The Painted Lady takes PDX by storm!

On all my travels, I've either ventured east or south of California. I had never been north until recently when I was sent to an educators convention in Portland, OR. I've heard plenty good things about PDX; particularly its residents, culture and culinary tastes. So during my 3 day stay, I spent the mornings attending conferences and afternoons/evenings were spent touring the city.

The conference was held at the Oregon Convention Center which from afar looks a bit like a church. Inside, it was expansive with various cafés, restaurants and bars. Of course there was also the various rooms where I sat in on several presentations. Inside the exhibit halls there were several publishing companies and universities showcasing their published works and/or programs. I bought a few reference books to use at my campus. There were also several free knickknacks of which I helped myself. Expos are awesome. I'm definitely looking forward to the 2015 conference which will be held in Toronto, Canada.

The Food
I noticed several educators at the conference eating sandwiches from Subway. I can't understand why anyone would travel hundreds if not thousands of miles just to eat from a chain available in their own backyard. I made a conscious effort to eat from places not available back home. Although coming from San Francisco, I don't eat from restaurant chains anyway. I've noticed the food of choice in PDX is panini; at least for lunch.

J Cafe 

Floyd's Coffee Shop

I also noticed Portlanders are quite generous with their portions. During my 3 day stay, I only ate twice per day. Either it was a big breakfast and a late, light lunch or an early, light lunch and a big dinner. I usually prefer the former since I really don't like dinners (which usually includes meat; not good for this ovo vegetarian).

My cheeseless omelette packed with veggies; I only ate a quarter of the hasbrowns

A nickname for PDX is Beervana. Supposedly, Portland has more brewpubs than any city in the U.S. As I walked the neighborhoods (and rode the TRIMET), I noticed quite a few pubs lining the streets. I'm not one to drink beer alone. It's the type of drink to have in a group setting. When I decided on a place for dinner, I opted for a brewpub for its ambiance and cocktails. When I looked at the menu, the types of cocktails were nothing I'd seen before. I chose some sort of pineapple habanero concoction with my vegan platter. The cocktail really was spicy, too.

Dot's Diner and Brewpub

Now for the best part of my culinary experience. I've heard quite a bit about VooDoo Doughnuts. Apparently it was on some sort of TV food show. However, all of my friends who visit Portland swear by this place. In fact, at the convention I attended, many people were carrying around pink boxes with the VooDoo Doughnuts logo. There are two shops in Portland. The original one in Old Town had a line out the door (even in the pouring rain).

The Original

The "Too" sat on a much larger lot that can accommodate a much larger crowd. I visited the "Too" shop. They have an interesting selection of specialty doughnuts. Honestly, I really don't care for doughnuts (in fact, I don't like sweets). I usually opt for a bagel with my coffee, but considering this is a mini vacation (but a maxi business trip), I decided to order the "Old Dirty Bastard". Live a little. It's your basic doughnut topped with a chocolate glaze, crushed Oreo cookies and a drizzle of peanut butter. It was yummy.

The Shopping
Of course I had to fit a bit of vintage shopping my short, busy schedule. I managed to visit three shops and came out with two dresses. (That will be a post for later.) They had some pretty great pieces and I'm sure if I had more time, I would've come back with more. The best part...NO SALES TAX!

The City

Oops. Did I just give PDX my hometown's nickname? It's just used as a general term in this case. Although, it comes pretty close to how the Bay Area looks. If I were to describe and compare it to cities out here, I would say Portland is part Berkeley, part Burlingame, part Rockridge, Oakland, part West Portal, SF. In fact, I almost felt at home. Almost. The presence of Seahawks gear reminded me that I'm not in San Francisco. I would think being a die-hard 49er fan in Seahawk territory wouldn't be easy, and it would just make me homesick. I must say, though, Portlanders are extremely friendly and their kindness is genuine. All the stereotypes are definitely true. Everyone is in a flannel and the men are unshaven. It was definitely a cute quality, though.

However, I think Portland can be one of my usual getaways. I'm already looking forward to the PDX lindy exchange next year. That was one thing I didn't get to do. There were no swing dance events scheduled during my trip. Three days just wasn't enough time especially when the weekend was dominated by work obligations. My next trip back will definitely be one for pleasure and not business. And hopefully the weather will be better. It rained throughout my entire trip, but I guess that's part of the PDX experience.

Home Sweet Home. Looking down at the Golden Gate Bridge.

2014 Vintage Purchases #3: Vintage Fashion Expo

I'm surprised it's been this long since my last Vintage Purchase entry. Nonetheless, I am back to my vintage shopping spree.

The Biennial Vintage Fashion Expo made its final stop at The Concourse. The Expo was much smaller than in years past; not even a fashion show. Regardless, there were plenty of exhibitors on location; many of whom I bought from on various past occasions. And it was those same sellers who sold me these lovely pieces.

1930s wrap dress

A 1940s dress from Skirt Chaser Vintage (I've been buying vintage dresses from this seller for over 10 years!)

This is probably my most delicate (and oldest) piece. A 1920s chiffon dress

I was quite sad to learn that there will no longer be The Expo at the Concourse. It's such a great location with lots of parking. The next Expo isn't until my birthday weekend. The organizers are still looking for a location but they are considering the Conservatory of Flowers at Golden Gate Park. Or maybe Cow Palace. Two completely different locations with different characteristics. Wherever the new location will be, I'm certainly looking forward to the next show.

Hot Rod Girl

Since gas has now risen to above $4 a gallon, I decided to give my truck and my wallet a break. I have a V8 engine and a 20 gallon tank. The fill-ups add up to a lot. I'm now back on the CalTrain commute to work. This past week was my first week back on the commuter rail. I take the train from Millbrae station and park my truck in the BART parking structure. Business as usual...that is until today when I returned from work.

After I got myself situated, I turned the key, and I was aghast by what happened next. There was a loud, roaring combustion. I even set off a few car alarms. "What the hell???"

I drove out of the parking structure and onto a side street to assess the situation. The engine wasn't shaking. The oil was clean. There was water in the radiator. No leaks. It sounded like the muffler, but it wasn't damaged. So I called my dad. "I swear it sounds like the 32 Deuce Coupe from American Graffiti!" I drove it to the closest mechanic in Burlingame and asked if they could check my truck. After restarting the ignition, the mechanic looked underneath my truck and saw the problem. SOMEONE STOLE MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER!!!! In Millbrae??? Apparently this has been an ongoing problem on the Peninsula. I was shocked. Looks like I will be shopping around for a converter tomorrow.

The engine is super loud. I mean really loud; almost deafening. I was hoping I wouldn't get pulled over for fear of getting ticketed. But as I was rolling down El Camino, I couldn't help but feel like a bad ass. I told my dad the same thing when he called back checking on me. He just started laughing. I have myself a hot rod. At least for a day or two. I'm taking it in to get a catalytic converter welded hopefully this weekend.

The biggest negative, though, why did this have to happen during the Vintage Fashion Expo weekend. Looks like I won't be making very many purchases. 

This housing market is brutal.

After losing another bid, I feel a bit deflated. I just don't want to deal with the stress, so I told my realtor that I'm done for now. It takes an emotional toll on you. You find a house, and you fall in love with it; only to have it snatched away.

Many of these sellers have dollar signs in their eyes. 

My first bid was a house in Daly City. Someone offered $100K over asking (of which 75K was over the house's worth). Seriously? Eventually the housing market is going to tip the other way. Did no one learn from the previous housing bust?

My second bid was a house in South City. It needed a little work but mostly updating. I loved the yard which would be perfect for Daisy. It was also nestled between 2 other houses for sale both of which were in turn-key condition. I figured it would be overlooked so my chances looked good. My offer was among 26 other offers! The seller went with the highest bid.

My third bid was a cute house in Brisbane. The seller seemed motivated, and I was definitely interested even though it lacked a garage. So I made an offer. The seller countered back requesting an all cash offer! The house is a short sale! Even my realtor said their motivation seemed a bit sketchy. I have a feeling they wanted to take the money and run.

This last bid was a house in San Bruno. I was so close this time around. I placed an offer above their asking price and got a counter offer. I accepted and placed an extra $20 grand to the original bid. The seller went with another counter offer. I was shocked. I don't know what the terms of the sale are since it's still in "pending" status. I'm curious as to what the final offer was. I just don't get this market.

On the bright side, I have been getting one step closer, but that doesn't make it feel any better. At this point, everything else in my life, professionally and socially, is going well. Why add a stress? I'll just continue to add to my savings account with each paycheck. But darn it, I really wanted to chronicle my homeownership with respect to vintage decor and design. That would have been my next tab on this blogger. Oh well.

When the time is right, the right house will be available. Right now, it's just a greedy seller's market.

Radio Sausalito

"The Last Dance"

One of my friends, Dizzy, hosts her own radio show based out of Marin County. The format consists of classic jazz music, a music or dance hall review, the tip of the week and the quote of the week. Sometimes she will invite a guest for a Q&A. Previous guests include members of local swing bands (including members of Stompy Jones), DJs, swing dancers and instructors. Dizzy asked me to guest spot and talk more about my dance troupe as well as provide my own tip and quote of the week. I thought, why not? It's a good way to promote our dance troupe.

I drove out to Sausalito where the radio station is based in a lovely (and ginormous) private home with a built-in studio. Dizzy gave me a tour of the ground level that is currently under construction. The owner is having the floors re-done to accommodate dancers. It also has a stage and bar; perfect for hosting a swing dancing event. Dizzy is hoping to have an event there in the not too distant future.

Dizzy explained the schedule before we sat before our microphones to record the one-hour show. We had a great time laughing and discussing swing dancing, music, and the thrill of being a chorus girl. I won't give away too much as the show will air next Sunday, March 2nd. I urge you to take a listen not just for my show but for all shows. Dizzy has a great voice and great show. The music is always swinging. She can count me in as a loyal listener.

Her show, The Last Dance, airs every Sunday at 10am and 6pm on Sausalito Radio 1610AM. Unfortunately the station's frequency doesn't go past southern Marin, BUT it is always accessible on the internet. For a direct link to the program: RADIO SAUSALITO This can be played on a computer, mobile phone and tablet. Supposedly it's on iTunes Radio but I couldn't find it. Just click on the link provided. Tune in tonight! But definitely tune in next Sunday to hear me shoot the breeze with Ms. Dizzy.

Top: (L-R) My post. Me in headsets and no make-up! Dizzy getting busy

Below is a short segment of my radio interview. Tune in on Sunday, March 2nd at 10am and 6pm.

For Mobile Users: Chorus Girls

The Palace Hotel

Unlike most of the working world, my full time schedule is a 4-day week. That's right! Three day weekends every weekend. Fridays are usually my days to get errands done; grocery shopping, hair appointments, etc. Once I get home, I just want to unwind. I decided to give my cousin a call since we hadn't hung in nearly a month. Then, my buddy, Burnie, sent me a text about coming over to The Palace Hotel for some swing dancing. On a Friday? There never is a Friday gig unless it was a special show organized by A-Town. Au contraire, says he. The Klipptones play a weekly Friday gig in the hotel's bar and restaurant. Dizzy will be there! Well if Dizzy goes, I'll go since we had an upcoming radio gig to discuss. But I'm in casual attire! He said not to worry. There's no dress code. So I persuaded my cousin to come along and boy are we both glad we went. We had a great time.

There were many swing dancers both familiar and new to me. Unfortunately, I was wearing sneakers which were not ideal for this particular dance floor. I had to either take quick steps to make a turn or, for more swinging tunes, spun in the air so as not to stick to the floor. The Klipptones definitely had a unique musical style. They took more contemporary songs (and New Wave music) and jazzed it up. I kept laughing as I heard the familiar lyrics, I remember that song! 

The hotel itself is absolutely stunning. When I looked into the dining hall I kept thinking of the Titanic. It was that elegant. And here I am in jeans and a Pendleton. The bar is home to the Pied Piper painting which was in the news recently when the bar manager decided to take it down and sell it. It caused an uproar and it was ceremoniously placed back at its mantel. I had one of their signature cocktails to settle into the ambience.

I'm really glad that Burnie persuaded me to come. This is definitely a place to frequent for free swing dancing and great music.

2014 Hike #8: Mt. Sutro

All this time I've lived in San Francisco, and all the local trails I've traversed, I am surprised I never once thought to hike Mt. Sutro.

It is a forest nestled in San Francisco's geographic center. The trees tower to at least 200 feet to shield you from the sun. And today was definitely a sunny day (in fact, this whole weekend has had great weather). There are a number of trails that go into the woods from various points around the mountain, and I chose to enter off Clarendon into the UCSF campus. From there, other trails splinter off into their own paths: The Fairy Gates, Historic, North Ridge, East Ridge. I started at the Fairy Gates and crossed over to the Historic trail. It led me to the Summit where there is a clearing to view Sutro Tower, The Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Park, Marin County, etc. 

I read that the best time to hike Mt. Sutro is during foggy weather when you walk into the mist as though walking through the clouds. I may try that and create an update on this post. We'll see.

Look closely; It's the Golden Gate Bridge

Birds flying above

The Planes! The Planes!

I've been doing quite a bit of field research of the residential areas along the peninsula. I have a wish list of what I'm looking for in a house. Must haves are: garage, back yard (with grass!), lots of natural light, and safe neighborhood. Nice to have: peace and quiet. Cities to avoid: San Francisco, Daly City, and Pacifica; I want sun!

Quiet is not likely to happen. SFO is very centralized along the peninsula. There is no getting away from airport noise. I've canvassed Brisbane, Colma, South City and San Bruno. No matter where you are in either of those cities, there's a plane flying over; even west of 280. So I've accepted the fact that no matter where I settle, it'll be noisy. (Though I would love to live around Half Moon Bay, it is out of my price range.)

So far, I have put offers on three different houses and all to no avail. Although I did get close with one (a counteroffer), ultimately, they all sold to someone else. So I move on to the next house and the next. It amazes me how little homeownership means to the current occupants. Have they no pride? Some of theses houses are in terrible condition.

I found another house this weekend, and it has potential. Let's see how far this goes. And yes, there are planes flying over. It's just part of living on the peninsula. 

2014 Hike #7: Junipero Serra Park

After an extremely busy week of teaching during the day and moonlighting as a DJ and chorus girl in the evenings, I finally had a day to myself. I didn't make it to Marin County this weekend since I had to view an open house this afternoon. So I opted to stay on the peninsula and hike Junipero Serra Park.

I traversed the Quail Loop Trail all the way to the peak where there was a nice bay view (if you can look past SFO). I then made my way down to the meadow view for a peaceful look across the bay once again ignoring the jet engines (a post on that later). Monterey pine, cypress, and eucalyptus tower over grassland. At times they create a natural canopy shading you from the sun. Within the trees chirped bluejays and other birds. High above were the hawks hovering and screeching.

There are several picnic areas along the trail and I kept thinking how nice it would be to have a BBQ among friends (complete with veggie dogs, of course). This is definitely a place I'd like to return and spend the day exploring other areas of the park.

Chorus girls!!!

Our dance troupe had a rehearsal shoot not too long ago. These are by far my favorite. Don't we look lovely? Enjoy!