Priest Lake, ID: From Left to Right is Wyeth, Eric's Cabin and boat, Middie, the chaparral, the American and the fishing boat. That's my happy place so if you see me in the next year with my eyes closed tight, and I'm in a stressful situation, I've mentally transported myself to the chair from which this photo was taken. To my right there is a beer and some huckleberry pie. Please don't disturb me if I'm at my happy place :)

It's 9AM and I'm in Scappoose, sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of really good coffee. I just ate some pancakes on the deck and it felt like I was camping. I have KINK on the radio and not a plan for the day and I'm so so happy about that. This vacation is just what I needed, but I think it's time to start thinking of how I'm going to see everyone that I want to see while in the 503. I MUST see the following people:
Mandy + Baby
Liz + Baby
Talitha + Baby
Bethany, Connie, Kati, Megan, Kirsten, Heidi
Dana, Allison
UP coworkers
Uncle Pat and fam
Uncle Doug and fam
Uncle Tom and fam
Dad, grandpa, grandma
Caitlin, Garrett, Ariel, Nan, Pop, Jamie, Wynette, Clair, Jared, Noel

Maybe I should just have a PARTY :)

I had a dream about school last night. It was kind of weird since I was at Aloha High School which is where I did my student teaching, and there was a mixture of current coworkers, people from Aloha and UP ED friends. We were all working on getting our rooms together and seriously confused about the new schedule. I do hate dreaming about work, but it also makes me think that I need to get back to reading so I'm prepared for this school year.

I am so happy to be home. I hope everyone gets to come home and feel this good. We all deserve it.

Dear Summer, Please Slow Down

1. I need to stop automatically saying "Portland" when people ask where I am from. Because now it's getting to the point where they no longer mean "where did you grow up/go to college?", but now "where do you work/live?"

2. Moved into a new apartment - same complex. Pool view but less space. Jess and I learned a few things about ourselves while moving.
a. We own too many coffee mugs. Yes, we love coffee (Jess loves tea), but we don't need this many. Please, if you think of buying me a coffee mug, just don't. Even though I love a good Portland/Oregon themed mug, I just don't have the space anymore.
b. We have lots of wine glasses. I'll always make room for my wine glasses.
c. Jess is good at decorating. I am not. I love her for it.
d. Pool view = Danielle being a creeper and creeping on people at the pool. Yes, they can probably see me peeking through the blinds.

And summer is winding down. I leave on Friday for Spokane, then to Portland for a bit and then I have to report back to class. I can't believe it. What I realized is that I needed an adventure and it hasn't happened yet. I went to see Monte Carlo (AWESOME MOVIE) the other day and all I could think about was how I need to take a trip. To somewhere exotic. NOW. But it'll have to wait - until next year. I am definitely saving for a trip this year and I'm up to suggestions as to where I should go.