I've never been good with death. I have been fortunate in recent years that death was not part of my life. That all changed a few weeks ago when my friend, colleague and "always at my party" attendee, Lisa, passed away from her battle with colon cancer.

When I moved from Salt Lake to the Bay Area last year, I lost track of Lisa. It was hard for me to talk to her and preferred to get updates of her condition through our mutual friends. I was scared of what was happening. Now I have a heavy heart not remembering the last thing I ever said to her. I used to think cancer sucked, but now I can honestly say that I F@$#$@#$ HATE CANCER.

It's seems almost appropriate that I am part of a team here at eBay that is helping with our participation in the Stand Up 2 Cancer event. Over the course of the next few weeks, the eBay community will be helping kick cancer's ass. You can also contribute in this "ass kicking" by donating, buying, or listing an item that benefits this movement.

I will be posting more information next week about how we're participating, and specifically how YOU can do so as well.

I am listing a Stand Up 2 Cancer T-shirt signed by Jennifer Aniston, Terrance Howard and Sidney Poitier. This goes live on Monday morning, 8am PST.

I am doing this as I "Stand Up" in memory of Lisa.

To learn more about how you can STAND UP, please visit the Stand Up 2 Cancer website.

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TAGS: Stand Up 2 Cancer, Friends, eBay Giving Works

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I kicked off my weekend on Friday by inviting some friends over to watch the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics and - in true Chinese tradition - eat Chinese food. $150 of Chinese food later, we felt very culturally engaged.

It was a marathon of a night, as the ceremonies were scheduled for over 4 hours, and we had them on DVR delay. But overall, it was a blast. The show was visually stunning and even mentally engaging. It kept us ChaCha-ing our queries all evening:

After watching the acrobatics and wire stunts:
Q: Can Chinese people fly?
ChaCha: You mean like on a plane? Yes, I have seen numerous Chinese people on planes.

After watching Georgia's delegation enter:
Q: What is Georgia going to do about the Russian invasion?
ChaCha: What can they do? It was a surprise attack.

After misunderstanding regarding Matt Lauer's anecdotal commentating during the Japanese delegation's entrance and a quick cut to the Japanese Prime Minister:
Q: Is the Japanese Prime Minister really competing in one of the equestrian jumping events?
ChaCha: He isn't competing. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda made the news recently when he said he would attend the opening ceremonies.

If you had any of these same ponderings and ruminations, I hope this helps. If not, I hope you all had a fabulous weekend as well.

Happy Monday!

TAGS: beijing, olympics, opening ceremony, chinese food, friends, weekend

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Lots of free food, fun in and out of the sun, and quality time with family and friends, all with Jack Johnson on repeat.

Yep--feels like summer! I hope everyone is having a blast!

TAGS: Summer, food, family, friends, Jack Johnson

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Hope everyone had a good one! Spent mine playing on various beaches and at get-togethers--eating more than I thought possible in one sitting--with good company.

TAGS: 4th of July, beaches, fireworks, karaoke, food coma, friends

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Sometimes a picture says it all. I hope everyone had a great weekend, I sure did. Bring on Monday and all the GOOD in the world!

TAGS: Holiday, 4th Of July, Giants, Baseball, Sun, Friends

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I am back home! What a week it was in Chicago, eBay Live! did the same thing it's done for me the last 3 years:
Re-enforced my belief in what I do and why I do it (eBay Giving Works)
Love my friends (reminding me why)
Love the community (hugging strangers never felt so right)

I hope you enjoy the pictures and video.."via Chicago"

I apologize for the shaky video skills, but the clapping tunnel is a multi-task type of activity. Plus, I wanted to give you an idea of how I feel when I get those chills right as the doors open and the community comes in.

TAGS: eBay Live!, Chicago, Friends, Community, Chills

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Well that was an easier than expected trip (8:48am United, Flight 134), I slept through half of it. In my 5 years at eBay, I have to say that "Live!" is the best perk of this gig. This is my third year attending, and I'm betting that this will be the best one ever. And I really hope it is, I can't predict the future and where I'll be in 2010, as I have aspirations to live in South America! ;-)

As most of you know, I am part of the eBay Giving Works team.
(L/R: Tamas, Jen, Sheela, KC, me and Judy
This year we are celebrating our 5th anniversary and the party starts in Chicago! In 5 years, we've come a LONG way, and probably the best part is me joining the team ;-) KIDDING!

So, a few things:
1) Stop by our booth
2) Attend our party where we will be announcing our annual award winners.
3) Tell us about how you use the program.
4) If you've never used eBay Giving Works, then ask us how to!

I plan to have my camera on me at all times, so come take a picture with us.

-Roman

P.S
Yes, I plan to give one of my staff shirts away...because obviously, you'll look good in my shirt ;-)

TAGS: eBay Live, eBay Giving Works, Friends, Chicago

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My blogs (and tweets) this week will be coming from Chicago as I join thousands of others for Live! I'm heading out there a little early to enjoy Chicago, as I've only seen the city when it's covered in snow.

I have the new album by My Morning Jacket loaded up on the iPod, and enough sunscreen to protect a horse. The weather is looking nice, at least for the first few days.

I can't wait to see old friends, and meet in person some new ones. If you plan to be in Chicago, please stop me and say "hello".

TAGS: Chicago, eBay Live!, Friends, Tweet, My Morning Jacket

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