Friday!!!

Ooh! Sunshine!

 I decided to treat myself to a car wash tonight...one of my favorite things!

xoxo

Control-alt-delete

The lovely thing about an off day? You can "re-set" at any time!

"What are you supposed to be?"

"Sisters"

If you give a dog a benedryl

Sophie has been coughing for the last few days, so Kem took her to the doctor today to figure out what is going on.  Turns out that she has kennel cough, which is what we expected.  (Don't worry, not contagious to humans).  She was prescribed an antibiotic, cough syrup, and benedryl.  Kem and I wrangled the medications into her this evening and then settled in to watch a movie, Kem on the sofa, me on the floor with the dog.  Movie over:

She had way more of the cover than me, and barely moved when I uncovered her head.  I think we'll all sleep soundly tonight! xoxo

"Not bad at all..."

Thanks to the WA State Board of Health for the extra week off of work!  Waiting so long for my license has meant that I've had much more time with Patrick than I otherwise would have had, which is awesome.

Today he and I kicked our butts at the gym and then I took Sophie on a long walk while he was loading "things".  Kem, Patrick, and I went to Quality Burrito (http://www.yelp.com/biz/quality-burrito-olympia) tonight for dinner and a little tour of downtown Olympia.  Not much to see, but the burrito was delicious! xoxo

Chasing the elusive Seattle sunshine!

 Quality Burrito and his sweet wife made Patrick smile for pictures! (A rarity these days!)

Miscellaneous Fun!

My trip through Oregon to Lacey was uneventful and easy; I spent a few hours in Portland Sunday morning and determined that it is yet another place I would never choose to live!  I did, however, get some fun pictures and was able to purchase two really nice winter ( :-(  ) coats at a funky consignment store for the impending chill.

I've really been enjoying my time with Patrick and Kem, including several kick-butt gym sessions and some delicious dinners!  I've found a great grocery co op http://www.olympiafood.coop/ and a new gym www.fitstop24.com and will be taking Sophie on a long hike tomorrow.  I will start work (hopefully) Monday!

Solo Point, where Pat took me running

A typical night at the Halasz house

The sight that greeted me in Portland...they were doing Race for the Cure

Chinatown Gate

"Go to Saturday Market"
"But it's Sunday"
"Yea, go anyway"

Patrick has often driven past this sign but has never stopped to try the salmon.  Our dinner tonight was pulled from the water yesterday, cleaned this morning, and expertly grilled this evening.  Delicious!!!  xoxo

12 hours later

I left beloved LA at 6:00 this morning and got into Eugene, OR at 7:00pm.  Long drive, but a great day overall.  xoxo

California vineyards

The Castle Mountains peeking over the trees

Sunshine!

A breathtaking mountain pass

The beautiful hotel

As promised, I am staying tonight at The Inn at 5th and had dinner at Marche, which was one of the best meals I've had in years.  So fun!  

Off to Portland and then on to Lacey tomorrow.  I love my life!

Eugene is cute!

I made it to Eugene, Oregon in about 11 hours with a few stops. Kem and Pat recommended Marche for dinner and I found The Inn at 5th right next door! This is the view out my window!

A quick shower and then dinner and a good sleep. I'll post links when they bring up my computer. It was a gorgeous drive!

Last supper

A quick look back

A year ago today I solidified some of the biggest decisions of my life.  Emmy and I returned from Ireland and I decided that being on my own was the only way for me to be happy and safe.  I decided to trust my family, my closest friends, and my God to help me through my most painful days.  I chose to leave a job I loved with people whom I was very close to in order to pursue my dream of traveling the country.  I left behind my house, my friends, my family, and most of my "trappings and belongings" to follow my heart.

I want to thank everyone who has supported me, challenged me, hugged me, and listened to me this past year.  My life is incredible and, as my patient told me about her life yesterday, "Following your dreams is the only way to live a full life".  I'm not even sure what my dream is at this point, but I know that it only gets better from here.





I leave early tomorrow for Seattle!

Bar club!!!

Had a great day today: productive morning, spent some time at the gym, then went to the beach! Finally conquered a fear and did pull ups in public!
I'm off to Seattle at the end of this week, but will definitely be coming back to Southern California to live once I'm done traveling. I finally feel like I "fit" someplace!

Oohh....belated.....

I was home a few weeks ago, as were all the siblings! We were missing Zach and Dan, but had a great time nonetheless.  

Blossom!

The feast before the concert!

I think Melissa belongs in Hollywood!

Doesn't get any cooler

Wedding weekend (belated)

I was home last weekend for a whirlwind wedding weekend!  One of my dearest friends, Ashley, got married to her sweet man, Brooks.  It was a great time!

Pedicures!

The gorgeous, giant centerpieces.  None of the other girls could  lift them!

Beautiful, beautiful bride!

St Brigid's-this window really looks like Ireland!

Kyle is tall! (I'm wearing 5" heels!)

Somewhat lost...but having fun!

Beaming with her dads!

O-H-I-O ("H" for Hursh!)

I really miss my sweet friends!

Sarah and Ian

Homemade Buckeye Ashley and Brooks

Happily Married!