem and we're definitelu going back!

Italian Shoes

Intriguing new book I found by Adriana Trigiani - a fictional tale of an Italian-American woman and her family's shoemaking company. Maybe proof that there really is a market for my humorous essay memoir called Chick Lit-italiano?! Shout out to Elisabeth for that moniker.

A Tale of Two Sauces

Well, a publisher has decided they would like to learn more about my closet memoir in the making, A Tale of Two Sauces: An Italian American Gal's Quest to Get it Right. Finally, those hilarious childhood anecdotes might see the light of day. I've pitched this as a tamer Sex and the City meets My Big Fat Greek Wedding - with less sex and more sass. My family, after all WILL be reading this. Mostly it's about my growing up sandwiched between Old World Italian values and new world urban "career girl" realities. It will be a book of humorous and poignant essays about growing up Italian in a post-feminist, modern America and how I finally came to peace reconciling this storied past heritage with the woman I am today.

I'm still working on the proposal but wish me luck, as I'm sending it to the piblisher next week if all goes according to plan! Would love to be able to honor my family and heritage in this way. Stay tuned....I'm hoping to chronicle the writing adventures here as I go.

5 Things I Learn from my Dog

Yes, I've become THAT person: a dog owner. I live for little Eddie, who we adopted from the shelter on a rainy January day in 2008. We had wanted a dog for so long (another part of the rationale to move to Seattle and afford more room than SF) and wished for a dream dog of a Lab, but on the smaller side. And, lo and behold, that day at the shelter we were shown a shy, skittish Black lab mix, about a year old and only 35 lbs., fully grown. I think we conjured him into being.

Since I work from home, I walk him every morning after breakfast and before my shower. I love having this little luxury in my life. And now I can actually relate to women who struggle with going back to work and leaving their baby at home. Yes, I know - he's a dog. But he's our baby. Of course, we don't overspoil him, as we're huge disciples of The Dog Whisperer so we practice "exercise, discipline, then affection" in that all-important order. Eexcept for one guilty excess: we let him curl up on the couch (only on his blanket, naturally). He's just so damn cute, I can't resist.

My walks with him have taken on new meaning after my hospital stay last year. When I first got home from my hemmorraghed brain aneurysm episiode, I was weak, frail and had major vision issues. So for me, the goal was "to be able to walk Eddie again on my own." And I reached that goal. No "I want to visit the Pyramids" or "I have to see the world" near-death comeback goals for me. The whole ordeal actually made me want to get back to the simple pleasures of life and walking the dog by the lovely little canal near our house was one of them.

As I walk Eddie, I realize how much he has taught me on these little 30 minute soul-satisying getaways. Lessons I apparently needed to learn after my high-stress, high blood pressure, non-stop, overcommitted, active lifestyle put me in the hospital in the first place:

1) Live in the moment: Dogs are all about this. They can't remember one minute from the next. When I'm walking and a thousand to-do items are swirling through my head as I charge onward, Eddie will stop short and pull me back to the present to stop and sniff a flower or a shrub. Doesn't matter if we've passed it a million times; he finds something new in it. It's a good reminder to just be in the moment and enjoy the precious 30 minutes outside with him, look around, get out of my head, breathe, and RELAX.

2) There can be beauty in crap - just depends on your perspective: As we trot through the college campus right by my house, cherry blossoms blooming, the spring air thawing winter's chill, I'm assaulted with the smells of newly laid manure in the plantbeds and lawns. It's nasty. Eddie, however, acts like a tween girl at a Miley Cyrus concert. He leaps up and down, tries to romp through the grass (as far as his leash will go) and pretty much goes nuts. To him, it's like catnip (dognip?). So I realize one man's trash is another dog's treasure, so to speak. And it reminds me that from this foul stench, bright green grass, gorgeous tiulips, azaleas, and daffodils are blooming nicely for us to enjoy.

3) Forgive and forget: When we come home and Eddie does not come bounding down the stairs to greet us, we know he's been up to something. So we trudge upstairs to see what horror awaits. Usually it's that he's dug something from the recycling bag and torn it to shreds. He cowers before we've even said anything (which my husband recently said kind of made him respect the little guy). So we do the "Bad Dog!" routine and Time Out. And after 15 minutes, he's back licking our hands or sitting in front of us expectantly, tail wagging. All is forgotten. So we must forget as well. I've never been good at quickly overcoming things when someone hurts or disappoints me, but he makes me realize that you have to move on if you love each other.

4) Find joy in the simple things: Taking Eddie to the dog park and letting him run free, chasing the ball, greeting other dogs gives me more pleasure than I ever would have thought possible. I love that he can run around, off leash, and get his exercise. He's so joyful, it's unreal. Doesn't matter how many times we throw that ball: his ears perk up, his tail wags excessively, you hear the "pant, pant" of his tongue, and he eagerly awaits the ball throw. I can't remember the last time I felt as much joy about something so simple. And then I think: in this moment, my joy comes from watching his joy. Even when he is just laying on the coach, you can look at him. He'll stare back, not moving, and then just his tail will start going like crazy. All because you are just paying attention to him and he loves that. Or while on the coach, he flips over on his back, splaying his legs and all his parts to the world and just lays there, paws in mid-air. And he'll just look at you, upside down, with an expression of, "What?" on his face. This makes me laugh each and every time. Never gets old. Talk about a recession-proof pleasure.

5) Put someone else first: I've never really had to take care of anyone else in my life. I'm the youngest in my family. Yes, I babysat as a kid and have neices and nephews, but it's not the same. We don't know if we will have kids someday, so for us, Eddie is new territory. We have to plan now. That word was never really in our vocab before. We have to make sure he gets walked and fed, and we have to make arrangements when we go out of town (thanks Guy and Barb!). Sometimes, we'll be out in the evening, and we actually feel bad about leaving him alone so we try to get home quickly. With my health issues, we have been on one income and I have sacrificed some little pleasures for myself to make sure Eddie's still gets his high quality food, treats or a new toy. Where I used to spend that pointless money on myself, now I spend it on him - all because I see how much joy he gets from things (see #4). Maybe it's all in my head, but I don't care. It feels good to do something that makes your dog happy - even if he won't remember it in 5 minutes.

Having a dog is wonderful - and really helped in my recovery over these last few months. I don't so much mind becoming "that" person. So much so, that I've fawned recently over a SF photographer I am hoping to work with, Ann Hamilton. Check out her dog portraits on her blog. This gal is good and captures the spirit of these furry little ones perfectly

Encouraging Women and Making Our Daughters Strong

Man or woman, please sign the petition to get the new bill on creating a Commission for Women passed. The last commission on women was during JFK's term, but would be great to get it going again. I'm not necessarily a radical feminist, but the commission would cover areas such as education/training, domestic violence prevention, pay equality, and encouraging more women to participate in government and corporate leadership positions. This is good for ALL of us, not just women.

View the entire text of the bill here.

Nell Merlino, CEO of Count Me In and general rabble rouser and activist (she coordinated the first Take Our Daughters to Work Day) just wrote an inspiring book called "Stepping Out Of Line: Lessons for Women Who Want it Their Way In Life, In Love and At Work." She's a friend of a friend and I went to her Seattle book signing - just finished the book. It's fabulous. The one thing that stuck with me was that women today - right now - need to be an example to our daughters, nieces and students. We can't just hope "things are better for them" or live quiet, unhappy lives and hope they go on to live their passions. Girls do what we do, say what we say.

After reading her book, I saw this clearly in terms of my own niece, Angelina. She's 3, but I want her to know she can do anything. But to get that message across, I have to live that same life as an example - not just talk the talk. Many moms, aunts, and grandmothers out there really want their daughters to "have it all" but don't go after it themselves. That is a tragedy. Of the genders, females tend to mimic more than males (Merlino references a study in her book about how female babies can mimic adult faces 400 times more than male babies). So we women, here, today, now need to be that example for them.

And women who stay in abusive realtionships but want their daughters to escape that life need to get out of the relationship - they can't just TELL their daughter to not fall into the same trap. They need to live the example. I saw this time and again when volunteering at a domestic violence shelter. We need more education, training, and role models for girls to realize there are other options out there - and to show them what healthy, successful, loving relationships should look like.

Again, I have never been a radical feminist. I believe women should have a choice if they want to work or stay home. Motherhood is just as noble and valued as any other profession - if not more so. I grew up that way and had a fantastic childhood that I treasure. What I am saying is that women can't teach their daughters to go after their dreams if they themselves don't go after them. So ladies, make sure you are living your life deliberately and with purpose and passion to show our girls what is possible.

Let's get this women's commission bill passed!

"House" Shocker

OK. talk about good TV. Last night's House (FYI: Spoiler alert) focused on the sudden and unexplained suicide of Dr. Kutner, played by Kal Penn. Read info here and on my friend Kate's Buzz Suger report. And if you want to be even more creeped out, check out Fox's memorial page. I know live people who have died and not gotten this much recognition.

The whole experiment is interesting on so many levels:

1) Kal Penn is leaving the show to go work for Obama as Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison.

2) The suicide happened in the first 5 minutes of the show and did not do any sort of melodramatic lead in or come up with some canned explanation - nice. Suicide in real life is never that simple. Also the fact that this was how they got rid of the character was an interesting choice and helped move the story and the development of House's character along.

3) The internet marketing component and buzz is so intriguing. See memorial page and links above, as well as, hey, yours truly is blogging about it! They are treating this like the death of a real person, a friend. The blogosphere is hopping with this story today.

Will be intriguing to see how things pan out. I used to hate this show, but once I started watching, I was hooked. I hate House's character but then that is kind of the point. You tune in to see if he will finally be redeemed or make a change - and he never does. But I will say that I enjoyed Kal Penn on the show so much and am really sad to see him go. He brought a certain levity to the cast that they will either need to make up for or replace. Time will tell.

Oscar Glam

Did you catch the 81st Annual Academy Awards the other night? I saw most of it - I still can't tell which awards shows are time delayed on the West Coast and which are not. This one did indeed start at 5 or so, Pacific Time so it was live. And I liked it a bit more than the Golden Globes.

My gal pal Melanie has already dissected the fashion on her blog, so won't go too much into that. She puts me to shame with her designer knowledge, so my remarks will be more general and random (as always)

• I was apprehensive about Hugh Jackman as host. He's easy on the eyes and a talented actor (and from what I hear from a director who worked with him, as nice as can be) but I was like WTF?! No comedian this year? Where is Jon Stewart? As my husband says, Stewart as host was the only thing that made the show watchable (for him). But I was impressed with Jackman. He was polished, expedient and, yes, easy on the eyes. And I have to admit, I loved the miusical number he did with Beyonce. One, because I think I'm a but of a sucker for musicals in general and two, I just love anything with Beyonce.
• The format and staging was very interesting. Firstly, they pushed the front row closer to the stage (or the stage closer to the front row); in either case, it made for a more intimate setting (notwithstanding that theatre-in-the-round thing a few years ago), which I believe helped keep things running on time - maybe they got to see the audience getting fidgety a bit better than before. I also enjoyed the way they handed out the awards, sort of in the order of a film project: pre-production awards first, then production, then post production. And they explained the categories very well this year, for those who might not know what "art direction" really is.
• I adored the presentation of the Best Actor and Best Actress awards by 5 past winners, read: legends. What a thrill it would be to receive your award from these folks! And the way each one of them summarized each nominees' performance and were so complimentary - can you imagine being Anne Hathway, being praised by the likes of Shirley MacClaine? Who cares that she didn't win - that was awesome. I hope they keep this tradition for future shows.
• And speaking of this, what deal with the devil did Sophia Loren make to look as good as she does at that age? Probably the same one Helen Mirren signed. Damn.
• I also loved the way they performed the nominees for Best Song. And I'm not just saying that because I love the Slumdog Millionaire soundstrack and that song, "Jai Ho". Okay, maybe I am. But the Indian dancers, the drummers, etc - it was what stage productions were made for. My hubbie downloaded the soundtrack for me on Oscar night and I’ve been jamming to it ever since.
• What was up with Jessica Biel's dress? I was like, did she get TP’d or something? I actually find her quite lovely but she doesn’t really “own” these types of events and show off her beauty. Not sure why.
• I loved "Slumdog Millionaire" and was so excited they cleaned up - and that they flew in the kids (who they flund in Mumbai slums) who played the main characters as children. I think I have a bit of a crush on the star, Dev Patel (I still can’t believe he’s only 19) and I adore the way he wears his excitement and awe all over his face, like his head will implode – same expression at all of these shows, as if he’s a kid in a candy store. Love it.
• And, I bet Warner Brothers is kicking itself for passing on distribution rights to "Slumdog Millionaire" to Fox. Don't know what the skinny on this is, but I bet someone got fired.
• Ben Stiller and Natalie Portman's little comedy routine was just dumb. He looked like an idiot with that beard. I'm just saying.
• Hurrah for Kate Winslet! As I've said before, I just think she's the cat's meow and I would kill for her acting career. I'm so glad she finally got her props.
• I have asbolutely no desire to see "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." It seems long and drawn out.
• And speaking of Pitt, did anyone else notice the uncomfortable cutting back to the Jolie-Pitts while Jennifer Aniston was presenting? Meow, on the show's director's part. Not cool.
• And again speaking of the Jolie-Pitts, Angie should sport emeralds more often. Paired with her simple black dress, they just made her look stunning. As if she couldn't be stunning in flannel pajamas, but still....
• Comebacks are great and Mickey Rourke has been (from what I hear) deservingly lauded for his role in "The Wrestler" at so many awards shows, but it was nice to see Sean Penn win Best Actor for "Milk" - if only to avoid Mickey's random, obscenity-laced speeches. We get it, Mickey. You're a tough guy with a foul mouth and you're not afraid to use it. I'm over it.

Overall, I thought it was a good show - AND it ended on time (I think it did, anyway). They even had time at the end to show snippets of movies coming out in 2009.

Old Me, New Me

When you are recovering from a brain injury, as I am, there is a wide spectrum of therapy, advice and help available depending on your own situation. I have been fortunate enough to have wonderful doctors and overall care through the University of Washington Medical Center network and are continuing to take advantage of their therapy programs for cognitive and psychological help.

What is interesting throughout all of this, is how vague many of the answers can be. Sure, there is a lot they know about the brain - there are common organic and psychological symptoms that hit most brain injury patients and the doctors/therapists are great about providing "strategies' to deal with them. "Strategies" has been a big word in my vocabulary the last 6 months - all the therapists talk about strategies. What are your strategies for remembering information? What are your strategies for managing depression and irritability? What are your strategies for processing information that you don't understand?

Some of these strategies are basic time management and organizational principles, and as a professional, I was already employing many of them - writing notes, keeping a calendar, asking for clarification, rehearsal, etc. But some are more fundamental than that: being okay with asking someone to repeat things, for example, or counting to 10 before reacting, creating something to make you get out of bed in the morning, etc.

The common question I get is "When will you be back to normal?" I ask it of myself many times. Most people think I am "back to my old self" but a lot of what I deal with are things that only I notice as different from before. That is not to say they are "no big deal," as some people try to graciously comfort me with. The other thing people say in an effort to make me feel better is "Oh, I have memory problems too!" I know they mean well, but that sort of belittles my own experience. Plus, I did INDEED have some short term memory problems before this all happened and needed to write things down, but I'm dealing with a delta now that you are not - and I have to test those boundaries every day to know where the line is. I know that before, there were ways I handled things (old me); now, I just have to learn new ways of managing through them (new me). Sometimes this can get very frustrating, if you are used to operating in a certain way. It kind of makes you feel like a different person, which is a bit disconcerting.

I always try to ask the doctors and therapists, "Does it ever 'heal' or 'go away'? Will it ever be like it was?" And I get the quintessential non-descript medical answer: Your conditions can improve over time with practice and healing. So.....does that mean I never get to be the person I was? Well, they can't really say. Only that "you will see progress." To me, that means they are not sure if the brain actually heals to "pre-injury" condition, but that you can find new ways of doing things to balance out the effects.

Sometimes, this answer is good enough; other times, it gets me very fustrated. I can deal with "if you practice these strategies every day, you will be back to your old self in 1 year." Measureable, concrete, I know what I have to do. But no one can give that answer, as the brain is a complex thing.

So my interpretation? I just have to embrace "new me" and let go of "old me." I still am the person I was, but I might not be able to "wing it" in a presentation anymore or remember everyone's name so quickly. Those traits were part of who I was, but not who I will be. And that's okay, I guess, since many people deal with those traits even without a brain injury (although piece of advice: that does not make a brain injury patient feel any better! They have still lost a part of themselves that defined them).

The only way I can think to describe it is if your whole life, you defined yourself as "being a middle child" and all that entailed and then one day, you woke up and now you are told "you are an only child." What are the ramifications of how you see yourself and identify yourself (assuming there was no sibling death; it just one day became fact)? Yes, many people deal with being an only child all the time and from the outside looking in, that seems "normal", but for you, it is a different definition of self than it was before. And you have to cope with that.

So, I still have many of my personality traits from before - except I am overwhelmed a lot more easily and probably cannot live the frenetic, multi-activity life I led before as a) it is hard for me to focus, b) I get fatigued a lot more easily and c) it's not good for my high-blood pressure! So I have to deal with that loss - and it is a loss - and try to embrace the new me. One thing I do know: new me is a very lucky lady and has a lot to be thankful for.

Slumdog Millionaire Pays Off

It's not often that award buzz automatically equals a good film. But every few years, there is a "little film that could" that is just simple and beautiful and complete - and deserves every award it earns.

That film is "Slumdog Millionaire."

The story itself is a different and intriguing. A young "slumdog" (meaning from the slums, uneducated) named Jamal from India competes on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." Given Jamal's educational background (and some shifty folks who do not have his best interest at heart), the young man is investigates as a possible fraud for knowing the answers. the story is told running back and forth through time to show where in his life he got the answers to some of the questions being asked. Alongside all of this, is the plot of how the boy and his brother lost their mother long ago, ended up on the streets victimized by various nefarious types - and ultimately how Jamal tracks down his long lost love.

The story could have been so contrived, but for some reason, the directing and subtle acting by these fine Indian actors keeps us rolling along and cheering for Jamal and Latika (his love). The character of Salim, his older brother is, by turns, a sinner and a saint; the fact that they did not make him a cartoon good guy or bad guy makes him one of the most interesting characters in the film.

I adored the subtle acting of Dev Patel as the adult Jamal. His fierce determination coupled with his ability to fade into the background and withdraw made his plight completely believable. Heexpressed his zeal and passion not through overacting or over-reacting, but through his actions. The fact that he's only 18 blows me away. And Fredia Pinto as Latika is just gorgeous and luminous.

This movie stayed with me long after we left the theatre, like a really good Sundance film. It was directed by Danny Boyle, of "Trainspotting" fame and - in an unsual twist - gives co-director credit (unheard of) to Loveleen Tandan - who was the film's casting director primarily. This was a highly unusual and controversial move from an awards standpoint, but she is credited with making some key directing and casting decisions that just made the film. Normally, only one person can hold directing credits for award purposes (see controversy spillover here) but Boyle wanted Loveleen's contributions to be recognized with the film.

I have not seen a film in a long time that was really "good." This film had suspense, romance, hope, justice and all of the ingredients necessary to make a darn good story. Somewhere along the line, filmmakers forgot that really, the story is what it is all about.

Golden Globes 2009

Just had a chance to check out the Golden Globe awards on DVR. While the show itself was a bit lackluster it beat the news conference they held last year to announce the winners. Check this link for other great moments.

Check here for a list of all the winners. But here are my own observations on this annual starfest.

• Kate Winslet was charming and disarming in her "freak out" over winning not one, but two awards. She won for both "The Reader" and for "Revolutionary Road" which paired her once again with Leo DiCaprio. Her first speech she asked everyone to bear with her as she "has a habit of not winning things." And then she completely freaked out at her second win, which saw her coming out on top oiver the likes of Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson and "the other one" Angelina Jolie. She also looked captivating in a great strapless and great hair.
• Clint Eastwood is not just an actor, director, and former mayor - but he's a musician too? he got nominated for best original song in "Gran Torino" and for best soundtrack in "The Changeling". I still think he's creepy though and way too old to be "the cool, bad ass old guy" in every film he does.
• What was up with Drew Barrymore's hair? It looked like she got caught in a wind tunnel in 1950. And Renee Zellweger, who usually looks flawless in Carolina Herrera, looked like a dark, Goth version of Miss Haversham in that crazy black drapey number with the bare shoulers cut out.
• Laura Linney won for "John Adams" and I was psyched. She is awesome and looked radiant in gold. And what a classy lady - no notes needed, she's just well-spoken.
• Tracy Morgan was hysterical accepting for "30 Rock". He said he and Tina had a bet that of Obama won, he would accept all awards and be the "face of post racial America - deal with it, Cate Blanchett." Priceless.
• Ricky Gervais should have just done a stand up number. He did some off the cuff comic material that was priceless. While expressing his bitterness over not getting nomintated ("That's the last time I sleep with middle aged journalists") he also congratulated Kate Winslet on her win by saying, "See? I told you to do a holocaust movie, didn't I?"
• Happy Go Lucky actress Sally Hawkins won for Best Actress in a Comedy Motion Picture. I never heard of this film before. And, she looks entirely too thin.
• The underdog "Slumdog Millionaire" seemed to be this year's belle of the ball. I really need to check this one out.
• Classy beauties were everywhere: Jessica Lange, Demi Moore, Sigourney Weaver, even Sandra Bullock looked good. I like these older women who still look fantastic dressing in a way that makes them shine. Take a tip, Miley Cyrus.
• Heath Ledger won posthumously for "The Dark Knight". While I agree he's a gifted actor, I really don't think his performance in TDK was THAT great. Will I get shot for saying that? But director Christopher Nolan accepted on his behalf and gave a lovely, short, classy speech. Way to go.
• Maggie Gyyllenhahl is so cool - but does she really have to scream "vintage" in everything she wears? I know that's her thing, but her dress looked like a thrift store fabric. What do I know? It probably cost thousands of dollars!
• What was up with the room setup, and the fact it took people forever and a day to make their way to the stage? Let's plan better, people.
• Tina Fey won for Best Actfess in a TV Series -Comedy or Musical. Love it. And love that she said in her speech (paraphrasing here), "There are a lot of people on the Internet who don't like you, so if you ever get too egotistical, you should check it out. And I'd like to address them now." to which she named a few and told them to "suck it". Nice.
• "Mad Men" won for best TV Series - Drama. This made me so happy. And plain jane Elisabeth Ross (Peggy) looked stunning in red.
• Mickey Rourke won Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for "The Wrestler". While I'm all about a comeback, he looked like Liberace on a bender. Why is stringy long greasy hair so big in Holloywood among men?
• "Wall-E" won Best Animated Film and director Andrew Stanton accepted the award. I thought this film was so poignant. And I met Stanton at Sundance a few years ago, so that was cool!
• Hayden Panatierre is just a lovely young girl. She always looks so fresh and polished.
• Gabriel Byrne beat Hugh Laurie from House and Jon Hamm from Mad Men? Seriously?
• Anna Paquin beat "SVU's" Mariska Hargitay for her role in "True Blood." That just blows.

All in all, it was pretty uneventful and non-cntroversial (except for a few "bleeps" over naughty words.) I was very surprised that Mamma Mia did not win more awards - that was just a visual roller coaster and I thought the Hollywood Foreign Press would eat it up. But honoring "Slumdog Millionaire" was very consistent with the HFP's way of being moved by little movies that could.

Fave Spot

I'm in love, love, love with my new neighborhood find, 5 Spot. It's not so new, but I only just discovered its charms in the last few months.

5 Spot sepcializes in regional American cooking, and is a great choice for breakfast or lunch. I can't vouch for dinner (or know if they are even open) as I have not been there for that meal. They offer a city theme that rotates every 3 months, and they offer specials that correcpond to it - this month its North Beach and San Francisco. They change out artowrk, decorations, and the menu each time.

They offer lots of scrambles, hash borwns to die for, and french toast made from Briche toast that is so thick and delicious, it will meake you head spin. I recently had their Toad the the Hole special (a French Toast with a hole in the middle, filled with an egg) and their chocolate sauce and almond slivers French Toast (for their North Beach theme) that was so utterly decadent and delicision (ask for the chocolate sauce on the side if it can get too much for you like I did)

The staff is super polite and friendly and, even though they usually have a line outside, if you go at around 9 am or later in the day, you are golden.

We took various visitirs in town to 5 Spot and they all enjoyed it. Check it out!

Down but Not Out!

Hello friends. Red Slice has been out recovering from a brain aneurysm and subsequent hemorrage for the last few months. But recovery is going well and we are extrememely lucky things were not worse than they were.

I have been touched by how many friends and family members reached out to me during this time. Talk about knowing who your real friends are! I think that was the best part of this whole experience - realizing how loved and valued you really are.

So,Red Slice has not had a chance to really get out wining and dining (and the fact that I need to stay off alcohol for a while does not help!). But I am slowly getting back to normal and hope to resume my dining and drinking adventures very soon.

The one thing that has been really interesting about this whole experience is that, while I'm just trying to get back to the level I was at before all this hoo ha, many of my friends have been so moved by my experience that thay are taking drastic actions on theor own lives: aiming for those goals they always thought they would ":get to:; taking that trip around the world before it;s too late, etc. Everyone keeps asking me if I have a different perspective on life from all of this. While I do know how lucky we are and how precious life is, I guess for me it's all about the little things: I was thrilled to be able to walk my dog again. So my world travels/bestselling novel/higher calling occupation are a little on the back burner these days! But I am so happy to see that others have been inspired to follow their bliss from my experiences.

And i guess, for me, that's the big thing: I always wanted to inspire people in some way. So maybe I was able to achieve my "big dream" through all of this as well!

To my friends and damily, THANK YOU for being so wonderfully supportive! :-)

Hit by an Italian Asteroid

Following up on a recommendation, my hubbie and I sought out a "hidden" Italian gem in Fremont this weekend, Asteroid. Sure, that immediately conjures up red and white checked tableclothes, jugs of Chianti and mounds of fettucine, doesn't it? Well, technically their name is Asteroid Ristorante e Bar Italiani and believe me, this Italian was more than satisfied and happy with the goods.

First off, they offer a stunning array of innovative and traditional Italian cocktails, ranging from Negroni to Bellini to a lovely peach concoction my husband ordered called a Fellini. Campari flows from this bar like water at the Fontain of Trevi. I tried to be adventurous and sample the Negroni, a mix of Campari, gin and other treats, but that bitter taste knocks me over each time, so the waitress graciously traded it for a refreshing Pear Martini.

The place is in an odd location: it looks like the bottom floor retail space of a 2 or 3 story office plex in downtown Fremont. There is a lovely sculptured fountain in front and Asteroid places bistro tables there for al fresco dining. After you get used to it, it's quite peaceful and lovely. Inside, the restaurants and bar looks like it'd be a fun time for meeting friends and even dining indoors.

We started with salads. I was not overly nuts about my dinner salad of mixed greens (way too much arugula made it oh so bitter) but the vinaigrette was lovely. My husbands spinach salad with goat cheese was a better choice. Complimentary bruschetta was served up and it was delicious with a bean/red pepper puree on crostini.

Boasting tons of things we would enjoy, the menu will keep up coming back to try more delectables. We opted for this Spaghetti alla'Amatriciana and a Ravioli made with marscapone and artichokes dressed in a butter/white wine sauce. Both dishes were delicious. The ravioli was just pure joy going down your throat. My only beef was that the Amatriciana did not taste like the ones I am used to (although it was great) and they used a very thin, almost Ramen-type noodle - this sauce begs a thicker noodle like bucatini, which it is traditionally served with in Rome, or a fettucine. This way, the noodle can hold the thick sauce better with each bite. But overall, the dishes were wonderful.

Too carbo-loaded for dessert (until we walked down the street to Simply Desserts, more on this below), we left Asteroid full and happy. The service was excellent, they have not one but TOW happy hours a night, and they showcase jazz and wine tastings. I managed to find out why the heck they call it Asteroid. Seems the owner had another spot in Ballard, which he named after the large prop "asteroid" on the roof of the building they occupied (according to the maitre'd, this was a real prop from "Armageddon"). And then they opened up the Fremont location and christened it the same thing. Interesting.

As for Simply Desserts, all I can say is the Truffle Cake was to die for, and we felt better about it since we packed it to go and walked home before gorging ourselves. They bave a variety of scrumptious cake slices or you can order the whole damn thing, which I'm pretty sure would fill you up for a month. Mmmmmmm is all I can add to that.

So now we have not one but two yummy Italian joints in the Hood. Ah, all is right with the world.

Feed Your Marketing Head

For those of you Red Slicers who wanna hear more about marketing, branding or business, don't forget to tap into the Brand Slice blog. Would love if you'd set up a feed to this newly christened site and lend me your feedback.

More Red Slice urban musings coming - I know I have been lax!

Introducing Red Slice Brand Slice

Programming note to all the fans: the Red Slice blog will continue to deliver fun, sassy content around food, wine, film and trash talk. But I've launched a new blog to focus on marketing and branding.

Introducing Red Slice Brand Slice!

Here you'll find the same sassy attitude focused on the world of marketing. Musings and observations on what companies are doing, great ideas being implemented and general Seinfeld-esque discussions ("What is the deal with Pay per Clicks?"). This new blog can also be found from the new Red Slice LLC company website set to launch on June 27th - that's Friday, baby, yeah!!

So remember: Red Slice blog for urban life fun and frolic; Red Slice Brand Slice for marketing-based fun and frolic.

Feedback welcome.....

Chicks Rule

I had the rare opportunity to go to two very special women-oriented events in the last two weeks. And overall, I am amazed at how many smart, sassy, creative women exist in this world - and how over the past few months, I have been blessed to have them in my world.

First up: Make Mine a Million $ Business - Seattle event

This organization out of NY has a nationwide network and events in many cities where they bring speakers and content to women entrepreneurs. But the piece de resistance is the contest they run in each city where 16 women business owners must deliver an elevator pitch on why they deserve to win the Make Mine a Million $ Business 2008 Award, which offers them mentors, free advice, technical and other support by big sponsors like Dell, Cisco and Amex and overall a huge wealth of resources to help them grow to a million in revenue.

Sixteen local women took the stage to pitch their business and why they should win in only 3 minutes. The businesses ranged from marketing agencies to affirmation blankets to promotional items to a school for animal massage. Not sure when they entered the contest, but it was prior to the event and so they had received coaching on presentation skills and content prior to the big day. It was electric to be in an audience of 400 supportive, proud, successful women and want to root for them, and not be pitted against then as women often are in life.

We heard from WA state governor Christine Gregoire; Anne Levinson, one of the 4 women who now own the Seattle Storm WNBA Basketball team; Valerie Morris, an award winning journalist from CNN who moderated a lot of the events; and we even had an emcee known as a "journey agent" named Isasara Bay who used to be the VP of Corp Affairs of Sony Music and is now a consultant. Other highlights included past award winners; a consultant named Simon Sinek who did a wonderful presentation on being a "Why?" organization and not a "What?" organization to better create customer loyalty and be a cause rather than a company (a la Apple); and Nely Galan, Latina media dynamo, founder of Galavision, and recent contestant on Celebrity Apprentice. This chick is full of spicy advice for how to be innovative, jump on opportunity and get ahead in life.

Overall, I was left empowered by what women can do when we put our minds to things. The sky really is the limit.

Second, my client The Broader View held their inaugural workshop for women at the top who are looking for what's next.

Over 40 of Seattle's top women - CEOs, philanthropists, business owners, etc gathered in the beautiful Columbia Club high atop Seattle with a view to die for and heard inspiration and thought-provoking soul food. We heard from Catherine Meeks, an electric, strong, African American professor, scholar, author and motivational speaker talk about celebrating how far we've come and acknowledging our own inner voice as we move forward into whatever is next in our lives. She used Maya Angelou's poem "Still I Rise" as the foundation of her talk. Some of her gems:

• Your mind gets in the way. Listen to your heart.
• Negative voices – we all have them, but we need to make choices about what to do with them
• We live in a world where no one knows what women are all about so they put us in our place and if we “forget” our place they jump on us
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (what Catherine has at age 62 and has had for 20 years) could have defined me, or made me a “cripple”. Instead, I choose to see it as my best teacher. It taught me to say “no” to things that would drain my energy and to take care of myself, to treasure taking care of ME before I could do anything for others
• People don’t really want to listen to what’s in their heart – especially if they are successful. They think they have no right to this, that they are being selfish. When really everyone just has a fractured person inside of them looking for a warm blanket. No amount of success or blessings shields us from those feelings sometimes. Material things do not speak to the hunger of the heart, so no one is immune. We need to be sisters to each other so we have a place to fall apart
• It's okay to have nervous breakdowns on the weekends. I find I’m in a much better place on Monday if I let myself cry in a ball sometimes!
• Carl Jung talked about “individuation” – which is the process of separating the particular from the general. We are not “everywoman” but our own woman. We need to know where others stop and we begin.
• We put on a persona of ourselves to the world, but behind that is a “shadow” – these are things we haven’t encountered yet (our unconscious). But there is untapped wealth there if we pay attention and do not ignore it or try to hide it. Fragmented people are those who are indecisive and don’t know who they are – they try to ignore or bury their Shadows. If you do this, you’ll live as half of a person, you won’t allow new things to come up.
• You must let things die in order to give birth to new things. This is the cycle of change and growth. All change is a death in a way. Before you allow rebirth, you have to make space for it. So let things die. New things will be born.
• What message do I need to get from the people in my life that I think I don’t want there? What is in my energy system that attracts these people and thoughts?
• Listen to your inner voice and respond to the repetitive messages – they are trying to tell you something!
• “Energy vampires” they take without you knowing (not necessarily bad people). So be careful who you tell your dreams to. Tell them to people who get it, and choose not to discuss with people who don’t – doesn’t mean you have to cut them out of your life if you don’t want to.
• Figure out how to replenish. Where is your energy going? What is the clutter in your soul weighing you down? What is the baggage holding you down?
• Journal, journal, journal and reflect
• We live in a culture that doesn’t want us to pay attention, to be still, to reflect. We must ignore that pressure and take the time we need.
• What does your heart require? What brings you joy and peace? YOU DECIDE, not the culture, not your parents, not your co-workers, but YOU.
• Gratitude and generosity creates space and open up energy.

Then, Carrie & Danielle, who I've blogged about before, talked about Style Statement and living your authentic life. Defining who you are on your own terms and not letting all the noise or other distraction prevent you from being who you really are. They asked some very thought-provoking questions that are often the key to understanding who we are and what makes us happy - and that leads to us knowing how to best give back to the world in which we live.

I met some amazing women in the last two weeks that I hope to help and who I hope will help me on my next journey. The possibilities are endless when you open yourself up to them and quiet the voices in your head enough to listen to their call.

Sex, The City, and Product Placement

OK, I've had a few days to digest the new SATC movie. First off, I was against this film from the first whiffs of a rumor that it might come to pass. The girls went out on top. The last episode left us hopeful for the future, but provided some closure and happy endings at the same time. The Cosmos, high fashion, countless bad dates and - most importantly to those males out there who just don't get it - the amazing friendships single older women can have with each other, were all tucked nicely in my "fond memory" vault, as I myself moved on from my urban diva single gal days.

But no. Like Michael Jordan or Dennis Quaid's pathetic character in "Everybody's All American", they just couldn't leave well enough alone.

I admit I got sucked in. The movie was out and I WAS curious as to what happened to my girls. Especially after hearing SJP on In the Actor's Studio talk about making a movie that was true to the characters and that had to address that four years had passed and lives had changed. Hmmmm, I thought, what does become of them? And is their transition going along as mine is?

So, I rounded up some gal pals and Fandangoed last Saturday night.

Observation #1: The previews for several romantic comedies (some smart, some sappy) along with about 100 women and 2 hapless chaps giggling at the trailers' predictable moments would have been my husband's idea of his own personal Dante-esque hell. But I have to admit, I loved it!

Observation #2: Kudos to the writers and everyone involved with SATC. They really did present a realistic portrait of the evolutionary yet grounded friendship of these women and did not attempt to show them stuck at the same crossroads as four years ago. Samantha had moved to LA, Charlotte's daughter actually aged in real-time, not film time, and Miranda was feeling the pressures of sacrificing for her marriage. And Carrie's career had moved forward in the ensuing period, as did her relationship with Big.

Observation #3: Thumbs down for the "you're hurting my eyes" product placement and overemphasis on the materialism. This played into every stereotype men have about this show. Now I'm not getting all sanctimonious. I LOVED the urban landscape of this series, the fantastic shoes, the clothes, the swanky lifestyle. But in my opinion, it was merely a backdrop to the strong bond between these women and their seach for love as a mature adult. That is what this show was about for me. Identifying with these women who had careers, were self-sufficient, and who were still looking for love in their 30's and 40's. Every image of female friendships on TV and film seems to suggest we're all either single and miserable or married with kids and friends with other women who are married with kids. This is not reality. I can't identify with "According to Jim's" beautiful wife who puts up with his slovenly behavior, has 3 kids by the time she's 35, and her best friend is her sister. Not judging here, just saying this is not my life. But the film was over the top with the shopping and the designers and the whatnot. Vivienne Westwood, Manolo, Louis Vuitton, yada yada. Maybe I'm just jealous, I don't know, but I was like, "Stop it this instant!"

Observation #4: Another kudos for the beautiful "Circle of Life" subtlety that was represented by Jennifer Hudson's character, Louise. Carrie's new assistant was a smart, hopeful, excited girl from St. Louis who admits she moved to NY to "find love." Rather than trying to box the four friends into the same people they were "back then" the writers deftly showed how some women grow up and leave and the next crop shows up at the door. There's even a cute moment in the opening sequence showing Carrie walking down a NY street, and she passes a group of gals in their 20's or 30's, doing what she used to do with her friends, and she smiles to herself. It's lovely. When I left San Francisco's Marina district, I felt the same way. I would pass the gaggle of ladies heading off to Balboa for the evening in their sparkly tops and their fabulous clutches, all excitement and happiness as they had no idea what the evening had in store for them. And I would laugh as I saw this proverbial changing of the guard. I'm sure, like me, Carrie had an impulse to try to impart years of advice into the 30 seconds those girls might grant her! But we all have to learn those lessons on our own, for better or worse, don't we?

SATC as a movie did not change lives or push any boundaries. But it was like catching up with old friends and seeing how they are doing. Minus the fact that most (not all) of my friends don't own that many $500 shoes or $2000 handbags. But that was never really the point.