I am an Oregonian

It has been 2 weeks since I moved here, and there have been numerous things that have reminded me of my new found status as a permanent resident of the state of Oregon. I will do my best to list them, as well as include a few pictures I have captured along the way.

• Oregon is teeming with beauty, every way I turn my head.

Growing on the side of a busy road.

• People in Oregon are nature lovers. I have experienced everything from unshaven armpits belonging to that of a woman to hippies dancing freely to a band at the local Farmer's Market. Food is grown and enjoyed most when plucked straight from the ground, and there are oodles of restaurants serving Farm to Table fare. Places like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods are trumped by natural food markets, Farmers Markets, and community gardens. 
• Country music exists and is enjoyed in Oregon, contrary to my fears otherwise. We were able to attend a small Thompson Square concert the other night at a country bar called Bushwackers, which just so happens to be a 10 minute walk from our house. Not only was the venue small, but we were able to sit almost directly in front of the band as we listened to them play, chat, and joke with the crowd for the duration of the show. 

Note the incredible wall decor.

•  Most Oregonians (at least the grip I have met) are California transplants. Hmm. What does that tell you, California? 
• When people find out where we moved from, the #1 question asked is, "Are you prepared for the rainy weather?" I find it funny that since I've been here, there has not been an ounce of water that has fallen from the sky. It is summertime, and I know I will be in for a shock once the sky opens up for days on end...but I am willing to deal with it. Why? Because of all of the other good things Oregon has to offer. (P.S. On a side note, the day before I moved to Oregon my mom went and picked us up our favorite Chinese Chicken salads from Shangri La in Los Gatos. Upon opening my fortune cookie, I was taken aback by the small, poignant words inside: If you want the rainbow, you have to tolerate the rain. Profound.) Yes Oregonians, I am ready. 
• Portland is weird, and they like it that way. They even have a HUGE painted sign downtown which says, "Keep Portland Weird."
• Things and people everywhere continue to remind me that weather is an issue here. Take the sign I spotted and snapped a pic of out the car window yesterday...

A pothole hotline, really....?I love the last 4 letters of the number to call.

 

 

 

 

 

•  I love my husband with all that is in me. Now, this I already knew...but it was a magnified reality as we spent 4 months apart up until 2 weeks ago. Brian bravely moved up to Oregon to look for a job at the end of March, and being apart this whole time (except a few visits in between) made me realize how lucky I am to have such a truly incredible life partner.

Hubby showing the vintage couch some love.

Through ridiculous coke bottle glasses, I can still see the love. (On a side note, do I not look like the kid from Little Miss Sunshine in this pic?! Sick...)