Welcoming in Autumn.

Current music selection 

A Carolina Jubilee via The Avett Brothers [[Love, love, love. . .heart and soul]]

Current state of mind 

Happy as a clam. 

Current thoughts

Hello strangers! It is time to give you snippets of my past few weeks! What follows is obviously in no way comprehensive of all that my weeks entailed, but that is what occurs when you allow a few weeks to pass. :) Not all of life is meant to be documented. . .or shared.

I have noticed I've yet to truly post pictures of the people in my life alongside my miscellaneous photographs; so, I plan to remedy that omission with this post. One thing is certain: I have fantastic friends, and fantastic friends equate to endless fantastic times.

I'll have you know I do have reasonable cause for not updating my blog for a while:

MCAT absorption and preparation: the story of my life. This study session was made a bit more exciting with baked squash (sprinkle some brown sugar and drizzle a little butter, and you know what heaven must taste like shortly thereafter).

 I stumbled upon 'national coffee day' one morning. . .what a blessed and sacred day to indulge in my stereotypical consumption of black java. It would be a good idea for me to mark this day in my calendar for next year.

 Discount coffee at Bent Bean, and a borrowed book from the beloved Tyler. I cannot sing enough praises for this book. Thank you for trusting me with your book, Tyler. I promise to return it to you soon well read.

 I attended an Octoberfest celebration with a few classy girls: Siobhan, Justine, and Melissa.

Not only did we dance plenty to the music performed outside, we sipped freely on seasonal brews while discussing our recent lives lived. The picture above displays Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat, New Belgium Hoptober, and Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale. Yum, yum!

 Oh, how I adore you, Siobhan, for you are my best girlfriend in this town. There is only love for you in this heart of mine. <3

Dining at Elevation 486 with my good friend Brian on the patio which overlooks the gorgeous Snake River Canyon. I took in the breathtaking scenery while I immersed myself in awesome conversation. 

I am enamored with the braised lamb shank. Try it if you can. 

I stretched my legs on a path beside the river with the beguiling Tiffany. The third season landscape could not have been more attractive.

 A park bench invited Tiffany and I to sit while we strolled the path.

 A morning meal at Calvin's. And a cup of day old coffee (heated up, of course). Notice the mug--I am a fan!

The boys, Calvin and Gerriuh, cooking us (a disproportionately protein-based) breakfast. I am much too lucky with my friends.

Admissions to the 'haunted' college mansions in Albion. My group mustered up enough courage to brave two of the four buildings. I am easily startled; so, I cheated the whole experience by plugging my ears and muting most of it. Judge if you want.

Tony and I eating greasy food with a few others--I've known this incredible person since tenth grade. I can always count on him to make me laugh--even on the toughest of days. Friends for life, certainly.

 Yet another girls' night (always necessary)--this time with Amanda Panda and Dee. Well. . .it BEGAN as a girls' night, in any case.

A girl must maintain, surely. 

 Holly (or as I affectionately call her, Holls) and I prior to entering the largest straw maze offered as it made the Guinness Book of World Records. This maze was 'haunted' as well--scary happenings resulted and masked workers lurked within those walls. Per request of Tyler, I brought our Halloween geocaching rat into all three of the mazes. 

Miss Marina and I before entering a single maze. Don't let our smiles fool you. . .we were nervous.

Our small group of friends: maze-goer extraordinaires.

Eddie and I on a voyage to Amanda's. . .

 Foosball in the pool hall with Archie, John, Jeff, Jeff (there were two Jeffs. . .I did not make a typographical error), and Gonzo. The lovely Diana took this little snapshot. Thanks, Dee!!! 

 Archie and I posing after a pool game, naturally. We lost that round. :(

I would never think to have pornographic friends or anything. Goodness, no!! (Dee, ahem. . .me posting this picture on my blog is what you get for molesting the poor pool stick. Shame, Missy. Love you, though; we're totally having an art date soon.) 

A private riverside show with my highly talented friend. Thanks again, Archie, for supplying the well played and sung songs! I am a true lover of live music. I cannot wait to go see Eric and you play a show!! AND hear the song you've recently written. 

Well, comrades, I've provided you a few of the memories I've made these past few weeks. October sets forth many fun activities. I can barely stand waiting for the 31st to arrive!!


P.S. I intend to write a blog solely dedicated to a new pastime I've picked up: geocaching!!! I'll make sure to set aside some time for this blog I speak of sooner rather than later (especially three weeks later. . .my apologies).  


Have a happy Wednesday!!!!!


As always, XOXO

A Park. . .and Recreation

Current music selection 

August & Everything After via Counting Crows

Current state of mind 

Passionate. 

Current thoughts

Life has a funny way of passing quickly if you aren’t careful. Today I have been completely enveloped with appreciation at the brevity of human existence. . .of one human life. I have been thinking about the sum of my life thus far; I can be fully honest in saying I’ve led a satisfying life up to this point. I’d really enjoy continuing this trend into my present and future. That being the case, I have decided to dedicate more of my time to myself and less to others. Selfish? Partially, yes. But this selfishness also favors other’s well-being: in caring for my own passions and tending primarily to my own needs, I will be able to give myself more fully than I have in years--my better and more authentic self. 

This past week I’ve spent plenty of time at the park; specifically the Rupert Square. A large percent of my time at this park was reserved for reflection. Reflection is an activity I deem necessary for a healthy conscience, world-view, and general positive mentality. This deliberate self-assessment gives me an updated window into my needs for contentedness, allows me to calibrate my goals and, consequently, aids me in staying on task.  

Approximately fifteen feet from the Rupert Square, in plain sight of the park, there resides a small town monument: the Wilson Theatre. The breathtaking Wilson theatre was built in the 1920’s and jazzily adorned with a complex style no longer seen in most modern constructions. 

A legitimate sight for sore eyes is it not?

Transport me to the 1920s please.

This building is all too enticing. 

An inner view.

The powerful structure's entrance.

Daytime park findings:

I am very fond of this tandem seating arrangement. 

I treasure the simple, but pleasantly placed detailing. 

My birthday year, along with an affectionate message inscribed in stone. 

Nighttime park life:

Single bulb lanterns lit our after-hours swinging. . . straightaway I remembered my love of swings and the breeze that accompanies one in use. 

I love fountains--always have. I noticed Rupert Square has a fairly handsome fountain in it's park; however, upon closer evaluation of the water, I also noticed it was a shocking brown hue. Even so, the dark of the night hid most of the contaminants; for that reason, the water’s sparkle in the dim lighting still held appeal. 

A little bit of park waterworks

Even in small towns there are genuine gems to behold. I do not always have my camera in hand; as a consequence, some images I am fortunate enough to observe are not visually recorded. And even when these scenes are archived, a camera lens will forever be limited in it’s ability to fully translate the aesthetics of any given situation. Knowing this makes me all the more thankful for my own intimate involvement in the outside world. It’s as though certain experiences were made for my eyes only. . .for me to drink in and solely appreciate: a dove resting high in a tree with branches that are disproportionately illuminated at dusk, a squirrel noisily crunching a fast food wrapper on a park garbage can, my cats’ excited trot to my feet as I greet them after my return home, my cats’ fervent look of devotion and warmth when I sing their names, the water vapor that comes from my coffee mug in the early morning hours while I read in bed in an attempt to wake fully. These and countless other moments are all for me, and when I recognize a moment that I should value and soak in entirely, I usually close my eyes and send up a “Thank you” to our creator. Life is a blessing. So, when it’s good. . .enjoy it. And when it is bad. . .know ‘this too will pass’.  

XOXO

A Weekend Conquered: Quality Time with a Gamut of Friends

Current music selection 

Black Holes & Revelations via Muse

Current state of mind 

Industrious. 

Current thoughts

I’ve allowed some time to pass [[exactly a week]] since my last post. . .it happens. 

Thursday was dedicated to an unfortunate bodily assault from the influenza virus. I was not a happy camper during those Thursday hours, nor did I rest much. I whole-heartedly believe that viruses are a pointless nuisance, unless you count tormenting and burdening a genuine reason for existence. What a waste of a day. It’s a shame. 

Picking some fresh corn [[yes, I had permission]] before I felt the full-fledged effects of the virus raid 

Friday evening my body was mostly rid of its transgressor; so, I made a mini-trip to Boise. The first night I stayed in Kuna with an old friend: the very bright and winsome Sara Brooks. We sipped wine, ate a delicious garlic chicken dinner, watched Idiocracy, and conversed till the early morning hours. Daybreak came swiftly, and both Sara and I woke up surprisingly early considering our late bedtime. Sara spoiled me with delectable cuisine upon waking [[for the umpteenth time. . .thanks, Mrs. Brooks, for being such an exquisite kitchen slave]]. I loved every second of our togetherness; I cannot wait to live closer to such a great girlfriend. Her social-butterfly daughter is a doll, too. I know I will take complete advantage of Sara and her family being a stone’s throw away from me beginning in December. <3 <3

My morning meal topped off with that day’s homemade raspberry jam

Saturday was lazily beautiful:

I thoughtfully leafed through books at Barnes and Noble, which eventually led me to an incredible anatomy hard-cover read. 

Yes, I am now the proud owner of this fine, potential-coffee-table book. 

Saturday night I decided to stay in a hotel by myself for the first time; I found it peaceful.  I’ll definitely make a point to do that again. 

One of my many bags. I pack heavy often--I like to be prepared and comfortable. 

I was lucky enough to attend a relaxed barbecue at my fun-loving friend’s apartment. I watched my first football game on television: Notre Dame vs. Michigan. I was cheering on the fighting Irish based off of a ridiculous whim. I was pretty bummed when my chosen team lost moments before the game’s ending--it was a lamentable defeat. I realize when you settle on a team, you give that team quite a bit of power to disappoint or uplift you depending on their performance. Once you commit, no matter how silly the reason, that allegiance is hard to relinquish.

A reason I’ll miss summertime.

I'm forever a carnivore.

The football game on screen--a novel experience [[for me]].

Gray, Brock [[Gray’s brother]] and Clinton [[Gray’s friend]] have a mannequin in their apartment. It startled me initially as I thought some eerie individual was lurking in the corner. I think I need to give her some new threads to don. . .you know, something classy. 

Lucky boys: they have an legit female model for a roommate. She needs to be schooled on accessorizing, however. 

Saturday evening was also blessed with a nighttime bicycle ride on the greenbelt, through downtown Boise and throughout North-end. Gray was a fantastic tour-guide [[Thanks a ton, Gray]]; I now have a savvy sense of direction which has been lacking. 

A pleasant scene from the greenbelt

Saturday’s finale ended with me in my hotel room reading a little via book light while listening to Ben Howard’s Old Pine on repeat. I cannot get enough of this song [[I’m super glad my wonderful friend Jason, a.k.a. music guru, introduced me to Ben Howard]]. 

I greeted Sunday morning by perusing the East-end farmer’s market and enjoying a cappuccino, as well as a wholesome breakfast, at Locavore with my new friend Justin. 

Take me to a farmer’s market any day.

An excellent way to present water to customers, I think.

A God-sent, always [[for a caffeine devotee such as myself, anyway]].

Very much one of my favorite breakfast options

Idaho City visit--if I hadn’t been running on a tight schedule, we would have extended our driving trip an hour and a half longer to Stanley Lake. Next time. 

Following my eventual farewell to Boise, I met my friend Tyler at Starbucks [[surprise, surprise]] to chat a bit. The day had finally cooled, and it was enjoyable sitting outside on the patio furniture. 

As a whole, I had a highly favored weekend, albeit having one delightfully charming person unaccounted for [[Glenn was absent from the Boise area, but thoroughly missed nonetheless]]. 

Ah, the joys of true comradery. 

Now. For Monday, Tuesday, and today. . .I haven’t had downtime other than sleeping a small number of hours Monday night and Tuesday night.  I love working two jobs and want the hours; so, I have no grievances. I am merely stating facts. :) 

The rest of tonight is dedicated to some R and R based on whatever I feel inclined to do. Most likely I am going to paint my nails a new shade, drink chamomile tea, and read my current book of choice. 

Until next time,

XOXO

No Bicycles? No Thanks.

Current music selection 

Slung-lo, Paper Moon and Sing you Sinners via Erin McKeown

Current state of mind 

Very caffeinated. Hurray!

Current thoughts

Work puts a slight damper on blogging. With that said, I have selected to provide an updated post to a handful of my recent activities. Yesterday evening I went bike riding with a very close friend Siobhan and her beautiful children. It turns out that a leisure bicycle ride was just what I needed. In the middle of our outing, we stopped at A.C. Drive-In for dinner. Ordinarily, I have their well known ‘Farmer Brown’ burger, but the BLT sounded more favorable at the time. I was not disappointed in my meal exchange. 

Fries accompanied the appetizing sandwich. 

The establishment.

High-spirited little Miss Makayla--baby doll in tow

A sign posted on one of A.C. Drive-in’s outer walls. No, we did not heed it’s warning. 

A tree I fell in love with on our way home--does anyone know what kind it is?

Siobhan [[far in the distance]] from the back; Zigzagging about town.

Upon return to Siobhan’s humble abode, we sipped fresh peach juice from her juicer. Now I have no option other than to purchase a juicer of my own because I am absolutely sold on homemade juice. Siobhan is always the most hospitable hostess. 


I lent a hand in Siobhan’s garden creation this past summer; so, I also picked some vegetables and fruit from her garden. 

My yummy selection of fresh produce [[not rinsed off just yet]]

Immediately after spending time with Siobhan and her little family, I stayed the night at another friend’s house; we caught each other up to speed. Conversation with Calvin is entertaining and enjoyable, and he always makes good company. He does have to physically escort me into his house every time I visit because his two gorgeous German shepherds tend to want to eat me when I am alone. 

Six in the morning [[employment does that]]: Calvin waking on the designated couch he sleeps on when we have slumber parties. 

After meeting with a client this morning, I visited Alice’s Coffee and Espresso again and had my first coffee of the day, as well as an indulgent ‘breakfast’. I read in my own corner for a couple blissful hours. 

Lemon almond biscotti, Montana huckleberry white chocolate mocha [[extra shot]], and my fun book of facts about nutrition!

Jealous? :)

What does the rest of the day hold for me?? Well, I get to see another client today. Then I imagine I’ll clean my room because a good cleaning is in order. Every now and again one must undertake mundane tasks. 

XOXO