My (much needed) wool coat and scarf

On the way to the California Academy of Sciences with Dad, Grandpa, and Aunt

Arkansas, it's been a lovely four months, but I'm glad to be home California!

When I got off the plane on Wednesday at 2pm, I began sweating profusely in the California heat, largely due to the fact that I was wearing a heavy wool sweater and winter coat that I had donned that morning at 4am whilst shivering outside in the Arkansas winter.  

I knew it would be warmer in California, but I'd forgotten just how warm it would be.  

I seeing the friends and family that I love in the house I grew up in made me remember just how much I love California. 

In San Francisco this morning, I walked into the Townsend building behind someone and they didn't hold the door for me.  I was flabbergasted. 

Might it be that I'm missing Arkansas?

Or then again, maybe not.  After spending a day in the city with beloved friends and colleagues, I can honestly say San Francisco me manque. Yesterday reminded me of the grand times I had working at Zinch from February until August and the wonderful friends I made in the startup community.  

I cannot wait to the back for summer. 

In 2010, I . . .

As the year comes to a close, I often think back and recall the major events that transpired.  In many ways, 2010 was a year of firsts.  

In 2010 for the first time I . . .

-Went to San Francisco alone

-Worked for an employer (Thanks Zinch!)

-Involved myself in entrepreneurship

-Graduated high school

-Matriculated at Hendrix College

-Drove more than five hours without parents in the car

-Went to Alaska

-Went to Texas

-Visited Southwest Airlines

 . . . and countless others. 

Soon 2011 will arrive and I shall start all this list all over again. 

I cannot wait to be back in California to see family and friends.  Wednesday the 15th will not be here soon enough. 

Pickle in a Bag

On the road to Fort Smith!

Seeing the One Man Star Wars Trilogy. Would probably be better if I'd seen the films

Age-based Inequities

I surround myself with people for whom age is not issue, people who respect my opinion even though I am young (in human terms). Thus, it is not often that I have to deal with agism.
But I was reminded today that the world is still dominated by people who see age as an indicator of intellect and ignore the insights of young individuals.
I haven't had to deal with this in a long time; it came as shock. I've been muddling over what to do about it all day, and I decided to tell the world.
I'm not concerned in the long run since we, the youth of today, will be running the world soon enough.
I just hope that when we get to that when we get to that stage we remember to to respect the opinions of future youth.

Two months at college

See the full gallery on posterous

5/6ths is gone--What Does the Last 1/6th Hold?

Every November I realize that five sixths of the year has gone by, and I have to stop to ponder what I've done over the course of the year. And, for the last few years, I have been constantly confused that Daylight Savings Time now starts next weekend. 

So, celebrate this week that there is one less hour of time difference between the United States and Europe. For me, this means it's time to call France. 

I'm looking back at the bucket list I made up early in the year. I've started on (and completed) a few of my goals:

#10 Reform Education 

-I'm doing my part: I worked for Zinch, and I am doing my best to better Hendrix. I also have a few things up my sleeve.

#12 and #13 Learn to Sing and Dance

-I took and dance class, did Shirttails, and joined show choir. One completed and the other in progress!

I worked on #29 Meet Herb Kelleher by visiting Southwest Airlines last month.

#40 Save a Life

-I think I accomplished this on our exciting drive to Dallas

And I think I've started on #38, Improving the Understanding of Atheism. 

I feel good about what I've done with my life this year. I live everyday to the fullest and repeat the mantra "Je ne regrette rien!"

What can I still accomplish this year?

Well, I can complete #53, participate in #35, work on #6, and dominate #13. 

The year is looking up! Curious what there are? Check out the full list at http://dalejstephens.com/ideas.