Community Supper

Tonight was another all-new installment of our kinda-monthly community supper. These keep getting better and better. Everyone brings food, prepares, cleans up and enjoys the in-between time. Tonight we played Bocce at the park across the street from the Black's. Some neighborhood kids got in on some of the fun and had an introduction to one of the greatest games of all time. Thanks to Stephen and Brynn for hosting.

Testing...testing...

Just a quick video I made with imovie to test out some free videohosting. Nothing special, just bare bones. Enjoy a few picks of Portland and Prague and a good Pixie's cover.

Katharine Alpert, MAT

Heck yeah, baby! Chris, Karli, Ania and I headed down to Newberg tonight to see Katie's master's presentation and hooding ceremony. To say that it was a rad experience would be a gross understatement. Being married to such a brilliant and talented wife definately affords me plenty of bragging and proud opportunities, but tonight tops the list.

Katie, you've worked so hard and exceeded so many expectations placed upon you. To see you carry an idea to fruition is inspiring. I love you so much and can't wait to see the impact you're gonna have in your kids' lives.

Degrees are not earned by one person. They are a combination of a marriage, a family, or even friends. Without these people- most degrees could not have been earned. Through love, support, late night talks and snacks, someone going easy on your 'major stresses'- then people can achieve schooling.

This is how I feel today. I am almost done. Classes are done, papers are in. I am waiting for the official go-round and on Thursday the 27th- I will be hooded- Katharine Alpert- MAT.

It's pretty cool. But, I owe most of my success to the man pictured above. He has been relentless in his support and care, his willing to let my annoyance slide, and his humor that has kept me in check for the past year.

I love you babe, thanks for all your help. I really and truly could not have finished it without you.

Give to Caeser what is Caeser's

It's the eighteenth, which means tax-season ended last night. Due to the volume, my department usually helps process IRA's and such when we near the ides of April. Well, those days are over my friend!! I felt like a new man as I rolled out of bed this morning. Maybe I'll finally hear from my long-lost roommate Jeff, who's an accountant and consequently hasn't blogged since October (hint, hint)!!

I have to admit that I get a bit frustrated by how many people try play the "creative" accountant when it comes to filing. I actually had a conversation with a self-employed guy who admitted, "Well, according to the IRS last year, I took a loss, but I actually made about 200 grand last year." Imagine my sympathy for his surprise when I explained we wouldn't be approving his second mortgage due to his "creative" accounting. Then I looked at my "WWJD" bracelet and called him a hypocrite for good measure.

I love this job.

He is risen!

CAUTION: The following is a mushy post

My wife rocks my face off. Things have been crazy 'round here lately. With guests popping in and out from out-of-town, big spiritual and practical decisons to be made, a high school play to produce/direct, job interviews for next year and all with only three weeks left 'til she snags her master's, well...she has every right to be tearing her hair out. Strangely, she's as at peace as she's ever been and rolling right along with the punches. I've learned more from her about how to wrestle with life from simple observation then any advice any sage could offer.

So, to my brilliant wife: keep putting one foot in front of the other and remember that you'll soon be screaming, "I'm going to Disneyland!!" (That was the deal for my trip to Prague). I'm extremely proud.

Like oil and water?

So there's been some hubbub, and not the good kind, around City Council candidate Emilie Boyles of late. It appears that she may have done a little fudging on her contribution tallies in order to qualify for some taxpayer money in accordance with Portland's new "Voter Owned Election" idea, which, despite it's faults, is rather novel:

Under Portland's new public financing system, candidates who collect $5 contributions from 1,000 people can receive $150,000 in public money -- essentially all the cash they'll need for a primary campaign. The idea is to limit the influence of big-money donors and encourage newcomers to both run for office and participate in campaigns.

Apparently, there's some contention as to whether or not all the contributors are legitimate. According to the Oregonian, and some actual claimed documents(check 'em out, they're pretty sketchy), it appears that one individual often signed for multiple people. Also, several people interviewed by phone had no recollection of giving to the campaign.

Now, sometimes you get caught with your hand in the cookie jar and you have to fess up. Firing your fundraiser and blaming your problems on others (like the gent who concocted the new finance strategy) may or may not be the best way to start. But do you really have do drag religion into it? Are you honestly trying to make yourself into a martyr? And isn't it a little self-serving to call all local congregations to pray for the city every Sunday until election?

Two Years Today

Happy Birthday Evergreen!!