...and, we're back

So, before I post a race report, I thought I'd provide a quick answer to the "where the heck have you been since March" question. (Not that, say, anyone asks that. But, you know, they could. And then I'd say this.)

There were some exciting things, like introducing two dynamite folk from the midwest to the wonders of Portland. Brendon, who was originally described to me as "mostly housebroken," was my housemate my first summer in Michigan - Sarah is his utterly kick-ass, firecrew-working, marathon-running, restoration ecologist wife. (She also makes great cookies.) Ben/I took them to Hamilton Mountain, where they experienced the Gorge in whole: sun, rain, sleet, clouds, and snow. To quote Brendon, Awesome. (This is them smiling, before the sleet.)

In early April, Ben/I headed down to Santa Barbara for Sara and Jean-Luc's wedding, which was many variations on fabulous. They were married at the Santa Barbara Museum for Natural History - Ben/I went early to geek out at the museum. The outdoor ceremony was followed by amazing food and drink and dancing. (Somewhere, there's proof that I can dance poorly in heels.)

If you're ever down there, check out the Santa Barbara Mission (okay, so I like taking pictures of plants). We also stopped by Ben's first-memorable house in Oxnard, and spent a minute in LA at the Museum of Jurassic Techonology (recommended). (Short version: Otani's fish market is still there, but no shrimp on a stick. Also, Driffil School is in bad shape. Shots here.)

Then, I turned 30 - made slightly easier by a friend-of-a-friend starting a community writing project all about the big scary 3rd decade. The entire "360 months" project can be found here; as well as my thoughts on how I've failed my fourth-grade self.

Much of April was work - I work (among other things) in fundraising, and our big annual event is in April. (Thanks to Ben for making dinner and other forms of support when things were a bit busy and occasionally nutty leading up to the big night, April 23rd.)

My part in this included coordinating seating, tickets, and meals for all of the attendees. Doesn't sound like much, perhaps - but a bit of an undertaking, if I may say.

Another undertaking: getting up in front of 500 people and emceeing the live auction, with Dave Guettler and Jay Graves as my counterparts. Gulp. It was actually pretty energizing, to be in front of people like that. I think I was granted superpowers by my tights, thanks Sock Dreams!

Steph Routh was the hero of the evening, I do believe - as when the mere mention of her name caused the room to explode in cheering and clapping. She also, true to Steph, gave the most selfless and non-self-focused speech possible, instead turning the audience's gaze on themselves and their actions, their advocacy - instead of hers.

After all the Alice was over (I slept most of Sunday), I had some days off. Good things happened like hiking in the Gorge (both solo and with folks - left, see Steph and me on Dog Mountain, with Ben behind the camera. Title of shot? "Desperately seeking Remmers") and doing other things.

Ben and I have been keeping busy in his yard - put up a hop arbor, planted hops; currently putting in garden beds and trying, in vain, to keep the slugs off what's already planted as starts

I also headed down to Salem, to see my longtime friend Cheryl and her kiddo Adrian - my pseudo-nephew. He's not quite a year old, but already knows that zippers are awesome and avocado goes best on one's face, fingers, and anywhere else, possibly including in your mouth. He's a pretty chill kid, a fan of walks, soft foods, and getting attention. Also snacks.

I need to be a good aunt and find him some edible/smashable books... And, I'm sure - he'll be riding a bike in no time.