I’ve been to Disneyland who knows how many times in my fortunate life. But this last trip may be one of the sweetest: my first Disney trip with my niece Aria. There are lots of ways to experience Disney parks — with your family, with friends, solo. I’ve done them all — with the exception…
A Public Service Announcement for Skaters
Sadly, over the last few days, friends of mine have had personal property taken, been subjected to sexual harassment and even threatened with physical violence. Yes, the skating rink is generally a safe and fun place. But there are shady folks out there. So I created this little PSA as a heads up.
Salman Rushdie on Terrorism
Salman Rushdie wrote this remarkable essay just days after 9/11 in 2001. I think of it often. Particularly this line: The fundamentalist believes that we believe in nothing. In his world-view, he has his absolute certainties, while we are sunk in sybaritic indulgences. To prove him wrong, we must first know that he is wrong….
Just a Normal Tuesday at the Rink
For the past couple of years the Skating Place in Golden Gate Park has been my second home. Here’s a little taste of what makes it so magical. It’s a Tuesday in late August in San Francisco. It’s been annoyingly chilly the past few days, but the sun is out today! A perfect time to…
Deep and Riki’s Skate Showcase!
So last Sunday was the semi-annual Skate Showcase at the Golden Gate Park Skating Place, my second home for the past two years. This is a celebration of the SF skate community and a chance for folks to show off their skate dancing skills in a friendly and chill environment. Last year you will recall…
Making Claire Saffitz’s “Ultimate Strawberry Layer Cake”
For my colleague Merissa’s maternity leave party I decided to make a cake. Searching for what cake to make, I came across this video of Claire Saffitz making her version of a strawberry layer cake. This seemed right up my alley. As Claire describes it: This cake is my platonic ideal of a spring or…
Fly in the Bottle Trap: the Emergency Room Edition
So I got trapped in the bottle… again. This time involved a trip to the ER. So that’s new. The “Fly in the Bottle Trap” is a classic lesson I keep teaching myself. The bottle trap is a simple method of catching fruit flies using just a plastic bottle with an inverted top and a…
My Trip to Nawlins: Laissez les bons temps rouler!
At the end of June, I had the good fortune to be sent on a work trip to the great city of New Orleans, one of my favorite places in the world. After finishing a work conference, I spent a couple more days relaxing in this iconic American city. It has been at least a…
Why I Can’t Dance for You
At a conference after party, folks are getting frisky as Eminem comes on. A dance circle coalesces. Reps from other companies are jumping in and being silly. They cry “Oh!” and “Hey!” as the official videographer captures footage. My co-worker turns to me and says “You should go in. This is your moment.” I look…
Two-year Skate-A-Versary!
It’s exactly two years since I started quad skating! It’s been an incredible journey so far, and it feels like I’ve barely scratched the surface of what is possible with skating. I’m so grateful for everything that skating has brought to my life — friendships, community, and so many beautiful moments.