#pdxeats

I've been indulging in a number of Portland eats recently and I'd just like to share a few...

Deschutes Brewery: the pretzel is a must have

Bar Bar: Last week was "Portland Burger Week" and so I took full advantage, obviously.  Bar Bar offered their State Fair Burger which is presented on an Alessio bun (my favorite part).  I also tried the Stuffed Cheese Curd Burger at North Light and if I'm being honest, could have had more cheese curds. This desire coming from a cheese lover, noted.  Lastly, I stopped by Club 21 for their Shadow Burger which was advertised as being 'topped off with an onion ring' however, mine was not.  I failed to notice until the last bite, so it wasn't a terrible absence. *all burgers were not consumed in one day (but two)*

Mike's Drive In: I had an unplanned date with the brother here and am so thankful it occurred.  I notice each time I see him how much alike we are, and am so happy to have such an amazing guy as my brother.  You can never go wrong with one of their seasonal shakes.

Cupcake Jones: This has got to be one of the best cupcake shops in Portland.  It's located in the Pearl District and offers just a handful of flavors including Cookie Dough, PB&J, Peanut Butter Cup, and German Chocolate.  It was fun indulging with my littlest friend for her second birthday.  

Mod Pizza: This isn't technically located in Portland, but it's right across the river in Vancouver, WA.  It's a fast serve pizza place so I was all in when asked to be the third wheel with one of my favorite couples.  

Fact: I can never say no to pizza. 

Tis' the Season

I love to see couples tie the knot no matter what.  There's just something about that moment when the bride comes out that makes me whisper "I'm going to cry" every single time.  However, a summer night, a tree farm, oven roasted pizza, and an ice cream truck all make for the perfect wedding.  As I headed up the driveway to the location, I immediately knew how perfect the wedding was going to be. I started noting the things I liked as if Pinterest had come alive.  I love this season like it were supposed to be included in the other four.  If that was the case, it would without a doubt, be my number one.  This fact becomes obvious as I had to get dragged off the dance floor, not ready for the night to end. 

out east...

is my rural escape

just beyond acres of endless fields

and old abandoned homes

lies a river I've come to know well

with a dock I've come to call my own

and a patch of grass to hold my temporary shelter

where I can play my favorite card game for hours.

It seems like every year my trip to Maupin comes at the perfect time, as I desperately seek an escape from every day life.  In Maupin, routine is nonexistent as well as obligations and concerns.  It is here that I can lay on my dock and enjoy a good book until only the sun has worn me out, I can raft down the river and lose all track of time, and I can reminisce with good friends about all the good times.  For these reasons, Maupin has become my summer escape. Correction: my favorite escape.

new hobby

I found my future home, located out on an empty country road.

I also found my new hobby, if tasting wine can be considered one.  Stoller Vineyards is located in Dayton, Oregon and offers seven different varieties of  ripened grape juice.  It also offers you a day of relaxation as we sat for hours in the perfect setting consisting of four lawn chairs and a tire swing.  It was the best of both worlds as it allowed me to drink my wine and act like a child, while trying to remember how to maneuver  a tire swing. The assumption was that we would visit a handful of wineries, but after coming across this set up, it was clear we wouldn't move until we were forced to head back into the city.

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!