Guess what, guys? I have a mom. Crazy, right? She’s coming to visit me this weekend, and I am super excited, because it means a weekend with someone that totally knows me outside of everything I’ve gotten myself into here, a stay-cation from perpetually attempting to be everywhere all of the time, intellectual conversation, no hangovers, and or course, free stuff. Which rules. Free stuff rules. It all rules. So, in honor of the person who made 50% of me’s visit, I thought I’d do a post on something unfamiliar to us 20-something nightlife regulars, living and creeping amongst the riff raff in Portland! This post is dedicated to doing awesome, wholesome, fun stuff when your awesome, wholesome family members come to visit.
1. Paint some stuff – So you know those “paint your own ceramic” places you drive by with your stoner friends, and they’re all “let’s totes do that, brah,” and you’re like, “someday, maybe…” Well today is your day. Paint some tiles. Paint a mug! You can never have enough of those. Just take some time to explore your creative side, with the one that loves you enough to visit you. It will be a refreshing reprieve from the dark dive that plays only Motorhead on the jukebox. Try Mimosa Studios, on Alberta.
2. Hike on something – Show your family the sites. Weren’t they one of the reasons you stated you were moving here? Re-connect with nature, go camping, be more healthy, or some crap like that? Put your money where your mouth is. As easy as it is to be a cynical, ‘everything sucks!’ Negative Nancy here, it’s also easy to catch one of the most breath-taking views, ever. So run to whole foods, pick up some trail mix, and dig out your sneakers. Seriously, though, because you haven’t been outside in days and you are so pale the people are mistaking you for those losers from Twilight. Get some exercise. Check out this list of local hikes for tips on where to go.
4. Watch a movie and drink some wine – Laurelhurst, Laurelhurst, Laurelhust! Catch an awesome movie that’s been in theaters for a month already, because you’re a big kid now and you don’t need to see everything the second it comes out. (Plus, you can’t afford it, anymore.) It’s not often you find an awesome city that has a theater that charges $4 per screening, with the optional purchase of beer, wine and pizza. I just saw Dark Shadows there. In case you’re wondering, it ruled.
5. Have somebody ELSE do your nails for once – Or get otherwise pampered. Do fancy stuff! Groupon’s usually got some sweet deals for mani-pedis in and around Portland. Not your thing? Get a massage! Go to a psychic! Whatever. Just do something indulgent together, that will make you remember how cool hangin out with family members can be.
So these are just a couple of my mom-friendly super-fun ideas. The opportunities are endless, though. What’s your favorite thing to do when your mom/dad/second cousin, twice removed/pet that you gave away to someone else/ex-husband comes to visit?
