Portland, Oregon and Slow Gin Fizz...

If you don't know what the title is about, please listen to the amazing Loretta Lynn song, "Portland, Oregon". It always puts a smile on my face.
I had a wonderful weekend in the Pacific Northwestern city of Portland and made me realize how lucky I am to be from Oregon. There are many things I took for granted while living up North, including tax-free shopping, friendly drivers, green living and blue skies. I went up for the long weekend to see some friends and plan a little escape from La La land. Every once in a while, I think it's healthy to do that and if the price is right, even better! I spent the majority of the weekend, hanging out, shopping, bar-hopping and taking in the fresh air. The trip went by fast for me, but was still worth it.
I have always been conflicted about Portland. The city, itself, if everything I have ever asked for and a lot closer to my friends and family in Southern Oregon, but obviously, my job in Los Angeles can only be done, well, in Los Angeles. If I could do what I do here there, trust me, it would be no question. But, at the same time, I feel grateful to be making a decent living in a town where everybody seems to try and end up falling flat. I have met some amazing friends and established great relationships for the short-time of being here. I guess I can say LA is appearing more and more like home, but trust me, I realize what Loretta is saying when she sings, "Portland, Oregon and slow gin fizz, if that ain't love, tell me what it is".