Tomorrow is my last day at work. I can't even believe this is happening. I grew to enjoy my job, but I haven't NOT thought about quitting since day one. So saying this is a long time coming is a gross understatement. Friday will be moving, packing, getting visa pictures and vaccines at a travel clinic and then driving to my moms. I can't wait to have more time to update!

Preparation

I take off for my open ended trip in 10 days and needless to say, I have a lot to do. Oddly, I enjoy packing and organizing, so for me this is no chore. Don't get me wrong though, it's difficult to decide what to pack when going long term and to a wide range of climates, both rural and urban. Jeans? Winter coat? Bathing suit? Modest clothes? Going out clothes? 

Yesterday, I went through my closet and got rid of four bags of clothes to Buffalo Exchange and a thrift store. It was a definite wake-up call to ease up on F21 shoddy clothes. What a waste. Sure they're fun for the occasional trend, but really, these clothes fall apart after a few weeks of wear. I'm down to two large suitcases of clothes to my name. Obviously, this all won't come with me traveling, most I'll leave at my mom's. There's just something so satisfying about not being too tied down by belongings. 

Other than packing up my apartment and selling furniture on craigslist, I'm trying to use up the food in my cupboards which has led to some interesting meals. Most successful was a loaf of no knead bread, this recipe always makes me feel like a successful baker. You must try it!

News

I have some exciting and scary changes (and no, I'm not pregnant nor engaged).
I have....
....
....
....

Deferred graduate school for a year.

Put in my two weeks notice at my job (today!).

Not renewed my apartment lease and must move out at the end of this month.

I'm hitting the road for several months (2? 6? 9?) of travel and I couldn't be more excited (and of course slightly terrified).
Sometimes I wonder if I'm crazy to quit a job in this economy, to opt out of graduate school when so many are trying to get accepted, give up my apartment and my security. And yet, all signs point to "yes, do this!" It is hard to live in the moment and not stress about the future but I'm at a time in my life where I have no children, no health issues (knock on wood) and no ties. Why not run off and explore the world?

Wish me luck!

A Wilderness Love Story

Last weekend, lovaaahhh boy and I wanted to get out of town (what a surprise). Shockingly, it was hot in Portland and so we headed in search of swimming. We packed up some things, hopped on the Ducati and sped out of town. Cruising along the Columbia river, we saw a sign for Washougal River and decided to check it out. A windy road led us to a pretty,deep swimming hole perfect for cooling off.

After our swim, we headed off in search of camping. We drove north a ways into the Pinchot Wilderness area (for all you hippies out there, this is where Rainbow Gathering was this year) and found a spot by a creek to camp out.

Camping with my boyfriend is always an intersting experience. He prides himself on taking as little as possible and on the bike this is necessary. Typically our camping trips involve one sleeping bag, maybe a tent, some sandwhices and a fire. This was no exception, we spent the night shivering, but it always makes for good stories in the end...and exhaustion ;)

Summertime

After a trip to the library to stock up on my weekly books and a stop at the bagel shop, I come home and open up my laptop. It's dead. My boyfriend says, "oh yeah, I spilled a cup of water on it". What?! Luckily, after some unscrewing and laying out in the sun and several hours, my laptop is back in full force. It did give me quite a scare though, it would have been really bad timing. 

On a completely random note, I love the dress in these pictures. I love summer when all you need is a cute print and nothing else. Quite honestly, I would go barefoot all the time if socially acceptable...I guess some of my hippie roots are appearing. And on another random note, does anyone else feel completely absurd posting pictures of themselves posing day after day? I do. And yet, I still enjoy it, almost like a grown up version of dress up. Ok, enough rambling. I hope everyone has a fantastic Monday. 

Good ol' Post Secret, you know me so well

Did I miss the memo that requested all bloggers begin discussing transitioning from summer to fall?

Ughh, seriously, I love boots as much as the next, but wishing away summer seems almost criminal to me. Give me sun, heat and swimming 12 months a year, please!