Wrapping a Hands on Portland volunteer stretch with a hot day working the Avon Breast Cancer walk… (the group / the truck).

More manic days in PDX. At least the 4th of July was a blast. Nothing better than spending the first half of the day sitting in the backyard of a mansion, backed up against the lake, sun just setting, corona in hand and jimmy buffet playing in the background.

/ 4th of July in LO

/ Jenna & Emelia

/ Meredith and Marvin

/ Jenna & Meredith

/ Jenna and Marvin

/ the S.S.Chow

/ Taking Meredith for a Ride 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

… as for the nighttime activities we all met up at a party on the “mountain” for a spectacular view of the fireworks – both in portland and vancouver washington. And with the crib being shared by sneaker war couple (wife=nike / husband=adidas) we rumbled!!! and of course, we won!

6 days in Los Angeles – ugh – but thankfully, it wasn’t as bad I as expected. Energy Strategy meetings and 4 days of feeling totally lost and surrounded by people far smarter than I. Coming to Nike has truly been one of the hardest and possibly one of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had. Feeling like after 6 months, I should be way more dialed in than I am now, but it’s just not there. Really feel like I’ve accomplished ZERO since I’ve been there…

Either way, got to know a lot of great people. Surfed some choppy waves, played some ugly golf and watched some phenomenal streetball at the Nike Basketball Battlegrounds event. And the cherry on top of this long trip – quality time with my new souther cal chica – chelsea!

I remember my years of living in New England and as every summer came to and end, the days were shorter, filled with overcast skys, sweatshirts with flip-flops and chilly afternoons huddled around a bbq. Funny thing is, that’s how summer starts here in the Northwest. The past last week in June weekend was just that. I just pray that it gets better on those fronts as summer rolls forward.

The WITT’s threw an grand BBQ for all filled with great people, amazing food and littered with dogs and small children…

// Stef, Gene and Troy

// Gene, Mary and Pink Star Calla

// Calla and Stef

// The Crew

// Aaron, Stram and Blackie the Cat

// Troy, Sue and Andy

// Gene desperate for a Drink

// Me and Tara cleaning up

// Cute Baby Girl Kennedy

…and then the weekend was capped off with a little Wok’ing at the Chow-Crip for the season premiere of Sex in the City (and idea that spawned for the minds and mouths of the girls)…

// The Main Entree

// Stef and Carrie

// Me & Jenna

// Floor Dining

Aah. Life is ok, but tough. Sometimes it seems like it’s getting easier and sometimes harder. Basically, many days it seems like I haven’t really done anything since I’ve been here… just spinning my wheels in the NorthWest mud…

Chicken Dressed II – so master chef Foster came up to the great NW to cook a magical meal for us non-cookers. It was quite a sight and an amazing meal. On one of the hottest days of the year, the vino was flowing, the oven was cranked and the patio was transformed to homestyle outdoor dining… Check out the visuals…

// Asparagus and Meat Appetizers

// Homemade Bread Crumbs

// The Bird

// The Entree Finale!!

// Stef and Foster in the Kitchen

// Stef and the Asparagus

// Foster and the Bird

// Stef Tossing Salad

// Stef and Foster Patio Dining

// Me and Stef Patio Dining

Bon Apetite!!!

NYC2PDX TIP #6: Be prepared for any type of weather – rain, sun, wind, hail, sleet – whenever leaving the house.

NYC2PDX TIP #7: Buy a waterproof jacket – with a hood. But not an umbrella.

NYC2PDX TIP #4: Dinner now starts at 7p and impossible after 10p. Late night is often considered just before midnight.

NYC2PDX TIP #5: Driving from one side of the plaza parking lot to the other is not 100% acceptable.

NYC2PDX TIP #3: The posted speed limit is actually the speed limit your going.