Hanging out in the yard...

 

New work shoes...

Another sweet thing about Intel is the casual dress code. People wear jeans and polo's or button-downs. One of my original reasons for getting into business was so that I could wear suits to work. I used to love suits. Times have changed and now I rather not. That said, it's still very strange going into work wearing jeans. Strange, but AWESOME!!!

Anyway, while at the Adidas store I decided to get me a new pair of work kicks to replace my old Nike's.

Check out my new $35 work shoes!!

Company Perks...

So I have to admit... it's really nice working for a company that is doing well and values creating a great work place. At my previous company in Michigan we were paid a fair salary but the company tried to cut and pay for as little as possible. It was fine and I enjoyed my time there but life is different at Intel. From the working space to the quality of on-site food it is a complete 180. For example at Intel I get unlimited fountain drinks and any fruit each day. It may sound trite but it makes you feel appreciated and for people like me it saves me the hassle of bringing in cases of mountain dew because they have it onsite!

Another is that Intel tries and promotes healthy and involved employees. So there is an onsite gym, volleyball and basketball court with classes that people can take time out of their work day to exercise. They also facilitate the formation of groups for activities outside of work. Like I'll be playing soccer each Thursday after work with some other employees. Awesome!

Lastly, because of Intel's size here in Portland (roughly 16,000 employees in OR) we can get some good discounts through Nike and Adidas who are both headquartered here. As an Intern I don't get all the discounts and Nike discounts are a little more difficult to come by but I did get access to the Adidas employee store where all is 50% off!!

So Ashley and I headed up yesterday to check it out. I was wanting to pick up some soccer gear as I left all mine in Provo. We didn't know what to expect but it was awesome. We spent way more time than we planned and way more money but we found some great stuff at a heavy discount!!

Even more trip pictures...

 

More trip pictures...

Happy Anniversary...

 Patrick and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary this week!

We talked with Devin and Bridget for their restaurant recommendations and headed here.

We ordered pork sliders, spinach artichoke dip, and fish tacos.

Next we headed off to Papa Haydn for dessert. I choose lemon chiffon cake.

Patrick chose a raspberry gateau. They were delicious!

After dinner we walked around the rose test garden.

Then back at home we reviewed the goals we set for the year and made some new ones.  I'm so lucky to be married to Patrick!

Dairy heaven...

Tuesday we stopped at Tillamook!  We toured, sampled, and learned all about cheese and cows. It was delicious!

We made it...

Tuesday afternoon we made it to Portland. Now we are just settling in :)

Tent traveling...

To both Ashley and my surprise some of our favorite parts of our travels have been tent camping. Its been wonderful. The past three nights we've slept in our tent and to be perfectly honest when we planned this, in my mind, I thought we'd be getting a room at least one of the three. However,  its been so much fun. We have a routine... Ashley and I arrive into our campground near 5 pm. We quickly pick a site, claim it by setting up our tent, pay the park, then head to town to find some dinner. After dinner we pick a movie from the nearest redbox then head a cafe to grab dessert and charge our laptop and devices. We might go on a walk before returning to our tent to watch our movie then its lights out. It been quite fantastic!

More pics from yesterday's activities...

Big ant, Ashley puffing on a candy cigarette (courtesy of Mom!), and sunset on the beach.

Newport's one stop shopping...

We stopped at Fred Meyer to pick up a Redbox movie and it is crazy awesome. It's a kroger affiliated grocery store but is super and clean.  Well at least this location. It has all the grocery store regular stuff plus a starbucks, jewelry store, chase bank, kitchen appliances, vaccums, rugs, clothes, furniture,  toys, and more. It's like a classy version of Meijer from Michigan. The clothes are pretty nice and they even sell nike, underarmor, and levi brand gear.  Best of all there is an escalator! Yes that's right an escalator. With an open second floor area that has all of the shoes and clothes.  We wish we had this store by us!

No more driving for Patrick...

I just got a ticket which is my second this year! Ouch, that stings! So we've decided that starting now for the next year I won't be driving anymore when I'm with Ashley. She's our new designated driver. I normally do all the driving when we're together but not any more. I can't get anymore tickets. I do like to drive but this is ridiculous.

Ashley's a great driver and has never gotten a ticket (knock on wood)!

Our campground from last night...