Sharing The Road

I was running late.

(I realize this is not a surprise to anybody. Read on.)

While biking home from work a few weeks back, I decided to stop by Trader Joe's to pick up some essentials. After halting a few times to consult Google Maps, I finally arrived and began my hunt for organic Greek yogurt, an eggplant, and a few other staples. At checkout, I discovered I could not fit all the food in my backpack, already full with my laptop and work clothes. Rookie mistake. For the next fifteen minutes, I sat outside Trader Joe's, packing and repacking that backpack like the Tetris expert I am, chomping down one of the apples I had just purchased to make more room. Finally everything was stuffed in, and subsequently weighed about a hundred pounds. Carrying a bushel of bananas in one hand, I pedaled home, exhausted and hungry and sweaty. More than once, I had to stop and readjust the weight.

When I finally pulled up to my friend Sam's house (who I'm currently living with if you'll remember), fruit literally falling out of my backpack, I could hear soft laughter and the clinking of glasses. An outdoor dinner party. Slowly, I made my way up the driveway, and my sweaty face, hunched over from the immense weight of my groceries, made eye contact with half a dozen strangers sitting on the lawn at a table, twinkle lights cascading. Sam's friends. I stared at the Kinfolk scene before me as bruised apples rolled down the driveway. Sam delightedly introduced me to the group. I could feel sweat dripping in unmentionable places as I made some affable comments about needing a shower. Laughing off my appearance, I hurriedly parked my bike and ran inside.

Freshly showered, I returned to the group twenty minutes later to properly make introductions and join in on the fanfare, hair damp and spirits lifted. The slight feeling of embarrassment clung on. I know these girls, in their Saltwater sandals and maxi skirts, had seen many a sweaty bike commuter before. But I was not used to being the one on the bike.

Portland is widely heralded as the most bike-friendly city in the US, where approximately 1 in 10 people commute by pedal as opposed to car. This city proudly boasts naked bike rides and a handful of actual protected bike lanes on certain routes. There are even a few streets where bicyclists have the right of way. Being a bike commuter isn't a new concept; there are many who deliberately choose this lifestyle. However, I know in my heart of hearts that if I could still drive, I would not be one of them.

My visual impairment prevents me from driving and thus getting around easily, something that has hindered the past few years of my life. As I learn to seek out independence in other ways, I find myself embracing a new culture and lifestyle, not foreign to many other Portlanders and outdoor enthusiasts.

I have been in Portland for almost two months now, living apart from Nick as he works up at Mt. Hood for the summer, patiently waiting for our future home to go into escrow so I can begin nesting (I'm going to buy all the succulents). In the meantime, I am finally mobile again, truly for the first time since I last drove a car five years ago. I am able to transport myself around; I am able to explore. In short, I have become a bonafide bike commuter.

The funny thing is this: as I shopped for bike shorts the other day, I was actually into it. I was interested in bike shorts. While I am living a lifestyle I did not necessarily choose, I am finding that it makes me more fulfilled and more grateful. There is something pretty remarkable about having the wind in your hair (and yes, sometimes the rain) while accomplishing a physical feat to get from Point A to Point B, instead of just sitting in a car and turning the key. My soul is getting fed.

Plus, my calves look great.

we're moving to portland!

Well, it's official, so it's probably time to update the blog.

After months of deliberation and life plans coming together, then falling apart, then coming back together again, it's true: Nick and I are moving to Portland!

In a stunning series of events we could not have foreseen (thanks God), we both landed some pretty incredible jobs at the same time in the amazingly weird world of Portlandia. Nick was just named Head Snowboard Coach at Mt. Hood's premiere action sports camp, Windells (the "funnest" place on Earth). So he's going to be hanging out on a volcano all summer... and the rest of us are immediately jealous.

On a different but equally awesome note, I am now the Creative Writer & Editor at Design Aglow, a prestigious online resource for the success of professional portrait and wedding photographers. It's an incredible opportunity, and I'm honored to be working alongside fellow creatives I very much respect and admire. If you live in Portland come to our Open House on May 19!

In true grownup fashion, Nick and I have been trying to buy a house in PDX ever since mid-February, frustratingly to no avail. Our requirements are simple: not too many dead bodies, has to have some charm, in our budget (obvi), and near public transit so I can get around town easily. Buying a house with that seemingly short list of requirements has been an incredible challenge as the market is swamped with a zillion other fresh faced newly married couples also trying to move there.

(Pssst... hey Portland women who are rad! Hit me up! I need friends!)

At this point in time, I am crashing with a good friend in Portland so I can be close to my new job, while Nick wraps things up in Seattle and gets our condo ready to rent out (let me know if you're looking to move to Ballard!). All the while, we continue to pray that the perfect house comes on the market.

I'm loving my new job and enjoying my new city (and it's food!). There is so much more to update on, but for now, a few photos should tell the story nicely.

Food trucks!

Food trucks!

What lunch breaks look like now.

What lunch breaks look like now.

My temporary home right now. Lovely, don't you think?

My temporary home right now. Lovely, don't you think?

My roommate Sam Yapp, one of my very best friends.

My roommate Sam Yapp, one of my very best friends.

Blue Star Donuts. Yes.

Blue Star Donuts. Yes.

New job vibes!

New job vibes!

More food.

More food.

Spring is blooming here. I have the most scenic bike commute ever!

Spring is blooming here. I have the most scenic bike commute ever!


On a business note, you've probably noticed how very neglected my poor blog has been as of late. I have temporarily closed my Shop until life settles down, but will have it reopened with new artwork available very soon! Thanks for sticking with me.