Silky Hour (aka Happy Hour)

Nothing beats a good happy hour in the summer. We’ve been loving Silk in the Pearl for Vietnamese food, especially for their “Silky Hour”.

Knowledge is Power

Greetings, this post comes to you from Tanner Springs Park. How rad is that? Want to know what’s even more rad? Using my computer screen as a mirror and spying on my park buddies. Currently we have several people tanning, reading, and eating all in their own “unique” way. Making this, my friends, better than any daytime TV I have found so far.

On my way over I decided I would write about how smart I am. It just seems fitting.

Over two months ago little bil (our brother in-law on my side) got us hooked on NPR. He’s a huge nerd so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that this is his station of choice. But, me? Nerd is certainly one word that has never been used to describe me before.

Recently I have found myself without the company of my go-to girl at work. Due to the nasty recession boot she, along with many many others, is now able to catch all the daytime TV they can get their brain wrapped around. And while they are at home spending their severance checks I am suddenly finding that my words per day have decreased by about 70%. I no longer have an ear to complain to, I am without the juicy gossip, and I simply can’t go on like this. I needed a sub, and fast.

My quick fix solution…talk radio. I could stream it all day through my computer, put my ear buds in, and never be without company again. There were several options.

1. Dr. Laura or Dr. Amy or some other non-medical doctor that goes by their first name only. It can make for entertaining listening but eventually I think all of their brainwashing might be negative on such an impressionable girl.
2. Sports talk radio. This would be a good option as we move into summer and eventually into college football season. But, not yet. My sister would just think less of me.
3. A station that plays actual music. NO. Tried it for 15 mintutes and was asked to stop several times. Apparently P.Diddy is the only one who should be singing P.Diddy songs.

During the time I was making this important decision I took a break and went on a little walk with some of my co-workers. Long story short we came across some tadpoles and I happened to “forget” that tadpoles turn into frogs. Sorry, it’s been a while. Plus, we didn’t study magic at my school.

Now, I don’t know if NPR will cover witchcraft and the art of transformation, but I do know that 7 solid hours of listening can’t hurt this brain. I have already been given the 411 on S. Korea, I’ve been told that Tuesday is the best day for booking online travel, and I now feel that we should make an effort to provide Africans with cell phones.

Done. I am smart. Now play me some Scrabble.

Pearl Parents

The live in and I just got back from our nightly walk around the neighborhood. Late night walks are our fave. It’s just us and the locals.

We were in for a special treat when we came to Tanner Springs Park. Our resident ducks are now parents! I am not a huge pet person, but I adore wildlife, so I was especially excited to see five brand new ducklings along with their mom and dad.

The ducklings were full of energy as they played tag with the Kio fish, all while mom and dad snuggled on the other side of the pond. Troy thought they were going to “mate” and, of course, this especially interested him.

I can’t wait to go visit them in the daylight and snap some photos.

Cheers

Happy Summertime.

From, Switzerland

{photo taken by family in Switzerland}

Happy Weekend

My friends, have a rad weekend...you’ve earned it.
I’ve got a hammock and a campfire calling my name…

I’ll see you after the holiday weekend.

...

xoxo,

erica

Pretty Boy

Here is a glam shot of my live in. I was playing with different settings on my camera while he was trying to watch the basketball game.

Last Request {for now}

Lately, I have really been wanting to say exactly this:

{via Brown Button}

I love the part about getting what you give. So true, I believe.

...

Hmm...

What’s the going rate for a “female companion” these days?

I woke up this morning to find my live in already in the shower and $240 cash on my nightstand.

I think I should be offended.

Mind Tricks + Wild Imagination = Trouble

My real friends and my real family know this has been a very difficult week for me…already. However, today was the motha of all difficult days.

Let me start by saying, I love a good mind trick. Actually, to be more truthful and blunt, I have a rad imagination.

I can get through any boring meeting or situation by imagining I am someplace else with someone else. For instance, just yesterday (while in a meeting) I planned how I would address the nude beach situation when we visit the south of France later this summer. I ran through all scenarios in my head…go nude, go topless, or go American (aka in a swimsuit). Still in the meeting I came to my decision, which is to go topless. I tuned back in to the meeting just in time to hear the closing discussions. (Oh, stop judging. When in Rome, you know.)

A mind trick is perfected by making a slight adjustment in your everyday life that will either fool yourself or fool others just when you need it. This is where my extremely enhanced push-up gel bra comes into play. I haven’t worn the thing in years. Two and half to be exact. It makes my boobs look fab-u-lous though, the perfect mind trick for a much anticipated awful day at work.

About half way into my day I remembered why I haven’t worn my Heidi Klum look alike in years…the straps easily pop off. (Ladies, it’s the removable strap bra that can easily go from strapless, to halter, etc.) So at noon the left strap pops off easily making my right side now about two inches higher. Nothing screams fake like lopsided boobs!

I was on my way to the restroom to fix my lady humps when I hear that someone had been hit with a case of nerves and lost their breakfast in the restroom. Awesome. I am terrified of stranger vomit. I do an immediate u-turn. I did some maneuvering and man handling in my office to try and fix the situation, however not really very helpful.

So, I ignored it. I was too lazy to walk upstairs to use the other restroom, and honestly, couldn’t really commit to removing all necessary garments in order to correct the issue. My day had already gone so perfectly, what’s one more thing.

I sincerely hope my next mind trick proves more helpful. I need it. And fast.

A Good Getaway

Our weekend couldn't have gone any better. I hope yours was just as fun.

We ditched the loft for a night and headed out of town for a little camping. We both had difficult weeks and this was the perfect getaway, even for just a night.

{Polaroid taken at Camp Creek near Mt. Hood}

So Much Fun

Happy weekend, my friends.

My weekend has started off just fine. Last night I kicked the live in out and the girls came over for a little dinner and poker.

We play several intense hands of Texas Hold ‘Em. We play with big money. And we talk about caulk and crap a lot. We’re preparing for Vegas. Actually we’re not sure how much “poker” we’d really be allowed to play in Vegas. One of us (okay several of us) tends to show their poker face for a pair of two’s. In the time it takes us to play 4 hands more “serious” players could get in 12…we talk…a lot. And I still need to use a chart to figure out what beats what. However, Vegas would be happy to have us (and our money). I guarantee there wouldn’t be a better looking group there.

The live in and I are checking out for the rest of the weekend. See you on Monday.

{Flowers from our dinner table}

Another Request

I promise I'll get back into regular blog mode here soon, maybe even tomorrow. For now, take a peek at these words.

Breathe deep my friends.

Please...

Be nice to others.
Be kind.
Remember your faith.
Be proud of who you are.

...

xoxo,

erica

Finally...

I wouldn’t be a good Portland blogger if I didn’t post this article / major shout out to Portland. It’s been out for a couple days now so I am a sure you have turned to your other, more efficient, blogger friends for this read.

However, I couldn’t resist any article that gives national attention to one of my

favorite spots, Por Que No?

Just remember…you heard it here first.

I've Got Nothing

I received fan mail today. Honest to goodness fan mail for this beauty of a blog. Sure, the mail came in the form of a birthday card, but several of you seem to love the blog just a tad bit more than you love little me. I have also received several requests via email to blog about my birthday weekend / my birthday / what will soon become my birthday week. And one, slightly odd, request which I won’t go into.

However, guess what? I may have what Carrie Bradshaw refers to as a little case of writers block. I am sorry. I have tried.

I have tried. I have tried making a story out of the dueling birthday e-cards my parents sent me. But eh, not really that funny to you. Plus if I am going to write anything about my mom it is going to be about our recent phone conversation. The conversation where she starts yelling, “I have Trojans…a lot of Trojans… popping up all over the place.”

I have tried making a story about the birthday happy hour my group of friends organized for me. After all it would make a great story…there was piano playing, birthday candles, dessert, and food…lots of food. In fact, I am pretty sure I out ate the entire group – combined - boys included. I ate, and ate, and I ate. Writing a story about eating…hmm, not really looking for heffer of the year award. Thanks anyways.

I have tried forming something around all the crazy gifts I have received. But, I thought referring to a bag of greens might give some of you (aka my mom and the police) the wrong impression.

So there it is, out on the table. I have nothing to say. Except, thank you. Thank you to everyone for making my birthday so rad. You all know what you did, said, made or picked out for me…I loved it.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Thanks for being so good to Troy and I.

We love you!

xoxo,

erica

p.s. I wish I had a good family picture to post today, but unfortunately Bryce is in it.

Happy Weekend

Happy weekend, my friends.

The live in and I will be at the Beaverton Farmer’s Market this morning collecting goods for this project. (Actually, the live in helped develop the project and I am merely going to fill my trophy wife duties. Isn't he good?) Please stop by and say hi, and drop off your donations of course.

Enjoy your two day holiday. Here is a photo from one of our favorite holiday spots.

...

{Ketchum, Idaho}

Something Worth Spreading...

Hello and happy Friday, my friends.

Please visit Meghan’s lovely blog and read her post on shopping and eating locally. You all know I am a huge believer in shopping locally, so I was very happy to learn about this project.

Thanks, Meghan. You rock.

Playing along with Meghan, I would also like to share my favorite local spots.

And, since we are knee deep in baby season, here are two children’s store faves:

• Little Urbanites: If your friends are as fertile as mine seem to be you will want to check this place out. There are several children’s stores in the Pearl, but Little Urbanites is my fave. They carry the best selection of organic cotton baby clothes, naturally made toys and products, as well as some pretty chic baby paraphernalia.
• Green Frog Toys: Such a fun store to wander through. Any child (or adult) would love to receive something from Green Frog.

Last night was First Thursday down in the Pearl. If you’ve never been this is the perfect opportunity to check out our local shops. Generally, merchants stay open later, offer complimentary wine and food, and sometimes have great sales. Hit First Thursday on a warm night in the summer and you’re sure to find a pretty rad street party.

{A view of the moon from our loft, taken yesterday on First Thursday}

My Confession

It’s been three and a half months since I have been off the juice. Sure, I’ve had a sip here and there but, for the most part I have been pretty strong about avoiding caffeine.

No coffee. No soda. No tea.

Sidebar: this decision was spurred by an optimal health goal…nothing more.

Today, however, I threw myself off of my no-caffeine high horse and joined the rest of you junkies. I had an extremely early morning after a very late night. I am not 21, I am not a mom…lack of sleep is my kryptonite.

I lasted until noon exactly before I calmly walked over the cafeteria, purchased my drug, and calmly walked back to my desk. The second I sat down the can was opened…I drank that Pepsi so fast I should have just shot-gunned it. At least then the soda stain I received from drinking too fast would have been more acceptable.

I am going to be honest; the rest of the afternoon was a dream. Caffeine is fun! Some people say you can get the same high from exercise…yeah, probably not worth it.

So there it is, my caffeine confession. Tomorrow, I am off the junk…

Dad's Idea

Here it is… my Dad’s solution to the common question,"where should we go for dinner?”

It’s very simple and super basic. You may even find yourself thinking it’s too basic to be worthy. Not so. Just give it a try:

Keep a running list of new restaurant you and your friends have wanted to try. These should be places other than your regular spots. Places you have found yourself saying, “We need to try there sometime.” Keep the list in your wallet, purse, or bra for safe keeping and easy access.

Next time you find yourself going out with friends turn to the list, randomly pick a new place, and let the culinary adventure begin.

Like I said, it’s nice and simple - just how we like it.
Thanks, Dad.

So Lucky

I am so lucky, my friends.

Troy and I are truly surrounded with an amazing cast of friends and family. You are all supportive, creative, and unique. You are also very thoughtful.

Thank you, Mojdeh, for the lovely header this blog is now graced with. You are one of my very best friends…you are so talented, and stylish, and smart.

You get the fact that the best presents don’t always come in boxes. You travel through feet of snow in a skirt to personally tell us Merry Christmas. You run out of gas on your way to work.

All of these reasons are why we are friends.

Thank you for the early birthday present, I love it.

...

A Cinco de Mayo Birthday

Today is my Dad’s birthday.

Wouldn’t it be rad to have your birthday fall on Cinco de Mayo?

It especially makes people like me happy to give piñatas as birthday gifts – which is exactly what I did a few years ago.

Dad is funny. He is probably this blog’s biggest silent cheerleader.

Not only is he overly curious about the blog world in general, but also loves to send me ideas and “research” he thinks might be helpful. And, semi-surprisingly, one of his ideas is perfect.

No, Dad, it’s not your fishing story, or the outdoor photographer, or the county humor writer that I am speaking of.

It’s your perfect solution to solving the age old question…"where should we go for dinner?”

I will explain this idea here tomorrow…

Today, have a great birthday! And just as I don’t expect a comment from you, my silent cheerleader, I know you don’t expect a birthday card from me, the world best procrastinator.

...

happy birthday, dad

xoxo

erica

Polariod Love

{Look who got her Polaroid camera up and running...I am loving it!}

Dear Mom and Dad,

Happy Anniversary!

Have a fun day.

Emilie is in charge of sending our present...we hope you love it.

love,

erica