Portland People

This week it's my pleasure to introduce you to the delightful Ellen Dorsey! Thanks for taking the time out of your day to share with us, Ellen!  (also, Ellen is my first married Portland Person:)

1) How long have you lived in Portland?
I've lived in Portland for about 3 years now. Which, in Portland Years is equivalent to my whole life. I moved here from Southern California because I was tired of riding my bike to the beach everyday. Ok, not quite...I was at a fork in the road in my life and decided a big change would help clear my mind and it did.  I live in the southeast area of Portland, in the Westmoreland neighborhood. It's great because everything from my work to favorite grocery store is within a 2 mile radius. I don't leave SE if I don't have to!

2) What fills up your days (or nights) in Portland?
I work 4 days a week at St. Jack (in...you guessed it, SE Portland) baking pastries and making desserts. I'm an assistant pastry chef (or assistant TO the pastry chef, if you will) and my shifts are pretty early in the morning so I have most evenings free to do as I wish. Most of the time I bake some more. I'd like to say it's to perfect my craft but honestly, I have a pretty big sweet tooth and like to impress my friends and husband.

3) Where are some of your favorite place to go and things to do in Portland?                            On my days off, I like to go to dance classes (mostly hip hop, but I like most classes at my studio), ride my bike, try a new coffeeshop or bakery, or dig through a vintage or antique store for good finds. Since we live so close to Sellwood, we tend to go there for antique shopping and the Ugly Mug has the best iced mocha on this side of town. My husband and I like to find records but rarely pay more than a buck for one. We like the bargain bins at Everyday Music on E. Burnside. I'm telling you, there's very few reasons to leave the east side!

4) What are some different things about Portland that make it Portland? Lately what has been fascinating me about Portlanders is the rush to sit outside and eat. Today, in true Portland fashion, it was sunny and raining, but there were still people using the sidewalk seating. I don't get the appeal. At all.                                                                                                  

5) Do you plan on staying in Portland for a while?I would love to stay in Portland for as long as I can. I love my gig at St. Jack, so I'll keep working there as long as they'll have me or until my husband and I are ready to make a family. As "Weird" as Portland is, it's also a great place to raise kids.