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It’s All About Me…

poweredbytofu — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:59:17 +0000

Maybe it’s because my birthday is next week, but I’ve been feeling like doing a little bragging lately. ;) It all started a few weeks ago when I randomly won a trip to Chicago from BlogHer’s OceanSpray Cranergy contest.

So here are a few things I’m jumping up and down about this week:

Winning a trip to Chicago for the BlogHer ’09 Conference. Not only did I get a ticket to the conference, but my $702 Visa gift card came in the mail last week. Now I just need to buy my flight and hotel! I love winning stuff!
My garden was featured on Apartment Therapy’s Green Home Re-Nest site: My Great Outdoors: Olivia’s Handbuilt Container Garden
My garden was featured again on Apartment Therapy for The Soybean’s How-To post on ikeahacking tomato ladders.
I won a Sansa slotRadio MP3 player from Matador Travel.
I also won concert tickets to Kate Voegele last week from PDX Pipeline.
I snagged a free gardening book from Gardener to Farmer.
Vote for my blog in the Blogluxe Best Eye Candy Blog awards!

Now, since I’m currently unemployed (and homeless), I’m having a hard time finding things to add to my wishlist (for my birthday), since I don’t need a lot of “stuff” to carry around. Here’s what I have so far:

L’Occitane Verbena Eau de Toilette – I finally ran out of the original.
Moleskine Cahier Pocket Notebook – the blue/red covers are more expensive than the regular Kraft covers that I usually get, but they’re oh so cute.
Massage at McMenamin’s Edgefield Ruby’s Spa – I’ve been golfing at Edgefield, but now I’m being lured there by lovely reports of the new soaking pool!

Any gift ideas for the unemployed and homeless? Do share! This self-promoting, bragging list is now officially over.

Au Revoir to Traveling

poweredbytofu — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:44:42 +0000

After another day spent lounging around the beach in Manuel Antonio, we took the evening bus back to San Jose. Manuel Antonio was the perfect ending to Costa Rica. There’s nothing like laying around the beach for a few days that makes you want to go home and find a job and be a productive member of society… or maybe that’s just me?

After a lazy morning in San Jose, my flight finally left for Portland. During my layover in Houston, they asked for volunteers to stay the night in Houston as they had overbooked the flight, and while I tried not to freak them out by running to the desk, I was officially the first person in line. :) So I now have a $300 flight credit for a future trip and I got to stay at a nice hotel for free. I totally would have slept at the airport, so when they said what hotel I would be staying at I just nodded like “yeah, I guess that’ll work,” and tried not to laugh. They totally underestimate the wonder of staying at a nice hotel when you’re a backpacker!

Even though Costa Rica was officially the last stop on my year of travel, it definitely won’t be the end of my adventures. It’s been an amazing year and I’m so glad I made it a priority in my life. I’d do it again in a heartbeat! So while this is the end of my “round the world” travel blog, stick around for more updates on my transition back into “real life”. Who knows, I might not be able to handle it, and you’ll find me on a beach somewhere rewriting my resume. ;)

Career Break, please

poweredbytofu — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 22:44:49 +0000

It’s been a little quiet around here lately. But the secret is out… I’m taking a year off to travel! I’ve been tentatively planning since spring of last year, but officially decided in December. Why, you ask? Well, it’s something I’ve always dreamed about doing, and right now is probably the best time for me to take a “career break,” especially since I just finished my MBA. Although I started this blog to work on my 101 Things in 1,000 Days Project, it’s slowly morphing into a travel blog. So I’ll be using it to keep friends and family updated on my adventures over the next year.

The Route:
Feb/March: China/Japan
March-mid April: Australia/New Zealand
Tentative Further Itinerary:
mid April – May: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam
beginning of June: Thailand/Malaysia
mid-June: back to Oregon
the rest of the summer/fall: Europe
Fall/Winter: Central/South America

You may have noticed the nifty little Google Map over there ——–>
It will be a “Where in the World is…” map. Not as cool as GPS, but still pretty cool. The adventure officially begins February 25!

#5: Finish my MBA

poweredbytofu — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 21:27:22 +0000

I’m finally done! After 2 years of part-time classes, I’m officially done with my MBA! After undergrad, I had no intentions of getting my MBA, and I’m glad that I took some time away from school before going back. It gives you some perspective on what you’re learning.

What did I learn? Not what I thought I was going to learn. When we first started the program, one of the professors said that getting your MBA usually isn’t about what you think you’re there for. After the first year, that really sunk in. So yes, I learned how to apply business school principles to my job, but more than just statistical analysis and economic theory (which are helpful if you know when and how to use them), I learned about myself. Yes, that sounds kind of cliché, but I don’t really care. There’s definitely something to be said for everything you learn in business school, but the process is just as important. Note: I did not just use the word “journey”. OK, I’m going to go buy a wooden bead necklace, practice meditation and drive a Pious, I mean a Prius; maybe later I’ll stop wearing a bra and discuss my personal vision. :)

#14: Learn to Kayak

poweredbytofu — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 04:01:00 +0000

Who goes on a kayak trip without knowing how to kayak? Me! Well, kayaking isn’t really that tough, you just get in and paddle. It was fun, but I’d rather spend time in the water than kayaking. I like the option of being able to kayak, but ended up spending the majority of my time snorkeling. I did learn the kayaking basics though, like how to get back in if you tip over (but I didn’t learn the roll). Overall, it was a really cool trip.

And yes, I realize the picture isn’t of kayaking, but I can’t find one that actually includes me kayaking, so I’ll have to wait until I find more pictures!

#75: Plant a Balcony Garden

poweredbytofu — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 07:02:06 +0000

I totally had help with this one! My mom gave me a gorgeous pot full of shade plants and flowers. So no planting required – I just wheeled it out to the balcony. Then, I was given a tree chute, or whatever real gardeners call them. So, I went to Home Depot and bought a planter and dirt (far too many types of dirt in that store, fyi). I also found an orange and purple ornamental pepper plant that I just planted in an IKEA pot that has been sitting empty since last year. Combined with the mini-herb garden my mom also made for me, I think I’m pretty much set! Although, some of these I’ll probably be moving back inside so they don’t die in the colder weather. Maybe I should get one of those containers of grass too. That would be really neat… to be continued… in the spring…

My total plant life collection: aloe vera plant, mini herb garden, ornament pepper tree, some random tree, shade plants.

10 things that make me happy {about fall}

poweredbytofu — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:04:29 +0000

Summer is officially over. Last week’s list of “10 things that make me happy” was really fun and good for the happiness quotient. Maybe I’ll make this a weekly list. In no particular order, here are 10 things that make me happy {about fall}…

rainboots
As the rains set in, colorful rainboots make me smile. No matter where you live, they’re just plain fun to wear. For once I’ll pray for rain. rainboots $19.99 Target

oregon chai
Fall isn’t complete without a mug full of Oregon Chai (sorry Tazo). Oregon Chai Tea $0.50/cup Amazon

reading
With the cold, fall brings more time for reading. Whether you buy books or check them out at your local library, fall is the perfect time to catch up on reading. Books, books, and more books Amazon

board games
When you’re trapped inside because of the weather, board games are the answer (and I’m not talking about Monopoly). Newer board games, like Ticket to Ride, Settlers, and Ra are way more fun than watching TV. It’s officially time to bring back “Game Night”. Ticket to Ride $44.99 Amazon.com and BoardGameGeek.com

autumn walks and hikes
I think the perfect word to describe fall hikes is “crisp.” Almost too chilly, but not quite. Free! Go outside

sweaters
A “fall list” isn’t complete without sweaters. The redeeming factor of having to put away summer clothes is being able to get out fall sweaters. And/or buying new sweaters! Sweaters

coffee
Fall brings the perfect excuse to drink one more cup of coffee, so make it a good one. Hamilton Beach Deluxe Coffee Grinder $29.99 Amazon.com

iTunes fall mix
I love making seasonal mixes and breaking out a seasonal mix from a specific time. It’s like creating a soundtrack to your life. free

mashed potatoes
Fall isn’t complete without mashed potatoes and gravy. Bring on the comfort food.

finding summer somewhere else
Yes, it’s kind of cheating, but one of the fun things about fall, is traveling somewhere else (regardless of what season you’re traveling to). Traveling $depends TripAdvisor

Who: me
Where: Portland, OR

What’s on your list?

10 things that make me happy

poweredbytofu — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 06:42:38 +0000

As inspired by the last page in every Domino magazine. In no particular order, here are 10 things that make me happy.

nike+
I never considered myself a “runner”. Being able to track your runs is the perfect mix of tech/exercise. It’s the best of all worlds. Nike+ sensor $25+shoes+ipod. Nike+ iSport Mixes on iTunes

chipotle
I could eat here everyday. Seriously. It’s a love, love, love relationship. Chipotle burrito $5.10 Chipotle

havaianas
Owning every color gives a whole new meaning to “they go with everything.” Havaianas flip flops $10 Urban Outfitters

l’occitane verbena eau de toilette
Instantly transports you back to summer. It’s like a mini-vacation, every day. L’Occitane Verbena Eau de Toilette travel size $17 L’Occitane

apartment therapy
This little book does wonders for your soul (and the respective soul of your residence). I’m a convert. Apartment Therapy: The 8 Week Home Cure $11.20 Amazon.com

the little penguin
Cute label, excellent taste, excellent price… very cute penguin, indeed. The Little Penguin White Shiraz $6 Safeway

arrested development
As irony would have it, I didn’t start watching this show until it had been canceled, and then I was angry that it got canceled. Arrested Development Season 1-3 $55 Amazon.com

the oregon coast
The ocean puts life in perspective. Every time. $0 Oregon

vintage travel posters
I love the Library of Congress travel posters that Cavallini & Co uses for calendars. I buy one every year. about $10. Cavallini & Co

cooking
It’s not just about baking either. Good food (quality & taste) is really important to me, and preparing food is 1/2 the fun. OK, maybe only 1/3 of the fun.

Who: me
Where: Portland, OR

What’s on your list?

#72: Finish Apartment Therapy

poweredbytofu — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:57:01 +0000

It’s official. I completed my first Apartment Therapy Cure. Yes, there’s always more that could be done, but I’m really proud of everything that I accomplished in the last 8 weeks (& my apartment thanks me too).

Biggest accomplishment:

Adding living room wall art (my 2nd favorite purchase, at only $15 per frame and I already had the “prints”!)

Toughest week:

Cleaning the office area/files (I should take an “after” picture of this)

Favorite purchase:

$1 pots/$1.50 plants from IKEA for the bedroom. These colorful planters make me smile when I wake up in the morning.

Best new recipe:

Tofu Stir-fry Wraps. Yums!

So, this is the end of bi-weekly posts about my apartment. I’m kind of sad! But another year, another cure (maybe).

Apartment Therapy – Week 8

poweredbytofu — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 05:04:45 +0000

The end is here! Although I still have some Incompletes, I think my first official cure went pretty well. Now I need to clean this place up, wrap up a few little projects and call it “DONE”….. until the Spring Cure?

Week 8 – Throwing A Party
~~Find a recipe~~
Prepare your apartment the day before
Get home early
Vacuum
Do a final purge for clutter and empty the Outbox
~~Buy fresh flowers~~
~~Cook & eat at home this week~~
~~Plan the week ahead~~