It's a Wonderful World

Do you ever have those days when you are in love with your life? I think it takes a few sunny San Fransisco weekends, some laughs with friends, and the realization that the world is once again your oyster.

Last weekend some friends and I went to see a music festival in Golden Gate Park....I am not sure if it was the mellow tunes of Wilco, Jack Johnson, or Tom Petty that swayed my heart....or perhaps it was the wine tasting stand that only a music fest in California would have.....or maybe it was even the morning bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge that convinced me.....I am so blessed to have this life.

I still fall off my bike with the clip in and clip out fiascos. (scrapes on my knees as evidence) Navigating the dating scene in this city remains next to impossible (scrapes on my heart as proof). My housecleaner still shakes her head in dismay at my perpetual disorganization. (my desk has never been more unmanageable). My body quakes at every 5.30 am wake-up call to either jump on a conference call or trek off to the gym for training (how I work 15 hours and still run 7 miles is an enigma). But somehow through all these trials great music, wine, and friends make it completely worthwhile.

It's a Type A city here and for once I have a motley self chosen family that understands the world is meant to be sucked dry of everything it offers.

Remembering the Lessons from the Waves

What seems like ages ago, I wrote how surfing saved my purpose. I had serious misgivings about taking my three month "personal sabbatical" but somehow those Australian waves made my decision to take on the world make sense once again.
http://whitechameleon.blogspot.com/2008/04/surfing-my-saviour.html

After going back at it in the cold California waters, I think it may have done the same thing. Today was far from my best day. The new shorter board was wobbly underneath me. My turns were far from stellar as the rushing wind seemed bent on knocking me over. My first drop down was a nose dive to the bottom of the ocean.

But still I returned home exhausted and happy and much more at ease with what life threw at me.

Those that know me know I am not a laid back girl. Sometimes I wonder if redbull runs through my veins as I am more hyper than a terrier and more competitive than a soccer team. I tell people that just like most animals, I too need to be exercised every day lest I tear around the house and shred things. My mind runs faster than my limbs and the gears go on overdrive second guessing, scheming and trying to re-shape life into something I deem more appropriate. Can't I force my opinions on the world?

Surfing, somehow, calms me down. It teaches me patience. Afterall, not every wave is catchable. It makes me realize that timing rules the world and can take on strength and love any day. So better to relax and let the life run its course. You cannot hold onto things, or people, that do not want to be held onto. And I also know that even on the crappiest of outings, there is still a wave of the day. So I persevere waiting for it to find me.

It always does....mostly when I least expect it. And I commit to it, embrace it, and ride it in with the grin of somehow who just discovered love.

Offically a 30-something

The week up to my 31st was depressing. I been back from my master adventure for over a month, started a new job, and had reconnected with friends and family aplenty. I had no right to be mopey. However something about passing from 30 to 31 felt odd...I couldn't shake the feeling that my fun was over and I needed to become a responsible adult. I panicked that I had one week to get my act in gear and act according to the number on my driver's license. No more gallivanting around the world, whirlwind (yet dead end) romances, or flitting from consulting gig to consulting gig. It was time to build things up. I was intent on driving sales in my new firm. Committed to focusing on yoga and triathlons instead of beer pong. I made a commitment to read my Wall Street Journal every day. No more wasted dates with unimpassioned (or the too passionate) men! And I was starting to think about real estate.

Then my 31st birthday party happened. Something about birthday parties with large groups makes us magically transform into 20 year olds at a frat party. But as I felt I had been responsible for 6 days of the week, this particular Saturday could be reserved for fun and silliness. Apparently every one else agreed with the concept as well. Bankers, start up founders, and attorneys regressed alike. In the 12 hour party marathon there were multiple embarrassing moments, and I think half the guest's livers are still screaming in pain, but it was, in all honesty, an amazingly fun day with youthful people of all ages. This is why I love San Francisco. There are no rules for when one has to do things in life.

The party itself was hosted at my friend's beautiful home. It was an all day BBQ with after parties and after after parties in the works. My big day was shared with another Leo who had a birthday two days later than I did. I at first was a bit miffed at having to share (Hey, it's the one day a year I am allowed to get full attention) but it ended up working out spectacularly. Mainly as the birthday boy was older than me and acted equally immature proving that the 30s don't have to be the deadbeat years. Perhaps I can lead a successful life and still maintain my energetic spirit?

The fun started with a dance off competition. I knew my friend's moves (mostly practiced in our Tahoe Ski House) were money. I challenged the birthday boy and his friends to compete against my crew. Immediately the competitive juices started flowing. People started doing leg warm up stretches and assigning certain people to choreography and others to break dance moves. Sadly I didn't know much break dancing but thought I could do a few impressive yoga poses....just really really fast. As I leapt into sideways crow my cousin offered to do cat-cow to a breakin' beat. Off in the other room contestants practiced 80's moves such as the Roger Rabbit, and the Lawnmower. Ali borrowed my birthday sash and performed the ever famous "lasso" routine.



Much to my dismay the rehearsals were brought to an end as the group migrated to watch a REAL 80's band play, the Human League, at a club downtown. The competition was off, but all sorts of new dance moves emerged. Some very interesting indeed. I am trying to remember why at large clubs girls always do those sexy dances together. It always seems like a brilliant idea at the time, doesn't it? But no matter. I have the rest of my life to stay home reading over powerpoints for work or Goodnight Moon to my children (umm..yet unborn). My 31st was meant to prove that no matter how much success I lust after in real life, it's okay to let loose and have some fun every once in a while too.

Trying for a Tri

My friend Brooke inspired me to do a triathlon with her. You may recall her name as the interviewer on the Brooke Bryand show and author of Brooklyn's blog: http://brookebryand.blogspot.com

For some reason I agreed to follow her lead through a lake wearing a wetsuit, over winding roads on a racing bike (keep in mind I had no bike at the time), and uphills in my running shoes. I can run, but bike or swim??? Not since I was 12!

I think I agreed to this while in my happy ashram phase of life.

But as I never go back on my word, I started training. Training involved jumping into a pool to not sun myself but rather swim laps. The first time I went to the Sportsclub LA pool I went in a bikini. Please don't ask me why I thought this was acceptable. My bottom came off during my first lap. Oh yes, my first take off was apparently so full of force that the little Dolce and Gabbana bottom got left ..er...behind. I was immediately dinged as the silly girl newbie by the goggled speedo wearers. I hastily bought a speedo after that and hoped that my goggles and swimming cap would adequately disguise me. I never wanted to be recognized as the bikini lap girl.

Biking was no easier. I didn't own one, to start with. My dear friends, Nga and Clarence escorted me to the bike shop to help me pick out a suitable road bike. Long legs, once my pride, were now cursed as few bikes fit my odd shaped frame. The whole too much leg, no torso curse. After hoping on a variety of models, I finally decided upon the women's model of a beautiful Cannondale synapse. I selected padded biking shorts (try walking around in depends for a while), padded gloves, a helmet, and some sexy white racing shoes. The credit card total was more than I care to admit. After spending this much money I was anxious for my bike to arrive so I could start parading around with it. I was pleased to look the part! My bike took TWO LONG WEEKS to arrive. I was so excited to pick it up and be seen in my new gear, joining the cycling elite of San Francisco. Sadly luck was not on my side. For the non cyclers out there---Bike shoes clip in and out of the bike pedals, locking you in and making you one with the bike. For a newbie--this clip in deal was no easy task.

I jumped on the bike hoping to clip in immediately.....I flailed around unsuccessfully and jumped off. I leapt up again....and I strained my groin muscles trying to get up over the seat....to no avail. I tried another time...success one shoe clipped in..now the other....crap...crap..clip IN shoe CLIP IN!!!!.....about to fall...must clip OUT first shoe. Oh no cars---need to STOP! Clip out! clip OUT! Danger danger..oncoming cars...I finally clipped out and my feet flew to the ground. The cleats of the shoes were so slippery that both feet slipped out in opposite directions making me do a splits over the frame of the bike.

To prevent further disaster, I decided to walk my bike home. Yup, walk the bike wearing my padded bike shorts, my blue padded gloves, my white racing shoes, and my blue helmet...right up Pacific Heights hills. Someone was sure to recognize me. Mortifying.

I made it home safely and resolved to practice clipping in at the gym with stationary bikes before taking my new bike out again. Less mortification.

How terrible! My confidence was shook. I surf. I run. I snowboard. I yoga. I hiked Mt Kilimanjaro just a month ago! Please body cooperate and prove you have more coordination than a paraplegic. To the shoe clip in God please hear my pleas! I need to master this triathlon thing without killing myself! The cool outfit will only get my halfway there!

Goodbye Days of Leisure: Back to Work We Go!

I am now gainfully employed. I am finishing one last contract gig in apparel before I start my full time status in Brand Strategy. Why leave the fashion industry, you may ask? Well, it's not all bling and bauble. I just got back from southern Cali where I had to visit factories in East LA. Driving my boss's large very uncool Cadillac I maneuvered around stakeouts, check cashing institutions, and about 100 taco stands. I walked through cutting and sewing factories where my 4 inch heels were considered a safety hazard. The catcalls started...but to the worker's dismay my cursing in Spanish will rival anyones. They promptly shut up and focused on putting the seat in a pair of pants.

I am happy to leave apparel in pursuit of new industries and challenges. However the pursuit of employment wasn't easy in this down economy. I may feel superstar, but I also did manage to let a little stress invade my life as I waited for an offer. The following details were transcribed over two weeks ago when my life changed from lady of leisure to full time worker bee....


The Job Saga

Wednesday: 11pm

I was feeling a bit down wondering why I, the quoted consultant superstar, had not yet been called back with an offer. I was getting sad to the point of overdosing on 2 year old chocolate bar found in my nightstand drawer. At this low point I instead decided to pick up the other nightstand item--(no, not what you are thinking) a book called "The Tibetan art of positive thinking." I read, I meditated, I felt fabulous, and ignored the decaying chocolate to fall into a restful sleep.

Thursday: 9am

After a long run to JT tunes I sat on my living room floor and meditated. I envisioned all obstacles to my life being crushed by a sledgehammer. (maybe one that JT was holding...hmmmm...)

Thursday: 12pm

Putting my positive thinking to use I trotted down the Pac Heights streets in new heels to meet a entrepreneurial women who had started up a handbag line. We had a nice lunch chat and at the end she informed me not only was she looking for a business partner, but I, the consulting superstar, had amazing credentials for this role. ("how did you do all this and stay young?"). I wasn't sure what to say and stammered out something unintelligible. We agreed to stay in touch...I would be better with words after a martini...or chocolate...was it still in the drawer?

Thursday: 1.30pm

Before I could get to my secret chocolate drawer I did a voicemail check. It revealed that the Brand Strategy firm had indeed called me back--right during the time I was discussing my role as a possible handbag partner. I was silly to despair-They still love me. Of course. A few more phone calls revealed an offer and bonus potential. Less than I wanted...sigh....but the entrepreneurial company offered lots of other opportunities for success, such as an eventual role as San Francisco managing director if I proved my salt. The firm actually was so ready for me Heidiness that they had already picked out projects for me to start on this summer.

So what did I finally do? Well I decided to mull over the offer while surfing on Friday, congratulate myself on the art of Positive Thinking all weekend with glasses of champy, and then came back with a counter offer Monday. We worked out a deal and I was thrilled to start with such a young engaging company. I'll stay in touch with the bag lady (handbag that is) to learn more about her business but for now it's time to strategize on a plethora of brands. For my new job I actually need to become an expert on Guitar Hero. Wow--certainly beats hiking around factories in east LA.

My Interview on The Brooke Bryand Show

Brooke Bryand, friend, gossip show host, and author of "Brooklyn's Blog", decided to sit me down and interview me on my trip experiences. Before the interview began I saw her off with my girlfriends, devilishly putting together questions as they rolled in laughter. Hmmppff...I felt a bit taken advantage of, but anything for humor on the blog. And now, you will have the unedited version from Ms. Brooke Bryand.


Brooke prepping for the interview

[Brooke Bryand]: Thanks for joining us on the show. And welcome back! I have a few questions for you based on your fantastic experience over the last three months that the rest of us have followed on your blog while you were away. Let’s get started. What was your favorite moment in each of the major locations that you visited? Let’s start with Australia.

[ME]: In Australia, surfing, oh god the amazing surfing, and then learning to scuba dive in the Whit Sunday islands. In Vietnam, sailing in Ha Long Bay. In India, besides downward dog 4 hours a day it was certainly the art of Neti…clearing out my nose in the Ashram way. And in Africa…besides snuggling with Monica? Truth or dare in Zanzibar with strangers and reaching the top of Kilimanjaro…climaxing if you will.


Getting serious about her answers...this is a Live Audience after all

[BB]: What is the #1 thing you learned about yourself?

[HI]: I discovered more fully the type of person I want to be and how lucky I am to have my life.

[BB]: How did the trip change your perspective on your life in San Francisco?

[HI]: Yes, it made my life in SF more important to me.

[BB]: What did you miss most while away?

[HI]: Uhhh, toilet paper.


Recalling a particularly memorable aspect of the journey


[BB]: I’m sorry…your accent…can you tell me exactly where you’re from?

[ME]: Ohhh, you must be referring to my world-famous international accent. But of course. I can’t help it! I just mimic whomever I am speaking with. Who knows, my kids someday might be speaking eight languages because of me.

[BB]: And a follow-up question…what percentage of the trip was spent speaking with aforementioned International Accent?

[ME]: (without missing a beat) 95%. No question.

[BB]: How many bags were with you on this three month trip?

[ME]: This would the least amount of shoes I have ever had with me at one time. For THREE months I only had two SMALL bags, plus one more with a Sherpa. And I only lost one thing – my sunglasses. Well, and the visa for Vietnam, but who is counting?

[ME]: Finish this sentence…”I will never again…”

[ME]: “…clean out my nose with an instrument as I did at the Ashram.”

[BB]: Word Association. Say the first thing that comes to your mind.

[BB]: Scree [ME]: Misery.

[BB]: Yoga [ME]: Poga.

[BB]: Crocodile Meat [ME]: Swampy.

[BB]: Zipper (sleeping bags, tents, etc) [ME]: Cringe.

[BB]: Diarrhea [ME]: Monica.

[BB]: And let's get down to the nitty gritty. Did you utilize the one condom you brought? If so, what country?

[ME]: What?! What condom?! I was condomless in EVERY country! This was a SPIRITUAL journey, not a hedonistic one. Ahem.

[BB]: And another…. “After this trip, I now know I can…”

[ME]: “…go three months without being hedonistic.”

[BB]: Final question. Where is your next trip?

[ME]: Amsterdam.

That's all the questions we have for you, Heidi! Thanks for joining in on the first ever (and quite possibly only ever) "Brooklyn's Blog Interview". Fueled by vodka + grapefruit and lots of friends, I'd say we did okay!

There's No Place Like........

It's summer in San Francisco. Normally this would mean being shrouded in a cold foggy mist wearing ear muffs and woolen scarves. However, this year is different. Northern California has been struck with heat waves. This means short shorts and long BBQs with friends. What more does one need in life? I have always been in love with this city but this warm weather is making me twitterpatted all over again. I am Bambi prancing around the urban forest in glee...

Why did I have to travel all over the world just to realize I live in the best place on earth? Why did I need to escape when all I need is right here in my backyard? My friends here are like family, and this eclectic 'family' rivals my real one in terms of crazy characters, patented dance moves, and tendency to OD on good wine and food.

I returned to my city right before the 4th of July weekend. My 'family' whisked me away to Lake Tahoe where we re-lived our ski house experience in 80 degree sunshine.


Is it unusual to do a shimmy while wiping down the table? Strange to bee bop around while frying onions? Or how about performing the worm while the BBQ warms up? Yes, welcome to our Dance Party USA.....the party that starts before the...er...party starts. Motivated by vodka, no once can wait until after dinner to dance. The boogie gets down as we prepare the food, continues while we eat, and keeps developing through digestion. The moves become more and more complex as Roger Rabbit morphs into headspins. On occasion, dramatic lifts and plies are performed. The largest injury to date: broken nose.




Dancing around and lounging around gave me time to reflect on my whirlwind journey. Everyone has asked me about it and it is hard to explain such an epic intense experience in a few sentences. I feel changed. I feel happy. And I have a newfound respect and love for the people of the world.

Laid Back Australia inspired me to new challenges with its non stop surf.
Overwhelming India taught me to love without judging.
And colorful Tanzanian people made me laugh til I ached.

I am ready to leap into my next adventure which is rebuilding my life in my lovely San Francisco. Dating traumas, real estate woos, triathalon attempts and career intrigues await. I have a feeling that living here may be even more exciting than my Serengeti safari.

Stay tuned.....