101 Things in a 1001 Days: #31

I thought today would be the perfect day to start #31 on my list: Start a history journal. I was a government major in college. For 4 years I studied the momentous decisions that effected this country and the world. While reading history we are blessed with hindsight, which as the saying goes, provides 20/20 vision. We had many "no duh" moments in classes, like "no duh" that was a good decision or "no duh" it wasn't. But I'm sure that isn't always so clear in the moment. So the point of the history journal is to record how I feel at the exact moment when history is being created. I have grand visions of my grandchildren studying this time in American history and being able to read about how I felt while it was actually happening.

Last night the Senate passed the health care bill. It was clear to all of us that this was a historical occasion but I felt it is important to record it in my history journal because health care has a long way to go in this country. I am very optimistic and I think we are off to a great start. I am hopeful that we are moving closer to a time when health care is no longer a privilege but something that all Americans have access too.

Song of the Day
With this new health care bill hopefully more people with a "Bad Case Of Loving You" can see the doctor, doctor.

Quick Trip to Venice

My friends Kyle and Liz recently went to Venice. Their pictures are so great I felt like I was there with them. I thought I would share a few with you and take us all on a quick trip to Venice.

Song of the Day

For some reason this song has been stuck in my head for a few days. Please enjoy Up Where We Belong. Now please excuse me while I sing it on top of my lungs and do the dishes.

Option B

Matt doesn't seem to be budging on the dog debate so I've decided that this is Option B.



Song of the Day
We have been listening to a lot of Vampire Weekend at our place. Enjoy Cousins.

101 Things In 1001 Days: #42

When putting together my 101 List about a year ago, I was sure to include goals that I could accomplish myself, not having to depend on others or fate. While some of the things on my list are challenging, I was conscious to pick items that I knew I could conquer so that my list would feel like 101 accomplishments and no defeats. I was slightly hesitant when putting #42 on my list: Get a promotion that includes a title change and a raise. The economy was in a rough spot and I didn't want to be upset if I was able to make #42 happen. But I am beyond excited to announce that I did make it happen! It took leaving my current job and switching to a new company but the move was a great choice.

I didn't switch jobs to complete #42. My original intention was to get a promotion at the company I was with, but my role there changed drastically, becoming something that I was far from proud of. So I made a move. I won't bore you with the details of my job search because I know you know what a slow, frustrating and often disappointing process it can be. I secured a job that I couldn't be more excited about. I received the raise and title change that I was aiming for but much more importantly I am working with a group of kind, thoughtful people in a job that I am proud of.

Song of the Day
A friend recommended Movin' On Up as the song for the post and I think it is perfect.

Portland Part 2: Mount Hood, You Rock My World

I'm a sucker for mountains. They remind me of New Hampshire, where I grew up. On my first day in Portland, Oregon I stammered at the horizon, pointing wildly at the beautiful, sparkling white mass rising out of the deep green landscape. Becca, gazing in the direction of my frantic gestures told me that it was Mount Hood and asked nonchalantly if I wanted to go. "Can we!?" "Sure, it's only an hour away."

I felt like a little kid on the night before Christmas as I settled into bed on Mount Hood Eve. I couldn't wait! I almost crapped my pants on the drive up to the mountain when Becca pointed out Mount St. Helen. But I slowed my roll, deciding that one majestic mountain would be enough.

Mount Hood did not disappoint! The drive up was amazing and the views from every angle were breathtaking. We had a great brunch at Timberline Lodge. Unfortunately skiing wasn't in the cards during such a short trip but it was still an incredible time. Mount Hood, you rock my world.

I told you it was a beautiful, sparkling white mass rising out of the deep green landscape

Becca happily trapped in Timberline Lodge by a snow drift

Becca having a Sir Edmund Hillary moment

Me loving every second of my time in Portland

Song of the Day

I thought Ain't No Mountain High Enough would be a good song for this post.

Portland Part 1: I Love Hiking!

I couldn't think of a more clever title for this post because I LOVE hiking. Unfortunately it is one of the few things you can't do in New York City. When planning my trip to Portland I tried not get my hiking hopes to high as it had rained most of the winter. But Mother Nature smiled on us and we were blessed with a 60 degree sunny weekend.

My first order of business in Oregon was to hike some dang mountains! So my friend Becca and I, along with every other able bodied person in Portland, headed to Multnomah Falls. Not a challenging hike but a perfect introduction to the Pacific Northwest and opportunity catch up with a friend.

On our hike we...

Took lots of pictures

Cleared some trails

Exfoliated

Enjoyed the scenory

And had a great time!

Song of the Day

As we drove back to the city from our hike, Train's Hey Soul Sister played and we discussed how many glasses of wine we deserved. The answer? A LOT!