Hey everyone! I'm somewhere between Minneapolis, MN, and Rapid City, SD. You know, just a normal Thursday afternoon.
I thought I'd share some of the great and not-so-great moments from the past week.
Awkward:
- My check engine light coming back on. I haven't dealt with yet because of the long weekend and travel. Add it to the to-do list when I get home.
- Trying to walk home from the grocery store with coffee, a gallon of milk, and a bag. Then trying to open the door to my apartment. It took some balancing skill but I pulled it off.
- Being told that I went through my presentation slides too fast and having to go back through them.
- The number of parents that brought their kids on a 3.5 hour overnight flight. I would not want to be dealing with that exhaustion tomorrow.
- Taking off my shoes for airport security and realizing they don't smell so great.
- Getting an e-ticket sent to my phone (awesome!) but the airport security couldn't scan it. So much for saving trees.
Awesome:
- The really good sore feeling after lifting weights at the gym. And working up a good sweat. I've missed that.
- Getting compliments from my classmates after our presentation. I love that people are willing to ask questions, but also show you love. The people in my program are awesome!
- Drew's round-up posts of The Bachelorette. Seriously the funniest thing I've read in a while. Go check them out!
- Class getting out early enough that I had time to run home, eat ice cream, and change before heading to the airport.
- Our purchases while on the road today: growler of cold-presses coffee, buffalo skull, super sized container of Tootsie Rolls. That's how awesome the trip has been so far!
- Getting 3 more hours of sleep after getting to MN. So needed and wonderful.
- Feeling like I've got my blogging groove back. :)
- It's almost officially summertime. My favorite season of the year!
So, what were your awkward and awesome moments last week? (Bonus points if it makes me laugh!)
5.30.2012
Waiting for Takeoff
I'm at the airport, ready to board my tenth airplane of the year. I think I counted that correctly. Tonight I'm headed to Minneapolis (for a few short hours). I was lucky enough to find an inexpensive direct flight, but it's also a red eye and only just over three hours, so I won't be getting that much sleep tonight.
I'm actually driving back home from Minnesota with some of the people I traveled through the east coast with, a real road trip. I don't really know what is in store, except maybe some white water rafting. I question whether we'll have time for it, but I imagine my travel partners are determined enough to make it happen.
I also had a presentation and turned in my project for my second class tonight, so I'm pretty much in the home stretch for the quarter. Just one last class meeting on Monday.
Life is really good right now. Possibilities for the future are in the works (nothing concrete, so I don't have anything to share--but I'm hopeful). I'm looking forward to a wonderful summer of class, family visiting, and lots of sunshine.
I've also started working out again semi-regularly (meaning when I'm in town). And I even have more travels coming up. I'm actually using my week between quarters for a couple mini-getaways and I couldn't be more excited about it.
That isn't to say life is perfect, but I feel like I'm in such a good, content place.
The only fly in my ointment, so-to-speak, is the air conditioning unnecessarily running at 11:30pm and a slightly delayed flight.
I'll be sure to report back with my adventures from the road. Until then, do you have any trips or adventures planned--big or small?
I'm actually driving back home from Minnesota with some of the people I traveled through the east coast with, a real road trip. I don't really know what is in store, except maybe some white water rafting. I question whether we'll have time for it, but I imagine my travel partners are determined enough to make it happen.
I also had a presentation and turned in my project for my second class tonight, so I'm pretty much in the home stretch for the quarter. Just one last class meeting on Monday.
Life is really good right now. Possibilities for the future are in the works (nothing concrete, so I don't have anything to share--but I'm hopeful). I'm looking forward to a wonderful summer of class, family visiting, and lots of sunshine.
I've also started working out again semi-regularly (meaning when I'm in town). And I even have more travels coming up. I'm actually using my week between quarters for a couple mini-getaways and I couldn't be more excited about it.
That isn't to say life is perfect, but I feel like I'm in such a good, content place.
The only fly in my ointment, so-to-speak, is the air conditioning unnecessarily running at 11:30pm and a slightly delayed flight.
I'll be sure to report back with my adventures from the road. Until then, do you have any trips or adventures planned--big or small?
5.29.2012
Traveling, Traveling, To and Fro
Confession: this post has been sitting unfinished in my drafts for quite a while. I kept doing a little here and there, but never actually finishing it. I'm finally doing it now. You know, because I should be sleeping.
This post is especially fitting because I'm taking off tomorrow night for another trip. I'll share more details, but for now enjoy learning about the travel I've done.
I've seen a few people fill out this little survey and thought I'd play along. I haven't done a ton of international travel, but enough that it's fun to look back on.
A. Age you went on your first overseas trip: Out of the country was probably 11 or 12.
B. Best (foreign) beer you've had and where: Guinness in Ireland was pretty amazing. I also really like cider in Great Britain.
C. Cuisine (favorite): This is the worst possible question. I love food, all kinds.
D. Destinations, favorite, least favorite and why:
E. Event you experienced abroad that made you say 'wow!': ziplining in Costa Rica, ringing the bells at Christchurch in Dublin, climbing to the top of St. Paul's in London,
F. Favorite mode of transport: train in Europe.
G. Greatest feeling while traveling: contentment tinged with excitement and a little bit of tired.
H. Hottest place you've traveled: Palm Springs in the summer. The pool didn't even have 'no running' signs.
I. Incredible service you've experienced and where: our hotel in Mayfair--the Chesterfield--in London. We got one complimentary bottle of wine because there was going to be a party next door and they wanted to apologize for any inconvenience in advance.
J. Journey that took the longest: Seattle to Dingle last summer. Between the flights, long layover and drive from the airport to our destination in Ireland it was well over 24 hours. I'm just glad I didn't fall asleep while trying to navigate the wrong side of the road.
K. Keepsake from your travels: I have a necklace that my mom got for me in Ireland that I absolutely love. It's a celtic knot and just gorgeous.
L. Let down sight, where and why: Warwick Castle in England. It's been rehabbed into a family theme park type event. I much prefer ruins.
M. Moment where you fell in love with travel: I grew up traveling quite a bit in North America and have always enjoyed it. I don't know that I can point to one moment.
N. Nicest hotel you've stayed in: In London I stayed at the hotel mentioned previously. It was ridiculously nice.
O. Obsession - what are you obsessed with taking pictures of while traveling: I love scenery, skylines, wide angle shots.
P. Passport stamps - how many and from where: Um, five? Ireland, Finland, Amsterdam, Costa Rica, and the U.S. I am hoping to add a few more.
Q. Quirkiest attraction you've visited and where: The cathedral in Helsinki has a rotating art display in the catacombs. It was cool, literaltively (literally and figuratively--my sister, cousin, and I decided one word was better).
R. Recommended sight, event, or experience: Zip lining through the rain forest in Costa Rica, the walking tour in Kinsale, Ireland, and checking out Banff--or anywhere in the Canadian Rockies. Gorgeous!
S. Splurge - something you have no problem forking over money for while traveling: A comfy bed. A good meal (though not always, just enough to keep spirits up).
T. Touristy thing you've done: My entire trip to Europe this summer. There wasn't much I did that wasn't touristy.
U. Unforgettable travel memory: Kayaking up a river and then hiking to a waterfall on Kauai. Pretty cool.
V. Visas - how many and for where: I haven't had one...yet.
W. Wine - best glass of wine you've had while traveling and where: wine tasting with my dad was a really fun experience.
X. eXcellent view and from where: From the top of St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Awesome!
Y. Years spent traveling: I grew up traveling some in the summers, a perk of my dad being in education. My first trips over the border were into Canada and Mexico. I've also been to Costa Rica and Europe (Ireland, Great Britain, Finland, and Estonia).
Z. Zealous sports fans and where: I saw the Canadian semifinal hockey game during the Vancouver Olympics. It was crazy how focused the entire city was. They had been closely following the curling match right before too.
This post is especially fitting because I'm taking off tomorrow night for another trip. I'll share more details, but for now enjoy learning about the travel I've done.
I've seen a few people fill out this little survey and thought I'd play along. I haven't done a ton of international travel, but enough that it's fun to look back on.
A. Age you went on your first overseas trip: Out of the country was probably 11 or 12.
B. Best (foreign) beer you've had and where: Guinness in Ireland was pretty amazing. I also really like cider in Great Britain.
C. Cuisine (favorite): This is the worst possible question. I love food, all kinds.
D. Destinations, favorite, least favorite and why:
E. Event you experienced abroad that made you say 'wow!': ziplining in Costa Rica, ringing the bells at Christchurch in Dublin, climbing to the top of St. Paul's in London,
F. Favorite mode of transport: train in Europe.
G. Greatest feeling while traveling: contentment tinged with excitement and a little bit of tired.
H. Hottest place you've traveled: Palm Springs in the summer. The pool didn't even have 'no running' signs.
I. Incredible service you've experienced and where: our hotel in Mayfair--the Chesterfield--in London. We got one complimentary bottle of wine because there was going to be a party next door and they wanted to apologize for any inconvenience in advance.
J. Journey that took the longest: Seattle to Dingle last summer. Between the flights, long layover and drive from the airport to our destination in Ireland it was well over 24 hours. I'm just glad I didn't fall asleep while trying to navigate the wrong side of the road.
K. Keepsake from your travels: I have a necklace that my mom got for me in Ireland that I absolutely love. It's a celtic knot and just gorgeous.
L. Let down sight, where and why: Warwick Castle in England. It's been rehabbed into a family theme park type event. I much prefer ruins.
M. Moment where you fell in love with travel: I grew up traveling quite a bit in North America and have always enjoyed it. I don't know that I can point to one moment.
N. Nicest hotel you've stayed in: In London I stayed at the hotel mentioned previously. It was ridiculously nice.
O. Obsession - what are you obsessed with taking pictures of while traveling: I love scenery, skylines, wide angle shots.
P. Passport stamps - how many and from where: Um, five? Ireland, Finland, Amsterdam, Costa Rica, and the U.S. I am hoping to add a few more.
Q. Quirkiest attraction you've visited and where: The cathedral in Helsinki has a rotating art display in the catacombs. It was cool, literaltively (literally and figuratively--my sister, cousin, and I decided one word was better).
R. Recommended sight, event, or experience: Zip lining through the rain forest in Costa Rica, the walking tour in Kinsale, Ireland, and checking out Banff--or anywhere in the Canadian Rockies. Gorgeous!
S. Splurge - something you have no problem forking over money for while traveling: A comfy bed. A good meal (though not always, just enough to keep spirits up).
T. Touristy thing you've done: My entire trip to Europe this summer. There wasn't much I did that wasn't touristy.
U. Unforgettable travel memory: Kayaking up a river and then hiking to a waterfall on Kauai. Pretty cool.
V. Visas - how many and for where: I haven't had one...yet.
W. Wine - best glass of wine you've had while traveling and where: wine tasting with my dad was a really fun experience.
X. eXcellent view and from where: From the top of St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Awesome!
Y. Years spent traveling: I grew up traveling some in the summers, a perk of my dad being in education. My first trips over the border were into Canada and Mexico. I've also been to Costa Rica and Europe (Ireland, Great Britain, Finland, and Estonia).
Z. Zealous sports fans and where: I saw the Canadian semifinal hockey game during the Vancouver Olympics. It was crazy how focused the entire city was. They had been closely following the curling match right before too.
5.28.2012
Memorial Day: My Grandfathers
I just got back from the gym, showered, and ready for bed, but wanted to get in a post before I call it a night.
Confession time: I am a total night owl. I can train myself to sleep/wake early-ish, but I won't ever like. Also, it's better not to talk to me right away in the morning. I need a little time to get warmed up to life.
I haven't done much to celebrate/honor Memorial Day, but it's certainly been on my mind all weekend.
I was lucky enough to have both my grandfathers serve this county and live out their lives (otherwise I wouldn't be here). Both were committed, honorable men.
Grandad, my mom's dad, was in the Navy. He was just barely too young to serve during WWII, but spent several years shipping out of California.
Grampie, my dad's dad and lone living blood-related grandparent, was in the Army during WWII. He had just completed his first year playing basketball at Oregon when the war started and he decided to join.
INitially, however, he was turned down. He was actually too tall to be in the Army. But he was finally able to allowed to join after having his mom make his uniform and custom ordering the cots and other equipment he needed.
So he went to China-Burma-India, where he worked hard and continued to play basketball. He avoided death with his company in an ambush because he was sick. And when he returned home, he continued to live his life with honor and conviction.
To him, and all the veterans and active military servicemen (people?), I say thank you.
Confession time: I am a total night owl. I can train myself to sleep/wake early-ish, but I won't ever like. Also, it's better not to talk to me right away in the morning. I need a little time to get warmed up to life.
I haven't done much to celebrate/honor Memorial Day, but it's certainly been on my mind all weekend.
I was lucky enough to have both my grandfathers serve this county and live out their lives (otherwise I wouldn't be here). Both were committed, honorable men.
Grandad, my mom's dad, was in the Navy. He was just barely too young to serve during WWII, but spent several years shipping out of California.
Grampie, my dad's dad and lone living blood-related grandparent, was in the Army during WWII. He had just completed his first year playing basketball at Oregon when the war started and he decided to join.
INitially, however, he was turned down. He was actually too tall to be in the Army. But he was finally able to allowed to join after having his mom make his uniform and custom ordering the cots and other equipment he needed.
So he went to China-Burma-India, where he worked hard and continued to play basketball. He avoided death with his company in an ambush because he was sick. And when he returned home, he continued to live his life with honor and conviction.
To him, and all the veterans and active military servicemen (people?), I say thank you.
5.24.2012
Awkward and Awesome: TV, Driving, and Sunshine
I like taking things to the wire, which is why I'm posting my awkward and awesome moments from the past week now.
Either that, or I just spent the past couple hours watching New Year's Eve.
You decide which.
(By the way, I only watch critically acclaimed movies. Obviously.)
Enough with the introduction, I need to get this done by my midnight deadline. Also, I want to go to bed.
Awkward:
- The amount of laundry I have to do. Good thing I'm going up to the padres this weekend.
- The fact that greek yogurt isn't always a good replacement for sour cream. Luckily mom salvaged the beef stroganoff.
- Having a sales person at Nordstrom take my sister and I seriously as we try on ridiculous hats. Oops.
- Forgetting to set So You Think You Can Dance to record. That show is basically the best thing all summer. Luckily this week was just the first tryouts. But still.
- My overuse of lists and fragment sentences. You. Are. Welcome.
Awesome:
- My manual driving skills today. Downtown hills are not for the faint of heart and I rocked it.
- Sunshine and a trip to the top of the Space Needle. I was being tour guide for some out of town visitors and they really had to twist my arm to get my to go.
- The soreness that follows a good workout. I'm riding the gym high, even if I probably won't make it back until after the weekend.
- The fact that this time next week I'll be in a completely different part of the country. I have another trip next week that I'll share details about soon.
- Three day weekend! Okay, so I don't have a job, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate it.
- Hearing all the things you were thankful for. Seriously made my day!
With that, I'm calling it a night. Can you tell the blood, sweat, and tears I poured into this post?!
What's been awkward and awesome about your week?
5.23.2012
Taking a Moment to be Thankful
I had a bit of bummer class tonight. We were working on a project, had a set back, and now it feels like we have to start over, at least on one section.
It was one of the moments that made me feel like I might as well throw in the towel. But I refuse. I just am throwing in the towel for tonight.
Instead of stewing in my frustration, I decided to a little "thankful for" post. I see other bloggers do this all the time and I think it's important--to step away from frustrations and focus on what is good. I have a lot to be thankful for!
Here are a few things I'm thankful for this week:
- A visit from my mom complete with a homemade meal tonight. I love to cook but every once in a while it's great to have someone else cook for you. Plus it's great to hang out with my mom, not that she's ever actually that far away.
- My check engine light going off after being lit for 24 hours. I'm hopeful it was just a fluke thing that won't return. I'm definitely breathing a sigh of relief tonight.
- Not one, but two sunny days in the forecast for the weekend, which will include a trip to the padres for laundry, puppy snuggles, and other miscellaneous activities.
- Some great friends, new and old. I have some great people in my life. I don't know what I would do without them.
- Fresh produce being back in season. Prices are lower and taste is better.
- The summer being just two weeks away! It's hard to believe how quickly this first year has gone by. It's been amazing and I can't wait to see what else I'll get to see/do in the next 6 months.
- Simple things, like clean sheets, hot showers, and sweatpants. These are things that will never get old for me.
- A good work out. There is something so invigorating and mood lifting (it's a fact) about getting my sweat on.
What are you thankful for this week?
It was one of the moments that made me feel like I might as well throw in the towel. But I refuse. I just am throwing in the towel for tonight.
Instead of stewing in my frustration, I decided to a little "thankful for" post. I see other bloggers do this all the time and I think it's important--to step away from frustrations and focus on what is good. I have a lot to be thankful for!
Here are a few things I'm thankful for this week:
- A visit from my mom complete with a homemade meal tonight. I love to cook but every once in a while it's great to have someone else cook for you. Plus it's great to hang out with my mom, not that she's ever actually that far away.
- My check engine light going off after being lit for 24 hours. I'm hopeful it was just a fluke thing that won't return. I'm definitely breathing a sigh of relief tonight.
- Not one, but two sunny days in the forecast for the weekend, which will include a trip to the padres for laundry, puppy snuggles, and other miscellaneous activities.
- Some great friends, new and old. I have some great people in my life. I don't know what I would do without them.
- Fresh produce being back in season. Prices are lower and taste is better.
- The summer being just two weeks away! It's hard to believe how quickly this first year has gone by. It's been amazing and I can't wait to see what else I'll get to see/do in the next 6 months.
- Simple things, like clean sheets, hot showers, and sweatpants. These are things that will never get old for me.
- A good work out. There is something so invigorating and mood lifting (it's a fact) about getting my sweat on.
What are you thankful for this week?
5.22.2012
Food and Pictures of Food
I'm making another attempt at getting into a work out routine. I've been running a bit off and on, more "on" recently.
And today my sister and I signed up at a gym just down the road a ways. We've seen ads for the discounted prices and it's close enough to be a quick trip.
I'm especially excited to take advantage of the group fitness classes and theater-style cardio room. I'll have to let you know how well I actually do at going regularly. Luckily my roommate is relying on both my sister and I to visit the gym as well, as our membership came with unlimited guest visits.
We celebrated by going out to dinner tonight and stuffing our faces.
Just kidding, we actually went out because my mother is in town for a couple days and we were too hungry to actually make dinner. Does that happen to anyone else?
Then we watched the Glee finale. What exactly will we have to talk about once all the shows end?!
Just kidding!
Before I head off for the night, I thought I'd share some of my life recently in pictures! P.S. I think it's telling how many of my pictures are related to food.
And today my sister and I signed up at a gym just down the road a ways. We've seen ads for the discounted prices and it's close enough to be a quick trip.
I'm especially excited to take advantage of the group fitness classes and theater-style cardio room. I'll have to let you know how well I actually do at going regularly. Luckily my roommate is relying on both my sister and I to visit the gym as well, as our membership came with unlimited guest visits.
We celebrated by going out to dinner tonight and stuffing our faces.
Just kidding, we actually went out because my mother is in town for a couple days and we were too hungry to actually make dinner. Does that happen to anyone else?
Then we watched the Glee finale. What exactly will we have to talk about once all the shows end?!
Just kidding!
Before I head off for the night, I thought I'd share some of my life recently in pictures! P.S. I think it's telling how many of my pictures are related to food.
Enjoying some sunshine in the park.
Excited about vacuum bags. How grown up am I?!
Rosie Thomas concert with a friend.
Enjoying the Rogue Brewery in Portland.
Sunset behind downtown Portland.
Memphis Mafia donut - banana fritter topped with chocolate, peanut butter, and chocolate chips.
Pickles! Beets, pickles, onions, and more.
We moved the living room around and the dog loves it!
My favorite chocolate banana muffins. So good! And I used whole wheat flour and substituted apple sauce for the butter so they are a little bit healthy as well.
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