I heart New York

First time to New York City a couple weeks ago. If you are on a budget (like me) the best way to travel to NYC is for work. :-) Hotel in the heart of Times Square: check! Limo ride home from the golf tournament in New Jersey: check! Reception on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange: again, check!!
While I did a lot, I still feel like I have unfinished business in the Big Apple. I can't wait to go back!

Exiting my limo! Getting a ride home from work should always be this good!

I spent a lot of time alone seeing the sights. This is me with the Empire State Building in the background. Picture taken from the top of the Rockefeller Building.

I am all smiles out in front of the New York Stock Exchange. My company had a private reception on the trading floor. It was shwanky! :-)

View of Times Square from my hotel room. Not too shabby!
This building sign sums it up! Hell, yes! I had a great time in New York!

DiskDigger

While in New York a couple weeks ago I took a LOT of pictures. On my last night in town something happened to my camera and all of the pictures of my New York adventures were deleted. I swear this was not user error, this was the camera's fault. Anyhow, I found this awesome software that allowed me to plug in my SD card and it was able to recover most of my pictures! Best of all . . . it was free!
So if you are ever in need, DiskDigger to the rescue.
http://dmitrybrant.com/diskdigger

Next up: Pics of New York!

Chinese Downhill 2009

"And now for the rules of the International, Chinese downhill: there are none."

Without a doubt, one of the best ways to spend your Saturday is at the annual Chinese Downhill race at Bogus Basin. A collection of friends, ski bums, beer enthusiasts and people who just love costumes gather in a muddy parking lot to drink up, race down, eat brats and celebrate our collective love of acting crazy!

Check out more pictures at: http://picasaweb.google.com/sdopko/ChineseDownhill2009#

Dana also has some excellent pictures at:
http://photocast.mac.com/danagrinnell/iPhoto/chinese-downhill-2009/index.rss

I'm a 'Snow Bunny' . . get it? :-) Seen sporting my new camera.

Dana Grinnell, the official photographer of the 2009 Chinese Downhill. She could not be cuter in that pink tutu!

Scot biffs it at the home stretch.

Don't worry, he manages to finish strong!

Well done Scotty! Man, he looks like a shady character in this picture!

Who is that mysterious man with that hot blonde bunny?!?! :-)

The gals at Chinese Downhill. Carmal, Sarah, Dana and Jen (Nooner)!

Tyson Hart - our fearless leader of the Chinese Downhill. Tyson, we'll miss you in Boise. Portland better watch out for those spandex pants!

Finally, for your viewing enjoyment . . . . the 'official' start to the 2009 Chinese Downhill race!

Scot is the dashing fellow in the sombrero.

A new camera!

I am so excited to report that I have a new camera! It is a Canon EOS 20D digital SLR. Translated: a super rad camera! I have always been interested in photography and now I have a camera that will allow me to take my hobby seriously. One catch - I just figured out how to get the pictures off my new camera after having owned it for over a month! Ah well . . here we go.

This is a picture of me looking thoughtfully at my new lens. LOL!!

Backcountry Snowboarding with my valentine!

Scot and I headed to Galena Summit for backcountry skiing (snowboarding for me) over Valentine's weekend. It was my first time out in the backcountry and certainly my first time with a splitboard. It is a LOT of work but the scenery was amazing and the powder was sweet . Check out my highlight reel courtesy Scotty.

This is me from behind hiking up the mountain. This is a LOT harder than riding a chairlift!

Scot and Sarah on top of a ridge.

That is me shredding through the trees!

Scot thumbs for a ride back to our car after a hard day! Don't worry mom, we made George (Scot's work partner) hitchhike with the strangers. :-)

2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games

I had the honor of volunteering at the snowshoe event during the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games hosted in Idaho. I went into this week with little knowledge of Special Olympics and have left with such a respect for the athletes, the coaches and the entire Special Olympics movement. My experience has inspired me to get involved with the Idaho Special Olympics as a volunteer.
I wanted to share my experience with you all and so in true marketing gal form, I created a YouTube video. I hope it is able to convey some of the spirit of these athletes.

Twilight Mania!

After spending my lunch hour getting my haircut and talking to my stylist about the 'Twilight' series, I thought I better blog about my love for a teenage vampire named Edward. For those of you that have read the series, you know what I am talking about. For those of you that don't, just read the books! A vampire, thriller, love story . . . how can you go wrong!

Wendy and I make an Edward sandwich. She also loves Edward.

Danny loves Edward . . . .

but not as much as me. :-)

Scot as my real life Edward.