We've been doing all kinds of great things since moving to Portland, but I only have photos of an outfit from our night out to see the Oregon Symphony play the music for Psycho on Halloween. I wasn't in costume, just threw on some red and black for the occasion:

So, I've get to check off a few things from my Portland To-Do List, but the list grows longer and I have lots to do! I'm hoping that after I have a better idea of what my schedule will be that I may be able to sign up for some of those classes I was hoping for. We'll see.

Take Care,

~V

I had forgotten what it feels like to start over. A new city, a new job, new home. When you feel kind of stuck where you're at and you're dreaming of being somewhere else, you can kind of idealize this somewhere else. The grass is always greener, you know.

I've only been in Portland for about a month, but I am very much having my ups and downs with it. Driving around sometimes feels rewarding because I think Wow, I actually know where I'm going! ... I didn't get lost! Then, it can be awful because there are so many aggressive drivers and, well, I get lost a lot!

Starting at a new job has been much harder than I had anticipated. I got so comfortable at my old bakery job that I thought I was over being shy/socially awkward/socially anxious. Well, news flash to self, I'm not. I guess it doesn't help that almost all the staff mainly speak spanish, and although I am half Puerto Rican, I do not look or speak the part. I almost quit the other day. I was really honest with my manager about how much my mistakes were bothering me and that I didn't really feel like I was fitting in with the team. He was so nice about it and really wants to help figure out a way to make me feel more comfortable. I'm really happy that I just said something because he was really understanding and it kind of snapped me back into reality of it not just being my fault that I've been feeling this way.

I'm going to try really hard in being more active about learning about this city and getting out and doing new things. I need to get myself out of this rut.

On a brighter note, let me share my Etsy Window Shopping for this week!

1950's County Fair Striped Dress from DearGoldenVintage

1950's Day Dress from rugglesstitch

1950's L'Aiglon Paisly Shirtwaist Dress from RaleighVintage

Brown Leather Oxford Ferragamos from SecondWindVintage

Drooling and double checking my bank account right now....

Take Care,

~V

Dress - Thrifted; Jacket - Vintage

Well, it's my first day here in Portland and all I'm doing thus far is reminiscing about Humboldt. Above is the outfit I wore out to our goodbye brunch. I found the dress at a little thrift shop in Laytonville and couldn't pass it up because it fit me perfectly, it has a flowy skirt and applique detail! The jacket was my mom's and I was so excited that I got to wear it. I never do because, in Humboldt, it's either too wet out when it's cold or too hot out when it's not wet.

Our favorite people from Humboldt met us for our brunch and/or going out for drinks and it really made me sad to say goodbye to such wonderful people. We got a few going away gifts, a friend gave me an apron she made. I was so excited when I opened it because all I saw at first was cream fabric, pink ribbons, and lace! We also were given a bunch of the delicious things of Humboldt (minus the chips, they are just my favorite, so my friend threw them in!):

Have'A Corn Chips; Baklava from Desserts On Us (so flippin' good!); Dark Chocolate Bar from Sjaak's Chocolate; Oliveira Merlot from Dry Creek Valley Winery; Larrupin (the best sweet mustard on the planet! Seriously, you have to try some.) from The Larrupin Cafe; Zimmerman Preserves; and our newest favorite, Humoldt Hot Sauce (seriously hot!)

We also were given a gift to help us on our long drive up!:

I have a To-Do list for Portland, that I clearly have not gotten started on:

1. Take my resume out to as many of the local bakeries as I can.

2. Sign up for classes (sewing, letterpress, and photography).

3. Find a new piano teacher.

4. Learn as much about the city as I can.

5. Support Zak in the music scene.

... and I'm sure it will grow longer...

Thanks for reading & Take Care,

~V

Moving Day Print by stevenbeckley

Vintage Samsonite Luggage from uglysanta

Ice Cream Postcards from citylight

Vintage Letter Holder from HausProud

Vintage Traveling Bar from TintedVintage

Appetizer or Dessert Plates by zinniadesigns

I cannot wait until we are at the housewarming bit... It seems like it is never going to get here.

Take Care,

~V