Day in the Life
1 Second Everyday: November 2024
1 Second Everyday from November 2024:
1 Second Everyday: October 2024
Now that I’m caught up, I can post my 1 Second Everyday videos monthly. Here’s my video from October 2024:
1 Second Everyday Q3 2024
Below are my 1 Second Everyday videos from July, August, and September of 2024!
1 Second Everyday Q2 2024
Below are my 1 Second Everyday videos from April, May, and June of 2024. Been catching up on posting these :)
1 Second Everyday Q1 2024
Here are my 1 Second Everyday videos from January, February, and March of 2024!
May 2019
Yet another post for my “2019 in Review” series! May of 2019 was fairly uneventful, which was welcome after a busy few months. I'll share a few photos from that month with captions.
Food and drink almost always merits its own section, though. :)
Savory french toast at Proud Mary Tough Luck's take on an Aperol spritz Nitro Chai at Steven Smith Wayfinder Beer Scotch Lodge Hamachi Crudo at Scotch Lodge Sherry Cobbler at Scotch Lodge Burgers at home Peach Old Fashioned while watching Deadwood
April 2019
Picking up again on my “Year in Review” series for 2019. April started with a trip to London. I tried some new things, as well as enjoyed some time at home.
London, UK
At the beginning of the month, I took a work trip to London — my first time there!
While walking from afternoon tea, I stumbled upon the School of Life! Charcuterie at Hicce. Costa Coffee before the first day of sessions. I was here. St. Pancras, which I was staying a block away from. King's Cross Station, also a block from where I stayed. Wall of Dunny figures and other cool things at a hotel bar. Took a quiet break for pretty Gin & Tonics. Sorbet at Ruby Violet. WordCamp London Enjoying a couple of pints at The Barrowboy and Banker.
I took a personal day at the end of my trip to explore London on my own, and visit museums! I took a LOT of photos of the exhibits so I could remember them, but I won't share them all here — you can see them in my full trip album.
Breakfast at Dishoom. Bacon naan, masala beans, and chai was a perfect breakfast I was very excited to go to Tate Modern! The only photo I took of myself at the Tate! Found the good coffee at Alchemy. I made a beeline for the Martin Parr exihbit at the National Portrait Gallery!
My friend Sarah happened to be in London at the same time, so we met up for dinner at The Botanist!
I then explore a little more on my own, walking around Covent Garden, then made my way to the London Cocktail Club. I happened to be there during happy hour, so they gave me two of the cocktail I ordered (a white negroni).
Covent Garden London Cocktail Club White Negronis at LCC
I had to leave early the next morning for my flight home, so I made my way back to my hotel. But before calling it a night, I had to stop by Platform 9-3/4 one more time to take a crucial photo.
St. Pancras at night High nerdery (and Hufflepuff pride!)
Early the next morning, I walked through a practically empty tube station to make my way back to Paddington Station. Of course, I had to say hello to my friend before hopping on the train back to the airport.
A very empty Paddington Station Paddington bench Selfie with Paddington
Modular Synth Class
In a quest to try something new, decided to take a beginning class on modular synths at The Synth Library. It was an interesting experience, but I'm not sure if continuing with it as a hobby fits into my lifestyle and schedule right now.
Dining Out
We went to Yonder multiple times, as it had recently opened (and I was a Kickstarter backer)! In April, we also tried Radar for brunch (which we enjoyed), The Garrison for happy hour, SuperDeluxe for a casual dinner, and Eem for some delicious Thai BBQ and tiki cocktails.
Drinks at Yonder. Full meal at Yonder. Short Bloody Mary at Radar. Happy Hour at The Garrison. SuperDeluxe Iceberg salad at Yonder Pretty drinks at Eem.
Cooking
Because of travel and general busy-ness, I didn't cook a whole lot in April. I wanted to use up some offerings from our meat CSA, so I cooked some leg of lamb and steaks later in the month.
Warm mushroom salad, lamb w/ gravy Steak and Brussels — one of our favorite meals
Miscellaneous
Other photos from April without much context:
Chicken wings and the “Game of Thrones” finale Playing pinball at Wedgehead Taking a hike in Forest Park Hike scenery Our overgrown garden before I started cleaning it up Attended a live show of the podcast “Terrible, Thanks for Asking” Saying hello to Zanni of ZZZ Ranch
March 2019
March was a bit of a rollercoaster, but full of lots of activity and experiences.
Exploring
In March, we started a new habit to take walks with no particular destination. We would get a carshare (as we didn't own a car at the time) and drive to a neighborhood that we wanted to explore, and just meander for a while.
One of the nice things about walking in residential neighborhoods is that you meet all kinds of friendly cats.
Ginger
Mid-month, Ginger suffered from a seizure, which had never happened before. We were terrified when it happened, but in true Ginger fashion, she bounced back and was back to her normal self within a few days. She has always been a tough cookie.
Cooking
I did a lot of cooking in March, but the only meal I documented with a photo is this half pan of Lasagna.
Dining out
Rose Latte at Bitter Rose Cauli-Town at Proud Mary
I co-worked at a couple of spots this month — I checked out the cafe attached to my local library, Bitter Rose Coffee Bar. I also spent a few hours working at Proud Mary later in the month.
Katsu Sando at Giraffe Khinkali at Kargi Gogo
I also tried a few spots solo, including Giraffe (a Japanese deli located inside of Cargo) and Kargi Gogo, a Georgian spot in the Alberta Arts district.
To celebrate Mardi Gras, we went to Tapalaya to enjoy some NOLA-inspired cuisine and live music.
The Florentine at Arleta Library Bakery Cafe Pierogi at Anchor End Banhattan at Wonderly
We also tried a few new (to us) spots: Arleta Library Bakery Cafe and Anchor End for brunch, and the cocktail spot Wonderly.
Entertainment
In March, I saw a couple of movies in the theater: Captain Marvel and Us (both which I enjoyed quite a bit).
I also went to a live theater performance for the first time in a while! I went to see LĒR, an adaptation of King Lear from local performance company The Reformers.
Miscellaneous
More photos from March without much context:
Colorful van outside of Crossroads Record shopping at Crossroads Small Press section at Books with Pictures Willow Rosenberg comic Shop kitty at Cargo Cute yard decor Random sticker
February 2019
This is the second post in my “2019 in Review” series! February brought snow, a trip to Thailand, and a live music show.
Snow!
Tiny raccoon prints in the light dusting of snow on our doorstep, February 4 A light blanket of snow on our driveway, February 9 Ginger enjoys the fireplace on a snowy day
We had a couple days of snow in early February — a good opportunity for us to stay cozy indoors with the fireplace.
Bangkok, Thailand
Mid-month, I went on a work trip to Bangkok, Thailand — and I made a seemingly foolish decision to only stay there 3 nights with a 24 hour travel time both ways. But it was a formative experience for me, as I traveled overseas alone and solely represented my team. There were a lot of wrenches thrown into my trip, but my survival mode kicked in and I'm proud of how I overcame my challenges.
I loved every breakfast I had in Bangkok — this is Kaphrao. Siam University, where the event was held. Enjoyed the renowned Tom Yum at P'Aor. Taken while waiting for the train at Phaya Thai station.
View the full album of photos of my journey.
Cooking
Split Pea Soup and Charcuterie 7 Layer Dip
I only seem to have documented a couple of meals prepared in February: I made Split Pea Soup early in the month (alongside Gouda cheese that I bought in Amsterdam!), and a 7-layer dip for Super Bowl Sunday.
Dining Out
Breakfast at Heim “3 Little Pigs” at Jackrabbit:
Country ham, porcini-dusted “porkcorn” & “trottertots”Drinks at Jackrabbit
We tried a couple of new spots in February: Heim Bakery & Cafe and Jackrabbit (a spot brought to us by San Francisco Chef, Chris Cosentino). Both were quite good, and the latter has great cocktails!
Entertainment
We saw Roma at the our favorite movie house, the Hollywood Theatre, where they were showing it in stunning 70mm. I really enjoyed the film's visuals and storytelling.
We rarely go to see live music these days, but we always enjoy it when we do! On the last day of February, we went to see one of our favorite bands, Beirut, perform at the Schnitz.
Miscelleanous
Every time I've gone to a record shop in the past couple of years, I've kept my eye out for a copy of Paul Simon's Graceland, and I finally found one in great condition at Little Axe Records!
And now for a couple of random snaps from the month that don't fit anywhere else...
A very Portland vending machine A very good floof
January 2019
Here's the first of my Year in Review posts for 2019! Movies, food, and a trip to Amsterdam defined my month of January.
New Year's
Toasting 2019 with Rosé Cava Spice-Rubbed Picnic Chicken and Hoppin' John
For many years now, we've spent the New Year's holiday partaking in a movie marathon. The theme for this year was Ron Howard, so we watched Cocoon and Willow on New Year's Eve. We toasted the stroke of midnight with glasses of Rosé Cava.
On New Year's Day, we completed the marathon with Parenthood, Backdraft, and Apollo 13. I also cooked some Spice-Rubbed Picnic Chicken and Hoppin' John.
Kitty Friends
My caretaker Trixie
I came down with a really nasty cold during the second week of January, but Ginger took good care of me while I watched soothing nature shows on Netflix.
After I got better, I hung out with a new co-worker (my teammate Andrea's kitten, Trixie).
Magna Kusina
We went to the Magna Kusina preview (they were to open a brick and mortar location later in the year). Chef Carlo Lamagna provided his takes on Filipino food. We're always happy to see more Filipino food in Portland!
Amsterdam
In late January, I traveled to meet my team in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. We are a global team spread across 4 countries, so we meet once a year to work synchronously.
For most of the week, we worked on a few projects at a co-working space. On our last full day, we went on a fantastic food tour all over Amsterdam, learning about the history of local cuisine, and tasting all sorts of specialties.
There are lots more photos of our Amsterdam trip to be seen in our team album.
Miscellaneous
Before my trip to Amsterdam, I got a neat set of monochrome + negative space nails from ChiChi of Best Nails Club!
Do you Remember...?
…the 21st night of September?
I’m trying to recollect this past month. Where did September go? It went by so quickly because I had so much going on: XOXO Festival, the Automattic Grand Meetup, a vacation to Hawaii for my 40th birthday.
Suitably, the above photo is a snap that I took on the evening of September 21st, on our way home from the airport. The sunset was gone as quickly as the past month. But what a great month it was!
May 2016 in Photos
[Author note: photo gallery was deleted during site migration]
I didn’t do so well at blogging in May, but I was taking snapshots constantly. Here’s my May in photos:
- Cocktails at Bit House Saloon, which is probably my current favorite spot for happy hour. They have great drinks, mellow atmosphere, and a tasty fried bologna sandwich (don't knock it till you've tried it!).
- Spent Mother's Day with my Mom-in-law and Mom, who came to visit for a long weekend. This specific shot was taken at the Oregon Garden, that we set up to jokingly caption it “Happy Mother's Day, Birches!”
- Enjoyed a beer at Bailey's while the Moms shopped downtown.
- Collaborated yet again with Halsted on a delicious dinner. She made a Chicken Tagine, and I made a Mediterranean-inspired salad. Cooking with a friend is one of my favorite things to do!
- Went to see Tycho at the Wonder Ballroom. It was a great show and experience. The sound was really good, even from the mezzanine!
- Enjoyed Matt's BBQ with some XOXO friends. Coincidentally, this was on WordPress' 13th birthday (WP's founder is named Matt).
- Planted our garden seedlings in the ground. This year, I have two types of tomatoes, Japanese eggplant, fennel, leeks, English thyme, French tarragon, basil, and nasturtiums. Hopefully they survive the excessive heat that we're supposed to have this weekend.
- Made a Strawberry Basil Pink Peppercorn Shrub with Hood strawberries, by Andrea's recommendation. It's a tasty way to welcome summer!
Falling for Oregon
This past weekend, we took Halsted and Darren on one of our favorite hikes, to Wahclella Falls. They’re newly minted Oregon residents, and we’ve been enjoying sharing our favorite local spots with them. I love this photo that I took of them while we all enjoyed the reward at the end of the hike.
It was also really nice to be active outdoors. I feel like I’ve been a bit of a lump lately, and the lovely spring weather has made me more motivated to be outside.
There are so many more hikes to be had, so many more waterfalls to discover, and I’m thankful that I’m able to share it with good people.