FIVE things

Today I have like FIVE things for you that probably (mostly) deserve their own posts, but sometimes life gets in the way, you know? So here they all are, an update of sorts. Enjoy!

ONE.
I got sworn into the bar the other week. It felt like more of a hoop than a monuments occasion, but it was nice to get dressed up and celebrate my last law-school-ish-related-thing, nonetheless. Hello being a real lawyer.

Dustin went with me to the ceremony and acted as my cheerleader/photographer (he may have been more excited than me, considering he had to deal with my stressed out self for like three years of law school and bar studies - someone give him a high five) and afterward took me to the Ballard Annex Oyster House for seafood - I had oysters, bites of Dustin's clam chowder, and a lobster roll - and champagne to celebrate.

TWO.
That same week, I went back to White Salmon where it was beautiful and fall-like, to do some hunting. I ended up getting a deer opening morning which was so, SO exciting and after tracking it through the woods with my dad and brother Jim, I took this picture in which I was exhausted and so happy.

Note to self: it might be a bad idea (or the best idea) to spend Friday at a coffee shop working really productively (Hood River is the most magical for all things), then go get a manicure (which held up so well through my hunt) before meeting up with pretty ladies for dinner and then letting them convince you to go out for a drink or two and dancing at Jack's until like 1am. But it was really fun and I was really exhausted when I had to get up before daylight to go hunting and when my dad let me go inside and nap while he finished skinning my deer for me, you'd better bet I did just that.

 

And then, that evening, instead of hiking through the woods looking for a deer, I was able to go to dinner with Josh and Sarah, and then grab another drink with everyone in Hood River before I called it an early night because I was SO tired, you guys (spoiler alert, see: THREE below).

 



And, this last weekend, my really cool brother Jim got his deer. I wish I could have been there. Also, jeal that his was bigger than mine (it ALWAYS is).

 

THREE.

I definitely got strep throat last week, which was a total bummer. My tonsils swelled up to the size of cherries and got all white and disgusting, even the Doctor was shocked when he looked at my throat which made me LOL really hard, because you don't expect a doctor to freak out when he looks at your throat, amiright? After not getting sick at all last winter coming down with strep so early in the season was not a fun one. Hey antibiotics forever.

 

FOUR. 

Sunday someone had a birthday. We celebrated with Ba Bar for dinner followed by a drink and a shot for him thanks to our gracious bartender, then home for cake (vanilla with raspberry filling, made by yours truly) and presents.

FIVE.
This next month is going to be full of travel for me and I'm so excited. This weekend it's back to Hood River for some Halloween fun, picking up a freezer full of deer meat and getting my teeth cleaned.

Then, next week I fly to Tampa to swoop up my friend Gaby and drive with her back to the northwest. I'm really excited for our cross-country road trip. We're doing the whole thing in 5 days, Tampa to Seattle (to White Salmon for her). We're definitely stopping in Nashville, St. Louis, Cheyenne(ish) and Boise. Does anyone have any must-sees or dos along the way?

Then, right after my birthday, Natalie, Danielle, Brittan and I are going to San Francisco for a long weekend. Again, if anyone has any must-dos in San Francisco please let me know. I am just so excited about all of it (my bank account, on the other hand, is not, but YOLO, amiright? ha)!

xoxo

Beth's Going Away Weekend

On Monday my Beth-Friend moved from Hood River to Boise, which made me sadder than it probably should have. Of course we had to spend the weekend before sending her off in style and giving her a few more amazing Hood River memories.

Friday night our friends Tonya and Launa hosted a going-away-Luau complete with Teriyaki Bowls, a living room dance party, lots of photos, a Tiki Bar, and a best-dressed contest (which Tall Paul, below, won).

^^Marissa and I^^ 

^^Tall Paul and Marissa^^

 

^^Maybe the most awkward picture of Me, Marissa and Beth ever ^^ Most of the pictures from the night aren't with me so this is the best it's going to get right now, you're welcome^^

 

Saturday I went to my parents' house to surprise my dad for his birthday. While I was there I spent some time spooning with my Fluffy cat, dreaming of the commune and visiting the kittens.  

 

^^Fluffy and I spooning #preciousmoments^^ 

^^My dad making the biggest kitten wave at the camera^^

 

After my visit I put on my rain jacket and boots and headed to Hood River Hops Fest. I've gone the past three years and every year it's completely amazing. If you've never tried fresh hopped beer, you should do so immediately. It's delicious.

 

 

It rained most of the day while we were at Hops Fest, but they had tents set up and we mentally prepared ourselves for the weather so we still had a great time.

 

^^Sarah, Launa and myself^^

 

When Hops Fest was over we headed up the street to the Pub to dry off, regroup and (of course) have another beer. Beth and I spent the rest of the night dance partying. First we stopped at this amazing office dance party downtown Hood River, complete with a DJ, free beer, the fact that it was new and different and a bunch of friends. After the DJ ended his set we walked down to Jack's to end the night in style. We danced until the lights came on and then I took myself to Josh and Sarah's and crashed on their couch.

 

The next morning I had breakfast with Josh and Sarah after waiting forever in line because of course everywhere in town was packed, but it was totally worth it because it gave us ample time to discuss the previous day/night's events. After breakfast I went to Beth's to help her pack some of her stuff before saying goodbye and heading back to Seattle in a crazy rain/wind storm. I'm so sad that Beth won't be in Hood River anymore when I go back to visit and also sad that she's a whole 7 hours away from me now, but I do love Boise, and this gives me an excuse to fly down and visit all the time! 

Paint Nite

Last night I went to a Paint Nite event with my friends Natalie and Danielle. I'm not artistic in the slightest so while I was really looking forward to the event, I was also a little nervous about the whole process. I was assured, however, that they great at guiding you through the process and will help you if you mess up (both of which were true). Also I was definitely reassured by the fact that there is wine to assist in the process! 

 

^^Sky and water base laid down^^

 

I've been feeling a little "off" this week and I think painting, friendship and wine was exactly what I needed. Painting was oddly calming and it was fun to do something artistic and easy. Plus it's really gross outside in Seattle right now, so painting a summery sunset took my mind off of that too. Score!



 

^^Danielle and Natalie with their works-in-progress^^ 

 

Activities with tangible results are always very satisfying for me, so this was perfect. At the end of the night I could hold my painting in my hand and feel proud that I spent the last two hours socializing, relaxing AND making something! Also I learned some new painting techniques, like dry brushing - don't judge me, seriously I have no artistic skills - which was awesome.

^^My finished painting^^

 

I think it's safe to say that I'm totally hooked. I want to go back and do another Paint Nite in the near future, or maybe just buy some canvas and paint and paint something on my own.

 

On second thought though, maybe another guided night of painting would be a good first step (I seriously have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to making art, and it was nice having a little instruction). Has anyone ever done an activity like this with another company they would recommend? Or any other similar experience they'd recommend? I would love to hear suggestions. 

^^Danielle, Myself and Natalie with our finished paintings^^



Today is Natalie's Birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATALIE!!) and we're celebrating with napoleon style pizza and red wine later. I can't wait. Two days of friendship in a row (during the week even) makes me so excited.

Happy Tuesday everyone.