The First Thanksgiving

This holiday season, Rob and I decided to prioritize the travel budget to take three weeks off for Christmas. We'll be headed home on Dec. 22 and leaving back to PDX on Jan. 5, so mark your calendars.

However, this meant our first Portland Thanksgiving with just the two of us. This might sound sad to some, but we were actually really looking forward to a quiet Thanksgiving without any traveling, and this year did not disappoint. I made a full spread -- 12 lb. turkey, cheesy mashed potatoes, the famous Shultz-Mahlendorf squash casserole, green beans and kale, sweet potato casserole, ginger cake for dessert and two different kinds of cranberry sauce. Not only was it a complete culinary success, but we had plenty of time to lounge and generally enjoy each other's company. We even started the day with a great 10K in Sherwood that supports the Oregon food bank.

We'll be eating delicious leftovers for days.

The whole weekend has been fabulous. We picked out a gorgeous Christmas Tree -- 7+ feet for less than $20. I love Oregon. We even finished decorating the apartment, which isn't much of a challenge since it is only 2 bedrooms. We lit a fire and some candles, put on the Christmas music and hung up the lights. It couldn't have been more fun or more festive.

This is what happens when you must stop for bubble tea after a Christmas tree has been tied to your car.

We spent Saturday with a friend and her family who were kind enough to show Rob and me around Oregon wine country. We tasted some incredible Pinot Noir, which Oregon is known for, and I may have even picked up a present or two. The 2006 from De Ponte Cellars was the best wine we tasted all day -- and I don't even like red wine!

Finally, here are some long awaited photos of the new apartments. We've been slow to put these up so I apologize. Enjoy!!

Pacific Northwest Romance

Before we moved to Oregon, I could probably count on my two hands how many sunrises I'd seen in my life. Living in Portland, I've now seen three this week. It is quite an adjustment that I wasn't expecting -- as I noted in an earlier post.

Sunrise on Kauai, Summer '09 -- We actually sought this out

I was considering purchasing an alarm clock that wakes you up with the gentle increase of UV simulating light. But I don't need one, because I have Robert, who even though he may be a-typically romantic, is still very romantic. This morning when my alarm clock went off, Rob got out of bed and started quietly turning on lights around me. First he lit the living room so just a little light hit my face, still in bed with my eyes closed. Then he turned on the bathroom light, then the closet and finally my bedside lamp.

Oddly, I can feel the difference in my mood this morning. I don't know if that is because I woke up more naturally or because I have the best boyfriend ever.

Things I don't love about Portland

As we get more and more settled in our new place (which, BTW, we're planning on providing pictures of in short order -- but I need to finish a painting first), I fall more and more in love with Portland. I even started my own hashtag on Twitter! (#reasonsiloveportland) Be sure to use it now before it catches on en masse. It is even better than I imagined. The city is beautiful, fun and unique. I find myself making daily lists of all the things I still really want to do - new coffee shops, bookstores and farmer's markets to visit. We practically live in Forrest Park - which has more hikes and trails than I know what to do with. And now we actually have a FALL!! The view from our bedroom window is like a painting filled with green, pink, red, orange and yellow leaves.


There is one thing that I've discovered I hate about living in Portland -- and that is waking up at 7 a.m. and feeling like it is the middle of the night. In Los Angeles we literally woke up to the sunshine. Now, we wake up and it looks the same outside as it did at 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. the night before. It also doesn't help that it is cold, but I think I could deal with that if wasn't so dark outside.

To top it off, the time change is this weekend. I'm looking in to buying a sunrise simulating alarm clock. Let me know if any Pacific Northwest folk have tips for adjusting.

We're finally here

If moving to Portland has taught me one thing, it is that I am a really bad blogger. I stopped documenting the move at the most mission critical time! That is just what happens when you have too much going on. It has been completely insane. I can't believe that it has been just a little more than a week since we first arrived in Portland. It feels like we've been here for much longer.

I'll give you a quick synethesis of the past week so we can start looking forward:

We packed the U-haul, truck and prius until 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday. We slept for three hours and got up to pack some more. It was a fun couple of days. I do have to say that Robert is the most perfect, burly, manly man packer in ther world. He managed to fit everything and didn't even ask me to move the refrigerator.

We drove home to Visalia Wednesday morning and had a great last two days with the family. Rob's mom cooked us an amazing going-away dinner, and I spent all Thursday afternoon painting ceramics with my neices. It was perfect.

Then Friday morning my parents, Rob and I left for Portland at 5 a.m. The drive was long and rough. We did discover that we won't be taking any road trips back to visit the parents any time soon. Once we got to PDX at 9:30 p.m., I took a look at the apartment and kind of freaked out. It wasn't at all like what we looked at when we visited in April, nor was it up to snuff in general. The microwave wasn't installed, it was missing blinds, there were no burners on the stove. In short, it was a hot mess. So we didn't unpack that night, and slept on the ground in our disappointing apartment. The next morning we talked to the leasing office and they upgraded us to a MUCH better apartment on the second floor, and we're really happy.

We had a couple of great meals and some good bonding time with the parents before they left. Then work started.

It has been an INSANE week. I'm just starting to get some rest. We bought a couch and I need to stop blogging right now so I can organize my closet. I will really try to keep up more with the blogging.

It is a little overwhelming, but we love it so far. We even went for our very first hike today. More to come.

We're moving tomorrow

As I write this, Rob is actually on his way back from U-Haul getting the trailer that is going to take us out of this town! I have written my last work e-mail for five days (sort of). Our apartment is very nearly packed and cleaned. We are doing our walk-through with our landlord tomorrow at 9 a.m., so we have to be done by then.

It is going to be a really long night, but it has been an amazing week. I've always been grateful for my wonderful friends, but leaving LA has really shown me how much they mean to me. If a good going-away is supposed to make you not want to leave and come back soon for visits, then bravo ladies and gentlemen. You've given me the best going-away imaginable. At some point though, you just have to trust that you love each other enough to be family, and you don't need to be in the same city or even the same state to mean the world to one another.

The plan for the move is this: We spend the entire night packing the trailer and cars, eating sushi and drinking champagne. Then early tomorrow morning, we finish the packing, vacuum, scrub and do our walk through. Then at 9 a.m. we hit the road to Visalia. We'll spend Wednesday night and all day Thursday in Visalia to eat our last family meals and tie up loose ends. Then Friday morning we're make our way up to Portland with my parents in tow. My mom will ride with me and my dad will ride with Rob.

Driving up with my parents is going to be such a huge relief. I was really worried about my emotional stability on the drive, so this will make the transition a lot easier. Hopefully Rob and I get some good alone time in as well so we can let this all sink in. We made each other playlists as an homage to the early years of our relationship. I can't wait till he hears the songs I picked out.

OK. Back to packing!

PIVOT!

Just couldn't help but share this video since it is the perfect representation of our evening last night moving the couch out of our apartment at 11 p.m. Except, imagine this scene with just two people and a scorching hot hallway.

The Countdown Begins -- With a BBQ Hot Dog

The one more week in Los Angeles countdown begins today! This time seven days from now, Rob and I will be towing a Uhaul. So, I celebrated by crossing a visit to Pink's off of my LA-To-Do list with my dear friend Wilko (pronounced VIL-KO, he's German).

For those of you who aren't familiar, Pink's has been an LA landmark since 1939. It is a family-owned hot dog stand known for having decadent toppings and the best chili dogs in the world. Wilko and I had a fantastic time. You really need to have good company when you go to Pink's because the line is generally insane (even on a Wednesday night) and takes 30 minutes to get through even on a good night.

I got my favorite: the Lord of the Rings Dog covered in onion rings and BBQ sauce and a grape soda. Wilko got something with bacon and a Bubble Up, which I made fun of him for. AND we shared the amazing nacho cheese chili french fries. You'll have to excuse any typos since I'm writing this blog still in a food haze.

Did I mention that Pink's might not be the best place to go on a first date. Unless, you're dating Wilko. I mean, how hot is that?

"Don't make me look fat..."

Mother-Daughter Bending

This week has been CR-AZY and I'll be posting a recap of all that has been going on (lease signing, MW2 Event, 4-hour trip to Seattle, best friend visiting from Italy, Rob's mom visiting for the weekend, Zoe's birthday and a wedding! -- Ok, maybe I did just recap it) shortly.

However, I did want to quickly post about some fabulous mother-daughter bonding that took place last weekend. My mother, top-notch lawyer and fit Yoga queen, treated me to a one-on-two Yoga session last weekend, and I LOVED it. Normally, I complain that Yoga is not enough of a workout and doesn't make me sweat. But I was wrong! After just an hour, I was exhausted and sore, and my legs were shaking (which is saying something since I'm a runner).

Anyway, just wanted to recommend Valley Yoga to anyone in good old V-town. Brenda is amazing and has made me a total convert. Not to mention, spending the time with mom was great. I'm a firm believer that the family that sweats together, stays together.

Home Sweet Home!

After a couple months of parental anxiety, Rob and I finally locked down our apartment in Portland. Well, we submitted our applications and will be putting down a deposit early next week as long as there aren't any problems. Since we're ideal renters, everything should be A-OK.

I don't want to give away too much information for all the Internet creepies out there, but we'll be in a 2 bed 2 bath for half of what we're paying now with a washer/dryer and patio! It is like another universe up north. Also, the complex has a fitness center, a spa, a pool, tennis courts -- I can't wait!

Check out our unbelievable floor plan!!

Finally, Robert will have a place for all of the stuff I vetoed when we moved into our current 1 bedroom. And think of all the storage space! Now we just need to get all our stuff up there.

Cross your fingers for us that everything goes alright with the background check.

Packing Shenanigans

I know I mentioned it earlier, but moving out of my parent's house -- officially -- has been an incredibly surreal experience. It is strange because I've been out of my parent's house (give or take) for the past 6 or 7 years now, but I have always used the garage/closets/attic as storage unit for all the things I just didn't have room for. Now, I'm being forced to take a good hard look at all the things I've been saving for years and deciding what I really want to keep.

Some of my favorite pack rack discoveries include: My 6th grade portfolio, which provided endlessly entertaining reading material ("I like that I am intelligence..."), my hair piece from my senior year musical, which looked like a dead animal and scared me half to death, old love letters and cards (we're talking from the 8th grade here -- hilarious), and a VHS copy of my performance in "Sleeping Beauty." If I had a VHS player, I'd be watching it right now.

We moved all of this, plus our Christmas decorations, books, dishes, CDs, etc. last weekend and filled up Robert's truck. That was just stuff we were moving BACK to LA!! I wish I had taken pictures.

Even though we don't have a place to live yet, which freaks my parents out to no end, we have already started packing. How did all of our stuff automatically double?

Packing Strategy

Even though we still haven't signed a lease, Rob and I started developing our packing strategy tonight on our date. It took some convincing, but I'm now frighteningly aware of how much STUFF we have. Since we have a truck, we have the option to tow a trailer, which is a big relief. But it is looking like nothing that costs less than $600 will have enough room and be able to protect our furniture from inevitable rain.

There were a few bright moments when we thought we could use this newfangled POD technology to move our belongings with little effort and stress -- but the quote was $1600+!!

We've mutually agreed not to buy any more things before the move, but I'm not sure it is going to be enough. Photos of packing shenanigans will be forthcoming.

Separation Anxiety

As much as I appreciate Thomas Wolfe as a great American author and fellow UNC alumnus, I never really thought the statement that "You can't go home again" was ever very true. To be honest, for me, it hasn't been true at all. Perhaps if I had grown up in a small rural town with a limited world view I would think differently...oh wait.

In fact, since we decided to move next month (especially since we're moving next month), I've been a little obsessed with reconnecting with home. I've been back to visit now two weekends in a row, and I plan to be home for the next four barring another horrible car breakdown. I feel like the pure joy I get from spending time with my family might actually be a little weird. I cannot get enough of playing with my two adorable nieces -- who are my kindred spirits. (Seen below on our most recent trip to the Fresno Zoo, which, despite being a great place to take kids, is also one of the most depressing places on earth. All of the animals have this pained look like they are waiting for the sweet release of death. The kids don't notice though.)

But I also can't seem to get enough of my parents, who aside from having given me life lead otherwise pretty ordinary lives. Our weekends go something like this: I arrive Friday night, wake up Saturday morning and drink coffee/read a book with my mom on the back patio, have breakfast with mom and dad, schedule several hours of play time with the girls, eat dinner with mom and dad (and maybe grandma if I'm lucky), watch a movie together and then go to sleep around 9 p.m. Rather, rinse, repeat. It is kind of my bliss. Could I start a life here? No. Could I become recluse who only spends time with my family, reads and has HBO? Yes.

I will say that there has been something surreal about these past couple of visits now that I'm packing up my stuff for real (for reals, for reals). When I went away to college, I knew I would be back for everything. When I moved to LA, I was able to use my parent's house for everything from out-of-season clothes to TV boxes. But NOW, I am actually having to sift through everything from years past to decide if there is anything I actually want to have in my home. It is very weird, and a little frustrating -- I mean, who threw out all my prom dresses?

Los Angeles To Do List

Even though Robert and I have spent the last 12 months complaining about how much we can't wait to get out of Los Angeles because of the traffic, or the air quality, or the lack of outdoor activities, I've been a little down since the move was confirmed. I can't wait to start our life in Portland, but I also can't help but think about all the things we'll be missing when we leave -- eternal (infernal?) sunshine to say the least. So, to say goodbye and make a clean break with the city I've had a two-year love/hate relationship with, I've created a list of all the things I'd like to do before we leave.

1.) Griffith Observatory
I've been to Griffith Park a lot for concerts, hikes, etc. But I've never been to the actual observatory, which is kind of inexcusable since it is so iconic.

2.) Pink's
Probably one of my favorite places to eat. In fact, I may just pick a day that I want to eat three hot dogs in a row because I may not be able to choose just one. I mean, who wouldn't miss a giant kosher hot dog covered in onion rings and BBQ sauce? Apparently, I'd also like to visit the emergency room before I leave.

3.) Hollywood Forever Cinespia
I've always wanted to go see a summer movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, because it is absolutely a city landmark. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I'm going to have time in the next two weeks to make a screening. However, I'm totally willing to substitute with a Bon Iver sunrise concert.

4.) LACMA/Tar Pits Museum
Honestly, we've lived across from these two museums for the past two years and it is kind of embarrassing that we still haven't been. I feel like I have to promise my mother that I will take advantage of the cultural offerings of LA before we hit the road. I promise.

5.) Father's Office
The absolute best burger in the country. Delicious bun, high-

grade beef, caramelized onions and Gruyere. Add in a cart of sweet potato fries and a Mexican coke (made with real sugar), and it just doesn't get better.

Send me your suggestions!

Editors Note: Rob just brought to my attention that this post makes me sound like a fat kid. I would just like to point out that I left Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles off this list.

The Move Is On

For someone who works with words all day, it is kind of amazing that this is my very first blog posting. I feel like it is a long time coming. While this blog is primarily for family and friends, I'll take the time to introduce myself and explain why I am just now deciding to put my thoughts out on the Interweb.

I am a 25-year-old living in Los Angeles with my fabulous boyfriend, Rob. We started dating just after our high school graduation, and what originally started out as a summer fling has spanned seven years, five universities and three states.

In the interest of full disclosure, I work for Edelman Public Relations on the Xbox 360 account -- so feel free to consider anything I write about video games or consoles completely biased. Though, this blog isn't about video games.

Rob and I have decided to make a big move up to Portland, OR at the end of September. In addition to some benefits for me professionally, there are a couple of things that make this a great move for us. #1:We don't want to live in LA. It is all well and good for the time being, but we need wide open spaces and we're ready to #2: Buy a house. We can't afford to buy a house here, but we can up there! And #3: We LOVE the Pacific Northwest and we think it might be the place for us to really dig in our heels and stick it out for awhile.

Unfortunately, Portland is a long way away from our families and the incredible friends we've made over the years. So I thought I'd keep a blog to chronicle all of our adventures as we move to a new city so everyone can keep tabs on us and stay updated on our lives. I'm going to miss everyone pretty desperately, so this is my coping mechanism.

So where are we in the process of moving? We're still in the early stages. While my transfer with work is final, we still haven't signed a lease. We're looking around in a couple of different neighborhoods, but we'll likely live on the outskirts of town to save some money. We're hoping to have our housing plans finalized within the next two weeks. We have already stopped cleaning our apartment in LA. We've given up on it and can't wait to start packing.

Stay tuned for more updates.