Maximal Gonadal Capacity...and Tie Dye

This weekend we went to

Historic Haywood Field

IN

Eugene, OR
to watch this:

David's sprint coach in high school used to call him "maximal gonadal capacity". I think this nickname applied to a lot of the athletes we saw. They are so talented. Even the guy in last place who is getting his butt kicked is amazing. Last year we went to the Olympic Trials in Eugene and some of the same athletes, (Galan Rupp, for any of you track fans), were racing at the meet this weekend, so I felt like I was at least familiar with some of the names. And then I did have David coaching me on who was who. One of the great things about track meets in Eugene is that track is huge here and the fans know the athletes. I on the other hand just cheered for the few runners I did know and then spent the rest of the time cheering for any athlete from BYU.
Here are just a few pictures of the races:




It was a great weekend and it motivated David to get back into running like he used to and motivated me to attempt to make myself run faster. I think I go the same speed whether I am running 3 miles or 15.

While in Eugene we did a few other things. We stopped by the Saturday market and saw way too much tie dye. If you live anywhere else in the country, you probably thought tie dye was laid to rest years ago, but in Oregon it is a thriving market.

Tie Dye Toilet Paper

David asked the guy selling this fine item if the coloring would come off on your butt. That's definitely something to consider before purchasing.

Tie Dye Underwear and everything else you could imagine that could be tie dyed.

I'm not sure if you can even distinguish the underwear since all the articles blend together, but if you look really closely, some one so lovingly tie dyed this underwear.

On Friday and Saturday we also visited Alton Baker Park which has great running trails, so we walked and ran through this park and enjoyed it's beauty.

Willamette River

It was a great weekend. And, I'm sure we will see more of Eugene over the next few years while living in Portland.

Running and THE SLING SHOT...

This weekend David was off the entire weekend plus Monday. Now, this is a rarity, so we had to soak it up. I am in training for a half marathon so on Saturdays I generally do my long runs. David decided to come with me to this awesome running trail in NW Portland. I was introduced to this trail last fall by a friend and it is the BEST trail. It is a twenty-two mile out and back trial that is marked every quarter mile. You climb the first 6 miles or so, but while climbing you can think about how in just an hour or two you get to go downhill those last 6 miles. It's great motivation. Sometimes I do 3 miles and feel like crap, and then other days like Saturday, I do 16 miles and feel great. I wish every run felt that good.
We then went downtown to the water front to enjoy some of the Memorial Day festivities. There was a carnival and the Saturday Market was open. So, we just wandered around while David critiqued "portlanders".



Just one of the many interesting things to see in Portland.

Portland Riverfront

David debating if he wants to get his palm read...









Sunday at church there was a man there that I had not seen before. Now, our ward is pretty small, so new people stick out like a sore thumb. I told David to make sure to talk to this guy. David talked with him during Elders Quorum and found out this guy owns a carnival ride and was just in town for the Memorial Day Carnival on the riverfront. Lucky for us, he invited us to come down there and told us he would hook us up.

Monday morning we went for another great run on a trail that David learned about that he thought I would love. It was another great run and then we just hung out stretching and reading by the trail head for awhile. We then headed downtown to the carnival to find this ride. We found the ride and realized the Sling Shot ride cost $50 for two people. A little bit more than I was expecting to spend at a small carnival, but, lucky for us, Barney from church remembered us, and since he owns the ride, he let us ride for free. Not once, but twice. When we got on there we had no idea what to expect. The ride shoots you up into the air about 240 feet and then flips you over as you come down the first time, then you just kind of fling up and down a couple more times. The first part of the ride I just screamed and screamed. I must have said, "Oh, my gosh" at least 30 times. Then I could not stop laughing. David couldn't tell if I was crying or laughing. It was hilarious. I would highly recommend this ride to anyone. It was the best location for this ride since each time we came back down we were facing the river and it was beautiful. David thought it was better than skydiving. I don't know if I completely agree with him, but it was definitely fun. We forgot our camera so we didn't get any photos, but you can check out the ride on this site below:

THE SLING SHOT


After the sling shot ride we were positioned right next to the canons and they were prepping for the Canon Salute and the jets to fly overhead so we hung out a bit longer to watch this. When the canons were going off, all I could think of was how grateful I am for those who fight for our freedom. I enjoy peace and quiet so the noise from the canons was really unsettling. It made me think of those who serve our country and who endure so much that we might have our freedoms and live in a land that has peace. I wanted to go up and hug each one of those soldiers after it was all done. I really do not know how they do it.

Southern CA..... We miss you!

CA Trip

Last week we took a vacation together to Southern CA and then David spent a few days in AZ with his family and I spent a few days with my sister, Ambie and brother-in-law Jon in Ventura, CA. Our trip was planned to meet up with David's parents and brother in San Diego for a dive trip, but we figured since we would be so close to Colton, that we should stop by there to see friends. David was able to fly out two days earlier then me, so he was able to see quite a few friends and co-workers. My whole plan was to fly into Ontario so I could go to Colton and visit with people at least for one day, but the plans didn't work out. I'm not saying I'm sad I missed "seeing" Colton, I'm just sad I missed seeing people that were a big part of my life while living there. Someday....
While in CA we got to see so some of our good friends and family that met us down there. We were only in the Riverside/Corona area for a day but were able to meet up with a few friends that lived in the area. Jackie and JB were some of our good friends that we hung out with a lot. Jackie got me hooked on doing long races. I had no idea I would love training for half marathons and marathons. Now I just wished I lived closer to her so we could run together.
We stayed with our friends Jeff and Shauna, and then went down to Coronado Island the next day. The island is beautiful and the houses were awesome. I selected a few of the houses that I could settle with if we ever lived in the area. David and I just need to stop shopping, sell our condos and everything else we own and then pick up a couple more jobs, then by the age of 80 we might be able to afford something there.
David's parents and his brother Randall came to town that night and we prepped for our dive trip the next morning. I had never gone diving in cold water before so I was a little worried about how it would be, but the worrying only lasted so long. By about 15 minutes into the boat ride to the dive site, I was already distracted by my motion sickness. You would think after years of getting motion sick that I would remember that I need to take dramamine. Needless to say, the cold water didn't bother me at all and I didn't even think about it. I was too busy puking off the side of the boat for 3 hours. David and everyone else on the boat were able to dive and they had a great time. They did two dives at the same site, the Ruby-E in shipwreck alley. David did decide though that he would probably wouldn't pay to dive San Diego again. It was his second time diving here and he said the water is too cold and the visibility isn't great. Plus, when you have dove in places like this
Sea of Cortez, San Carlos, Mexico

AND this


Apo Reef, Pandan Island, Philippines

You get really spoiled and enjoy WARM, crystal clear water.

The next day some of our friends from LLU, Vince and Amber, came down to visit along with Amber and Jon. We went to Coronado Island because we loved it so much the first time and none of them had ever been there. Plus, there was a great candy store that we wanted to visit again so David could get some peanut butter fudge, his favorite combo.
We just hung out at the beach and walked around downtown Coronado.
Then the next day I headed up to Ventura with Amber and Jon and David headed back to Mesa with his family.
It was a short trip for me, but a well worth it trip. We both needed a vacation and we have really missed our friends from CA and of course we always miss our families, so it was great to get to see a bunch of them all in one week. Thanks everyone who let us crash at their place, drove us around and came to visit us. We had so much fun.

Condo for Rent

Our condo in Colton, CA is coming up for rent at the end of June. If anyone knows someone that would be interested, please send them our way.

Condo Info:
Upstairs unit
1 Bdrm/1 Bth
In-unit washer/dryer
Balcony
Dishwasher/Refridgerator/Stove
Condo updated within last two years. New flooring, bthrm vanity and kitchen countertops.

Have them call me or email me.

Colton Condo

Track Meets and Classical Music

Friday night David came home and asked if I wanted to go to a high school track meet. Any one that knew me in high school would know that I did not EVER run. I was on the track team my freshman year, mainly because the whole dance squad decided to do it. And, let's just say, I only made it to a few track meets. At one track meet, Gina Lower did get first place in the 100 m dash, but that was not one of the track meets I attended. David on the other hand has loved to run since high school. He ran in high school and college and was actually really good. To give you an idea of how good he was, a couple of months ago he decided that he wanted to go to the track near our house and see how fast he could run a mile. Since residency and fellowship, he has not had much time to run, so I know he was just testing how well his 32 year old body has kept up. He came home from his trial run and was a little bummed. The poor guy had only run the mile in about 5 minutes. I don't know about any of you, but that is about my half mile time. I picked up running in college and actually run more now than he does, but I still don't even come close to beating him. So, when he suggested the track meet I was definitely up for it.
Of course there were the star athletes that rocked. But, my favorite runner of the night was this little, and I mean really little kid. He did not look like he could be old enough to be out of sixth grade. Here he was on the same track with these huge, at least in comparison, guys. He started out pretty strong and seemed like he might be able to keep up. Then after the first 200 m he started to falter. I just wanted to scream and cheer him on as he passed by on his second lap. Unfortunately he came in a last and I mean not just by a little bit, but by at least 200 m. I was proud of him though. Can you imagine being the last one running while everyone else is done and everyone is just watching YOU and only YOU. Props to him.

We also had a chance this weekend to attend the 2009 Young Artists Concert. This kind man at church had picked up several tickets from a classical music radio station and gave David and I tickets. I thought it would be a fun thing to go out to since we never go to classical music concerts, BUT now I remember why. I wish I were a bit more cultured, but as much as I am impressed by the talent and think the music is beautiful, I CAN NOT sit still for that long when there are no words to at least sing a long with. David is even worse then me. After the third performance, David politely excused himself from the concert hall. I kept myself planted until intermission when I thought it would be a bit more discrete. By the way, we were sitting right next to my Bishop and his wife who LOVE classical music.

To Market to Market

It is finally time for the Farmer's markets to be open. I love the Farmer's markets here in Portland. Last summer and fall David and I would get on our bikes and head out to the market on Saturday morning. We would wander around, listen to the live band, sample foods and people watch. We would generally wind up with some good fruits, veggies and an organic breakfast burrito for David (I know who cares if it's organic, but let me tell you, it is soooo good). This year David is set on picking up some gourmet bacon. Someday I should buy him a pig farm so he can get all the bacon he wants. I think he would be in heaven.
So, this morning was our first trip to the Hollywood Farmer's market this season. I don't know what it is, but I become a child when I get on my bike and peddle through the neighborhoods to the market. There is something magical about the natural beauty of Portland that leaves me in awe. David laughs at me because I space out when I get on my bike. I'm too busy taking it all in.



This blue bike is where I spend many a Portland summer days commuting to wherever it will take me. And, summer is almost here.

One of the many reasons why I love Portland!

Last weekend some friends of ours from Loma Linda came to visit. They wanted to go camping so we decided to go to Eagle Creek. This is about 40 minutes from our house up the Columbia Gorge. I had heard lots of things about this area, but had yet to make it out there. It is supposed to be one of the most popular hiking trails in Oregon, and I can see why.
Lucky for us, the campground had just opened for the season, so we were the ONLY campers around. (It might have also been that it was raining and pretty cold.) David being the wise man that he is decided that we would just sleep in the back of our Pathfinder. There is plenty of room and we had done it before, so I was thrilled to haul up in the warm car over night.
The next morning we decided to do the shorter 4 mile round trip hike to Punchbowl Falls because David and I had to be back for Crawfish Cookoff. It was so worth it and now I want to go back and do the 12+ round trip hike. This hike is one of the reasons why I love Portland. It is breathtaking. There are so many different shades of vibrant greens.












When we got back from camping, we headed over to a Crawfish Cookoff Party that a resident at the hospital was throwing. It was quite a treat. I have never had a crawfish and decided that I don't care if I do in the future. They were good, don't get me wrong, it's just A LOT of work for only about 3 cm of meat. I don't know if I want to put that much effort into my food. The whole party idea was great.

Easter Weekend

One of my senior year college roommates, Erica, came in town Easter weekend. The last time I saw her was when David and I went to San Fransisco for a Pediatric Conference over a year and a half ago, so it was good to see her again.
She wanted to go to the temple on Friday, so I tagged along. It was great. We sat in the celestial room and talked forever.
That night we went out to dinner with some other people that Erica knew. We went to one of the nicer areas of town and then ended up at this diner. Surprisingly it was really yummy. David and I seem to end up at diner's in nice towns like the time we were in Beverly Hill's to see Wicked for my b-day and we ended up at this diner that served pickles and sauerkraut on a plate before you got your meal. And, little kids received a bagel on a string around their neck. Weird.


On Easter Sunday, David was asked to speak at church. He is a phenomenal speaker and has such a great way of expressing his thoughts. We had invited some friends from my class to come and after Sacrament Meeting was over, the husband asked if David gave talks a lot at work because he was so good. This is definitely one of David's gifts.

That night we had this two couples over for dinner. I cooked a big meal and made the best garlic rolls ever. For the recipe go here http://mykitchencafe.blogspot.com/2009/04/garlic-knots.html

Conference Weekend

I always look forward to conference weekend. Usually sitting for multiple hours a day watching a tv screen bores me to death, but for once, watching tv for hours left me refreshed and motivated to change and become better than I was before. I think my favorite talk of all was by Elder Holland. It was one of the most profound testimonies that I have ever heard of our Savior. It was beautiful.
The week before conference some friends of ours invited us to come to their house for the Saturday morning session, eat breakfast, and then after the first session, to head out to a branch of the Columbia River about 15 minutes from their house to go canoeing. I was stoked, as was David. I love anything that has to do with the water and when the weather is nice here, you definitely take advantage of it and head outside.
The canoe trip was relaxing and fun, until we were pulled over by the river Sheriff. I bet you didn't even know there was such a thing. Me neither. He pulled us over to see if we all had life vests and a whistle. Mind you, if we had tipped over, we probably could have stood up. We ended up only having 3 life vests on board, so the kind sheriff promptly wrote us a ticket for $85.00!!!!! Can you believe it? The funny thing was that he never talked about any injuries on the river, he just said that sometimes he would travel back by canoes or kayaks with wet people. Ummm, don't you take that risk anytime you get near water? Needless to stay, that cramped out peaceful outing. David and I realized that was probably our punishment for missing the afternoon session of conference.





Doesn't he look like he was born to canoe?

A New Hobby

For Christmas David got me a sewing machine. I have not ever been big at sewing, but I thought it would be fun to try it out. I decided to start with some baby projects since it seems like everyone I know is having babies. I found some patterns on line that didn't look too hard to try, and these are my first two projects. Luckily you can't look too closely to see the mistakes, but it has been fun learning something new and actually seeing the finished project. I am most proud of the baby booties. They were harder then I expected and I had a few failed pairs mainly because I either used the wrong type of fabric or I sewed the wrongs sides together, whoops. I am hoping to venture on to some bigger and better things in the near future. If anyone has some cute patterns, let me know.

Freshman Year Reunion and Time Out for Women

My best friend from college, Mames, called me up a couple of months ago to see if I wanted to go to Time Out for Women in Seattle. I had gone to one of these years ago in St. Louis and really enjoyed it, plus it was a good excuse to get to see Mames and go to Seattle. It ended up being a little mini Freshman year reunion. There happen to be 4 of us from Freshman year that live within a few hours of each other. It was so great to see Mames, Stephanie and Diane. Mames I have seen each other a couple of times over the years, but I had not seen Stephanie or Diane in years. I got to meet their husbands and their little kids.
Time Out for Women was great too. It was so spiritually rewarding. Elder Oaks' wife and daughter were both there as presenters. His wife is a doll. She is this tiny little thing. His daughter happens to be a phenomenal violinist. The music and the talks were so uplifting.
It was a great weekend. Thanks Mames and Steph for arranging it all!

Helicopter Ride over Seaside Beach and Multnomah Falls

Entering the Blogging World

Now that I have a bit more time on my hands, I thought I would finally post to this blog that I think David created over a year ago. Most of the blog will consist of photos, photos and more photos since I'm not much of a writer, but isn't that what you look at a blog for anyways?

In February, my mother and father in-law and my brother-in-law came into town for a weekend. It is always fun to get to see them. We did lots of fun stuff in only a few days. They wanted to see as much of Portland as they could squeeze in and I loved it. Isn't that always how it is? You don't enjoy all the stuff around you unless you have visitors in town.

We did a lot of stuff around the city and then headed out to Cannon Beach and Seaside Beach. My father-in-law used to fly Cessna's ( I think that's what they call them). So, when he saw a sign for helicopter rides, he asked if anyone wanted to do it. I definitely wanted to do it, but being the cheapskate I am, I declined. Lucky for me, my birthday was the next day and he offered to give it to me for a birthday present. I was thrilled. I have never been in a helicopter before. It was awesome. If you can't tell by the smile on my face, I loved every minute of it.







More photos to follow of the helicopter ride and Multnomah Falls.