January Rain

My biggest challenge in triathlon training will require me to revisit the running world. An activity that I once enjoyed, I have shifted away from high-impact exercise since injuring my knee. Returning to the sport, however, has its rewards. For instance, it has provided the opportunity to explore the city's neighborhoods on foot, presenting a new perspective.

A rare pocket of January sunshine

A brief reprieve from work on Saturday allowed me to celebrate Kyle's birthday at Katie's house in north Portland. It was a fun night of food, drinks, board games, and good company. Community!

I also recently attended a potluck hosted by Northwest VEG. Having just returned from Asia, Dr. Sharon Methvin gave a fascinating presentation about the paradoxes of religiosity, poverty and economy of animals in Nepal. The topic was eye-opening and served as timely insight into my next adventure; I will be spending the next month in Nepal to study yoga... to be continued!

Farm Spirit

A cool and rainy January brought snow to the Cascades; as expected, a cold front with forecasted snow set Portland in a panic. I stayed busy with work, taking on a new challenge at the hospital of learning how to manage total parental nutrition (TPN). TPN is a custom IV fluid used for patients with a loss of gastrointestinal function that cannot achieve adequate nutrition by oral or enteral means. This added responsibility allows me to work directly with nutritionists and dietitians, which is a step in the right direction as I gradually transition my career focus from pharmaceutical-driven healthcare to lifestyle medicine.

On the theme of looking ahead, I recently attended a yoga workshop hosted by my favorite teacher, Natasha. After practice at Yoga Pearl, our small group created vision boards based around our goals for the year ahead. It was the perfect opportunity to reflect on my priorities (i.e., self care and connectivity), and to tap into my creative side.

 

Over the weekend, Tom, Kyle and Katie joined me at Natian Brewery (#31) before heading to the Dour Fir Lounge. Chadwick Stokes is a talented musician/song writer, incredible performer and passionate human rights activist. He is a member of roots rock/reggae jam bands, State Radio and Dispatch. I have seen him perform in Pittsburgh, Boston and Chicago, and this show did not disappoint. Big fan.

Chadwick Stokes and the Pintos

Also this month, Tom and I celebrated our one-year anniversary. He surprised me with an extraordinary dining experience at Farm Spirit. This innovative establishment in southeast Portland offers a plant-based tasting menu that highlights the Cascadian bounty of the forest, farm, and field through seasonal, local dishes that emphasize the beauty of natural simplicity. I highly recommend taking a seat at the Chef's Counter for an interactive evening with a view of the action in the kitchen.

 

January Menu

Bread, Spread, Pickles & Broth

Beet Terrine, Juniper Marshmallow, Mustard & Mint

Parched Green Wheat, Jerusalem Artichoke & Radish Flowers

Romanesco, Sunflower & Seaweed

Broken Squash, Pumpkin Seed & Za’atar

Chanterelles, Mulled Wine & Roasted Quince

Warm Cheese & Crispy Crackers

Grilled Pears with Rosemary Ice

Buckwheat Cake, Pumpkin, Apple & Burnt Cardamom

Tea & Fun Candy

A New Decade

After spending a relaxing week at home, I felt rested and ready to kick off the new year. Upon reflection, I am overcome with gratitude for the many blessings that came in 2019. It was a beautiful year filled with positive memories; smelling the abundant tulips and roses, starting a new job, embarking on endless hikes and long bike rides, trying out climbing and surfing, building new and old relationships, hosting visitors, and traveling to Mt. Rainier NP, Yosemite NP and New Zealand.

Holiday lights at Portland International Raceway

I am optimistic about 2020, looking forward to several events, travels and goals. In terms of "resolutions" for the year ahead, my main aspiration is to enter the triathlon world (ultimate goal: Ironman). Pursuing rock climbing last year was a real joy, but I've decided to shift my focus in order to connect more with nature in the form of outdoor running, cycling and swimming.

The Grotto

  

In addition, I plan to make self care a priority. Living a healthy lifestyle through fitness and nutrition has been a growing passion of mine, but more recently I've come to understand that physical health is only one piece of a larger puzzle; just as important is one's mental health, which I believe, is strengthened through daily practices like mindfulness, stress/anxiety management, strong relationships, and good sleep habits. Potential ideas to maximize my health include regular massages and therapy. After all, in order to build my community and connect more deeply with the world around me, it all starts with self love.

 

Cheers to a new decade!

A Pittsburgh Christmas

I left behind a warm and rainy Portland, eager to celebrate Christmas with family. Expecting the typical frigid northeast winter, I was pleasantly surprised by the mild, almost spring-like weather during my week in Pittsburgh. I was additionally relieved to note the winter solstice on December 21st (the shortest day of the year); the Northern Hemisphere will gradually gain more daylight for the next six months.

Losing three hours on my flight path east, I landed at 7pm EST on Friday. I felt the excitement build as I navigated through the familiar airport and greeted my parents at baggage claim. Anna and Alex had already arrived from Denver. Dinner at home.

My parents' beautifully decorated townhouse

My family and I spent Saturday morning in the North Hills with my paternal grandmother and aunt, also paying a visit to my grandfather's grave. It is important to me to remember those who are no longer physically with us.

Oma

Later on, we stopped to see our childhood piano teacher. Anna and I are proud to see our mom picking up the musical instrument under the guidance of Mrs. Bleil. 

That evening, I paid my respects to my recently passed friend, Sam, before meeting my oldest friend Kelsey for a brewery tour of Sharpsburg and Millvale; Dancing Gnome Brewery, Hitchhiker Brewing Co. and Grist House Craft Brewery.

Sunday was spent in downtown Pittsburgh, first at my old stomping grounds--Oakland. It was somewhat emotional to walk through my alma mater, a place that I intimately knew for six years. The University of Pittsburgh campus was deserted for the holiday break, but otherwise just how I remembered it.

  

After sharing lunch at The Porch in Schenley Plaza, we continued to the heart of downtown to hear my dad sing at the First Lutheran Church with the men's German choir of the Teutonia Männerchor.

PPG Place/Market Square

Following a morning jog on Monday, Mom and I traveled to the South Hills to visit Aunt Mary Anne in Canonsburg. I was glad to see her new farmhouse and horse!

Buddy

That evening, I caught up with my dear friend Janell over dinner at one of our favorites, Aladdin's Eatery.

A thick and unusual fog lingered for the whole of Christmas Eve. After mass, we went to the annual Christmas party for a night of Italian family, food and fun.

I cherished the relaxed pace on Christmas, happy simply to spend time at home, helping my mom in the kitchen and watching holiday movies. Rita and her fiance, Patrick, drove down from Erie to join in the festivities.

  

The sun was shining again on Thursday, encouraging us to stretch our legs on a morning walk. We passed the afternoon in Bethel Park with my aunt and uncle, stopping first at my maternal grandmother's grave. I enjoyed seeing my cousins and updating each other on our lives. It was a warm visit full of laughter and love.

I felt sad to leave behind my Family Bears on Friday morning; it is with great pride and gratitude that I embrace my roots. The most difficult part of living far away is undoubtedly the distance between us, but it makes the reunions that much sweeter! 

 

Wishing my readers a joyous holiday season!

Leavenworth, WA

After one of the driest Novembers that Portland has seen in over 50 years, the winter rains set in by mid-December.

Kyle and I went Christmas shopping at the Portland Night Market. New finds in the food scene include visits to Coava Coffee Roasters and southeast's White Owl Social Club.

Last weekend, Aunt Judy, Kyle and I took a road trip to Leavenworth, WA. We set off at 6am on Saturday, embarking on the 4.5 hour drive via I-84 E to US-97 N.

I was first introduced to this charming Bavarian town in September while hiking the famed Enchantments. Leavenworth in December, however, paints a very different picture from that of summer and even Oktoberfest. During the first three weekends of the month, the Christmas Lighting Festival includes musical performances with hand bell choirs, carolers and alphorns, costumed holiday characters, sledding in Front Street Park, and the smell of roasted chestnuts and Gluhwein. The celebration culminates with the Lighting Ceremony, illuminating the village with over half a million lights.

The three of us embraced the merry atmosphere, popping into shops to warm up and purchase last-minute gifts. We grazed at a variety of restaurants and bars throughout the day, pleasantly surprised by the amount of vegan offerings--even at the bakeries! Favorites included Yodelin Broth Company, The Local Yokel, Blewett Brewing Company and Buschel and Bee Taproom. Note that this is a very busy event; expect crowds everywhere.

After spending the night in the neighboring town of Wenatchee, our trio returned to Portland via I-90 W to I-5 S. This route took us up and over the wintry Snoqualmie Pass (3,015') and past the impressive 270' Snoqualmie Falls. We lucked out with smooth road conditions and minimal traffic. What a weekend!

Powell Butte

Last Friday's forecast indicated 50-degree weather with sunny, clear skies. I took advantage on my day off by tackling another PBOT bike route: Powell Butte - Springwater. The scenic ride through east Portland follows mostly low-traffic streets and paths for 26 miles with two short climbs.

Armed with plenty of layers, I left my apartment at 11:30am. It was an easy connection to the route as I cycled through the charming southeast neighborhoods. A short but very steep side trip to the top of Powell Butte affords panoramic views of Mts. Hood, St. Helens and Adams. I noted the small network of hiking trails for next summer.

I circled back to downtown via the familiar Springwater Trail. Home by 2:30pm. Great ride!

I caught the bus downtown that afternoon to meet new friends for happy hour at the Pearl District's Cider Bite. Afterwards, it was a quick walk to REI where I joined Aunt Judy and Kyle for an informative and inspirational presentation on hiking Mt. Whitney; if it wasn't on my bucket list before, it sure is now!

Sunday beckoned a welcomed sleep-in, morning jog, and brunch with Sierra (co-worker and climbing friend) at Rosswood on the South Waterfront. Later on, I joined friends for a shopping trip at the Columbia employee store (my favorite). Building my community!

A recent turn of events led to a non-traditional Thanksgiving. I was scheduled to work the weekend, but had the holiday off. A chilly but clear day moved me to take a late morning bike ride. The Waterfront Loop is the premier short ride in Portland. The mostly flat route follows the Willamette River trails for 11 miles. The quick trip was just the breath of fresh air I needed! 11:30am-1pm RT.

That afternoon, I met Aunt Judy at the movie theatre in Vancouver to watch A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Tom Hanks did not disappoint in portraying my beloved childhood role model, Mr. Rogers.
























Thanksgiving is a call for gratitude. I am grateful for my friends and family, a place to call home, and our beautiful planet. It's hard to believe that the Christmas season is already upon us!