Pevil's World Today

Spring Training

2012-01-29T16:39:00.000-08:00

Clearly having issues with a picture upload as you can see. When I save it on my hard drive it looks right but at any rate, you get it.

Miss B and I both have new gloves. Everyone knows that the best way to break in a new glove is to play catch, oil, and tie with a ball on the inside. I've only gotten to the last part. But we purchased them which is a step in the right direction. Miss B's is the black one, mine is the other. The last time I purchased a baseball glove it was the spring of 1985. I made the JV softball team making my debut at catcher. I still to this day have no idea why I wanted to play catcher. Perhaps it was the fastest way to varsity, which the next year did prove to be the case. Started at first base but I am so short and squat, didn't have much of a stretch nor a target for the ladies on my team to hit. Purchased the glove with my babysitting money. It was $65 at the Ace Hardware in town. Also was lucky enough to get cleats and wore those all 4 years while playing and some years afterwards playing bar leauge slow pitch. I couldn't believe I had made such an investment. Came across that same glove when we were unpacking this summer. The pocket is torn and some leather just plain gone. Guess it was worth it! :)

Have our tickets to spring training. Will also go see Beckys' parents in March, a trip to Florida. While there we will catch a Detroit Tigers spring training game. We are also headed to Scottsdale, AZ to see the Cactus Leauge where the Giants play. 19 days until catchers and pitchers report. Whoop! Get to see three games while there and can't wait. Will go opening weekend too, such a great day. The other fantastical happening is June 15,16, and 17 they will be at Safeco Park in Seattle playing the Mariners. We will be there for all three games. Bless interleauge play!

Since the new year we have been doing a challenge at Becky's gym. Three days a week we work out doing all sorts of crazy shit. Last week I was flipping a tire back and forth from side to side of the gym. TRX bands. Kettle bells. Medicine balls. Super stupidly difficult core exercises. All sorts of different exercises which kick my ass. There is a group of 6 total, all ladies. Been having fun and actually getting in shape while losing weight. This also requires a food log which has proven to be interesting. Really makes you think about when you are eating and why. Don't get me wrong I do miss most everything I can't have right now. But it's a treat rather than a regular thing. Without babbling any longer, it's a great new way to approach something I've always struggled with, pretty much my entire life.

Mom and Dad come to visit the weekend of March 2nd. Have no idea what we will do but am sure we will figure it out. They are taking Amtrack.

Saw Paula Poundstone last night at the Aladdin in SE. She was a riot. Really. Crazier than you would think but damn funny. Ran the spectrum from politics, pets, kids, and just life. Played off the crowd really well. It was a blast and the second to last event of my birthday month! Lucky me, Miss B spoils me something terrible. One funny thing, we were certainly at the early bird special crowd of the two performances. Pretty much the youngest people there. All I know is please oh please don't even allow me to take on old Oregon lesbian fashion. It's a look. And if you don't know it, come for a visit. It will jump right on out at you.

San Francisco Visit

2011-12-20T12:39:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of a jar of beer at Zeitgeist on a Sunday afternoon. There is no better place to spend time than on the picnic tables outback with friends drinking and laughing. Even had a veggie burger too. Such fun!

I have to say both B and I are homesick after our trip. The weather was out of this world and the hustle of the city (which those of you from NYC must be thinking I'm joking because comparatively, the bustle of SF isn't really that much but still more than Portland!) made us recall why we spent so much time there and the things we miss. Mostly we miss our people. In fact, that would be the number one thing. Every place I have lived, you can usually find "things" to make life workable/bearable. It's the people that make all the difference. And wow do we miss our people.

We are on the mend however and are making the most of our return to Portland. We like it just fine and really do love our house. We are working on having "people" here, and overall feel connected to the community. As time goes by we will adjust and feel really at home. Overall, if we can't be in San Francisco, we are more than happy to be in Portland! It's just San Francisco is really something else!!!!

Holiday Sweater Pub Crawl

2011-12-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

Amy in all her fabulousness at The Florida Room. Solar powered lights! So very Portland!
Check out those doves on Miss B! K and L get the award for best '80's sweaters!

And it wouldn't be the holidays without a snowman, or two, or three!

Overall the night out was a hit! We had several folks in attendance and trekked across North Portland with style. The bartenders were great judges and it all worked out. I do believe we may have a new holiday tradition.

Off to San Francisco this weekend. Our friends R&D are celebrating their 20th anniversary. Good lord who stays together that long anymore! They do! It will be a blast. Looking forward to returning "home" and to see the SF family. Am afraid we will be homesick after this trip...we shall see. It's been colder than the bejesus here and I know I'm from the Midwest and all but good god, running at 0500 and it's 22 degrees is frickin' cold! Burrrr kitten burrrrrrrr!

Holiday Sam

2011-12-05T17:09:00.000-08:00

I know it's ridiculous to post pictures of cats. But he is so dang cute. He loves being under the tree as much as possible. We also found a tree stand which the cats cannot infiltrate to drink the water then barf. My mom suggested it. Way to go mom!

We will be hosting an ugly sweater pub crawl this year starting at the Record Room and then venturing throughout North Portland. Should be lots of fun. Pictures to follow!

Planet Hair

2011-10-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

My hair has become it's own planet. I'm pretty sure they may be picking this up on some satellite somewhere and wondering what in the world it is. I wonder that most days when I wake up. Didn't want to get it cut before the work conference in Bethesda MD which I just returned from earlier in the week. Helps to avoid the "Excuse me sir....or I mean, ummm, nevermind". It is pretty kooky I have to say and kind of fun when it grows out. But will be taking some time out this weekend to go get it shaved off. Means I can start wearing my beanies without hair problems.

Travels to DC/Bethesda were good but am glad to be home. Got to see Doug and Carl, our Ptown beach pals. Checked out their new place, ate at alot of good restaurants, and learned a thing or two at the conference.

Have a weekend of friends coming up from Corvallis and will root one of them on in the PDX marathon. Hopefully the rain holds out! We are going to see a Smiths cover band tonight at the Somebody Lounge and am excited about that. Love the Smiths! Other than that it's rooting for the Brewers to beat the Diamondbacks and continue to cheer on the Detroit Tigers. They knocked out the Yankees! LOVE IT! Who says a huge payroll and lots of all name players will get you to the world series....the Tigers just proved you can beat even the highest bankroll. Ha!

Exploring Portland

2011-09-26T11:34:00.001-07:00

This is a sandwich from the Screen Door. Fried onions, pepper jack cheese, Louisiana andoulie sausage, a fried egg, and chipotle aiolie sauce. Good grief! Miss B and I split the leftovers the next night for dinner. Not to mention the side of grits and the mimosa to chase it all down. YUM! Can't wait to go here again.

Found this album at the Palace of Industry just down the street from our house. This place should be called the Palace of Randomness. I could not believe how just simply weird it was but liked it. You can sit and have a cocktail or beer while shopping through vintage stuff. I think Miss B should learn some of these songs to up her career choices. Not so?

We went for brunch at a place called Genie's yesterday. The food was good but cocktails fantastic! I had a mimosa and chased it with a ginger lemonade. Miss B had a Bloody Mary (spicy spicy!) followed up by "The Best Summer You Have Ever Had" which was a mojito like type of drink but better as it had cucumber vodka. Her food wasn't so great. I had the biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs and bacon chaser. Very good!

What we are struggling with is finding the right yoga studio. Yesterday we went to who is supposed to be the premier anusara teacher in Portland at Yoga Union and truth be told, not so great. It was an all levels class however should have been listed as a 2-3 and gave no alternative options during class for those not as advanced. It was just way too much in terms of sunshine and rainbows blowing out of our asses for the entire class. I miss my San Francisco teachers who had their moments of sunshine but struck a great balance between discussing the good, bad, and ugly. Makes me miss Katchie and Dana for sure!

Other activities of the weekend involved sanding the deck, seeing Moneyball, (great movie!), watching baseball (Giants are out of the post season but am hopeful for next year), staining a wine rack with two to go, going for a run, and just hanging out. Need to get the deck stained if it stops raining. Or should I say when. Really need to get that done before the serious rainy doldrums kick in for the full on winter! It's coming too. Full rain this morning when we went for a run at 0500. It was dark and dreary AND we still went out for 3 miles. Not bad eh?!?! Next few weekends will be occupied with visitors so who knows what we will be up to next!

We found this on a walk through the neighborhood

2011-09-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Some people do confuse the two....I'm just sayin'!

Provincetown 2011 and a few other things

2011-08-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

Patio cafe. Look at the happy waitress behind Carl with a martini. This made Miss B and Carl VERY happy!
Herring Cove Beach. It's the same every year. And I love that.

Douglas at Mac's Shack. This place never disappoints. Makes everyone completely happy as they have sushi, lobster, macaroni and cheese and lots of other delectable goodies. Plus the wine was out of this world!

This was my view all week. Much better than television!!!!

This is a drink from a bar in Portland call the Bye N' Bye. It was huge. You only need to drink one of these and oddly enough, it was called the Bye N' Bye. It's in the Alberta area, just a 15 minute walk from our house. Fun!

This was year 12 in Ptown. For years we have had a long going debate as to how long we have been doing this vacation, when it all started, and so on. We figured it out this year, for 12 long years I have been schlepping my stuff across the US of A to hang out on the beach with the same people whom I usually only see once per year. Very fun vacation. Get up, go to beach, stay all day until the sun almost goes down while passing time reading books, playing in the water, and laughing at one another. Go to the grocery and liquor store on the way home for supplies. Make a yummy dinner or if we are feeling racy shower up and head into town for dinner and drinks. Come home and play cards. Drink more. Go to bed. Repeat. That is Ptown.

This past weekend a friend of our's came up from Arcata for the Bridge peddle. We got to ride on 6 of the 11 bridges in Portland. Traffic was shutdown. Thank goodness we weren't driving anywhere. Wouldn't have gone well. We did the middle length ride, and ended up biking 25 miles that day. It was great but my goodness am I sore!!! Very fun and would do it again I think. Lots of crowds however and it sort of freaked me out a little. Many wipeouts.

Still working on ankle rehab. Wiped out very badly on a run ~4 weeks ago and have been going to physical therapy to rebuild my muscles, apparently I have a medical condition called "ankle instability". Really? I thought I rolled my ankle for no apparent reason because I am a klutz. Nope. Because of all the past injuries and choice of non-rehab, I have worn the poor things out. So I am rehabing and swimming until I can run full time again. Apparently biking helps with that. I did run/walk this morning on my early morning walk. Since moving to Portland we have been getting up at 5am 3 days per week to run and now that I can't run, I walk. It was much easier when it was light out in the morning. What I do like is getting the exercise out of the way early so I can just come home and hang out with Becky. So hopefully within the next few weeks I can run full time again.

We do miss our San Francisco people. A whole lot. We will see how we do once "the darkness" appears and from what we hear, that is in mid-September. Noooooooooooooooo!

Florida Room Fun

2011-07-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

Amy
Miss B

Support the gay drinks.

Relocation & around Portland

2011-07-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

Helser's....YUM!

Bloody Mary Bar

Radio Room drinks.

Sam unhappy the entire trip to our new Ptown.

Sam in SF prior to getting in the car.

Pryors Visit SF

2011-06-15T17:28:00.001-07:00

Cotton candy!

Becky with Bella, Zac, and Mason on Bernal Hill.

Skateboard deck day at the park. How lucky are they?!?!?

Pre-game warm up watching near the third baseline.

Downtown Portland

2011-06-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

Wine and cheese!

Sitting on our new front stoop.

Just outside of Andia after dinner Monday night. Pretty pretty city.

Happy 40th Amy!

2011-06-06T16:02:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Amy! This was taken outside the Record Room this past Saturday night after the karaoke birthday party had been shut down. Let's just say yesterday was rough going and we sang our brains out at the party. Sooooooooooooooo much fun celebrating Amy with drinks and songs.

Wisconsin 2011

2011-06-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

Moe's Bar prior to the Giants vs. Brewers game
Sausage races during the 7th inning stretch. Only in WI!

I purchased this mug in 6th grade with my babysitting $. I guess I thought I was going to be a big drinker....guess it was true?!?!? Who buys this kind of stuff in 6th grade?

Gnomes at Ace Hardware.

More to follow. It was a whirl wind trip with some joy, memories, and unfortunate sadness. Will share more later.

I miss my bears

2011-05-22T16:04:00.001-07:00

Miss B took this picture of my favorite bears today. We usually have coffee with them at Spikes every Sunday. I will miss that a whole lot. Wish I could just get my bears to move to Portland...

Adventures in Drinking: Portland

2011-05-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

I stayed in Portland this weekend and Miss B stayed in the Bay Area. She needed to pack up her classroom and I needed a break from traveling every weekend. One activity for fun was to take my friend Amy out to start her birthday week. She is hitting the big 4-0 later this week and we made an afternoon of walking around SE Portland drinking beer and eating sandwiches. We wanted to start at Bunks for sandwiches however they were closed. So we walked up to the Green Dragon Brewing Company and had a beer. I don't drink much beer these days but what I had was good. A pilsner that seemed more like something other than a pilsner and I can't remember the name of it. We then wanted to go to the Roadside Attraction bar but that also wasn't open yet. Just down the street was the Basement bar. I liked this place a lot. We sat outside (didn't rain at all on our adventure!) and we had a good chat. Drank a PBR on tap there. How could anyone mess that up? Also played pinball "Junkyard" which they used to have at The Pilsner in the Castro. We then made it over to Roadside Attraction which was essentially a small version of Zeitgeist. Same type of crowd. Same outdoor setting with picnic tables and layout. Lots of lesbians. I mean lots. Had a Mt. Shasta Weed Amber there and it was good. Lots of water too so I could sober up later to drive back to Hellsboro. Eventually we made it back to Bunk and had our sandwiches. Amy had a roast beef and I had meatball. We also had a side of Tabasco mixed nuts. Very good! Drank a lot more water there and chatted some more. Eventually made it back to Hellsboro after a nice day in Portland which started with yoga, then a massage, and ended with seeing the movie Bridesmaids. (Not as good as I would have thought.)

Went to the Random Order cafe today after yoga. Yes, that is yoga two days in a row at Yoga Union in SE. It's a good studio and the one which is probably the most anusara focused here in Portland. This sandwich was delicious and of course I got it with bacon as bacon is not meat, just delicious. The Random Order cafe is over in the Alberta Arts district. Tried to go to a different one in SE however the lovely google maps couldn't get me there. Or should I say, I couldn't get me there.

This is some art work at the Random Order cafe. I like the robot on the left. Says "I am here to share" which we should all remember more often. I guess it's the two days of yoga in a row kicking in which is bringing that profound statement to the forefront of my brain.

Amy told me the story of what happened to "Coffee People" this weekend. This place used to be my favorite coffee shop in all of Portland and there were several around back in the late '90's and early 2000's. Turns out they sold all stores to Starbucks and sure enough, all old coffee peoples are now Starbucks. The only one which exists is at the PDX airport and then Pat and Judy have a store on 15th and Fremont which has all the favorite drinks (mine was the Velvet Hammer). I will find it someday.

Currently I am watching Giants baseball and have the fine pleasure of hearing the SF broadcasters whom I love. They are losing at the moment but am anticipating they will bring it back to sweep Oakland this week in the Bay Area Classic.

Miss B and I are off to WI next weekend for my mom's 70th birthday party. I am flying from PDX, she from SFP, and we will meet in Chicago, then drive to WI. She is then flying back with me to PDX and staying the weekend for the big blow out of Amy's birthday party. Am hoping several folks from SF will be joining us for that. My favorite bears are considering it as is JEthan. A few work friends from SF coming up too. Should be very very fun!

What can LA do now?

2011-05-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

Nothing because San Francisco owns the broom and it's called a SWEEEEEEPPPPP!

We will do the same against the A's this weekend. Boom!

Beat LA

2011-05-19T13:30:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Cody Ross (pictured above) the Giants beat the LA Dodgers last night 8-5 in LA. Another game tonight and I can't wait!

Suck it LA.

Weekend in SF

2011-05-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

Rocket on way to ball park
Giants beat the Rockies 3-2 thanks to Freddie Sanchez!

Walk along the bay bridge back to BART following the victory

It was a lovely weekend in the bay area. Sunny. No rain. I like that. Started right off the plane with a trip to Zeitgeist to hang out with one of Becky's work folks. He is awesome and one of the most amazing teaching assistants I have ever seen. He's so good at it! Mike, you are amazing! Plus we drank beer out of jars. I love doing that. Makes me feel tough. And wow did I feel tough on Saturday but not in a good way.

Saturday took us to Ethan's neighborhood for some Vietnamese coffee. Good lord I love that stuff! Miss B and I split one since I didn't want to blast off due to too much octane otherwise known as caffeine. We then took him out for his birthday breakfast at Plow. If you ever get the chance to go over to Potrero to check it out, I highly recommend the egg sandwich with bacon. Super yum! We then made perhaps not the best decision but one we did make which was to visit the puppies and kittens at the SPCA on the way back to Ethan's. He noted their sad eyes. It was all over that. Happy Birthday (depressing!) JEthan. Way to go girls.

We then went home to have a cleaning fiesta. Miss B needs to start showing the apartment to rent it out while we are in Portland. I went nuts. And it was needed. After that it was time for the game and wow was it a nail biter! But the Giants pulled through and actually won all three games! A guy from work now owes me serious beer because he is a Rockies fan. Hee hee!

Sunday was spent having coffee with the boys and then off and running to clean the house some more. We watched the game and the next thing you know it was time to head back to Portland. And here I am! The days in SF are becoming more and more limited. I only have two more weekends scheduled to be there. Crazy.

Rumors

2011-05-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

Glee utilized this album the other night. I had completely forgotten how completely awesome this is and how much it reminded me of childhood. Totally downloaded and can't stop listening. Rock on with your bad self!

The Yellow House

2011-05-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

See link!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10068723@N07/sets/72157626611375824/

It is yellow. Very yellow. But I love it!

Adventures in Portlandia

2011-04-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

We officially found a house in Portland this weekend! I can't even tell you how many places we looked at and how quickly we knew or didn't if we wanted to continue looking at places. After a while we developed house head. But ended up with a fabulous 3 bedroom, two bath, with lots of built in amazing features.

We are minutes away from Mississippi and the Alberta Arts district. Pretty much right in the middle of them both which is ideal. We can walk to it when we want to but don't have to live in the middle of it. Plus our friend Amy is a mere 3 blocks away. Crazy! We are very very excited and can't believe how cheap a house is in Portland!

Put a bird on it!

Procrastinator's Party 2011--The White Party

2011-03-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

Miss B has outdone herself again as you can see from the photo above. Hot Toddie's outfit is pretty darn spectacular as well. The theme this year was the White Party and both Miss B and I were worried that white just wouldn't be something we could pull off. Oh to the contrary! Check out the sexy nurse! Hee hee!

Did manage to meet up with Mistycans and a friend of her's from the midwest at Zeitgeist this weekend. I love that place. A jar of beer is the best thing on the planet in the back yard of the bar. Oh Zeitgeist.

Still struggling with the events from last week. I will never make sense of this one. Ever. RIP my friend. RIP.

My Life Is....

2011-03-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

a blur.

Travel to SF. Hang out until Sunday night. Fly back to PDX. Back to Hellsboro (Hillsboro) by 11:30pm. Get to work 0700. Work for the week. Do it all over again.

This is draining.

Every day is meetings from 0700-5pm. Then I have to do my "real work" until about 7pm. Hit gym. Eat. Talk to Miss B. Sleep.

No time to post. No time for fun stuff.

This will get better. It will.

Very sad note, a good friend decided he couldn't take life anymore and ended it on Saturday. He was a dad, husband, co-worker, and friend. I don't know what happened, what I do know is I miss him. I do know this makes me very very very sad.

Washington DC travels

2011-02-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

Lost bear
Doug and Miss B at the Washington Monument

Julia

Miss B in Julia's kitchen--she was in heaven!

USA at one of the several museums

Miss B and I ventured to the east coast this weekend. She attended a TFA (Teach For America) conference and I went to see friends Doug, Carl, and college friend V. It was a whirlwind trip with lots of wine, great food, and laughter. Miss B is a TFA alum and it was high time we went to see the boys and V on the other coast. After a long flight Doug gave us a tour of DC at night via Zipcar and then met up with Carl who was home at cleaning. After lots of drinking and chatting, we eventually made it to bed, late. We spent the day on Friday walking around and checking out things and had a fantastic Indian lunch. The best part of the walking around was the Smithsonian where there were delightful pieces of memorabilia from days past. We saw Dorothy's shoes, the original muppets, Michael Jackson's hat, Fonzie's jacket, the dresses of the First Women (and I wanted to throw paint on both sets of Bush-wear) and lots of other cool stuff.

Friday night and Saturday Miss B was busy conferencing while I hung out with the boys and V. We also went for a wonderful Ethiopian lunch and I think my belly is still full from it! We also hung out for coffee and eventually went to this rather hip place called Cork. It was fabulous to hang out with V as we hadn't seen her in a very long time. A good trip overall. Now I am just sleepy from flying a whole bunch and getting in this morning from SFO to PDX on the early flight. But that's my life these days.

I am being adventurous and having dinner with Emily's girlfriend tomorrow night. A diversion from the usual work, gym, eat, talk to Miss B, and sleep. Crazy huh?!?!

Things may be changing at the jelly doughnut factory. Had a big conversation today with the big boss. When it's official, if it's official, I will report it. Until then, I'll let the suspense kill ya!

Portland Trailblazers

2011-02-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

Last night the doughnut factory hooked me up with a ticket to watch the Portland Trailblazers play the Chicago Bulls at the Rose Garden in downtown Portland. Having never been to a professional basketball game, it was a chance to see what it was like and sit in the suite. I took the MAX in from the H-boro (took an hour, no joke) so it was easy to get there, just slow. Didn't have to fork over $40 for parking either, a nice benefit. The Trailblazers won as well and it was a pretty good game.

What I did find is that basketball is no baseball. It's fast. It's fast breaks and slam dunks. It's tattoos and really tall young men. The cheerleaders and dancers are....something. Let's just say the half time routine was performed to the J. Giles Band "freeze frame" which made them look older than they already did to start with and I didn't even see them close up. Basketball is all about manly men who thrash it up on the court. Don't get me wrong. I played all my life. I was the first girl ever to play on the boys team in grade school and was better than a lot of the boys. Middle and high school, some intramural in college. I like basketball. I just love watching baseball a whole lot more. Much more strategy and thought goes into the game. It was fun though to be in such a fancy pants suite with beverages and food. The place was packed too, I suspect a result of the Bulls ('da Bulls!) being in town.

What we did score last week is tickets to opening day for the San Francisco Giants! Both Miss B and I are so excited I can hardly stand it! We also got tickets for the Sunday game which is Buster Posey rookie day. Hee hee! I have been reading lots about them in the off season and the Bear in Training's boyfriend got us a book called the GIANT SURPRISE! It's really good! Oh I miss the Bay Area. Sigh.

Update from the burbs

2011-01-26T17:17:00.000-08:00

I'm still here.

I still miss my wife.

I still miss my cats.

I am fighting off a cold. Taking weird Chinese herbs because I can't take antihistamines due to a allergist check next week. They think I am allergic to fish/seafood. I think I am too.

Oregon is cold.

I made a new playlist for my iPhone. It's essentially a KCRW session. But it makes me dance.

The work here is fun however and I learn new stuff every day. I just would like to be closer to the folks listed above and not be ill. Sigh.

Super Sexy Ray

2011-01-13T15:33:00.001-08:00

"You can bring me flowers" is perhaps the work of a genius, and well, I think he is just that. I have been listening to this entire album "Till the Sun Turns Black" and although it's a 2006 release, one of the best I have heard in a while. It was playing on KCRW the other day and caught my attention. This dude is el sexy. Wow! Completely unlike most of the other music I listen to in my usual selection of indie pop and whatever else is around. Perhaps this Oregon rain is slowing me down.

And rain it does. Walked out of work on Tuesday night to find my car covered in snow. Freezing rain not far behind. Everyone was freaked out about driving and not making it to work the next day. Growing up in the Midwest bad weather is just part of the deal. So some freezing rain, whatever. Just drive slow and be smart about it. Tap the brakes lightly. Not brain surgery.

I am still in the rut of waking up, going to work, go to the gym, eat food, talk with Miss B and go to bed. Sooner or later I need to get into Portland and check things out. It's just too much sometimes after a hard day's work. I did venture to Target and Best Buy last night to purchase a toaster and speakers for the TV/computer. If Hillsboro has anything it's shopping. And really good Indian food. More adventures to come! I may go to Bed Bath and Beyond for a vegetable steamer tonight. Am I exciting or what?!?!?!?!

Crash Bowling

2011-01-06T21:18:00.001-08:00

Absolutely priceless. I miss my bear in training.

Life in Hillsboro Oregon

2010-12-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

This was the most exciting thing I saw all week now that I am living Monday-Friday in Hillsboro, OR. I am on a "temporary assignment" here for the doughnut factory. It's a very different job than I had before and the work is plentiful, so much to do and I need to do it quickly. I was waiting for my take out indian food Thursday night and came across this sign which I quickly sent to Mistycans. Funny? Oh yeah!

Hillsboro is rainy and cold. There isn't much of anything really to go see or do. Went out to a company dinner last night in Beaverton (I said beaver!) and that was good food but again, the land of strip malls and mediocrity. The traffic is completely bonkers as well. I never realized getting around or into Portland from the 'burbs was such a pain in the ass. Bumper to bumper the whole way. And if it's raining or should I say, WHEN it's raining, even worse. Today is nice though. A little sun and not quite so dark.

The hardest thing is not seeing Miss B. We talk on the phone every night but that's about the extent of all we have time for in our busy apart lives. Oh, we do have breakfast together over the phone too. But it's going to be like this for a while. How long I am not sure. But for now, I will be flying back to San Francisco every weekend so I can see my lady and our 3 cats.

Everyone here is absolutely Oregon Duck crazy!

Dinner in Peru

2010-11-11T15:51:00.000-08:00

I took this picture for a friend of mine who has a son who also has a guinea pig named Mr. Wiggles. He thought it would be hilarious to see a 41 year old woman squirm and scream by to torturing me with this little guy. I hate rats, rodents, anything in that category. This one is for you Willie! The thing is this wasn't being kept as a pet. This is a common meal and was on the street vendor carts in the bigger cities on a stick. Not for me.

Giants win the world series 2010!!!!

2010-11-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

Officially a baseball geek, hell yes! It was by far the best series I have ever witnessed and can't wait until spring training. The fellas of San Francisco, the underdogs, the ones who were not given a chance by any sportswriter outside of the bay area, won the whole enchilada. Kiss it Phillies and Yankees, the Giants own it this year and have proven to be contenders from here on out.

I love the Giants!

Russian River

2010-10-25T11:02:00.001-07:00

Miss B and I went to the Russian River this weekend for a little get away and hang out in the rain. It poured and poured and poured. Made for good sleeping and just laying around the cabin in the woods. It was a rather strange place, very small, certainly can't have more than 2 people there at a time but right on the river. For a minute I thought we were going to float away as with the big rain dump, my mind turned to flooding. But of course it was fine and we made it out alive.

We did catch a few wineries which was fun. Hartford (amazing Zinfandel!), Paradise Ridge, LaCrema, and Marimar. We weren't planning on going wine tasting but ended up doing so and it was the first time since our sabbatical summer. Very fun and super tasty wine! We also went to a place for dinner on Saturday night called Boon. It was okay but not super fantastic as I had hoped. Rather middle of the road but good for the Russian River area. The picture above was taken at Buena Vista where the founder of the winery actually lived in my little home town before he figured out that growing grapes didn't work very well in the Midwest. Go figure! We are wine club members there and that was our last stop.

Last but not least, we watched the Giants beat Philadelphia for the NLCS and they are on their way to the World Series. I can't wait! Starts Wednesday. You should see how excited Miss B is!!! GO GIANTS!!!!!!

This guy

2010-10-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the night and Timmy is pitching. Despite the hair, lanky figure, and just flat out "non-pitcher's figure" as it's been described, I am confident he will bring it tonight. It's the chance to end this business with Philadelphia once and for all and I for one and ready for it to be over. Don't want to go back to that town with awful fans and even worse fashion.

Best part of all? I don't have to work tomorrow. Taking the day off and then headed to the Russian River for a little r&r with Miss B. Ah I love the river. And I love baseball. Hooray!

GO GIANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And how about Buster Posey last night? My goodness that kid rocks my world. Whoop!

Philly here we come!

2010-10-13T07:48:00.001-07:00

It's official, the Giants beat the Braves on Monday night. They are now headed for the NL championship and will need to beat Philadelphia, no easy task. I am hoping the pitching stays strong and the hitting even stronger! Needless to say, I will be watching lots of baseball this weekend. Go Giants!

P.S. When did I become such a baseball fan? When I was a kid watching the Brewers. Started paying attention to the Giants last year when we got cable TV (and now we just upgraded to a flat screen with HD!) and have been hooked ever since. So much fun! And...Miss B just bought me a Buster Posey #28 shirt. Who's lucky? ME!

Giants win the NL West 2010

2010-10-04T15:45:00.001-07:00

Not a bad year to become a Giants fan eh? I started following from opening day and have truly become a Giants fan. As much as I loved the Brewers growing up, the Giants are IT! What a year and to top it off with the game yesterday, pure magic. Nice guns on Brian Wilson too huh?!?!

We have tickets to play offs! Whaaaaaaaaaaaaa who! Go Giants!

40th Birthday Boat Trip

2010-09-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

Waves and the Golden Gate Bridge
Maya, Whitney, and Jen Brown on our way out for the trip.

Miss B in her SF Giants wear!

Sunset. Sigh.

Golden Gate Bridge sunset. Not bad with an iPhone!

Went on a 3 hour tour of the bay to celebrate a friend's birthday this past weekend. It was warm, beautiful, and a wonderful way to spend a Saturday evening. On the way home we stopped at MoMo's to watch the rest of the Giants game, which unfortunately they lost. However, they have 3 more games to win and they will be the NL West Division champions with their win last night over the Diamondbacks. We have play off tickets....hee hee! Go Giants!

Who rocks the karaoke?

2010-09-16T07:45:00.001-07:00

Sweet Child O' Mine at the annual boat cruise

Saturday walk to the farmer's market

2010-09-13T09:47:00.001-07:00

taters!
Down the hill we go!

Owl or shadow?

0600 at Genentech

2010-09-08T13:10:00.001-07:00

Twice a week I have to come in at 6am to meet with the people who work for me. This necessitates awaking at the wicked hour of 4:30am, which I don't enjoy really at all. However, when there are sun rises like this, I can totally handle it.

Some favorites

2010-08-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

salt mine cooperative Urubamba
I'm tall!

Crazy Mountains and blue sky in Mooray

More sabbatical fun

2010-08-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

Drinks at The Raddish in Carlton before our fancy french dinner across the street.

Queen Bee factory in Portland (Miss B purchasing a new bag)

Tillamook Cheese Factory!

Oregon coastline near Cannon Beach

Rogue Brewery, Newport OR

Sabbatical Fun

2010-08-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

Crater Lake

GO BLUE! (Michigan)

Big Beers in Urubamba

Pisco sours in Lima

Machu Pichu

Seriously the best two months of my life. Getting paid to be away from work, how can that be bad? Now it seems like I never left. Sigh.

And of course, my mom!

2010-06-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Doris. She rules!

Wisconsin Trip

2010-06-08T16:58:00.000-07:00

Merrimac free ferry
Mel, my dad

Miss B in Madison with cheese and Fromagination

Cold beer and fried cheese curds....YUM!

The no helmet law prevails in Wisconsin. Not a bad shot of Lake Wisconsin either.

My new ride

2010-06-03T11:51:00.000-07:00

Miss B got herself a scooter and I fell in love with it. Her's is brand new, a Kymco, and pretty darn sweet. A pal from work moved to run things at the jelly doughnut factory we have in Singapore and had his buddy scooter for sale at a price I could not refuse. His name is "Burnie" because of the burnt orange color and the way he gets around town. I love Burnie and seriously, this is my mid-life crisis purchase but far better than the Porsche I originally wanted. (Miss B said I would look like an ass in one and well, once again, she was right.) As of yesterday the title is transferred and he is now registered to me. It is FUN and I look forward to buzzing around town on this thing whenever possible. It's a 2006 and just like the one above with a little bit of rust on the mirrors. Other than that, it is in GREAT shape! The hardest part was passing the driving test at the DMV. You had to drive really slowly through these cones and then around this tight circle without having the front wheel go out of it and not put your foot down. I passed though and am a certified driver for a scooter or motorcycle. I will stick with Burnie for now!

Beep beep! Here I go! The best part = $3.50 to fill it up and it gets 80 MPG!

Weekend in Sonoma

2010-05-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

WTC (wine tasting crew) with Jessica at Sonoma. It was her last day and we love her!
Mistycans and Miss B at Roche on the square in Sonoma.

Mistycans and Kate at brunch on the square.

Little Family Winery truck. The place was cute but the wine was really bad!

Our WTC convened this weekend in Sonoma to go to several wineries, have a fantastic dinner, and just hang out. It was a blast! Here are a few photos of the time we spent. Thank you WTC!

Bikes in the rain

2010-05-04T07:50:00.001-07:00

Barcelona!

Napa Camping and Hike

2010-05-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

I am a rock.
Becky at Table Rock--the summit. We saw 3 snakes!

Lupine, I think.

London

2010-04-30T15:44:00.001-07:00

This must be done when in London.

Fresh Cheeses

2010-04-30T15:38:00.000-07:00

This has nothing to do with Fresh Cheeses.
The spread to celebrate Miss B!

Close up of the spread!

This past weekend we had a boat load of people over to celebrate Miss B. We got some amazing wine while in Napa camping a few weekends ago and got the best cheese ever to match. It was a wonderful evening and so great to celebrate Miss B!

Spring is here!

2010-04-20T15:08:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago Miss B and I went to see a Giants vs. A's game at AT&T park. The Giants lost 9-0 but it was great to be at the ballpark again and see a real live game. The Giants are off to a great start and I am hoping for a fantastic year. I have been listening to games on the radio when I make dinner (can't get it online unless you PAY!) and Kate gave me this crank radio which works perfectly. As of today, the Giants are 8-4 and tied with the other three teams in the top of the other 3 divisions. However, baseball season is LONG and there are many many more games left so with any luck (or skill) this will be maintained. Thus far the pitching is decent and fielding even better than that. It's the batting and leaving men on base which is not serving them well. We shall see.

This past weekend Miss B and I had our first camping trip of the year. We went to Bothe State Park in Napa. Ideal because we went hiking and then wine tasting, two of our favorite things. We did a hike at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park which was essentially two miles into a valley and two miles straight back up. We were going to do an 8 miler but a ways in we decided against it. B's knee started to hurt and I was afraid of shooting my wad on my healing foot so ended earlier than expected and got two wineries in before nightfall! Over the weekend we went to several different new places and all I have to say is wine tasting in Napa is far different than in Sonoma. Pricey, pretentious, and Cabernet filled. It was a nice experience but will be visiting Sonoma over Napa any old day. Pictures of camping to follow, just have to get them uploaded!

Tomorrow is Miss B's birthday! Hooray! Dinner out on Friday night at Quince to celebrate followed by a wine and cheese party Saturday night. Fancy, yes! Be sure to wish her a happy day.

Oh, and it's 4:20 by the way. Usually I head over to hippy hill to celebrate but not this year. Am trapped at work until 10pm. The hippies will have to take care of it for me!

New Addition to the household

2010-04-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

Recently Miss B's truck took a turn for the worst and it was made apparent that it was time to find herself a new mode of transportation. She's been taking the bus here and there in the absence of a motorized vehicle however there are times when that just won't do. She had been thinking for a while as to what the perfect fit would be and turns out, it's a scooter! Here is what she purchased last Thursday and we picked up on Friday! Her model has a brown seat and did not come with the woman drinking a beverage which is fine by us.

We ended up both getting helmets and gloves which are two major requirements in terms of safety. On Friday, pick up day, it was raining and since Miss B has never driven a two wheeled motor scooter, I got to drive it off the lot. We took an easy way home and I kept thinking "Where's the power on this thing?" after years of driving a motorcycle. The rest of the weekend was spent taking test rides here and there and it's so dang much fun I can hardly stand it. Right now we both have learner's permits but Miss B will be taking the full on course for license certification later this month. I will need to sign up for a test at the DMV and take it sometime soon. That way we can ride together! Hope to see you on the streets! And now we can park it anywhere. Yipee!

San Francisco Fun

2010-04-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

Beers at the Wildside West in Bernal Heights
Playing tourist on the cable car!

Latest Happenings

2010-03-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

Miss B on the Golden Gate Bridge during the visit with the Hilty's.
The glorious GG bridge. Hilty loved it!

A view from Twin Peaks.

Friday night dinner before Miss B flew to Florida followed by wine tasting in the Castro!

Saturday in Dolores Park with the Bear in Training and Lord JEthan.

Three photos

2010-03-10T09:59:00.001-08:00

Tag, you are it!

Gaudi

Singing Fish

These pictures make me smile. What a wonderful vacation in Spain. Oh why does it seem like it was so long ago? We will return someday.

Boot Free

2010-03-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

This is the first day in two months I have gone without the boot. I have been liberated! And I got some new cute shoes too. Thus far, no pain, no issues, no worries. Still have to take it easy for the next few weeks but this is encouraging and I am excited to be totally boot free! Hooray!

Slowing me down

2010-02-24T14:57:00.001-08:00

I have been wearing this here boot for the past month and a half. It's fashionable, isn't it? I know you want one! And check out the "even up" on my right foot. It's fancy. It is to keep my hips in alignment while I wear this thing. When I first got it there was a nice rubber sole on the bottom and no one could hear me coming. Well that is no more! I sound like a pirate with a wooden leg every time I walk down the hall. Really very entertaining.

Turns out several months ago I tore my plantar facia on the bottom of my foot. The podiatrist didn't want to do an MRI and was treating something else for the first two months. Finally around Christmas time they did the MRI and found the tear. At least I didn't have to truck around Barcelona in my boot! Two more weeks and I will be liberated. Can't wait!

The rain in Spain

2010-02-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

I love this picture of my wife Miss B. It was raining in Barcelona. The rain in Spain...

Weekend Visitor

2010-01-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

A jar of Stella at Zeitgeist
Miss B and Miss Denver enjoying what they claim to be the best Bloody Mary's in the world!

Another weekend has come and gone and why is it the weekends go so fast and the week just drags on? I guess that is the universal question everyone has, right?

Last weekend Miss Denver came for a visit and we had a jam packed weekend full of SF goodness. Friday night we finally got around to our "socking exchange" (JEthan forgot the "t" the first time he sent out the notification and well, it just stuck so Miss B has been calling it the socking exchange ever since) and fun was had by all plus they got to see Miss Denver! Kate had my stocking and gave me some fantastic stuff! I have been wearing my new hat non-stop. Way to go Kate!

Saturday was the farmers market and bus adventures all over the city. We trekked down to the Alemany Farmer's market which never disappoints. The Ritual Coffee is so yummy! We then got on the bus, walked around the Castro and then down to Zeitgeist for good eats and drinks. I love that place. It's dingy, grimy, and just kinda gross but love it all the same due to the clientele and variety of beers on tap. That night led us to a dance party over in North Beach called "Blood, Sweat, and Queers" and that it was, at Li Po. It was like partying in someones basement. We got our groove on and made our way home the wee hours in the morning only to arise and head on over to yoga. After some stretching we went and picked up the Bear in Training and drove to Sonoma for an afternoon of wine tasting. This time around we went to Gloria Ferrer, Homewood, and ended at Buena Vista, the world's greatest winery. OK, maybe not the world but it's really good! Came home in the rain and made some yummy pasta and went to bed after a long day. Monday we went out to eat at Just For You, one of my all time favorite brunch places. The crab cakes rule. Eventually we had to say goodbye to Miss Denver and her whirl wind trip was over. It was fantastic to see her and can't wait for the next visit!

This past weekend we spent just taking care of things we should have weeks ago but just haven't. Oh, and had home repairs done too which was so very needed! Our repair person is awesome! Showed up on time, got loads done, and did it just the way we wanted. She's excellent! And now our doors close and stay locked, all at the same time. Novel idea huh? We did have one evening out with JEthan, went and saw Avatar. So glad I saw it on the big screen in 3D or I don't know if I would have liked it a whole lot. There was just so much color and stuff to look at during the show. I kept ducking or moving out of the way when things were flying at me. Had never been to a 3D movie before! After that we went to Edinburgh Castle for drinks and it was the celebration of some Scottish poet, Burns I think his last name was or something. Bagpipes and everything! Went home and Miss B made some great gnocchi and woke up again for yoga. We met the Bear in Training for coffee at Spikes and then spent the rest of the day entertaining friends from the east bay. Miss B made up some amazing Moosewood mac' n cheese and they told us all about their Peru adventures so we can get tips about heading there this summer. Whaaaa who! To top it all off, we watched the first 3 episodes of season 5 of Weeds. I love that show! Can't stop thinking about it.

Now here I am at work, again. 4.5 days to go to sanity.

Birthday Celebrating!

2010-01-12T13:34:00.000-08:00

My special birthday treat!

This past Friday January 8th Elvis would have turned 75 and I did actually make it to 41. My lovely wife Miss B took me to a very special dinner at Chez Panisse, the ultra classy fancy french restaurant in Berkeley. The food was phenomenal and we also had a wonderful bottle of wine to go with dinner. I felt completely spoiled by the entire event. We rounded out the evening with a trip to the White Horse, the only G-A-Y bar in the east bay that I am aware of at least. An interesting crowd for sure.

Saturday night friends gathered at the Wild Side West for cake which once again Miss B made. It was a devil's food chocolate cake with this crazy frosting and coconut, all made out of the Magnolia Bakery cook book. Super tasty? YES! Thanks to all who made the night out to celebrate and I really appreciate all the cards, gifts, and love from my chosen family. Thank you thank you thank you! Of course serious props to Miss B for organizing and treating me so special on my special day! I am one lucky gal.

Barcelona and London

2010-01-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

Gaudi
Beers in Covent Garden at the Lamb and Flag

Big gay bar Friendly Society in Soho with Barbies on the ceiling

Miss B with Oysters in Soho post Avenue Q show

Miss B and I spent Christmas in Barcelona and then 3 nights in London on our way back to the US of A. Here is a quick glance at some of our pictures. My Flickr account has been acting up and I have been having a hell of a time posting those shots. But as soon as I figure it out, up they will go! We had a wonderful trip visiting Lou and K-town in Barcelona and they were the best hosts ever! The Hilty's also joined us taking our PC reuions international this year, although we were missing Hot Toddie. We then shuffled off to Shoreditch, in east London and stayed in hipsterville and it completely rocked! More to say later, have to get back to work now.

A walk

2010-01-04T13:54:00.001-08:00

A short hike Russian River style.

Sunday at the Wildside

2009-12-17T07:42:00.000-08:00

First: what's up with the double chin?
Second: what in the world am I talking about?
Third: Happy Birthday to the Investigator! What a fun party!

The devil

2009-12-03T13:45:00.000-08:00

Our new admin has been keeping these on her desk to share....every day. It's killing me, that are absolutely delicious! I will never obtain my goal of weight loss with these things around. The goal is to be 10 pounds lighter once we see Miss B's famliy in July. I just need to resist the temptations of the devil in the form of dark chocolate and carmel. Ugh. 8 pounds down, another 12 to go!

San Diego

2009-11-23T15:17:00.000-08:00

LaJolla at sunset
Best sushi I have ever had! REALLY!

Miss B with oysters at The Fishery

Crab cakes at the Fishery in Pacific Beach...YUM!

Miss B at sunset in LaJolla

It was an interesting trip. We ate so much good food...I can't even begin to tell you how great it was. And the fish tacos, I am still dreaming about them! There is no way on the planet I could live there (way too much freeway driving and it's conservative central) but we managed to find lovely pockets of sanity and great great food with amazing beaches. More pictures to follow once I upload from the other camera.

Whip It

2009-11-08T15:02:00.001-08:00

Go and see it now. Ellen Page was fantastical. Drew Barrymore hilarious. Worth every penny. Miss B and I were cheering, high-fiving, and laughing until we cried during this flick. Screw the critics, this movie completely ruled. Don't go thinking you are going to walk away knowing how to obtain world peace, but it was seriously one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time. Hooray for Drew Barrymore's directorial debut!

Now I need to find out where I can go see some real live roller derby. I walked out of the movie on Friday night wanting to go join a team! Once I think of my roller derby name I will let you know and see what you think.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-05T22:31:00.001-08:00

I killed a moth on Halloween. Well, not really. But it sure was funny! I was Paul Child, Julia Child's husband. My wife was Juila and she did a fabulous job! Will post those photos later, this one is stolen from Mistycans. Thanks Misty! Great work here!

Viva Las Vegas

2009-10-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

The Belagio Lightshow
The Venitian

Dessert at Picasso

Belagio Lightshow

Can you believe it? Miss B and I went to Las Vegas! Yes we did! And the crazy thing is Kate was there too making it perhaps the most unlikely three people ever to go to Vegas on the same weekend. But we were there and it really was a good time. Mind you the 36 hours was just enough and we were SO happy to be back in San Francisco. We got a feel for the place and had a lot of fun all at the same time. We survived, gambled a little, drank a lot, and went for a lovely dinner at Picasso in the Belagio.

The purpose for the trip was to see friends of mine from college whom I hadn't in a very long time. One gal, it had been 18 years. The great thing was it felt as though I had just seen them yesterday and not much had changed. They were crazy as ever and we couldn't believe how long they held in there on Friday night after starting so early in the afternoon. We got in around 8pm and it was perfect. Just enough of the evening left so we could have a blast but not get so wasted that Saturday was a wash. We went to some country bar on Friday night initially (that almost killed Miss B and I) but then moved onto a dance club with good music and we were able to get our "jig" on for many hours with lots of alcohol consumed. There were so many funny things I had forgotten about from college and so much of it came back in our conversations, recalling the drunkenness of yesteryear. We stayed at the Las Vegas Hilton, the home of Barry Manillow. We didn't see him though, but kept our eyes constantly peeled in the event he was hanging out in the corner or something in the casino. He wasn't.

We did end up one day walking around the MGM Grand, New York New York, Mandalay Bay, and eventually did some gambling at Excalibur. Miss B played roulette while I watched. Hit up the 5$ minimum table and did not end up being the big winner. I bet on college football and walked away with a decent chunk of cash, just betting on the win or lose, no odds or point spread. I then pretty much lost what I won on "The Wheel of Chances" table. Miss B rocked that one but eventually lost what she won too. I'm pretty sure that's how it works in Vegas.

Funny thing is we had heard on NPR that penny slots had made a comeback. I put all my pennies in a bag and took them to Las Vegas with me thinking I could put them in the slots. The slot machines don't take or give out coins anymore. Ever. So there I was with $10 worth of pennies and no where to go. I did cash them in at the hotel bank so at least I didn't have to bring them home with me! Hooray. I learned something new in Las Vegas.

Can't say I am itching to go back. I would consider another trip under different circumstances next go around to really make it worthwhile. But overall, it was a good first trip and could possibly be convinced into going again. I do have to say that staying at the Hilton was great. They have a monorail now that runs 24/7 (one every 9 minutes!) and it gets you everywhere you need to go! So much better than taking cabs.

The rain has arrived

2009-10-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

It is raining cats and dogs today! I knew it was going to rain but not like this. Word on the street is it's going to be like this all winter and seeing this, I guess it is a good thing we finally broke down and got cable TV. There won't be much hanging out outside if it's pouring like this. What's strange is that it feels like it went right from summer to winter, nevermind the fall.

One thing which will never be understood is the fear of rain and the California driver. They slow to a snail's pace, afraid of everything the rain has to offer. And they simply drive like morons. After learning how to drive in wind, hail, snow storms, and whatever else showed up in the midwest, rain is nothing. Although I do have to admit, I was so thrown going from my car to my office that I forgot my hot coffee in the car. Didn't realize it until I was almost inside so now the coffee is cold in the car and I am cold in my office. Sigh.

We did have a wonderful weekend hosting family dinner. We love our family dinners and are so lucky to be able to have them so frequently. Hooray for dinner with lots of love and friends!

Fall pictures

2009-10-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

Sea sick
Sailing the SF bay

Kaspar at the A's game!

Rally cap for B during the Tigers game. It didn't help unfortunately.

Waldo Tunnel Face Lift

2009-09-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

I saw this on the SF Gate today and thought, why the heck not? They are repainting the rainbow over the tunnel going to Marin. And rightfully so. You just left the gayest bridge in the world, why not follow it up with a big gay rainbow! Once again, I love San Francisco!

Technical Difficulties

2009-09-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when Mistycans tries to open a screw top bottle of wine with a traditional corkscrew opener. Too funny! Way to go Joe M in capturing this moment of hilarity!

Breakfast Table View

2009-09-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

You may or may not know that Miss B and I wake up every day at 5:30am. Sometimes earlier if I have to be into work by 6am. At any rate, this was the view from our kitchen table the other morning and I found it to be absolutely amazing. Even though my eyes were only half way open with it being so early and all, it was great to talk with my wife over our breakfast with this kind of view. San Francisco, I love you!

Happy Birthday Mistycans!

2009-09-09T15:42:00.000-07:00

Who is 40 and fabulous? MISTYCANS! And look, she's touched by an angel in this photo.

Have a great birthday Misty!

Stuck in the 80's

2009-09-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

This is where I am at right now. I don't know why. Love them!

Made a special playlist for the wine tasting trip with Mistycans and K-woman and it was very 90's centric. Now here I am stuck in the 80's again.

Let me show you the world in my eyes. Hee hee!

Ptown Wedding

2009-08-26T15:51:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Doug and Carl!

Doug and Carl have been together for 14 years. This year at our annual Provincetown get together, the blessed us with having their ceremony on the beach with our Ptown crew. Miss B was the best man for Douglas, Miss J for Carl, and I, the photographer. It was beautiful and we can't wait for the official party to follow sometime next year in Washington D.C.

See the following link for pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10068723@N07/sets/72157622135639798/

Ptown was fantastic as always this year. Lots of sun, surf, and yummy seafood. We also discovered the new and hip version of the White Castle "sliders" except these had lobster on the inside. Super yummy! It did rain one day and that was the chosen day to see "Julie and Julia" which was good although I could have done an entire movie on Julia Child and skipped the Julie part. B to the O to the RING. But I guess that had to be done to pull in the less mature crowd, right? Now we are back, my tan is fading, and it's all just a memory. Until next year! Oh by the way, I have been making this same trek for 10 years now. I must really love the beach!

Tigers vs. Oakland A's

2009-08-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

The Tigers won! Big shock. This year has been dismal for the A's. The stadium wasn't even close to half full. The fans were boo-ing like no one's business. Kind of sad really. And that Friday night game gave them more to boo about as the Tigers won 3-2. Being from Michigan, of course B cheered for the Tigers! With any luck they will stay on top of the division and make their way to the playoffs. Which means we need to figure out some TV options prior to the series. (We are still stranded now that the digital conversion has gone through.)

PLAY BALL!

Squaw Valley and Wanderlust

2009-08-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

Just like peanut butter and chocolate, they finally put two of my favorite things together in one weekend: yoga and indie pop rock. Who was loving it? ME!

We saw amazing bands and went to fantastical classes with teachers like Sianna Sherman, Kenny Graham, John Friend, Shiva Rea, Katchie Ananda, the whole nine. They were outstanding and we got to try styles of yoga we never would have dreamed of and really enjoyed it. The music was the best ever too! We saw Gillian Welch, Jenny Lewis (she was so cute I just wanted to put her in my pocket!), Spoon, Broken Social Scene, Andrew Bird, and a bunch of others I can't remember. So we stretched in the morning and rocked it in the evening. Not a bad deal. I would go again in a minute. And Miss B agrees.

Plus check out these pictures of Tahoe. How can you not have a good time with beauty around you like that? And an interesting fact that I did not know, the 1960 winter Olympics were held at this location. We got to hang out in a hot tub and pool at 8,200 feet. Not too shabby.

One bummer, yogi = the new hippie. Don't get me wrong, I was a hippie in college and certainly lean towards hippie-like things from time to time. But some of these folks were way out there and trying not to be a hippie and calling yourself a yogi when really, it's the same thing. Maybe they will figure it out. If they don't, well who really cares anyway, right? So perhaps I can start a new era, that of the hip-yogi. We would shower. We don't have to wear twirl skirts or smell like patchouli (I do like patchouli by the way but not in gallons). We can have the yogic philosophies with good fashion. I think I am onto something. Hm....

Wanderlust 2009

2009-07-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

So much more to write about but just don't have time! It was a blast and would go again in a minute. It totally rocked from the yoga, to the music, to the mountain. Hooray!

Link to pictures!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10068723@N07/sets/72157621867804806/

More of the Midwest

2009-07-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

Twister fun for Miss B and a beautiful Midwestern moon.

And here's the link to pictures!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10068723@N07/

Middle of the West--and we survived!

2009-07-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

B and I just got back from a 10 day trip to the Midwest including Chicago, Wisconsin, and Michigan. B was actually there for two weeks as she helped her parents pack up their home of 30 years to move to Florida on July 3rd. After tough times in the real estate market in Michigan, they finally sold their house on the lake which was a bit difficult to see go. It was a great set up and a beautiful location. But Florida it is for retirement and whatever adventures come their way. Miss B was most certainly saddened letting her childhood home go.

The family farm was just as it ever was seeing as not much changes there from year to year. This was the year however that I finally gathered all my things from childhood that I wanted to keep and take with me. It was hilarious looking at year books, pictures, letter jacket, trophies, bridesmaid dresses and shoes, you name it! Eventually some of it got packed up in a trunk which was brought back from Africa from the whole Peace Corps experience and is now on it's was to our home. My room had remained the same since I left for college so I guess it was time to let this all go. And rightfully so.

We did spend time at a 4th of July celebration which has been going on for at least 80 years and we went every year when I was a kid. My parents have been going since they can remember and their parents before that. See the link to the pictures. Very funny I must say! Saw a lot of people I hadn't in many years, always good to reconnect. The most frightening but appropriate float in the parade was the one for the local taxidermy shop. Check that one out, yikes! Oh, and we spent an afternoon wine tasting in my home town. Their tasting selections list was two pages long! Nothing like Wisconsin to go for quantity.

Miss B and I eventually make it over to Michigan where we spent time with her brother and his family. Those kids wore us out! Lots of kickball, running games, basketball, all sports all the time. One day we took them to a go-kart track which also had a climbing wall and trampolines. They LOVED it making us of course the best aunts in the world! Haven't gotten those pictures posted yet but I will.

Every time we go to the Midwest it reminds me of where I came from and why I ended up here. Not anything bad, just points out the obvious in that we all have our own path and take it as life unfolds. Family is family and they are wonderful. And we all have grown to appreciate our differences, respectfully so. Thank goodness.

One Angel Passes

2009-06-25T14:16:00.001-07:00

I had the t-shirt, not the poster. Bought it while on vacation in Florida when in 5th grade. And how is it I didn't know I was a lesbian?

I loved Farah. May she rest in peace. And no longer be trailed by the paparazzi.

5 years...can you believe it?

2009-06-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Miss B and I have officially celebrated our 5 year anniversary of meeting and our 2 year wedding anniversary. It just keeps getting better and better! It helps that she is so darn cute in outfits like this. CUTE!

My Brain Hurts....

2009-06-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

It just does. Work. Have a bad cold again. Things moving really fast. Ouch.

Pictures to post from the Bandon, OR trip with Peace Corps party people. And also a Intergalactic Prom. More to come once I get off this crazy ride.

Oh, and congratulations to Miss B, it's her last day of school with the littles today. Bring on summer break for my wife! Yipee!

And you wonder why I have hippie tendancies...

2009-05-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

This probably answers some of the questions you have had all along...how did this hippie end up like this? Well here's evidence where it clearly started! I LOVED my dancing turtles shirt given to me by my pal V before I left to live in the G. It's funny how stretched out our clothing got also! Crazy huh? These pictures just make me laugh!

Saving the world as a Peace Corps volunteer...not so much. Saving myself? Most certainly!

Back in 1993 my world looked like this...

2009-05-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Top picture is in the capital of the Gambia. A bunch of us were just hanging out at the beach. We had a strange Peace Corps assignment in that we could see one another somewhat easily and we did have access to alcohol! Lots of it. How do you like the hair growing out and the hugemongous shades?!?!

The second picture was when the Gambian President was going to "stop" in Lou's village. He basically cruised on through with his motorcade and didn't really stop at all. But do think it's a cool picture of the village and the students.

Lou got a bunch of her pictures scanned and it really was fun sitting down and milling through all of them with her. Oh we had good fun! Here's to The Gambia and here's to our PC group from 1993-1995! We rocked it!

New Cat Pad

2009-05-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

It has arrived, the new place for the cats to hang out when they of course have grown tired of the other 800 spots in the house to plop down.

Inspection in process!

2009-04-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

This week finds me touring the EMEA through the jelly doughnut factory. The EMEA is essentially the same as the FDA but have much more of a scrutinous eye. They literally opened every drawer, and cabinet in the plant. They spent 1.5 hours in the restrooms for our employees! I have had to tour them everywhere while they performed the "white glove test" (and I am not exaggerating, they really brought white gloves and wiped things down to ensure there was no residue) and explain why we have a great plant and should remain open for business. There are two Germans and two French inspectors. They aren't nearly as funny as the Pink Panther.

I have also had to spend time in conference rooms explaining our policies, procedures, and practices, some of which they question and get very technical about. To the best of my ability, along with subject matter experts, we have been doing a great job thus far keeping them satisfied and following up quickly with things we have to go back and research. Essentially if we mess this up, they could shut us down. Don't want that. Everyone needs jelly doughnuts! And making them is a very complicated business with serious ramifications if we don't do it right.

What this means for me? Not much sleep, lots of hurrying up and waiting, being exhausted every night when I get home, getting in early to make sure the plant is presentable doing my own "white glove test" and following up with staff to keep our positive momentum going. Today will be another day in the conference room and we will see how that pans out. I am so tired.

Fun plans for the weekend. Lou and K-town are coming to San Francisco and we get to hang out with them. It's K's birthday so perhaps we can come up with something exciting to do. I do need to take an opportunity and catch up on sleep I most certainly have missed this week.

Changeling

2009-04-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

I didn't think I would like this film as much as I did. It's completely disturbing and a true story which makes the whole thing seem that much more unbelievable. But it's true and a very well done film. No best actress for our home-wrecker Angelina Jolie but it was a departure from her usual scantily clad gun toting flicks of previous days. She did a good job. Rent it. Yep!

I do have one question...why in the world are her lips so big? Have they always been that big? If so, I never really recognized it. In this picture, it appeared as though they were filled with helium and she was about to float into space face first. Oh Hollywood.

A's birthday celebration

2009-04-14T12:42:00.001-07:00

Look at Miss B with the two drinks in her hand!

Happy birthday A! We truly enjoyed your party. You are the best!

Sugarloaf Ridge Sonoma Camping

2009-04-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

Good fire!
Beautiful hike ending.

Relaxing after a day of adventure. It's wine time!

For more pictures, go here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10068723@N07/sets/72157616485549724/

Will write more when I have a chance. Must get to work now but couldn't wait to share these pictures. Good stuff!

Big Basin--first camping trip of the year!

2009-03-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

Berry Creek Falls

Spring!

Becky above the falls

Looking up on our 12 mile hike.

Becky and I had our first camping trip of the year. We went to Big Basin near Santa Cruz. It's very close to San Francisco and we did manage to go wine tasting on the way there AND back! How exciting! We did a 12 mile hike on Sunday and are both paying for it still today. What a wonderful way to kick off spring. Next camping trip? Next week! More pictures to follow. If you would like to see more from this trip, see the following link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10068723@N07/sets/72157616061205221/

Be well!

Crawling back

2009-03-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

I went out on Wednesday night on a very impromptu trip to the bar with my pal Theo. He's been traveling the US of A doing all sorts of fun things and we got together to talk about it and play some pool at the Wildside. I had one of the most horrific days at work ever had in a long time and let's just say the tequila and Fat Tires were getting thrown back at a rapid pace. I made it through yesterday but barely. I felt like if a big gust of wind had come along it would have destroyed me as I would have just disappeared as I amounted to a big pile of dust. It made work excruciatingly difficult. But I am crawling back and am on the mend today. Oh tequila. It gets the best of me every single time. Here's to Friday and the week almost being over, 7 short hours from now.

My little Zami

2009-03-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

This is one of Zami's favorite activities! What you don't see is the 10 foot drop below where she is walking known as our stairwell. It's a relatively new habit for her and I am not sure where it comes from. It scares the heck out of me every time she's up there but her balance is impeccable and has yet to fall.

I shouldn't say she's my little Zami. Miss B actually acquired her 10 years ago while living in a farm house in the country in Michigan. She had gotten Little Green the year previous along with another cat at the humane society. One morning when she came out to go to work, there was Zami, a perfect little ball of fur sitting on her doorstep as a teeny tiny kitten. She had the same chirpy meow she has to this day and with that, how could she not take her in? She's the sweetest little kitty on the planet although not a cuddler at all, only when she wants to do so, all on her terms. You won't see her at our house either as she always hides whenever someone comes over. Only after hours of being tucked in the smallest of places will she come out to say hello. I don't know why I am writing a post about one of our cats. But here I am, being the crazy cat lady once again.

Swiss Doughnuts

2009-03-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

The announcement was made today and it's official. I will be making Swiss doughnuts from here on out. Merger set to close by the end of March. The "integration team" goes to work from there. Not worrying about it for now because there are simply way too many unknowns. I will continue to make doughnuts for anyone who will pay me at this point.

Bye bye Genentech. Hello "Genenetech--a subsidiary of Roche". Or even more possible, hello Roche.

Not so Dynamo Doughnuts

2009-03-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning I wanted to surprise my lovely lady with the best doughnuts on the planet. We never go out for doughnuts. Ever. We started a cleanse this week so did it up in fine fashion this past weekend eating everything which isn't allowed once a cleanse starts and this included doughnuts.

The word on the street was that this Dynamo Doughnuts place was the new hipster place for yummy treats. I should have heeded the warnings of Miss A and her investigator as they said it was crap for $2.50 a pop. Everyone else said these things were the shit. Hello, I would like my money back please. I dropped $5 for two doughnuts, one which was small, coconut and rather feeble. The other was a disgusting chocolate greasy mess which wasn't worth the flour used to bake it. It looked amazingly good under the glass, tempting with chocolate frosting. We didn't even finish it. Dynamo Doughnuts? I think not.

To top it off we went to Sugarlump for coffees. Same mediocre experience. People need to go to Spike's for the real deal and stop wasting their money on this stuff in the Mission. Beware of the hipster hype. It ain't all that.

Maybe I am just grumpy because I am deep into day two with no sugar or carbohydrates. But I don't think so. Those doughnuts just weren't worth it!

40th birthday pictures

2009-02-24T15:32:00.000-08:00

Look who is 40 and fabulous!

As I am getting used to my new fancy schmancy camera and the digital age, I finally got the pictures from the birthday weekend uploaded. I am learning how to use a Mac for this at the same time and Flickr, which isn't that hard, there are just a lot of steps to it and well, let's face it, I am old and smoke the green stuff sometimes. My memory is not as razor sharp for certain things as it used to be. Okay, I am not going to forget where I live or anything like that any time soon but my brain is full of a lot of things on any given day. Remembering flickr instructions apparently aren't as important as keeping the jelly doughnuts on the line in top form production. At any rate, for those of you who are interested, here is the link to the pictures. Thanks again for the wonderful weekend and all the memories which went along with it!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10068723@N07/

Speaking of the green stuff, Tom Ammiano introduced a bill to the state legislature to legalize it. Don't criticize it. Seriously. It will probably get shot down faster than fast however if you read his reasoning, it might just be what California needs to get out of the debt we are in and tax the heck out of the state's biggest cash crop. Seriously. I think it's a good idea. Anyone over 21 could buy pot legally, just like alcohol. And I for one think pot is much less destructive than alcohol, in all ways, shapes and forms. So rock on with your bad self Tom Ammiano. Even if everyone else thinks you are crazy. Why the heck not? Read for yourself here:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/23/BAO416354C.DTL&type=politics&tsp=1

Light it up my friends. And pass it on.

And it didn't even start of house fire...

2009-02-05T17:05:00.001-08:00

Now you see em'....
Now you don't!

All I have to say is the weekend at the river was absolutely everything I could have asked for and THEN some! We had an absolute blast and I can't thank everyone enough for being there and making it such a festive occasion. Seriously, it was THE BEST! And I even got all 40 candles in one blow. I must still have good lungs. Who would have thought?!?!?

From the food, to the Wii (thanks again everyone, it's the gift that keeps on giving, I LOVE IT!), to the hot tub, pool, ping pong, fireside chats, to everything else all wrapped up into one, it was the best time ever!

I will upload my pictures soon. We have been having serious internet issues at the Prylohr household and I can't get flickr to work worth a hoot. And yes, I have pictures of the infamous pool side outfit! Hooray!

Obama is in, Bush is out!

2009-01-21T17:37:00.000-08:00

How do you spell relief? BUSH IS GONE! Turns out Cheney was in a wheel chair too. What a perfect way to end a feeble, decrepit administration.

I am so proud of Obama and can't be happier that we now have someone in the White House who knows how to use words and rather than weapons. Congratulations President Obama!