Month: May 2013

A Native At Heart

I took an interesting online quiz the other day. Well, technically it wasn't a quiz, but it was still interesting. 31 Signs You're a Portland Native. Now, I'm not actually a Portland native. I moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1994, when I was 25 years old. And though I've lived here for nearly twenty … Continue reading A Native At Heart

A Rabbit, a Vulcan, & a Stuffed Octopus

On a random note, the NFL season kicks off in exactly 100 days. It can't get here soon enough! I just don't follow any other sports these days. Except for women's mud wrestling, of course. Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there. Along with a let's go, Broncos!! It's never too early to take … Continue reading A Rabbit, a Vulcan, & a Stuffed Octopus

Might As Well Call It McVoodoo

Speaking of local eateries... I read yesterday that Voodoo Doughnut is expanding outside of Oregon. Sorry, Jess - they're not coming to Wisconsin. But they are opening a location in Denver this fall. And I've gotta say, the news does not thrill me. I have nothing against the Mile High City. I'm quite fond of … Continue reading Might As Well Call It McVoodoo

Chain Reactions: The Best in the Northwest

One of my friends "checked in" to In-N-Out Burger on Facebook the other day, and I commented that I was jealous. Because I love In-N-Out Burger, but there are no In-N-Out Burgers even remotely close to where I live. The nearest is two states and about seven hours south of here, which explains why it's … Continue reading Chain Reactions: The Best in the Northwest

3 Guys Standing Around Talking About Europe

"Tara and I are heading up to Seattle this weekend." "Cool. You guys taking the train?" "No, we're driving. But we'd love to take the train sometime." "You should. It's not much more expensive than driving, and you can kick back and enjoy the scenery." "Plus, two words: cocktail car!" "And it would give you … Continue reading 3 Guys Standing Around Talking About Europe

You Had Me at Bacon

Saturday was an amazing day. Everywhere I went, people stared. They complimented me. Smiled when they walked by. One woman stopped us while we were shopping for groceries, and asked if she could take my picture. I was more than happy to oblige. Talk about a great day for the ego! Then again, it wasn't … Continue reading You Had Me at Bacon

Ketchup Spill Threatens Portland

I find it ironic that in Portland, Oregon - a city that is often considered the "greenest in America," so much so that there is a city-wide ban on plastic bags in grocery stores - you can't buy lunch or coffee without the cashier handing you a stack of napkins so thick they rival phone … Continue reading Ketchup Spill Threatens Portland

How Shellfish of Us

Let me preface this by stating, I do not like oysters.  Clams? Yes. And shrimp and crab and scallops and lobster and geoduck and most other types of seafood. But oysters are nasty, slimy, disgusting little gobs of flesh. That was my impression as Tara and I parked ourselves at a table at a trendy little … Continue reading How Shellfish of Us

Past, Meet Present

Growing up an Air Force brat, I never made lasting friendships. Which is not to say I didn't have friends. I did...but those friendships were transitory. There's no way to avoid that when your family packs up and moves every three years or so. You make friends, and then bam! One day there's a moving … Continue reading Past, Meet Present