Off to the NW

Well, it appears it’s that time again. The time when I get the urge for someplace new and pack my bags. I’m still 5 months out, but can hardly control how excited I am to be returning to the place I call home. The Pacific NW is truly my first love. I think this time I’ll stay for good. I’ve already made some incredible memories here in Maine and can’t wait to round out the last 5 months with a few more. From the family time, to the people I’ve met, to the places I frequent it really has been a great experience. Not sure what’s next for me by the time I get home. Definitely some catch up time with old friends and I guess a pretty big birthday in September. So, Vancouver/Portland I’ll see you in August and Vegas I’ll see you for my dirty 30! I’m sure it will be a birthday I’ll never remember with people I’ll never forget!

Family and Quilts

It’s almost the end of another year, I can hardly believe it. I have moved from WA to LA to ME and have enjoyed every stop along the way. Moving to Maine was by far the best move I have made. Not that I didn’t enjoy and learn from other places I have lived but because I realized how important family really is. I feel blessed really. I have a wonderful family that loves each other and gets along great. Having the ability to move to Maine to get to know my niece Hannah has really been the cherry on top. The smile I get when I walk in the door from her is priceless. I want her to always know me.

It’s getting colder and that means more inside time. I’ve already started venturing into the crock-pot world and think I might try out some more difficult recipes soon. I’ve also decided to set a goal for myself. By the end of 2011 I’ve decided I want to make a quilt. It may not be the best quilt but I’m feeling pretty confident that I can create something…well functional 🙂 I’ve started researching, ordered a couple of books and have found loads of blogs and informational tutorials that are a great start for inspiration. If any of you know websites, books, or videos that might be useful or if you have any tips of your own please feel free to send the information my way!! I know my sister-in-law Sarah is a craft master and I’m hoping I can steal some of her knowledge. Maybe trade babysitting for lessons? I’ll keep you in the loop and if it goes well I am hoping to set a goal for 2012, one new project/activity a month. I will take all your suggestions! Until next post…

Color Me Maine

Do you ever have those days when you wake up and just want to be somewhere else in your life? A new job, a new location, a new house, have a family, or maybe just a new shirt? I think I am having a week of the “wants”. There are lots of things I can not change, lots of things I don’t want to change, but this weekend calls for a small change…a new wall color.

I have been in Maine a little over 4 months now (I know! Time is flying) and I have yet to make the apartment feel like home. Maybe it was a lack of motivation or money(moving from WA to ME is expensive!) but I think I always tread carefully on new locations because I never know how long I am going to stay. I ordered a couch last week. To some people that is just part of a new place, for me it was a small (but potentially large) commitment to Portland, well at least the East coast. Not only did I order a couch but an area rug as well. I know, I know, HUGE! The goal is to paint the living room this weekend so when the couch and rug arrive we’ll be ready. We (my sister and I) are thinking a blueish/greenish/grey type color. Specific, right? Something on the lighter than the darker side, most likely muted or understated. I’m sorry Pat and Sarah we are stealing your wall color, or close to it. After that all we need to get is a coffee table, tv, and entertainment stand (a few minor things). Art for the walls is also a must. I have some ideas on making custom wall art but will need to get my hands on some pictures from my sister-in-law. One thing at a time I guess…

Side note: Utilizing the crock-pot again today. Pulled pork goodness tonight!