Tree Hugger State

So, I had an amazing 48 hours in Oregon for my friend’s wedding reception. This is the trip that I discussed earlier about conquering the impossible task of traveling with a carry-on bag only. I am proud to announce that I did it. I did something I didn’t think was possible. When I got home on Thursday evening to pack and saw the small bag I started to doubt myself. I mean, how was I supposed to get everything in that tiny black bag? I was a little scared, but I thought it out. I packed clothes that could roll up small and that was jersey material so it could roll up small without worrying about too many wrinkles. Some people think I am being ridiculous by making such a big deal over traveling with a carry-on bag for my first time, but I am a worry wart and get anxiety over activities that I am unfamiliar with, so you can imagine what this did to me.

I met Kim at the airport and it was early so of course I didn’t even look at the monitor to see what gate I was in, but instead just got in the longest security line ever for Gate A. After a couple minutes and thinking how I will be cutting it close if I ever get through this line I realized that I didn’t look at the screen so I have no idea what gate I am in and I could even be in the complete wrong line. I get out of the security line and check the screen to find out I needed to be in the line for Gate C. Thankfully, I figured that out early enough. Once I got to the line for Gate C it was super short and this made me very happy. That is what happens when you get up at 5am for an early flight. I got through security fine with no issues with how I packed my carry-on bag and no issues with my quart sized plastic bag. Kim, on the other hand, had issues with her carry-on bag, nothing that was a big deal though. It was so nice to arrive in Portland and go straight to the car rental place instead of waiting a half an hour for our bags. I am now a big fan of this carry-on bag thing that I will always do it for short trips…long trips not so much.

Once we got our rental car we learned that in the state of Oregon you cannot pump your own gas because it’s illegal and you could get a ticket. This is strange to us, but it’s because Oregon is very environmentally conscious and they do not want one drop of gas to be spilled on the cement so they have a professional pump your gas. Mmmm…I found this very interesting and it’s so true! If you try to pump your own gas the attendant will come out with flailing arms yelling at you. So far Oregon is holding up their stereotype of being a state of tree huggers. In the airport bathrooms they have water saver toilets. How do these work you ask? Well, if you go #1 you will pull the handle up and if you go #2 you push the toilet handle down. This will save on water since the toilet knows how much waste you are flushing. Ok, this is interesting, but I must say it is a good idea. My last example of the tree hugger state is when I asked the waitress for a straw for my water (because I don’t like to drink without a straw) she told me they don’t automatically hand them out unless patrons ask because of the environment. Ok, Oregon definitely lived up to the stereotypes of their state. I don’t care though because it is a beautiful place to visit and I have so much more to blog about. Stay tuned this week for posts on the Goonies tour and the Parks wedding reception. Plus many photos!