Linear view vs. Masonry View

Archive for ‘Observations’

Kayak to Shell Key

Thanks to a birthday gift from my thoughtful cousin, Shane, I finally made it out to Shell Key. Since we were heading west you would think having the wind out of the east would make paddling to the island a breeze.

Except for the minor detail that it was low tide and the wind was pushing the remaining water away. Our shallow crossing became more of a wet slog as kayaks ran aground and some folks had to get out and pull their way across the bay.

The water was chilly but not unbearable and our guide Chris had everyone laughing about the situation. At least we knew nobody was gonna drown!

After reaching the small sand bar we had about an hour to wander and explore. The beach lived up to its name as the sand was covered with shells and sand dollars. Since I already have quite a collection I happily shared my finds with a nice lady vacationing from Indiana.

On our return trip we were accompanied by a small pod of dolphins. Couldn’t have asked for a better morning!
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Six Degrees (Or Fewer)

At work we receive random donations of food, hygiene products, and other items from the public everyday. We weigh the incoming items and then sort them into the proper areas for distribution to our clients.

During sorting duty this week I came across this vanity pack with a logo that I recognized instantly. The Arizona Inn is a small, cozy, long-time Tucson institution that I had the pleasure of working at not once, but twice. Odd that something from over 2,000 miles away ended up in here in St. Petersburg!

I showed it to my coworker, Andrew, and explained why I was taking a photo of it. He looked surprised for a second and then said that he lived in Tucson in the early 2000s. That started a fun conversation about some of the great places we both used to visit.

Just this evening as we were all leaving work, I mentioned this little place that served the best milkshakes, right outside Glacier National Park. My coworker Ben exclaimed, “Wait, don’t tell me. Park Cafe, right?” Turns out his brother worked at the cafe the same summer that I worked at the park.

What a small, interconnected world this is. Move over Kevin Bacon, I’m working on fewer than six degrees!

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Good Work

Leo Gomez Mural in St. Petersburg

Many of you know that back in mid-March I was forced out of work by the closure of restaurants here in Florida. Shortly thereafter, I began volunteering at a local food bank. As is my wont, I researched many local organizations before settling on the St. Petersburg Free Clinic.

I chose to volunteer with them for a couple reasons. One, they’ve been serving the community for 50 years. Two, the nonprofit has three main components: food bank, health and dental clinic, and recovery housing (as well as many other assistance programs).

While I’m a hard worker, I must admit that my time volunteering these past nine months has also been incredible beneficial to me. It provided much needed bolstering of the spirit to be in the company of all these dedicated people striving to help those in need.

So, I am delighted to announce that I Monday I started working for the clinic. I’m in a small, behind the scenes role but it is a good fit for me right now and I’m happy to be a part of the team.

The mural featured above was just finished this week and I feel it embodies the ethos of the organization. Added bonus – I drive by it every day on my way to work!

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