Real stories

It is Time to Splurge a Little – Here is Why

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I just paid $699 for an upgrade to a business class seat from SFO to Newark.   It’s the first time I ever paid so much for an upgrade “I don’t need.”  I had a “perfectly practical” economy class window seat near the front of the cabin.    Splurging a little on myself was actually a difficult action to take for me.  I have been frugal and practical all my life. ...  read more

There are Only Two Important Things In Life – Do You Know What They Are?

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The Unwanted Visitor – Health Issues

For over four weeks now, an unwelcome guest has lodged itself into my life – health issues. It wasn’t a cold, nor was it Covid. Figuring out what it is has been the real problem.

It all started with an incident that seemed like food poisoning. My husband and I shared a lovely meal at our favorite restaurant, and not long after, I found myself hunched over, losing my dinner. My initial guess was the cheese on the burger; after all, we both had some and felt a bit off. However, while he bounced back, I didn’t. ...  read more

When You are Clear on What You Want, The Universe Will Find a Way to Help

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This story is not about work, but I think it can apply to many aspects of work and life.    My kids has been wanting a dog since the pandemic started.   Dogs love them and they love hanging out with all the neighborhood dogs.  We have been casually making a list of all the dog types we want.   I have even searched the web for where the puppy breeders are.  However, we haven’t gotten a dog yet. ...  read more

When It Rains It Pours, and then there is Sunshine

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On March 10, my employer, silicon valley bank, collapsed overnight.  I was dealing with it okay, but I guess the universe thought I could take on more.   There is a common saying, “trust that the universe will only give you what you can handle.”  I hope so, but I am not as sure as I go through this next wave of personal challenges on top of the work ones. ...  read more

My Employer, Silicon Valley Bank, Collapsed Overnight – Now What?

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A week ago, everything fell apart for Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) – the 16th largest bank in the US, and my employer for two and a half year.  I was busy planning our team offsite a week ago.  Now we are in a whole new reality for all 8500 employees – the threat of permanent extinction.

  • I had to cancel the team offsite of course.
  • SVB no longer exists and the parent company filed for bankruptcy
  • Our office locations are all closed ‘temporarily’ but may actually be permanent.  who knows?
  • We are now employed by the bridge bank SVBB, Silicon Valley Bridge Bank, with a new CEO and we have been working like mad helping our clients access their money.
  • We are faced with 3 options that are from okay to ugly – stay independent as a much smaller bank, get acquired by a big players, or close our doors forever.

Only time can tell what will happen next! ...  read more

I Turned 50 and I Am Learning the Art of Not Giving a “F*ck”

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Hubby gave me a funny present for my birthday this year (see below).   He knows me well and it’s exactly what I needed.  I really cannot believe I am half a century old.  When I say I am 50 to others, I feel like I am talking about someone else.   I always thought that someone who is 50 years old is old and also have their sh*t together because they know how life works by this time. ...  read more