A December Sunset

Last weekend, a bunch of my girlfriends and I got away from the winter gloom in Portland to the beautiful Oregon coast. While there, we were treated to this amazing sunset while taking a walk on the beach. Other fun beach time activities included celebrating a birthday, devouring a delicious homemade crab chowder and playing Apples to Apples for hours.

An IT Department and Santa

My IT team from the W+K Portland office sitting with Santa (aka David Kennedy).

Thanksgiving 2009

As this was my first Thanksgiving in the States in 3 years, I was unsure what to expect or where I'd end up. Luckily, I ended up right where I wanted I be, enjoying a Thanksgiving potluck with amazing friends, participating in a field goal kicking competition in the rain and mud (of which I unfortunately have no pictures) and playing games galore. It was truly one of the best days ever.

---

2 turkeys cooking on a Traeger grill

---

Our super cute hostess, Steph, and Sir Watson Wallace

---

Bob (aka Tangier) stirring the gravy

---

Carrie cutting the turnkey

---

A delicious Thanksgiving feast shared by one and all

Vancouver BC, on a whim

Last weekend, a visiting Antarctican and I took a journey from Portland to Vancouver with only dim sum for Sunday brunch on our minds. A fun train ride and a long, soggy walk in the rain later, we finally reached our goal, and it was delicious!

---

My first train ride in the US

---

Mesmerized...

---

Post-train music, a good funk band at a local hangout

---

A treasure of a book store, complete with hidden gems and an Antarctic collection

---

Incidentally, I was so hungry from the walk in the rain that I forgot to take pictures of brunch before gobbling it up. You'll just have to trust me that it looked amazing.

New Dining Room Table

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

---

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.

---

The team roster

---

K and I watching the game

---

Up to bat!

---

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.

---

---

---