No Shortage of Inspiration

This week, there was seriously no shortage of inspiration.  During the week I got involved with a program at work known as Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) that recognizes up and coming businesses in the Seattle community.  I signed up to scribe and write the executive summary for three interviews, so got to meet with the founders of three different companies.  I was seriously on cloud nine since it was so interesting to hear the stories and their reflection on personal and professional growth through developing their businesses. 

One company has an interface between SAP and programs like Excel so that SAP can be used by companies without the need for a programmer to specialize the components.  Another company educates people on using a self-directed 401(k) method to invest in a small business.  They were on the brink of bankruptcy, so the co-founders had learned a lot in recent years about leading through difficult times.  The last founder is a serial entrepreneur who sold his last two companies for over a billion dollars to HP.  How is anyone that amazing at life?  His newest company created a platform to help CIOs of large companies evaluate where money is being spent.  It is amazing all of this (and much more) is happening in the Seattle business community. 

Saturday, I got up early and headed to the University District for the TEDxUofW event (tedxuofw.com).  When I was part of UW Leaders in college, one of the members had a dream of planning an independent TED event.  After several years and recruiting others to help him plan, he made that dream a reality.  There were a variety of speakers such as a Tetris grand master (one of three outside of Japan), a Formula 1 race car driver, a cancer researcher and the founder of Start-Up Weekend.  There was even someone who was illustrating all the talks as the event was taking place.  So cool!  

I helped set-up for the event, so it was great to see some old friends from my UW days and meet others who were helping with the event.  One of my jobs was painting the giant TEDx letters.  They didn’t end up being used on stage, but they were great for a photo prop.  I felt so honored to be able to attend and volunteer and see all the hard work that went into planning an incredible event.  …and now I can say I have been to a TEDx conference!

Pike Place Market Food Tour!

Sometimes it is fun to be a tourist in your own town.  My friend Sarica and I headed to Pike Place Market for a history and food tour of the legendary market.  I love a good trip to the market, but tend to be a creature of habit.  I really only go to the tea shop, buy some fresh flowers from whatever vendor has the most beautiful arrangements and then get some bread or a meringue from my favorite bakery (Le Panier) in the bank of stores across from the market.  I still did those things, but our minds were opened to all new sights, sounds and smells of the market.

We learned all sorts of fun facts.  Did you know that all the tiles on the market floor signify donors, some of which include famous celebrities?  There was even a scientist who wanted to have some prime numbers forever included in the market so there were tiles with 2, 3,5,7,11, 13, etc.  Yours truly was the first person to figure out the meaning of the numbers.  I think that solidifies my nerdiness.  Another fun fact: the company that throws fish when you order them did so out of frustration for always having to walk from the front of the counter to the back of the counter.  Customers were so intrigued that the company continued doing so to attract business. 

     

During the tour, we sampled donuts, crab cakes, tea, smoked salmon, macaroni and cheese, fruit and more.  I think my favorite, though, was the clam chowder from Pike Place Chowder in Post Alley.  I had never visited this area during the day, but it felt like a fabulous European street with everyone outdoors enjoying the sunshine.  Of course I was inspired to take a picture of my reflection in Sarica’s sunglasses as we impatiently awaited for our samples.

 What person under the age of 60 would wear suspenders and have a giant full beard?  Clearly our fabulous tour guide who helped us navigate the incredible Pike Place Market for the afternoon.  

Easter in Oregon

I headed to Oregon with the madre and padre to see my brothers for Easter.  I always love a good family outing.  We headed to Oregon Gardens for a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright house and to walk around the grounds.  My brothers were also forced into a cherry blossom tree photo shoot with me, but I know they secretly loved it. 

 

We then stopped at a cute small town coffee shop where my family struggled to understand what a chai was and decide between the six varieties offered.  Of course one chai was ordered, so a chai trend was started and it was chais for all.  I am pretty sure they didn't know what they were actually ordering, but we were all happy, so that's all that really matters. There was also a frosted cookie involved since I am a sucker for their adorableness.  An umbrella with pink polka dots.  Who can resist?  True love indeed!...with the cookie and my family.