Heading Home

I'm heading home to Oregon tomorrow night and I couldn't happier. I haven't been home since Ryan and my wedding! It feels like ages ago.
Though this trip is a short one, Wednesday to Sunday, we've jammed packed it with fun stuff. Mostly eating and drinking... and of course getting my hair cut.
That's a little fun fact - I only get my hair cut and colored in Oregon. From the same person that has been doing it for about eight years!

Old photo from 2010 at the Oregon Zoo!

My bags are all packed and I cannot wait for the plane to land in the beautiful state of Oregon! I get to see my parents, friends and one of my best friend's little baby! I just know it's going to be the best trip :)


Thanks for reading,

Bucket List

The other day I was asked what the top item on 'Bucket List' was. I had about a minute to think about it and I had no idea. The first thing that came to my head and what I said was - move back to Oregon.
Other people around the table mentioned places they'd like to travel, things they'd like to buy... I guess I've never really thought about my Life Bucket List. Is that a thing?
 

It got me thinking and I've come up with three things. 
1. Move to Oregon some day
Sooner rather than later

2. Buy a home
Ryan and I cannot wait for this day!!

3. Have a kid 
I only want one, they're expensive!





Those are my three. I know, I know... totally mushy and what many people call the American Dream. But that's what I want.

I've traveled, I have a loving husband and family... soooo what else would be on my bucket list? Maybe be an extra on a TV show? Have a job where I just read books? I love the three things on my bucket list. And I know they are attainable and that one day I'll be able to cross them off my list.

What's on your bucket list?

Thanks for reading,

Let's Get to Know Each Other

Since I've only been writing this blog for a short time now I thought it would be a good idea for you all to get to know a little more about me. So here are ten 'facts' about me!

1. I was born and raised in Oregon.
    
2. From preschool to third grade I went to a full-immersion French school. We learned very subject in French and had 'English class' for thirty minutes a day.
    
3. I've been to France four times! And want to go back!!
    
4. I studied abroad in London my junior year of college.
    
5. I can't stand humidity!
    
6. I've lived in the New York/New Jersey area for ten years now but still consider myself an Oregonian ;)
    
7. Our dog's name is Bailey; cat's name is Lexi
   
   
8.  I'm an only child and love it!!
    
9. Ryan and I have been on the show The Price is Right!
    
10. I'd pick a piece of chocolate cake other a glass of wine any day.

See! I just loooove dessert!!!

Any fun facts about you??? What would you rather have, wine or dessert?


Thanks for reading,

Christmas Time in Oregon

Hello from my favorite state!! OREGON! My home! Where I grew up!

I just love it here and I am sooo happy to be home for Christmas! Though I do miss Ryan, I know he's having fun with his family. And I truly believe it's good to miss people. I think it draws us closer. And when you see each other again you have so much to talk about.

Here's what we've been up to!
Shopping! Eating! Wrapping presents! Seeing friends and family! Eating more! We're having a blast!

 

The first night I arrived I had my ten year high school reunion. Man, is that strange to say. I know everyone always says this - but it feels like just days ago that I graduated. yikes! I'm almost 30.

Anyway- Lots of fun Christmas stuff is happening here and I couldn't be happier! I hope you're all having a wonderful Christmas week. Remember - Don't stress out! Have some fun!!

Thanks for reading,

 

Our Black Friday

This year Ryan and I decided to get away from the crowds of crazy shoppers and head to the 'mountains' of New Jersey. Growing up in Oregon, my version of a mountain is a little different from Ryan's version of what a mountain is... I say they're more like hills here in NJ ;)

We drove about an hour and a half up north and hit the trails. 

All we had to do was follow the white markings on the trees... easy, right?!

 At some points the hike was a bit like an obstacle course. It was fun!

 The last mile of the hike (3.8 to the top and the same on the way back down) was all up hill. I was so out of breath and a little nervous climbing on all of the rocks. It's strange how I can run a marathon, but hiking... I'm the worst!

There was a point where Ryan asked if I wanted to just turn around before the top and I really had to think about it. I really wanted to quit, but I just couldn't. We had come this far - what's another 20 minutes of pain!?

And the view was well worth the climb! We burned our Thanksgiving dinner off, experienced something new together as a newly married couple and had an awesome time!

Maybe hiking the day after Thanksgiving will become a new tradition for us... 

Do you have a Thanksgiving tradition? Or Black Friday tradition?

Thanks for reading,