The Sweet Spot

Since I'm on a Week 4 rest week from my P90x workout, I decided to treat myself to some Mexican food.  Quality Mexican is pretty scarce up here.  It's hit or miss usually but today my brother-in-law Jon and I stopped at this place called Tacos Locos #3.  This place was legit for 2 reasons. #1. There restaurant was numerically named like many good taco shops in CA. And #2. They had Orange Bang.  I think this is the only place in the state that has this because Jon had no idea what it was.  In fact, until I came up, he has never had horchata before.  This dude is crazy.  Anyway, I will add Tacos Locos #3 to my list as must eats in Portland.

Dog Mountain Hike

Our friend Jocilyn came up to visit us.  What better thing to do than to go on a 7 mile hike with 2500+ ft. elevation.  It hurt so good.

Weekend at Lake Merwin

Full moon swim session

Majestic Beauty

Tube wrestling

Quality Time

Hikers Guide to Oregon

It's been a fun couple of weeks.  We have been doing a few hikes on my off days.  Here are some pics our our adventures.

My Wife....

...is such a badass.

December 12, 2008

Brown people will definitely like this.

Brown People Like Structure

I am not referring to the noun that defines an organization of parts.  I am talking about the former store found in every major American mall which is now known as Express for Men.  Whenever I needed rugby shirts, lime-green polos or a tattered hat, that was my one stop shot.

A Good Show

My friend Justin got me in to Wonder Ballroom to watch one of my favorite bands, Battles, perform.  They are one of many bands performing at this year's Musicfest Northwest.  This was the only show I could really go to because I work the rest of the weekend.  Plus, Justin got me in for free because he was taking photos for it.  The show was amazing.  The last time I saw Battles was a few years ago in San Diego and all but 10 people were there to see them.  It must be really gratifying for a band to know that all their hard work has been paying off because the venue was packed.  It was so hot and sweaty, it was like a jogger's crotch.  I was in the very front and one of the members was dropping sweat-beads on my forehead.  WORTH IT

America's Next Top Model

When a Puerto-Rican transvestite can make it on a show full of beautiful anorexic teenage girls, that's that kind of world I want to be in.

*this isn't her (him?), but it's still funny. 

Brown People Like Squash*

     I noted the asterisk because I feel like I should let everyone know that I hate squash.  My old roommate, Clarke, once left a butternut squash in our pantry for God knows how long.  For the longest time, we could not figure out what horrendous odor plagued our kitchen.  Turns out that Clarke left the vegetable in the very back, to sit and rot behind a box of Kashi cereal and a bottle of Men's Centrum Vitamins.  Since then, the site and smell of squash would give me a look of constipation.

     But the squash I am talking about is the type of squash that one can only find at an asian supermarket.  The squash-scented air freshener was first introduced to me in my junior year of high school.  This scent elevated the status of my 87 red turbo Nissan Sentra to a whole new level.  People who rode in my car thought to themselves, "Mark's car doesn't have a radio, but his car smells fantastic!"  Some people love it, but some also hate it.  It's a hot discussion, it's kind of like the abortion issue.  But for me, I love the sweet smell of that vegetable aroma.  If only squash really smelled like that.

The 90 Day Challenge

I am officially fat.  I have always been able to get away with "husky" for most of my life.  But after a summer of just eating and doing nothing active, and to top it all off with a week-long eating binge in Mexico, I have officially tipped the scales over.  Looking in the mirror, I can't help but laugh at how I let myself go. Sept. 1st marked the day of my 90 day fitness challenge.  I have decided to get into the best shape of my life.  Many of my friends whom I've told, have scoffed at my goals.  So to all the haters...we shall see.  Hopefully I can put as much effort into post pic as I did to my pre pic.  I will be sure to keep you all updated.