Category Archives: San Francisco

I Love My Volleyball Family

July 14, 2014
I Love My Volleyball Family

Volleyball is a staple every week, and every week I go, I am reminded of why I love this event. Volleyball is not just a group of people playing… It’s not even members anymore, it’s a family. The Volleyball Crew has become such an intricate part of E&A. Each week you see eachother, and play together, it makes it easy to become friends and get to know each other really well. Most of the best friends I have made in the club are from volleyball! So many relationships have been formed with volleyball being the reason. We have even had a few weddings that developed from our volleyball events! The bond that has been created over the years has really made this event was it is today. Lot’s of people, lots of fun, and lots of love. It’s true… I love my volleyball family.

Searching for Walter Mitty

December 31, 2013
Walter Mitty

Have you done anything noteworthy or mentionable? That is the question that plagues Walter Mitty in the movie “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” First published in 1939 by James Thurber, Walter Mitty is a mild man with a vivid fantasy life. In his fantastic daydreams, he is the heroic, adventurous, romantic man he longs to be and personally triumphs. In Ben Stiller’s remake of the 1947 classic, Walter Mitty is trapped behind a desk where his biggest real-life adventure is trying to fill out an online dating profile. When asked what he has done that is noteworthy or mentionable, he has no answer.

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Goodwill Toward Men And Bottomless Mimosas

December 15, 2013
brunch with singles

There are many words I’d use to describe brunch (tasty, slow, hangover cure), but until a weekend ago, connected, trusting, and meaningful weren’t among them.

It all started like any other: perfect local French bistro, a diverse and fun group of ladies (and me), lots of coffee and bottomless mimosas, and entertaining conversation about favorite books, good movies, plans for the holidays. You know, typical stuff.  So the sharing continued: pet owners, volunteering, children,  and then, perhaps a bit more unusual, a member shared her love for boxing.  Not watching, actual study and participation in the sport.  She brought up an observation about how men and women act differently to each other in the ring and how they behave afterwards.

Then in a wonderful way it got personal.  The different stories, the passion for their work, or maybe we just had a place and moment where we felt comfortable and more difficult questions were shared.”How do you know to trust someone out on the street when your heart wants to help but your mind knows it’s probably not a good idea?” “How do we keep the experience of sharing/caring when it’s necessary to protect ourselves as well.” “Sometimes a simple smile to someone on BART can make a world of difference in a better way.” We all nodded and sighed a little. We all felt a bit more calm, confident, and ready for the day. Goodwill toward men and bottomless mimosas. Perfect.

Bryan Event Manager San Franicisco

We Were Kids In A Holiday Candy Store.

December 4, 2013
beerfest with singles club members

Well, beer store that is. All of us at E&A had a great time at the Holiday Beer Fest, but I never thought it would be a team effort. It started with me saying I wanted to try a beer from every maker (there were over 50 local, national, and international, brewers at the event). Despite comments that it couldn’t happen, I soon realized why they were saying it: the makers were pouring full glasses of their beverage and everyone just assumed they had to drink it all. I shared my “rule:” small sips, try it a second time if you like it, pour the rest out. Only when you have a favorite do you drink the entire cupful. “What? We can pour it out?” were their replies. Of course, it is even encouraged. Soon we were working the space like a swarm of eager bees. “I’ll try the IPA while you get the Porter. Don’t bother with the brown ale over there, but the pinot barrel aged stout, is incredible.” Now we all got to experience many more tastes, styles, and didn’t have to be afraid to try something new.

The laughs, fun, and teamwork continued through the night. After a quick picture with the Beer Santa, It was almost immediate when everyone felt tired and ready to leave. Now, it was sharing cab rides home, walking each other to the bus stops, and keeping a close eye on each other. We all left with an expanded beer palette, smiles from the memories, and closer and better friends.

The Oakland Parkway….More Than Just A Movie House!

November 14, 2013

Walking with the manager of the Oakland Parkway last Wednesday into the black box theater turned movie house, I looked for the best places to reserve for our E&A group.  Plenty of  clean dining room tables and some chairs underneath the balcony.  Balcony?  What’s up there?  Wow.  Couches.  All kinds of couches and cushioned chairs each with perfect views of the screen.  That’s it.  Back downstairs to meet the others.  

The Oakland Parkway is more than just a movie house.  In addition to the variety of films including two documentaries, a Hollywood blockbuster, and a foreign film, they have a full kitchen , weekly specials, beers on tap, and they serve it to you at the above mentioned couches.  Feeling adventurous?  Go for the secret dish, which is different with every order.  Alvin got roasted chicken with wild rice and veggies while Catherine got a turkey melt.  Another person got a bucket of fries with cheddar cheese and bacon.  

I sat down to the movie with my salad and then popcorn, and I realized that I’m not sure I cared what movie was about to start.  No one next to me on the couch?  Thank you, I will put my feet up. Just like home, but better: bigger screen, and all my E&A friends watching and chatting with me.  

Bryan Event Manager San Francisco

I Knew It Was Going To Be A Great Party When……..

October 30, 2013

I knew it was going to be a great party when the passersby started coming in to look at the decorations.  Mind you, this wasn’t at the start of the party but in broad daylight, before we were even ready.  It was mostly adults, but sometimes kids who recognized the special tree doors from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

“Wow!  Those look great!” was followed by “What’s going on here tonight?”  There was more than one person who wanted to come to the party and then, I think, wished they were in E&A so they could be part of the party.  

With the exception of a few devout fans of the film and the two hosts who dressed as Sally and Jack, most didn’t dress up with the theme.  It didn’t matter much though as there were mobsters, raver vikings, a Double Dare group (complete with dare “tasks” for the party), and group favorites, the “Bounty Hunters” from the tv show and an almost perfect likeness of Peggy Bundy from “Married with Children.”

There was great food, great drinks (with fun, friendly bartenders), and the DJ played everything from “Monster Mash” to house mixes of popular tunes.  I don’t think the dance floor was ever empty.  1:00 arrived and although it was difficult to get people to leave, some special things happened.  Part of what makes E&A so great is that the members felt some ownership and special part of this fun party, and they responded in kind by lending a hand by helping clean and take down decorations.  We left exhausted and with smiles on our faces.  Well, everyone except the bar owner who begged us to keep our decorations up through Halloween.

Bryan Event Manager San Francisco

Getting Lost turned out Great!

October 16, 2013

 I didn’t realize that getting lost was the best thing that could have happened.  The beautiful hike in Sunol was carefully planned and the route clear to me.  I was ready to give our members a fun new workout; a steeper and more challenging hike than the last few, but not impossible either.  Then, about 15 minutes of the hike walking the bridge over the rolling river and enjoying the shade, I had to make a choice.  The trail markers were no help at all and the wide path here looked like a tractor could ride on it.  I went left and soon I realize that my intermediate, challenging hike was turning into an easy stroll.  I let it go and made a quick plan, head to the river and then back around the hill.  Not only did we discover some of the most peaceful and beautiful places in the park, but, after carefully avoiding the cows grazing and protecting their calves, we made a fast march up the mountain to get a better view.  Once back, I knew I made the “right” choice when everyone smiled and said that the hike was the perfect exercise; challenging, but not impossible.  I think I’ll make the wrong turn more often.

Bryan Event Manager San Francisco

Tib Loop Bike Ride San Francisco

October 9, 2013

It was my first bike ride with the E&A crew and I didn’t know what to expect.  Would this ride be too easy for the group?  Too difficult?  I gave them the option of taking the traditional route which means a 2 mile uphill climb on El Camino Real near the start of the ride.  Not a single person looked worried.  In fact, everyone was excited.  Everybody mastered the hill, even the brave soul who took her mountain bike.  After some water, deep breaths, and a little stretching at the top we sped down the winding decent.  Then it was off to Tiburon (thus the name Tib loop) and incredible views of the bay and San Francisco.  My worry melted into smiles and pride as the excellent riders came up to me and said, “This could be the most beautiful ride I have ever taken.”  Now I can’t wait to do the next ride.  

Bryan Event Manager San Francisco

Mini Golf Fun San Francisco!

September 26, 2013

I didn’t expect I would be laughing so much and fearing being hit by a small ball at the same time. I mean it was mini golf after all. What could possibly cause such reactions? It wasn’t the different holes that recreated iconic Bay Area sights, from Lombard Street to the Winchester Mystery House, nor even the fact that many holes needed a bit retouching so that it didn’t take 500 strokes to get past the tee off marker. It was the fun and interesting group of E&Aers that made it so fun ! Ken the expert golfer could be counted on to make a hole-in-one while I think we all ran for cover whenever it was Catherine’s turn to putt. Best of all, no matter how many strokes it took to complete the crossing of the Golden Gate or the skateboard park, there was much laughter and smiles all around. If I had even the slightest worry about playing mini golf, it was replaced with smiles and fun by the 2nd hole. 

Bryan Event Manager San Francisco

​Madrigal Vineyards Grape Stomp was a perfect day.

September 23, 2013

Although I had never been there despite my many trips tasting in Napa Valley, I was repeatedly surprised by the party, wines, and, best of all, great E&A group at the event.  With our gold wristbands firmly fastened, we were given large wine glasses and told to roam the property.  Want to enter the barrel room?  Go ahead, and we’ll even have the winemaker meet you there to try barrel samples.  We wiped the delicious grape juice from our chins and roamed out for some lunch.  What a great spread, salads, Cuban sandwiches, and two types of tamales.  Oh, and even more wine to sample.  The salsa band started to play, and under the shade of the little grove we ate gourmet food, listened to great music and just soaked in the wonderful weather.  

Then the competition began.  Take off your shoes and socks, step into a barrel and you get 60 seconds to crush as many grapes as you can.  The person with the most volume of juice wins.  I didn’t realize grape stomping is a lot like dancing; everyone has their own method and rhythm.  Super Stomper Richard from E&A even won 2nd place and a bottle of wine!  Even better, Elizabeth grabbed Richard and turn the vineyard into a Salsa dancing machine.  The band was so thrilled that they gave her a recording of their music.  

Wine, food, perfect weather, an idyllic scene, uncontrollable smiles, and wonderful diverse E&A company.  A perfect  day in wine county.