I’m not cool enough for you, Portland. August 25-28, 2014.
For a while now, I’ve wanted to visit Portland, OR. I’d heard it described as “Seattle’s punk rock younger sister” – a playground for the artsy and experimental who flee the big cities to take a risk and do their own thing, enjoying Portland’s geographic advantages, lower living expenses,...
10/25 – My Mother’s Recipes
I’ve been catching up on Anthony Bourdain’s show, Parts Unknown, and it just so happened that the Spain episode was up following this fantastic tapas restaurant. Kevin, Peter, and I ended up lingering after dinner and chatting with the owners. She said they cook her mother’s recipes, all traditional...
10/24 – Day Climb Buddy
Had a nice afternoon climb, makin’ friends. Kevin and I took the flashlight tour of the Winchester Mystery House in the evening. Nothing like Victorian-era insanity coupled with massive wealth to make one batshit crazy awesome house. I didn’t see any ghostly activity, but I love imagining what it...
10/23 – Burn It All
Tim has the other set of keys to my storage unit, and kindly offered to mail a care package. I was thinking heated gloves, a couple tools, and maybe some tights or one of my scarves…but it quickly became apparent this would be an exercise in tearing out my...
10/22 – Kungfu Grip
Kungfu doesn’t stop just because I’m not in class. Soreness today. Not much riding, just catching up. I’m liking the Korean style coffeehouses for working, like Big Mug Coffee. They’re usually a little more expensive, but have lots of seating and a tasteful, chill environment....
10/21 – Aerial Slug
Now that I’m hanging around (tee hee)… I’ve always wanted to try aerial silks!...
10/20 – Climb On
Finally! I’d only been wishing I had signed up weeks ago, but was waiting on my cousin because he wanted to go in on a 2-person plan. Sometimes, I feel envious of those to whom happiness seems to come so easily. In my adult life, it has always been...
10/19 – Local Joyride
94 miles. Morning ride with Joel, up to some Redwoods and a reservoir nearby. I’d been taking advantage of a walking-friendly neighborhood for most of the week, so I haven’t actually scooted locally much. It was rejuvenating to ride with a buddy. The leaves are just beginning to change,...
10/18 – Sharing (food) is (also) Caring
Kevin and Peter drove up today, to leave the sprawl for a spell and check out the Benziger winery tour. I think I love Oakland. Say what you will about hipsters, they come with fancy foods, drinks, and walkable neighborhoods. Hopscotch is the kind of place I would spoil...
10/17 – Sharing (drinks) is Caring
I followed Joel (remember him?) to his curling league practice at the Oakland Ice Center. The was, of course, pre-empted with food and drink. Foodie friends who like to share are the best, every meal or round is like a tasting menu. And then you pick favorites and talk about more...