An "Amazing" Sunday

A little weekend update for y'all.... Jason and I got to audition for "The Amazing Race."

It's been a goal of mine since I started watching the show in college.  So, when we heard that the CBS affiliate in town was having an open casting call for a chance to make an audition tape-- we were psyched!

We spent all of last week researching past audition videos, and reading up on what the show's producers were looking for.  And then we headed across town to wait for a chance to get in front of the camera.

The casting call started at 10 am, and went until 3 pm.  We packed a bag full of goodies, and food... and made our merry way to Big Al's in Beaverton.  The only thing we didn't account for was the rain.

Waiting in line

30-minutes later, and some soaking wet clothes... we were in.  The whole place was packed with people hoping for their numbers to be called.    We found a spot in a corner, and sat there waiting....

And waiting....

And waiting...

After the third round of numbers left us without an "Amazing Invitation" we decided to find a beer, and some food.  (They told us to leave our sandwiches in the car).  We found a table, and put in our order.

More waiting...

Not more than 2 minutes after we got our food, did our number get called.  Without thinking, we jumped up-- and ran to the table to grab our "Amazing Invitation"  We left everything at the table... excitement overtook us. 

When we got back to the table, our fellow contestants said, "We almost ate your pizza."  At that point-- we didn't care.  We were so excited to make our audition video.

Waiting for the check, then off to make our tape

It took the waitress FOREVER to come back and finished up our check. We decided, we're never going to order anything but drinks if we end up doing something like this again.

After waiting for 15 minutes to get our check and pay it-- we raced up stairs to wait in a room for them to call our number yet again.  (That took us about 5 more minutes)

We only had one minute to woo the producers.  Our plan was simple:  Say our names-- then 15 seconds each on:

• Why we wanted to run the race.
• How we met.
• Why we're the perfect team
• And, What we would do with the money-- if we won.

I can't tell you how many times we went over that order... and the answers.  But as soon as we got in front of the camera... nerves took over.  Jason did a lot of the talking-- with me smiling like a goof and looking at him..

What I managed to say was my name-- and that I clam up under pressure-- but that doesn't mean I can't handle it.  (What the heck??)  And then we babbled about why we would be perfect for the race, and how we met.

Oh well...

We were ourselves, and from what we read-- that was the most important part.   And the guy shooting our video, seemed to be entertained... so we'll see.

Post video shot with us and the Roaming Gnome

Now comes the hard part... waiting.  We both really want this opportunity.  So please, please, please keep your fingers crossed that the producers see something they like... and call us for an interview.

In the meantime, we're working to get our passports... and asking family for things like backpacks, shoes and anything that will be helpful on the race-- and in our effort to hike the Gorge.

So, that's our Amazing Sunday in a nutshell.  Think good thoughts for us-- and who knows.  Maybe one day  soon, you'll be cheering us on, on "The Amazing Race!"

Tex-Mex Chicken Soup

It's recipe time!  I got my new issue of Cooking Light last night, and decided to dive into a recipe that I couldn't stop thinking about when I first saw it.  So, I grabbed Jason and we headed to the grocery store to buy the ingredients for "Tex Mex Chicken Soup"

*Caution:  This is not a recipe for people who don't like spicy.

 So let's get started.  Here's what you'll need:

1 1/2 tablespoons: Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

1 cup: chopped onion

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped

1 tablespoon: chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoon: crushed red pepper

1/2 teaspoon: salt

1/2 teaspoon: ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon: black pepper

3 cups: shredded rotisserie chicken

2 cups: frozen whole-kernel corn

4 cups: lower-sodium chicken broth

2 large tomatoes, chopped

1 (15 ounce) can: No-Salt added black beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup: chopped fresh cilantro

3 ounces queso fresco, crumbled

8 lime wedges

Then, take the first 5 ingredients (oil through jalapeno) and at them into a pot.  And saute for 3 minutes, like so:

Veggies chopped and ready to be sauteed

While that's sauteing-- mix together the next 5 ingredients (chili powder through black pepper), like so:

A blend of spices

Once the veggies are sauteed-- add the spices and saute for 30 seconds.  Next, you'll want to take the next 5 ingredients (chicken through black beans) and dump them in the pot, like so:

Waiting for it to boil

Bring the pot to a boil, then cover and let simmer for 6 minutes.  Dish up and top with Cilantro, Cheese and lime (if you like it that way), like so:

Add some Cilantro and Cheese

And then dig in!  Just like Jason:

He's not much for spice-- but he tried it anyway, because he's my taste-tester :)

Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did!  Let me know what you think.

Meet for a Midnight Snack

Ok, ok.  I'm a bit behind.  But, Jason and I have been on a date since I made my last post two weeks ago.  But, it's been a little busy around here.  So, I've been procrastinating.

Anyway--  Here's the card we pulled:

Mmmmmm!

On the back of the card it said, this: "Meet at an all-night diner or some obscure truck-stop just outside town for a midnight snack.  Add to the surreality of the event by arriving dressed to the nines.

The plan was simple.  I was heading for a night out with some girlfriends, and would text Jason the address of where to meet me, then I would rush home, get all dolled up, and meet him at the aforementioned location.

What really happened was this:  I got home and he was still sleeping.  I took a shower, then he woke up and took a shower-- and we hopped in the car and went to a place that wouldn't be overridden with drunks from the bar scene.

Oregon's version of Denny's

It wasn't exactly what we had planned.  But in the end-- it turned out to be just what we needed.  We ordered a handful of appetizers from the menu-- and sat and just talked.  We even topped the night... or should I say, morning... off with a banana split (which Jason had never had before)

Some sliders and dogs.

Jason is excited for his first bite of a banana split.

All Dressed up for our diner date.

It was a mellow night-- if you don't count the drunk that wandered in and got in a fight with our waitress.  And despite the strange glances we got from people-- coming in in our fancy clothes this date was a great one.

The only thing I wish we could have done-- was actually just meet in public.  I would have added a little more mystery to our date night.  But either way-- it was a good time.  And I good idea if you're looking for something mellow, yet different to do.

Home Spa Night

I've never understood why people go to spas, I just thought it was a waste of money to pay someone to do something to you that you could do at home yourself.  But, after Jason had our first date using one of the 52 Great Cheap Dates cards, I am now a health spa believer!

Time to relax!

On the back of the card it says: "Turn your bathroom and living room into a health spa with fresh towels and a homemade facial cleanser.  Or try out those sample-size beauty products you've accumulated over time and haven't had the heart to throw away.  Be imaginative and make a menu of all the services you spa offers.  Make special stationary and send your date an appointment confirmation card."

A List of Spa Treatments

Treatments laid out on the table, with special signs

I didn't make special stationary, but I did hand deliver an appointment confirmation card to Jason at work.  I also typed up a list of services and named the spa,  "The Bear Essentials Spa."  Bear is kind of an inside joke for Jason and I.  (He used to snore like a grizzly bear).  The spa offered a Honey Bee Facial, Beary Good Body Treatment, and Paws and Claws maintenance.  I even bought some aromatherapy candles and had them lit around the house.  The mood was set with some soothing music from the days of Motown and 70's folk music-- which I made into a mixed CD.

The theme, and scent of the night

Welcome to the Spa!

Wine makes for a good Spa Night

When Jason came home from grabbing us dinner-- it was spa time.  Not being a spa person, I had to look a lot of the treatments up on the internet.  Luckily we had everything we needed for facials, manicures and pedicures.  But I also bought stuff for a body treatment.   We took showers with calming lavender body wash, got a full body sugar scrub, and a massage with calming lavender body cream.

Refreshed in matching Shower Caps

We finished our body treatment, refreshed and ready for facials.

I had bought some soothing masks from Target, for $2.  We washed and scrubbed our faces-- then put on our masks and sat back for relaxation time.

Ready to Relax in our Masks

Once facials were over, we moved on to paws and claws.  We soaked our feet in hot herbal tea, which reduces your pores, and stops sweating.  We then scrubbed our feet with a sea salt scrub, and covered our feet in a clay foot mask and wrapped them in plastic wrap, before massaging them with lotion and putting on warm fuzzy socks.

Wine and Pedicures!

We finished up our spa treatment with a hand scrub using an Espresso Sugar scrub (coffee is good for the skin) and a lotion massage.

It was the most relaxing experience ever.  Beside the dog looking at us like we were freaks :)  We had a fun night.  We ended the night relaxing on the couch in the candlelight, listening to some Motown.  All in all, a good date night!

Relaxed and Refreshed!

*I recommend this date for couples who have know each other for a while.  Since you're in the buff for part of this date-- I'd suggest you've known each other for longer than a few months :)  (Unless that's how you roll)  Or skip the body treatment.

Elowah and Upper McCord Creek Falls

Last weekend we did our first hike in "Operation: Hike the Gorge".  We chose a easy one, Elowah and Upper McCord Creek Falls.  The trail is the very last point on the Historic Highway, before you have to exit onto I-84.

I'd done the Elowah trail, but not the Upper McCord trail-- so I was excited to get in a new experience, while showing Jason one of my favorite trail.  Neither trail is strenuous, it's 3.6 miles round trip. The trail splits about 0.4 miles in.  You can head down to Elowah Falls, or up to Upper McCord.  

We headed down first, which I recommend-- because you have to hike up, afterward, to get to Upper McCord (so you might as well to all the up at the same time :))

Elowah Falls

The trail takes you down several switch backs in to Elowah Glen, where you will find the falls.  It's a cool spot to hike (cool as in temperature) because it's mostly in the shade.  You also get a glimpse of some of the area's prettiest plants.  And the closer you get to the falls-- the wetter it gets, and the mist from the falls splashes you as you make your way across the bridge.

A view of the falls through the mist

Elowah falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the gorge.  It drops about 290 feet from the top, and produces a lot of mist.  That mist is incredibly refreshing on a hot summer day.

Once you cross the bridge-- you can head up and out of the glen and continue on Gorge Trail 400 to Waclella Falls.  At the top of the trail, from Elowah is a picnic table that offers scenic views of the gorge-- and is a perfect place to stop for lunch if you want to.  We hiked up the trail, but decided to turn around and head for Upper McCord Creek falls.

The elusive Khloe, through the bushes

We trekked up the Elowah Falls trail to the fork in the trail-- and headed up toward Upper McCord creek.  The trail follows switch backs to the top of the cliff.  If you're taking your dog, beware of going on a busy day like a Saturday.  Jason and I ran into two huskies who decided to scale a 50 foot cliff, above us to get to Khloe.  They took out part of the cliff... not to mention, scared the crap out of us :)

Once you get to the top of the hill, you get some gorgeous views of the Gorge looking toward Bonneville Dam.  And on a clear day you can even seen Mount Adams.  We got lucky, and went on a clear day.  Take a look:

View of the Gorge and Mt. Adams from Upper McCord Creek Trail

From here, it's a short walk to Upper McCord Creek falls.  But you have to walk along the side of a cliff.  So, if you're not a fan of heights, this trail probably isn't for you.

Cliff walking on the Upper McCord Creek Trail

The trail is a bit narrow, and it's high up, because you're walking the rim of the Elowah Glenn.  There are some fantastic views down into the glen at Elowah Falls.  And I would definitely recommend this trail, if you can get over your fear of heights.  Your reward is Upper McCord Creek Falls.

Upper McCord Creek Falls

The trail ends just past the falls, yet another good spot for a lunch.

This is a good trail to hike if it's one of your first times into the gorge, or if you're not an avid hiker and are looking for a nice, easy hike in the woods.  The trail is perfect for kids and dogs.

*Note:  An old rusty irrigation pipe cuts through parts of the Upper McCord creek trail, which you will have to maneuver.  Be sure to watch kids and/or dogs if you decide to take them on this trail.

Operation: Hike the Gorge-- The Introduction

It seems lately I have a lot of blog projects going on (52 Cheap Dates, Fat (free) Chicks, New Adventure) but why not add another one?  This is something I've been wanting to do for quite sometime.

 I want to hike every trail in this book:

One of my Favorite Books :)

I bought this book while I was away in Montana, in college (weird right?).  It was something I would read when I missed home, planning my adventures when, and if my career every brought me back to Oregon.  Then it did.

When I moved back to Oregon in 2007, I wasn't expecting to do lots of hiking.  I wanted to get into it, but I also wanted to focus on my career.  Then, my Grandpa passed away suddenly.  And I picked up this book, and started checking trails off my list.  It was something I could do that would clear my head.  It also got me out of the house, and away from all the sadness that was going on around me.  I made it through 10 trails, before I moved down to Eugene in the fall-- for another job.

This book made it through 5 moves.  From Montana to Portland to Eugene and back to Portland again.  For a while, it sat on the shelf gathering dust, until two weeks ago when Jason's Dad was in town.  I dusted it off, and we went to "Triple Falls".

Triple Falls, (from our hike with Jason's Dad)

As we trekked up the trial, we talked about our thinking places.  His dad has been mountain biking along forest trails near Bremerton, where he lives.  As we kept going, I started to realize-- this was my thinking place.  Every time I go to the gorge, I feel instantly at peace.  It's so beautiful and peaceful, and no matter which trail I choose, I get a great sweat in.  It's the perfect place to go, and think... or not think.

And then, I was struck with an idea.  Why not finish what I started, 5 years ago.  Hike every trail in the book-- and this time blog about it.  I've been feeling more and more inspired to write, ever since  my lull of a few months this winter when I didn't write at all.  So, why not add another project?

Here's the goal-- to hike every trail in the book by the end of next summer.  I want to give Jason and I a chance to acclimate to gorge hiking, which is mainly uphill-- since you're climbing basalt cliffs.  Some of the trails are easy, some are not.  I want to get through the easiest ones by the end of this summer, in time to hike Larch Mountain to Multnomah Falls... 7 miles one way.  Then next year-- we will tackle the more difficult trails in the book.  After each trip, I will write a blog about our experience, and a review of the trail itself.  (Should be fun!)

So, again, there's lots for you to look forward to this summer.  Stay tuned.

52 Great Cheap Dates: The Introduction

When Jason and I were first broke, and wanting to get some ideas for dates that didn't cost much money-- and we stumbled upon a deck of cards entitled "52 Great Cheap Dates".  Naturally, being in a financial bind we decided to buy the cards.

"52 Great Cheap Dates" By Lynn Gordon

But instead of opening up the box when we got home-- they got lost in a pile, and later stuffed in a drawer.  Out of sight out of mind.  And we continued on our merry way of working a lot and not seeing each other.

After two years of this routine, things took a turn for the worse.  We were fighting more, and laughing less.  And then a few weeks ago, we had "the talk."  What we were doing, wasn't working.  And it was clear to both of us, we needed to start focusing on our relationship more, or we weren't going to be together much longer.

And like a sign, from the universe-- these cards made their way to the top of a pile of stuff in the office.  So, this time I opened them.

52 Dates for each week of the year!

Inside I found 52 ideas for dates that would get us out of our slump, and some that would get us out of our comfort zone.

As I was flipping through the deck, and reading the descriptions on the back, I was struck with an idea: Why not turn this into a blog? Good idea right?

Here's the plan:  One date a week for 52 weeks (that's a year, just in case you didn't know :))  So, Jason and I are going to have a weekly date night, on Fridays.  Then, I will recap you with a blog, hopefully on Saturdays-- but I can't make any promises :)

I'm hoping this project will give people some different ideas about their own date nights, with significant others, and also get Jason and I to a place where we're taking more time for our relationship.

Stay tuned for what's to come.


What are some things you and your significant other do to make sure you don't hit a slump?  Do you have a weekly date night?  Or are you a little more spontaneous... and how so?