Microsoft Tech-Ed 2011

Every year, Microsoft hosts an educational event where technology professionals gather to listen, learn and network. This year Tech-Ed was in Atlanta and I got to go! It was an intense, non-stop week. Days were spent with over 10,000 other participants (of only which less than 1000 were women) listening to guest speakers, taking part in interactive discussions and meeting vendors and other technology professionals. Nights were spent at dinner and attending parties. Not surprisingly, I slept the whole plane ride home!

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The scene for opening day's keynote speech

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Sunset on the Atlanta skyline

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My colleagues from Denmark boxing it out on Microsoft's Kinect
I took down the winner :-)

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The closing party was at Atlanta's aquarium and this guy was all arms

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Giant Manta Rays!

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Big fish

3rd Annual Mt. St. Helens Mothers Day Climb

For the 3rd year in a row, my climbing friends and I headed up to Mt. St. Helens on Mother's Day weekend to attempt to summit. This year, however, was much different. Instead of the bright sunshine we've had in years past, we were greeted with rain. Instead of summiting, we made a group decision to turn around when visibility was lost after climbing 2-3000'. It was a hard, emotional choice to turn back but probably for the best. Safety first, right? No matter what, I'm proud of the 20 hardy souls that woke up at 4:30 a.m., donned dresses over gear (as per mountain Mother's Day tradition), and gave it a go despite the poor, slightly miserable and possibly hypothermic conditions.

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This is the 1 photo I have from the summit attempt courtesy of JL
I was too cold and wet to get out my own camera

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For previous Mother's Day climbs and to see how it could have looked, click below:
2010
2009

Portland Timbers and Their Army

As of this year, Portland's long-standing soccer team is now in the major leagues, has a newly renovated stadium specifically designed for soccer and a continually growing fan base. They also have their army. The Timbers Army. Started in 2001, this independent group of fans began congregating in section 107 ("The Woodshed") to create a European-style rooting club complete with drums, flags, scarves and constant singing and chanting. Now, years later, the club has grown to comprise multiple sections. This is where my friends and I sit. RCTID!! (Rose City 'Til I Die)

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The Timbers Army (and some friends)

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"No Pity"

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JL bearing his flag

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K and Liz celebrating after our most recent win

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The best and most effective cheerleader I've ever seen

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Video of a Portland Timbers goal - good timing to have the camera on!

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The Timbers Army celebrating a recent victory