Oregon Ducks Training Facility: Casanova Center

Yesterday was the Spring Oregon Ducks football game here in town. The longer I've lived in Eugene the more I become aware of football activities. One of the exciting things about the spring game (I hear) is that the new duck uniforms are released. You can see pictures at the link to the ducks facebook page. Anyway it got me thinking about the Women's Football Clinic that we went to in Spring 2012. Part of the time was spent taking pictures of the work out facilities and the health care areas. Check out the modern Nike aesthetic. I know I wouldn't mind being sore if I could soak and do PT in this individual pool. Although I have to admit I would want to earn a salary on top of getting my tuition paid for (my two cents). Scroll all the way to the bottom to see a quick video of special privacy glass. Enjoy these pics from behind the scenes at the Casanova Center.

Small group meeting room

Bathrooms

Dentist chair

Pharmacy

Exam tables used for massages, PT, doctor's exams.

Meeting room

Slightly more private PT or exam room. The glass can fog up with the touch of a button, see video at the end of this post.

More exam tables, can be adjusted by the touch of a button, extra sturdy and long to support large players.

The row of lights and exam tables.

Record Store Day: A Modern Mash-up

It's record store day (RSD) people! So stop by your local record store. My fave RSD was at CD World here in Eugene (they do sell plenty o' vinyl despite the name) when they asked Frank Black (of Pixies and now "This is 40" fame) to stop by. I think there were only about 150 people there as he wailed away on his guitar singing and playing a lot of oldies but goodies. His voice is still so versatile. 

We love our music and Mr. Monkey especially loves his vinyl.  So a few years ago I picked up a record player for Mr. Monkey's birthday so he could break out the high school and college record collection. It was a relatively inexpensive gift that allowed him to clear out a bit of space in the garage. Ever since then the records have been living in a card box that I covered with cute fabric. Recently our favorite local store Oak Street Vintage posted this lovely audio credenza on their Facebook page. I sent a FB message over to Cora, she sent back the dimensions and I knew it would fit. I gave her a phone call and she placed it on hold for us so that we could come on over that evening! Who knew shopping by Facecrack could be so simple! (Did I mention OSV is having their annual Earth Day Sale - so stop by the shop tomorrow or Monday). The little credenza fit in the back seat of the car! Once we got it home the perfect match magic continued. The top even opens so that we can have easy access to the record player! I'm happy because we have a tidy entertainment center that goes with our vintage style and Mr. Monkey is happy because he can get to his tunes. Next up is stuffing those pesky wires into the wall!

Modern Mexico City: Part 1

Mr. Monkey and I recently had a wonderful time visiting family in Mexico City.  Believe it or not, the artistic highlight of the trip was found at the Ministry of Education where the walls on all 3 levels facing the 2 central courtyards are covered in Diego Rivera murals. You can see that the ceilings were also painted which really helps to transport you into Diego Rivera's world. There is a strong and active staff keeping the building in tip top shape. You can see a woman was cleaning the bannister. Her uniform matches Mr. Rivera's red perfectly and the sunlight through the arches mirrors the scalloped ceiling. Diego Rivera's art always makes me think about the power of people without power. His art is a beautiful example of government supporting artists to tell the story of the people even if it doesn't show the government in a positive light. In fact in some of the sections of the mural below you can see Mr. Rivera making fun of the wealthy and the politicians. Notice the small Statue of Liberty. It's as if they dine on freedom and the bank vault is music to their ears as they read what their latest profits are from the ticker tape that is woven across the dinner table. On a lighter note you can also play a game of Where's Waldo, except you'll have to look for me, Mr. Monkey, and most importantly revolutionary Frida.

 

 

Cheap thrills in Doe Bay, Orcas Island

View from the main beach in front of the cafe and office.

Back in October Mr. Monkey and I needed to take care of some family business up in the Seattle area. Along the way we decided to take a few days for some down time. We took the ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island and in a few short hours we were living the island life. Way back when, the Bearcat Monkeys (our college new years family) went to Orcas and rented a hosue. We stopped for an evening and visited the grounds of the Doe Bay Resort. It was beautiful but crowded during the New year holiday so this time we had the idea that we would visit mid-week. That was exactly what we needed. We arrived on a Monday and left on a Wednesday and it was extremely peaceful. Now if you've ever been to an all-inclusive resort in the Carribean you know the luxury that comes with the title "resort". Just so you know, please do not expect that here. Doe Bay is the perfect resort for those of you who want rustic cabins with options to go to a homey cafe with amazing food where you can wear your jeans and fleece. Check it out! Peace and relaxation will be yours. Don't forget your yoga mat and binoculars!

The view from our deck.

The beach below the spas. There is a yurt just to
the left of where Mr. Monkey is standing.

Dinner from the cafe is made with fresh veggies from the garden on the property!

A sweet little island in the middle of Mountain Lake on Mt. Constitution.

A closer view of the island.

No photography allowed - but since no one was there . . .

We inherited this sea kayak and took it out
for a look about from the Doe Bay beach.

Parker Palm Springs Daydreaming

Hi Friends, It's been awhile since I've written and I've missed daydreaming about all things lovely that were not work-themed. This long weekend gave me time to daydream. My mind wandered to New Year's vacations and what a lovely time our family has had in Palm Springs for New Year's 2012 and New Year's 2010. We stayed at one of Liberace's former pads last time and while most of our needs were met in this delux pad we did venture out. 

Me, day dreaming in the Parker lobby.

A highlight of our trip last year was a day at the Parker Palm Springs. The entire property is super dreamy with fruit-filled orange trees and a Jonathan Adler designed interior. From the front drive and huge doors to the tongue-in-cheek Palm Springs Yacht Club (aka a desert spa) your visit will be a luxuriously fun experience. Going against what the lobby art will have you believe, drugs are not needed, but on second thought they probably wouldn't hurt either. The Parker leaves you with the gift of the belief that all is right in the world and that there is nothing to worry about. Cheers to your next vacation whether it be a daydreaming staycation or a proper trip to wonderland via the Parker.

There is not a question mark off camera.

Cool architectural room divider

Lobby bar; I love the chairs!

This is a secret garden entrance to a private event space.

The grounds are plentiful and free to roam in.

Conversation areas can be found around green room dividers (aka bushes and trees). 

The lobby to the Yacht Club

We're checking in for our spa day after lunch at Norma's.

Note the pattern color reversal, it matches and offers great contrast at the same time. 

A snap shot of the indoor pool and spa area. All genders can hang and have cocktails while sneaking off to gender specific steam and locker rooms. 

Doughnuts for Civil Liberties Defense Center

 

Recently we had a little fun and fundraiser for Civil Liberties Defense Center. I simply bought a few dozen of the finest doughnuts from Oregon's famous Voodoo Doughnuts. We had bacon maple bars for the meat lovers and the vintage Danish teak tray in the front of the table is filled with Vegan doughnuts. Everyone stuffed themselves full of doughnuts for a great cause. We raised about $400 with just about 30 people and a bunch of doughnuts. It was a small effort but every little bit counts for small non-proftis that operate on a lean budget but who also pack a strong punch where it matters. In the case of CLDC they are constantly working to educate the community about our civil liberties. I love a great excuse to eat a great doughnut!