Hess Times 2008

Hess Times 2008
Yes, we did go to the White House. Not because of fame or fortune, but because of an accident of place-- where Joe went to high school. Our new President reminds us that the White House is the People’s House. It certainly was on March 29, 2008. Read on.
Mary, David and Drew: Mary was offered her dream job, working as a patent attorney in biotech for a San Diego branch of an intellectual property firm, BSKB, based in Washington D.C. She is one of four attorneys in the office, and loves the work. The partners mentor her and she is achieving a good work/life balance, with Dave’s support. Dave continues to work as an engineer for Kyocera, with a little golf on the side. She carried on the family tradition by serving as an organizer of the American Cancer Society’s first fundraising gala in San Diego. Virginia was present when Drew “graduated“from preschool. A bright and inquisitive 5 year old, he is thriving in a magnet kindergarten.
Jon, aka Jon Drew: Jon worked long hours for the senior downsizing firm, enjoying hearing life stories from the customers and helping them make decisions about their future . Friends lured him to work for a catering firm in Portland, OR, and time will tell whether this is a permanent move. This is a good time for Jon to explore different jobs and places, while continuing to write. He had some excellent adventures playing in charity golf tournaments, visiting his sister in San Diego, going to the Burning Man arts festival in the desert, and participating in a friend’s wedding in Salvador, Brazil.
Joe: Any year when Joe can ride his bike to work is a good one. He enjoyed spring training in Arizona and fall football at Stanford. He also played golf with Jon, Mary and Dave. He traveled to Bangalore and Dubai in February, but that was the extent of his international travel. In fact, he spent almost 40 days on personal travel, a near record. He had two reunions, the most spectacular of which was his Midland, Texas High School reunion at the White House. Laura Bush, a classmate, hosted the event. She invited everyone to tour the historic rooms of the White House on a Friday afternoon, followed by the President’s arrival on the East Lawn via helicopter. A formal dinner was held on Saturday.
Virginia: In May she finished a three year term on the board of Rice’s Alumni Association, but returned to campus for a big reunion in November. She conducted an online survey of the women in her class, on how well they combined family/relationships and careers. Results are still pending, but it can be said that a large majority were satisfied or very satisfied with how they managed both. She still enjoys her book group, plays bridge, and volunteers her time.
Virginia spent five months overseeing the remodeling of two bathrooms, an unexpectedly pleasant task. Look for more remodeling projects in 2009. She was very happy to have Joe in town during the project, and to be able to plan ahead a bit more than in recent years.
She was absolutely star struck by the White House—eating dinner in the Blue Room, seeing the presidential portraits, hearing the Marine Band—it was unbelievable. Afterwards she spent several days in Maryland with friends, going to the Cherry Blossom Festival. This year the beach experience was at her sister’s house in Sea Island, GA, although Thanksgiving on Shelter Island in San Diego Bay was lovely. In October she joined her mother and sister in New York City for a few days before the three of them embarked on a cruise to Halifax, Nova Scotia, with stops in Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, and St. John, Brunswick. New York was fascinating, whether from the top of a double decker tour bus, on a culinary walking tour of Greenwich Village, or at Lincoln Center for “South Pacific”. Her niece Megan lives in NYC and was a great guide.
And what’s next? Christmas in Portland, Rice playing in a bowl game, enjoying our family and friends. Seeing the younger generation marry and have children and establish themselves. Planning a big trip to celebrate last year’s anniversary. Our beloved 13 year old “wheaten terrier” Homer has signed up for another year. Think he knows something? We welcome the changes that are promised for 2009, and have hopes of giving back to the community in ways that we haven’t envisioned since our 20’s. And as our holiday card shows, we hope to be able to maintain lifelong friendships no matter what experiences the years have brought—sharing them makes us all the richer, and certainly provides some tales to tell.