Homeward bound!

Today is the day, people - I AM GOING TO OREGON.

Finally. It seemed like this day would never get here, but I made it through my extra long work-week and am leaving in less than 12 hours! I will get to hug my parents (something I haven't done since January) and snuggle my kitty and enjoy the fresh air and amazing Oregon summer. Words cannot even express how excited I am.

It's a short week-and-a-half trip, but it is going to be jam-packed with wedding appointments, two weddings of high school friends, catching up with people, and some great family time. Let me tell you, I am in desperate need of all of this. Unfortunately Nick isn't flying out with me tonight, but he's joining me on the 23rd and we will get to fly back to Illinois together. Since we booked our tickets, we've been planning all of the things we want to do and places we want to go (mostly for eating purposes).

Here it is, the list of things I MUST do while I'm home - a collection of some of my favorite Oregon (and Salem) things:

- Go for runs and walks through Bush Park

- Enjoy delicous coffee and crêpes at French Press (I already have a date set up with my friend for tomorrow morning :])

- Get dirty greasy Mexican fast-food at Muchas Gracias (conveniently open 24 hours)

- Chai tea lattés at Governor's Cup coffee roasters in Salem

- Drink Microbrews, like my fav Black Butte Porter from Deschutes Brewery

- Shopping on NW 23rd in Portland

- Happy Hour at Bartini

- Wine tasting at Willamette Valley Vineyards

- Bike rides in Minto Brown park

- Get green curry at Venti's Café and Taphouse

- Go to Lovejoy Bakery in the Pearl District before a day of shopping in Portland

ANNNND much much MUCH more. The list could go on and on. I wasn't lying when I said that most of the things I want to do involve eating. What can I say?? Oregon does good cuisine! There is an abundance of locally owned restaurants that use local EVERYTHING in their food, and eating it makes you feel good. To balance out all of the eating, I'll be enjoying the much more bearable Oregon summer weather by going on walks, runs and bike rides. And no, I won't melt and/or die of heat stroke from doing physical activity outside like I will here.

Ok. Now after compiling this list I am even more excited if that's even possible. Good thing I haven't checked into my flight or packed yet! Woops!

I plan on taking lots of pictures while I'm home and I'll try to update on the blog as regularly as possible, but I'm not making any promises. Ta-ta for now!