6 months/182.5 days of living in Oregon

Okay to be exact, I'm just shy of 200 days. But the memories that I have experienced since I've lived here are unforgettable. I've learned a lot about myself and what the world has to offer. Here are my top 6 (yes 6, need one for each month;) moments of living in Oregon.

6. Creative projects. I don't have a lot of time, but when I do I try to spend it wisely creatively. I keep up with my smashbooking, adding pages here and there. In October, I made my Halloween costume. I designed and sewed a dress based off of Alice (Alice in Wonderland). With this new year, I made a goal to make something new every month, even if its just a small project. In January, I made my first quilt. I took all my camp, YC, and varies of t-shirts and cut them into blocks. It was tricky to sew them all together because I had different sizes, but I got it done. I even tied it. In February, I made my first circle skirt. It's pretty simple, but I didn't get the right amount of fabric. I may make 3-4 more for my mission. And my March project is my Easter dress. I have my fabric, but that's as far as I have gotten. I am making a maxi dress w/pockets. I can't wait to see how it turns out. Grandma has been a lot of help on these projects. I need her wisdom on sewing.

5. Attending YSA ward. It was a little scary at first; I actually attended FHE first, and then the ward. I have come to meet a lot of fabulous people. Everyone is so kind and really welcoming. Don't worry, I don't have a boyfriend. I'm just interested in meeting people. I've come out of my shell more and more. I really enjoy going to FHE and activites.

4. My first real job. I have learned so much at work. I never knew how much effort it takes to run a company. I have learned a lot of financial skills that will help in the future when I have to pay my own bills. I've learned to think before I do, and also ask questions. No matter how dumb the question is, its worth asking. It's really great working with people that you know personally and love.

3. Starting my college experience. I am done with 1 semester and half way through the 2nd one. It's been really great! I've been attending Institute also. The Pathway Program has helped me to ask questions, ponder what I am learning about, learn in a classroom setting, and open up to others. I have been able to teach one lesson which went really well. Grandma & Grandpa came and showed their support; it was so sweet! I have enjoyed my college experience so far. It is challenging, but I've come to find the right balance.

2. Adventures. Oh my giggles, I have been on so many adventures. I live for adventures. My life would be so dull if I didn't have stories to tell. I've been able to go to Portland a couple of times, see the Pacific Ocean, and go ziplining in the dark. All my adventures have brought me closer to others and helped me appreciate these moments as I look back on them. I have so many more adventures to look forward too!

1. Living near family. Well, technically I live with family. Living with my grandparents has been amazing! I love talking with them at dinner time. They have gone above and beyond for me. I appreciate their love and support every single day. Did you know I have the best 6 year-old neighbors?! The twins are so adorable. I love playing out side on the trampoline and pushing them on the swings. They are like my mini-me x2! They love to see what I'm up to and enjoy looking at my smashbook. Sometimes we don't see eye to eye, but we try to work out our differences. I have been able to spend a lot of time with Rylie. She is seriously the funniest person I know! She rarely gets mad, and if she does, she brushes it off. We've had late night conversations about dumb trends we were obsessed with and old memories of playing together. A lot of my adventures came about because of her! She isn't afraid to stand out, and she knows how to have a good time. Amber surprised us all by coming up for a weekend. I started to cry when I saw her. Rylie, Amber and I were able to hang out for a little bit. We were at Sharis' until 1 am talking and laughing. Rylie and I will be able to pick her up at Provo at the end of her semester.

Like I said, moving out here has been unforgettable. I'm not sick of the rain yet; I do enjoy our days of sunshine though. I'm looking forward to the summer time so we can go stargazing and hiking. We'll see how these next months go:)

Mi Amor Bella Beach

This was my first time to the beach since I moved here! Steve's family invited us to go down to Bella Beach in Lincoln City with them. They were so gracious to let me bring Rylie along. The weather was pretty nice for February at the beach. We had some relaxing rainstorms and sunshine. I want to go back to Bella Beach, but when its warmer.

We were climbing on the rocks right next to the shore line. We realized that was a bad idea as the tide came in and crashed against the rocks.

Big waves

This staircase led down to the beach. On some ocassions the water came up pretty high on the stairs. 

Reminds me of Lombard Street in San Fran

We were in awe at all the beautiful rainbows that would present themselves after the rainstorms.

The tranquility of waves crashing onto the shore

What did the ocean say to the other ocean? Nothing, he just waved. :D

Sea life's beauty

Admiring the neverending blue

Capturing moments

In front of this beach house, there was this little library. You could take a book out to read for free. 

This is the little cafe near where we stayed. Their menu looked great, but we never had the oppertunity to dine there. A reason to go back:)

All the pretty houses lined up in a row

We had many adventures! Our first night we walked to the market. Grandma assured us it was down the rode, but we came to realize it wasn't. It took us 30-45 minutes to walk there; we even experienced jay-walking across the highway. We had were making corny jokes the whole time at the market with all the different foods. As we were walking back it started to rain. Bethany, Ashley, and Grandma decided that wasn't for them and had Steve come pick them up. Rylie & I enjoyed our walk in the rain back to the house. We were a little wet, but warmed up by the fireplace. We also did some geocaching. It was a little tricky, but we found a black capsule with slips of papers with peoples' names and when they found it inside. We added our name and date to the bunch. It was hidden behind a bench underneath some moss. On Saturday during low tide, we were able to explore further down the beach. We found a toilet seat and a water bottle from Japan. (I wish I took a picture of the seaweed) There was a lot of seaweed that washed onto shore. Some of the bulbs/roots were the size of my face. I had a wonderful time, and I can't wait to go back in May.