Portland, OR

Coming Into the City

Since I spent the weekend down in Oregon, I thought I'd give you a little recap of my visit. I left work early on Friday so that I could catch the Bolt Bus down. The trip took an hour longer than it was supposed to, thanks to US Open traffic, but it was a pretty drive so I can't complain too much.

The downside of the bus being late is that my friend had to leave to get our other friend from the airport, so I ended up having half an hour to kill before she could get me. I wandered around for a couple of blocks (snapping the above picture), before I headed to the Starbucks right beside the bus stop. 

Side note: Mini Frappuccinos are the cutest.

Hibiscus 75

The next morning we headed to the Radio Room for brunch, before we headed down to Powell's. 

For those of you who don't know, it is MASSIVE. Like, a whole city block and several floors tall. It's apparently the largest independent new and used book store in the world (I believe it-- look at those facts!) If I had been alone with nothing else to do, I probably could have spent all day in there or all weekend. In the end, we just spent an hour or so in there, but I did pick up two new books.

Afterwards, we made a quick pit stop at Starbucks, before heading to Voodoo Doughnuts. Because nobody likes waiting and my friend didn't want to have to find parking, we headed to their second location Voodoo Too. While there was still a line, it was way shorter than it would have been otherwise and we were able to get through it in less than ten minutes.

We each got two donuts-- one normal, and one fun. And guys. They are SO CHEAP. For two, I think my total was $2.70 or something insane like that, and one of mine was big. Since we were all still full from brunch, we decided to save them until later.

ED SHEERAN

I am so in love with Ed Sheeran. This was my second time seeing him perform live and he's so talented, I don't actually think my brain can comprehend it. While the picture above is one of the few times he didn't have his guitar in hand (he was rapping at the time), he would record his own backing track live on stage. He had this handy little contraption thing with a whole bunch of pedals, that let him record different guitar parts and any harmonies he may need, before he'd begin singing the main part. It's so cool watching him do it.

If you ever get the chance to see Ed Sheeran in concert, do it. 

So much yum.

We ate our donuts after we got home, because what else should you do at midnight?

More yum.

The next morning we headed to breakfast with my friend's dad, before heading back to relax for a bit before my friend and I had to leave.

It was so much fun seeing them both. It had been way too long. We should get better at getting together. But in the mean time, I'm happy to be back home with my animals.

Magical Monday

Late, once again XD Forgive me?

1. Shorts with tights. I need more shorts (and plain t-shirts). They are definitely on my to-buy list once my buying ban is over, since I've recently become obsessed, but I only have one pair. It's a shame.

2. Silly quizzes. My friends and I have been making lists of our favorites and guessing each others. The answers are amusing, to say the least.

3. Musical skills. During January, my school hosts its little version of American Idol, and I love it when guys have lovely voices. Add that to the fact they can play an instrument and are funny? Done.

4. When something just looks right. I love when you're trying on an outfit and it just clicks.

5. Cobra Starship. Their songs are so, so addicting. I've been listening to them on repeat all week.


Credit.


Credit.


Credit.


Credit.


Credit.

I'm still working on the last one... Also, I am determined to learn how to braid my hair like that.

Magical Monday

Sorry this is a day late!

Anyways, this is going to be a short and sweet one.

1. Hanging out with friends. I spent all day yesterday with friends (one of whom is always working, so we rarely are able to hang out), and it was a blast.

2. Emails from old friends. I got an email from a friend I never see (she lives in Canada), and it made my day just that much better.

3. Three day weekends. I have three-day weekends all month. Yes, you should be jealous.

4. Snow. Who doesn't love snow? It seriously makes me so happy!

5. 100%. 'nuff said.

Magical Monday

1. My closets. I've just rearranged my closets at school, along with my dresser, and I must say they look fabulous. I have a lot more room to store things now. Let's just hope they stay this clean.

2. The thought of seeing my friends. Most of my friends are returning from break today, and I can't wait to see them! I love seeing my family, but I've definitely missed them.

3. Having a night to yourself. Last night, I had a fabulous night after I unpacked. My roommate hasn't returned yet, so I didn't have to worry about choosing a movie that she liked or playing music she liked (sans headphones). I don't normally like being alone, but I think I could get used to it :P I played my music loud, then watched Aquamarine (don't judge-- it's good) while painting my nails purple and coloring. Then I watched the Christmas episode of Glee. Definitely a good night :)

4. Finding out you're not as bad at something as you thought. In an effort to prove to my friend that I can't draw, I decided that I would draw her the movie poster of a movie that she really likes (it didn't have many details), in addition to her actual present. But, it turns out, I'm not as horrid at drawing as I thought. I mean, I'm not fabulous, but I was proud of myself and I know she'll love it.

5. Tubing. I went tubing on Saturday for the first time up in the mountains, and it was really, really fun. Unfortunately, I had to call it quits about 45 minutes before my session ended because my toes were so frozen it was seriously painful just standing (I was legitimately afraid of frostbite), even though I had boots and two pairs of socks on. I guess I know I need to wear warmer socks next time... XD



Credit.


Credit.


Credit.


Credit.


Credit.

Magical Monday

1. Kittens. Basically, my kitten is the cutest thing ever. (Even if she does make walking dangerous, since she likes to attack legs.)

2. Christmas gifts. Don't you love the idea of coming up with the perfect gift for someone? Usually I don't get very excited about gift-giving, because I never know what to get, but this year I'm really excited about what I did for one of my friends. She'll love it (and if she doesn't I think I might cry).

3. Wall-E. The movie was on tv a few nights ago, and it was my first time watching it since I saw it in theaters. So adorable.

4. Outsourced. Funniest show ever? Quite possibly. I've wanted to watch it since I first saw the commercials, but when I'm at school I tend to not watch much tv (unless it's a show I'm already committed to, and even then I don't always keep up). However, now that I'm home I've discovered they have the entire season on-demand. I highly recommend it! Now I just have to wait until the season restarts in January...

5. Miss A. Ever since a few of my friends became obsessed with Korean-everything last year and it caused a rift in my group of friends, I've been decidedly anti-Korea. They haven't necessarily toned down their obsession (their walls are covered), but they have made it so that you don't feel like such an outsider when you're with them. So when my friend (who is Korea-neutral) showed me the "Bad Girl, Good Girl" music video by Miss A, I didn't really want to like it (though, it should be said, two of the members are Chinese). But I did. It was so incredibly catchy. So I downloaded some all of their songs, and not only do I know have even more incredibly addicting songs, I found an unexpected perk. I usually can't listen to music when I study without it taking me twice as long (or longer), but when it's in Korean, that's not really an issue. It's fabulous!


Credit.


Credit.


Credit.


Credit.


Credit.

Hope you have a marvelous Monday!

Toxic

Credit.

You know those people. They're always sarcastic, they make everything about them, they're all take and no give, you're never their first priority, and, quite frankly, you feel terrible whenever your around them. Yet you still call them your friend. To put it bluntly, they're toxic.

Why do we put up with these people in our lives? Friends should be kind, supportive, caring. They should make you feel good about yourself, rather than killing your self-esteem. And yet everyone has had at least one friend that's just no good.

We need to realize that no matter hard much we might want them to, they're not going to change. For as long as they're around, you'll always be second-guessing yourself, doubting the validity of your own opinions when they don't match up, and wondering what you did wrong. But you know what? You are worth more than that. You deserve friends who make you laugh; people who aren't condescending or overly sarcastic (trust me, there's a thin line between joking and just plain being cruel); someone who accepts you, regardless of your flaws.

So cut the toxic friends out of your life. And, if you don't think you can do that (whether that's because you care about them too much or you have a lot of mutual friends), cut back the amount of time you spend with them one-on-one.

Believe me, it's hard. I've dealt with more than my fair share of toxic friends, but it's so much better once you finally leave the negativity behind and find friends who truly care about you. Trust me.

Magical Monday

Credit.

I move back onto campus next Wednesday, and I'm pretty much psyched. Though you'd probably be able to figure that out on your own, since most of this post revolves around going back.


Credit.

1. Anticipation. I am so excited to move back in, see all my friends again, and start classes! And yes, I am a nerd. Also, that isn't a photo of my campus, but isn't it gorgeous?


Credit.

2. Awesome gifts. My roommate informed me earlier this summer that she bought me a move-in gift that I'd love and an amazing birthday gift. So, of course, I had to get her something, too. I was freaking out, afraid I wouldn't be able to find something I could afford, but I did. Hopefully she likes it! I think she will...


Credit.

3. Feeling productive. At the end of the school year I promised a professor I'd write him a letter of recommendation for tenure, and it's due in less than a month. I finished it last night. While I definitely need to edit it, still, I feel good having the bulk of it done. Also, I finally started getting my stuff organized for move-in.


Credit.

4. Friends in my dorm. I'm sad because one of my best friends is moving to another dorm, because another one of our friends refuses point-blank to leave her dorm (which is understandable, since it's awesome, but impossible to get into if you aren't rooming with someone who already lives there. And I love my dorm). Anyways, I'm sad I now need to put on shoes to visit her. Still, I found out one of my friends that's an incoming freshman this year is in my dorm. I'm so excited!


Credit.

5. Awesome lashes. I put on mascara for the first time in God know when, and it's amazing how much longer my lashes get. It kinda makes me wonder why I don't do it more often, since it's not like it takes very long. Who knows, maybe I'll start soon. I've also got eyeshadow on.

Magical Monday

Credit.

It's Monday, which means it's time to make a list of five fabulous things from the past week.


Credit.

1. Painted nails. Even better if it's a bright, cheerful color. I don't usually paint my nails, but I did on a whim earlier this week. I quickly remembered just how much of a mood-booster magenta nails can be. Seriously, why don't I do this more often? Unfortunately, it's already chipping since I didn't have any top coat, but I still love it.


Credit.

2. Getting mail. I got a letter earlier this week from my lovely friend, complete with a cute drawing on the envelope and various drawings within the letter itself. Nothing makes me happy than good ol' snail mail.


Credit.

3. Friends. I absolutely adore my friends. They always know what to say to make me feel instantly awesome. That's all.


Credit.

4. Shopping. As you know, I went shopping over the weekend, and nothing's quite like coming home with new clothes you adore. Even better? Buying jeans not one size, but two sizes smaller than normal. And no, I haven't lost weight since last time I tried on jeans. The blessed brand is just amazing. Why have I never tried their jeans on before? My day was instantly made.


Credit.

5. Plain Jane. Have you seen this show? Because if not, you should. It's all about turning self-proclaimed plain Janes into bombshells and helping them get the guy they love, all while building up their self-esteem along the way. It's all the warm, fuzzy feelings associated with chick flicks, only these are real people instead of actors portraying characters.