Liz Anjos' Home Truths
Everyone, this is Liz. Why ask her for her Home Truths? Cos she’s founder of Rose City Track Club in Portland (a grassroots running club and nonprofit organization), a competitive distance runner, and a classical pianist. All in a day’s work.
Thanks to Will Ross (Home Truths alumnus) for suggesting Liz for the below.
1. The song to put a smile on your face…
You Make My Dreams Come True - Hall & Oates. Perfect for a mid-day solo dance party.
2. You can only watch one film for the next three months… What is it?
The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I love the thoughtful details that went into its making, and its theme of persistence and overcoming. I'm also drawn to stories that centre around a long, difficult journey.
3. The TV series you want everyone to watch:
The Bachelor. I know I'll get some eye rolls for that, but I think if everyone would just sit down and watch it, they'd see what an entertaining train wreck it is.
4. The book you most recommend to people:
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. It's a historical non-fiction novel about the University of Washington's rowing team, made up of nine working-class boys from the American West, and their quest for Olympic gold in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. It's a page-turner of a story, full of grit and optimism amidst the Great Depression and the rise of Nazi Germany.
5. The subject you’ve put off exploring that’s now top of your to-do list:
Before the stay-at-home orders took place in Oregon, my life was very "go, go, go". Rather than taking on anything new in this time of relative calm, I've appreciated being able to stretch my time out more for the things that I often rush through. I've been going for longer runs, cooking most of my meals, and spending more time practicing the piano.
I've been working on Beethoven's "Waldstein", and while it took me months and months to learn the 3rd movement amidst my usual busyness in late 2019/early 2020, I've already begun to memorize the 1st movement after just a week or two of reading through it. And it's not like I'm suddenly playing for hours every day. I still have daily responsibilities and limited free time. Just being more consistent has gone a long way. I believe that's something I can take with me when things become a bit more 'normal'.
6. The wild card you wish more people knew about…
I really appreciate the content Conan O'Brien puts out, particularly his show "Conan Without Borders". He travels to various countries, some of which have been downright demonized in the West, and just goes around and talks to common people on the street, makes them laugh with his silly antics, and shows that despite any cultural differences, they are regular people just going about and living their lives - just like us. I think that's important.
7. We’re allowed dinner parties again… What are you cooking?
I've just about perfected a home-cooked peanut red curry with stir fried chicken and vegetables over rice. I also make a mean pineapple upside-down cake.
8. Everything’s back open. What’s the first coffee shop, restaurant or pub you’re visiting?
I sure miss Dockside Saloon. It's a local greasy spoon in Portland with the best breakfast. Their French toast with eggs and bacon on the side really hits the spot after a long run on the trails.
P.S. What you know now, that you wish you knew then…
Everyone has different ways of processing fear. I was initially shocked by some of the early reactions people had when the coronavirus became more of a direct threat to my community. There was a lot of behavior policing, shaming, pointing fingers, and distrust. Not to mention the panic-buying at the local supermarkets. One lesson I've taken from this is to continue practicing empathy toward others, however difficult at times, and to consider the many possible reasons they're reacting the way they are.
C’est fini... Now what?
Read some more Home Truths from family, friends, or Founders. Not sure what’s going on here? Head to Home Truths to find out more.