Welp, it is once again Monday. Not that it matters too much to me, as I am not working at the moment, but there is always something tense and grumpy about the first day of the week, whether or not officious obligations await.
This weekend was a particularly exciting one. I have ridden on the back of Brian's motorcycle several times and really enjoy it (once I get past being initially terrified). It is so exhilarating to be out in the open, with the wind and cars whipping by, matching the the sway of my body to the sway of his. I love it. However, constantly clanking helmets, sliding forward, and the inability to squirm for fear of shifting to much weight are far from enjoyable element of the ride. So I decided that I wanted to learn to ride by myself! I enrolled in a training program that had a classroom session on Friday, then range and classroom sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
The classroom sessions were not what one might call engaging. I think the instructor may have been allowed to eat paint chips as a child. But the range sessions were great, in spite of the fact that it rained THE ENTIRE TIME, turning something that was already difficult into a really challenging task! I know how to drive a stick shift, so the principle was easy to learn, but retraining my muscles was quite difficult. I passed the written test with flying colors, but missed the practical test by a mere 3 points - very disappointing. I am going to practice on Brian's bike and retake the exam in a few weeks, hopefully on a day that it is not raining.
Saturday night we went downtown to celebrate a friend's birthday. We were supposed to go to Branch Whiskey Bar. Their menu look phenomenal, so I was really excited to try it out. Unfortunately, the birthday boy's fiance is picky. Like, Wonder Bread and ketchup are dietary staples kind of picky, and she thought duck fat fries sounded gross. I died a little inside. So we ended up down the street at a restaurant the specialized in Southern Food. I'm typically open to try anything, but I do have some hard rules I refuse to break. Having lived in Atlanta for the better part of a decade, I will not each Southern food unless I am in the South. It is never done right and there are always variations that take it from classic and delicious to gastronomic abomination. A Po'Boy on sweet potato bread? Excuse me, but that is not a Po'Boy... it's a sandwich. Call me a purist, but I would rather not waste the calories on vague impressions of something that, in its true form, is perfect.
We ended the night at Salt and Straw, a Portland staple. They specialize in ice cream with odd flavor combination. I had the mint and sea urchin meringue. I know, it sounds gross, but it was actually one of the most incredible things I have put in my mouth. Their other flavors include lavender and honey, loaded baked potato, and olive oil. So weird, but so tastey.
We wrapped up this stormy weekend with some homemade chicken wings (Which were quite impressive, if I do say so myself), roasted brussel sprouts, and watching several episodes of The Long Way Round. It documents Ewan McGregor's trip from London to New York via Europe and Asia on a motorcycle. It came out in 2004, so you can find it on Netflix, which I recommend you do. Now. You'll love it.
Have a beautiful day!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Sick Day
When I was working I used to sometimes wish for sick days. Not to be terribly ill, but just sick enough to warrent staying home and bundled up on the couch. There is nothing better than a hall pass form the days needs.
Now it's a different story. Not that beeing temporarily unemployed means I spend each day lazing on the couch, but the house definitely gets more "Jett time" then it used to. Each day I invent my own schedule and, when it comes down to it, I am the only one who cares if my list is not completed. I end up being quite disappointed in myself if not all the boxes are checked. As a result, being sick feels more like being grounded instead of a free day.
But I'm not going to to allow my couch bound state to get me down! I have armed my self with my laptop, crochet hook, box of tissues, and a desperate desire to feel productive.
I once began to knit a quilt. 2 years later, Brian and I are not enjoying a lopsided afghan that can almost (alllmooost) cover both our arms and feet at the same time. It was a learning expeience. Mostly I learned how much I did not like knitting. So I have decided to try my hand a crochetting.
My mother was really into crochet. She made my baby blanket, various articles of clothing, even a couple of stuffed animals. I have decided my first project will be this scarf.
It is not a traditional crochet, but a style called Tunisian crochet. The result is a thicker product, opposed to the lacy style of normal crochet. I have found that fixing mistake sin crochet is much easier than in knitting, and the stiches are easier to read. I am only six inches into what is to be a sixty inch scarf, but so far so good!
The issue with crochet (or knitting, for that matter) is it is a short term activity. Repetitive hand motion can only be sustained for so long until said hand begins to cramp. But don't worry (because I know you were) I have several other fall crafts on the to do list! I should be able to share some of those with you in upcoming posts.
Now it's a different story. Not that beeing temporarily unemployed means I spend each day lazing on the couch, but the house definitely gets more "Jett time" then it used to. Each day I invent my own schedule and, when it comes down to it, I am the only one who cares if my list is not completed. I end up being quite disappointed in myself if not all the boxes are checked. As a result, being sick feels more like being grounded instead of a free day.
But I'm not going to to allow my couch bound state to get me down! I have armed my self with my laptop, crochet hook, box of tissues, and a desperate desire to feel productive.
I once began to knit a quilt. 2 years later, Brian and I are not enjoying a lopsided afghan that can almost (alllmooost) cover both our arms and feet at the same time. It was a learning expeience. Mostly I learned how much I did not like knitting. So I have decided to try my hand a crochetting.
My mother was really into crochet. She made my baby blanket, various articles of clothing, even a couple of stuffed animals. I have decided my first project will be this scarf.
It is not a traditional crochet, but a style called Tunisian crochet. The result is a thicker product, opposed to the lacy style of normal crochet. I have found that fixing mistake sin crochet is much easier than in knitting, and the stiches are easier to read. I am only six inches into what is to be a sixty inch scarf, but so far so good!
The issue with crochet (or knitting, for that matter) is it is a short term activity. Repetitive hand motion can only be sustained for so long until said hand begins to cramp. But don't worry (because I know you were) I have several other fall crafts on the to do list! I should be able to share some of those with you in upcoming posts.
New In Town
I'm not going to lie, I had some second thought as I was loading up the VW to take the final drive out of my little Santa Barbara. Compared to my hometown, Portland is BIG. Almost five times as big. I would know no one, save my husband and the pup. And I would not have a job for the first time since highschool. I looked in the reaview mirror as my town receded into the distance and thought, "Here we go."
It has been about a month now and I am quite pleaseed with the decision to take on the Great Northwest. I arrived at the tail end of summer and we had just enough time to squeeze in a camping trip, fishing, and some phonominal hikes.
As summer fades into fall, I am reminded of how much I love the changing of the seasons. Southern California has 2 seasons: Summer and slightly cooler than Summer. Here the leaves are slowig fading from vibrant green to warm yellow and orange hues. The days are becoming noticibly shorter, allowing me to experiment more with harty sauces and stews, dense baked goods, and crockpot creations. The abundance of delicious, organic fall fruit is enough to make anyone with even a little sweet tooth swoon. All around there is a sense of preparation. The world is tucking in a getting cozy for another chilly season.
Slowly, but surely I am coming out of my shell. I have made some wonderful acquaintances who I can see turning into friends. I had forgotten how proactive one must bee when making friends outside of the context of school or work. Thankfully I have found Portland to be chock-full of the friendliest people you could ask for!
Finding a job has been a bit of a challenge. This town is pack to bursting with non-profits, so I had imagined that, with my experience, I would slide easily into a position. No ma'am. This has not been the case. But what do we do? We swim, swim, swim!
As I continue to explore the city, I hope to be doing posts from time to time on local restaurants or events. Portland has a lot to offer, and I hope to enjoy as much of it as I can!
It has been about a month now and I am quite pleaseed with the decision to take on the Great Northwest. I arrived at the tail end of summer and we had just enough time to squeeze in a camping trip, fishing, and some phonominal hikes.
As summer fades into fall, I am reminded of how much I love the changing of the seasons. Southern California has 2 seasons: Summer and slightly cooler than Summer. Here the leaves are slowig fading from vibrant green to warm yellow and orange hues. The days are becoming noticibly shorter, allowing me to experiment more with harty sauces and stews, dense baked goods, and crockpot creations. The abundance of delicious, organic fall fruit is enough to make anyone with even a little sweet tooth swoon. All around there is a sense of preparation. The world is tucking in a getting cozy for another chilly season.
Slowly, but surely I am coming out of my shell. I have made some wonderful acquaintances who I can see turning into friends. I had forgotten how proactive one must bee when making friends outside of the context of school or work. Thankfully I have found Portland to be chock-full of the friendliest people you could ask for!
Finding a job has been a bit of a challenge. This town is pack to bursting with non-profits, so I had imagined that, with my experience, I would slide easily into a position. No ma'am. This has not been the case. But what do we do? We swim, swim, swim!
As I continue to explore the city, I hope to be doing posts from time to time on local restaurants or events. Portland has a lot to offer, and I hope to enjoy as much of it as I can!
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