2014

I realize my tassel says 2012, but that's just my cheap, student self reusing Megan's stuff.  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle?

After 25 years, I can finally say I have a degree.  It became a long standing joke that I would never accomplish this, as I often even made comments about being a student for life.  This could still be the case, as I plan on applying for more schooling.  I also want to do a lot more with this new free time I have been given:

- I want to learn to play the piano.  I've always been told I have the perfect hands for it, but I'm not sure I am right-brained enough for it.

-Travel. I am blessed to get to go to Europe this Fall, but I know the amount of time spent there will only make me yearn for more.

-Write a book.  Many have told me how I have some pretty hilarious stories and that I need to write a book about them.  I have already started doing this.  If anything, I hope to finish and allow my friends to read.

- Learn to sew.  This seems like a very important skill to acquire, and something that will definitely come in handy for when I actually become a grandma.  I realize I have grandma tendencies already, so I might as well take on the stereotypes of one. 

- Pick up my Nikon.  I used to use my SLR so much, but sadly I have abandoned it lately.  I love photography and taking pictures, but the iPhone has taken over as it is already always with me, and at its convenient size, wins over.  

It's honestly so hard to believe that I have a Bachelor's and I'm excited to have it over with.  I'm eager to see what's next for me, but so very nervous at the same time.  Congrats to all the 2014 grads out there! 

Ocean Shores

This is Ocean Shores, Washington...

What I would give to own this beach house...

When I opted out of going to Vegas with my dad and brother, my dad's girlfriend offered me a weekend getaway at the beach.  Needless to say, it was one of the best decisions I've made.  You can't go wrong with the beach.  It's enjoyable whether/weather (see what I did there?) rainy or sunny and in this case, I got a little bit of both.  Relaxation took top priority as I read by the fire and enjoyed multiple movies.

I arrived just in time to catch the last glimpse of sun the beach was going to offer for the weekend.  We walked along and talked about the excitement of life lately, and what we hoped for in the future, as I near graduation. It was the perfect setting. 

Days should always end like this. 

Saturday we went into town, and walked through these shops which are offered in every color. Too cute.

We enjoyed amazing dinners at a budget set way beyond our means, with portion sizes way beyond our means.  We struggled to spend it all, after being informed that alcohol could not count towards our spending. 

This forced us to order dessert. *Eating it in bed was not forced*

I read somewhere that before you turn thirty, you should travel alone.  Although it was referring to traveling alone in another country, I think the six hours I spent alone in the car with my music (most of it country for this trip), was amazing.  I enjoy the time I get to spend alone, maybe even too much (if that's a real thing?).  But unattaching myself from everyday life and exploring what this world has to offer, is exhilarating and leaves me with moments that I will never forget.

I noticed this wall on my way, and decided I needed to stop on the way back for pictures.  I let Megan know how disappointed I was that she wouldn't be with me for it, but she said "Do it! Use your tripod and just remind yourself that it's for me because I love you and America." 

Right after, I text her to let her know the task was complete.  She informed me her day was the best day as well as she was able to spend an afternoon alone reading, cooking, and being in her underwear. Oh, how I miss her. 

Peace and love from America, my dear. 

discovering maple

Would you believe me if I told you I had my first bite of a maple bar at the age of twenty five? Ever since that bite, it's been hard for me to even believe.  The reasoning behind this is sort of an embarrassment. After my first experience with it, I went home to my roommate to tell her about my delicious new discovery. Here's how the conversation went:

 Me: "I don't even really like caramel." 

The roommate's reaction? "It's not even caramel, it's called a maple bar."

Me: "Oh." followed by a laugh out of complete embarrassment and a sudden miniature heart attack much like that feeling Ellen DeGeneres describes when belting out the wrong lyrics to a song and in that moment realizes those aren't the actual lyrics. Then an individual's train of thought immediately goes to "how many people have heard me sing this song the wrong way?" Well, I thought "how many people have heard my reasoning behind not liking maple bars?"  

I'm not sure where in my childhood this ignorance to doughnut anatomy went wrong.  I remember getting multiple doughnuts as a kid, but someone needs to be blamed for directing me in the wrong direction. Or maybe someone was doing me a favor, because I don't know how I've gone without maple in my life.  I'm sure I've saved quite a few dozen in my twenty five year absence. So how do I make up for it? A day dedicated to using maple as the main ingredient, of course!

happilyriverrafter

The other night while out at our local German Pub with Stephanie, she brought up the video we made a few summers ago.  There were tears in her eyes while she reminisced and I thought, "I wish Megan was here for this." The setting was perfect: a German Pub, Radler beers, and a girl with a French Bulldog on a leash. After all the talk about it, I had to go back and watch because it had been awhile.  Needless to say, Stephanie was right; the video is so good (in our eyes) and so happilyriverrfter.

 http://youtu.be/b8n5IfxZI3s

snow days

Snow hit the Portland area this week, and let me just say, it was the best surprise ever.  I've been feeling a bit behind on my “to do” list and these snow days have allowed me to just breath.  It’s the best feeling to walk outside to desolate streets and have your ears feel like they need to pop because the silence is so intense. Do you know what I mean?  The calming that it brings over you has the power to bring a smile across your face, because you know in that moment, you have no obligations and nowhere to go, because this flawless white powder has trapped you and everyone else in its path. It’s a beautiful thing.  It allows you to step back and appreciate how much of a good thing alone time can be.  I was able to watch Good Will Hunting while snowed in and I came to the realization that it may be my favorite movie of all time, and for this reason:

“So if I asked you about art, you'd probably give me the skinny on every art book ever written. Michelangelo, you know a lot about him.  Life's work, political aspirations, him and the Pope, sexual orientation, the whole works, right? But I bet you can't tell me what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel.  You've never actually stood there and looked up at that beautiful ceiling. Seen that. If I ask you about women, you'd probably give me a syllabus about your personal favorites. You may have even been laid a few times. But you can't tell me what it feels like to wake up next to a woman and feel truly happy. You're a tough kid. And I'd ask you about war, you'd probably throw Shakespeare at me, right: "Once more into the breach, dear friends." But you've never been near one. You've never held your best friend's head in your lap, and watch him gasp his last breath looking to you for help. I'd ask you about love, you'd probably quote me a sonnet. But you've never looked at a woman and been totally vulnerable. Known someone that could level you with her eyes, feeling like God put an angel on Earth just for you. Who could rescue you from the depths of Hell. And you wouldn't know what it's like to be her angel, to have that love for her, be there forever, through anything, through cancer. And you wouldn't know about sleeping sittin' up in the hospital room for two months, holding her hand, because the doctors could see in your eyes that the terms "visiting hours" don't apply to you. You don't know about real loss, 'cause that only occurs when you've loved something more than you love yourself. And I doubt you've ever dared to love anybody that much.”

It’s just brilliant.  Robin Williams has successfully made me want to just live in every moment and take the time to enjoy non-material things.  Because that’s what life is really about. Maybe that’s why I’m swooning over this snow? Anyways, these last few days have been wonderful thanks to Mother Nature and Mr. Williams.  I can only hope for another snow spell before this winter is over, because I know I’ll need it.

P.S. Doesn't the snow look good on Portland?

fifteen things

* I once swore I would never drink beer, wine, or coffee 

because I didn't like the taste. Now, I drink all three.

* I dislike revolving doors.

* I have no self control when it comes to food.

*My biggest wish right now is for the best to move back from Germany

(and will continue to be until she does).

*I can't live without Chapstick. 

*Cats are not my favorite.

*Procrastination is my worst enemy, but it's how I function.

* I always wanted braces...and glasses.

* I went through a phase growing up where I'd speak in a British accent and pretend I was on the Oregon Trail. I had to stop though, because someone told me people would start to think I had split personality disorder, and that scared me.

* Sleeping is one of my favorite things.

* I'm terrified I'll never figure out what I want to do with my life.

* I love receiving flowers.

*Although I've been told otherwise, I'm very shy.

* I'm very sarcastic, almost to a fault.

*I love anyone who can make me laugh.

change up

I've never been a fan of change. Change of anything. Seriously. So much to the point that I order the same item at every restaurant, every time. I sleep on the same side of the bed every night (although it's the furthest side from the door so that could be considered a safety measure in case someone were to break in; it would take them a second longer to reach me?), I have the same routine for getting ready, and a certain place for everything. Now I'm thinking I should stop there with the proof because I'm beginning to sound a bit predictable and a tad OCD. But really! Change is not something I look forward to but it's something I'm working on. I just recently made the decision to go ombré, which is a big step! I've gone darker every time since I started dying my hair. My friend Nikki Wright did it and although I gave her a hard time for not doing enough blonde (see, I am changing!) I still love it and understand it's a process. More change is coming!

Missing Something

It's only been four days since Megan has been in Germany, and boy have I noticed! I like having my "me" time but I think four days is about all I need.  The apartment is so different knowing I'll be enjoying it on my own.  There's just something about knowing someone else is there.  The only plus is I'm doing a lot of homework. In the meantime, I'll be following her travels here 

birthday celebrations

My Birthday was celebrated with those I love, and with what I love...food! Gloria helped me start the celebrations off with frozen yogurt which we both enjoyed.  I treated myself to a pedicure and headed out to dinner with some friends, the boyfriend, and my brother.  I reserved my Friday evening for a night out with the girls.  We danced the night away and laughed about things that I don't even remember.  I love birthdays; they're just one more excuse to eat sweets for an entire week...

twenty four, you never looked so good

Well, it's my Birthday! Another year has come and gone and aside from the fact that I'm over getting older, I'm happy to be 24. I have this weird superstition that 23 is my unlucky number because 22 is my lucky one, so I was anticipating the worst year of my life.  The bad luck hit fast with my car's starter going out along with my brakes, then me wrecking my friends car I was borrowing because of mine not working, to that car's alternator giving up on me.  This was all because I was 23 of course.  The year sort of followed this pattern, but it wasn't all bad. However, I still won't be missing you, 23. Greetings and cheers to 24! May this year be better than the last, and I know it will since I have nothing against 24.   

This is me

                                         

         Hi, I'm Reagan.

        A 23 year old from the Northwest.

         Oh, and who is overly obsessed with food.

       Cheers to blogging!