10 Things We've Learned Living in Oregon

As our time here in Oregon comes to a close (only one more week) I have been reminiscing on everything we've learned about Oregon and what we have learned living here. So here is the list of the things we've learned about this beautiful state and what we've learned by living here.

1. It is against the law to pump your own gas here. We learned this the hard way. On the drive here we were maybe a couple hours into Oregon when we were really stressing about gas. There hadn't been a gas station for miles. In fact, the last one we saw was in Nevada where you can pump your own gas. Being foolish and thinking we could make it to another station on the half a tank we had, we didn't stop and fill up. Well it was nearing the point of us working out situations in our minds as to what we could do in case we ran out of gas when we saw a dinky, and I mean it was a dump of a gas station, just right up ahead. We pulled in stress free and relieved only to realize it was closed. What? A gas station closed?? Why can't they just keep the pumps running?? Well there was sign that said to call if we needed gas, so we called it. The man said he was out of town and that he was closed. So we kept driving, clenching our teeth and holding our breath, hoping we would make it to another station. Finally, running on fumes we made it. Parker got out of the car ready to pump gas and an attendant came running out like his life depended on it before Parker could do anything. This is how we found out that it is against the law to pump your own gas.

2. It pays to recycle! 5 cents per bottle actually! OK it doesn't really pay. They actually charge you an extra 5 cents per bottle and then you just get your money back if you recycle it.

3. Everything is so GREEEEEEEN here! I mean, green grass, green trees, green plants and green people! I don't mean the color of their skin, I mean they are very Eco friendly. Everywhere I go people are riding bikes or walking to work or carpooling. It might be because some people don't have cars but I am pretty sure it is also to cut down on pollution. One time I even saw somebody get publicly upset because someone else accidentally littered. Also, there are a TON of tree huggers! Everything is about keeping the Earth beautiful. Might I say, they have done a mighty fine job!

4. Even Siri doesn't know where she is going. I had to learn to navigate on my own, a lot, considering the fact that Siri kept leading me astray. Now I can say I finally know my way around. Just in time to leave. ;)

5. I've learned that it doesn't rain here 24/7 like everyone thinks. It rains more often but its not 24/7 365 days a year. Their rainy season is during Winter. Like we get snow, they just get rain. But we have been able to see a few rainstorms while being here. Which brings me to the next thing I've learned...

6. No one uses an umbrella! There have been a couple days where it has been pretty rainy but I did not see a single soul using an umbrella!

7. The people here a really nice. They are always trying to strike up conversation (especially if you have cute kids around like the other wives). They are also very friendly on the road. Utah drivers are so mean compared to the people here!

8. I've learned that I am pretty baby hungry. All the wives kids are so cute and fun to play with and be around. It just makes me want one of my own. I want to be able to hold a little one and see how he or she looks like us. When I think about it, it just makes me smile. BUT kids aren't going to come for awhile. While I would love a little bundle of joy I also know that it just isn't the right time yet. :)

9. I've learned not to be scared of people. The night we arrived I found myself really nervous and scared. Not of being in a different state, not of unfamiliar territory, but of people. I have lived in Utah my entire life. Its where I feel safe because the people seem safe. It sounds awful to say and I feel awful saying it but it is true. I had assumed that once I got to Oregon that everyone is potentially a creep or a murderer or a thief. I didn't want to be alone or do things alone during the day while Parker was working. But then Parker taught me something and made me realize something that I have always known. He said this, "Don't be scared of people Linds. The majority of people are good. They mean well and they are just trying to get by like the rest of us." I felt so stupid and rude for assuming what I had assumed but I immediately felt better. I realized that I knew that and I was just over-reacting.

10. The last and most important thing I've learned is that the Gospel is everywhere. Of course I knew this. I knew you could go to church almost anywhere and there are Temples in many places but I've come to such an appreciation for it. Our weeks are long. Parker works 6 days a week from the time we get up until the time we go to bed. So I don't get to see him very often and it just makes for a long week. During the week there just are so many crazy things going on and there are so many not so wonderful things that happen that it is just so nice to be able to go to church and escape it all. It is so wonderful to meet the members from this state and they are such amazing people. I have had some of the best lessons and have felt the spirit so much more than I ever have. I think when it is such a regular part of your life in Utah it gets taken for granted. I know I have taken it for granted before and it just becomes the ho hum of my lifestyle. My eyes have been opened so much wider living here. It is amazing to see how different the world is outside of Utah and it has given me so much more appreciation for Utah and being able to have the resources in the church that we do. I definitely have come to realize things I need to work on and improve on and I am so grateful that I am able to realize them by being here. I hope that when we are back in Utah I can continue to remember everything I have learned here in Oregon and live my life to the fullest through the Gospel.

Well if you have made it this far, thank you for reading. I have loved this experience so far and I can't wait until we are finally in Seattle and can continue our adventure!