Heart 2.0

I guess I couldn't let Matt have all the fun in getting a new job. I have accepted a job offer to go back to American Heart Association.

I wasn't looking for a new job and was content with Silicon Valley Community Foundation. But one of the execs from Heart reached out to me on LinkedIn wondering if I would be interested in talking to her about a position opening in the Silicon Valley office.

I reminded her that when I left Heart I was deemed not rehireable anymore for not giving a 30-day notice because I had to start at Primary Children's in three weeks for their Festival of Trees event. She said if I was interested in the position, they would be willing to consider my prior work and look past that.

I let her know I was quite happy in my role and not looking to leave but I was curious to see what position she was suggesting. She sent me a job description for Senior Business Development Director of the Silicon Valley Heart Walk and I was intrigued.
I decided to meet the local executive director and learn more about the role. I mean I definitely know all about the Heart Walk - having worked on it in San Diego and Utah - but never in a senior role and not here in Silicon Valley. I was excited about the opportunity to supervise another staff member and learn how to be a good manager.

After several interviews, I was offered the position and was left with a very big decision. Stay in a place where I am comfortable but not personally aligned with their mission or go back to a more stressful job promoting a cause I am quite passionate about. 

I prayed continually to try to decide what was going to be best for me, for Matt and for our family, especially with all the anxiety of going back to a job that had caused me a lot of anxiety towards the end. Matt, being the amazing husband he is, said he would support me in either role.

I took my offer back to my current boss to help me figure it out but after a day of crunching numbers trying to figure out a way to promote me and keep me at SVCF, she couldn't guarantee anything and mentioned that she could not compete with this career-changing opportunity. I knew she was right and as we spoke I felt surprisingly peaceful about it.

So I left that day and accepted the position with American Heart... So in a matter of just 1 month, Matt has started his new job with Google, I will leave SVCF and return to AHA and we will move into a new place, potentially switching to a new ward (church congregation).

What an adventure!

Educate girls, Change the World

I was invited by a colleague to attend a film screening at the Computer History Museum tonight for a social change documentary called "Girl Rising".

The film focuses on nine girls who rose above bad circumstances through schooling. It is quite inspiring and moving while being optimistic and not a man-bashing film. The stories of these adorable girls stand as sober reminders of the kind of unforgiving obstacles faced by girls in developing countries and the positive, ripple effects that learning can bring not only on their lives, but on the lives of their families, their community and their economy. Amazing reminder of how the power of education can change the world!

The film highlights many barriers to girls receiving education from immense poverty, human trafficking, arranged marriage, cultural ignorance, etc... 

I would recommend this to all to check out if you get a chance.

That Toxic Stuff Living Under...

One of my (Keri) clients at work is the Mountain View Voice, our local town paper. I subscribed to them last year and have been getting their weekly paper. I don't usually read the whole paper but occasionally glance a it which is what happened a couple weeks ago and found this headline:

EPA finds toxic vapors in Evandale homes
RESIDENTS SAY THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THE DANGER AS HIGH LEVELS OF TCE ARE FOUND IN GROUNDWATER.

Since Evandale is the street right behind mine, this caught my attention and as I read on, I learned that toxic vapors are creeping into several homes on that street.

When Matt and I moved to Mountain View last March, we knew we were moving to the area where the company Fairchild Semiconductor used to be located as our street is named Fairchild. What we did not know is that we were moving into one of Silicon Valley’s largest collection of toxic sites, due to it being the home of early silicon computer chip manufactures such as Fairchild, Intel and Raytheon, which used TCE as a solvent in their manufacturing process during the 1960s and 1970s.

We thought that leaving South San Jose, we were going to be better off leaving the meth lab neighbors. Who knew we were heading into a toxic dump!

The toxic plume left behind was first discovered in 1981 and the five tech companies responsible for the toxic waste have already spent more than $56 million in cleanup - apparently not enough! They thought they had it contained in a small triangle area, but the toxins are creeping out of the original zone.

The toxin called TCE can cause hepatic, renal, neurological, immunological, reproductive, and  developmental effects. It has also been linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma cancer. The Bay Area Cancer Registry recently studied historical data and found nearly twice the regional average rate of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in northeastern Mountain View between 1996 and 2005. I'd say that's a pretty good sign that something in north Mountain View is wrong. Information has also been released that TCE can cause birth defects in babies if a pregnant mother is exposed in her first trimester.

If you look on the map below, you'll notice a little strip of yellow to the left of the dotted square. This is where we live and why we have cause for concern. This area has been designated a high priority area for indoor air sampling and we had no idea until I read this little paper.

In order for us to have our apartment tested, we have to get permission from our apartment owner which the paper has noted has been difficult in some apartment complexes. Knowing our history with our owners, I didn't feel confident they would allow this. And this could not come at a better time because our lease is up at the end of March so we are at a point of deciding whether to renew or move elsewhere.

Our apartment managers is a nice family in our ward (church)who also live in the complex which makes this whole situation more tricky, but they are just a mouth piece for the owners.

I wanted to make sure that all of the other residents in our complex were aware of this situation as I doubt they all read this little paper. So in order to not offend our apartment managers and build collective power from the owners for testing, Matt and I turned all Erin Brockovich and left a copy of the article on all of our neighbors doors last one evening.

At this point we have been told that the owners are neither agreeing or declining to allow permission for testing, but have agreed to look at the form if we go through the work to get it and bring it to them. What?! Just sign the form already!

We were also told that the more residents who bring the form, the more likely the owners are to sign it. So guess who has already made copies of the form and is going to walk around distributing it to our neighbors.

Now I should say that Matt and I really love the townhome don't want to leave but even if we do, we want to make sure that those who stay still have the chance of having their air tested.

After Matt attended a neighborhood meeting regarding the situation where the EPA reps came out and did a presentation and answered questions, he decided that it is best for us to move and not take the risk even if our air comes out clean. The EPA never thought the toxins would migrate from the original work area and they did. Who knows what will happen moving forward!

So off we go again to look for another apartment and move yet again!

He's a Noogler!

For those of you who don't know, a Noogler is a new "Googler" or a new employee of Google. Since I haven't blogged it yet, I figured it was definitely time to do so as Matt gets ready to embark on his new journey. 

When Matt and I were still in Utah and trying to decide which Deloitte office Matt should apply for, we chose San Jose for many reasons but one of those being so Matt could be close to his favorite tech companies... his top being Google. He has always talked about how amazing it would be to work for Google, and even more so since we moved to Mountain View just miles from the Google headquarters. But Matt has always said he doesn't know what they would ever hire him for since he really does not enjoy programming.

After a year and a half at Deloitte, Matt learned that a coworker had formerly worked on a team at Google that sounded perfect for him. In fact, he had already applied for that exact position online a month earlier and received no response. This coworker put Matt in touch with an employee currently on that team who recommended Matt for the position and he got a call for a phone interview a day and a half later.

A month later, after several phone and in-person interviews, a lengthy application (where Matt had to describe in detail his "Googliness"), three references, three hiring committee's approval, and even the CEO's approval, Matt received a job offer! A dream come true! Shout out to the many people who helped Matt learn of the job (Jacklynn Tong and Dan Pham) and those who helped him prepare for the interviews (Jared Munyan and Blake Tsuhako).

Side note ----> They gave him the opportunity to move to Manhattan, NY and start in a new team there which I was all for, but Matt turned that down.

This is not only going to give Matt the opportunity to work in the tech industry for a great company he admires, doing work he is passionate about, but also has the amazing Googler perks. Here are some of the highlights:

• 
• Free food (three meals a day if he wants) and snacks all day as well (as long as he remembers to eat, they can't fix that)
• Use of the funny Google bikes to transport between buildings and campuses
• Free Google shuttle to work (with WiFi), though if we stay where we are at now, Matt can walk to work everyday
• Full soccer field, bowling alley and volleyball court on the main Google campus 
• Gets to attend a weekly all-staff meeting and learn about all of the new projects that Google is stewing up, along with an open Q&A with the president about any number of company issues
• Casual dress attire and flexible work schedules

On Monday, Matt becomes a Noogler and goes through their new-hire orientation. He will indeed have to wear the funny hat as pictured above and as seen (at 1:18) in the movie trailer for "The Internship". I am begging him to send me a photo of him in it. 

I am so happy for him, for us and so proud of him for working so hard to be able to get his dream job.

Side note ---->  For those of you wondering what Matt's googliness is, it was described to Matt as the following: Interesting facts, hobbies, personal achievements, sports, charity work, clubs, something that defines your uniqueness, and passions for things outside work and school.

Here are some of Matt's examples:

• 2010 Adobe Web Analytics Competition - Collegiate Champion & Intercollegiate Finalist
• Volunteer Route Chair for the Utah County Heart Walk - American Heart Association - 2010
• International Barbershop Youth Chorus Festival Champion - 2009
• BYU Intramural Champion - Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, Wheelchair Basketball
• Volunteer Adult Computer Class Teacher, Provo City Library
• Sang bass in BYU Men’s Chorus 2003-2004
• Earned A grades in 4 BYU ballroom and latin dance classes and competed twice in the BYU Ballroom Dancesport Competition
• Volunteer Church Representative - Full-time Service to Missouri St. Louis & Illinois Peoria Missions - 2000-2002
• Earned Eagle Scout at 14 years old
• Grand Prize Winner - Stock Market Trading Game - Contra Costa County Times

Ringing in the New Year in Seattle

Matt and I decided (kind of last minute) to join Matt's parents, brother Dan, and Dan's kids in Seattle for New Year's. Initially, we had decided to spend the holidays locally since we used to have to travel so much to see family. But as we got closer to New Year's we decided we couldn't pass up the opportunity to see Cayden and the girls again. And we are so glad we did! We had a blast!

We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the fam and I enjoyed playing in Seattle. I have been to Seattle a couple of times but usually for quick trips or layovers. This time Matt took me around and showed me his favorite places in the area and I gained a deeper appreciation for Seattle. Too bad I could never live there with all the rain!

Here are some photos from our trip:

Me at the San Francisco airport - because we were trying to use Matt's various hard-earned air miles, our travel was a little "creative". We both flew out of SF together but on separate airlines. When we flew back I flew into SF but Matt flew into Oakland. After landing, I drove over and picked Matt up in Oakland and we drove back to Mountain View. With four different airlines, we were lucky not to have any flight delays as our travel was orchestrated perfectly (and free).

Matt and Calay - We all visited the Bellevue Gardens one night which had an amazing light display.

Dan and Carys (we were all FREEZING!)

Cayden (trying to not smile)

Me and Cayden

The lights at this place were amazing!

Matt, Calay, Stefanie, Dan, Carys, Cayden, Lane and Kathy

Carys - all wrapped up

Me and Carys

Dan and his kids

Me and Calay

Cayden loves dragons, lizards and dinosaurs so we had to take a pic of him with the beast

Matt entertaining the kids at Costco while I relax on a couch - we spent a day shopping at Toys R Us and Costco so the kids could pick out their own Christmas presents from their dad. No small task! I even found some cute little singing dolls called Singamajigs for my Sunbeam class but in trying to decide which ones to get, Calay yelled in frustration "Oh, just pick one already!" which made the rest of us die laughing. We had spent the last couple hours saying the same thing to Cayden and Carys. Calay was the quick decision maker. She knew which toys she wanted and didn't change her mind.

Calay taking a breather in Toys R Us

We watched a lot of movies together - including a family fave of Despicable Me - and Cayden LOVED having Matt play video games with him.

Dress up on New Years Eve - Carys, Calay and Stefanie



Dan, Carys and Stefanie - We took Carys ice skating for her first time. She loved it!

Carys trying to venture out on her own



Me trying to entertain a very cold and grumpy Calay, who had no interest in going out on the ice.

Chillin while they zamboni the ice

Matt finally gave in and got himself some skates. I got to see a little bit of the "skate champion" in Matt finally.

Matt,  Carys and Stephanie

One day, Dan and Stefani had to work so Matt and I watched the kids. We decided to take them to downtown Seattle and have Matt show us all around. Our first stop, Matt took us to see "the troll" under the bridge which we expected to be some small statue.

The kids LOVED climbing on it

Cayden chilling on the trolls head

Then we headed to Gasworks Park

Matt took a panoramic photo of us at Gasworks Park (Cayden in blue, me, Calay then Carys with the green gloves on)

Beautiful view of downtown Seattle and the Puget Sound from Gasworks Park

the Space Needle

After finding there was no playground at Gasworks Park, the kids insisted we take them to park where they could play. We headed to Kerry Park hoping we would find a playground there. The kids were so excited we finally found a park with a  playground, even if we had to walk down a million stairs to get there

Playing at Kerry Park

Spinning Silly

Taking a break on the stairs back up from the park

Then Matt took us to Pike Place Market

Just having a snack

As you can see, Calay was feeling a little grumpy again

So silly!

All was good until the three kids insisted on climbing on the pig together and Carys and Cayden fell off backwards onto the ground. We got dinner at Dick's Burgers, which was a fave of Matt's back in high school. We didn't take any photos there though.

The next day, Matt and I spent the day at the Experience Music Project "EMP" Museum (plus pop culture and science fiction). Best museum I have ever been to, naturally, come on - you know me!!!!
Here is a giant screen at the EMP playing a Nirvana Tribute concert

Matt was in awe!

the ceiling and cool decor

the amazing guitar display that played music on its own

Me in front of the guitars to show you how big the thing was

Learning about the story behind the guitar structure

About to enter the Black Leather Jacket display - a whole visual story of the history behind the black leather jacket

The original gangster of leather jackets - the bomber jacket

Which then became the riding jacket

And eventually turned into custom motorcycle jackets for the bad boys but is now ingrained in fashion today.

The old leather jacket brings out the rebel in all of us

Trying on some leather jackets but this one was obviously too big.

So tough and handsome!

Ready to explore the Sound Lab - my favorite part of the museum where we got to try out and learn how to use different instruments and mix sound, remix, scratch, etc...

Rocking out in the bass studio

And now rockin' out on the keyboard

About to enter the Science Fiction display (not quite sure what to expect). But it was full of the actual props and costumes used in different science fiction movies. But somehow also included horror movies as well - that was disturbing!

Loved their funky decor - more so than the old science fiction movie costumes and props

Learning about the history behind different genres of music. I particularly enjoyed hearing sound bites from Ice T on the history of rap.

They also had a whole Nirvana display which we didn't take photos of. We had to rush through it to drive out to Matt's high school friend, Matt Fairbank's house for dinner. The whole display was fascinating with actual notes and diary entries from Kurt Cobain and other band members. It made me remember how much I actually loved their music in junior high and now I find myself listening to it more.

We also didn't take photos at Matt Fairbanks house but they have three wild little girls and another on the way. The girls were hilarious and kept us laughing all night.

Our last day before we flew out, we spent with Dan and the kids having lunch and then playing at the mall (since it was really too cold to do anything outside). We probably spent almost an hour playing in the Lego store building different Lego people

Cayden with his cowboy/pirate guy

My guy, Matt's weirdo and Cayden's crazyhead

A display of all of the different people we made waiting for the girls to build their people

Letting the girls play while Matt and Cayden research Cayden's new Lego sets

Having so much fun :)

We were so sad to leave the kids but so glad we got to see them. Seattle rocked!