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Several years ago I was "caught" by a red light camera in Beaverton. I had moved a few weeks prior, and even though I updated my contact information with the DMV, they did not have my address correct. Consequently, I never received the citation. In fact, I was not aware of the citation until about 2 years later. I had moved from Portland to Arizona and then from Arizona to Washington. When I tried to get my drivers license in Washington, they informed me that my ODL was suspended. Upon further investigation, I learned about the red light camera citation, the DMV error and subsequent suspension of my driver's license. Ultimately I paid several hundred dollars in fines to the City of Beaverton and the Oregon DMV and I have been ticket free ever since.

posted 3 years, 8 months ago
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As I replied to Julie's email this morning, my partner and I continue to go to the local casinos, but have noticed smaller crowds. We also bring less money to play and don't stay for nearly as long as we used to.  

Megabucks and Powerball tickets are a part of our weekly grocery budget. Maybe some day the correct numbers will hit for us. Maybe not. Either way, it's fun to dream and maybe our "donation" is helping in some small way.

posted 4 years, 3 months ago
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All Pearl Jam, all the time.

posted 4 years, 4 months ago
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". . . letting our poorest residents think they have the chance to get something for nothing is not a great idea." do you seriously think they're the only ones who play the lottery? Is it that bad to have a dream? I'm hardly poor, but I still play every week. someone's going to win. It might as well be me.
Lottery funds go to support good things, but I am as yet undecided on this measure.

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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I grew up an insecure fat kid. I was teased because I was fat. my clothes were "husky". As I entered my teens, I was still fat, but my self confidence had improved so it wasn't as bad. I ate junk food and didn't exercise as did all of my friends (some thin, some fat). I wore a size 14. Somewhere between high school and college I started eating better and exercising, but I didn't know that's what I was doing. I had a different set of friends and that's what they did. I managed to shrink down to a size 8. That was roughly 20 years ago. Over the past 20 years I managed to pack on close to 100 pounds. I have never lost my self esteem, despite some of my partners' best efforts, lol. My theory was "If you don't want to see my fat body in a bikini, don't look at me." it really was that simple. Until my size 16 trousers started to get uncomfortably tight and my vanity prevented me from buying a bigger size. I joined a weight loss program and started exercising again. I have shed over 50 pounds since September of last year. I'm heavier than I was in high school, but I am able to comfortably wear a size 8. I knew I had weight to lose, but had no clue I had 50 pounds to spare. I feel better than I have ever felt in my life.
Losing weight and learning how to eat sensible portions, fresh foods, and to exercise is the best thing I've ever done for myself. However, I do not have the right to tell others they have to do so as well. Everyone must come to their own conclusion about their own bodies.

posted 4 years, 9 months ago
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I found Rogue Spirits Spruce Gin by accident at the liquor store in Lincoln City. I went in for Tanqueray or Bombay, but changed my mind when I saw the Rogue. I love Rogue beer so I figured the gin must be good. BY FAR the best Gin I've ever tasted. It has a very clean flavor.
I've been unable to find it in Portland, but I've only checked 3 liquor stores.
I look forward to trying the Aviator Gin.

-amy h.

posted 4 years, 11 months ago
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I agree with Chad. Beer is the last thing I will cut out of my budget as well. My favorite beers have a very hoppy flavor. I'll be willing to pay the price, perhaps I will simply reduce my consumption. or not.

posted 5 years, 3 months ago
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