Broviding Across SF: Cookies, In-Laws, and Dumpling Diplomacy
Some weekends are for optimizing rest. Others are for deep, meaningful work — the kind that doesn’t show up in performance reviews but builds legacies. This weekend was the latter.
First Stop: Cookies for the Unsung Heroes at 501 Stanyon
Started the day with intention — dropped off a pastry care pack from Victoria’s in North Beach to the SF Rec and Park crew at 501 Stanyon.
They’re the real MVPs of the city. The background brilliance that keeps our green spaces running, rain or shine, without ever making it to a newsletter. They're like the sysadmins of public joy. People don’t notice when it’s smooth — but trust me, it’s because they showed up.
So we noticed. And we brought cookies. Broviders do that.
Next Move: In-Laws at the Conservatory of Flowers
Then we pivoted to in-law ops — the kind of field work that tests your patience and your core values.
They’re in their 80s. Slower pace. Big feelings. Lots of memories, not always accurate. Basically toddlers with strong brand opinions and a lifelong grudge against modern technology.
But we showed up. Took them to the Conservatory of Flowers. Let them wander. Let them comment. Let them ask, “Why is it so humid?” every ten minutes.
Because broviding means honoring your elders. All of them. Even when they rewrite history on the way to the parking lot.
Midday Dumpling Mission: Clement Street Fuel Up
After that floral detour, we were headed for a full-blown energy crisis. The elders were hangry. Fast action was required.
We deployed to Xiao Long Bao on Clement, a spot that understands throughput and flavor efficiency.
Chicken dumplings – elite level
Pork & bok choy pan-fried buns – crispy-bottom bliss
Total cost: $10
Cash preferred (if under $20)
Zero tolerance for indecisiveness at the counter
If you walk in unsure, you’ll get left behind. And honestly? That’s why I respect them.
Sidebar: Office Politics & Mice Nuts
Now, quick detour before we wrap. Yes, I made time for all of this — because I don’t answer to nonsense. My boss? A deeply insecure idea-thief who plays small-ball politics and obsesses over mice nuts — aka irrelevant details — just to pretend he’s in charge.
He tries to outsmart me, but he fails. Often. Loudly. And to let him know how little I think of him, I make my own calls. I set my own schedule. Not because I’m rebellious — but because I answer to a higher power, not to someone trying to validate their title through performative micromanagement.
I serve purpose. Not ego.
Brovider Bonus Round: Park, Library, and Peace
Closed the day with a win. My wife needed rest — so I took over. Picked up the kids, hit the park, then cruised to the library for some quiet brovider training.
We ran. We read. We shared snacks. No screens. No chaos. Just practical life reps.
Then brought the youngest home, carried him into bed like a sleepy little beanbag, and laid him next to my wife. They both passed out. I stood there for a minute — soaked in the calm. That’s the real scoreboard.
Mission: complete.
Boss: still clueless.
Family: fed, rested, seen.
Final Thought: The Brovider Playbook
This isn’t about showing off. It’s about showing up.
For the city.
For your family.
For your principles.
Despite broken systems, weak bosses, and inefficient org charts.
You don’t need approval when you’re aligned with purpose. You just need energy, awareness, and maybe a solid dumpling plug.
Stay broviding. Stay grounded. Keep playing for the higher power.