First Off: YES, it’s raining.

Second: How can I live in a state that votes down a resolution like Measure 28. With a 45/55 loss, among several other things, the state of Oregon has to now shorten to school year (they already have the shortest in the Union), reduce the State Police force by 50 officers and let 100+ prisoners out of the state jail. So more kids on the street, more criminals on the street and less police officers.. hmm? wonder what the headlines in 2003 will look like. Cost of the 0.5% tax increase: for a $20k income, just $17/year. For a $50k income, $145/year. For above that, definitely more – don’t know how much – but as someone who is in a higher bracket, I’m ok with it because it’s what’s right to do for the future. Opposition positioning: the state of Oregon should learn to spend the state’s money. Totally agree but they need to understand that IT TAKES TIME. Measure 28 only puts the tax increase in effect for 3 years so that budgets can be balanced, organized and recognized. I’m telling you, 17 days here and some people here are clearly wacked!

Third: State of the Union. The roadmap Bush set forward – not bad. More spending on the international AIDS crisis – great. Push towards research into alternative energy sources for cars (with no mandatory used settings) – still good. Public speaking skills – defintely improving. Overall, ummoved by the policies and procesedures the president set forth last night. Did he make a strong case that Iraq is in some wrong – yes. Was is strong enough to go to war – not in my opinion. But either way, things have been said, mandated and potentially the perverbial state has been put into the ground, so we’ll see what happens from here.

Funny Note: I found out the difference between “Dishwashing” and “Dishwasher” Soap monday night. Who would have thought that such a little machine could produce so many bubbles.

Have you ever worked at a place where you get chills everyday, everytime you pull into work?

Neither had I – till Nike. Just rounding out my first two weeks and it’s going well. Settling in and trying to “be a sponge”. Listen a lot / Talk less. Very stop and go. Life is coming together. KS came up last weekend and helped me get settled. Found a place in NW on 23rd (dubbed Trendy Third here) and signing me lease this weekend. Just a relatively small one bed with a direct coffee IV (it’s above a starbucks). Also, picked up my new ride and I have to say, It’s Big Pimpin’ Baby – Atomic Orange Nissan Xteraa. More to come later…

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! A much needed rest combined with screaming, running, jumping, crying, swimming, early-rising kids was how the season was spent!! Thanks to the McCormicks for a wonderful Christmas Dinner and congrats to John and Karen on new bond! The Bahama/Atlantis wedding was amazing and I loved the cheese – thanks!

Look, if you had one shot, one opportunity

To seize everything you ever wanted… One moment…

Would you capture it or just let it slip?

Getting ready to capture my moment. Moving to Oregon in 3 days and start at Nike in the Global Brand Group in 6. Prepare for earthy, crunchy, tree-hugging Asianem! More as this whole thing unfurls…