Saturday, August 11, 2012

I moved to Portland!

I am a firm believer that the grass is always greener.  In fact for the last several years I have plotted to move to greener pastures.  Portland is very green.  I believe I have found my home. Luckily the family was on board.  My husband found a great job.  We have friends in the area.  We moved in late July and there hasn't been one drop of rain.  The kids are more than thrilled with their new town.  We are surrounded by tall amazing tree's that reach for the sky and lush ferns on the ground.  Woods, rivers and mountains as far as you can see.  Bridge after glorious bridge and that sweet home town feel that I never experienced growing up in the Bay Area, Ca. Our dream of one day owning a home just became a reality.  Our current rental is on a family friendly street that host block party's and neighbors smile and wave as you drive by.  The shopping here is fresh, local organic food in abundance.  Since arriving I've become a recycle diva.  Nothing goes in the trash without an honest thought of how it could be recycled.  Partly because the trash cans here are so tiny compared to the huge recycle bin. It really became a challenge and one that I enjoy now.  I bring my own shopping bags and the kids look forward to the recycle station. All of this in the short time we have been here.  Oregon has opened my eyes and my heart.  It has allowed me to stay at home and spend the rest of the beautiful summer with my kids. Something I could have never afforded to do in the Bay area.  We rarely ever stay home.  We love to explore and this place has it all. 

With that being said there is one issue I must address. The rain. Though it is beautiful and sunny here now I know that it rains a lot in Oregon.  It's common knowledge. I am fair skinned and burn easily in the sun.  I joke about "saving money on sunblock".  But Oregonians love to talk about "the rain".  There is a cable show called The Game of Thrones.  On this series the characters speak of the long dreary weather they experience.  In fact I believe their winter last like 6 years.  Every episode somebody says the line "Winter is coming".  I can't help feel that way here.  9 out of 10 conversation's I have with people usually end with what I call the weather exchange.  You could be talking about picking wild blue berries and IPA beer and just before they walk away "Winter is coming".  As they dramatically wave their cape and draw it in front of their eye's and laugh hysterically.  I know... I get it...  It's going to eventually suck.  But I'm a firm believer of the power of positive thinking.  Maybe deep in my subconscious I'm writing this blog so I can reference it in case seasonal depression hits. 

Bottom line... I'm in a wonderful place now.  I feel more at peace than I have in a long time.  I love Oregon. The grass is much greener here my friends thanks to the lovely (whispers softly) "rain" Muah ha ha ha ha!