Where have I been?

Apparently I've been a little MIA the last couple of weeks. I apologize, I need to make more of an effort to update my blog with little life updates. Since my last post my boss has left for Antarctica so I've been really busy at work. And my younger brother, Kirk, has come home to visit for Spring Break. Can we just talk about how painful it is to be out of school for the first time since I was 4 and not have a Spring Break? Oh well, at least I got one day of skiing in instead of my usual 5 days for Spring Break. I have a crazy busy week coming up, which I'm really excited both for work and for play. But this means that I have a lot of work to get done this weekend. Did I mention this is the first weekend I've been home in over a month? Here is what I need to do and why:

• Clean my car - because my mom's best friend, my aunt Kathy is coming to visit from Portland, Maine on Wednesday and is going to use my car for the 11 days she is here.
• Clean my room - because I haven't cleaned it in months, and I did some rearranging when I set up my home office downstairs last night.
• Do laundry - because I'm attending a conference next week with Natural Step on sustainability and I need more clothing options. I have to wait until this afternoon when Kirk leaves to get access to the laundry room.
• Clean Kirk's room - because my best friend from high school, Jon Grotz, is visiting from Washington next weekend and will be crashing in there. Kirk just got a new bed so we need to set that up as well.
• Overall house cleaning - because my mom likes having the house clean for guests.

So an exciting week coming up, two house visitors, a conference, maybe a day of skiing, plus I'm attending an event put on by the University of Oregon called the Sustainable Business Symposium.

I'm spending my weekend organizing and cleaning, what are you doing?

Antarctica 2009

I haven't been posting lately.  Work is a little crazy since my boss leaves for an Antarctic Expedition on Monday!  But I thought I would share this link to the site.  Check it out!  It's very cool and interactive.  You'll almost feel like your traveling with these 50 student global leaders!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Sunset Presyberian Going Green?

On Friday, I sat down with Marie Hamann, Facility Manager at Sunset Presbyterian church. Which as you most of you know, is my home church, and basically my second home. Last week, due to the economy, they announced a $200,000 budget cut, which basically means: less people + less hours = doing more. This is where I come in and I need your help! We are looking for ways that SPC can be more sustainable. I'm willing to do the research but I need help brainstorming.

"The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." -Genesis 2:15

Just because we are not living in Eden anymore doesn't mean we don't have a responsibility to take better care of this planet. Before meeting with Marie, I did some research on what other church in the Portland area are doing. Here is what I found:

1. St. Philip Neri has built a bioswale to filter urban run off from it's building, parking lot and the community around the church.
2. Earth Home Ministries aims "to inspire and mobilize the Christian community to play a leadership role in building a just and sustainable future."
3. First Unitarian Church built a LEED certified building called Buchan Building

While SPC is taking steps in the right dirrection. There is room for a lot of improvement. Here is what Marie pointed out as "trouble spots":

• Plastic Water Bottles - people in Oregon still use these?!? My suggestion, stop ordering them, offer people water pitchers at events. People won't know the difference. And if someone has an issue invest in a Brita water filter for one of the sinks in the kitchen.
• Disposable cups - think about how much coffee we drink as a congregation. Think we could take people into actually bringing their own coffee mugs to church? Or investing in recyable cups...
• Recycling old technology (we just need a labor force do this) Freegeek in Southeast Portland refurbishs donated IT equipment then gives it to charities and non-profits.
• Overprinting - how can we talk people into printing less, using recyclable paper, and recycling the excess. My suggestion, SPC should monitor for one week, how much paper gets recycled. I think thin numbers would be eye-opening.
• Left over food - turning it into a compost. Available for the congration or maybe even a church garden somewhere on the property. I'm sure people would be interested in the coffee grounds alone + we have to have some gardeners in the congreation.
• Changing SPC utilities over to renewable engery
• Investing in solar panels on the roof - free real estate to anyone who wants it?

If you go to SPC, have any other suggestions or ideas? If you don't, what is some thing your community is doing to go green?

Oregon Executive MBA

Last Friday (2/27/2009), I have the opportunity to tag along with my boss, Darcy Winslow, to a class taught at the Oregon Executive MBA, a partnership between University of Oregon, Oregon State, and Portland State, where Darcy was a guest speaker. It was a little weird to be there since everyone was older than me and I have aspirations to go to graduate school and everyone there has aspirations to work for a successful (and sustainable) company, which is where I'm at right now. Team Evolution, a group of students, presented a Stanford Case Study about Darcy entitled "Nike's Global Women's Fitness Business: Driving Strategic Integration." I've seen one other presentation of this case, last year at the University of Oregon, and this group rocked it.

The great thing about this case begins in 2004 and I interned for Darcy the summer of 2005, right smack dab in the middle of the case. That was my first internship and at 18, I can say I honestly didn't have a clue what I was doing for Nike, but now I can look back and read a case study and see what was happening both to our department, Global Women's Fitness as well as the organization, Nike, as a whole. Pretty interesting stuff.

The presentation was followed by a Q&A session which focused on making change to an organization "under the radar".

How would you change an organization?

Young Life In Need

I haven't blogged in weeks! I'm starting to feel really bad about this. I have so much to update people on. However, this seems to be the most pressing. Yesterday I got a phone call from a former babysitter employer of mine, asking me if I knew any hip college, post-college, and adults that would be interested in reviving Young Life at Westview High School. To be honest (and I told her this as well). I'm tapped out. Between church on Sundays, my Bible Study on Monday nights, and being the "Games Girl" and a 6th grade girls leader at Wildfire on Wednesday nights. I just can't imagine adding something more to my plate. I think God is okay with that as well. But I am helping out in the search for new leaders. They are looking for three women and two men. So if you want to get involved or know someone who would be a great candidate, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

How do you serve God?

Weekend Get Away

My weekend started off with me passing out in my clothes (unbrushed teethed and unwashed face) at 9PM Thursday night! I hadn't gotten an uninterrupted night sleep since the Wednesday night before (that is how I roll...) woke up at 9AM Friday morning. I seriously can not tell you when the last time that happened! I got a facial from Ann at Venus Allure Spa! Go see her! Seriously she rocks! And if you mention my name you get a discount! (Contact me for details!) Then my mom and I headed up to Mt. Hood for the weekend. Friday night we checked out Ski Bowl's 80th Anniversary Celebration. I got to rock my 80s outfit for the second week in a row! Won a new pair of gloves. Which totally rocks because I torn mine over New Years and have been borrowing my brothers cause I'm too poor to buy a new pair and their WAY too big for me. Saturday was an awesome day of skiing! It felt like Spring Break skiing, sweatshirts and sunglasses kind of weather. Upper Heather Canyon was open, and there were some awesome cruisers off of Cascade. Sunday was a whole different story. It snowed! Much needed snow, but the visibility sucked, so we called it an early day and headed home to watch the Oscars. All in all a pretty sweet weekend.

How was your weekend?

God Said "No"

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away,
but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings;
Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life,
so that you may enjoy all things.

When has God said "no" to you?

The Dash

My boss emailed this to me today. Just thought I would share.

The Dash
Linda Ellis (1996)

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars....the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they
say about how you spend your dash?

Andrew Hoffman

Today I got the opportunity to listen and meet, Andrew Hoffman, the Holcim (US) Professor of Sustainable Enterprise at the University of Michigan, an Associate Director of the Fredrick A. and Barbara M. Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, and author of “Climate Change: What’s Your Business Strategy?”, on The Business Strategy of Climate Change. The event was put on by the University of Oregon’s Center for Sustainable Business Practices.

A couple of highlights from Hoffman’s lecture include the fact that climate change is a market shift in the business world and needs to be part of the core business strategy.

The Wrong Questions to Ask:

1. How much will it cost? (WRONG!)
2. What is it going to do for your business especially compared to your competition? (RIGHT!)
3. Does it pay to be green? (WRONG!)
4. How are you going to innovate? (RIGHT!)
   

Case Studies: Duke Energy, Shell, Whirlpool, DuPont, Aloca, Swiss Re

Why Take Action:

1. Increase profits

• Uncertain energy costs
• Investor interest
• GreenTech sector
• Growing consumer demand

2. Pending government regulations

3. Enhancing corporate reputation

• Reputation benefits
• Hiring practices
• Mission statements

How To Take Action (from the PEW Getting Ahead of the Curve):

1. Ensure strategic timing
2. Estimate appropriate levels of commitment
3. Influence policy development
4. Create business opportunities

Stages of Climate Strategy Development:

1. Develop a climate strategy

• Assess emissions profile
• Gauge risk + opportunities
• Evaluate action options
• Set goals + target

2. Focus forward

• Develop financial mechanism
• Engage the organization

3. Focus outward

• Formulate policy strategy
• Engage external relations

“I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.” – Thomas Edison (1931)

Check out these cool technological developments:

· GE Eco Dashboard

· Tokyo Train Station

Winter Camp 2009 "Love Wins"

Here are some highlights of Sunset Presbyterian Church's Middle School Camp: LOVE WINS!

• Learning Phil Wickham's "True Love"
• Getting to know my 6th grade girls story
• Watching those same 6th grade girls go through "The Experience" without help from our leaders...there is something about the sound of hammering that just brings me to tears every time.
  
• Finally understanding my mom's "Clean Up Fairy" This was their first winter camp, lots of "learning experiences" packing for themselves, cleaning up for themselves, making healthy habit choices, etc.
  
• Being "Jenna, the Game Girl" Shaving cream hairdos, oreos, mummies, and dollar dollar bills ya'll...
  
• Dance Party! Busted out my classic 80s college costume. First middle school dance party since I was IN middle school...DJ Five-Oh was jealous...
  
• Being farted on by one of my girls during free time...YOU HAVE TO ASK ME ABOUT THIS ONE!
• Watching my girls finally grasp how great an awesome God truly is...you could literally see their minds explode during this conversation. How great is God that He can be so small for a 6th grader to understand, and yet so complex to create the universe and then push that same little girl to grow even more in Him.

Pictures coming soon...

Winter Camp

In 2 hours I'm heading to Sunset Presbyterian Church's Middle School Winter Camp! The theme of this weekend is Love Wins! (Fitting since it's Valentine's Day weekend.) I'm going with a group of 6th grade girls (starting all over again). I haven't been to middle school camp since I was a senior in high school, so I'm like 5 years out of touch. I'm also the "adult" leader. Which is usually a mom, instead their getting a 22-year-old women and awesome co-leader Emily. Here's to not being mistaken for a 8th grade boy! Long story, ask me about it sometime...

Prayer Requests:
* Camp in general, safety, etc.
* My 6th grade girls - it's their first winter camp!
* My co-leader Emily.
* For the games - I'm leading those this year.
* For my energy and my heart. I'm feeling a little unrested and down heading into camp. Not a good thing.

See you Monday night!

WAY LATE BUT...

I was suppose to post this TWO days ago but I've apparently had the IT week from hell and on top of working, having my boss in town, I'm leaving for SPC's middle school camp tomorrow. So it's been all I can do to just survive this week. But I wanted to get this post out so here it is:

My super-awesome-blogger-friend-whom-I-can't-wait-to-actually-meet-in-May-friend Crystal is writing a book called Dirty Girls: The New Porn Addicts, that pretty much summarizes the book right there. Women and porn. Something that is not talked about ever. I'm probably the worse person to be talking about this topic. Being freakishly prude about all things related to sex and never actually seeing porn (minus the countless college parties that have it playing on mute in the background...) But what I can speak of is the affects and personal relationships porn has tarnished. One of my best friends in high school (who was male - not the Dirty Girls target market) struggled with a sex addiction, which included an addiction to porn. I watch him ruin countless relationships with his family, friends, and girl friend. Luckily, he found God, found an awesome accountability partner, and while he still struggles with this issue he is doing way better.

I know porn is an uncomfortable issue to talk about. Which I think is why Satan uses it to capture so many people. But won't you stand with me and start talking more open about it? If you want to be even braver, Crystal is collecting data for her book. Please take one of her surveys.

What are your thoughts on porn?

3D Glasses!

[3D Glasses Throw Back to Last Halloween. We saw Nightmare Before Christmas!)

Coraline Review

Before I start this review it should be noted that I:
(a) Love children's movies - Little Mermaid, Never Ending Story, Fern Gully
(b) Love cult classic movies - Boondock Saints, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Donnie Darko
(c) Love all things remotely related to Nike - If you don't live in Oregon or have been under a rock lately, Coraline was made at Laika Studios, which is owned by Phil Knight...

Anyways, the movie rocked! I saw it in 3D which ALWAYS makes movies better in my opinion. Fun fact, Coraline was shot entirely in 3D, 24 frames per second for shot animation. Double that to 48 frames per second for 3D - INCREDIBLE! The soundtrack was amazing, very mystical and fun. Each character has their own personality, posture and movement. The sets were amazing, you can tell that people put their hearts into them. The opening credits were my personal favorite. And while I believe the black cat in Coraline is a direct reference to Vincent in Nightmare Before Christmas. (Who was the ONLY character who gave me nightmares when I saw that movie for the first time when I was 7). My friend, Katie, who went with me to see the movie pointed out that the story is told in segments (or episodes) which is something I hadn't picked up on, but in hindsight can totally see. She has read the children's book too (also something that I didn't know - but plan on reading soon).

Great movie! Go see it and tell me what you think!

Growing Up

I need something to write about...it's been awhile...Here is what I'm thinking:

1. This summer will be the first summer I won't have a summer break. No more working at the swimming pool. Finding a sub so I can go wakeboarding when it's nice out. No deciding I can take a two weeks off to go to Houseboat Camp (which isn't happening this year - silver lining) or go to China or who knows where else. I'm not counting the first 5 years of my life since every day was summer...
2. I need to get health insurance...I'm currently one of 47 million Americans without it...working on it though. Talked to my boss, talked to my parents, talked to my friends who are paying for insurance out of pocket, talked to my friends who work in the medical field, checked out some websites, called some agents...I have the ball rolling. I just live a life where I need insurance. I tend to be a little too outgoing and my body is falling apart faster than a normal 22 year olds should be. Yeah competitive sports!
3. My mom recently started talking about paying rent. Not in a bad way, just brought it up, talking about it or more debating on how much I should pay. More to come on this. But my question is (if you feel comfortable answering):

How much did you pay for rent right after you graduated from college? Any special details?

Skiing Weekend

Was AWESOME! I learned how to ski backwards...good skill to have when your younger brother can already do it...

[Mom and I]

[Ted and I]

[Ted, Mom, Mike and I]

Books, Books, Books

I love to read. I love learning. I love the way books feel. I love how they can transport me to different places. I can't wait until I have my own place and I can go to Goodwill, Ikea, hit up garage sales, and Craigslist to get tons of bookshelves to rescue my extensive collection of books from the attic. I'm also one of those people who can be reading more than one book at a time. What are you reading right now you might be asking. Here is what I'm currently working on:

1. A Lion Among Men, by Gregory Maguire, the guy who wrote Wicked. Which is by far my favorite book by Maguire (Wicked that is). This one (A Lion Among Men) is the story of Brr, the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz. Once I finish this one, I just need to read Lost, and I'm all caught up with Maguire's writing. Anyone want to let me borrow it? This is my right before bed, read a couple of pages then fall asleep book. [Just checked on Amazon.com, looks like Maguire is coming out with a new book...better get going].

2. The Necessary Revolution, by Peter Senge. This one I'm reading for work, Peter is friend's with my boss, Darcy Winslow, and she is actually quoted in the book! Crazy. I pretty much only read this book while riding to and from work on Max or when I'm waiting for something to happen in the office. Just started reading it. It is helping me wrap my head around this whole "sustainability" thing that I do...

3. Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell. My mom loves getting books on CD to listen to on her way to/from work as well. Which I love because I load them up on my iPod and listen to them on Max when I can't sit down and actually read. I've listened to Gladwell's other book Blink. Which I loved! I also want to read (or listen) to Gladwell's other book, The Tipping Point. Once again, anyone own it and want to let me borrow it?

What are you reading right now? Why?

Facebook Game

Here is a Facebook thing that has been going around. Thought I would share it here:

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

(To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

1. I’m the “big” sister. Which is a joke because my younger brother, who is 3 years YOUNGER than me is OVER a foot and half taller than me.

2. I still sleep with a teddy bear. His name is Teddy Betty. I got him when I was 4 months old. And he has no face.

3. I have to have my toenails painted. This is due to a tattoo on my left foot and a funny “shrek” toe on my right foot.

4. I believe in an awesome God.

5. I love going to local breweries and trying new beers and learning about the process. I collect pint glasses too. I have over 30. My mom doesn’t like that part.

6. I love my family unconditionally, however, I think they are nuts.

7. I really enjoy q-tipping my ears. I love the feeling. I have no idea why though.

8. I think it would be cool to get a license to carry a concealed weapon. I would never want to carry a weapon or feel like I have too. I just think it would be crazy to know I could if I wanted too.

9. When I was about 7, my friend and I started “SAVE THE WORLD, LOVE THE WORLD CLUB” I now work for a sustainability company…surprised?

10. I have a metal rod in my leg femur from an unfortunate ski accident. I hate wearing shorts in public because of my scar. However, I’m perfectly comfortable wearing a swimsuit anywhere.

11. I’m freakishly flexible and normally told “Oh, that isn’t normal” when stretching.

12. When I was growing up I wanted to teach Killer Whales sign language…think about it for a second…

13. I was in a middle school play called “Becomes a Rose” in which I didn’t speak at all and I was the lead.

14. I have a sick obsession with popping zits and peeling dead skin off.

15. When I was 13, I buzzed my hair. It was also the time when I started getting mistaken for a boy, learned what the terms “butch” and “dyke” meant, and was told to be strong and not let the cancer win. I really was just sick of having long, curly hair.

16. I’ve dyed my hair every possible color. Finally did pink this summer and didn’t like it as much as I thought I would. My boss at the pool loved it when people said “that purple/green/black/white/red haired girl just did …” she knew exactly who it was.

17. I’ve been a lifeguard for 7 years, I’ve never actually saved a person in my pool. Aided in situations at a camp, downtown PDX, on the highway, even on an airplane.

18. I hate shaving my legs…ask me how long I’ve gone…seriously…

19. I have to write thank you notes after each present I receive for Christmas, Birthdays, etc. or I can’t open my next present – this got so bad my parents started hiding mixed presents under different part of the tree.

20. I need to wash my hands after I touch anything.

21. My room can be a complete mess but I know exactly where everything is, however, anything outside my room needs to be completely organized or I am lost.

22. I need to be completely wrapped in “Puff” (my blanket) to sleep.

23. I don’t sleep with any pillows. I also don’t own any which makes it really hard to have sleep over parties. Most of my friends know to bring their own.

24. When ever I fly, I must call my parents and tell them I love them. Even if its 3AM.

25. I hate that college has made me feel like I have to wear makeup and underwear everyday.

Green CPA

Seems like these days everyone needs something that makes them stand out. While researching CPA's for DSW Collective. I found Brian Setzler, an Oregon accountant who is green. He recently launched he own blog. Here is a quick bio about him and his blog. Check him out!

A blog about business, accounting and sustainability by Brian Setzler, CPA. Brian has an MBA in Sustainable Business with over 20 years experience as an entrepreneur and small business adviser. He is the founder of TriLibrium, a triple-bottom line accounting firm.

lemontree

Our family friend, Pam Park, owns this awesome boutique shop in the Hollywood District in PDX. I went to visit her today to pick up a funky business card holder for my boss and thought I would do some promo for her on my blog. Here is an article on lemontree by Portland Picks from 2006!

Every year it gets little closer – the holiday when we’ll run out of every single gift-giving idea. We honestly believed it might happen in 2006 – we looked and looked and just couldn’t find anything for our parents, who possess a lifetime’s worth of gadgets, tchotchkes and knickknacks. But then we stumbled into lemontree and knew we could at least make it through a few more celebrations before we run dry.

lemontree is filled to the brim with brilliant gift ideas. There are vintage-inspired clocks, sassy cards, stylish journals and more funky salt and pepper shakers than any reasonable person would ever need to flavor their food. There are incredible wind-up toys that show off their inner gears and custom silk handbags made locally by Ginger Abernathy Creations. And local doesn’t stop there – look for Wicked Wicks handcrafted candles, Arcana soaps and Tao of Tea gift sets.

After settling on a gift for the ‘rents, we took a few more spins and came up with options for the rest of our list. Who knew lemons could produce a store so sweet?

lemontree
4035 NE Sandy Blvd.
Portland, OR 97212
503.287.3070