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Paul Graham: The Top Idea in Your Mind (Do you have attention sinks?)

Hey girls and guys,  I found the space to dive into another powerful essay from Paul Graham. Please find 15 minutes to read and think about ...

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Birthday affirmations for Cathy (63)

Trey: One thing I love about Cathy is how generous she is. For example, a couple of weeks ago, she took Lucy and me to Chattanooga to explore and learn about the city before we move in May. She helped us find good restaurants, places for Lucy to shop, and trails we could enjoy. It was so helpful to have Cathy with us, and I'm thankful for how much she cares about her girls and the guys in their lives. 

Taylor: I'm very lucky to have Cathy here in London. We share books, thoughts on the garden, and meal ideas (for her to cook, of course). She is always teaching me something new and full of unscientific ideas that make no sense but work very well most of the time. Very excited about another year with her, and I love her very much.

Lucy: I love how Mom is a learner. She is always willing to try a new sport, master a new recipe, or learn her way around a new country. She has never met a stain she couldn't learn to get out and is always hunting down a path to conquer any task you could possibly give her. She will figure out how to heal any injury and is always looking for new hobbies (like mastering English floral arrangements or Italian pasta-making class). Mom, I pray you never tire of trying new things and that your 63rd year of life is filled with more wonderful experiences because of your willingness to learn. I hope to be half of the learner you are because I know by following your lead, my world will be full of opportunity and wonder! I love you! 

Emily: I love that Mom is always always willing to help. She does so much for all her girls, her son-in-law, her sin-in-law (who will soon be a son!), and her husband! She is always willing to scrub, clean, sweat, drive, you name it! Mom is the best at dealing with all our crazy ups and downs and has always been the best. Happy birthday to my twin!

Sally: I love how Mom is always up for anything we throw her way. There is no project, trip, errand, move, workout, recipe, cross-country drive, diet plan, or antique fair that she isn't willing to be a part of and help tackle. She is a YES person. Mom is the best friend and partner in crime for all three of us. We are lucky to have an active and present mom who can handle all our crazy ideas.

Kyle: Happy Birthday to my future Mother in Law. I love you for YOU, from your crazy stories to your excellent cooking (almost as good as mine) to being a wonderful mom to your kids and to me. No matter how much you've disagreed with me, you've always let me be myself, and I appreciate that. I loved having you around when my Mom was far away, and I miss you now being in London, but I know you will be back soon. Save a dance for me at the wedding, please!

gPa: What else can be said about my fantastic partner? Cathy is so incredibly FUN to do life with, and I feel blessed daily. Lucy's 'learner' affirmation is spot on. Cathy is always willing to pick up a new hobby or sport. She is the fastest learner I know. We are meeting so many wonderful people in Richmond through golf and tennis. And we are surrounded by so many amazing friends everywhere we go. Thanks, Cate, for being my wife! Happy Birthday. I love you!





Special friends in ATX



Amazing in the kitchen!


Wonderful visits from friends coming to England

After a full day of wedding planning, her caddy said the left corner of the large structure. Boom! 200-yard perfect shot, and then did it a second time for good measure! 55 on nine holes - a first-ever nine-hole card in the books with a fantastic par on the first!









Wine time friends!

First friend in Richmond - Regina!

Business trips with gPage

Monday, March 27, 2023

Ted Lasso Trivia Night ends in controversy but TV ratings soar

In its final season, a superb group of contestants went toe-to-toe in a controversial but entertaining Ted Lasso Trivia night. Sponsored by American Campus Communities and held in the famous jkHop ‘Indoor Games’ Arena, a capacity crowd watched in awe as competitors displayed their knowledge and whit throughout four intense rounds. 

The evening was occasionally filled with testy exchanges between those who knew their stuff and those who were not prepared. There were also awkward moments between show host gPage Singletary and his lovely assistant Vanna Catherine White. But in the end, gPage and Vanna Cate kept things under control and managed to conduct a compelling competition that came down to the wire.

The final results are now being contested by team Lasso’s Asshoos, led by five-time All-Conference Captain Brett Dentonian. His squad was stacked with Lynn McFearless, Mike Costanaski, and last year’s player of the year, Kathleen Hopscotch. Kathleen came into the match as the favorite to carry her team to victory. She told the media she had never felt more prepared or ready for a big match, but her game was completely thrown off by Hannah and the Pussy Cats, who came on stronger and stronger down the stretch. At a particularly intense and embarrassing point in the comp, Kathleen and the Asshoos were penalized for referring to notes she had snuck into the arena.

The Pussy Cats were captained by Dres Gonnagetya, with his young squad of Kenneth McFarside and Hannah Hoposki. Those two early-round draft choices proved too much for the rest of the field. McFarside took home MVP honors after nailing several challenges that were worth 2 points due to the complexity of the questions.

Team Lucy’s Lassos squeezed out a second-place finish and were awarded handsome prizes, along with the winners. The Lassos were captained by the sneaky funny Jillian Dent, along with the effervescent Allison Costanation and the equally fabulous Trace Wanderson.

Filling out the field was Team Richmond, whose boring name was only a match for their low scoring. That team was captained by Clas Santa Olsson, who used his first draft pick on his wife, Mrs. Santa Olsson, and then drafted Jim Hopalong and Rodger (#21 in your program, #1 in your heart) Winestain. 

The conference commissioner and the committee of important people have reviewed the appeal and made it clear that the final results stand.

Hannah & da Pussycats – 8

Lucy’s Lassos – 5

Team Richmond – 4

Lassos Asshoos – 3 

Here are team pictures followed by LOSERS' portrait and the Winners! . . .






Monday, March 13, 2023

Make it a Great 'Otto Desć' Monday

Meet Otto Desć: Autodesk’s 3-spot feature at the Academy Awards.

Autodesk is how the world gets designed and made — including the beautiful films that delight and inspire us all. That is why at this weekend’s 95th Academy Awards, we celebrated our design and make technology by premiering three new ads that tell Autodesk’s and our customers’ stories.

Watch now

And Make it a Great 'Otto Desć' Monday!

ONE for Lucy May's (MJ) Birthday #23

Dad: I am so proud of Lucy. She continues to shine in every way. This next phase of her life will no doubt be as remarkable as the first 23 years. Moving to Chattanooga and Teaching for America! Some lucky kids are about to have the best MATHS teacher they could ever have. And new friendships and experiences await in an up-and-coming new town. Keep it going, Lucy May. HBD!

Mom: God blessed us with our beautiful Lucy 23 yards ago, and she has served Him each day since. Lucy is empathetic, kind, and generous. She knows how to do the hard work of preparing her daily life with reading, networking, and organization. She surrounds herself with smart people and people who serve. She keeps herself healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally. Lucy has shown patience, faith, and fortitude while waiting for her next adventure to unfold with TFA. She has a great adventure ahead and all the skills to succeed in a new town, new job, and new friends. Happy Birthday, Lucy! We love you!

Taylor: I'm glad to be family with Lucy, but even more glad to be friends. She's a great friend to me -  interested, patient, and loyal. We get along well. I am excited that she is moving to a great place in Chattanooga, the preferred destination for breaks during my time as a camp counselor. She will love it there. 

Sally: Our little Lu is 23! The list of things I love about Lucy is long and grows every day. Lucy has the wisest, sweetest, and kindest soul. She is taking life by storm and constantly thinking of ways she can give to others; she is selfless. I am so proud to be her big sister. I know this year will bring exciting and rewarding change. I love you, Lulu Lemon!

Emily: I love how Lucy is always always supportive of her friends and family. She drives all over Texas to show up for her friends, whether it's food tastings, birthday parties, marathons, or just saying hi to old friends...Lucy is always there! She has been so incredible being here when I need her for wedding things, and I love that we tackle things together. I can't wait to visit Lucy in Chattanooga and watch what life has in store for her!

Kyle: Lucy - congrats on the next chapter of your life in Tennessee. I love that you are trying something new and seeing a new place right out of college. It will be a fun adventure with many stories I look forward to hearing. 

Trey: One thing I have always loved about Lucy is her gracious spirit. She is compassionate, quick to forgive, sweet, and finds the good in all people/situations. We have so much fun together I am so thankful for her and to do life with her. Happy Birthday, Lu!




Friday, March 3, 2023

FaaFF: Blast from the past and Ted Lasso Season 3!

Fit as a Fiddle Friday it is. I don't 'believe' I ever wrote the poem that went with this post: Fit as a Fiddle Friday: Inspiration and mental health, but it was a fun project nonetheless. 

The Ted Lasso merchandise is for a dinner party in ATX with our friends. Season Three comes out on March 15. Watch a great trailer here and prepare to smile!

I still believe,

Dad


Thursday, March 2, 2023

Make Anything Thursday: Robots Enter the Race to Save Dying Coral Reefs


Hey gang,

This is a cool story and made me think of my colleagues who make up the Autodesk Dive Team. 

Not every company has one of those!

Love,

Dad

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

WPW: My gal back on the courts

Happy WPW girls,

Mom and I took to the courts on Sunday for a little play-in event at The Richmond Lawn Tennis Club, located on the grounds where we go to BARCH. Three artificial grass courts, four hard, and six natural grass courts open in the spring and summer months. It is an active facility with high energy, best explained by this little diagram.

Even though our rackets have been tucked away for a while, we both managed to play some decent tennis, and it looks like we will get more chances after the wedding.

Speaking of . . . 45 days until!

Love,

Dad

Other Nuggets about life in The Kingdom: