Historic

Four years ago…do you remember it? I can’t remember all the in-betweens in the last four years, but I certainly remember the day itself-- the excitement, the anticipation, the nervous butterflies, the crowds, the lines, the laughter, the tears, and the cold. I was there. I remember it. There is something truly special about being present for a historic event, and the inauguration of President Barack Obama is one that will stick with me forever. Like so many Americans I was over the moon to be in attendance for that cold January day in 2009. I will never forget that beautiful white gown that Michelle wore to the ball and Beyonce serenading the new President and First Lady with At Last by Etta James. And four years later, here we are, back in DC and celebrating four more years. We are taller, stronger, older, wiser, and (for some of us) grayer.

In the last four years we have all faced obstacles, jumped hurdles, felt deep hardships, shared grief, rallied, cried, laughed, celebrated, achieved, and dreamed. Did we accomplish everything on our list? Maybe. Maybe not. Did everything we accomplish get done the way that we wanted? Maybe. Maybe not. Do we (sometimes) wish we could go back in time and do things differently? Sure, sometimes. Are we always perfect? I hope not. Do we settle for just okay? I don’t. You shouldn’t. Is there room to continue to grow and improve? I hope so. Is there still time to learn more, make changes, and be the best that we can be? Yes! This is true for you. This is true for me. This is true for your neighbor, for your neighbor’s neighbor, for your boss, for your mama, and this is true for Obama.

Tomorrow is another historic day–Inauguration day. When you think about it, we all have mini-historic events that occur in our lives everyday, we just don’t deem everything historic, but we should. Did you take a new route to work? Historic. Did you recently try a new food you have never tried before? Historic. Did you finish a book from a genre you have never tried? Historic. Did you get a promotion? Historic. Did you master a new recipe? Historic. Did you have a baby? Historic. Did you get married? Historic. Did you move to a new apartment, neighborhood, state, or country? Historic. Did you start a blog? Historic. Did you buy a new pair of shoes? Historic. Historic is whatever you make it–yesterday, today and tomorrow.

This cup is for our (and my favorite) President and First Lady! Cheers to four more years! 

And to the 49ers who are headed to the Superbowl! 

Rock Out!

I think I found a rhythm. Tonight I was walking down Fifth Ave and felt it. I have never been in a band, but if I were ever in a band I picture countless sessions in a garage, surrounded by lots of clutter, trying to find a rhythm, find a harmony among the crowd, find a step in the beat. In this way, New York is kind of like my garage and the rest of the world is like my band. For the past six months I have been rehearsing–trying to find my beat in the crowd, trying to find a rhythm in the week–stretching my ears searching for the sound, and I think today I found it. But like all rehearsals this was not the finale, this is not the end of the song, this is just the beginning. This is the note I was looking for that will hopefully lead to a long list of notes that will turn into my NYC playlist called life. And just like any rehearsal this band is unpredictable. One day I can hit a high note, where everybody just rocks out and everyone is dancing to the same tune–and then the next day it can fall flat. For now, I hope we all just keep rocking out.

This cup is for everyone in my band. My album would not be made possible without you.

Hello 2013!

During the last three weeks before winter break every corner of NYC smelled like home–like Oregon–a mini forest gathered on every corner. I couldn’t help but reach out and run my gloves through the branches hoping to coat my gloves with enough pine to last me the day. It was a whirlwind of lights, carols, cramming and jamming (be it events in the day or clothes into a suitcase). And then–just like that–I was looking down over my city of twinkling lights as we made landing into PDX. For me, it is never about how much stuff is under the tree or what is cooking in the kitchen. For me it is about who is sitting around my table, who is passing through my door and who is on my calendar. This break was extra special because I got a slice of time with just about everyone. 

Not only that, I ramped up the mileage on all my favorite trails–breathing the cold air and soaking up the oxygen from the trees. It is amazing how easily I was able to fall back into my west coast routine. Long runs before sunrise, big cups of coffee, and leisurely lunches with friends, trips up to the mountain, and friendly chit chat with everyone from my best friends to total strangers on the street. These are the things I love about Portland.

And here we are: Hello 2013

I have to say I am bittersweet about 2013. I miss 2012––2012 was a great year. 2012 was filled with lots of life changes, lots of transitions, lots of hurdles, lots of love, happiness and all around good vibes!

To be honest I wasn’t ready for the ball to drop–I was still riding the wave of 2012. And with 2013 sneaking up on me so fast I have had little time to think of new years resolutions. But lucky for lists, here it goes:

1. Stretch (I never stretch but I hear it does wonders for both mind and body)

2.  Turn it off (be it a light, a phone, a computer, or negative energy)

3. Only eat half the chocolate bar (don’t be tempted to keep nibbling until the whole bar is gone, save the rest for another DAY)

4. Drink less coffee (this is going to be tough because I am addicted, and long hours with little sleep doesn’t help)

5. Lend a hand (be it opening a door for someone else, carrying someone’s groceries, high fiving a friend or stranger, volunteering, reaching out to meet someone new, or pulling someone into a (bear) hug)

Raise a glass!

Raise a mug!

This cup is for 2013! Happy New Year!