Frith O’Steen

So, I forced myself to read HP slowly this time, so I could savor every bit of the genius that is JKR, and it was soooo worth it! Started it on Saturday night, and can’t believe I waited until Wednesday night to finish it, but was glad that I did. This latest book was amazing, and while GOF is still my absolute fave so far (for a variety of reasons I won’t bore you with here), this one was right up there. She just gets better and better - I can’t wait to introduce Decker to the series myself - little does he know what he has in store for him! After I finished the book, I immediately went online to “The Leaky Cauldron” to see what other folks were saying, and I felt like a big geek but it was also very satisfying - like getting my own instant book club! Props to my dad for calling me up the next morning (he finished it the night before as well) and being interested in discussing the story with me - you are so great, Dad!

So I was pretty worn out from staying up so late reading night after night, but I had enough time to gather some energy back up so I would be ready for…another trip to PIXAR! Yes, lightning can strike twice (particularly when your mom is good friends with people who work there, but hey) and Sean and I were once more invited along with my family to come and visit PIXAR studios in Emeryville. This time we were invited specifically to join Marie and David for the annual company “Motorama”, which included a big barbecue and lots of cars on display (Decker was in 7th Heaven). And…the usual celeb spottings, including John Lasseter, Brad Bird, and - wait for it - Cliffy himself, John Ratzenberger! I just about hyperventilated - but I’d like to say I kept my cool for the most part. (Folks who were with me, just shut up). Heh. We got to walk around the grounds more this time, and had an amazing day thanks to the kindness of our hosts - thank you so much, you guys! Everyone there just seemed so psyched and happy to be working at PIXAR - it’s something all too rare in the work world. Neat to see it.

And lastly, Sean and I were honored to be invited to the wedding of two former students of mine from Berkeley, which happened last night over in the Brazil Room in Tilden Park. It was really fun and I got a chance to catch up with some folks from my Cal days, which was cool. It was a very touching evening - I like to tease Jen and Steve that I was there from the beginning (which I sort of was, since my co-RD and I were making ‘bets’ as to when they would start dating, since they seemed so perfect for each other), and you could feel how good a partnership this is and how happy everyone was for them. Good times - and Sean and I actually got out and danced a bit (sorry if we hit anyone!).

Happy Pioneer Day!