In Her Service

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I'd like to pursue a few goals as I go through this journey.  I've read here and there that if we write down our goals, we are more likely to achieve them. I think I'm adding to that, by writing them down for all to see.  I'll keep tabs on how I'm doing in this blog as I work toward the goals and I'll update my progress periodically, as well as ask for advice along the way.


This goal is about service.  I want to find and actively participate in a great volunteer activity - I'd actually like find or create an opportunity I feel passionate about and commit my time, talent and treasure.


I have always had a passion for issues around homelessness and affordable housing.  Simply put; I think every person deserves a warm, dry, safe place to call home. Many too many people in our own back yards don't have that luxury.  I have volunteered in many shelters, food kitchens etc.. , but I can't honestly say that I have put in the time or energy I know I'm capable of to try to make even a small difference.


So, this is the year.  I will spend time actively looking for that opportunity. It may be more than one; I'd like to do some hands on work as well as either some legislative or strategic work in the area of homelessness and/or affordable housing.  Ideally, I'll be well into the project by the time this blog ends.


I think it is always easy to have good intentions, but they have not consistently turned into action for me.  I believe it's time to make the time.


I'd love any thoughts or suggestions along the way - I know some people who work in this arena in the Twin Cities, but I'm always open to more.

San Francisco Treat

We had a fabulous weekend in San Francisco. It was fun to get away just the two of us.


We enjoyed an incredible dinner on Saturday night at Chou Chou restaurant with our friends Tom & Mary Alice. Nick, the chef, knows Tom & Mary Alice well, so we were treated to an amazing evening with many kisses on the cheek - very French!


We loved the evening, the food was spectacular, and catching up with old friends, even better.

On Sunday, we exercised our midwestern right to be tourists in San Francisco. We took a cable car ride and ate breakfast at one of San Francisco's oldest places - Sears Fine Food, in Union Square. We then hit Ghiradelli Square for a few chocolate treats to bring home.


Bill and I both remarked on what friendly service we had all over the city; from our "local" Starbucks we visited each morning to the bike rental salesperson, to the waiters at the restaurants - a truly wonderful trip.

In The Airport

I'm in the San Francisco Airport on my way home.  It's been a wonderful trip.  I'll blog more about it tomorrow and post some new pictures.


I am always happy to get home - especially to see Jack & Charlie


I'll try to use the rest of today in contemplation (it's Sunday, after all). I plan to have another goal or two and some additional categories before October is through.

Beautiful San Francisco

We are having a wonderful time in San Francisco.  We ate at a fabulous french restaurant called Cafe Claude last night - great food, excellent service and smooth jazz. 


Today we rented bikes and rode across the Golden Gate bridge to Sausalito.  The weather couldn't have been nicer and it was a great way to see the city and spend the day.

Tonight we are joining our friends Tom and Mary Alice for dinner.  I am looking forward to catching up as I haven't seen them in years.


I'll try to post again tomorrow from the airport on my way back to chilly MN.

Another Rainy Travel Day

I'm am off to San Francisco for the weekend with Bill.  I love San Francisco and, of course, I love Bill, so it will be great to get away.  I am looking forward to seeing the city, walking a lot, eating terrific food, and just relaxing.  We'll also get to have dinner with our friends Tom & Mary Alice on Saturday night, which will be marvelous.


At the moment, I'm in the "what am I going to wear" mode which always makes me a little anxious.  This is where those extra pounds enter stage left.  I'm sure I'll figure it out, after trying on yet a few more options.  Ultimately, I have to just bring the clothes I feel best in and know It's going to be a wonderful trip.


The boys are staying with our wonderful neighbors, Mary & Bob. They will have a great time, and now that I think I've got that who has what activity after school, what time is that soccer game tomorrow?, whose house do you think you're going to? stuff figured out, I feel better. 


I plan to blog from San Francisco and will post some fabulous IPhone pictures.


If anyone has good SF recommendations, please feel free to let me know.

The Maiden of Multiple Hats

I have a couple more goals that I'll share over the coming weeks. I don't want to get crazy, but I do want to be able to track a few goals over the course of the year.

This goal is business related. I am an HR Consultant, a teacher, a coach and now a writer. In my consulting practice (KilKenney Consulting,LLC), I work primarily with small organizations, many of which are nonprofit. I act as an HR Generalist for these clients and provide a variety of services from hiring & firing, to writing HR policies, to designing HR programs such as performance management, orientation and employee development. I also work with directors and managers as a coach throughout the process. I love this work, and want to continue to build my client base particularly in the nonprofit sector.

I sometimes teach HR in the Master's of Nonprofit Management Program at Hamline University, and although I don't have a class this semester, I love teaching. My goal is to teach more - I find it fun and challenging and a great way to stay current.

I have realized this month, that I'm also a writer. I enjoy writing this blog everyday and I am learning how to get my thoughts and feelings into words. I hope to expand my writing to other areas of my work/life as I go forward.

So, you can see, I am the maiden of multiple hats. I'd like to focus and/or combine these hats a little more effectively over the next year. I want to create a more streamlined message for my practice that somehow combines these interests and experiences.

I think many of us on this journey live a version of the multiple hats. We love the work we do, we love the variety, but sometimes pursuing that variety leads to distraction. I'm comfortable wearing the hats, I just need them to fit together a little better.

Any other Maidens want to share their successes?

Food and Cooking - Don't Mess with My Ina

OK - yet another new category for my journey - Food & Cooking. I love to cook - it is really the only creative outlet I use on a regular basis, except now, writing this blog. I would like to share my favorite recipes, ideas, websites and sources, and of course, I want to hear what yours are too.

To begin the list, I am a little obsessed with Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa. Not in a weird stalkerish way, but in the I can see myself in her, wouldn't it be fun to do that, kind of way. In fact, I fancy myself the Gluten Free Barefoot Contessa.

I am enamored with almost everything about her - I have all her cookbooks, and use them regularly. I think her recipes are beautiful, easy and they taste great. I have found that when I make her recipes, they work and are easy to fool around with to get the result I want for any given meal. Contrary to the local joke - you don't really need to use a pound of butter in every dish. Yesterday, my nephew Emmett and I made a version of her Granola from the first cookbook, called interestingly enough, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. The granola received rave reviews all around.

I watch the Barefoot Contessa Show on the Food Network when I can and enjoy watching her cook and actually eat her food. I hate those chefs that look like they never eat a bite. She is a obviously a talented chef, but she also makes it seem easy and accessible to us amateurs.

I'd love to meet her one day, In fact, I probably have met her, she just doesn't remember me (OK that does sound a little stalkerish). when I was in high school in Rye, NY, I visited the Hamptons with friends and I'm sure I ate at the original Barefoot Contessa deli in East Hampton.

I never go see famous people whether it's at a book signing or a meet and greet, but I think I will step outside my box in this 50th year and if she comes to Minneapolis on her next book tour, I'll get up early and be first in line. That is if someone doesn't forward her this blog first and she decides to give me a call.

Do share your food & cooking favorites; recipes, chefs, websites etc ... It's fun to learn from each other.