An adventure at Waldo Lake in pictures

 

The Beginning: Waldo Lake. Ride began at 11:45 AM. Supposed to be an intermediate ride with a few experienced parts.



Where's Waldo? Checking out the loop around Waldo Lake. Having fun.

Brent's Before Picture

Becky Before Picture

Luke and Giles Before Picture

Breathtaking View of the Forest

The coolest part of the ride

Two hours into the ride. The guys trying to figure out where we are and how long we have left. I made them take a picture in case we got lost.

See this map? It seems we got off the main trail and onto the wilderness trail. Darkness creeping in and finally arrive back at the car at 6:00 PM.

Giles After: Took a spill.

Luke After: Stitches but he still had fun.



Brent After: Kinda smiling with a thumbs up



Becky After: Definitely broke my new bike in. What a ride now turn the heat on.



Do I have to or do I get to?

A few weeks ago, someone I know brought up a very interesting point. He was talking about someone he had interviewed and how the candidate had mentioned several times that they had to do things instead of get to do things. It was something that really stuck in my mind.

For example:

Do I have to commute two hours a day or do I get to commute two hours a day?
I get to commute two hours each day because I have a cool, rewarding job at a winery.

Do I have to go for a run or do I get to go for a run?
I get to go for a run because I am healthy enough to do so and it is a great stress reliever.

Do I have to make dinner or do I get to make dinner?
I get to make dinner and enjoy delicious food and conversation with my boyfriend.

You get the point. So the next time you feel like you have to do something, take an extra minute to think about why you get to do it and all the joy that comes with it. It will put things back in perspective.

Capital Press agriculture news...Old grape sparks new interest

Check out this article on the From Vine to Wine project at Willamette Valley Vineyards.

Capital Press agriculture news

"If not now, then when?" philosophy of life

I recently received an inspiring email from a woman named Julia in Boston, Massachusetts. Julia Googled "wine my way around the world" and wouldn't you know that my blog, "I was born with a suitcase in my hand..." appeared at the top of the search list. Don't believe me? Google it. I did. How cool is that? Google I heart you.

Julia is restless for adventures and travel, and her philosophy of "if not now, then when?" is right on. Julia I say go for it. What do you have to lose? Apply for your working holiday visa, board a flight to New Zealand and enjoy. I miss a good Sauvignon Blanc. Maybe you can sneak me a couple bottles back?

This email could not have come at a better time. Instead of thinking about doing something, I am just going to do it because "if not now, then when?" No second thoughts. No regrets. Leap forward and take a chance. Life as you know it will still be here waiting if things don't work out, but most likely you will open up doors that you never knew existed.

Just booing around together

Brent and I met seven months ago today. I am one lucky gal. In this short time we have experienced so much together skiing, the coast, biking in Bend, wine tasting and brewery tours, our trip to California, our trip to the Midwest and moving in together. Brent is an amazing person and I am lucky he took a chance on me.

Taking it one step at a time

Step by step. Day by day. I am counting down the days until I see the specialist in Portland. My health pretty much sucks right now. It has gotten worse over the past three months. Each day provides its own unique challenges both physically and mentally. It is kind of like looking in a mirror, seeing yourself, but not being able to be yourself.

The good news...Yesterday I rented my apartment in Sherwood. The lease only allowed me to sign on roommates and not sublet so my new roommates are a husband, a wife, a six month old baby and a dog. This is a huge relief.

Brent and I are still settling into our Eugene apartment. We still have a few things to unpack and organize, but it finally feels like home. It is just in time for my favorite season of the year...Fall. There is nothing better than the leaves changing colors, harvest beginning and of course fresh hopped beers!

Life is like a roller coaster ride. Sit, back, hang on and enjoy the ride.