R is for Resolutions

Every year I decide to make a list of New Year's resolutions.  Usually by March I have forgotten about them...but this year I really really really want to make a conscientious effort to stick to them!

To start things out here is my list:
1.  Do Art!  I went to school for fine art and since then I really haven't done a lot.  I haven't exactly figured it out but I guess the creative juices just haven't been flowing.  I unpacked my watercolors and started to paint again.
2.  Use my gym membership.  I am paying for it every single month...I see the deduction made to my account and I haven't been in a long time (yikes...the app tells me the last time I checked in was November 17, 2011...).  I would also like to get back into distance running too so signing up for a few races this year is also a goal of mine.
3.  Travel more.  I am planning a couple of trips this year to visit friends all over.  I'm excited to explore cities I've never been too!  Also since traveling isn't exactly an inexpensive hobby, it will force me to be better at saving ;)
4.  Live less plugged in.  We live in a digital age these days.  I know I'm glued to my iPhone, iPad, and computer but I really want to enjoy whats happening around me.  How much time do we spend on Facebook these days?  Its time to spend more time face to face!

Hope everyone is enjoying the new year so far!

R is for Relaxing

I can't believe the holidays are wrapping up...it seems like it was just a whirlwind.  I feel as I get older, they seem to go by a lot faster!  I was able to spend Christmas day in Seattle with my family for first time in many years so honestly that was the best gift of all!  I work in retail so I usually only get the 25th off.  Now that I finally have a full day off I plan on catching up on blogs, television shows, and Pinterest (in addition to the few necessities like doing laundry...).

I normally would never spend this much money on a blanket...but I was completely drawn in by the color and the texture.  There was a large display of Giraffe At Home blankets at Nordstrom...a big table of cozy fuzziness.  It was love at first touch!  I had a gift card from Christmas and they are currently on sale 20% off (now through January 16, 2012!!!).  This is the throw in Mulberry.  Its perfect for curling up on the couch and I also throw it on my bed for more warmth.  After all the rush and craziness of the holiday season I am perfectly content relaxing with a cup of coffee in my new Portland mug!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!  Onward to 2012!  

R is for River

I found my place in Portland right along the Columbia River.  It divides Washington and Oregon and runs straight into the Pacific Ocean.  I took a walk today because it was just so beautiful outside (still very cold though).  On clear days like today Mount Hood can be seen in the distance.  Also to the north you can catch a glimpse of Mount St. Helens.  It famously (and catastrophically) lost its top back in 1980 so it looks like large dome in the distance.

I recently registered my car and got an Oregon drivers license (which by the way I had to take the written exam...).  I decided to "put a salmon on it" (anyone watch Portlandia? Put a bird on it?) and got these special plates which actually benefit the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and Oregon Parks & Recreation Department.  I'm a huge fan of the NBC show "Parks and Rec" so I felt this was fitting :)