Free Weekend

Since the last post, I had my first out of town visitor. Jake was in town for business in Eugene, and was able to hang out last Friday and Sunday. I guess Plowman came a while back, but that was before I was moved in, so Jake takes the prize for first guest (as he so mentioned). Jake and I went to Stanford together and even though he's been in Nashville for a good chunk of years, I've managed to see him every once in a while. Glad to see that my move to Portland hasn't changed that dynamic. Caught up with a quick tour of the city (which basically means, walking to Powell's- oh and in case you are wondering "whoa my boss is naked" is in stock at Powell's, which is pretty good considering that the book is only distributed online), happy hour at Jakes (where else would we go) before heading to Eugene. On his way back, capped off a great visit with a run down the riverside and bridges, then with burgers and beers at Bridgeport brewery.

Had this weekend free. Our service is light at the moment, and co-intern and I are starting to get the hang of the VA, so the sr and the attg decided it was cool for us and the med students to take the wknd off... so finally put the last piece of furniture together. Some pics need to be hung, but here are a few pics below for those curious. Its a studio type of place in the Pearl district. However, even my studio is probably bigger than most peoples 1-2 br in new york. I'm also 1 of 60 units in the building, which is a lot bigger than the Henry st building that has 10 units total. I definitely miss how I was able to get to know and see all my neighbors in the Brooklyn apt- here, i'm lucky if I see 1 person. But its a newer type of place, nice kitchen, garbage disposal and in unit laundry, so its easily the nicest place I've rented in my life. We'll see if by the end of the year, I can still afford it. And if you're wondering what the "next year in jerusalem" pic is, thats in lobby of the building, which is pretty random. Jake says that what all the Jews say when they reunite, I guess I can see that. What doesn't necessarily make sense is that the building's name is The McKenzie, which doesn't sound that Jewish. Whatever.

The weekend was spent being fairly lazy, besides putting together particle board, went to the portland international beer festival, held a couple blocks from where I live, and which is apparently nothing compared to the Oregon beer festival happening next weekend... theme here in portland is beer btw. Today, hiked with some co-interns Angel's Rest, a trail off the Columbia River Gorge. Its pretty amazing that in 20-25 minutes by car, one can get out of civilization and into the woods.

I will say that ensuring long weekends are productive and maximized is harder work than one would think. You never know who's free that weekend, and you're so tired from the week before that its easy to just recover your sleep.

the entry way into the apt

.the largest kitchen i've ever had

kitchen/living room

brooklyn love (thanks todd).