Happy Anniversary???

Lars and I have been together for two years! HOLY MOLY! He's the best I've ever known.

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Stumptown

I took a trip to visit my cousin Gitta in Vancouver this past "weekend" (I refer to MY weekend, which is Mon/Tues). She just recently bought a condo (yes bought!!) that is absolutely awesome and so perfect for her. She has really got it going on right now--she landed a great new job as a RN in an exquisite hospital close to her place, she lives with a super cool gal who happens to be her best friend from college and a paying tenant and seems to be genuinely happy with what life is throwing her way. Well, but really, how upset could you be if you lived within walking distance of this view?

I made the three hour drive earlyish Monday morning and hung around the condo/house with Brigitta for a few hours catching up before we headed out for miles and miles of walking. We strolled along the Columbia River and into downtown Vancouver. It was a insanely beautiful day and a great opportunity to catch up with my beloved childhood pal.

After that I got to meet Bethany, who I definitely approve of, both as a roommate and a best friend to my cousin. The three of us enjoyed a WONDERFUL dinner at McMenamins (which I definitely recommend) and sat outside as the sun was setting. Honestly, the combination of the incredible lighting, the delicious food and the entertaining conversation was more than enough to satisfy my appetite.

The next day Gitta and I wandered around Portland, taking in the sights and the energy of the laid-back city. A lot more walking was involved, and it was another beautiful day for doing so. I really loved the Portland vibe; for some reason I have always been drawn to Portland and I was not disappointed with my first stab at getting to know Stumptown.

We window shopped on the fancy 23rd St., took a drive up around the residential area and got a great glimpse of Mt. Hood and the city, wandered around Powell's Bookstore and then met Bethany for lunch. She took us to Mother's Bistro where I honestly had the BEST sandwich of my life. The place was adorable--if you are ever in Portland I recommend it unconditionally!

We made our way back to the Washington side of the Columbia and rested a bit. Then it was out for another walk, a mini one this time. I really wanted to dip my toes in that river!

We made our way out to Gitta's hospital where I got to meet some of her coworkers and see what my cousin does for 12 hours every day! And then, after filling my tank with gas, I was home bound, back to good 'ol Poulsbo, the place that will always be home.

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Blackberry Festival

A date just me and my niece at the Blackberry Festival in Bremerton this Labor Day weekend--

Blackberry cobbler, ice cream, Italian sodas, pies, pastries, soda--blackberry whatever you can think of!

People everywhere, booths, vendors, smells, sounds, crowds, sunbreaks and girl talk.

Crafts, face painting, jewelry, did I mention food!!?, music, dancers, costumes, rides.

Colorful personalities, noise, strollers, sizzling grills, crowd control...

...Bremerton at its best.

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Sheila's Bay Cafe

I haven't posted ANYTHING about my job here in Little Norway, which is basically blashpemous seeing as how I spend most of my time there or thinking about how I have to go there. The place is Sheila's Bay Cafe, recently renamed Sheila's Portside Restaurant. The owner, besides being the coolest boss EVER, also is the owner of the Pub which is right next door. This means that even if I am having a slow night, I typically still have a lot of food orders as we feed the generally friendly neighborhood drunks. It also means I get to offer my customers on the cafe side essentially any drink they want from the full bar. I work evenings Wednesday through Sunday but get off at a decent enough time where it doesn't feel like I am robbed of all my fun on the weekends.

I am really happy with this place--I am the only waitress on at night--which is awesome because it means I get to do my own thing. There is no confusion about whose table is whose, or who is responsible for the side work. It is all on me. I work with one cook and one dishwasher, there is a bartender next door, and that is IT. We use paper tickets and I do all the math myself (which is in this day and age almost unheard of in the restaurant branch); the place is truly one of a kind.

The reason we have such a small staff however, because painfully obvious on nights like tonight. The restaurant is small, and the customer flow unpredictable. Sometimes I am busy, most times I am not. This can be frustrating when you are depending on those tips to make some money!! Luckily for me, when it's slow I have a great view to peer out at. Some of the sunsets this summer have been incredible. I really love working downtown!

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