Girl Night

Both my roommates are out of town for the evening and I unlocked the door to a very dark, large, cold and empty house. Today was cold and rainy here in Portland, and it seemed to slow down business. That and everyone on their last minute vacations before school starts back next Tuesday. I was only 40% booked for my 10 hour shift, but by the time I got off work, my sniffly nose and scratchy eyes decided to head to the grocery store for some cookies, frozen pizzas, and finally a dang lighter to light these awesome scented candles! Finally I made it home, and realized, although my roommates and I don't spend every second together when we are all home, it's nice knowing they're here. I guess I feel a bit protected when my two men are around. But, I lit a fresh scented candle, popped my pizza in the microwave, grabbed a box of cookies, and sunk into the couch. The only sound is the buzzing from all the electronics. Then I proceeded to grab my tweezers to pluck all the hair splinters out from my feet. SICK.

I had all four clients today ask me if I was finding it easy to make friends, and what I was doing to meet people. I responded with "well, I'm looking to join some groups, and get back into yoga regularly, maybe take some baking classes". But then I realized, that besides trying to make clients to boost my income, I think I'm very OK with the idea that, "hey, I just moved here FOUR weeks today! who has time for all that?? Especially without a car." It's a constant battle with myself, I know I'm just making excuses. Sure, I do want to do all those things, but it seems the best candidate for a "group" is a stay at home mom. Craigslist is FLOODED with "Play Date for my 18 month girl!" and "Mommies only group!" There was even one that said "No children necessary to join our group, but must be over 26 and submit a photo". Really??

I'm very much looking forward to getting back into my yoga routine. I found a hot yoga studio down the street from my job. It will feel amazing and rewarding in this cool weather. I just feel bad for whoever has to sit next to me on the bus... I was looking into gym memberships last night, but I think I rather spend my $100 a month detoxing and sweating it out, while relaxing in hot yoga. Much better than going to a gym by yourself and feeling like you're being watched and judged. And I much rather make friends with yogis than jocks.

Just found out today that since it's the Decade of Dosha, we're having a dinner/party with ALL the Doshas (about 300 employees) on September 15 after work. Even though a few co-workers don't seem that excited, I'm secretly PUMPED! I get to get all dressed up and socialize with my Aveda family! Kind of ironic how it falls on my only girlfriend in Portland's birthday... But we'll have plenty of celebration time! I'm also pretty excited on the large amount of bands/comedy who will be coming through town soon: The Black Keys, She and Him, Trailer Park Boys, Avett Bros (were here last night), Vampire Weekend, Adam Carolla, of course the Decemberists, and Daniel Tosh (Tosh.0) I believe I'm going to go broke with all of these amazing events, but hey, why not?!

Still Discovering...

My closest friend (and now literally), Megan, gave me two very honest tips when she found out I was also moving all the way across the country:

1- "It's not always going to be rainbows and butterflies." Referring to my very positive attitude and excitement to move far, far away.

2- "You'll discover so much about yourself, and not all of it you'll like."

Now don't get me wrong, I know some of those tips can sound discouraging, but Megan's very far from discouraging. (I'm pretty sure she was encouraging me the most so that her friend of 21 years would be in the same time zone with her again!) The truth is, she knows me and my personality (we're born 2 days apart) pretty much better than anyone else. Actually, I think I could very much say she DOES know me better than anyone else. Without her and her amazing support, I probably couldn't have made it all the way here with a head left on my shoulders. But those are definitely the two of many tips that stand very clear in my mind.

Especially this past week.

It hasn't rained the whole time I've been here. I'm going right on to 4 weeks now, and it's been sunny skies and high 70's. The temperature started dropping the other day and I instantly froze. Not literally, but my mind did. "What is this sunshine girl doing in this overcast city??" That's usually when my little mind, given any free time, will drift on over to NC and wonder what I would be doing over there, with the warm weather and family and friends. My daddy just found a puppy and I was jealous I couldn't even go out to Petsmart and bring home tons of little toys for it to destroy. Shoot, I can't even go to Petsmart here and mail them to him because I have NO idea where it is, and getting there would probably drain my brain, and when you have to go through so much just to get to a freakin' store, you learn what's necessary and what's not! (More on that later) Then, on Saturday, I didn't have to be at work until 3, so I get a call asking if I want to get on Skype with my mama. OF COURSE! So we set it up and there's my adorable little mama. We talked about her new outfit, she lectured me on why my face is breaking out... Pretty much nothing has changed in the past month, except the fact I have to see her on a computer screen. I can't crawl into her lap and cry when I'm upset. I can't hug her when I get home from work. I can't give my daddy a goodnight kiss every night. And that makes me very, very sad. The reason my mama was at my sister's house on the computer is because (well, besides the fact she's burning up the road in my new car!) my brother in law, Jeramie, turned 30 and they were having a family gathering on Saturday. Boo. I'm so happy they got to celebrate such a wonderful occasion, and I'm so happy my mama was available to be there physically and love on Ethan, and Jeramie and Joye, but dangit, I want to go, too! I realize it was I who made the decision to move 3000 miles away, and as I had been contemplating it for years and years, this was always my reason of why not to move. I don't regret it by any means, but at times I wish it was just easier to run home for a weekend.

But, there are good times here too! Last night Jackson and I went to a Portland Timbers game. This is a soccer team in Portland that will be a pro team next year. Now there's a lot of bitter people talking about the Timbers. They say they're running the Portland Beavers (baseball) out of town, taking over their field. Well, from what I hear, the crowds at the Beavers games are NOTHING like what I experienced last night. It was amazing. We sat in section 108, and I reckon 107 is the crazy Timbers fans, so we were in the over flow. But what I find pretty interesting is for every person who's bitter because the Beavers are going to be no more, I ask "So, do you go to the Beaver's games often?" "Well, no, I never really have time.." OK, so now do we see what's happening? That's like complaining about gas prices and not having a car. Let's support the team who brings in all the money. And trust me, there was some money being spent there! Two tickets, after Ticketmaster fees- $32, two beers- $16, two more beers and an order of french fries- $21. Dang, I could've had a couple of Grand Slams from Denny's for that! (I tried, but my driver would'nt stop after the game...)

Now for my discoveries...

I have realized I'm a carnivore. ::GASP:: I know this is going to throw some of you for a loop, but I really have no option. I live with a boy that will cook, I am NOT going to be choosy when I get the chance to have someone cook for me! And I'm OK with it. I went so many years not eating any kind of meat, and then slowly turning to the poultry side, but dang, bacon is so good!

I love not to drive. I always thought I loved to drive and never minded being the driver, but then I dumped the loser boyfriend who had a million DUI's and sat back and enjoyed the ride! I take the bus and train all over, and it's very simple with m.trimet.org. And when we're going out somewhere, my roommates drive. And I'm pretty lucky because they all drive sticks, so if I were needed to drive, I still can't! I haven't been behind the wheel of a car in a month, and it's pretty much amazing. It also saves a TON of money. No gas (it's $3.15/gal here) and you really have to think and realize how important the things are that you need to go to Target for. You have to map out your ride, find $2 for the bus, try to make it back within two hours so you don't have to buy another ticket. So yeah, if you need a pair of tweezers to clean up your hairy eyebrows, they may just wait a couple more days until you can get a ride!

I like crowds. I never thought I liked being in the middle of crowds, or squished between people, but here I don't mind it. I've been given a fresh start and a clean slate. I only know about 8 people in this WHOLE city, all the other hundreds of thousand people don't know me. I don't stand out, I'm not being judged. Why not get in the middle of that crowd and cheer on the winning team and act like a fool??

I love mornings. The boys in the house are usually asleep until later, or not here. Back home I use to sleep until I absolutely had to get up and rush out the door to work. Now I get up early, without an alarm, eat my cereal (if I have milk), and catch up on the computer, or watch some TV. I just take my time to do things now. It's easy livin' I guess you could say!

I'm pretty sure all these discoveries are linked to each other, which in time will make me a better person. I do feel better about myself, and my healthier lifestyle, and I'm having a great time, even with the homesick-ness!

Brain Throw-Up

Culture- the quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc.

Today we're heading to the Portland Art Museum! This is something I've looked forward to from the time I had planned my visit out west.

Check it out for yourself!

R. Crumb has an exhibit on the book of Genesis and I've been dying to check it out. He's an interesting cat, and can be somewhat perverted in his twisted ways. In an interview, when asked about the serious approach he took to the book he responded, "the text itself is so lurid and barbaric, you don't have to alter the text, you can just illustrate as accurately as possible the text as it's written." Later he adds, "a lot of the Crumb fans were very disappointed because it wasn't this outrageous takeoff. I had no idea how they would take it. And you know, people ask me if there's been a lot of hostile reactions from religious people and I really haven't gotten much of that." So, it's Sunday, let's go look at the Bible in an art form!

Work has kicked my butt, in a good way! I didn't realize this is how busy a hair stylist should be. I'm glad I'm learning at such a young age, and not settling for less. My co-workers are very friendly and helpful. They make me feel right at home! And everyone definitely has a twin from Wilmington. I have the next couple days off, and as much as I would like to just rest the days away, summer is coming to an end soon and I've been told repeatedly that I should take advantage of these beautiful days. It's only been hovering around the 70's throughout the days, and sun-shiny! My ideal weather.

Music has been my drug lately. I almost panicked when my iPod died on my walk home last night! I've found a lot of salvation in the Avett Bros (back to them in a second), Joe Purdy, Notorious BIG, ALO, Rogue Wave, Pinback, Velvet Underground, Paul Simon, Sam Bush, Modest Mouse, and the Decemberists (both Portland natives!) I got a little home sick last night. I was outstretched on the couch in my jammies at 9:30, nerd glasses attached, reading a comic book and drinking a Molson Canadian, while my roommate was playing video games til his eyes bled (not really, just a saying I love from Charlie on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"), when I turned on Facebook and saw pictures filling my page with the Avett Brothers in Myrtle Beach! I temporarily got sad with the idea that I didn't get to go this year, even though last year, thanks to my bestie Megan, I made it. Still, it reminded me how I miss my NC bluegrass. Now I know all of  y'all are thinking "WHAT? You're going to have a ton of awesome bands come through Portland!", but, it's not only the music I need, but the good company.

My stomach ached with pain as I sent Cortney her nightly "i miss you" text after work. I longed for being able to call her up after work, meet up with each other, drive around aimlessly drinking Mocha Shakes (don't even get me started on those..) listening to the old school Nelly, or possibly Jay-Z Cd's, and laughing 'til we throw up. Yep. Those were the good Saturday nights! Just the idea of it being physically impossible hurts. I know it'll slowly stop hurting one of these days. Also, last night I realized how weird New Years Eve will be this year. While y'all are celebrating back home, it'll be 9 o'clock here. I'll probably just be walking in from work, depending on what night it is. That just seems weird. Watching Sleepless in Seattle last night reminded me of that fact.

So I know I use this song often, but it's my favorite. I recommend checking it out on iTunes.

"Some movie star told you this ain't where it's at.
So you packed your bags and one night you headed out.
Said, these small town blues got you going insane
gone into the city, gonna change your name.
And you never look back at where you came
swore you'll never be the same.
Do you miss me?
You're a big girl now, got your big shoes
and you're running around with big girl blues.
And I know you don't doubt yourself anymore
no, when you feel like leaving, walk out the door.
And I bet you ain't got nothin left to learn,
it's better that way cause you never get burned.
And you try not to think about what might have been
cause you know this town is just sink or swim.
Do you miss me?
Well the last time I say you were waving goodbye
from the back of the train with a tear in your eye.
Now I hear you're in love with some big city man
and together you're making your big city plans
and you hope he don't find out about who you are
that we used to catch fireflies in mason jars
and we used to go down to the county fair
and we listened to blue grass in summer air
and we danced all night as the rain came down
and you held my hand as we slept on the ground
and we wrote our names in the old oak wood
I guess some things don't work out like they should.
Do you miss me?"

Miss me. Joe Purdy.

I miss y'all and love y'all very much

Might As Well Get Comfy!

FINALLY made it to Target today to get some things to make my room feel more like a room, and less like a tent. I couldn't get some of the things I really wanted to pick up because I had to take a bus and train to get there..but one day. There's still so much I want to do with it (like get a bed), but, those things will also come soon! I thought I'd share some pictures due to everyone asking to see it. I have two regular closets on each side of my door to the hall, and then three smaller doors for more storage. My roommate's grandfather built this house and did an awesome job at using dead space for storage! I have a fabulous balcony off my room which is crying out HAMMOCK! or maybe a little bistro set? We'll have to see! I was going to make it into a little yoga studio for "yoga under the stars", but we all know a hammock would get used MUCH more use than yoga!

Desk with TV and pictures

Pick a door

Balcony

Futon/Bed. The iron makes me look domesticated.

Door going to the balcony. New wrinkled curtains.

Oh, and I invested in "black-out" curtains today. Totally in love. It's been hot up here for the past couple days and my room faces the east so there's a lot of sunshine coming through these windows. I love some sunshine, but not at 7 am. I highly recommend these, AND they're on sale at Target.
Tomorrow's my first day of work and I can't wait! I've already got my bags packed and ready to go. Wish me luck!

Mama said they'll be days like this..

So it finally happened. What I thought would've happened by now if it was going to happen at all. I figured since it hadn't yet, that I was OK.

Yup, I'm homesick.

It all started while I was flipping through pictures last night and deleting a few which included a certain face I never want to see again in my life. Nope, I'm not bitter, I just have so many awful memories with a certain someone, so bad to where their picture makes me cringe and check my phone's security setting to make sure my number is still unreachable.

As I was deleting these pictures, I ran into thousands of pictures of my closest friends, some of my favorite Wilmington spots, my family, and of course, Ethan. I shut my laptop, swallowed my emotions, and enjoyed a nice dinner that was cooked for me!

Today didn't get easier though. I don't start my job until Tuesday so I still have quite some time off until my first day. The past few days when I've gone out through the town I've pooped myself out and spent probably too much money for a non-working gal, so I've decided to stay around the house as much as possible. I'm not sure how I forgot, but around 4 my time I realized it was turning into a beautiful Friday evening and I had no plans. Nothing to do, no one to do anything with, and not really any easy transportation to get there. It kinda blew. So I grabbed my phone and called up friends back home and pretended like I wasn't 3000 miles away. After a ton of laughs and some juicy gossip, I felt better. Tomorrow will feel much better also. Kelly and I are going to have some quality girl time down at the Saturday Market, and hopefully hit up the Buffalo Exchange. I could use some new, yet used, clothes and shoes! Maybe even some fab jewelry and indulge in some delicious local food. The sun WILL come out tomorrow, and I have to say, Mama said they'll be days like this.

She works hard for her money

So this "vacation" lifestyle will be coming to an end next week, THANK GOD! I can't help but feel useless and a bit bored, while my roommates and friends are off at their 9-5's. I just landed my job at Dosha Salon in the Hawthorne District. I was told on a phone interview about 8 weeks ago that my energy was appreciated and I had the job, but sometimes things change in that amount of time, especially in this industry! BUT, things were great, I filed my paperwork and will be starting my new job next week. 

Check out my new second home!

Dosha Salon

Also, along with that, I forgot to mention the other day that I passed my Oregon Cosmetology Certification! Which means I'll be able to work at my new job legally.

Thank you for all your support and encouragement through all these milestones! I miss home like mad, but I'm very thankful for amazing friends, a roof over my head, and a job to keep me a busy girl.

Mountain (Wo)Man

Well I survived! Almost a whole 48 hours in the woods up towards Mt. Hood. I have to admit, I had a GREAT time! When asked "If we were in Wilmington right now (at 8pm last night) what would we be doing?", my response made me realize how bored I was back home. "Hm, probably taking a nap so I could get rested for a night downtown at the same bar with the same crowds of people in those bars". But instead, I was in the woods 12 miles (yes, 12) up a mountain with not a light in sight. I couldn't believe how beautiful the stars were on the first night. Billions and billions of beautiful, free, natural light. When you look out to the distance, past the hills and the valleys, I was told was about 100 mi away, you could see hundreds of windmills lighting up the sky with their blinking red lights. Being the only gal with about 8 guys, there was the typical guy talk while snuggled around the campfire with a cool chill coming off Black Lake. Also during this wonderful weekend, I took a big step in my "wild west ways"...I learned how to shoot a gun! And, I did pretty well if I could say so myself. My mom can't get over that she kept me away from guns in our home all my life, and not even a week into moving here I'm learning how to shoot one! That Rainier can didn't stand a chance!

This weekend definitely taught me to love Mother Nature, bask in her beautiful glory while it's there, learn how to pack for a camping trip, and to never underestimate a shower! Also, guns can be dangerous.

Tomorrow I'm meeting with my new job to do some official business and talk with some important people. I will keep y'all updated with the process!

I Made It!!

After a whole lot of traveling, a dirty hotel room with a box of pizza, and a 4 am morning to only travel some more for a few hours, I made it to Portland! I had a beautiful train trip on the Amtrak and was very ready to get "home"! I walked though the gates off the train and saw Kelly and Greg, and all the butterflies went away! The weather was beautiful and the city was shining. My heart melted while staring up at the buildings, riding with the windows down, chatting with friends I haven't seen in almost 2 years. Although it's been so long, I feel like we haven't missed a day of seeing eachother. It just feels like we ALWAYS go to Hawthorne Blvd to have lunch, and that walking through the Rose Garden is so normal. My heart tells me I belong here. My friends tell me I belong here.


Yesterday after I arrived, Kelly, Greg, and I stopped by the Rose Garden to get the city view. It was breathtaking to see "my new city". Also, I wish I could share with you what the fragrance of HUNDREDS of rose bushes smell like. Every flower different from the next...it was just remarkable. Later we went to the Hawthorne District to grab lunch and catch up. We sat outside and enjoyed the 70 degrees and sunny skies atmosphere! Plus, people watching is amazing out here. After, Kelly brought me to my new house to unload my bags. It looked just like I remembered and was very proud of how clean the boys have it! Spencer, one of my roommates, was here. We got to catch up for a little bit and then Kelly and I made a Target run for things I remembered I needed. We ended our day together at the Kennedy School. So far, one of my favorite places around. Google it, I can't describe how neat it is! Later, I came back home to unpack and get settled when Jackson (my other roommate) finally got home from work. We all ate pizza, joked around, and watched tv, as if I've always been here. It was a great, comfortable feeling. I feel like I fit right in!


Today I woke up VERY early from the time change. My body still thinks I'm on Eastern Time. I walked down to the local bakery. It's about a 20 minute walk one way and was worth every minute. No longer will I be buying my bread from Target! The walk allowed to me to catch up with my mama and daddy and Cortney. I was able to wear a comfy sweater and jeans because it was 60 degrees out with NO humidity! It's nice to be able to take your time and not have to fight the hustle and bustle (I can still say this while I'm job-less for the next few days!) Later, Kelly and I went on a hike to Forest Park. It's HUGE. I was pretty sure I was going to have a heart attack walking up the steep climb, as she's almost running it, but it was worth it. The view of the trees and the green life, ah. It was absolutely breath-taking. The walk down was much easier, but my thighs will hate me for the next few days. We went to the Alberta District and had a very yummy lunch. I swear they have the best food out here! After walking around a little she brought me back home where I'm working on a much needed nap! Just wanted to update y'all that I finally made it safe and sound, and thanks for all your support! I couldn't have made this big girl step all by myself.

A view from the top higher than the ground!

Very tall pines

Decisions, Decisions!

On Wednesday, June 2, 2010, a couple weeks after planning a trip to the Northwest, I had a crazy idea of changing my trip to one way. That "crazy" idea was quickly changed into a final decision after a hard long talk with my daddy, some of my closest friends, and my future roommate. I've never looked back since and everything has worked itself out to prove to me that I belong in Portland, OR!

I've lived in the Wilmington, NC area all my life. Born in Wilmington, grew up in Leland, worked and played in Wilmington while living with my parents in Riegelwood. It's a small place but it's where I will always call home.

Cape Fear River

Tomorrow afternoon at 12:15 I, along with a few belongings and a TON of memories will start my journey out west to my new home in Portland. I'm nevous, I'm excited, I'm hopeful, and lastly, I'm proud. Ever since I visited in 2008 I knew I wanted to spend more than four days there. When asked if I would ever move there I always responded with "I couldn't..." or "that's crazy talk. It's 3000 mi away!" But when I finally sat down and re-evaulated my life and what's come of it, the "crazy talk" became a little more and more stable. Since I've decided to move I have never been asked "Why?" so much! Growing tired of explaing my life story I've broken it down to "Why Not?" Seriously! WHY NOT?? I'm not getting any younger, I'm a single 24 year old female with no kids, a great resume, and some pretty awesome friends out west. I've been given a roof over my head, a job at my hands, and a whole city to open my mind even wider and my heart even larger. I give everything to everyone, it's time I give to myself. New adventures and lessons await me.

Mt Hood

I've never been a tech-savvy person so blogs seemed so weird and personal for such a long time, but after the amount of "e-mail me every week!" responses I've had, I figured this was a good way to keep such an awesome group of family, friends, and clients updated with my adventure! I hope to see y'all soon.