Life in PDX...

I know, I know... I'm a blog failure. Since moving back to Portland, I just don't seem to have the same downtime that I had in Amsterdam. I guess that's a good thing - it's kind of nice to be busy with friends all the time! :)

It's been a few months since I've posted, and life has been as much of an adventure as ever. Who ever said that life outside of my European adventure had to be boring? ;)

I guess first thing's first... after two years of 10-hour flights, 6am phone calls, loneliness, joy at being together again, ups, downs, and everything in between, Sean and I finally got back to the same city and promptly broke up less than two months into being together. I don't really want to say much here, but just know that time heals all wounds and things are okay. Kind of a big bummer, but for the best in the long run, I suppose.

To try to get over things, I decided to take a trip with my friend Raelee to Las Vegas. This was my first time EVER being there, and I LOVED it! :) We saw a couple of shows, including the Cirque show "O" and Blue Man Group, and enjoyed nice dinners and time by the pool. I can't wait to go back! :)


Raelee and I outside Caesar's Palace

I DID end up selling my house, but the timing was not great to be honest. My shipment FINALLY arrived to the US at the end of April, however the house wasn't set to close until the end of May. Since I had already had 3 other offers fall through, I was super nervous to sign a lease on anything until I for sure sold the house, but I wasn't given any more temporary housing after my shipment arrived, so I began my couch crashing after returning from Las Vegas. I stayed with my friend Michelle Wald for a week, after which I left for a spontaneous trip to Europe. My former manager had invited me to his wedding in Germany, and, since I had no place to sleep and work was actually at a pretty slow place, I accepted the invitation. I had enough miles to fly into London for free, so I spent a few days there, then spent a few days in Amsterdam with my old friends, followed by the wedding in Germany. A really great trip. To be honest, though, a little trippy to be back in Amsterdam but not be "home". I think my home radar is a little off still. :)


KP with Stonehenge - I did one of the oh-so-touristy bus tours... but it made it super easy to get around!


Cute German Family in their native dress


With the bride and groom

While I was in Europe, I found out that they were able to move up the date of my closing on the house, so I ended up moving in the day I got back! I slept on the floor for a few days, and then my shipment finally arrived that Friday! Yippy! I'm still in the process of unpacking, but it's really starting to feel like home. :) I have moved downtown to a part of town called the Pearl, which is absolutely great! I love being so close to all the action. :)


Boxes, Boxes, Everywhere! :)

Other than unpacking boxes, I've had a great time re-connecting with all the friends that I missed so much. Here are some pictures from the past few weeks:


80's Dance party to celebrate Sara's Birthday


Samuel's 3rd birthday in St. Helens


Checking out the Grilled Cheese Grille with Michelle


Our kayaking adventure on the one sunny day in Portland so far (okay, I exaggerate, but, COME ON!!) :)

It's for sure been ups and downs since coming back. When you live abroad, life in your old home kind of gets put on freeze frame in your head, but the reality is that time marches on. Fortunately, I've been able to slide right back in where I left off in a lot of cases, and actually have made some really great new friends. Just looking forward for the summer to really begin!