Mumford and Sons- Dec 7, 2011

 I'd been looking forward to Mumford and Sons for a while.  Anxious for December to Remember week, though there were a lot more bands in town that we missed.  It was a scramble getting there from work, but it was fun to explore the Max for my first time and Mumford and Sons were amazing live.  I was worried the keyboardist would give himself whiplash or the banjo player would throw his hip out.  It was loud, the whole place was going crazy.  So worth it (even if I did fall asleep, just for a second).

Game Night!- Dec 3, 2011

Our first game night of the year at the house was a huge success.  We had a good turn out of some pretty darn funny people and polished off probably 10 bottles of wine.  Apples to Apples, Guesstures, and Settlers of Catan made it out and there were many points where game night degenerated into dance party too.  Awesome.

Home for TG- Nov 24, 2011

It was a beautiful thing to be home for Thanksgiving.  Grace, Mommy, and I put up the tree.  We had hot pot at Aunt Wen's house and I met up with old friends.  Good times.

Alphabet Club Back Together- Nov 19, 2011

Home is where the heart is and so a part of me will always be in Cincinnati (ick, who would've ever thought).  But that's where so much of the alphabet club still lives and so it was wonderful being able to see so many people and share in a delicious meal.  Now if I can only learn when I'm full and not go for the big piece of key lime pie.  :)

Haleiwa, Hawaii- Nov 18, 2011

We had a 10 hour layover in Hawaii and we made the most of it.  We rented a bright red Charger and cruised to the North Shore in hopes of catching some of the Vans Triple Crown surf championships.  Unfortunately, the waves weren't cooperating but it made for a fun day of swimming and "attempting" to body surf.  Ashley was amazing at it, while Rachel and I just sputtered along.

American Samoa- Nov 14-17, 2011

Going to American Samoa was amazing.  It's one of the first times on my international medical trips where I've felt that I've made a lasting impact.  Maybe it's the idea that we will be going back and that we're forging a relationship.  Maybe it's that I have more to give now that I'm learning cardiology.  Overall though I couldn't imagine a better, more chill, flexible group to go with.  I was also struck with how amazing Laurie is as a mentor and program director.  I'm so lucky to have someone who is really nurturing my interests and shares those same ideals.

Last Minute Halloween- Oct 29, 2011

30 minutes to put together a costume, for me= reusing a previous costume.  So sadly, I rallied my tennis outfit and accompanied a sick, trach patient who'd escaped from the hospital to a b-day Halloween costume.  Next year will be better. :)

Mirror Lake- Oct 29, 2011

The Mirror Lake Trail is an easy 2 mile hike to a beautiful lake that reflects Mt. Hood off its placid waters.  Ashley and I took advantage of the beautiful day to head out and enjoy the wonders of Oregon.  Pretty awesome to just be able to head out and hike any time.

Getting Concert Crazy: Matt Nathanson- Oct 23, 2011

In the 3 months that I've lived in Portland I've been to 3 times more concerts than the 4 years that I lived in Cincinnati.  It's been glorious.  We made a last minute decision to hit up the Matt Nathanson concert at one of my favorite venues, Crystal Ballroom and dug in...this time without wigs.

Food Cart Nation- Oct 21, 2011

Portland has become a sanctuary of food carts.  They've popped up all over town and provide a fun variety of foods in one setting.  Like going to a carnival, but just down the street and super casual.  Lisa and I started exploring one of the food cart islands and chose some fancy fries, wood-grilled pizza, and phillies.  Next time, the fancy shakes and crepes.

Doggin' It- Dog Mountain- Oct 16, 2011

It was a gorgeous day in Portland, so we headed to the gorge for some hiking.  Ashley picked out the Dog Mountain trail for us to tackle.  A little daunting that the sign at the trailhead said "most difficult" but we survived the steep climbs and were rewarded with a gorgeous view of the Gorge.  Of course, we rewarded ourselves afterwards with some beer and pizza in Hood River.

Gourmet time- Oct 14, 2011

Sometimes on a Friday night after a long week, you just gotta stay in and hang out with the girls.  Lisa pulled out all the stops with her butternut squash ravioli with fancy sauce and we shed a few tears while watching the classic, "The Notebook."

Wiggin' Out Pub Crawl- Oct 8, 2011

I don't know who's ridiculous idea it was, but it was fun.  I got out some of my pre-boards tenseness by hanging out with some of the crew for a pub crawl- wigs required.  While we looked ridiculous with just the two of us at the Colbie concert before, we fit right in with our crew.  Especially when we hit the transvestite filled dance club, Embers to end the night.