Love/Hate Relationship

No, this is not about boys. You'll have to wait on that one. So I've been in Portland for little over a month now and I realized today that it really is a love/hate relationship. Maybe that will change later down the road, but here's why:

I love how green it is here.

I hate that it rains so much.

I love that there are dudes to pump your gas for you.

I hate that you can't talk on your phone while driving.

I love that's there's no sales tax.

I hate the traffic.

I love happy hour food.

I hate that you have to buy a soda (or alcoholic beverage...you don't have to worry about me...) to be able to order the happy hour food.

I love the rolling hills here in the city.

I hate the layout of the city - so many twists and turns.

I love the granola-ness of the city.

I hate having 4 different trash cans.

Portland Day 11 - Rain and Shine

A day of milestones.......

I survived my first official day of PA school! Seven hours of Genetics with the same teacher in the same classroom. After that I came home with a smashing headache, but I absolutely loved it. It's gonna take some getting used to.... bring it on!

Today was the first day I actually used my umbrella. I mean, I could have easily used it before but just haven't whipped it out yet. I've been told that true Portlanders don't use umbrellas. It's either deal with it and get wet or use a raincoat. Well, I don't like either of those options so I'll stick to my umbrella for now and stick out like a sore thumb.

Also, I got my first mail in the new place today. And we're talking good mail, not bills. Now I'm just waiting for you to send me your package. Yes, YOU! You better get on that cause I'm waiting..........................

Happy Memorial Day

There are many people to remember on this day, including the thousands of people who have served our country and kept it free and safe. I will forever be indebted to them and for them I am extremely grateful. Today, however, I would like to remember and honor all of my grandparents who have since passed on to a greater and better place. I am so grateful for them and the influence they have been to me and without them and their guiding influence, both directly and indirectly, I would not be the person I am today.

My Grandma Anderson was an amazing and optimistic person. I don't think I ever heard her say anything negative ever. She always wanted the best for us and would call us out if we were being ornery. I will always remember summer vacations to Grandma's house and the good times we had together.

I was never able to meet my Grandpa Anderson as he passed away before I was born, but I can imagine the kind of person he was from my own father, my grandmother, and aunt and uncle. They wouldn't be who they are without him. He served honorably in WWII and was part of the Rainbow Division to liberate the Dachau concentration camp in Germany. I know he is still serving honorably.

My Grandma Gerlitz was such a sweet and strong-willed person. She was quick witted and when she said something funny would crack her smile. She came down to AZ a few times to stay for the winters and I loved having her so close by. She was an extremely healthy person always taking her vitamins and herbs. I want to follow in her footsteps - I already take a handful of vitamins every day! I'm well on my way. She was always interested to know about us kids and help in any way possible.

I don't remember my Grandpa Gerlitz very well, as he passed away when I was younger, but I do remember visiting him a time or two in Sacramento. Can you see where I get my sense of adventure? He was also a teacher so I can thank him for my good presentational skills.

I've been extremely blessed with wonderful grandparents whom I love dearly and consequently wonderful parents. Thank you for being who you are! I hope to be half of what they have been to me to my own posterity.

Portland Day 10 - Occasional bursts of sun

My roommates and I hiked to the top of Multnomah Falls, a 1 mile hike with about 11 painful switchbacks going up. Kind of reminded me of hiking the Y, except that one's a lot tougher and a lot longer I feel like. There was a gorgeous view from the top, overlooking the Columbia River, with Washington on the other side. Beautiful falls.

We felt like we were in a jungle of sorts with all the vegetation and greenery so we had a little together with some friends tonight with dinner, dessert and the movie Jurassic Park to end the day.

My New House

13080. My new house number. Well, it's actually a duplex, but I love it! It's HUGE. A lot bigger than anywhere I've ever lived. It's fabulous and in a very nice neighborhood. It's also located in a cul-de-sac so there is no through traffic. Thought I'd give you guys a tour.....

And here's the view from the front porch.