Design Balance

The humans got out of the office for team building last week.

Ellen was not invited.

Neither was I.

Probably for different reasons.

I’ve received no word on who won.

-Sydney 🐾

So I've almost made it through my first month of orientation. I'm starting to get the hang of things here. My boss Sydney is super big on schedules and super not big on naps. I'm trying really hard to get her to like me. We are getting along...for now.

-Ellen 🐾

today we're celebrating jason. 🎉
apparently he can renovate a house...
build furniture...
and survive hiking vacations.
i, personally, relocated a sock from the living room to the backyard.
we all have our strengths.
happy birthday, jason!
– ellen 🐾

OMG! So today is Brook's birthday!

She's one of my favorite humans in the office. She's in charge of snacks and snuggles (for me anyway). I hear she makes sure all the people around here get paid and something about bills being paid too, but did I mention SNACKS! ❤❤❤

Also, I heard someone say when the office goes on retreats she has to heard cats or something - SCARY! She must be so brave.

Anyway, she turns 40 today!! Someone told me that was a big deal! Happy Birthday Brook! I can't wait to snuggle in your lap!

Love,
Ellen 🐾

I suppose I should make this official...

Please welcome Jason to Design Balance as our newest Associate Principal.

I've been watching him carefully, and here's what I've learned:

✈️ He likes aviation.
🎬 He knows his movies.
🪚 He builds furniture for fun.
🏔️ He's working his way through the National Parks with his family.
🎸 Apparently there is no such thing as "too many" Dave Matthews Band concerts.

He also has two kids, which tells me he's already well trained in solving problems while running on very little quiet.

So far, he seems to understand that good design takes patience, craftsmanship, and paying attention to the details.

I'll continue my observations from a safe distance...probably on top of someone's desk.

Welcome to the team, Jason.

— Sydney 🐾

Hi. Ellen here.

Apparently it's Noe's birthday today.

i've been informed he's a huge football fan (yay soccer balls), goes to the gym for fun (ew! I need a nap just writing that), and has... very strong opinions about the football like, VERY strong.

Happy birthday, Noe. hope your day is as legendary as you believe Ronaldo is. ;-)

– ellen 🐾

📢 Sydney's Official Announcement

Well... apparently I have an assistant now.

Nobody asked me.

Her name is Ellen, and from what I've observed during her first week, her qualifications include:
• Sleeping through staff meetings.
• Falling asleep on the blueprints.
• Taking over my chair.
• Looking adorable while doing absolutely nothing.

Management says she's my new "Social Media Assistant."

I'm still trying to figure out which part of social media requires 17 naps before lunch.

They keep telling me she's "great for morale."

I suppose they're right.

Welcome to the team, Ellen.

I'll be supervising.
Very, very closely.

— Sydney 🐾

🎉 Sydney's Birthday Bulletin 🎉

Apparently Tyler scheduled an Alaskan cruise for his birthday.

I can't prove it's because he wanted to avoid me making a fuss... but the timing is suspicious.

When he's not hiking somewhere with a view, catching a Black Pistol Fire concert or reminding everyone he met his wife at an FC Dallas match, he's helping keep projects moving here at Design Balance with the steady approach that makes complicated things look easy.

Happy Birthday, Tyler! I hope the glaciers cooperate, the wildlife makes an appearance and someone else volunteers to take the coldest excursion.

I'll keep an eye on the office while you're gone.

Happy Birthday from all of us at Design Balance. 🇺🇸🦫🎉🐾

Three years ago, Alex joined Design Balance.

Since then he's asked good questions, brought fresh perspective and managed to keep things interesting along the way.

I've been keeping an eye on things.

Three years is long enough to become part of the story around here.

Happy Work Anniversary, Alex.

Nicely done.

— Sydney 🐾

Last year I was spending the Fourth in Boston Harbor.
This year I'm keeping an eye on things here in Rockwall.
The plans are rolled up, the office is quiet, and the fireworks are doing most of the talking.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Independence Day.

🇺🇸

— Sydney 🐾