Posts from the ‘Parent & Family’ category

THE CLAM WITH CHARLES

Happy Summer Everyone!  This was one of the impromptu FWB’s which I always love so dearly.  I ran into my friend and neighbor, Charles, at the pool on my birthday when we decided to whip out the IPhone and get the lesson of The Clam on the interwebs.  I’m so glad that I have the whole summer to perfect my skill.

Charles and I met at the pool in March when he was nice enough to let Ashley and I use his bathroom.  Meeting Charles like so many other new SF friends is always a refreshing reminder of how many awesome, smart, fun and interesting people are here and how many more potential FWB lessons are to come!

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HOLDING YOUR DOG LIKE A BABY WITH ALISSA

My roommate and good friend, Alissa, has the magic touch when it comes to holding our roommate and favorite dog of all time, Ginger.  She really knows how to put G in a relaxed state to the likes of a newborn baby.  This lesson has been a long time in the making; learning the technique and practicing on Ginger daily.  Since May 12 is “Hold Your Dog Like A Baby” Day, make sure to post a picture of you on FB and Instagram holding your fur baby just like a human baby!!

Everyone should do themselves a favor and delight your Instagram feed by adding thelifeofgg (G’s insta) to the mix.  She is seriously the best and I feel so lucky to live with her and of course to have Alissa show me how to be even more cuddly with our furry friend.  We’re such creeps but it’s hard to care when those eyes full of wisdom and love are looking back at you.  Thanks A and G. xo

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Yo-Yo Skills with Rob Martinez

I was so excited to have Rob teach me an FWB.  Rob and I worked at our first corporate america job out of college together in SF.  It was quite possibly the worst job ever especially when seated near the water cooler during the month of March when all it did was rain and everyone felt the need to discuss the rain at the water cooler, everyday.  But I digress.

Rob has since moved to many places and is now living in Nebraska. I, of course, harassed Rob to teach me something for FWB when he was visiting SF for the weekend.  He was hesitant but came out on top highlighting one of his many skills that I definitely did not know he had.  He’s really good with a Yo-Yo.  As most of you know, my hand eye coordination and fine motor skills are not my strengths so I was excited/hesitant to take on the old school Yo-Yo.   I grew up with Yo-Yos but never really mastered it and soon switched over to the ever popular Yo Yo Ball in ’92.  As someone on youtube once put it,  it’s the yo-yo for kids who suck at real yo-yos.  And how I remember the pain of losing control of the Yo-Yo Ball and having it slam into my front teeth……Hey Man It’s a Yo-Yo Ball!

 

Thanks Rob for playing along.  Great reunion and I hope it’s not another 4 years until our next one!

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Clothing Swap with Amie Wong

This FWB really had its benefits.  I am not only a huge fan of Amie but I am now a huge fan of the clothing swap.  I came home with two bags of clothes without spending a dime, cleared out my closet of clothes that I’ve had for way too long and got to hang out with some of my favorite people as well as meet new ones.  Amie did such a great job of creating a very fun and casual atmosphere (champagne included).  This world needs more clothing swaps!   Thank you Amie for being such a genuine gem.  You are the best!

 

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HUGGING LIKE YOU MEAN IT WITH KATE DANAHER

My friend, Kate, shows me how to hug like you mean it.  I was really excited when Kate came up with this lesson because I definitely noticed her amazing hugging skills the second time I met her.  Kate informed me during my lesson that this is pretty standard; she always gives a hug the second time she meets someone.  I think that’s pretty impressive and I’m sure helps create a great relationship.  I have definitely been trying to hug like I mean it more which means a tighter, longer embrace filled with confidence and good vibes.  So far, I’d call it a success!

I met Kate through Alicia when we both moved to SF around the same time almost two years ago.  It’s been awesome getting to know her and I’m so appreciative of all the new friendships I have developed during my second stint in SF.  I really hope everyone who watches/reads this tries to put more effort into their hugs.  Let me know how it goes for you in the Comments Section!

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ALS #icebucketchallenge WITH JACOB

While staying with my dear friends Robyn and Jacob in Brooklyn, Jacob had to complete the ALS #icebucketchallenge that has been circulating Facebook for a little over two weeks. The challenge started in Boston and I completed it with my friend, Ashley while in Belize.   There is a lot of controversy around the Ice Bucket Challenge but I choose to see this act in only a positive light.  I’ve personally learned so much about ALS in the last two weeks including finding out that a friend’s good friend is suffering from ALS and doing brilliant work to help spread awareness.   This event has involved everyone from my cousin’s elementary school children to the President which really helps me realize the power of social media as well as the goodness people have in their hearts to raise awareness and help improve the quality of lives in others.  If you can, please donate.

This week has made me realize the importance of awareness in general. While spending time with Robyn and Jacob, I also learned a lot about the adoption process. They have started the journey to adopt a child.  I asked them how I can help since they are the first couple of my friends to go through this process and they responded, awareness and networking.  That is how they will find a birthmother.  So I am asking you to help Robyn and Jacob to make this process one that is positive, exciting and full of support.  Please like their FB page and go on their website to learn more.  The one thing I do know for sure is that their child will be the luckiest!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PICKING UP DOG POOP WITH ALICIA

Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG4xJgMR37M

In this FWB, my very good friend, Alicia, shows me her technique of picking up dog poop.  Alicia is a pro at picking up poop due to her lovable Porti, Roxy.   Me, not so much.  I’m somewhat of a newb and always had difficulty/anxiety when it was time to knot the bag.  Alicia showed me her skills while on a walk with the dogs and the next day, I just couldn’t remember how she did the knot.  So, voila, we found Alicia’s FWB lesson.  Thank you to Ryan, Alicia’s husband, surfer and GoPro extraordinaire for filming!

Alicia and I met each other in 1991 at Camp Robin Hood and were campers and counselors together until 2002.    We both had very similar geographical trajectories in life.  Moving to San Francisco after college where we solidified our love for this amazing city and then moving away for grad school and life (Alicia-DC, NY; Me- SD, NYC) and then finding our way back to our favorite city.  I’m so grateful to have Alicia here.  I consider her more family than friend.  We share so many wonderful memories and special people and I can’t say enough amazing things about her!  Thanks Felish!!!

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Golfing with Jerry (Dad)

I just got back from an amazing trip back to Boston.  It was so great spending time with family and friends as well as going to one of my first childhood friend’s wedding and of course seeing, Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z at Fenway.  During my stay, I was super excited to have my dad teach me how to golf while my mom manned the IPhone. I loved making this FWB and spending time with my parents.  It’s hard living on different coasts and definitely not ideal.   I think a lot of West Coast transplants feel this way and go through the questioning of living so far from family.  (My ultimate dream of being bicoastal would solve this issue).  I also feel very grateful I was able to make this FWB and have my father around to do it.  We almost lost him to a stroke in 1995 and I can’t imagine spending the last 18 years without him.  My parents are the best and I’m so lucky to have such a good support system.

Thanks Mom and Dad again for everything!  You are the best and I love you SOOOO much! Love, your favorite:)

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Sign Language with Leigh Tanenberg

My friend, Leigh, taught me sign language this weekend while celebrating her birthday.  We were brainstorming a couple weeks back where she claimed she had nothing to teach me but that was far from the truth.  She grew up communicating with her voice but also her hands.  I remember signing a lot as a child thanks to Linda from Sesame Street and was reintroduced while working with toddlers with autism.  It’s an amazing skill that opens your world to so many more people and I would definitely like to become more fluent.  We had a great day celebrating as well as reflecting on how lucky we all are in our lives while appreciating and recognizing the challenges and strengths of other people, families and communities.  Thanks again, Leigh, for my ASL lesson and here’s to a great year ahead!!!

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Salted Fudge Brownies with Katie Webb

Due to Hurricane Sandy, my friend, Katie was displaced from her home in SoHo and stayed at my house for the week.  She was so nice to show me how to make her amazing salted fudge brownies.  They are so good!  You just can’t have one which has contributed to the Sandy 15.  I apologize for the technical difficulties during this FWB.  Not sure what’s going on but this is definitely a learning process.  Thank you Katie for your patience with my lack of baking skills.  You’re the best:)

This week has proven that I am so grateful for everything I have in life.  It has also shown that it’s the little things that can make a huge difference in other people’s lives whether it’s providing a warm place to sleep or donating blood which I will be doing on Thursday.  Enjoy this Friendships With Benefits and please donate to help Sandy victims recover as quickly as possible.  You can donate to the Mayor’s Fund  or the Red Cross.  Anything helps.   Thank you.  In the end, we are all friends who can provide some benefits no matter how small.

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