AUTODESK ENLIGHTENMENT

How to Go from BIM Manager to Autodesk Superhero in 3 Days

SERRANO COUNTRY CLUB

Fitness Center Expansion

AOC'S NEW MERCED LOS BANOS COURTHOUSE

Continues to Move Forward

PLACER COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

Approves New Professional Development and Charter School Facility

MARYSVILLE JOINT USD : ELLA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS MOVE FORWARD

One of 230 Shovel-Ready School Construction Projects funded by the State Allocation Board (SAB) in May 2013

Monday, December 21, 2009

WP Holiday Boutique







The Sierra Forever Families Boutique was a total success!! Kim, Naaz and I had a blast teaming up on the task and would like to THANK all of the other volunteers so very much for their time and effort. A few quick shout-outs to some great helpers: thanks Aerie for staying late the night before to help with pricing; thanks Brian L. for helping to set up the event; thanks Jessica and Rose for the food set-up; thanks Dan for bar tending; thanks Jodie for the Costco run for supplies; thanks Kim Tonello for helping us run the event; and to all the people who helped pack up the boutique a great big thanks!!!! Also, THANK YOU so much to everyone who took the time to make/donate/purchase items. We were overwhelmed with the amount of talent and generosity we have in this firm: from handmade table runners and birdhouses to the donated wine and food, we were so pleased by the amount of support we received. I guess what we’re trying to say here is: *thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you*

And now, the news we’ve all been waiting for… the final tally (drum roll please). After all of the sales, cash donations, and blood, sweat & tears, we have raised over $3,400! A record with this event. We rock!!

-Amber

Merry Christmas










-Brian L.

Brazil's 102-year-old architect spends 'crap' birthday

RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil's most famous architect, Oscar Niemeyer, celebrated his 102nd birthday Tuesday in typical fashion: at work on projects rather than pondering his supercentennial age.

"Turning 102 is crap, and there is nothing to commemorate," he told AFP.

Niemeyer, who was born in 1907 in Rio de Janeiro, where he still lives, is famed for designing some of Brazil's most distinctive buildings, among them Rio's Sambodrome and the nearby Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum, and many of the futuristic edifices of the capital Brasilia.
His inspiration for the domes, curves and sweeping lines that make up his style he has said is "the body of the Brazilian woman."

Even in old age, Niemeyer continues to flaunt his love of life. He still enjoys his cigars -- "an old habit that I cultivate with much gusto." Four years ago, at age 98 and a widower, he married his 60-year-old secretary.


-Jack

Where Did Those Old Bumper Cars Go?



There are seven of these little monsters floating around California , and they're all the creation of one man, Tom Wright , a builder in the outskirts of San Diego who figured the leftovers of the Long Beach Pike amusement park needed a more dignified end than the trash heap.
-Greg

Holiday Eating Tips

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate and wine in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Have a great holiday season!!


-John

Then and Now







I must admit...I was born in 1982 and haven't a clue why half these people are famous. Most of our office was able to watch the shows in prime time (on their 3 channel console TV) and go to the movie theater on opening night (in their dad's brand new 57' Buick) to see these actors and actresses. While I have to rely on Nick at Night, TV Land and the 99 cent DVD bin at Wal-Mart to watch these classics.
-Brian L.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Town Hall Video

We Care 2009

We Care 2009 was another great success!!! Thanks to Regina, Robi, Amber, Cigi and Rose for donating the materials and the time to pull everything together. The 100+ kids really enjoyed making their 'Hot Chocolate Bags" for their Moms, Dads, Brothers, Sisters, Grandma...and in one case, a girlfriend. The little boy was pretty cute about it...he tried to keep it a secret and got embarrassed when I asked if it was for a girlfriend. The kids really enjoyed putting the bags together. Although, I must say their favorite parts were sneaking marshmallows (when we weren't looking) and stapling the bags together. Who knew kids loved staplers so much? Thanks again to everyone who helped and to Herman Miller and MTA for putting on such a wonderful event.

Brian, Regina, Amber, Robi...and Rose is behind the camera (as usual)
Amber taking on 3 kids at a time

Brian trying to tie little bows with not so little fingers
Robi making sure everything is juuuust right

Robi and Santa
-Brian L.

Gunlocke Showroom Tour

This past weekend I went with MTA to visit the Gunlocke Showroom in SF. Gunlocke manufactures case goods, conference tables, seating, etc... They've got a great new modern line called Silea. Check it...CLICK HERE.


Gunlocke Conference Room

Silea...Modern, Sleek, Cool

After the tour of the showroom it was off to explore the city for a few hours. Despite the on again/off again rain it was great. The Christmas energy was electric. From the hundreds of Santa's walking around singing Christmas carols, to the sights of thousands of holiday shoppers, to an impromptu street corner concert by high school kids singing Lady Gaga's Paparazzi...it was great.

Macy's Holiday Display. A Magical Display for Kids of All Ages

Frank Lloyd Wright Building


-Brian L.

Greatest Christmas Decoration Ever!


This guy truly out did himself this year with my Christmas decorations. The bad news is that he had to take him down after 2 days. He had more people come screaming up to his house than ever. Great stories. But two things made him take it down.

First, the cops advised him that it would cause traffic accidents as they almost wrecked when they drove by.

Second, a 55 year old lady grabbed the 75 pound ladder and almost killed herself putting it against his house and didn't realize it was fake until she climbed to the top (she was not happy). By the way, she was one of many people who attempted to do that. His yard couldn't take it either. He has more than a few tire tracks where people literally drove up in his yard.


-Jeff

Snow in the Valley

Jack's house in white - Newcastle
2" of fresh powder

Winter Wonder Land from Terry's Deck - Auburn

Eric's House - Cameron Park




Ok, so we got a little snow last week. Now, for those of you who grew up here this is unusual. But to myself, and the other midwestern transplants in the office, this was hilarious. Hearing people couldn't make it to work because of 2 inches of snow...well, just made my day. A few quotes from the day...
"Can't get up the hill, I'll try again when the snow melts" - Terry
"This is the most snow in 22 years here" - Jack
"I'm scarred" - Eric
"You know, in Missouri / Nebraska we call that a ‘dusting’ of snow. You California people are funny. Hey, maybe you could make a cute little miniature snow man." - Brian L.
"Yeah! I drove to 25 miles to school and back in the winter snow and ice season for each of the 7 years I was in college in an old Ford with bald tires. All I needed was a couple sandbags in the trunk… What good is an SUV if you can’t take it out into the snow????????????????" - Regina
"And get it dirty...no way!" - Jack
-Brian L.

Interceramic Ginger Bread House Competition

Jeff and Kim's "Christmas Valley"
Falling Water

The Citizen Hotel

Jeff and I participated in the Interceramic Gingerbread House contest with our entry “Christmas Valley”. It was a lot of work and a lot of fun and it will be only too soon before we can stand the sight of gingerbread or candy canes. We ended up winning 3rd place in addition to 2 other raffle wins…we made out like bandits last night.
-Kim

Walmart Bingo

Next time you're in Walmart be sure to bring your BINGO card.




-Brian L.

Sactown Fogscapes




-Rose

Powered by Blogger.