The Portlandite Is Moving To.......Georgia??

Wow, oh wow.
You know how they say that a good opportunity never just falls into your lap? Well in this one instance it sure does seem like that is exactly what happened.
While I did put effort in after the fact, I did not seek this out.
Back in August a series of events was unleashed when my current company decided to consolidate my department with our sister companies and was going to move us all to Seattle.
Long story short, a contact at a different company got a hold of me after he heard the news and asked if I was open to hearing about a job from their company. I thought about it and decided that wouldn't hurt to see what they had to offer..
8 months later an official offer has been made and it was too good to pass up.

I think that situations such as this go to show that in this current job market it is more about your connections and your reputation in the industry than anything. While I did need my degree to be seriously considered, I think it would have been highly likely for me to have been overlooked if I didn't have people on the inside.

So now here I sit, in my townhouse in Washington State, hoping that the East Coast will be as good to me as the West Coast has been. You cannot grow without change and without risk there generally is no reward.

Here is to new adventures! In Georgia!!

The perfect fragrance for me

I know that I probably shouldn't have, but I decided to splurge and purchased a small bottle of Chanel no 5 from Macy's yesterday. It was quite spendy, but I really like the smell! And I love the idea that it is the same fragrance as what was worn back in the 1930s. There were so many different fragrances to chose from (most of which were less than desirable) but I kept coming back to the one I sprayed on myself for the first time one evening while exploring Waikiki beach late at night. The mall was about to close and we were on our way down the escalator when I saw we were going to pass an enormous bottle of Chanel no 5 on the way out the door. I had always been curious about the scent (it has so much history!) so I sprayed it on myself before we made our way out to the sidewalk.
Sitting at my desk, inhaling the scent now, brings me back to that night, walking barefoot on the beach under the stars, letting the waves lap at my ankles, walking all the way down to the hotel we could have stayed at at a fraction of the cost if only I would have checked out the employee discounts website before we left, washing my feet off in a sprinkler and trying to dry them on the Hawaiian grass, only to put them right back in the water again on the way back. Most of all it brings me back to a time when I felt very loved, laughing as we tried to not get wet when running from one boardwalk to another, lounging in the soft sand under the stars, holding hands as the gentle waves broke all around us. It was a great night, and I'm glad that I decided to go ahead and spurge on the bottle (even if I had to pay full price)… I knew I wouldn't be happy with anything but :)

The Oregon Gardens and Silver Falls

With everything that has been going on over the past month we decided that we really (and I mean really) needed some time away. So when we got the opportunity to go down to Silverton (in Oregon) for the night we packed our bags and hit the road without a second thought (ok, so maybe there was a few second thoughts, especially since we are trying to save money right now, but this deal was too good to pass up!).

View of Lower South Falls at Silver Falls State Park, just outside of Silverton, OR

After some minor traffic on the way down (and a stop at a Burger King ONLY for someone to use the bathroom), we were on our way up the hillside to the Oregon Garden Resort. The package that we reserved with them included dinner for two in their garden view resturant, a bottle of wine, free entrance to the Oregon Gardens, a breakfast buffet in the morning and a room in their 3 year old hotel. It included all this for only $79! This sounds a little too good to be true to me too, so we were rather skeptical before we got there that A) The room would be horrible, B) Dinner would be subpar and/or C) We wouldn't be getting a whole bottle of wine.
Come to find out it was much better than expected.
Its funny what $80 can get you in small towns that people don't really know about. Our $80 got us a room nicer and more comfortable than a $150 room in Waikiki. We walked into our king room and found vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace, new (and quite cute) furnishings, nice tile work in the bathroom and the entryway and a nice television. It was great. We went from there to dinner and was informed that we would be able to order anything off the menu and had a selection of 4 different wines to choose from. He ordered the salmon and I had a cheese pasta dish; our dinner came to over $70 and all we had to pay for was the tip! After dinner we explored the gardens (which, honestly, were a little lacking.. maybe its just me, but I see daisies, mums and carnations everywhere! I find the Portland Rose Gardens to be much more interesting) and then called it a night.
We were up at 9am, had breakfast and headed over to Silver Falls State Park, maybe 15 minutes away. I had never been to this park, but I have a friend that used to live in the area and I remember her mentioning this area and I have always wanted to explore the area. After getting there, we looked at the map and decided to give the 7 mile loop a go (even though it said it was supposed to take 5 hours). Waterfall, after waterfall, I found myself feeling quite blessed for getting to grow up in this part of the country. It was gorgeous!
There were huckleberries EVERYWHERE and even though we didn't come fully prepared for this long of a hike, I was able to stave off my hunger with hand fulls of these little berries (that's right, I was getting hand fulls at a time!).
I don't know what they used as a base for the 5 hour time frame, but we were done in a little over 3 hours and after getting a little discombobulated when we got back to the south falls parking lots (and consequently added another mile or so to the 7 mile loop) we were back in the car and headed back to reality.

Its nice to know even with everything that is going on, I know that in the end I really don't have anything to worry about. Job, no job, crappy job, great job... when it comes down to it I have love and support and that will get me through any hard times I may have :)

A crazy Portland law? Or just a meter maid having a bad day?

I went to the Pearl District on my lunch today to pick up a couple of books from Powell’s that I have been wanting (one on candle making and one by Joyce Maynard called "At Home in the World"). After dropping the books off at my car I decided to duck into Peet’s for a small latte. Maybe ten minutes later I was sliding back into the driver seat, latte in hand. After making room for it in the cup holder, I started the engine, took the parking receipt off the window and proceeded to read a text message before I drove out on the street.
Halfway through the message I hear a knock on my passenger side window.
I look up and see a grumpy looking man with a hand held ticket generator signaling me to roll down my window.
Being the natural cynic I am, I look him up and down to make sure he isn't another bum begging for money, or someone from green peace asking me to save a child in Somalia or something. The sew-on semi-police looking badge on his jacket gave him a little credibility (but not much), so I opened the window a crack and asked him what the problem was.
He alerted me to who he was (a meter maid) and proceeded to write me a ticket.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm about to leave" I say while holding up the $0.80 sticker the auto-pay machine gave me for 30 minutes of time. According to my receipt there was still a good ten minutes left that I could park there without issue.
He gave me a look of disgust.
"For your information, since you failed to leave the curb I could give you a ticket in the amount of $40 for not displaying your parking ticket. $40".
"But I just got back to my car" I said. Holding up my phone I say "I was just reading a message before heading out".
"You are not allowed to simply sit at the curb for any amount of time no matter what you are doing" he says, haughtily.
It is my natural instinct to argue with idiots. Like the city would really rather me read a text on the street, or would give me a ticket right after I pull into the spot while I was rustling around the car for $0.75 to plug into the machine. Reaaaaally. But since he stopped writing the ticket I decided to just play along with his little power trip and said "I'm sorry, it won't happen again". What I really wanted to do was tell him how ridiculous he sounded and drive away, but since the smugness in the air was thick enough to choke a person I knew that going down that route would probably end with me in court fighting a now $160 ticket since by the time I would have actually gotten notice of payment due it would have been too late to pay the original amount. No, by then it would have quadrupled, because somehow the system justifies this. Best to just play nice, I think. I gave him my most sincere smile and he went away.

I realize that to the city, parking tickets are a major form of revenue. Meter maids, or whatever the politically correct term for them is nowadays, are like sharks, waiting to bite as soon as you get into the water without the proper protection. Is it really too much to ask for a little grace period? A little common sense?? It's one dollar and sixty cents an hour to park on the street in downtown Portland, yet I can get a ticket for 34 times that amount for not having the sticker on the window of a running car while I am sitting at the wheel? Maybe its just me, but this seems more than a little off. Its downright wrong.

How many times am I going to have to make this decision?

Seattle.

For some reason, this city has been calling out to me for the past 5 or more years, but each and every time I eventually decide that Portland is the place for me. Well, here we go again, only this time it seems that I am being physically catapulted in its direction. I either go up there for some sort of guarantee, or stay down here with possibly nothing. Do I really want to leave my family, my neighborhood, my place that I am finally in love with? Luckily for me my immediate family would come with me.. but my network would stay here. My town would stay here. Other than that though, I have nothing here that won't be there..

I don't have to make a decision until January, but the indecision is driving me close to batty.

*sigh*

Back to Hawaii

Yes, you heard that right. I am going BACK to the islands! You would think that all my visits there would make me want to venture elsewhere but when it comes down to it, I am a beach girl and there are no better beaches in the USA than what are found in the middle of the Pacific on the Hawaiian Islands.
This trip we are going to explore Oahu. And while, honestly, the idea of going to the Island that holds one of the largest cities in the states really doesn't sound like my idea of relaxation; I have to go to this island at least once. Who knows what adventures are awaiting us, all I know is I cannot wait!

Starbucks Via: Surprisingly Tasty

Have you ever tried the Starbucks Via? I ran out of coffee in here the other day and had a three pack that I got as a free sample back when they first started marketing it stashed away in my desk in case of emergencies... well, my running out of coffee was very easily deemed an emergency so I got one out and tried it.
When I tried the sample at Starbucks I thought it was disgusting; it tasted bitter and burnt. I think, however, that has to do with the fact that according to the directions you need the entire packet for one cup of coffee.
This is wrong.
I only put about a third of it into my cup and I came away with a surprisingly delicious cup of coffee! So good in fact that instead of making it a point to go out and get more coffee grounds for my french press, I have been happy to use what I have left of the Via before going out of my way and getting myself into a respectable coffee shop to pick up some more coffee beans.
Mmm.
Thank you Via for making my morning a happy one :)

I was saved... from myself.

Sorta
For my birthday I received a brand new bicycle from my wonderful boyfriend. While I had been wanting and thus hinting about wanting one for what seems like AGES (ok, so maybe a month or so) I was truly surprised when I was allowed into the house on my birthday to find a nice blue bike with a huge red bow in the middle of the living room.
Now I am not normally one to look a gift horse in the mouth (because horses come bearing gifts, right?) but while it was a great gift, it wasn't exactly the type of bike I wanted. He could tell and instantly said that we could take it back and get me the bike of my choosing (have I mentioned what a lucky girl I am to have him??). So the search began!
Since the bike I really wanted was a little out of the price range he wanted to spend (Giant, Trek, Fisher... Etc) I decided to check out some of the used options in the area. After about a day or so I stumbled upon a bike shop in Portland that will remain nameless that had a list of the bikes they had for sale online. There it was, the perfect bike for only $175. Since the store was closed and I had to work the next day I decided to head over to the store to purchase it during my lunch break. Well, I wasn't able to leave at my normal time and after getting stuck in traffic in 100+ degree heat let us just say I was a little aggravated by the time I arrived at the store. But I got there! And there it was! And there was the woman that got there not 10 minutes before
me purchasing said bike!
Since this just seems to be the way things have been going for me of late (just yesterday I call on a house for rent not 2 hours after its posted online, am the 10th person to call and thus don't even get a chance to look at it let alone put in an application) it was safe to say I was a little upset. I actually contemplated asking the guy at the counter if he would give it to me if I paid $200, but sadly, due to all my previous defeats when it comes to things like this, I threw in the towel pretty quickly. After a quick glance over their remaining inventory I decided to chalk my trip to Sellwood up as a pure waste of time (not to mention my sacred lunch break) and I headed back to work.
As fortune would have it, I decided to check Craigslist to see if they had anything new and I just happened upon an ad for not one, but TWO Giant bicycles that were basically brand new that was just put up. I emailed the guy back and forth for a couple of hours and when he got home he sent me pictures of the two bikes I was sold. We got there about 30 minutes later and I was ready to take the bikes home then and there. Brandon got the job of bartering the price down
a bit (which he did perfectly) and then we had the fun task of getting two full size bikes into the back of a Toyota Corolla that doesn't yet have a bike rack (it was actually pretty easy with these bikes since both the wheels have easy disconnect joints). But it happened, and now we have matching Giant bicycles that are the perfect color, the perfect size for both of us and can do
everything that we want them to do and more. I know I wouldn't have been as happy if I would have been allowed to purchase the bike from the bike shop. Who says things don't happen for a reason?

Oh, by the way

My 29th birthday is in a little over a week.

Each year that goes by I get to look over the list of things that I have yet to do. And so far this year I have yet to do anything productive at all. In the past I would always have at least an idea of which way to go to get to my destination. This time, however, I don't even know where it is I'm actually going.

As if I don't get enough office time at work

I have a new obsession. No, it has nothing to do with the World Cup, Camping or anything to do with a Vuvuzela. I have been watching The Office! A couple of weeks ago I bought season two off of Ebay for $7 (sold it about a week later for $10) and decided that I wanted to watch the entire series. Since I have issues with signing up for Netflix (I don't want to feel pressured into watching movies, I would rather just rent out of the Redbox) I decided to buy season one through five off of Ebay (to sell back for a profit later of course). It got here a few days ago and lets just say that my entertainment of late has been rather predictable.

I have watched random episodes here and there, but it's much more enjoyable to watch from start to finish and to actually understand the running jokes that are sprinkled throughout.

Hey, when it rains more in the month of June than it did in April and May combined I think its fair to say that I need something entertaining to do inside!

Wisdom Which Withstands the Test of Time

I have been reading Truman Capotes "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (which, btw, every time I glance at the cover the song by Jackie O starts running through my head.. "And I say, what about Breakfast at Tiffany's? You say, I think I remember the film and as I recall I think, we both kinda like it, and I say well that's the one thing we got")

But anyways, I picked up this book not because of its iconic status, but because the time period it's set in and the writing style genuinely intrigued me. For those of you who doesn't know (and no, seeing the film does not constitute knowing the story according to many different reviewers; I have yet to see the film myself, but this is hardly surprising) this story revolves around 20 year old Holly Golightly, a chic, well dressed socialite who is trying to find a place to call home and the narrator, her neighbor, who against his better judgment falls in love with her. Holly has been running her whole life, from Texas to Hollywood to New York and so on. At one point in the book she was explaining to the narrator why her husband (and seemingly unbeknownst to her, himself) was foolish for expecting her to stay with him.

"If you let yourself love a wild thing. You'll end up looking at the sky"

This quote struck me so deeply I had to stop and read it again. It is spot on; a person cannot truly tame a wild animal. Do you not think the lion in a circus would not run free if given the opportunity? Why then do we think that we can do the same to human nature? If a person is not ready to be "tamed" are they not going to be watching for the very moment they can run out the unguarded door?

Need. To. Find. Inspiration.

I feel like writing, but I don't know what to write about. I figured if I was to get the "pen to the paper" or, in the more 21st century way of life, put my fingers to the keyboard, genius literature would follow. Thus far, this doesn't seem to be the case. Sigh.

I WON I WON I WON!

One point five million dollars coming my way? All I have to do is send them $120 for an insurance fee?? Count me in!

The Federal Inland Revenue Service of Nigeria (FIRS) wishes to inform you that your parcel containing a Cashier's Cheque of $1,500,000 which was issued and ready to be paid in your name has been in our custody as it was withheld from the Courier Agencies wanting to manipulate the delivery of the cheque and for the unforeseen delay it has gone through before we intervene.

From the information we gathered, the cheque was authentic and cashable by you alone being the beneficiary of the allocated sum. To further enable us clarify and convey your check immediately, we advice you contact and acquaint us with the following information's immediately;

Name:
Full Residential Address:
Telephone Number:

The above information should be forward to us through the Officer in charge as stated below;

Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
Ben Williams
Email: ben.williams@secretarias.com
Tel: +23470-6651-3344

Meanwhile, the shipment of the check has been paid and will be processed
immediately we hear from you but it is very important we settle the Insurance fee of the check which is $120. The Insurance company will not release the parcel for shipment until this has been done. You will have to send the $120 to Mr. Ben to enable him settle the Insurance fee and immediately certify the shipment of the parcel containing your parcel through DHL.

We advice to do as instructed so as to enable us convey your check.
The fact that these emails are still circulating means that people are actually falling for this sort of thing. Amazing.

A Made In Oregon Opportunity

I participated in the Grand Floral Walk today and while I was walking across the Burnside bridge on the beautiful day that was today I decided to snap a picture that I have been wanting to take for Years! But I typically think of taking the picture when I am driving across the bridge; when do I ever have the opportunity to stop in the middle of the street and take the perfect picture?

Now if only I could photoshop out that "for lease" sign it would be perfect.

When in Doubt, Break Out the Pro/Con List.

We are thinking about moving into a house in Battle Ground. The first time I went and saw the place solo I couldn't wait to leave.. but then when Brandon was there with me he was able to sell me on the place. Now we are both doubting whether we will be happy there, but don't want to pass up on a potentially great opportunity without first thinking it through.

Pro:
House, almost an acre of yard, 2 car garage, chicken coop, Ethan will have a yard to play in, we won't have to tip toe inside, no one above or beside us for us to hear day in and day out, dog run, my dog will be able to play outside more often, creek in the back yard, river within walking distance, I can have a real garden (veggies and flower beds), inside was completely redone in 2006, have been told if we want to do any improvements on the property they would provide the materials at no cost to us (paint, landscaping, etc), low rent which will save us both quite a lot of money ($4200/yr for just me), outside of city limits so burning is allowed, there is a fire pit which Brandon is in love with, His commute goes down to 7 minutes, but he is looking for a new job so that could possibly only be a temporary improvement
(17 items)

Con:
Small (900 sq ft), only one bathroom, bedrooms are small, paint chipping from the outside, looks very old, the garage looks as if it is very unstable (we wouldn't be parking cars inside, instead it would be used for storage), no neighbors, very isolated, creepy in the evenings, ground level which causes me to lose the sense of security I have in my second level apartment, increased commute to work (in Portland) for me, 4 other applicants already and at $80 for us to apply for the place it could end up being all for naught anyways, floor plan less than desirable (but I know you get what you pay for), Ethan will have to change school districts, may end up paying more for after school care which will eat into the savings
(15 items)

Ok so from really looking over the list I like the location, the price and the benefits that come with living in a house, but I don't really like how isolated it is and the house in itself. If we move into a nicer house though, how will we ever be able to actually save the money needed to get a house of our own? I guess when it comes down to it, its either go to a place like that or just stay in the apartment for another year or two..
Decisions.

The Best Blueberry Muffin Recipe EVER.

Yes, Ever!

I made these on Saturday night and come Monday morning all 24 of them had mysteriously vanished (and no, they were not fed to the dog or somehow made their way to the trash can)

I took the recipe from Food Network and tweaked it a bit to make it my own.

• 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, at room temperature
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup nonfat half and half
• 2 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp basking soda
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 cup blueberries (if using frozen blueberries do not thaw)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Add cupcake liners to the pan.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (at least 3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time while mixing. Add sour cream, milk and half and half and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the dry mixture to the batter and mix well. Fold blueberries into the mix being careful not to over stir.

Fill cupcake liners until 2/3 full.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean.

Makes approx 24 muffins.

One thing I did learn by making these... if you are going to tell your coworkers all about how wonderful they are, make sure to bring some in and share :)

Where did I lose my way?

I went to school with a dream. A dream that with my education would come with a good job. A job that could get me the things I need from life. It would be interesting, challenging; something that required my degree and would make a difference.

I graduated.

As I look around, nothing has changed. There is nothing I can really do with my degree and I feel a bit duped. Education is supposed to open doors! Instead, I'm laden with debt and working in a position that doesn't even require a degree.

All that hard work and dedication for this?

...

My Choice of a Plane Read: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

This past weekend I found myself with a four hour round trip plane trip in front of me. Now, either I could sleep on the plane, make conversation with my unknown neighbors, twiddle my thumbs or read a book. After much deliberation I chose to bring a book. Those of you who known me know that I have plenty of unread books on my bookcase to chose from for situations such as this (I am what is known as a bookaholic), but I live for reasons to go to the bookstore so off I went in search of an exciting read. I must admit, I did my homework beforehand and had a pretty good idea of what I was going to get, so I walked over to the fiction section and scanned the authors last names.
... A... C.... H...
Nope, have to go around the corner..
....J..... K.. L
There it was, the first book in Stieg Larsson's Millenim series.

If I would have known that the literal translation of the Swedish title was actually "Men who Hate Women" I probably would have never picked up this book in the first place, but since it was cleverly named "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" I picked it up and gave it a chance. I must say, not what I was expecting at all, but very well written and gripping nonetheless. What initially starts out as an investigative reporter working on a very cold murder case turns into something I would have never imagined. Filled with twists and turns, suspect after suspect and lets not forget drama, I was not able to put the book down!*

Admittedly, it was a little dry to start out with, but after the set up, the introductions and all the back ground was out of the way, the meat of the story did not disappoint. If you like gritty crime dramas that do not hold back, I would recommend this book for you.
Now, I need to find someplace else to fly off to so I can get started on the second book!
__________________


*On the plane, off the plane, by the pool, when I got back home. Clearly, I became addicted.

Pure as Snow

Vision is not reserved for the eyes alone.

For anything to be seen it must first be accepted.

Where else but here?

Where else can I pay almost $900 a month to listen to elephants frolicking upstairs, a guy with a baby who likes to scream in a megaphone pointed towards my wall on one side and a couple with surround sound rival any Dolby digital system at the cinema on the other. Not to mention people downstairs that like to slam their door like they are keeping the beat to a heavy metal marathon?

Oh thats right, my place.