Learning to Network... or, Just Ask

So our CEO visited the satellite Phoenix office today and we went over our home life, goals personally and professionally, and the vision of the firm... etc etc. Business. At meeting's end (there were only three of us since our office is so small) he mentioned that the company will sponsor volunteer efforts, which was directed at me since I was the only one mentioning that as an involvement and remaining goal, and so I decided to send him inquiry into sponsoring the alley project. More than anything, I've learned to ask. I've never cared for asking because it's always seemed so tedious but it's also very necessary in order to get things moving and to make the process of change more efficient. In order to network, you have to ask right?

Hello Dan,

It was a pleasure speaking with you today and formalizing the direction of the company and where I, as an employee and as an individual, fit in with this firm both presently and in the future. I will contact Michelle, Tim, Ken and Danny soon. Michelle and Danny, just from speaking with you, seem to be in positions I am interested in pursuing in the next several years either in my personal life or as a profession. So, thank you again for your perspective, recommendations and direction.

A personal note:

Another project I will be focusing on in the coming year (beginning formally in December of 2008) is a grassroots level alley rehabilitation project. This is something my boyfriend Aaron and I would like to start and complete before leaving Arizona.

I live in downtown Phoenix a few blocks west of where a more dedicated approach to revitalization / renovation / new building has taken place. A few houses on our street are being renovated and things are looking much better but the process is slow, which I actually appreciate. Aaron and I live in a studio and decided we would share 256 square feet of living space (can you believe it?!) for us to have the opportunity to invest in our refugee volunteering as well as a side project to make our back alley look better and feel safer. Currently it is frequented by the homeless, which is not a problem so much as I think it appears. We would like to research grants to fund: undergrounding the utility lines; inserting solar lighting; designating a few of the telephone poles as historic markers that can also be used as community kiosks (as we live close to the Art Walk path and are surrounded by people who would love to publicly post things); landscaping; retaining recycling areas where the homeless can more easily access goods and in turn flow through the space at a faster pace; de-paving the alley and replacing with gravel or a more environmentally friendly material; our list of ideas goes on and on. I still have a lot of research to complete regarding grants and how this project will be organized and what I can realistically do both physically and legally.

You mentioned sponsorship briefly at the end of our meeting today. You knew of our volunteering efforts in the community but I was wondering if this project I plan to take on will fit in with the company's sponsorship capabilities in any way. Or, if not, I am curious to know if you have heard of something like this that another company member has completed from whom I could gain some direction.

Thank you for your time and I hope you have safe travels.
Best,

Robin

To Have and to Hold

A custom design by CRMain Jewelers:) Here you go Becks. I am bored here sitting in my hotel until I get some work handed my way a little later tonight. So, I put 10 million photo effects on the ring image just for fun and games. It's a positive/negative of the sun and waves... for your 'beachy' wedding band design for Mike (It's shown in two parts: top and bottom). Love!

My One and Only

True Love

I'm in California right now for work, and I miss him a lot. It may be hard to believe, for those who are non believers, but this is my spirit mate, otherwise known as a soul mate.

Notre Chien - Ilo

We have a new room mate. His name is Ilo and he is our cute baby dog. He's half chihuahau, half something else that starts with an 'Sh'. Pound puppy. The sweetest dog I have ever met. Very mellow. Already house broken. Only 6 months old. I think his personality must have more of the 'Sh' than the chihuahua.
We love him.














The Where's Ilo? of Where's Waldo?


Shaking baby dog.




Aa and monster baby

Rachel's Dinner Party

Was so much fun! It was great seeing Dora again and having Aaron meet everyone. We really enjoyed our time with Mom, Kris, Jo, Nancy, Denise, Rachel, Laine and their friends. Rachel's dinner was amazing. The atmosphere was everything it needed to be... classy, simple, exotic, inviting, collaborative. It was truly special seeing it all come together and observing Rachel's process. Kris and Jo have some admirable projects of their own, including a community focussed initiative to eat locally (documented) for a year. Which reminds me, I need to send my friend Jeff their info since they are using GIS to map local growers.
Here are some photos. We had problems with the camera after I pressed a few buttons, disturbing the settings.


Mom and I near Ventura Pier before the dinner.


Doors and Bird at the beach.


Rachel and Aaron fixing the lamb.


Serious biznass.


The Table.


Doors and Robin sippin' Beonce's. Champagne with strawberries. Aaron jovially named them Beonce's.


As I was packing, Aaron put various clothes around my face and neck at Denise and Dora's house to turn me into a gypsy.

The Age of Aquarium

We have a water habitat. Our studio is full of life these days. 2 people, one dog, 2 plants, 6 snails, and two frogs. So, after spending $101 on this new, fancy aquarium, our poor fish died. We didn't name it. We knew it wasn't doing well. We should have named it.
Well, the snails thrived throughout the drama. 3 fish bowls, 2 dead fish, and a lot of new water. They even had a baby! We have a baby snail. His name is Snail Baby. The frogs' names are Hugz and Kissez. There was a death two days ago. Things have seemed pretty eery lately. A snail body was seen ripped apart and a few inches away we spotted an empty shell. We looked to the other side of the aquarium and saw three of the snails had congregated to discuss some sort of plan while the frogs waded in the plant leaves at the water surface. I don't know what's going on. I think everything may be settled now. I'm out of town so I'll find out more when I return.
Here are photos:


A whole new world.


Monster snail is in the center at the surface. Snail Baby is a speck directly to the right.


Monster snail... He's larger than life. I think he may have eaten the other snail. Either that or he's pregnant. She. He/She. I think snails can turn into whatever is necessary.


Introducing Hugz.