those moments

When you wake up in the middle of the night to see that you still have hours left to sleep

When you arrive early to work and have 5 minutes to just sit and enjoy before going in

When a book is that good, you can't put it down until it's finished

When you capture the perfect candid

When a song plays and simultaneously puts you in a nostalgic mood

When a certain smell can bring you back even more distinctively

When you order but get something bigger than was asked, at the same small price

When you sleep in freshly washed sheets

When you laugh until you cry and your stomach hurts

I have experienced each of these little moments in the past week. The unexpected little moments that are never thought about until you're presented with them. And in turn, cannot truly be appreciated until presented with them.  Such. Good. Moments.

endless tulips

This child does not respond to "say cheese," this response is from "say duck"

I almost completely forgot about the tulip festival this year and I blame it on Megan's absence. I'm not sure how it escaped me, especially when I arrived and saw what seemed like endless rows of tulips, take my breath away. It's been beautiful weather in Portland all week so without any lunch plans, swim lessons, or indoor play dates scheduled with Penny, I drove us south to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. As I walked through the rows I kept thinking how much better it'd be with a friend because let's face it, focusing all of my time on a toddler who just wants to jump in mud puddles and doesn't know how to work a camera, was not cutting it. I immediately thought of Megan and Stephanie and our experience last year and then sat and enjoyed an "Authentic European Bratwurst" and figured that was close enough.

The Ballet

The other day I found myself wandering around downtown because there was a break in the rain and the sun decided to come out. I walked down Broadway and caught a glimpse of that infamous lit up Portland sign at the Arlene Schnitzer. As I walked by, the word 'ballet' struck me and in that moment I had the biggest urge to attend. The most that ballet has ever been apart of my life was the semester in high school Megan and I decided to take it as a joke. Not a joke of the art, just as a joke to ourselves. Ballet is not my forte, as I lack grace and flexibility. I think if I would have started young though, I would have been able to acquire these skills. I asked my mom once why she never put me into dance and she said "I tried! You didn't want to." I guess dance was more of a girl thing, and that was something I was not. I wish it was however, because I admire those who have the ability to perform. The Schnitzer was hosting "Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo" and boy, am I glad they were. As I looked up what they were all about, I had to re-read. A company consisting of a full male cast? A full male cast playing male AND female roles? A full male comedic ballet? Ticket purchased. You know you picked, although I stumbled upon, the right ballet when the older ladies below you are chuckling so hard that one whispers "oooh gawd, my jaw hurts" in mid performance. I foresee many ballets in my future. Especially if the Schnitzer is hosting; I forgot how gorgeous it was.

introductions

I spent my last day of Spring Break with the brother and introducing him to new necessities.  I have been craving Fire on the Mountain, which has the best wings, in my opinion.  My brother has never been so he was the perfect candidate to tag along.  Afterwards I felt like walking around Portland so we did just that.  In the mist of my happiness that I was able to enjoy a relaxing day doing the things I love (you know, eating and taking pictures) I take out my camera to document, but am denied by "error: the memory card is damaged, insert a new card."  Seriously? Thank goodness for the iPhone, or my wonderful day could have turned into a disappointing one.  I decided right away that we would have to stop for Fro Yo.  My brother's reaction to my remedy? "What is Fro Yo?" I couldn't believe it.  I don't know what this kid would do without me. Really though, I don't know what I would do without him.  If I could have one day a week like this with him, I would be one happy girl. Especially if it meant introductions to new things around Portland every time.

cherry blossoms

I'm not one of those people who has a favorite season to obsessive over, because I obsess over all of them.  I can't pick favorites because I'm always eager for sweaters and pumpkin during the summer, scarves and hot chocolate in the fall, blooming flowers and outdoor happy hours in winter, and shorts with long days in spring. What I really need to be doing here is enjoying the season I am currently in, and these cherry blossoms are really helping me to do just that.  With the arrival of spring just a few days ago, Portland is in full bloom and looking gorgeous.  I can't help but admire every cherry blossom I pass, and wish they were there to admire year round.