P O R T L A N D , O R

It's hard to surmise my excitement for the future and the plans I have. It seems like only a few months ago I started my journey in being this strange, independent person I am. It's crazy to think just a few years ago I never thought I'd be in the place I am now. I feel like -- in just a short amount of time -- I've become a completely different person. I'm happier, I feel more mature,  I feel smarter,  I feel like my own person. It's taken a long time to get to this point but I'm here. I'm actually here. And to top it all off, I'm moving to my dream city at the end of the month. 

In the beginning I felt confused. I was scared, I felt alone, I felt like I was dealing with everything by myself and I was. I'm not exactly sure why I did what I did. But I did it and I'm glad. It's been a long time since I felt proud of myself for doing anything. And it's strange that it took such a monumental movement to get such a short distance. But that short distance now means the world to me and everything I am now to that change. I know it sounds cliche but because I followed my heart and what I felt and what I believed I can now start living the life I've always wanted to live. 

At the end of the month, me and Cory are packing up everything we own into our car and we're taking a 20 hour drive from Prescott Arizona to Portland Oregon. My Aunt and Uncle -- who live just outside Portland in a town called Hillsboro -- have agreed to put us up for a few months until we can find our own place. I'm happy because it gives us plenty of time to experience the city and have a place to stay. It beats being homeless and experiencing the city in a negative light. I have a few acquaintances in Portland but we're not good enough friends to the point where they would let us stay with them. I've been to Portland before and there are few spots that are my absolute favorite. And some places that I haven't been which I'm excited to visit. I've never lived in a big city. I haven't even lived in a small city. But it's exciting to be moving to a city at all.

Just a few of my favorite places to visit are:

Powell's Book Store

Powell's is known for its history and vast selection of books and claims to be the biggest book store in the world. It contains over 68,000 square feet of retail floor space and the inventory for its retail and online sales is over four million new, used, rare, and out-of-print books. Powell's buys around 3,000 used books a day. 

Oregon Holocaust Memorial

One of the most moving and provocative pieces of artwork I've ever seen is at the Oregon Holocaust Memorial in Portland. Scattered and torn items (such as a violin, a doll, glasses, and toddler shoes) are strewn about on the ground; creating a very unsettling feeling as if these were meaningful things to the victims of the Holocaust. As dark and disturbing as this memorial is, it stands as a living testament to courage and an homage to the survivors. 

VooDoo Doughnuts

VooDoo Doughnuts is pretty well known state wide. It's famous for it's crazy themes and oddly designed doughnuts....

Sizzle Pie

I go to SP every time I visit Portland. It's the best place to get an amazing slice of pizza. If you don't believe me, just look at their menu!

I'm so incredibly ecstatic to start this new chapter in my life. I'm excited to grow and learn and meet new people and just become even more of myself -- if not a better version. 

So here's to the future!