Portland International Beerfest

Today was just an all-around great day.  Since I worked out inside a gym yesterday I wanted to get outside today and treat myself to a bike ride.  It wasn't much of a bike ride since I took care of so many errands while out, but I still had fun.  After my first errand I rode out to Cook Park in Tigard where I found a little bench overlooking the Tualatin River.  It was the perfect spot for me to have lunch and read my book.  I also had my first Fred Meyer shopping experience which was incredible.  It was exactly as I had anticipated (a souped-up Target with an actual grocery & produce section) but it was still amazing.  And just like Target...  I walked in intending to purchase only two things and left after spending more than $100.  But it was worth it.

The main event for the day was heading downtown for the Portland International Beerfest held in the North Park Blocks in the Pearl District.  I don't think Eddie and I tried any international beers tonight because all the local beers were so good.  The best part about this fest is that the admission we bought tonight is valid all weekend.  I probably won't actually return, but it's nice to know I can go back with my wristband and commemorative glass and get in for free whenever I feel like it.

I did something special for today's media mention.  I read Natalie Babbit's Tuck Everlasting - my all-time favorite book.  My aunt read this book in college and passed it down to me when she finished her class thinking I would enjoy the story.  I think I was in fifth or sixth grade when she gave it to me.  I absolutely fell in love with this story and made it a point to read the book at least once year all through high school.  I don't think I ever read it once during college so it was a very nice experience to pick it up after a decade and read it again.  It's a very quick read - just over 100 pages and it tells the sweetest story.  I also finally watched the movie the other day so the story has been on my mind.  This is one book I will never, ever get tired of reading.

Leaving California

Hi all,

I thought it was high time I started writing again. I used to be so good about writing my thoughts regularly either on paper in a journal or online at one of the many blog sites. I stopped writing as I got more involved with Facebook, Myspace, and now Twitter. I figured I was posting nearly daily updates with those that I really didn't have much left to say for an actual blog. But I had an idea tonight while watching my cooking shows and sipping on my Pinot Gris. I am starting this blog to remember my first year in Oregon.

Most reading this know my story. But for those who don't, I was born and raised in Northern California and moved south to Orange County to attend UC Irvine in 2001. After graduation I decided to stay down there to be with my friends and start my working career. Well a few years later, Eddie and I decided we were ready to leave the expensive, right-wing hoity-toitiness that is the OC. But where to go? Surely returning to Nor Cal would be great to be with my family. And it would put us near wine country. But we thought we could do one better and actually live in wine country. I had reservations about Napa & Sonoma though. I didn't think I could find a job as easily in Nor Cal wine country since the towns are somewhat small.

After many discussions we decided on Portland, OR. We actually live in Tualatin which is about 25 minutes from Dundee Hills (the heart of the Willamette Valley) and just twenty minutes from downtown Portland. Perfect location for us. So on March 31 we loaded up our U-Haul and started driving to Oregon. Nearly three months later we are loving life up here.

Unfortunately my old company in California that hired me as a consultant to work from my new home in Tualatin has decided to let me go. So I found myself with a lot of free time this week and decided I wanted to commit myself to exploring my new home. And that's why I'm starting this blog.

Okay. Time to wrap this up. I didn't do a whole lot today but I was determined to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. But since I'm jobless and a bit poor I wanted to keep it simple today. I packed up a little backpack with a light snack and a book and set off for a bike ride. I rode out on the trail near my apartment which follows a portion of the Tualatin River (pictured). I rode around until I found a cute bench to park my bike so I could eat and begin reading Shutter Island. I never saw the movie but the book is good so far.

I'll end it there for the evening. Not sure what I'll do tomorrow (if anything). I will say that my short-term quest will be to find the awesomest burger in the Portland Metro area. And also to find a burger joint that is most similar to In-N-Out. So you can expect several burger entries in the near future. :-)

Peace!