Chipotle Tuesday

Tuesday started like any other, each of us doing our own thing to make architecture happen around this place. Then something magical happened. It was 11:56 and the sun was shinning when Mr. Jeff Navarro showed up with 15 custom ordered burrito bricks courtesy of Chipotle. That's right they were free, and nothing tastes better than FREE food. Several groups of burrito connoisseurs huddled around tables and benches to enjoy their 3.4 pound foil wrapped bricks of meat, rice, cheese and beans...the latter ingredient made for an 'eventful' afternoon if you happened to sit next to a Chipotle Tuesday participant. Thanks to Jeff for all his hard work (putting a business card in a fish bowl) and Chipotle for the free grub!

- Brian Lefholz

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Introducing We sAck

Most of you have probably noticed the new gang of “toughs” that hangs out near the main entrance of the building. In fact some of you may have even been the innocent victim of a miss-kicked hacky as you ran the gauntlet into the front doors. We are “We sAck”, made up of Brian “Elf Shoes” Lefholz, Jeff “Finesse” Navarro, Brett “The Bruiser” Billingsley, and me, Tye “insert synonym for uncoordinated here such as, bumbling, graceless, heavy-footed, lumbering, ungainly” Brown. You will be happy to know that we have moved our crew into the handicap parking stalls, which if you have ever watched us for a moment is probably much more appropriate (see image). Despite our physical limitations, and as long as weather, work, and wives permit will be playing hacky sack during lunch, and all are welcome to participate and join in the mutual embarrassment that is hacky sack.

Honorary We sAck members include; Robert Wallis (“Blame it on the Shoes” Award), Dave King (“Most Improved Player” Award), Jack Paddon (“Way to Narrowly Avoid Brian’s Foot In Your Face” Award), and Leah Polcyn who’s honorary membership is under probation due to her performance of a controversial move that is outlawed in all 50 states according to NHSA (National Hacky Sack Association). Others have 'tried' with little success but none the less deserve a shout out...Terry Green, Jim Williams, Greg Tonello, Andrea Jaggers, Stephanie Scattini, and Amber Seevers.

Watch for more information on We sAck in the future.

- Tye Brown

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Violator Softball

The time has finally arrived...Violator Softball is back! With spring training behind us we look for our first victory this Friday at 7:20 p.m. at Rusch Field #2. A big thanks goes out to Coach Will Sandusky for organizing all of the WP hooligans and putting together a great squad this season. There's just something about the smell of fresh cut grass, the sound of a crisp line drive up the middle and the roar of the crowd. That's where you come in...we need a crowd! I think we had a total of 1 fan last year (thanks Mary) so come out and witness the incredible display that is known throughout the region as Violator softball.

-Brian Lefholz

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Interiors '08 Conference

A really nice thing about working for a large firm is being sent to design conferences in places you have never been before. Such was my luck when I attended Interiors 08 in New Orleans a few weeks back. Oh where to start? I learned a lot about traveling with carry-on luggage (something I had not done before), which cost me all but three of my toiletries. I strolled down Bourbon Street on the Friday night of St. Patty's Day weekend. Need I say more? The conference had fascinating seminars and tours and I met some great people. But what struck me most about New Orleans were the people and their absolute unwavering dedication to their city. Only 50% of the people have returned and the city still shows evidence of the 2005 "Floods" (something every local resident will correct if you say "Hurricane"... which they could have survived... had the levees held). There is anger towards the government and welcoming arms for the tourists and relief groups. The architecture soothed me. The music moved me. The stories will haunt me. And the city continues to beckon me back.

-Andrea Jaggers

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Tuesday humor

Come on...now that's funny!

-Brian Lefholz

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Missing Detail

Thumbing through my latest set of architectural documents I couldn't help but think something was missing. I had roof details, waterproofing details, door and window details, etc.... After many late nights down in the archive I finally located the elusive detail. How refreshing!

Side note: Brand and type of beer is subject to change given the architect/designers personal preference.

-Brian Lefholz

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Sierra Adoption

I would like to congratulate Williams + Paddon, Architects + Planners + People and all my fellow employees who’ve helped in a fundraiser or graciously gave their time or effort for Sierra Adoption’s cause. The fruits of our effort have given homes to 201 children. All of whom now having the gift of a loving family instead of the hardship they were faced with when they were brought into this world. This justifies the “People” in our name in the way we involve ourselves with the community. Please see attached the letter and Annual report from our friend Anne Aune of Sierra Adoption. Thanks again everyone. Let’s keep up the good work.

-Will Sandusky

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Twilight Golf...FORE!!!

The first Twilight Golf extravaganza of the year was a great success! Ten brave souls, two and half groups, were the first of the year to strut their stuff on the tee. Battling through bugs, the elements, and large smoke signals being sent from a nearby house. Yeah, that’s right, smoke signals. One of the houses along the side of the course had large clouds of smoke coming from its chimney blanketing the course so you couldn’t see. I know what you’re thinking and no the house was not on fire.
But of those ten only two, Brian Lefholz and Bill Turner, found enlightenment through near death experiences. The first enlightened soul, Brian, was standing behind the head hunter, Amber Seevers, at a 15 degree angle which should have been enough to avoid any errant shot. But alas, this was not enough and as Amber swung through with a powerful “umf!” the ball was sent barreling into Brian’s golf bag only inches from missing his rib cage. As for Bill, his experience was a little less dramatic. Paul Walsh was having a tough time getting through the first hole and had landed his ball in a green side sand trap. As Paul was setting up and taking his aim at greatness, Bill happened to be walking along the back side of the green setting his bag down totally oblivious to the mighty stoke Paul was about to unleash. Then in a flash the ball exploded from sand taking aim not for the green but for Bill…luckily as everyone screamed in horror Bill quickly turned and the ball was caught in his golf towel.
So, lessons learned from the first twilight golf evening of the year: if you want to learn how to hit your ball backwards talk to Amber, and if you want to avoid being hit or killed stay behind the person hitting. I hope everyone in the office will consider joining us next time, March 25th, for some golf, some laughs, and some enlightenment.

- Jeff Navarro

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