We made it! Plus all of our luggage (even if one suitcase is trashed), and I’ve sucessfully ordered two whole meals without meat - and they were delicious! I love Barcelona so far, everyone has been really nice and I’ve felt safe even at night (despite the empty wallet we found on the street on our walk this morning). More photos here and here. Adios for now!
So I’m going to Europe. In five days. I’m kindof freaking out. I’ve never been and have wanted to go to France since… I don’t know, a long time. We’ll be in Barcelona for a week, then Paris (!) for a week. I’m pretty much assuming it’ll suck ‘cuz I don’t want to have high expectations that will never be met. So any advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve been reading everything I can find that might be of use on Rick Steves' website, and I’ve recently discovered that the very little French that I thought I knew is mostly wrong. Hrm… So let’s see, the worst that could happen is our flights get screwed up, our luggage gets lost, we get ripped off, scammed and pick-pocketed, our hotels suck, I’m hungry the whole time because I can’t communicate that I don’t eat meat, it’s hot, crowded and dirty, I come home stinky, tired and broke. Woohoo, I’m going to Europe!!!!!!
So the last of our visitors (two sisters and two nieces for two weeks!) left today. We loved showing off our new city, plus we got to do some exploring.
So a couple more addictions to add to the list: polaroids (picked up a camera at a thrift store for $5), the dumpr lomo action, and Flight of the Conchords. Soooo funny. Also some great live video - my fav is this one (nsfw - wow I don’t think I’ve ever said that on this blog before!).
Got an amazing package chock full of goodies all the way from South America today - and the ring is just the beginning! I’m so thankful I’ve been able to meet such talented, kind people like Jenny. :) Hope you’re having an equally inspirational week!
Things I have been doing instead of blogging: walking around our lovely new neighborhood, eating good food, biking by the river, buying new furniture, eating ice cream, shopping, sleeping in, enjoying having all the windows open 24/7, learning my way around Portland, making pillows, eating fresh local produce, watching the first two seasons of Weeds (yes, it’s true, I moved to the northwest and got addicted), getting the guest room/studio ready for a visit from my sister and two of my nieces (that’s cutie Monroe below), decorating, organizing, eating… loving Oregon.
ps - Happy 32nd Anniversary to my favorite couple (without whom I wouldn’t be here). I love you Mom &Dad!
Yipes, that was quite a blogging break. What can I say, turning a 1500 sq ft house into an 800 sq ft truck takes time. I basically just have two biggies left: the garage (where all of my random crap in the basement was moved to when Matt got his drum set) and my studio. I’m dreading that, partly because I’ll probably have to leave my beloved Expedit shelf (the huge one in black) - who knew it was possible to become so attached to a freaking shelf?! (sniff)
It’s been lovely and not-typical Iowa summer-ish here lately (meaning below 85 degrees and below 85% humidity), makes me almost not want to move. I’m sure it’ll be back to normal when we head west in two weeks - !!!
That cool typewriter postcard is from RarRar Press, got it at Craft Saturday (where I visited the lovely Jade Scott who has a gorgeous new blog, and she’s having a ridiculous jewelry sale this weekend!).
The adorable picture of my niece Ava was taken by my Mom. Oh, wanted to link to a little movie Matt just put up that he and I made a few years ago: Crouching Eggplant Hidden Yam - kinda funny. Enjoy!
Added some Pdx love links there on the right, partly thanks to this great post (and comments) by Alicia. Getting me really excited to move!
Got to hang out with my Dad yesterday for Father’s Day (that’s us in 1979, I was three and blonde). He’s a great guy, anyone who has met him will agree. I’m lucky to have him as my dad.
Back from Portland, and we found a place! It’s in Sellwood (neighborhood known for lots of Antique stores - yesss…), a brand new lovely duplex with lots of character. After we (finally!) found it we celebrated by driving to the coast (where Matt took these amazing photos). Wow, I’d forgotten how gorgeous Oregon is. Plus we’re lucky to already have family out there: Matt’s brother and 3 of my cousins (+ their wonderful spouses and kids), I’m excited to get to know them better. And to live in the Pacific NW, finally!!!
ps - thanks to Megan for posting one of my pics on her fun blog!
