Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Paper Not Plastic

I now live in a TOTALLY different environment. I used to live in the land of plastic. Plastic surgery that is. I was a minority, not because of the color of my skin but because I hadn't had a boob job, a chin lift, veneers or lap band surgery. The majority looked down on those that weren't size 5 and below. The majority were ages 50 and up. The majority wore designer clothes, mainly golf attire even if they didn't golf, their husbands did. The majority weren't worrying about the money they spent or how many times they ate out each week. I didn't fit in. I wasn't a part of the majority.

When I moved here to Oregon, I immediately felt embraced. I looked for the plastic and discovered that paper or carry your own bag, was the way to go. I discovered that thrift stores were eclectic and fun. I discovered that a good cup of coffee was better than sitting in a country club talking about retirement plans, any day. I discovered that wearing shorts, tennis shoes and a sweat shirt didn't mean you were dressed weird but dressed comfy. Comfy is in, in Oregon. Recycling is in, in Oregon. Farmers markets are in, in Oregon. In Oregon, they LOVE dogs! Books and art and creativity is in, in Oregon. I fit. (Although my California license plates on my car stick out like a sore thumb). I fit. And you know what? I'm finding out that reusable bags are actually the best way to roll.

14 comments:

Ash said...

i'd like to take oregon over cali any day! glad you're enjoying your days there. :)

~ash's mum

Mari said...

Sounds like your move to Oregon was a great choice in more ways than one!
I would never fit in in CA either!

Unknown said...

Wow, they love you there even with Cali plates?? I was told by several Oregonians while I was there that they don't like people from the state below them. Apparently, there only flaw! And it's green and beautiful there! Except the rain! Glad you found a place where you fit!
My view? I think most of those people you knew before, with their tucks and lifts, don't feel like they fit any more than the next girl. All insecure and disparate for their square on this earth.

Unknown said...

this is one of my favorite posts of yours! I like how you roll!

Anonymous said...

I have a cousin in Salem and she is in love with Oregon. She remarks about the farmers markets and her ability to just "be". Glad you are settling in and enjoying yourself.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Sounds perfect. I love bringing my own bags to the store. So glad that you are happy.

Brian Miller said...

sweet. sounds like you are landing nicely...smiles.

Helene said...

Hmmmm, maybe I should move to Oregon?? CA is very stuffy, isn't it?

Oregon must be a welcome fresh breath of air!!!!

Elle Bee said...

I LOVE IT!!! I think I need to move there!! Me and my 12 reusable bags! :o)

Linda Myers said...

I moved from SoCal to Oregon in 1980, then to the Seattle area in 1986. I love the Pacific Northwest. Like you say, any kind of clothing is good, coffee is good, reading and writing and conversation is good. It's okay to let your hair be what it is, to wear socks with sandals in the winter. It's okay to have a garden and be overwhelmed by zucchini in August.

Love it! Glad you do too.

Anita said...

Great start in a new state, Simone!
It'll be fun to hear about all your other upcoming discoveries.

Veronica Lee said...

See, you made the right choice of moving to Oregon!

WOW! I'm looking forward to your new experiences and discoveries in Oregon.

Have a nice day!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Hey girl, I've reposted but I'll loose my comments. Live and learn, I should of taken it down to try to fix the problem. I ended up redoin' the whole post! Sorry!!!

Mandy said...

I love this post. You definitely seem to fit in better with paper, not plastic. :-) You're natural and beautiful without any help from a knife or scalpel. I'm glad you're fitting in with your new environment. Have fun exploring new terrain!

 

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