Subject: Weekend Update: Weddings and Resorts (April 29-May 3) Date: Thu 5/4/00 2:45pm Okay. So I am back from Phoenix, Arizona, and I will fill you in on THAT a little later. Let me back up to the weekend that was for Kristi Linton and Chris Knepp. Several weeks ago, Kristi asked me if I wouold video tape the events in and around the ceremony and I was only too happy to agree. So Friday night I get to the church about 25 minnutes before the rehearsal was to start and nearly everyone is there! I cannot remember a rehearsal that ever started on time. Not to worry, however, because the large Linton and Knepp families were having so much fun with their reunion that they delayed the beginning of the rehearsal anyway. When Pastor Reilly finally sat them down in the sanctuary, the two extended families did a fair job of filling up one of the four sections of the church. (I think they stopped acknowledging the "mother with the most family" at Mother's Day because Grammy Linton always won. Not that she doesn't deserve recognition, but the family was always the largest.) Miranda came home for the wedding. She and I went to the Linton house on Saturday to take images of the bridal party before the wedding. I sat down with the Father of the Bride while Miranda capably let the camera roll for primping and conversation. Rob (as his family calls him) was a little concerned about the sequence of events beyond his memorized "her mother and I." I reminded him that after he spoke those words, he would then kiss Kristi and place her hand in the hand of her groom, transferring his parental responsibility to the union of marriage and this other young man. I think that may have "hit home" a bit for Dad. As videographer, I am also a privileged observer of some of these moments that mark the procession of the generations; but some things you don't put on tape. There is a palpable level of energy that builds and builds as the time for the ceremony approached... except (it seemed) for Kristi, who among all of those involved seemed to be having the time of her life and completely at ease. The bridesmaids rushed to get ready and take some photos and the father and mother busied about, helping the photographer and everyone else with final details. They occasionally let out deep sighs that displayed their thoughts rather plainly. Prior to the ceremony, the groom and his men cracked jokes and were in general good humor. The groom was a little nervous but more concerned about being able to repeat after the minister. Both Kristi and Chris spoke clear "I wills" and "I dos". I like that because it was no timid declaration of their union. Once the pronouncement was given, and the reception enjoined, families fully relaxed and celebrated the day; the deed was done and each had a new daughter and a new son. When I turned in that night, I was very tired. I placed the tapes on the counter to be transferred to VHS for the families. I had to make sure I was packed and ready for my trip to Phoenix. -- My company has held a technical conference in years past where numerous people from all over the company and all over the world gather to listen to what's new and what's hot in the company and industry. They also gather to schmooze; that's the best I can describe it. I mean, there is VALUE to discuss things with counterparts from other parts of the company beyond the technical over-the-head stuff. Initiatives and alliances are formed. But lest I make like this is just another business trip.... this is THE premier business trip for Cadence employees. This year we met at the very posh WigWam Resort in Arizona. It was 100 degrees every day and it is really true that it doesn't feel as bad as it would anywhere on the eastern seaboard. I think I saw a cloud in the sky once, but it might have been jet vapor. This resort was impeccably appointed, with palm trees, golf grade grass, sawero cacti, orange and grapefruit trees, numerous fountains and a couple of large swimming pools. The room was the best hotel I've ever stayed in on any of my business trips despite having to share it with another Cadence employee. I skipped several of the talks to schmooze out by one of the pools... several times. The grand ballroom was filled with linen clothed tables. The food and service was excellent (steak, salmon, chicken, beef with mushrooms, omelettes made to order, fruits and veggies - had to put that in to show I noticed - and all the Coke I could manage, and more!). Besides the pools there were three golf courses, tennis courts, a putting green, and large spas near each pool. I had an added bonus pleasure of meeting with Sam and Ray Arrigo for the afternoon on Tuesday. They brought along their 15-month old grandson Kurtis. Ray is a happy grandpa, following Kurious Kurtis around with patience and pleasure. It was fun just to watch the two buddies roam around as Sam and I chatted. Sam and Ray made it very awfully tempting for me to make another trip to Arizona, telling me that as beautiful as the resort was, there was even more beauty to behold. If only I had more time! On Tuesday night, the company bused us to a Wild West show and barbecue where I had more charcoal broiled steak and ranch beans. Among the many activities for us there, was a paintball target shoot where figures would pop out into a doorway or window. Right away I plastered a big red splat on the head one of the targets, They also had knife throwing, and a gun fight (with blanks of course) for people to enjoy. My favorite freebie was the Wild West photos we were able to take. I'll attach a couple that were taken to this email. We were also entertained by great western band and hoedown dancers, a rope twirler, and Pistol Packin' Paula who displayed her prowess with the side irons and bull whips. The brave among us joined in some line dancing. (Not me! I was videotaping!) It was a great evening. And when we got back, we went to the pool again! I brought home some trinkets from the trip. I did attend some of the seminars and understood some of those, but most of my value derived by being there was in the interactions with others that will help us work more smoothly as a worldwide company. For the trip home, the plane was delayed at the airport because the windshield got too hot for takeoff. I didn't mind so much, though. What a trip! Mark Mark Metcalfe, Cadence Design Systems, Inc. _ metcalfe@cadence.com ___ (_) (978) 446-6451 _/XXX\ _ /XXXXXX\_ __ X\__ __ /X XXXX XX\ _ /XX\__ ___ \__/ \_/__ \ \ _/X\__ /XX XXX\____/XXX\ \ ___ \/ \_ \ \ , __ _/ \_/ _/ - __ - \ ___/ \__/ \ \__ \\__ \_0__, / \_// _ _ \ \ __ / \____/ / __ \ / \ \_ _//_\___ M _/ // \___/ \/ __/ __/_______\________\__\_/________\.|\._____/_____________/_______\____/____