Sunday Surprise!

This weekend was packed with golf in every form - playing, watching, photographing and learning. The photos will take another day to edit - so you'll get that recap tomorrow!

I would like to brag though that my boyfriend Dan played in a tournament this weekend and won overall, had his best round of the year with a two under Par 70 at Quail Valley, won the closest to the pin on #13 (the 212 Yard Par 3) by hitting it to 6 feet and making the putt for a Birdie 2, and had the longest drive on the Par 5 #17 with a 324 Yard Bomb in the fairway. More about him and his new outfit golf game tomorrow!

^ A Man Who Loves the Details ^

Instead of getting carried away with that, we are going to talk about my Sunday afternoon. The one where I wussed out on a marathon training run and surprised my mom and my sister Bailey - it's time to taper anyway! I had a few invites elsewhere, like NFL RedZone with Brooke and Brad or horse betting at Portland Meadows, but I just felt like I needed some time with my mom and sister. Wish you were there too, Dad!

After a lunch date with Dan out at Pumpkin Ridge, I drove across town to spend the rest of my weekend with the girls while my dad was off serving and protecting. We accomplished a lot on the day including scoring a great deal on furniture from Craigslist, draining an entire pot of coffee and scheming about birthday alligators for a special someone's September birthday. I couldn't ask for more!

As always, Bailey was up for a few photos - she can be so camera-shy sometimes!

^ Smiles between Sisters ^

^ Patience ^

^ Signature pose ^

^ Cheesin' ^

^ Not letting herself fall asleep after a hard rip n' roar around the yard ^

<3 JE

Give and Give Relationship

Last night after work I went to my boyfriend's house to watch his Bears play the (mean and ugly) Packers for Thursday night football.

^Unfortunately for Super-Fan Dan the Bears lost^

I made it to his house before he did and was surprised by a Nike box on the counter in plain sight. While this isn't all that unusual for him or his roommate, I still checked the label on the box to see which of the boys was shopping again. As I snooped, I was elated to see that the box was addressed to me (!!)

Without hesitation or any shame I opened the box to find some beautiful new Nike Lunarglide+4 Premium's in my size - just in time for the Portland Marathon!

^So Excited!^

As I held the beautiful 8 ounce running shoes in my hands, inspecting the flywire threads, lunarlon cushioning and reflective properties I got to thinking about how much Dan likes to spoil me.

In the past week alone, I've been given the following for my work team offsite challenge today:

^Karma is on my side^

^Trail Blazers ball marker^

^My very own Method Putter^

In addition, he went to the grocery store and got one of my guilty favorites:

^Back to School Sale?^

I recognize that this is just the way that Dan expresses himself towards me, showering me with gifts.

His language of affection is Gift Giving mixed with a bit of Acts of Service. This means that he likes to give gifts as much as receive them, and appreciates when I fold the laundry every once in a while because we all know he's the domestic one in the relationship (I found a good one, mom!). It's what we do for each other that shows how much we care - but maybe I'd like to take control of the remote every once in a while. That would really show his commitment!

To return the favor in the way that would excite him the most, I went to Costco for samples house "essentials" (according to Dan) and this is what that looks like:

This is why I say Give and Give Relationship. He gives me shoes, I give him TP for days.

Always follow the Golden Rule: One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself - and I sure as heck would like 30 rolls of TP!

<3JE

PDX Coffee: Papaccino's

There's many things that I love about living on the East Side of the Willamette River in Portland, one of them being the independently owned coffee shops scattered throughout the neighborhoods. Each shop takes on its own unique characteristics to make the customers feel welcome, wanted and part of the growing community.

Living in the Woodstock neighborhood for most of my life I've seen Papaccino's Coffee House (and Cereal Bar!) transform over the years. What started in 1989 in the heart of the Woodstock Village now thrives as a neighborhood hot spot since being taken under new ownership in 2008.

What do you look for in a coffee shop? The drinks, the atmosphere, the food selection? Here's a rundown of why Papaccino's is my first choice coffee stop in SE:

Coffee:

The coffee from Caffe D'arte is outstanding in comparison to your typical chain operations (ahem!). Aside from my usual order of Nonfat Sugar-Free Vanilla Latte, I like to treat myself to their Nonfat Caramella Latte (Caramel + Vanilla = Errmahgerdd!) because it sounds fancy and tastes even fancier.

Food:

While I've never personally had more than a muffin here (and maybe delivered a cinnamon roll or two to my dad) I always see, smell and salivate over what others are eating. Patrons always look happy when they're chowing down. Oops I lied, I have had a few baby bowls of granola Cinnamon Toast Crunch for the win! at the cereal bar.

Barista's:

The barista's are friendly, competent and will greet you with a smile. I know that I will receive consistent service no matter who is making my drink and that they will take pride in their creation. Joy always hits my face when my drink is called because as I arrive to the counter I see the latte art at the brim of my cup.

Interior:

Bright, friendly murals painted on brick walls and guest art hung around the store compliment the comfortable couches, study tables and relaxed seating. Enjoy the comfort of a fireplace in one corner, the sounds of children laughing in another and soak in a street front view of the center hub of the Woodstock neighborhood. Also newly installed are seated arcade style video games - The original Centipede game!

Exterior:

Patio seating in the summer is wonderful for an evening read, a cup of coffee between friends or just a place to watch the humble neighborhood shut down for the night. Papaccino's is easy to locate both on foot and by car due to the crosswalk on SE 44th connecting South and North sides of the street. Daily you can find bikes parked outside and dogs sitting patiently waiting for their next treat from their owners. Also I may be biased as it looks across to my mom and dad's building where The Flower Shop, Piccolina's and my favorite Massage Therapist do business.

Music:

The music they play sounds like my Pandora station - easy, cheerful and relaxed. Some days it's 94.7 fm, other days the barista's play directly from their personal iTunes collection. Every time I stop by it feels like I'm stepping into the comfort of the home of a friend.

SE vibe:

Excellent people watching - Reed College students, business owners, parents, children and people passing through all add a touch of difference to your experience.

Stop in this weekend and enjoy what Papaccino's Coffee House and Cereal Bar has to offer!

I'd recommend Sunday so that you can catch the Woodstock Farmer's Market as well!

4411 SE Woodstock Boulevard

Portland, OR 97206

Monday-Friday: 6am-8pm

Saturday-Sunday: 7am-7pm

^I like to think the girl in red running in the upper left is me^

^Outside Seating^

^Too Good Caramella Latte^

^Water Station^

^The Cereal Bar^

^Happy Dragon^

<3 JE