It's been a strange year for a lot of people including myself, with a lot of drama and ups and downs. That said, I have a lot to be thankful for in 2016. Here's a pictorial recap of some of my favorite moments in the year. Dancing Dancing was a huge part of 2016, which…
Category: Family
Rik’s 2015 Year in Pictures
Here's a quick pictorial rundown of 2015. It's a good reminder to me of what a remarkable year it has been! Dancing and Music This has been a great year for dance. I did a lot of house dancing in 2015, including organizing semi-regular practice sessions in the Golden Gate Park , taking classes with…
If You Dread Holiday Family Time
My family isn't perfect. I guess no one's is. But I am feeling grateful I generally feel safe and accepted when I am home with the relatives. It's maybe 70% pleasure, around 20% boring, and at most 10% awkward. I know that is not the reality for everyone. For some people, being with family means…
Happy Birthday to Me / Joyeux Anniversaire a Moi!
Hey, it’s my birthday! I’m in Montreal right now, one of my favorite cities, staying with friends, eating amazing food, and dancing dancing dancing. I’m feeling very blessed. To my far flung friends and family, feel free to leave your greetings here, which would really make my day!
My Dad and I: Hair Twins!
Look at these handsome gents!
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Today is my awesome dad's [number]th birthday! In our adult years, we share a love of photography, gadgets and foods that we shouldn't be eating. He also tells the worst jokes ever. And his name is Wally, which is pronounced in a way that might surprise you. Sadly, I don't think we will be doing…
Breaking It Down at My Cousin’s Wedding (video)
So "Ice Ice Baby" comes on at a wedding. What do you do? WHAT DO YOU DO?
The Alameda County Fair: Pig Races, Fried Everything, and Weird Al!
My sister and some of my cousins and I went out to the Alameda County Fair yesterday for some old-timey fun. My family has been going to the Alameda County Fair for most of our lives. What's remarkable is how little is has changed over the decades. It still has the same slightly sketchy…
Beyond Buffets: Less is More
Here's a picture of a typical buffet spread at my family's gatherings. For most of my life, I've loved a good buffet meal. The idea of endless choices of dishes and heaping plates of food has been a fantasy of mine. A lot of this comes from my family, who throw lavish potluck meals…
Cute Overload: Bali the Doberman Puppy Enjoys Weed (pic)
Yesterday my sister's doberman puppy Bali got his first exposure to actual dirt, grass and weeds yesterday, at at my cousin Ryan's house in Vallejo. Once he discovered a bit of nature, Bali wanted nothing to do with concrete or the indoors. Who can blame him? It's fun to roll around in the dirt! Bali…