♥

I can’t believe how fast time has flown by since this same week back in March 2008. 

I decided to visit my brother for the first time at his home in Portland, Oregon during my spring break. After picking me up from the airport, he rented a car and we stopped by a restaurant called, Pok Pok (my new favorite) for lunch.

That same day, he took me to

Rose Garden… ( we both look kind of different now… hmm)

Rouge to try little shots of different beers.

Everyday Music…

out to dinner, and to play pool…

and finally, Chopsticks… a small karaoke place.

His friend Michael and Marissa also came with us. We got there and the only table left was in the back, and I thought that was great… until C.J. brought over the book with all the songs and papers to give to the dude with our names and selection.

I have never done karaoke before… and tonight was not going to start off my singing career… especially since I would be doing it sober. They were all done filling out the papers and C.J. asked what song I was singing.

No way was I getting up there… so I kept telling him no. Then he said to me something like,

sometimes you need to put yourself in situations that you would normally not put yourself. 

(words I’ve lived by since then… tell about it in another post)

I thought about it, and figured, I don’t live here, no one will ever see me again. So, I picked Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks. I guess I figured everyone knows this song and they will sing along. Michael came up with me and please disregard our faces.. thanks.

So after that night, he took me to Washington for a couple minutes and then Astoria… you know, where the Goonies was filmed.

I had an awesome week and fell in love with Portland so much that I broke the news to my mom when I got home…

“Mom, when I graduate next year, I’m moving to Portland. Don’t be sad.”

***

2008 and 2009 are the years where I have had and will have a lot of lasts…

2008… things that stand out to me

Last summer spent in Connecticut

Last time I will leave my flip flops on the back porch of our house before going in

Last Christmas with my family for a little while

Last birthday celebrated with family

2009

Last semester of college.

Last college spring break.

Last time watching the seasons change in Connecticut.

Last time celebrating my sister’s and brother’s birthday with them for a while.

Last time I can ever complain about going to school on my facebook status.

…and probably much more.. but this is kind of upsetting.. my mom said to not think about moving as moving.. just think of it as a long vacation. Go on weekend trips around Oregon and Washington… Go to California. 

Thursday I leave for my fourth visit Oregon in a year and my final until I move on May 31st… two days after my graduation.

i got the flu.