Oregon Trip

So, uhhh...hello! I know it has been forever since posting, sorry. I have been way too busy with graduate school, internship, and work. Most of my posts will probably be travel posts and the occasional, random update. Really, I am only doing this for my own personal documentation and for those of you who have asked about me keeping up with my blog. I have been so bad at it, I know. I will try to be better about it though, promise! Here's are some pictures about our trip to Oregon. Enjoy!

Oregon was such a nice break from school. Trenton and I, and some of our mutual friends that came later, decided to take a trip to Portland and it was a lot of fun. I have been so stressed from school and writing paper after paper and was looking forward to this trip. Trent and I arrived a day before our friends but not as early as we planned because our flight was delayed (Thanks Spirit Airlines). It was still nice to see the city in the evening and explore the area around our hotel. We stayed at The Society Hotel, a small, boutique hotel that was just enough for us. It used to be a building filled with navy barracks that housed the men in bunks. You can tell by how small the rooms are. But it was just enough for us! 

The Society Hotel-Downtown Portland

 The next morning, right before our friends arrived, Trent and I decided to do some hiking. We wanted to make sure we got some outdoor, physical activities in on this trip because we knew we'd be stuffing our faces. I mean, what else do you do on vacation? Prior to the trip he found some cool spots we could go to and we decided on Forrest Park. It was just a 20-minute bus ride out of the city and a little gem right outside Portland! I would definitely recommend running the trails there for anyone who loves green everywhere and tall trees! At the end of one of the trails, we stumbled upon this cute little neighborhood that seemed to be placed there randomly. It was really cool to see these small, beautiful homes that overlooked part of the Beaverton area.

Forrest Park

Don't know why but this "everything" bagel was everything. SO good!

Scary.

We had been looking at things to do prior to leaving but knew we just wanted to do a lot of exploring of the city and visiting the different breweries out there that Portland is known for. Most of us had never been to Portland before so really, it was a good chance to just explore and stumble upon things, something I like to do in every city I visit. We made sure to get some coffee at Stumptown, some doughnuts at Voodoo, and some lunches at the local food carts. YUMMY! We visited Powell's Bookstore (I'm in love) and Ground Kontrol, the barcade in the city. I only went to a few breweries because I left a day early before everyone but the rest of the crew went to Backpedal, Rogue, Deschutes, Fatheads, Cascade, Widmer, Brew Labs, Base Camp breweries. (I don't have pictures of them, sorry.) Oh, and of course I had to visit Target too. haha

Portland

Stumptown Coffee at ACE Hotel

The Alberta Cart Pod

Portland Saturday Market

Breweries

We were randomly asked by Brewcycle to help take their cart back to Backpedal. We did it because they gave us free beer and it actually turned out to be kinda fun. Kinda. haha

Trenton wanted so badly to be the conductor while we biked for brew. He got to feel 10 seconds of it. haha

We did some tourist-y things, can't deny it. It was actually a very fun and beautiful way to see Oregon. We planned a pedal bike tour that took us up to different waterfalls until we reached Multnomah Falls. It was the prettiest bike ride I have ever ridden, even if I hadn't ridden a bike in over 15 years and almost didn't know what I was doing at the start. It's true though, you never forget how to actually ride one. We were taken to many great picture spots and falls and it was so lovely. In total, we rode 8.1 miles to Multnomah and my thighs were on fire! The day before we hiked a few miles too! Talk about exercise. This part of the trip was probably one of my favorites. I loved the clean, cold air on my face at every downhill. It was almost like a high for me - riding on the road, looking at some of the best sights and feeling the rush as I worked hard for every uphill. The end result was amazing, of course, and Multnomah Falls was beautiful. 

Outdoor Bike Ride - Bridal Veil, Chanticleer Point, Multnomah Falls

Eating picked leaves (Redwood Sorrels) from the area around the falls - citrus-y!

I hope to visit again some day, Oregon! Thank you for having perfect weather, beautiful sights, and the yummiest places to eat while we were there! 

Friendsmas 2014

This year I was able to take part in Trenton's annual holiday dinner party with friends. I was so happy to invite people to our dinner party and give them the address to our place this year. It may sound silly but it's really nice to be back in each other's lives again and to have all our friends together, in one place, eating, playing, and having a good time.

I never knew how much effort planning and decorating takes. I didn't even do that much and it was a bit exhausting in the end. I envisioned something much more but was happy at how everything turned out. Between decorating and cooking (I made a seafood bisque!) and greeting people as they walked in, I did not have any time to take any pictures! Good thing Trent's sister, Taryn, took my phone and snapped a few pictures for me while I was stirring the pot.  I was so busy that night! But it's all good, the most important thing to me is that everyone who came had bellies full of food and laughs and were happy together. :)

^We cut wood and made this: giant Jenga with fun questions/rules. We didn't even get to play! :(

Towards the end of the night we all got into groups to play Pictionary. Everybody was laughing and having a good time and I was glad. Some of those pictures were ridiculous but hilarious. And let me just say I don't do anyone any good by being on their team because my drawings...oooh, child... haha My team consisted of all my good friends and of course we were the loudest, most competitive ones. We can't help but get excited and scream the whole time. Hey, we like games...and? haha I had so much fun and it was so good being in their company and having a jolly ol' time just like the good old days. I missed this. I miss being around people who make me laugh until my stomach hurts, who make me feel so comfortable to be myself and who make me feel at home. So glad everyone who came made it out. I love these gatherings because it's so often we are consumed with life - work, school, families, etc. It's difficult to get everyone together to hang out and so I'm glad to have events like this. I like that Trenton can get his friends and I get my friends and we can all...be friends. We can do it every weekend. haha jk Not really but who got that reference?!

^It is really hard for us to get a good photo. Awkward family photo it is! haha

So sad I didn't get more pictures or even a picture with Trent (boo!) but at least he and I made it a point to have a good time with friends, old and new. All we wanted was for people to come and enjoy  and possibly mingle with each other because we have different groups of friends and it's nice when everybody gets along and our friends meet the people we love. I'm going to say that we threw a successful dinner party based on the smiles I saw and the warm fuzzies I felt. If this isn't an accurate measurement then so be it. haha But really, I hope everyone who came enjoyed it and I thank you all for being a part of my night because I had a great time being with all of you. And I know Trenton did too.

Thanksgiving and All It's Meals

Thanksgiving was well spent with my friends and family this year. Of course I had different meals with different people and Thanksgiving almost always becomes a week-long (or more) event. And of course I never mind that. This year was wonderful because I had all my loved ones at home and obviously because I AM HOME. :) It was nice to be with my sister and my mama, the Amaro and Garcia/Trowbridge families, and my dearest friends that I got to see this past week. I haven't even mentioned all the delicious food that filled my belly but here are pictures...

Friendsgiving started way early this year. KBBQ!

On Thanksgiving Day the Amaro and O'Connell families met in Claremont for the annual 5K Turkey Trot tradition. I'm happy I finally got to be a part of this tradition. It was fun and tiring and I realized how much of a runner I am not! haha (Thanks Tare, for jogging with me even though I held you back!) After that Trenton and I drove up to the mountains to Mountain Lakes in Lytle Creek. We spent the day with some of his family and had a yummy lunch followed by fun and games in the most beautiful Autumn setting. So pretty.

Pre-trot

Post-trot

Same Turkey as the one in Claremont!

Thanksgiving meal at Abuela's and Thanksgiving meal with my mama and sister. SAME DAY, two hours apart! 

The best homemade Indian food from my second family (aka best friend's parents). 

YUMMY food eaten with our fingers. And yes, we need 4 different types of ice cream.

I love it when I facetime with the best friend! Sorry we're eating and you're not! :( Miss you V and J!

I can't even count the number of meals I've eaten with different people this week. There are some pictures I left out and I know I've seen a lot of my friends recently. It's crazy how much someone can take for granted. I am very thankful for my family and all my friends for the love and support they continue to give me. It has been so real seeing them after being away for two years. I am thankful for Trenton who continues to love me and pushes me to be a better person. I am thankful for change and opportunity. I am thankful for rain and hot showers. I'm thankful for life and love. And of course, warm food in my belly. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Continue to be thankful for the small (and big) things in your life!