October 28, 2005
Today's Jots posts
Posted by actionhero at 04:04 PM
October 26, 2005
Flickr Fun

You can now order prints from any Flickr photos. You can also do the cool stamp thing. I've been wanting to try that for a while. It sounds like more cool stuff is on the way too.

From the Flickr blog:
"At the same time, we're rolling out a pilot program allowing other businesses access to our commercial APIs - the QOOP service (previously mentioned here) for photo books and posters (and more products coming soon), backups of your Flickr photos on DVDs from Englaze, printing real U.S. stamps from Zazzle (start on one of your photos to try it), and more to be announced shortly. We're still getting started on this, but the goal is to open it up completely and give you the biggest variety of choices when it comes to doing things with your photos."

Posted by actionhero at 04:31 PM
For Real

I went to hear Okkervil River last night at the Doug Fir and it was a great show. B and I ate at the restaurant before heading heading down to the auditorium space to stake out our spots. It was crowded, but I don't think it was sold out, so we got close enough to the front without feeling too overwhelmed by lots of people. One of my criteria for a great show is the band's charisma and interaction with the audience. The lead singer, Will Sheff, had a nice rapport with the crowd and got some free drinks in the process. The band seemed genuinely happy to be playing and it was great to see all of them singing along with Will.

The Doug Fir, by far, is my favorite place to see a show. It's an intimate setting, yet you never feel far away from the action, even if you're not right up front. The several shows that I've seen there have always started on time, which I appreciate. Another bonus is that it's non-smoking, so I'm not second-hand smoking one pack of cigarettes a month! It's a great venue for live music and I love seeing smaller indie acts there.

Posted by actionhero at 01:10 PM
DIY Lounge

Similar to the make workshop in New York, the DIY Lounge offers all different kinds of crafting classes from sewing to jewelry making to music and much more. I only found out about this cool place just recently and hope to take some classes soon!

From their website:
"The DIY lounge was created to showcase the creativity inside of everyone. Our mission is to create stylish nouveau crafts and other creative work in a cool atmosphere. Accessible do-it-yourself facilitation provided by local artist and professionals, emphasizing recycled and reclaimed materials, whenever possible.

What if there was a place that celebrated creativity daily? What if you could learn from really helpful teachers in mediums and with supplies that were out of the ordinary? A place where people could bond and connect with new friends over a shared interest in creativity. It would be a place where you could go to connect with an old friend or family members. You could drink beverages, and nibble on snacks while learning something new. What if the space was really stylish, not in a “too cool” kind of way, but just the right amount of comfort and style combined. This creative wonderland exists! It is called the DIY Lounge and it is a new way to do-it-yourself."

The DIY Lounge is located in the back room of Frock Boutique at 2940 NE Alberta St.

Posted by actionhero at 12:54 AM
October 25, 2005
Today's Jots posts
Posted by actionhero at 04:04 PM
October 24, 2005
I Waited in Line for Derby Tickets and All I Got Was This Lame Photo

I headed out to the Expo Center last Sunday night with some friends to check out the Rose City Rollers in their first intra-league bout. We boarded MAX around 5:30 p.m. with a bunch of other people going to the same event. As we approached the entrance of Hall C, we were faced with a huge line of like-minded folks who were also planning to buy tickets at the door.

After about 30 minutes or so, some security guys came around announcing that tickets would more than likely be sold out (who knew?) and that the last ticket sold would probably be about five people in front of us. We decided to stay in line and risk it. As we got closer to the door, we became more hopeful that we would get in. We could hear the announcer on the PA system and we could tell that it was going to be a grand old ass-kicking time. Until one of the security guards said the last ticket had been sold, which turned out to be about 10 people in front of us.

Disappointment immediately set in as we slowly walked to the MAX station with approximately 25 other people for our ride of shame back into the city. Another MAX train arrived with more derby-goers and someone yelled that it was sold out.If only we hadn't stopped to look at the drunk guy who was relieving himself off the platform when we first arrived at the Expo Center, perhaps we would have secured better places in line. Oh well. We drowned our sorrows in cheap Mexican food as we declared that next time we would buy advance tickets. Hopefully, future bouts will be at a larger venue, like the Memorial Coliseum. All in all, it was great to see all the support for the event!

Posted by actionhero at 08:52 AM
October 14, 2005
Today's Jots posts
Posted by actionhero at 04:02 PM
October 12, 2005
Today's Jots posts
Posted by actionhero at 04:02 PM
October 10, 2005
Sore Muscles


[Thanks to Mariko for the picture and the hot chocolate and all the marathon supporters that were cheering on all the participants!!]
Yesterday I completed my first marathon, our local Portland Marathon. That's me in the front with the cap, crossing over the St. Johns Bridge, which was mile 18. I was glad that I was able to finish, but I was only able to run the first seven miles because my knee tweaked out (IT band issues I had previously in training).

My friend Michelle and I walked from miles seven to 13 and then I tried to run again, but couldn't do it. I told her to go on without me and that I'd see her at the finish. In the beginning, I alternately walked and ran, but then just focused only on walking. I developed a blister on the ball of my right foot and my left hip was sore, but other than that, I felt great in terms of energy. I started getting hungry around mile 22, so I just ate some of the snacks I carried in my hip pouch: jellybeans and mocha gel. I am a little disappointed that I didn't get to run the entire race, but I am so happy that I actually finished. I am scheduling a dcotor's appointment to get a referral with an orthopedist so I can get this knee issue taken care of before committing to any future long distance running.

Posted by actionhero at 02:53 PM
October 06, 2005
Today's Jots posts
Posted by actionhero at 04:01 PM
October 05, 2005
Today's Jots posts
Posted by actionhero at 04:01 PM
Portland Marathon

I haven't written much on this blog lately. I've been using it more as a way to record interesting links and sites. But it is a goal to start writing on it more regularly. That said, I'm going to write about the Portland Marathon, which I've registered for and is this Sunday, Oct. 9. This is my first marathon and I started training for it in February.

In mid-July, during a training run, I noticed a pain in my left knee as I was just about home. I stopped running and walked the rest of the way. The next day, on a much shorter run, I felt the pain again as I was about a block away from home. I did a little research and my symptoms pointed to IT band syndrome. To make a long story short, I ended up getting orthotics because I was overpronating. I've had the orthotics for about a month now and am pretty used to them. However, I'm still worried that my knee will have a flare-up during the race, but I'm still planning on running it. Wish me luck!

Posted by actionhero at 11:35 AM
October 04, 2005
Today's Jots posts
Posted by actionhero at 04:01 PM
October 01, 2005
Today's Jots posts
Posted by actionhero at 04:00 PM