The Transition

It has now been over two months since I graduated and moved away from Stanford. I still can't believe how fast the time has flown. But here I am only one day before I fly away to New York to begin a new chapter of my life.

These past two months have been absolutely perfect for me. They couldn't have been better. Instead of traveling to some far off country like I have encouraged many of my friends, I spent the time at home with my parents and traveling around the Pacific Northwest. These small trips were exactly what I needed, just to spend time with my family and friends before I moved across country. Below I'll try to share some of the stories from my various trips around the NW.

My first trip was to visit my grandma in eastern Oregon. We spent the week making two quilts--yes, I can quilt! They were actually memory quilts from all of my soccer days. My grandma and I cut up about 50 t-shirts for the quilts! And I would have to say they look pretty good! But other than sewing, we rode our bikes around town, played cribbage, looked through old photos and just talked and laughed! We had a blast! Oh...and we went dancing on Friday night! At the Senior Citizens Center!!! HA! Yes, I waltzed and fox trotted the night away with the Senior Citizen men. And I would have to say I had a blast!!!

My grandma helping to tie one of my quilts.

My OSU quilt--it is my favorite!

After that I went to Portland for a week. I stayed at my Aunt Sig's house where I used to live when I worked in Portland. It was great to be back and see all of my friends and just wander around the city! I absolutely love Portland! It is one of my favorite cities, if not the favorite (NYC is very close). It is such a beautiful place! I also made it down to Corvallis for a couple of days. It was great to see my friends there and see how the campus has changed these last few years. And my last weekend in Portland my roommate from Stanford, Julie, and her boyfriend Paul came up to visit! So it was fun showing them all around the city...giving them the whirlwind tour!

Beautiful Portland, OR from the top of the new tram.

My last big trip was to Seattle to see my good friends, but more importantly my big bro. It was great to hang out with him, since we haven't had a lot of time to hangout these last couple of years. I also got to see my good friend Danielle in Olympia. She's getting married in Sept, so it was fun to talk to her about all the plans and even buy my bridesmaid dress!!

Seattle from my brother's old place in Bellvue.

My small trips were great and perfect! I had incredible weather the whole time...it really made me remember how incredible the NW is! There is definitely no place like it!

So when I wasn't traveling around, I was packing and hanging out at home with my parents, my good friend Jamie and her husband and catching up with old high school friends. During this break I become Jamie's personal trainer as we ran by the river almost everyday with her dog Mindy and lifted weights at the Court Club. It was great to be home and I can't believe I am already leaving.

During this time an awful thing also took place. One of my high school friends, Liz Duncan, died. She was hit by a car while running in Seattle. It is so incredibly sad and obviously unexpected, but I was thankful that I was home. Liz was two years older than me and was the upperclassman who I looked up to the most. She was so inspiring and was always encouraging me to be my best. She was an amazing young woman who will be missed by so many--I know I will never forget her. A foundation was started in her name...so if you are interested you should check it out. http://www.brooksrunning.com/corporate/news/04_21_07_Liz_Duncan.phtml

Well, that basically summaries my past two months. They have been perfect and I am very ready to begin the next chapter of my life. I can't wait to see what is to come.