Get wings, take flight.

So, I'm back from beautiful Portland. It was an amazing and surprisingly relaxing trip. I loved spending time with Rachel and Charissa, and it was so nice to catch up with them again. I'd forgotten how much I really miss those girls. Trips to Portland will definitely have to be much more frequent.

Rachel and I arrived there on Wednesday afternoon, and after a full tour of Charissa's work, we went to a restaurant called the Laughing Planet, which served probably the best organic food ever. Yeah, I felt healthy and eco-friendly at the same time. Then, we walked over to the 2-dollar movie theatre, where we saw Enchanted. Now, it may be one of the corniest movies of all times, but it was so corny that it was terrific. Ah, corny never gets old.

The first stop on our coffee tour was a shop called Rimsky's Korsakoffeehouse. I'd give the coffee about a 8.5 out of 10, which on my discerning scale is actually pretty good. But, what you really go there for is the atmosphere. The whole place is eclectic to the max, with the upstairs wallpaper being cut-out magazine faces. All the tables have ticket stubs, notes, scribbles and everything else you could imagine on top, with some of the tables rotating. It's one of those places that you have to experience. Mere words are not enough to describe it. Oh, and if you ever do get to visit it, make sure you check out the bathroom. Trust me; it's worth it. [http://www.rimskys.blogspot.com/]

The next day, Rachel and I ventured out on our own over to 23rd street. While one of the stores we wanted was closed, and the other we missed, it was still amazing. All the little boutiques with completely unique pieces was awesome to see, and along the way we stopped in another coffee house. This one was called Cafe Reese, which had moderately decent coffee: I'd say 6 out of 10. But, after going there, Rachel and I started talking about the cafe, and we think that it might have been a gay coffee house. Yes, Rachel and Laura really are that oblivious. But, at least it makes for an amusing anecdote.

Continuing on our shopping day, we went to Lloyd Center, which was great and huge. After sauntering and taking our own sweet time, we picked up Charissa from work and decided that Target was the way to go. And can you believe that this Target actually had a shopping cart escalator? Yes, it was that good. We piled tons of clothes into the cart, along with basically anything else we thought was necessary. Shopping is way more fun when you're not the only one buying things, that way you get to spend everyone else's money too. Then, Charissa took us over to McMenamin's for dinner. Let me just say this: whoever was the genius that created cajunized tater tots there should be given an award. After returning to Charissa's current crashing pad, we got to meet everyone that was also 'living' there at the time. It was a great house of people who really love Jesus. There's just verses written all over the walls, on beams, on doors, and pretty much anywhere else you can think of. Ah, to have a house like that would be amazing.

Then on Friday, we woke up to snow. Yes, it's the end of March and there was snow. So, after everyone left the house, we played Beatles records way too loud and made 'Winnie the Pooh' pancakes. Then to complete our coffee tour, Charissa took us over to Stumptown, which is apparently the best coffee in Portland. I'd give it a good 8 out of 10. It's all very simple, with a real laidback, indie-rock feeling to it. Another good coffee choice. And then a trip to Powell's to finish off our trip. Powell's happens to be the largest bookstore in the U.S. Room after room, there's more books that you just have to buy. It's mesmerizing to see all those books. So much information to take in, and so little time.

Well, now that I've rambled on and on about a trip that hardly anyone even cares about, I think I'll go to bed. Either that, or I'll go check out the new PostSecret for the week. It's a toss-up. Thanks for listening.

Being vague is almost as fun as doing this other thing...

So, I haven't been away from my blog for that long, but apparently long enough for about a million things to change in life. Well, I'm now the 3rd most senior host at work, due to all the others girls quitting and/or getting fired. So, let's just say it's been very interesting there. And Caroline Watkins is working there with me too, so it makes the day go by so much better. It makes me feel like I'm not the only one there who also loves Jesus.

As for school, I finished my first quarter already. Yes, I know it sounds quick, but it was an accelerated quarter, with 4-hour classes, and just a 5 week term. Starting at the beginning of April it will go back to a normal 11-week term. Not nearly as much fun, but way less stressful. Let me just say, I don't like going back to school, but I know that in the long run it will definately be worth it. And, that whole I-feel-like-I'm-going-to-be-the-normal-one thing is still relevant, but I just found that I'm called to these people. I've already told the few people that I had classes with that I go to Mars Hill, and I even invited them, knowing that they would never say yes. I guess I actually like spending time with those people more because I don't feel like they're judging me all the time. They accept me for who I am, and what I like, regardless of how I look. I'm not going to lie: I really like it there.

Other than that, I haven't been doing much. Been way too busy between work and school to even think about doing anything else. It's like I don't have another life, which apparently I don't. But, I know that this is where God wants me to be right now. Whether or not it's my ideal choice doesn't matter. It's all up to Him. I find it's much easier to get through my day if I keep telling myself that.

Rachel and I are going down to Portland this week. It's only for a few days, but I can't wait to get away and not think about work or school. I've really missed seeing her, so to just spend a few days with her will be perfect (and the tax-free shopping can't hurt either!). Ah, to go on vacation, no matter how short it will be...

I'm just so tired of this.

Agh.
That's basically how I feel after the week I've had.
I could go on and on, but those of you who would actually care, already know.
So, I'll just leave it at that.
It's just nice to know that it's over, and I get a whole new week to start with.
Thank God for that.
You all have no idea.
Most people hate Mondays.
But personally, I can't wait for this one.
Bring it on.
After last week, I'm pretty sure I can take anything thrown at me.