Christmas Edition

As the pandemic dragged on through the end of year, I found myself increasingly more restless in being unable to travel or do much of anything. As a result, Tom and I treated ourselves to a weekend at one of the treasured McMenamins hotels. McMenamins is a family-owned company in the PNW serving handcrafted booze and coffee alongside good, honest pub fare since 1983. Steeped in art, history and a sense of place, locations range from neighborhood pubs to historic hotels where live music, soaking pools, movie theaters and other fun prevail. Our weekend retreat was the perfect reset before the holidays.

In deciding whether or not to go home for Christmas this year, I felt that the benefits outweighed the risks, so I traded the Portland rain for Pittsburgh snow.

 

My family quarantined in our own little bubble, so we missed seeing extended family and friends. However, I enjoyed the quality time spent cooking, baking, playing board games and watching our favorite holiday movies. My parents and sisters are the most important people in my life, and I am grateful for our sense of love and connection. 

 

 

While I did not enjoy the frigid northeast temperatures, at least we had a white Christmas!

Tom also came back with me, which was fun to introduce him to Pittsburgh.

A trip home would not have been complete without these little fur balls, Lucy and Phoebe.

 

My family recently lost my last remaining grandparent, Oma, whose life we celebrated at a beautiful memorial mass. My grandmother grew up in rural Germany before immigrating to Pittsburgh. Throughout my childhood, her stern yet caring nature helped shape my values of hard work and family. I am proud of my German heritage and our shared interest in gardening, and I look forward to seeing her again someday at the grand "family reunion."

Maria Schaller-Ammer

Feb 1, 1927 - Nov 27, 2020

America's Existential Crisis

After a big win for democracy, I can't help but feel as though America is facing an existential crisis. Before unpacking that, however, let's first consider the term "America" when used to define our nation. In truth, couldn't it mean anywhere in North or South America? Same goes for the colloquial phrase "the States." Many countries are divided into states; we are the United States of America. 

Anyway, my concern about the future of our great nation is related to the values that our society has adopted. As a population, we have embraced capitalism to such an extent that has ultimately led to a consumeristic approach to happiness and success. As a result, individualism has superseded community. Something as catastrophic as a global pandemic has the potential to unite us, yet it seems to only be dividing us further. This is but the humble opinion of a patriot that is eager to redefine our societal values.

 

In Portland, my life continues to move forward with work at the hospital, date nights with Tom and video chats with friends and family. The onset of winter has shelved much of my beloved outdoor activities, but I maintain my sanity by stretching out on my yoga mat each morning, getting fresh air each day and participating in multiple forms of therapy. I have also devoured countless books and podcasts in the downtime. The approaching holiday season has inspired me to reflect on the challenges that this year has brought, juxtaposed by the good fortunes that have come my direction. Ideally, we would not find ourselves locked down in a pandemic, but it is important to search for the silver linings and express gratitude for ourselves, each other and the planet.

Living Through a Pandemic

Given all of the challenges that 2020 continues to present, I often experience moments of heightened stress and anxiety. I am beginning to forget what life was like before lockdown, but in hindsight, it is clear that Portland is not the same city that I moved to only two years ago. Each of us have been forced outside of our comfort zones to reckon with the humility of how little is in our control. Now more than ever, it is easy to fall into despair about the outlook of our country and the world at large. 

 

Instead of succumbing to this mindset, I remind myself that this moment is temporary; nothing is permanent. During these trying times, I offer the following words of encouragement: strive for a healthy mind and body in order to stay grounded and optimistic about the future; lean on loved ones, and ask for help when needed; find something to be grateful for; be kind to yourself and others; take a deep breath; and remember to step back now and again to gain perspective.

Aside from practicing self care, it is equally important to seize this moment as an opportunity to fix broken societal systems. On that note, regardless of political beliefs, please get out and vote. We live in a democracy where every voice matters at both the local and federal level. As for the leader of our nation, my vote goes to a candidate that aims to unite rather than divide and isolate. I simply cannot vote for someone that does not care about humanity or the planet.

Out on the Water

Portland's fall season is not quite as colorful as other parts of the country due to our large evergreen population, but it still is beautiful. The short, cool days confirm the end of summer and the beginning of a new pace that accompanies the onset of winter.

Work at the hospital has been steady, but I am eager to begin exploring next steps for my professional career. A passion for healthy lifestyle and nutrition has inspired me to entertain a potential career in functional medicine health coaching. The current model of western healthcare is life-saving but incomplete/reductionist. I am excited by the thought of uncovering the root cause of disease, thereby encouraging patients to prevent illness through adopting lifestyle changes vs. dispensing pharmaceuticals to mitigate symptoms. 

 

My hiking boots are mostly stashed away for the season, so my free time is spent winterizing the garden, cycling and paddling on my new inflatable stand up paddle board. With the pool closed since March, it feels therapeutic to get out on the water. I am also making a point to read most days (lasted recommendation: Fiber Fueled) and, of course, make time for my loving boyfriend. Happy 30th birthday, Tom!

Frog Lake

Willamette River

Crested Butte, CO

Nothing says fall like the golden aspen trees in Colorado. Anna and Alex's friends rented a house in the mountains last week for work and play, which became an opportunity for me to visit one of my favorite places and people. Traveling during the turmoil of 2020 is somewhat controversial, but the benefits outweighed the risks in this instance.

 

I flew into Denver on Wednesday, and spent the evening with my girlfriends, Sarah, Anna and Lexi. We reunited on the rooftop lounge at Linger in the highlands. For the rest of the night, I watched Parks and Rec with my niece, Aspen. Just like the good old days!

On my way to the mountains on Thursday, I stopped for a morning workout at Red Rocks. It felt great to be at elevation again. The 4-hour drive southwest of Denver became gradually more scenic as I neared my destination.

Crested Butte is possibly my favorite mountain town in Colorado. It's a special place filled with unspoiled beauty year round. I arrived at the house to be greeted by Anna. The large deck overlooking Mt. Crested Butte was an ideal gathering place for our group of 8. We were blessed with perfect weather; mid-70s with unlimited sunshine. 

On Friday morning, Anna and I went for an easy hike close to town. We began on the Woods Walk, staying to the left at most junctions, which offers the higher trail and slightly better views of the valley. The first quarter mile starts through an aspen grove and then opens up to reveal a grand vista of Peanut Lake, Gothic Mountain and Mt. Crested Butte. The trail continues down into the valley with glowing aspen groves off to the left. At the end, the path splits off onto the Lower Loop or the Bud Trail, which connects to the Upper Lower Loop. Both routes continue further up the Slate River Valley. Watch out for bikers!

That evening, the group caught the shuttle into town for food and drinks. We circled through Public House, The Eldo Brewery and Montanaya Distillers.

On Saturday morning, I joined Anna and Alex for another combo hike located along the scenic Ohio Pass. Swampy Pass is an easy trek through some of the best aspens in the valley, and offers views of the iconic Castles rock formations in the West Elk Wilderness.

  

Just down the road lies the trailhead to Beaver Ponds--a short but rewarding hike through aspens and a forested floor covered with ferns. A dirt trail leads up to the ponds, where the view opens up to reveal the Anthracite Range mountains. It's a great spot for picnics and camping.

 

On our drive back to town, we stopped in Gunnison at one of our favorite breweries, High Alpine Brewing Co. That evening, we shared a family dinner and board games outside on the deck.

Everyone was sad to leave on Sunday. Despite getting an early start, we encountered a substantial amount of traffic on the drive back to Denver. I also noted the familiar haze of a nearby wildfire burn. Saying goodbye to Anna and Alex is never easy, but I felt grateful for the time spent together and for the wonderful getaway. Looking forward to our next reunion in December!