New Dining Room Table

It is
beautiful
extendable
an antique from the 30's
and from Belgium.

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Another Softball Season Ends

Back in June, I posted a short blog about a summer softball team that I joined with my friends called the Box Knockers. Well we loved playing softball so much that we kept playing right through the fall. This new fall league finished up a few weeks ago, and team Box Knockers made it to the league championship game! Though we lost, we still had a great time playing under the lights of the field and enjoying the camaraderie that a team sport can provide. Now, we have a long winter break to endure but have plans to join the spring league early next year.

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The team roster

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K and I watching the game

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Up to bat!

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High-fiving the championship game winners

My New Home

In an unforeseen turn of events, I am moving out of my apartment on Sunday. My new place is beautiful, with lots of light, a fireplace and a private courtyard! I can't wait to hibernate this winter with a fire, a good book and a nice glass of wine.

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My New Bike

A little over a week ago, I had my bike stolen. Most bike owners in Portland can tell the same tale. However, as I still have yet to buy a car, the loss of my wheels forced me to go back to public transportation or walking soley. Something I did not want to put up with for long. So this weekend, I went to Sellwood Cycle and found this little used beauty just waiting for me to come get her.

Final Pics from The Netherlands

I've been back from The Netherlands for over a week now. It was really good to get home to Portland and my friends, though I'm already feeling the tug of the travel bug again. Here are a few final pictures from what turned out to be an awesome trip.

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A typical Dutch scene
(photo courtesy of Kristen)

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Riding my bike around the countryside of Texel

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What I believe to be very ugly sheep

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Kristen and I in Amsterdam

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Barack Obama as part of a citywide elephant art exhibit

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Pondering

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Sunset and lovers on the Herengracht

A Work Week in Amsterdam

This past week, I have been working at the trendy Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam office. Though nervous on my first day, my time here has been delightful. The office has a comfortable atmosphere, my IT colleagues are super fun and I've been able to get a lot done.

Though work has kept me busy, leaving little time for sightseeing, I have managed to escape for little bits at a time to take some pictures. Now the weekend is upon us and I really look forward to sleeping in and continuing my exploration of this beautiful city.

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The Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam office

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Bird in Vondelpark

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Gorgeous tree in Vondelpark

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Bikes parked along the road (a common sight in a city where everyone cycles)

The Island of Texel on the North Sea

Last weekend, in the name of science, a good friend from Antarctica and I left the States on a direct flight to Amsterdam. Our final destination, the island of Texel on the North Sea. We were charged with hand-carrying rock and seawater samples to scientists at the NIOZ institute on the island.

Traveling with a cooler and a heavy, unwieldy box, Kristen and I were able to lug, pull, push and carry them through 2 train rides, a bus ride and a ferry ride to reach our destination. In the end, the samples arrived safely and we were able to spend the rest of our time on Texel biking around, dipping our feet in the North Sea and making new friends.

However, two girls who worked so hard couldn't turn around and come right home. We spent the rest of the weekend in Amsterdam exploring the city and enjoying fine dining. Now, Kristen has left and I remain here to work at the Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam office for the rest of the week.

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Kristen with the samples. Almost to Texel and she's still smiling.

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Biking around the island

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Thatched roof house and goat

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The North Sea

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Lounging in my oversized chair, enjoying the view and celebrating a days work well done