All posts by Mark.Owen

A Thanksgiving Potluck!

minneapolis thanksgiving

In preparation for the upcoming holiday, we have a pre-Thanksgiving potluck dinner. Each year I make not only a turkey, but also a ham (even though I’m not much of a ham fan), but most people are! We gather at the office and start snacking on the appetizers that were assigned per each members last names. Last year, we were lacking stuffing AND mashed potatoes, so I made sure this year that they were covered! We had some wonderful salads and awesome desserts to accompany our potluck meal! And the best part about it was the “together-ness” of sitting around a large dinner table all decorated up for the Thanksgiving Holiday, and toasting our friends to another great time together. I think for this Thanksgiving, we should be thankful that we have the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends through E&A!

Cheers!

Megan Event Manager Minneapolis

We Were Kids In A Holiday Candy Store.

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.

We Do The Coolest Things!

indoor sky diving

Last week an indoor skydiving facility opened here in DFW. There’s only a dozen around the world so we were thrilled to try it out. It’s the floating sensation like the free fall in skydiving, but it’s only a few feet off the ground and there’s a guy standing there making sure you are floating right and having a blast. The whole surface area and wind speed physics thing is amazing. A guy stands next to you while you are floating on air! They adjust the air speed for each person’s weight and skill level. We got to watch experienced jumpers and they do all kinds of tricks and spins. I had the best time! We had a few hesitant members come watch instead of jump and they are all going to try it next time. It’s not at all scary like jumping out of a plane. It’s awesome! After we grabbed lunch and we dished on how we felt we and the tricks we want to learn when we do it again. I am definitely hooked on indoor skydiving.

Jacque Event Manager Dallas

Looks Like Our Seahawk’s Can’t Be Beat!

Seattle Seahawks

It’s amazing how empty the streets are in and around Seattle when the Seahawks are playing. With their great winning streak everyone wants to see them play, our club included. We will be doing Seahawks viewing parties all around town. The last one was at “The Spot off main” and there were plenty of times you could not hear the commentary when the room was roaring.

We also hiked up the Cal Magnusson trail to Pinnacle Peak. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the Enumclaw area. A one-mile long forested trail climbs 1000-vertical feet to the top of the 1800-foot geological knob. Once we got to the top, we saw outcroppings of columnar basalt, the old footings of an old fire lookout and best of all, a spectacular view of Mt Rainier and the White River valley.

You may have been exhausted after our Self defense class like most of us, but you would have came away with a number of techniques and moves. It was great to have Martial Arts experts take us though all the moves and I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels a little more comfortable with what life could throw at you. Thanks Lee’s Martial Arts!

Curtis Event Manager Seattle

Monday Night Howlin’

Full Moon Monday

The night was crisp and clear, and hung high in the dark sky was a dazzling full moon. We had to celebrate this lunar delight, and what better way than at Howl at the Moon! We tipped back cocktails and sang at the top of our lungs with our dueling piano accompaniment. Since we E&Aers were obviously the coolest people there, we dominated the dance floor. We mad new friends and danced the night away! At one point we even stole the spot light when we were invited up on stage to show off our moves! The music was so great that some of the ladies even abandoned their heels to keep dancing! Now that’s what I call having your priorities straight! I think the Chicago club made that full moon proud!

April Event Manager Chicago

An Amazing week in Vanvouver!

Vancouver Flying

We’ve had an amazing week in Vancouver, despite it getting dark way to quick and it being a little frosty in the morning, we’ve been having a blast. Friday was a good one – getting to be the only ‘kids’ in Science World, 400 adults got to playing with balls, boats and blocks even some beer goggles and some bean bags. This place is truly a children’s wonderland, and when you put a bunch of adults in front of all the interactive learning games, the fun never ends!! Throw a little challenge in and the laughs are endless too! On Sunday we also took a thrill ride over our country on simulated ride located at Canada Place. Another group of 30+ came out to enjoy the scenes from across our country and then we all spent a lazy afternoon mingling at a local joint nearby. I can never get over the awesome things we get to do day in and day out in this city, and it’s pretty cool sharing the experience with amazing people!!

Ambrea Event Manager Vancouver

Wallyball…What is it?

 Most people don’t have a clue but we sure do.  It’s a wacky game of volleyball played indoors in a racquetball court.  Every month we reserve a court just for our members to go in and whack away!  Wallyball is really unique because unlike volleyball, where height and jumping ability is superior, knowing how to hit off the walls in wallyball is just as important!  It takes some getting used to but when you figure it out it is a lot of fun…not to mention a really fun way to burn some calories before our Thanksgiving feast!

This Was My First Event!

Less than 24 hours ago, I attended my first Events and Adventures activity.
Being the adventurous sort, I dove head first into Trapeze class with about
18 other members. When I wasn’t perched on the edge of a 20ft high board
ready to swing in the air, I was sharing great conversations and admiring
others’ techniques with a crowd of well-wishers. We were all there to have
fun, and had a great time because of that fact. Everyone was friendly and
nice; making our circus lesson one of a kind. Together, we were all flying
high!

Cassie- New Member Dallas

Have You Ever Seen A Tow Truck In The Shape Of A Huge Toe?

Did you know UPS started in Seattle in 1907? Ever wanted to walk on the “Set” of the TV show Frasier?
The Club took a fun walking tour of MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry) and saw all that and some lot’s more.  We found a kickin museum that is filled with really fun stuff. Some museums are stuffy and can be boring …not this one. There was a tow truck company in Seattle that had a few trucks made up in the shape of  big foot with toes and MOHIA has one and an old model T truck from the turn of the century with the UPS logo on it. We had a fun time wondering around and got to see props from the TV show Frasier, (That was supposed to be filmed in Seattle).

We also had a big Eastside Mingle at a fun place called Earl’s. We took over a bunch of tables and booths, they were very nice to us and it was fun mingling.

Curtis Event Manager Seattle

Traditions!

Tamale making is a tradition in Mexican culture. During the holiday season, large groups of families and friends get together to mix the masa, wrap the tamales with their favorite fillings, and then steam them… All the while sharing the work, food, and laughs. What a great tradition.
This year I decided to bring that tradition to my E&A family. We got together on Sunday and made over 100 tamales! Lisa opened her home while we cooked, ate tons of delicious foods, and spend the day laughing and enjoying eachothers company. It was so much fun watching George attempt at mixing the masa, having TJ teach the group how to spread the masa on the corn husks, and sharing our hard earned tamales. Everyone was able to bring home a tub to eat & share with family and friends over the holidays. I love traditions.

Julie Event Manager Santa Clara