Teija Liisa Roams the Globe

Feelings

2012-02-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

Time Lapse

2012-01-18T21:17:00.000-08:00

On my way into the office this morning...

3 hrs. later...

It's True

2012-01-18T20:46:00.000-08:00

What I said inspired some creativity...

See more from my uber-creative colleague here.

Yum.

2012-01-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

Warning:

If you make this,

prepare yourself

that it won't last long.

Nutty Cranberry Coconut Maple Granola

5 c. rolled oats

1 1/2 c. shredded coconut

1 c. chopped walnuts

1 c. chopped pecans

1 c. slivered almonds

1 c. raw sesame seeds

1 c. raw sunflower seeds

1 c. wheat germ

1 c. extra virgin olive oil

1 c. honey

1/2 c. pure maple syrup

2 c. dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine in large bowl oats, coconut, walnuts, pecans, almonds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, wheat germ. Mix together.

In saucepan over medium heat, combine olive oil, honey, and maple syrup. Stir till blended. Then pour over the oat mixture and stir till fully combined. Pour into 9x13 baking pan, spreading evenly.

Bake for 25 min. or until golden brown.

Remove from oven and immediately mix in the dried cranberries.

Cool uncovered, then store in an air-tight container.

Livin' the Dream!

2012-01-02T04:13:00.000-08:00

No better way to ring in the new year

and kick off 2012 with a bang

than to fulfill a lifelong dream, right?

Mine was to ski the Austrian Alps in the Tirol area.

So that's just what I did.

In Arlberg, St. Anton, Austria.

To make it even better,

I got to...

Get down on the dance floor with some spirited Germans

at Moosewirt for some Aprés Ski;

Enjoy a traditional German/Swiss "raclette' meal;

Watch fireworks in the tiny village of Friel;

Attempt to sing German songs via karaoke;

And have an epic snowball fight with a bunch of rowdy new friends!

Ein prosit, der gemutlichkeit!

2011-12-28T05:48:00.001-08:00

What I learned while at the Hofbrauhaus...

Bavarian meatloaf is literally translated to "cheese meat,"

but it's more like a loaf of sausage

1 stein = 1 liter = a LOT of beer to drink in one sitting

Just stand in front of the band and wiggle your hips a bit,

and you're guaranteed a dance partner within seconds.

video coming soon.

Popular German drinking song, played every 10 min.:

Ein prosit, ein prosit

der gemutlichkeit!

Ein prosit, ein prosit

der gemutlichkeit!

Love

2011-12-28T05:46:00.000-08:00

what did you do all day?

I can't begin to tell you how much I like being here!

This city is spectacular!

I've walked around all over

Mostly in the English Garden

And toward random big buildings

maybe your enthusiasm will rub off

I LOVE Europe!

you're funny

It's hard to describe, but I get a feeling here that I get nowhere else

I really wish I would love it only half as much as you do

I just feel so "at home" when I'm in Europe

It must be in my blood

probably

Munchen

2011-12-27T05:43:00.000-08:00

Nearly a decade ago, I landed in the same spot

on my first international adventure of adulthood.

Today, upon return to Munchen, it was nice to be greeted by a familiar face,

given a traditional European breakfast of bread, cheese, tea, and pie,

then left to my own devices to explore the city.

I'm in Europe!!

Where I get to see the Glockenspiel

And eat bratwurst

Sorry Mom, I'd rather eat brats than frankfurters

Yeah, that's right -

I'm in Germany!

I Spy...

2011-12-25T18:57:00.000-08:00

Navy religiously followed the Santa Tracker...

And after dinner, we all gathered 'round the bonfire

to sing carols

and roast marshmallows...

Just before singing a vibrant chorus of Joulupukki,

we heard sleigh bells ring

and a bunch of clatter coming from the house!
It could only mean one thing...

Click here to see.

And So It Continues...

2011-12-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

... both day and night.

Noel.

Woke up to a white Christmas Eve day...

The holiday meal-making ensued...

Frosting of sugar cookies took place...

Pickle eating occurred...

Snacking happened all day long...

Until finally the traditional Finnish Christmas meal transpired.

Hyvä Jouluateria!

It's Tradition

2011-12-25T17:41:00.000-08:00

in our household to dance in the kitchen...

Off to a great start

2011-12-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas is alive and well at Springman Acres.

Albeit in a bit of a blur.

Holiday preparations are in full swing...

Getting ready for Santa's visit...

Stoking the holiday fires...

Making cookies for the reindeer...

Leaving pretty snowflake drawings for the elves to see...

If we didn't know any better, we may have already met Santa...

'Tis the Season

2011-12-22T16:43:00.001-08:00

Click here and here for evidence of our holiday party success.

Oh, and Cindy Lou made an appearance...

So did a really nicely dressed yetti...

Who?

2011-10-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

Cindy Lou

13.1

2011-10-26T23:17:00.000-07:00

Ran my very first half marathon

with VERY little training.

What got me through?

Tunes by Billy Idol and Duran Duran,

Chocolate Gu and orange Gatorade,

Friggin' gorgeous scenery,

That woman in the sequined turquoise skirt

just ahead of me most of the way that I couldn't let beat me,

And a serious case of runner's high.

Loved every second of it - pain and all.

Cruisin'

2011-10-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Isn't she hot? This married mother of two looks like she's 22!

I love my sister!

This is the first time, I think ever, that we vacationed together

Just the two of us,

Buildin' castles in the sky.

Just the two of us...

[Buck] and I.

Displaying our awesome door tag. We were on cruise mode the whole weekend!

I knew it was going to be a fun trip when

no more than an hour into it,

while dining on some cruise ship cuisine

of buffet-style salads and sandwiches,

Kirsti declared,

"I'm not so much a bread person,

but I am a butter person."

Kirsti enjoying her nightly dose of orgasmic ooey-gooey warm chocolate cake

It just got better from there...

We hung out poolside in the hot tubs

and sipped on margaritas & piña coladas.

We were greeted daily by our oh-so-cute towel creatures

created by our oh-so-cute cabin attendant, Pambuti,

who we lovingly called Booty.

As it turned out, we were not on a ship filled with old folks.

On the contrary - it was the party boat.

It was a weekend of bachelor & bachelorette parties.

So (obviously) we were hit on by countless engaged dudes.

And we had to take the obligatory Titanic pose shot.

We also ported in Ensenada, Mexico

and enjoyed a day of shopping for junk

"Hecho en Mexico"

and eating exquisite fish tacos.

We also enjoyed a "Formal Night"

of dining, dancing, and comedy.

Overall, a relaxing weekend

with my favorite woman on the planet.

Happy 30th Sis!

A Day of Labor

2011-09-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

A spontaneous camping trip to So. Oregon

with a whole bunch of people I'd never met

resulted in a really good time.

We camped by the Rogue River.

Layed out on its shores.

Tip-toed into its frigid waters.

And rafted it in inflatable kayaks.

Other activities included:

Love's Labor's Lost

at the Elizabethan Theatre in Ashland.

Hiking out of Grant's Pass

to a cell phone tower

with Breannon (in a casted ankle) leading the way.

Playing some Bocce Ball

in the dark

with headlamps that were directed straight up at the sky.

Exploring the Oregon Caves

with the best tour guide ever

who got really excited about seeing bats.

Getting to know some really cool girls.

Southern Charm

2011-09-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

I anticipated this...

a return to rain and autumn-like temps

after a week of 100+ degrees in Austin.

Can't say I'm all that happy to be home.

Heat, sun, breakfast tacos - I could get used to the Texan lifestyle.

I spent a week with some of the most charming, welcoming, hospitable folks.

The Austin team is great!

Here's how they introduced me to their city:

One-firm-firm shots...

Dinners with the Biz Dev team...

Kentucky Mules...

Karaoke - Total Eclipse of the Heart...

Cupcakes at Delish...

TexMex at Matt's...

Cockroaches...

Stand-up paddle boarding on Town Lake...

Drawings on the office windows...

Live music on Dirty Sixth...

Food carts on South Congress...

Can't wait for my next visit!

The Light Returns

2011-08-31T22:27:00.000-07:00

The construction next door is finally complete.

No more scaffolding.

Celebrating the rays of sunlight peaking through my windows again.

A Star is Born

2011-08-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

My film debut
click here...

Deleted scene - Andy Warhol Halloween

48 Hrs with Perfect Strangers

2011-08-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

This be what I been doin' all weekend.

Haaaaa Haaaaa Haaaa

2011-08-02T21:20:00.001-07:00

Tickled my funny bone,

hope it does the same for you.

Area Woman Excited To Finally Experience Unbearable Loneliness Of Having Her Own Place

http://onion.com/os2ucl

It's On!

2011-07-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

Image from http://tribalrunner.tumblr.com/

Inspired by two weekends of volunteering at races -

The Coeur d'Alene Ironman

and the Dirty Dash in Auburn, WA -

I've now committed to racing

the Columbia Gorge Half Marathon.

Race is on Oct. 23.

Training begins now.

Riisipurro ja Rapaperikiisseli

2011-07-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

Rice Pudding with Rhubarb Soup

RIISIPURRO

(Rice Pudding)

1 cup pearl rice

1 cup water

1 1/2 cup half & half

1/2 cup sour cream

2 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Cook rice & water (covered) over medium heat until water is fully absorbed.

Add half & half and sugar. Reduce heat to low. Cook till thickened.

Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Let cool. Stir in sour cream.

RAPAPERIKIISSELI

(Rhubarb Soup)

2 cups water

2 cups of little bitesize pieces of fresh rhubarb

1/2 cup sugar

2 Tbsp cornstarch

2 Tbsp water

Dice rhubarb into small (1inch) bits.

Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan and stir in the rhubarb bits and sugar..

Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes (or until very tender).

Mix the cornstarch into the 2 Tbsp of water, then slowly stir into the boiling soup.

Cook several more minutes, until the soup is clear and thickened.

Let cool, then cover and let chill.

When ready to serve, scoop riisipurro into bowls and ladle Rapaperikisseli on top.

Top with whipped cream if desired.

Perfection

2011-07-08T18:24:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad that Kirsti was flexible enough

to take me to the airport at 6am on July 4th

only to have me say,

"You know, I think I'm gonna stay,"

and drove back to Long Beach

to hang out with the Osbornes

the funnest family I know

for a perfect 4th of July celebration.

We...

...surfed,

...kayaked,

...wiffle-balled,

...bocce-balled,

...ladder-balled,

...backyard barbecued,

...watched fireworks,

etc.

P.S. They live in paradise. Hopefully they never leave.

The Boys

2011-06-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

Clarence and Winston

Winston

Clarence

The New Guy

2011-06-15T22:40:00.000-07:00

Meet the new guy in my life...

Still deciding on a name.

Any suggestions for this mischievous little lad?

Borrowing

2011-06-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Not unlike my last blog entry,

I'm stealing content from friends' FB posts...

This segment, as I plagiarize my colleague,

Matt Adams,

is titled

ART OF THE PEARL

(so aptly named)...

(below photo by Matt Adams)

Storm

2011-06-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

Stole this from Caitlin Malley's FB post,

and had to share.

Despite whether you agree

with the premise,

it's a brilliant animation

coupled with rhythm & rhyme...

New Do

2011-06-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

PDX to SFO

2011-06-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

A journey of personal exploration...

Two days of discovery.

The itinerary:

Day 1: Portland to Crescent City w/ a detour to Crater Lake,

and don't forget to stop and take in Salt Creek Falls.

The West Entrance of Crater Lake

(expect lots of snow and possible road closures in June)

How to explain a drive through the Redwood Forest

at night with your windows rolled down?

Magestic.

No photo can capture it, so I didn't even try.

Camp by the harbor in Crescent City,

to ensure awakening to a sight like this:

Day 2: Crescent City to San Francisco, with a couple

requisite refueling (the tummy) stops in between.

Morning stretches.

Redwoods in the daylight are equally spectacular.

Croissant bread pudding breakfast at Cafe Brio in Arcata, CA.

And what's a tour through N. California without a stop in Sonoma?

Here I bought some sweet white cherries from a roadside vendor.

California poppies to add color to the drive.

And the journey concludes with a view of the Golden Gate.

Silver Falls

2011-05-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

Today I discovered that I don't have to travel to

the opposite side of the globe

to see beauty as astounding as this...

It reminded me so much of roadtripping

through New Zealand.

The only things missing were

Katy Perry blasting on the radio.

Oh wait!

Fiiiiiireworrrrrrk!

And sheep.

Oh wait!

All of this splendor is just moments away.

My home is full of landscapes like these.

And today's escapade took me to

Silver Falls

where I hiked a loop taking me from

South Falls

along trails covered in moss

to North Falls.

A lovely hike, leaving me quite content.

So nice to escape the city.

Perhaps I should move away and live here instead.

Finnish Twist

2011-05-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

Another lovely get-together

of the Anthropologists -

Scandinavian style.

Menu:

Rye bread with smoked salmon, swiss, and havarti

Fruit plate with bosc pears, pink lady apples, raspberries, blueberries

and whipped cream

Finnish crepes (lattuja) with lingonberry jam & sour cream

Top it all off with some mimosas.

A lovely Sunday brunch.

The Thurman Loft

2011-05-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

And now for the revealing...

My sanctuary

Lots of light

A balcony

So cozy

Hello down there

Click here for the video tour.

Prize Winner

2011-05-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

Who can resist bacon?

And bacon with bourbon?

Put it all together in a pecan pie.

A guaranteed recipe for success.

A prize winner, in fact.

Strategy: Appeal to the male vote.

Some Sun and a River

2011-05-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

Couldn't have asked for a more perfect

girls' weekend

in Sunriver.

Good food.

Nice strolls.

Hottubs.

Dancing.

and

Hot Stone Massage.

Oh, and some silliness

for good measure.

Thanks Charyl.

Revision: 30 While in my Thirties

2011-04-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

So I was a bit ambitious when creating last year's goals.

New plan:

Accomplish the rest sometime during my 30s.

A year later, here's the update:

1. Cross off ~~Australia~~ & Antarctica on my continent travel list.

Australia & New Zealand happened, but couldn't squeeze in Antarctica, but soon, very soon.

2. ~~Amsterdam - if not to live, at least to visit.~~

A visit for work back in September. Another this year too.

3. Ride in three century rides.

Not a single one last year - but this year I'm back on the "horse"

4. Run a half marathon.

More like halfway around the block.

5. Buy a house.

Can't commit. I think it's committing to Portland that's the trouble.

6. Revamp my wardrobe - sophisticated & high quality.

Slowly but surely. This is a lifelong goal.

7. ~~Grow veggies & herbs on my roof.~~

Enjoyed fresh tomatoes & herbs last summer. Mmmm.

8. Speaking of my roof, sleep on it.

In the end, decided it wasn't worth the risk of falling off - the roof is a bit too sloped.

9. Participate in 30 events as a volunteer.

Divide by three, and I accomplished it. I think I did about 10.

10. Take a cooking class.

Does watching the Food Network count? Didn't think so.

11. ~~Lead a book club.~~

I'm so well-read these days.

12. Camp in the gorge.

The biggest disappointment on this list - not a single camping trip in 2010.

13. Row in a regatta.

Only rowed in practice.

14. ~~Pay off one of my student loans.~~

Nearly debt-free! And it feels so good.

15. Put Navy through a dance class.

Not my fault - Kirsti always had an excuse.

16. Sew a shirt and skirt I'd actually wear.

Sewed a tablecloth instead.

17. Learn to screen print.

Fail.

18. Paint a picture to hang on my wall.

Double fail.

19. Donate blood at least 10 times.

Tried. Twice. Now have nerve damage in my right arm.

20. Ride a mechanical bull.

I should find one to ride this year on my birthday!

21. ~~Become a people manager.~~

Step 2: find a way to get paid for it.

22. Grow the hat biz to 2+ more shops.

Only hats made this year: check 'em out!

23. Take a Finnish language class.

Went once, then dropped the class. Wasn't worth the half grand.

24. Learn Photoshop & Illustrator.

I work with graphic designers for Pete's sake - you'd think I'd pick it up by now.

25. ~~Eat at Le Pigeon.~~

Steak. Scallops. Lemon pistachio cake.

26. ~~Start an IRA.~~

Decided against it. Combining my 401(k)s instead.

27. Hoop dance.

My hula hoop is screaming for attention.

28. ~~Paint a cabinet turquoise and buy a bed.~~

Done. And done.

29. ~~Put together all my travel albums.~~

Great times reminiscing.

30. ~~Make 30 the best year yet!~~

Each year keeps getting better.

Playing Pretend

2011-04-10T16:08:00.001-07:00

Perhaps if I act like it's Spring outside,

the weather will eventually decide to cooperate.

Potted plants on my front porch

Mile High...

2011-03-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

...City (not Club).

i wish

Derby Days

2011-03-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

Jen, Rahul, and I had a little outing to

Key Arena in Seattle

to see the

Rat City Rollers.

I think I'm hooked.

See ya at the skating rink.

I'll be there practicing my elbow jabs.

Oh, and I've already got my derby name:

The "Finn"isher!

Jersey #1

X-Country

2011-03-12T21:45:00.000-08:00

It's been nearly a decade since I last strapped

these types of sticks to my feet

and took to the hills

for some major aerobic exercise

in the crisp, fresh air.

After a rocky start

consisting of a handful of falls each

as we snowplowed down a steep icy hill to the trail below,

thinking to ourselves,

"If this is what we're in for, it's going to be a long day,"

my equally adventurous friend Katharina

and I hit the trails around Trillium Lake

for a lovely work-out in the woods.

(This was Katharina's first time cross-country skiing,

and I dare say she's a natural).

Winter is for Snow

2011-03-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

Snow - those big flakes fluttering from the sky,

sticking to the ground,

and within 5 minutes the world is blanketed in white.

Snow - accompanied by a sense of peace

when watched from the window of a warm, cozy spot,

yet bringing a feeling of caution and haste

when navigating icy roads in blizzard conditions.

Snow - that opportunity for play,

rushing to collect mittens, scarf, hat, and garbage can lid

to sled down a nearby hill, laughing like you haven't laughed in years.

Snow - it's what my winters have always included.

I prize those rare moments I still get to see it.

Waking up to a Snowy Morning

2011-02-24T10:56:00.000-08:00

There's something so energizing about awaking to

a blanket of snow covering the ground.

So fresh, so clean, so pure.

The crisp coolness of flakes brushing my cheeks,

catching in my eyelashes,

melting on my tongue

as it drifts, flutters, from a bright white sky.

Just Had To...

2011-02-22T22:35:00.000-08:00

I can't stop admiring this photo.

One of the cutest, sweetest, yet most

hilarious

photos of my niece & nephew

in their Valentine's Day hats.

Glide Cycle

2011-02-13T19:24:00.000-08:00

My cycling buddy, Adam, and I biked the

Worst Day of the Year Ride

and came across these...

They're called Glide Cycles,

and I

really

want to try one out!

Another Anthropologists Outing

2011-02-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

There's a little group of us

Kerwin, Charyl, and myself

(with the occasional "honorary guest")

who like to "get cultured" every once in a while.

Typically, the culture revolves around food.

We started out calling ourselves the "Food Snobs"

but it sounded just a bit too uppity.

So we've adopted a new title,

The Anthropologists.

Our goal is to get together every month or so

to partake of the finest Portland has to offer

by way of dining experiences

and other such events that suit our fancy.

Today's anthropological dig took us to

The Country Cat

for some

Winter Vegetable Hash

and Hazelnut Brandy Challah French Toast

The work of an Anthropologist is so rough!

My Fave Super Bowl Ads

2011-02-06T16:51:00.000-08:00

So Bud Light gets runner up

because they nailed it with

the excessive product placement

in movies these days.

But Doritos takes Best in Show

for that finger lick...

uh...

WOW!

Cast Your Vote

2011-02-05T13:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, I've lasted as long as I possibly could

with

long hair.

Time to chop it off!

Help me decide which style to choose.

Leave your comment with the number of the hairstyle you'd choose for me.

I Heart Sydney

2011-01-18T21:15:00.000-08:00

Miss it already!

Feels like a dream.

Bondi Beach

The Opera House

The Harbour Bridge

The Blue Mountains

The Three Sisters

Aussie Barbecue

Eating Kangaroo

(Tastes like beef)

All together a great time with a great host in a great city.

For All of You...

2011-01-12T04:32:00.000-08:00

Kewarra Beach, north of Cairns

Near Cape Tribulation, north of Fort Douglas & Mossman

Hello Australia!

2011-01-09T14:20:00.000-08:00

We arrived to sunshine and heat in Melbourne.

Explored the laneways, the harbour, the free art exhibits.

Rode on Puffing Billy, a toy steam train.

Saw kangaroo, koala, and platypus.

Even saw a dingo, Mom...

Didn't hug it though.

An Outline of Our NZ Trip

2011-01-05T19:56:00.000-08:00

Saying it a bit differently

2011-01-05T19:17:00.000-08:00

Loving the road signs in NZ...

And other fun signs and labels...

The best signs have been the ones

warning drivers

not to driver under the influence

or not to drive when tired.

Haven't captured any yet because we've sped by them so quickly.

Milford Sound

2011-01-05T19:06:00.000-08:00

Now this is the South Island I'd come to expect!

Mt. Cook's Splendor

2011-01-02T01:49:00.000-08:00

Magnificent.

Breathtaking.

Gorgeous.

Divine.

Paradise.

Awe-inspiring.

Such a splendor.

Fun & Funny

2010-12-30T13:02:00.000-08:00

The Whangarei Belly Flop

The Past Few Days

2010-12-30T12:07:00.000-08:00

Kia Ora!

Recap of the last couple days…

Raglan

The quintessential surf town. Bleach-blonde hair. Tanned skin. Board shorts and bikinis. Shops full of ocean-portraying trinkets – dolphins, waves, VW vans topped with surfboards. The surfers paradise… when the sun shines anyway. We hit Raglan in a downpour. Made the best of it anyway. Waited out the torrential rain with a nap in the car. Then hit the shops and wrapped up our visit with burgers and salads in the diner. It wasn’t until several hours later that we realized we walked out without even paying for our meals. Whoops!

Waitomo Caves

We abseiled our way into a deep, glow worm-filled cavernous hole-in-the-ground following our fearless leader, Simon, a caving “expert.” Dressed in what seemed like 20-year-old wetsuits, hard hats, and gum (aka: rubber) boots, we were guided through caves of all sizes and shapes with a rushing river flowing through. We crawled on hands and knees, contorting our bodies this way and that, slithering through limestone shafts no bigger than an ostrich egg, at times by the light of our headlamps, and often by only the worms’ glow. Equipped with tire tubes for rafts, we got tossed and turned and flipped around deeper into the cave’s abyss. Once we reached our stopping point, we refueled with hot raspberry punch and chocolate bars before fighting against the current, returning to daylight, and rock climbing our way back up to the earth’s surface as the sun’s rays descended upon us.

Rotorua

Do the locals ever get used to the sulphur smell? The town is full of geysers and hot springs. Our first night here, we stayed with a couple fun Mormon girls who we met while caving and took a soak in the thermal pools at our holiday park. It was a relaxing spot along our route, where we refreshed and recharged in the healing waters. Rotorua also offered us the chance to ZORB!!!

Lake Okataina

Picture Fallen Leaf Lake. Now replace the pine trees with fern-like palms. Put slimy, slippery black branches that look like pythons in the trail. Take the water and raise the temperature 20 degrees. Now you’ve got Lake Okataina – the Laughing Waters. We spent our morning there.

Maori Village

We chose our chief, a small red-headed man from south Africa. He greeted the three other chiefs from the other buses with the traditional pressing of noses. We all stood behind our chiefs as they bravely faced the Maori village warriors who tried to intimidate us with their stomping, bulging of eyes, and flicking of tongues. Our South African chief, Chris, accepted the peace offering, and we were allowed to pass into the Maori village where we witnessed traditional Maori games, cooking, and song and dance. We were fed with sweet potatoes, chicken, and lamb. And the best dessert EVER – steam pudding with custard and cream. The tangata whenua – people of the land – were more than welcoming and hospitable.

So Far So Good

2010-12-27T12:11:00.000-08:00

The New Zealand trip mantra:

So Far So Good.

I Got This...

2010-12-25T13:12:00.000-08:00

Driving on the opposite side of the road

requires major concentration...

Merry Christmas from Down Under

2010-12-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

Spent Christmas morning in the Sydney Airport.

Had some corny fun with it.

Holidays Recipes from XPLANE

2010-12-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

Our designers at XPLANE have been hard at work as always

to bring you some holiday cheer in the form of tasty

Christmas recipes from around the world!

Also, check out the xBlog!

Season's Greetings

2010-12-19T16:34:00.001-08:00

Gettin' Into the Spirit of Things

2010-12-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help myself.

Even though I won't be home for Christmas,

let alone in the country,

I still had to get festive.

Following suit...

holiday baking next weekend.

A New Respect

2010-12-05T13:44:00.000-08:00

I never have liked snowboarding at Mt. Hood.

But that's because I'm a snow snob.

I prefer bluebird days with 12" of fresh powder.

Not the morning-ice-turned-afternoon-slush

customary to Mt. Hood Meadows.

But I'm not one to hold firmly to opinions if they can be swayed,

and yesterday's mountain adventure changed my perspective.

This is why...

Stiff, half-frozen face = stiff, half smile

Morning fog gave way to sunny spells

with vistas of volcano peaks rising through blankets of clouds

The only way to see these winter scapes is to ride the chairlifts up

and cruise through groomers, kickers, tree runs, and natural pipes on the way down.

Added bonus: no crowds (unusual for a Saturday)

but the Civil War football game between the Ducks and Beavers

is to be thanked for keeping the droves of people at bay.

I opted for the shorter board,

which turned out to be perfect for playing in the packed pow.

A great way to take the mind off of any worries or cares.

Audio-dio-dio-dio

2010-11-29T22:13:00.000-08:00

Don't you just want to eat him up?

Ventura Trip

2010-11-29T22:08:00.000-08:00

What to do for Thanksgiving?

I considered a visit to BF to see how the house is coming along,

but the below-zero temperatures deterred me.

So then I thought about staying in Portland,

but that seemed all-too-ordinary for four days off.

So then Kirsti sent me an email

with a photo of herself holding Audio.

All it said was,

"Come visit us."

I took one look at it, and my mind was made up.

Booked a flight to LAX the very next day.

After all, when will I get the chance to
try to surf in two-foot waves,
stroll through shops in cute beach towns,
take a scooter ride up the coast,
watch sunsets from parks overlooking the Pacific,
and see these cute little faces again?

Lessons from Alice

2010-11-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

I spend approx. 8 hrs/mo

volunteering as an usher with

Portland Center for Performing Arts.

FAB-ulous!

Today's event:

Alice & Wonderland: A Rock Opera

performed by the Oregon Children's Theatre

fab-U-lous!

The production leaves all the kiddies

wide-eyed with wonder

and all the parents well-entertained,

perhaps even inspired.

Today I came away from Alice

with a valuable life lesson:

Wisdom comes from insanity

and insanity will make you free.

FABULOUS!

Ah-Autumn

2010-11-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

Seeing the World Through Different Lenses

2010-11-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

Domesticity

2010-11-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

Must be the change in weather,

but all I've wanted to do is cozy up,

cook tasty fall veggie soups,

sew cute tablecloths,

and make new treats out of Halloween leftovers.

Going domestic style!

That's Not the Way to Sell a House

2010-10-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

So for the past month I've been on the aggressive house hunt, and there have been some potentials along the way. This evening, my realtor took me out for a second look at a home in which "the light went off" last time we saw it. This house has a cute front porch, a refinished basement, a big garage, a huge backyard with raised vegetable beds, a container for harvesting rain water, and even a chicken coop that comes with chickens. It's owned by a lovely couple who are planning to move to Haiti to pursue a life of community development. Picture perfect, right? Well, the only issue is that the house is super duper small and the current owners paid way too much for it so they're asking way too much in return. For comparison sake, my realtor took me down the street to see this house situated right across from a lovely park, an even bigger home for a lesser price. Walking around the main floor, I could see the potential. Remove the carpet and the wallpaper, and you've got a little gem here. Even the basement can be redone. I was feeling really good about this one. That is, until I ventured upstairs. Upon entering the room, I'm faced with a water-colored painting of a little girl's face. Cute, but a tad bit creepy. Then I enter the next room. I take one glance and make a beeline out of the house, not even bothering to turn off the lights along the way. That room had three built-in beds, twin size for little children, and each had an old tattered doll tucked in. I'm sorry, but that just sent shivers up and down my spine. I'm sure the lady who owns the place thought she was making a cute, inviting room, but lady, I'm here to tell you today, you've got it all wrong! If you want to sell that house, get rid of the creepy dolls. And this is one house buyer you've left permanently damaged!

Waking up to A'dam

2010-10-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

Tilting at...

2010-10-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

...windmills.

Visual Meditations from XPLANE

2010-09-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

At the company where I work

XPLANE

we like to draw.

It's a way of visualizing

problems and solutions,

whether it be business-related or personal.

We've started an exercise called

Visual Meditations.

Here's what I've been doing lately...

My Hairball of Worries...

My Happy Head...

Signs of the Times

2010-09-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

Creative expression abounds in the city.

It's written all over the walls.

Window Shopping

2010-09-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

Can't get enough of the lace curtains.

It's the little touches that make Europe so great.

Evening Stroll

2010-09-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Broek in Waterland,

known to the Dutch as a

"Fairytale village"

Certainly storybook,

like I was walking through gingerbread land.

Afternoon Ride

2010-09-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

This is Monnickendam,

the most charming port village

known to man...

Livin' the Dream

2010-09-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

It's always been a dream of mine

to live in the European countryside...

And thanks to the lovely Jeannette Hoek,

I was able to make it a reality...

I stayed in the quaint little town of Ilpendam

in the Waterland area north of Amsterdam...

In a restored farmhouse

(This area used to be a hay loft)...

That has been converted into a bed...

and breakfast...

With fresh eggs laid by the hens out back...

And the most precious pets imaginable...

Brahm, my running partner and notorious bread stealer

Sara, my sleeping partner

and Sam, my BFF

Every minute of my stay was more divine

than I could have ever imagined.

Happy cows getting the cream of the crop

Hanging the clothes out to dry

Ilpenstein, old home built by a wealthy merchant

Loved seeing all the lacy curtains in the windows

Wished I'd grown up working on a farm

Saturday Market in Ilpendam village square

"Sea asparagus" grown in Mexico

Team Building

2010-09-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

All You Can Eat Sushi in Haarlem

Hmmmm... what to pick for Round 3

So many stories

Haarlem Globe Trotters

Waiting for the train back to A'dam

Darkness Over AMS

2010-09-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

Westerkerk

Singel

One of many gorgeous palaces

All lit up

Rain-kissed cobblestones

Holland's Coffee Shops

They're not what you think

Red Light

And the house to which it belongs

An old beauty

Amsterdam's Backside

2010-09-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

View from the bedroom window

Haarlem

2010-09-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

Haarlem.

Just west of Amsterdam.

Such a quaint, old-world, very Dutch town.

Haarlem

Gorgeous, isn't it?

Best way to see a city is by bike.

That's peppermint tea

So black & white

Blurry but loved the grapes above this pub

I have arrived

2010-09-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

I arrived.

I kissed the ground.

That feeling came over me.

The Dutch call it Gezellig.

I didn't think I'd be as excited as I am.

I have a permanent smile on my face.

I'm in love.

I amsterdam!

Shawn and Teija at Museumplein

Rijksmuseum

Nearby where I am staying

My friend, Shawn, took me on a bike tour all over the city

Loving the art on the buildings

And the Farmers' Markets

Swimming in Dahlias

2010-09-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

Dahlia Festival, Swan Island, Canby, OR

The 'Rents

2010-09-04T23:02:00.000-07:00

Garden Dinner:

- Swiss Chard

- Zucchini & Summer Squash

- "Educated" Beets

- Mahi Mahi

I love it when Mom & Dad visit.

Fresh

2010-08-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

Taylor St.

2010-08-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

Goin' Gaga

2010-08-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

Creative.

Brilliance.
Entertainer.
Superstar.
Gaga.

The outfits:
Trying

Getting closer

Nailed it.

Mesmerizing.

Doe Bay

2010-08-17T00:18:00.000-07:00

Surrounded by natural beauty

wholesome people

and good tunes.

Nothing beats the weekend

at Doe Bay.

Orcas Island

2010-08-17T00:10:00.000-07:00

Next time you visit the NW,

take a drive to the San Juans

and be sure to stop by Orcas Island.

4T Trek

2010-08-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

If you come visit me,

be prepared to take this

AWESOME

urban hike

on the 4T trail

(Trail, Tram, Trolley, Train)

View of PDX from Aerial Tram at OHSU

Cool tree sprouting mushrooms

Funny Co-workers

2010-08-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

So in the kitchen at my office

we have a white board,

and my co-workers (all designers)

draw pictures on it every once in a while.

So I've begun drawing too.

Then my silly colleagues morph them.

Check it out...

Original #1

After several iterations

Final product

Original #2

First Iteration

Second Iteration

Final

I <3 my co-workers!

Video Chat

2010-08-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

Navy & I always have tons of fun when we

video chat through Skype.

Here's what she has been wearing

the past two times we've talked...

Pumpkin Pie in July

2010-07-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

Looks painful, doesn't it?

The pain lies in the fact that

I can't get it in my mouth fast enough.

Morning Drive

2010-07-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

This is what I see each morning when driving to work.

I love the Portland sign in the distance.

This city still has my <3

First Harvest

2010-07-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

A ripe red tomato

and two tiny summer squash

My favorite thing about this photo...

how abnormally long and skinny my hand looks

Coming Out of My Ears

2010-07-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

If I visit you bearing armfuls of hydrangeas,

this is why...

We've got three bushes full of these

beautiful blooms.

Hanging the Clothes Out to Dry

2010-07-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

My new multi-purpose bed

Tahoe Trip

2010-06-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

Always a delight

I <3 Tahoe

My most favorite view of all time

I had forgotten how spectacular the view is from Echo too

What's a trip to Tahoe w/o seeing the old house?

And the old neighborhood burnt to a crisp?

And of course FLL

Ta-hoes 4 Life