Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Change of Plans

So I had another post planned, but I don't feel very good and I'm stressed out and I'm packing to go to Portland tomorrow, because Ryan has a great job opportunity there and so they are flying me out, so that I can get excited about moving to Portland.

Should I?

(Get excited, I mean.)


58 comments:

Jeanelle said...

Portland isn't so bad plus you could live in SW Washington where it's cheaper. I have a good friend in Camas and she loves it there and she's in a great ward too. Plus you know Heavenly Father will take care of you guys wherever you end up!!

jessica said...

No! NO! HECK NO!

I mean unless the Spirit is totally guiding you there and you know that Portland is where Ryan will be happy with his job and further his career and have job security and....

I absolutely cannot bear the thought of you moving. I won't even allow myself to entertain the thought for more than a minute or two otherwise the eyes start to burn and my heart starts to hurt!

Besides that today Maya asked me that if she married Gabe would her name be Maya Romney...How will that happen when you live five hours away!

Carie said...

WOW! Portland. VERY cool city. I am excited for you.

Lindsey said...

Eat at Burgerville (there is one one exit away from the Temple) order a Tillamook Cheese Burger, onion rings, and have a fresh strawberry shake. You will feel much better. :) Portland Proper? Or a suburb? We lived in Eugene for 2 years. Lemme know, I have scoop!

Lisa-Marie said...

You and Ryan are amazing and will be happy no matter where you live. Good luck and have fun!

Jeanelle said...

and I should have started my comment with "it totally sucks that you even have to think about moving and I'm really sorry."

rachel said...

Oh yes! Be excited! BE VERY EXCITED!! I grew up in Portland and I miss it. I am jealous. Good luck to your husband with this job opportunity. Portland is the BEST!

And Amen to Burgerville! I couldn't agree more with the previous post from Lindsay. Yummers!

Mique (as in Mickey) said...

No I don't think you should get excited about Portland.
More like LA. Yah, LA is good. Forget all the smack talking I've said in the past- the traffic, the fake body parts, etc. Just think beaches, warm weather and Giada sightings.
But really Portland isn't too bad. I guess get excited if you must.

Ilene said...

Portland: Been there, done that. Only get excited if it is right. Otherwise, stick around here or move to Boise. Actually, I should be urging you go to Portland since Dan and I have family there.

Burgerville is good but it ain't no In-N-Out. Great shakes though.

If you go downtown (and the company pays) stop by Mother's Bistro- great little upscale restaurant with home cooking. (http://www.mothersbistro.com/) or Ringside- one of the top steakhouses in the country: eat their onion rings and bananas foster (and steak duh). (http://www.ringsidesteakhouse.com/)

Crap, I never called you. Forgive me?

Margaret said...

If we weren't so rooted in Eugene, I would consider moving to Portland. Although, I'd probably want to live in a suburb.

Things I love about Portland
(in no particular order)
1. Burgerville (yummy shakes yes)
2. Portland Temple
3. International Airport
4. Washington Square Mall (Cheesecake Factory, great places to shop)
5. Bridgeport Village (Crate n Barrel, The Container Store, PF Changs Bistro)
6. OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry http://www.omsi.edu/)
7. Children's Museum
8. Portland Zoo
9. Rose Gardens
10. Columbia Gorge is beautiful

I had friends who lived in Sherwood (suburb) and had a brand new YMCA with free childcare very near their home (with slides in the pool and all the other bells and whistles.)

I have friends who live in Portland now who may have scoop on places to live, wards, etc.

Margaret said...

Forgot to mention:

NO SALES TAX in Oregon
and
Only gas attendants pump gas so you can stay warm in your car!

kara jayne said...

I just wrote a long comment of support and encouragement and somehow it didn't post! Here's the readers digest version:

I think any move is an adventure and opportunity to get to know a new place, and yourself better. I say get excited if it's right for you. Go with an open mind, heart, and lots of prayers. It's a really tough decision to make, but you guys are well equipped to make it. Good luck.

Lauren in GA said...

I don't know anything about Portland...I just know moving unexpectedly is very, very difficult. I have been thinking about you so much...and have been praying for your sweet little family...

Oh, I just read the comment from Aric and Jess...I would be ready to croak if you were leaving my ward, (take a deep breath Aric and Jess)
I know you will be prayerful and do what Heavenly Father wants you to do so...right now I will say, "Whoa! They are flying you out?! That is awesome! It is like a second, unexpected Honeymoon!!!" How was that for trying to be supportive?

Annie said...

After reading Meg's comments, I want to move there!

Sounds promising...flying you out, too...plus, as you know, Bridget's there! Best of luck. Yes, be excited, is my vote.

gab said...

Wow! Scary and exciting...

Let us know how it goes. Good luck!

Valynne said...

Maybe you should get excited about moving back to Utah. No? Because I think it's a fabulous idea.

shauna said...

Very exciting! Congratulations on the callback interview! Moving is an exciting time- time to lighten your load and start anew. You'll get to make a whole new crop of wonderful friends. It won't be the same wonderful you have now, but a whole different kind of wonderful. You'll grow in new ways and love in new ways. I consider it a blessed opportunity!

Bridget said...

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? YES, YES, YES!!!! Oh wait, you already knew how I felt. I forgot.
Reasons to be excited about Portland:
1. Me
2. See Meg's list. I like that.

zeeny said...

More exciting than Alaska...not quite as exciting as upstate New York!!

the wrath of khandrea said...

and there goes my one link to the real live world of blogging friends.

a, b, C YA.

Lorena said...

Well....you're on the right track with a city starting with the letter P...keep looking.

♥Shally said...

I always loved moving to a new city. Anywhere you go, it is all about your attitude when you get there. I have lived in some pretty "sketchy" cities, but I always found something great about the area. I had fun when everyone else was complaining.

So I say get excited!

And good luck! :)

Holly said...

I don't know much about Portland, other than it's drool inducing beautiful. Ane the Loretta Lynn song. Does that help? HAHA! I hope the interview goes well and you get a *feeling* of the place and possibilities for your family.

Audry said...

Change for a new job is hard, I know I just went did it. I've had a REALLY hard time leaving my great friends. But I'm here to say that it isn't all that bad there are other people in the world how you can bond with and HF really has helped me have a different out look. I"m sure you'll do what's best for your family.

Kirbell said...

There's a fabulous restaurant called Papa Haydn I went to with my sister when she lived there. I seriously dream about going there...to the restaurant, not Portland. It's a little upscale The food is delish and the desserts are amazing!! Check it out!
http://www.papahaydn.com/

Hollyween said...

Portland is gorgeous and the people are amazing. I think you'll be really happy there. Of course, it's always hard to move and leave people you love behind.
My Dad recently moved from Salem, OR to Kennewick, WA and they are still mourning their move. They have said that Oregon will always be their "home".

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Grey Pilgrim said...

OK, so I saw your post and just had to let you know that if you go to Portland you should look up Cacao (http://www.cacaodrinkchocolate.com/). Unless you hate chocolate, which i seriously doubt. They import from around the world and they make the best chocolate drinks you will ever find.... I'm not kidding either

Christie said...

You can't ask me, I'm the queen of moving to new cities. I LOVE it. It's seriously such an adventure. I'd say yes. Plus, you'd get to know Bridget live, which is probably the best reason to do it. Her husband makes the best 16-layer cake...mmmmm.

Erin said...

WOW! Portland eh? Beautiful for sure. But...it's no Colorado.

Although, one of my BFFs, Sage, is moving near there so we could get some serious visiting in as I plan to visit her at least once a week.;)

Elizabeth Caldwell said...

While I hate to see you go... and I do hate to see you go... I suggest that you consider living in Washington and shopping in Oregon in an effort to get the best tax breaks.

Remember it rains quite alot over there. So you may just want to stay put. What if this is just temptation to pass up the other really good offer? What if, what if, what if???

Plus, as long as you stay in WA or ID I can still be your agent and not feel totally rejected.

Sorry you arent feeling well.

Anonymous said...

Uh, yes!? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Portland. We almost moved to Lake Oswego last year. The rain can get you down, but if you aren't too bothered by rain, you should be fine.

look into Lake Oswego. You won't be sorry!

shauna said...

With a view like that? Heck yes.

bloggingchristy said...

Is portland in Texas? NO, then don't get excited, in fact don't even think about it! I don't know if I've been to subtle about it but I WANT YOU TO MOVE HERE!!!!

I'm sort of just kidding, if it is a good opportunity I hope it works out (kindof).

mahina said...

you most definitely must be the same jessica that bridget was telling me about! that is very exciting that the company is flying YOU out, too!! enjoy the second honeymoon and get excited about portland!!

i am from sunny so.cal. and i was a bit concerned about moving here, i said we could do it for 5 years max! well, we are still here after 8 years! it is gorgeously green ALL the time! the rain gets old, but the spring and summer and even into fall are great!

if you want to live 2 minutes from bridget, you need to buy our house!! ;-) and our ward is incredible and we are always having girls nights out, thanks to bridget!! you can't go wrong!!

Kristy said...

Hi! I found your blog thru Christie's (which I happened to stumble upon while becoming familiar with my 1st blog ever). How exciting to have a trip, even if just to see the possibilities. I always have mixed emotions w/moving. I love the excitement of a new town, new house, etc., but I'm VERY sentimental & hate to leave friends/family & all the memories! I hope you & your husband get the peace & wisdom to know what is best for your family!

Stacy said...

I was in Portland last October for the first time with my best-est friends and it was more gorgeous in person! We were at Cannon Beach most of the time, but still managed to see the sites in Portland. The city is fun and eclectic, but I know vistiting and residing are two totally different things!! Good luck - keep an open mind!

Darilyn said...

Bridget told all of us bloggers in the ward to get on here and tell you what is great about Portland. I love Portland too. You are one hour from the beach, one hour from the mountains and you have tons of rivers all around you. If you enjoy food (who doesn't?) Portland has one of the hippest restaurant scenes around. Shopping? Try the Pearl District and 23rd. This is seriously a great place to live. And there is a whole bunch of us that get together regularly for girls night out. And if you move into our ward maybe I can be your visiting teacher too. ('cause i'm bridgets)

Hazen5 said...

Hey if it doesn't work out, you had a overnight gettaway with your hubby and no kids! You just have to look at the bright side!!! Hope everything goes the way you want it to.

Amanda D said...

I'm not in Bridget's ward but I came to you through her. We just moved to the Portland area 7 months ago (about 30 min. from Bridget) and we love it! We moved from Utah but we have really enjoyed living in Oregon. So many trees, great drivers, great zoo, lots of waterfalls, etc. Good luck with your decision!

Meridith said...

Sounds like fun to me, except if you really do decide to move there and leave all of your good friends and cool in-laws!! Can't wait to hear what happens. Love ya.

Tristan said...

Never been, but I have heard good things about it. Have fun and be open-minded. You might be surprised! Change can be good. But if you are moving away from family that is HARD, believe me...I KNOW. So good luck and have fun!

Unknown said...

Ok you are getting Closer to Seattle but not close enough.

Portland is cool though...keep us in the loop.

Celia Fae said...

I know I am supposed to say something supportive, but man, I hate moving. Who is going to bring you boxes of cereal when Ryan loses his job, huh? What about all of the parties you go to every single weekend?

Bridget is a bonus, though. I'd like that.

Jill said...

YES, be excited. I would move to Portland in a heartbeat! It is beautiful there. Tanner was born in Vancouver Washington and I loved going up there, and around that area. Good luck! Keep us posted!

Anonymous said...

Jess,
I already told you, you'll make anywhere fun! So no worries. It will be awesome if that's where the Lord wants you. You'll make a zillion friends and love the whole experience.
Always love talking to you.
Brooke

Bridget said...

I forgot possibly the most exciting reason (after me)....NIKE!! Their headquarters are in Beaverton and I have many a friend whose husband works there. Every now and again they get to give away passes to the employee store. Can you say heaven? Everything Nike makes is in that store and everything is 50% off. If that didn't convince you, I don't know what will.

Penny said...

No! You should definately NOT get excited! As a neighbor in "the best court ever" I need to tell you that Heavenly Father wants you HERE, well, at least we all do! I hope you two have a fun time together, but don't get to comfy there...

TexasTwinsTwice said...

Portland is BEAUTIFUL. they have one of THE prettiest temples I think--so that should help! =)

heidiram said...

Wow. I think that's amazing they are flying you out there too. I'll be praying for you guys.

Kristin said...

Go on the interview for sure if they are paying, and eat all the really good food you can on their bill. Than do what feels right, you will find you love every place you live because of the memories you make there.

Kristen said...

My Brother and his family live in Portland! (Well, actually Vancouver, WA) It would be great if you moved there because we could come visit and pretend we were going to visit my bro! (And I can recommend a great Dr.) Can't wait to hear the verdict!

Anonymous said...

moving is fun. when they do it for you. you meet new people, see new places... and heck, your blogging friends will follow you anywhere ;)

Unknown said...

hey we moved from our fav little place - Seattle - down to Salem which is about an hour south of Portland. Definately choose Portland! We are enjoying it so far. Although it is more expensive real estate than you would think.
Good luck!

Cade Seeley said...

NO - you should not get excited about the possibility of moving to Portland. You should just move back to Utah instead. Forget Burgerville, remember Crown Burger.

J'net said...

As long as you have your little family with you,
you could even live in Hawaii!!!
HOW do 54+ people blog you comments??
I some how got hooked up to your email, comments
yesterday and 39 comments showed up on MY
email?!?! Kinda fun to have SO much mail, but took some time to delete it all, ha, ha!
OK, so I was on the popular list for ONE day?!
MOST adults your guys' age will end up with three or four
careers in their career life, so just let the opportunities happen and the church will provide the networking of a smooth move... It's world wide!!

Tammy said...

I have heard great things about the city. It has tons of great parks, an environmental, progressive attitude, lots of young, smart and active people. It is one of the healthiest places to live in America, thanks to my memory of recent polling I read about. And its closer to us! I hear there are cool restaurants, cool scenes and honestly I think it will suit you so much more, but you just don't realize it. It will give you more of the cool stuff you kind of crave, but without taking away any of the super family oriented lifestyle you love. Think, you and Ryan on date night could go and see a cool acoustic band playing and eat spanish tapas, dress up and walk down a cool tree lined street passing all kinds of different and unique people. You will love it. Keep all of us posteD!!!

Meghann said...

NO.

Adrianne said...

my uncle ken and aunt jayna live in sw washington and LOVE it there. Plus I think Portland is a more accessible airport than spokane, so I may vote yes. Plus, wouldn't anywhere have better shopping than Spokane? (And shopping and airports are WAY more important than great family, amazing friends, fantastic lifestyle, etc.)