Leaving Oregon

On Veteran's Day I woke up early and began packing up my things. My little mini getaway was coming to an end. We took one more early morning walk, turned on the fireplace and brewed up a pot of coffee to get the day going. It would be a long drive back to Seattle.

I didn't once get lonely or bored when I was on this trip. I think it's a mighty fine quality to have too! To be able to spend time with yourself and fully enjoy it.

In the Middle of Nowhere, Continued.

I awoke early this morning, but I was actually ok with it for once. The doggie dog slept on top of the bed with me for the entire night which made me happy to know that there would be no surprises found in the cabin when I got out of bed. The dog and I went out for a morning walk shortly after the sun came up. It was chilly this morning, our breath showing the signs that winter is fast approaching. I stumbled out into the desolate resort area wearing blue sweat pants, my burgundy university sweatshirt, and thick fuzzy socks shoved into my gray TOMS. It made me even happier at 6:30 in the morning because I knew no one was awake to witness my stylish outfit. When we got back to the cabin I immediately started a fire (and by “started” I mean adjusted the thermostat so the fire place would turn on), and put some coffee on.

My absolute favorite thing to do when I don’t have to work is to sit around all morning and drink coffee while reading or watching tv. I’m so rushed during the week because I wait til the very last possible minute to get out of bed, and therefore don’t even eat breakfast til I get to work so being able to lounge and do these things is a complete luxury. I read some of my book club book and watched a few episodes of New Girl until the Wi-Fi started to annoy me. When I was sufficiently satisfied with my coffee intake I got dressed and the dog and I headed to Sisters, OR.







It’s a small little town about ten miles away from where I’m staying. It’s full of cutesy shops on a small street front. I took a few photos, looked at a few shops, and then headed back to the cabin.

The rest of the day was pretty low key. I went on a walk and got some great photos. After I got back from Sisters it was relaxing time in the form of more New Girl Episodes, steak dinner, and Risky Business. I leave tomorrow morning, and I am a little sad. It has been so refreshing to get away for a few days and be by myself. The whole experience has been good for the soul. Having the chance to play around with my new camera in such beautiful surroundings has been cathartic. Having a doggy to keep me company has been comforting, and having the open road in front of me with the music blasting has been empowering. I’ve realized that most people don’t take enough time away for themselves, and that this time I do have for myself might not last forever. One day I may find someone who I do want to settle down with and start a life, and when that happens I don’t want to look back and wish I had taken more time for me when I had the opportunity.

Getting away, by myself

Currently I’m sitting on a couch, wine glass on the coffee table, and Teen Witch on the TV. I spent the better part of today driving far, far away from Seattle. I’m not going to lie: these past few weeks (or even months) have been rough. Both my personal life and work life have experienced some major upheavals. I needed a break, but I haven’t been able to take one due to reasons I had no control over. I started to feel really suffocated and stressed out. All that changed this weekend though. It’s a long weekend and I decided two weeks ago that this would be the weekend that I would get away. At first I thought I would fly somewhere warm and lay by a pool for a few days sipping margaritas and reading my kindle. When flight prices weren’t to my liking, I changed my plan. Upon perusal of the deal sites I found an awesome deal on a cabin in central Oregon. It was two nights for the price of one in a cabin that sleeps five people and it was going to be all mine.  Some major “me” time was in order. 

I packed up the car, stole my mom’s cute pup and hit the open road. It was a long drive, but it was broken up by coffee stops, and doggy potty stops. As I got further and further away from Seattle, I felt myself relax a bit. I also noticed myself realizing how off the beaten track this place was going to be. I started to think about how people live so far away from a large city. I’ve always lived within twenty minutes of I-5, and as far as I can tell, the closest thing to a larger city in these parts is a two hour drive.

My whole plan for these few days was to do things I don’t get to do that often or never have time to do. I bought a new fancy schmancy DSLR last week. I used to be really into photography pre digital times. I learned how to develop black and white film in a dark room. I also had a photo of mine featured in a local gallery back home. I’m no pro at this digital camera stuff, but it’s something I want to explore and I figured I could get some great practice in while I’m down here. Get ready for photo overloadJ. I also plan on getting some reading done. I’m behind on my Good Reads goal for the year and that bums me out. I was doing so good for most of the year and then fell behind. Drinking wine while watching movies is another planned task of this long weekend, which doesn’t need any further explanation if you ask me! 

Also, who knew you could get wi-fi in the sticks, but not cell service? It’s shoddy at best, but it’s kind of nice to have when I thought I wouldn’t have internet at all. You still might not see this post til I’m back in Sea town because of the quality of internet..

Scenes from Portland

This weekend I headed south with my good friend Katie. We went down to Portland to visit one of our old friends who lives in the area. We went down to visit about two years ago, and decided that it was well over due for another visit. Lots of tax free shopping, and yummy food was had. A great way to spend part of the long weekend.

A picture from our visit two years ago

 Unfortunately, this trip wasn't in the summer like our last one so we were stuck indoors for the most part, but we still managed to have a good time!

 We went to this awesome hotel called The Nines. Inside there were a few different restaurants. One being Urban Farmer. Urban farmer is set in the middle of the 8th floor. It's an open air concept, and is furnished nicely. We took advantage of the bloody Mary bar, which was delicious, and that's coming from someone who doesn't normally like bloody Marys.We also went to Widmer Brother's Brewery. You just can't go to Portland with out visiting at least one brewery. Portland is one city that is FULL of micro breweries.