Hawkey Time

Tonight, I went and saw the very last Portland Winterhawks hockey game of the season also the last game I see before I leave.




I always wear my hockey jersey to a hockey game....even though it's a Vancouver Canucks jersey instead of the local team. Wearing the jersey makes me feel more apart of the game somehow.














In honor of the forthcoming St. Patrick's Day, the ice had a green tinge to it.








Gametime -- the faceoff kickstarts the game.








There are a number of different noise makers at hockey games, but these plastic clappers seem to be the most popular. There was this guy in front of us who was going crazy with his and I was highly entertained:



Usually when the zamboni machine is going over the ice, there's this blimp that comes out with an assortment of coupons attached to it. It will release a couple coupons over the section that makes the most noise. Case and point:



I hate the blimp (if you want to know why, ask me).


The first 2 periods of the game were pretty lame and I was ready to sink into my disappointment and give up on the Winterhawks.....but then came the 3rd period! There were 3 great fights. This one was the best one by far:



Good times.


The game ended up tied 2-2 and went into sudden death overtime. Even after that, we were still tied. So then there was a shootout and the Winterhawks won! Here's the incredible winning shot:





It was a fantastic game and a great way to close the season!

I love hockey!

The Fab Five

Last night, I got together with a bunch of girlfriends. I've known these girls since 2001, back when I used to work with them at Pamplin Distribution. We try to get together every couple months. Sometimes we've been consistent and other times it's been every 6 months or so. heh. Regardless of how much time lies in between the times we can get together, every time we do get together, it's an absolute ball and rarely ever seems like so much time has passed. Last night was no exception. I met up with them at the Doug Fir restaurant here in Portland. I was treated to the incredibly succulent stuffed pork loin:





This is what happiness looks like. :)






After the great food, we headed down to NW 21st to Urban Fondue and had some pretty incredible chocolate fondue for dessert. Then we just drove around Portland and saw a couple different city views, listened to some Buddy Holly and had a great time laughing, reminiscing and taking pictures.

This was probably the last time that we'd all be together again before I make my big move across the ocean.

I don't think I could've asked for a better last night.

Thank you Kim, Rachel, Kristina and Jackie. You rock!

Back Up

I played a gig at the Pine Stree Bistro this last Friday (Mar. 14th) with my dear friend Tracy Klaas. There was a real piano there that I got to play and it was awesome! I played a couple songs with Tracy and also did a couple on my own. One of the songs I performed was a song I wrote called "Things I Can't Say to Your Face". The title always gives people a bit of a chuckle. After I finished playing, one of Tracy's friends came up to me.

"That Things I Can't Say to Your Face song is great!" He said.

"Thanks!" I replied.

"You know what you should do, though? You really should get some back up singers to sing that song with you. And when you get to that part where you sing, 'These are things I can't say to your face', you should have them sing right after that: "Eat sh*t and die!"

Needless to say, I totally wasn't expecting that and burst out laughing in disbelief.
His wife interrupted him by saying, "Leave her alone! She doesn't write songs like you do!"

He looked back at me and said, "I'm serious! You should totally get back up singers for that song and have them sing that melody line."

I just laughed, shook my head and then said, "I'll take it into consideration.......but I don't think so."

There weren't a whole lot of people at the Pine Street Bistro that night, but there were sure a lot of great laughs, friends and good music.

Good times.

:)

Have A Good Time All The Time

Did some recording over the weekend and took a couple pics. Before we got started, we klinked our classes and toasted to the classic Spinal Tap movie quote, "Have a good time all the time."
And that's exactly what we did!




This is where the magic happens.














This pic makes me smile. :) Had some fun recording accordion for one of the tunes.











In the moment.










Mr. Bayles added some of his splendid creativity.
Wahoo!

It was a productive weekend!

A Hint of Spring

My younger sister and I took a little stroll in Laurelhurst Park recently...especially since the weather's been so nice. I had to capture some of the early signs of spring. I love this pic.








I love the stillness and serenity of this shot.











Naturally, we goofed off by taking pictures that may or may not imply the degradation of public property.











I think my sister's shot is a little more convincing.
heh.