24 Hours in Seattle

Megan came to visit Nell and Cameron in Seattle, so I went up for Friday night to beat the pants off all of them in Scrabble. In those 24 hours, we managed to eat Puerto Rican, Japanese and Greek food--- awesome. Before I left on Saturday, we walked around Gas Works Park on Lake Union. Check out this photo gallery I found of the park. Of course my own camera died after two pictures.

Megan and art in Ballard:



The dark side of Lasik surgery:

Food for Thought

Since work doesn't have me on the move right now, I don't have much in the way of scenic pictures to post. I assume no one wants to see photos of the many different architectual designs of high schools in the Pacific Northwest. Another part of my job, however, is keeping up with product knowledge. This means I subscribe to Wired magazine which keeps me in-the-know about topics in the media and design fields. I mean, how else would I know that Halo 3 is being released at midnight or that the average age of a video gamer is thirty-three?

Advertising is one of our programs I find the most interesting. Essentially, advertising is mass communication and it's fascinating to learn about demographics and the sociology behind why people go places, spend money, etc. While listening to NPR this evening, I caught an interview with Cynthia Gorney who wrote an article for the New York Times titled "How do you say 'Got Milk' en Espanol?" It's an interesting look into the Latino-factor that American consumerism has tapped into.

driving driving driving out of california

It took me 11 hours to get from Jaime's house to my house today. Just when I thought I was in the home stretch out of Eugene, I was blasted with bumper to bumper traffic all the way to Portland. Good thing I discovered this incredible programming on OPB to keep me from going completely bonkers.

I can't say enough about the wonderful time I had with Jaime & Co. in Forestville. Redwoods, vineyards, wine, tapas, live music, dancing, hysterical laughter... it was perfect. I can't wait to go back in March - and then we'll be kicking it in her new pad (see pics below).

Dinner at Stella's:



The new house (front and back):




The store (old location):



For Megs:

Navarro River Redwoods State Park

This is my favorite place in Mendocino and, for some reason I have yet to determine, is completely off the tourist radar.

A bad picture of Lucy surfing:

Hiking the Mendocino Headlands

Happy Muffin-Girl!

Ukiah (You-kai-ah)

I took a snazzy new route down to California this time, so the highlight was actually finishing the southern stretch of Oregon Coast I hadn't seen yet. Too bad I didn't really see much of anything, as it was dangerously foggy that morning. I'm working in Ukiah, CA, today and tomorrow- one of my absolute favorite high schools- so it's a great place to kick off the school year. The town itself is pretty cool- very migrant/working class. The diversity here is a welcomed change compared to what many of my Oregon schools are like. Ukiah is also known for being a landing pad for Peoples Temple in the late 1960s. If the cult thing interests you, I suggest you check out this eerie documentary.

Goodbye Summer, Hello 100 Pound Challenge!

Why didn't anyone tell me I gained 50 pounds back??? Sheesh! Some friends you are... Anywho, my family and I are joining forces in taking down the legendary Cler Family in a weight-loss free-for-all, aka the 100 Pound Challenge. I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little nervous. My sister doesn't care (btw get well soon, sissy), and Megan's team has more players than we do.

I pledge to go to spinning class at least three times a week as long as I'm in town. When not in town, I will walk Lucy for at least one mile a day. I also pledge to lose at least 35 lbs by our deadline - Christmas Day.

Go Team Nielsen! Good luck and I love you!

I VOTED FOR "VERY AWESOME"

I often blog with very few words. Besides, you know how many words pictures are worth, right? (ONE THOUSAND!) Unfortunately, I didn't have my own camera while I was in Ripon, so the pics I posted from the wedding were courtesy of Alex and Halley. (Note: If I'd had a camera, there definitely would have have been a picture of Biff in the hot tub with the way-too-tight MTV shirt and necktie). If you'd really like a play by play, a real breakdown of the events of the weekend, I suggest you check out Antonymous' Blogspot (see link on the right). After reading "Ripon Good Time", I urge you to vote in my poll regarding his awesomeness. What does Gnarly mean to you?

Mella Wedding - Pine Ridge Farm - Wautoma, WI

Night before KAK became KAM