wake me up before you go go...

I'm still in Hollister. It feels like I've been here for an eternity. I'm having a good time just hanging out. I've been helping out by cleaning and surprisingly cooking. Just easy stuff like stir fry and spam & eggs.
Usually there is nothing going on in Hollister, nothing besides Taco Bell and Target. However this weekend San Benito County decided to have an art walk (kinda). There were going to be artists at designated locations in the county. Some people had art displayed at their homes and others in restaurants. I love art walks and would love if Hollister/SBC had them regularly, but I do see room for improvement. Hopefully when I come and visit Hollister again there will be a flourishing art scene.
Portland see you later this week.

como la flor...

One of my mom's co-workers asked me how I was today. Today I actually thought about it before I answered with a quick reply of, "Oh good, how are you?" I thought about how I was, what I've been doing, things I've seen, experiences I've had and I thought am doing amazing. So I looked at him with a big smile and said, "I'm doing great, really really great. How are you?"
I've been able to hang out with my family and friends and just relax. No time restraints, no worries, no ill will, I feel great. Right now I'm sitting outside with my parents on our porch relaxing.

over the river and through the woods....

We took a little road trip today and it was really fun. We went to Tillamook and Manzanita Beach. It was a pretty day, the weather was on our side. We went to THE Tillamook Cheese Factory, a small animal farm with a little shop with delicious edibles. We walked along the beach and collected sand dollars and saw the most amount of Jellies that I have ever seen on the beach. Some of them were HUGE. The sea weed that we saw washed up on the sand look different than the sea weed we were used to seeing on the beach. This sea weed we poked with a stick and then cautiously picked it up.
Overall it was a fun day and I can't wait for summer. Summer brings warmer days where I can wear sandals and go river sailing.


A picture I took of these two, desperately trying to find a whole sand dollar. Next time.

And this is just an outtake of our band picture.

In the pines, in the pines, where the sun don't ever shine...

I thought it appropriate to start out with a Nirvana song. Thats not really true, we've been having very beautiful days. So sunny and clear with a random light rain in the middle of the day for about 5-10 mins. I've been thinking about the similarities and differences between Oregon and California.
-Lets start with bars: The drinks are cheaper in Oregon. Sorry CA, but you totally lost this round. There are way more dives in Oregon. Games in Oregon are big in the bars. Board games or card games are usually being played with the bartender and other bar attendees. There are different pinball machines at every bar, who knew they had that many and still made them for new movies. Pacman, golfing game, foosball, deer hunter and of course pool can all be found at most bars here in Oregon. Bars in California have the little video poker screens and pool tables. Not that I take part in any of those game options but its nice to have them.

-Grocery/Farmers market: Pretty much the same. I think both states are equally self sufficient, both have great produce, farming, wineries, and breweries. There are an equal amount of natural/organic grocery stores and people that like to think of themselves as "healthy".

-Food: Surprisingly the mexicans have made their way up here and opened restaurants. THANK GOD! I think I would have died if I couldn't find a good mexican place. Mexican, sushi, pho, thai bbq, corn dogs, burger joints, etc. are all in Portland and well represented just like in California.

-Clothing stores: They pretty much have everything thing here too. I just realized that there was no H&M but I'll live. There aren't any stores that I've found here and thought, Why don't they have any of these in California.

Overall, not too many differences other than the weather. There are some areas in California that still have seasons and have similar beauty outside. California will always be my first love but Oregon has been very welcoming.

oh I see the light, the heat..

So I haven't written in this little guy in some time. I think I'm going to change it up for 2 reasons. I don't really go anywhere and when I do I don't remember to write about it. There are way too many websites to keep updated that I think this one has taken the backseat. I'll try not to treat like the unwanted step child.
UPDATE:
+Still in Portland.
+We have had visitors. Chucho, Melissa, and Dustin came and had the time of their lives.
+I have tried to go to the gym regularly.
+This sounds so, things done when times are bad but I started going to church again.
-I stay up later than I should and I wake up later than I should.
+Portland is still treating us well. We have met many new people and they have all been welcoming and nice to us.
-We went to a strip club. Portland is known for them and for good reason. It was a little too up close and personal for me.
+Powells Bookstore. If you don't know about it look it up. Its way cool. I think I'm really going to start reading for pleasure again. Since I was forced to read for so long, I never really read for pleasure because that wasn't how I wanted to spend my free time. Now since I have so much free time I think it would be a great filler.
-I think I need to find a new place to volunteer. I was going to OHS but I have a really hard time working with the public. Not the best thing to tell people when I'm looking for a new job. But in all honesty I'm not. I enjoy office work and thrive in that field.

Well tomorrow/today is St. Patty's day. I need my beauty sleep so I am ready to party it up.

Welcome to PDX

Since my recent move to Portland, OR I have had multiple requests from people to start a new blog on my recent changes and new endeavors. The mission for this blog is going to be discovering new places every week in or around Oregon (Washington state included) and posting about it. 

This week: Widmer Brewery Tour, Portland, OR

The Widmer Brewery Tour was a hit. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour as it went through the Widmer history from when it was just a twinkle in the Widmer brother's eyes to current development today. The tour also walked the guests through the brewery with the ability to get up close and personal with the devices, ingredients, and people that bring their beer to your refrigerators. An added bonus to the tour was a pint glass that was received upon exiting. 

All in all a good time was had. Whenever I have visitors this will be on my list of places to go and visit.