Ichi-go, ichi-e

This past week I met my parents in Portland. We decided it was the perfect compromise between east coast and Hawaii. Portland was also a perfect choice because of the delicious food, yummy drinks, beautiful gardens, tall waterfalls and tax-free shopping. 

One of the places we visited was the Portland Japanese Garden. Apparently it's the top ranked Japanese garden in the U.S.  

It was a koi feeding frenzy when the snack pellets came out. 

And because our tour guide was full of fun factoids I also learned that Japanese Gardens:

- Use the human perspective. So no tall trees or bushes. 

- Assymetry and open space are often highlighted. That means lots of pruning. 

- Symbolism is everywhere. That flat rock? It represents a turtle and longevity of life. 

Can you spot the "turtle"? 

I also learned about the Japanese saying, ichi-go ichi-e. Roughly translated it means you only live once (YOLO, ha!). I found this phrase resonated with me because this trip really was once in a lifetime. Now that thousands of miles separate me from my family, I really appreciate all the time we have together. 

Now check out some pictures from my trip: 

I don't normally drink beer, but it seemed the right thing to do with a brewpub on every corner. For the record Mom & I really don't like IPAs!

Just me, Dad and a huge waterfall. No biggie. 

Wine makes all family get-together a better... Cheers!

This is what happens when you give your father a selfie-stick....ha!

And now for the pic of the week:

If you had asked me a week ago if I liked roses, I would have said "no way"! But after visiting the International Rose Test Garden I have a whole new appreciation for them. 

Mahalo!

Nom nom nom

If you've gotten into a conversation with me in the last month, then we've probably talked about food. I've decided to take a break from focusing on weight loss and restrictive eating. Instead my focus is on increasing lean muscle mass and eating for joy. 

Yep. That's right, I'm eating carbs! On the menu this week: sweet potatoes, rice, pasta and sweet treats. 

One of the perks of this way of eating is going out to eat without guilt. Another, is I'm cooking yummy and comforting food at home. Finally, the last benefit is the return of food porn! 

I tried out OMG (Oahu Mexicain Grill), a new burrito place on King St.  After finishing the meal I would say it was WAY better than Chipotle, but definitely no Moe's. I'm waiting for my trip home so I can eat real Mexican food again. . . Bring on the queso!

Sissy was kind enough to send me a care package. Inside? A little potato chip that reminds me of family and home. 

I've been eating scrambled eggs religiously for breakfast. I wanted to try something different. This combo of hardboild eggs, tomatoes, avocado and smoked salmon hit the spot!

And because I wanted some comfort food... Turkey stroganoff. Yum-o!

Now what is yet to be seen is the effects this will have on my strength gains and muscle mass. Only time will tell. But no matter the results at least I'm enjoying myself. 

And now for the pic of the week:

Per FB I've been friends with this lady for a year. That seems like something to celebrate :-)

Mahalo !

I'm a planner

When I met my HI bestie, early on we had a conversation that went something like this...

Me: So, what do you do?

Her: I'm a planner. 

Me: Oh, me too. I love planning. 

Her: Really! What type of planning do you do?

Me: Ummmm, you know I like to make lists and things. 

Her: (stares at me awkwardly) You do know that I meant city/urban planner right!?!

Me: Oh, yeah. Right. (mental palm to forehead)

So it didn't go EXACTLY like that, but you get the idea. And the take home point is that I like to plan!

This week I put my planning skills to use. 

What better use of of my skills then planning a night out? I combined several amazing things: time with my bestie, walking, shopping, eating and drinking. Woot woot! 

And of course I "planned" on drinking a fruity cocktail on a weeknight. If you share, the calories don't count, right?!? (photo credit: Nathalie R)

Next another friend took me to Costco. I bought heaps of food and was able complete my meal planning for the week. 

Here's my loot from Costco. I turned all this goodness into cheesy omelettes, yogurt parfaits and several sides of steamed veggies. Yum-o!

I also got to attend my chigiri-e art class. I think my sensei is really starting to see potential in me. I put all my methodical and critical thinking skills to work. It took several hours & some help, but I finally selected the perfect paper to create my wintery, beachy background. 

Choosing the perfect washi can be stressful, but I did it. I had a lot of input from sensei, my friends and my classmates. If fact even an eight year old had an opinion!

Now I expect some oh's and ah's cause so far this project is darn near perfect. Trust me ;-)

And now for the pic of the week:

I captured this rainbow on my walk home and sent a little aloha to a friend on the mainland. 

Mahalo!