8.27.2011

Ah, College Life

I'm so glad to be back.
--
This week, in all its craziness, has included:
Games and tacos;
Dodgeball (+ super heroes) and root beer floats;
And too much talent for a girl to handle in one night...

Throw in sweet times with dear roommates and surprisingly awesome water pressure in my apartment, and you've got the beginnings of a wonderful year of college! I only have three words: God is good.

8.21.2011

Sunday Short

Apricot.

Sabbath hard today.

8.20.2011

Goodbye, Summer

Here are some simple things that have made today and my summer vacation delightful:

1. Jogging with Brandon despite the heat. He told me today I had a good pace.
2. Hazy by Rosi Golan.
3. Packing for APARTMENT LIVING.  Again!
4. These! Mom made them for dinner.Yum.
5. Swimming with family members.
6. Adding books to my reading list. Next: East of Eden.
7. Family. Just in general.
8. First. Flight. Week. Check it here. While you're at it, watch some testimony videos on the site or something. They rock.
9. Pinterest. Addicting? Yeah.
10. Strength, but not my own.

Later, friends.

8.19.2011

Seattle, Day Three

My, oh my. Here's the third day.
 Insert a shout out to the best Sassy. And travel buddy. Heehaw, I love this picture and my Where's Waldo self in the window.
 I continually called the Seattle Center the Space Center. This, however, is the Space Needle.
Every small child in Seattle was adorable. I don't even care if I'm creepy. 
 The International Fountain.
 For real, we went to the center of the universe. The big pole says so.
The Fremont Troll. The big nasty ate a car...
 Tourist.
 OH MY GOSH. The best sandwich I've ever eaten. A B.L.A.T with herb french fries and sage aioli. Delish to the max.
Hey, it's that sign again.
 He loved his yo-yo. Actually, loved is an understatement.
Sunset. God. Beauty. Synonymous. 
I finally got to see the mountain from the airplane. The man next to me didn't mind that I leaned over him to snap a shot. Being in the air dwarfed it just a little...

As you can see, Seattle was a good time. The weather, absolutely flawless; the doughnuts, cakey and delicious; the people, helpful. Seattle and Chicago are still vying for first place in my heart right now, but I'll have to try them both out again before I really make a decision. 

One thing's for sure: Chicago's public transportation trumps Seattle's, but that's all I'll say about that.

In other news, this girl left for school yesterday. 
It was a good summer...

8.18.2011

Seattle, Day Two

Here's the second installment of Seattle adventures. Day two involved a visit to Pike Place Market, Bainbridge Island, and spotting a couple of Cubbie Finks along the way.
The roof of the 5th Avenue Theater. Tantalizing, eh? The next few pictures are from our visit to Pike Place Market.
Crepes for breakfast! Je voudrais un crepe, s'il vous plait! These were so delicious and filled with mozzarella, spinach, and ham. The freshest, of course.
I donned the green jacket nearly every day. What's a girl to do when she's used to 100+ temps???
Not only did we find dad in Seattle, but we found Snookie. (!)
This busker outside the original Bucks belongs in Denton. 
Proof: Seattle does have a Police department. Mom and I were seriously thinking there weren't any. 
This gum wall can be found in Post Alley. I left my mark!
Let's face it. I like doughnuts, and Seattle has the best!
The next group of pictures are from our visit to Bainbridge Island via ferry. A pretty place. A quiet place. 
On each Washington State Ferry, there are two passenger levels and a level for cars. I was very intrigued by this!
 The Vans were the only important part of this picture.
 This picture was taken at Doc's on Bainbridge Island.
 Yes, fish and chips. Yes, delicious!
Let me set the scene for you. The whole ferry ride to Bainbridge Island I had been craving clam chowder. It was a dreary day in Seattle, and nothing sounded better. As soon as mom and I got off the ferry, we searched the island for the best chowder and found some at Doc's. While I was eating this deliciousness, John Mayer came on the radio, and my day was made. It was absolute perfection. 
 Les fleurs...
On the ferry back to the city. Insert Bon Iver tunes, staring at beautiful landscapes, and contentedness.

Pretty much I've been craving Seattle for the last 48 hours.

8.17.2011

Seattle, Day One

All I am is a traveler with dirt on my hands. All I have is dust in my pockets...And you in the end. -M. Hires

Friday evening, my mom and I boarded an airplane headed to the West coast and cooler temperatures. We arrived at the Sea-Tac airport well past midnight and found our way to a nearby hotel for the night before heading downtown the next day. The next three days, we did everything imaginable in the Emerald City and made it home yesterday evening with many stories and a few (over 200...) pictures I snapped along the way. Only time will tell how many parts there will be to this collection of Seattle postings, but I suggest you grab a comfy seat, a cup of tea/coffee, and enjoy!

I apologize for the captions and novel-like interjections. Sometimes I just can't help it. Hint: for bigger versions of all pictures, just click on them.

Ok, this is Ben. He's 20 years old, from China, a student at KSU, and studying business. He has only lived in the States for 2 months and doesn't speak English very well. We talked about fast food (he hates it), cultural differences, and most importantly, Jesus, all after 12am CST. There's so much about this kid, conversation, and the Lord's sweetness I could insert here. 
Saturday morning, light link rail ride, smooth sailing from Sea-Tac airport to downtown Seattle. 
Our first stop- the library. Hands down, Seattle Public Library is the coolest library ever.
Sassy.
We found this little gem on our jaunt from one side of Seattle to the other, or so it seemed.
Hey, Mark Driscoll.
All food pictures are for Lynds. The best turkey vegetable soup I've ever stuffed my boca with. Can be found at Bang Bang Cafe.
I took this while walking from our hotel to the Olympic Sculpture Park.
The next few pictures are taken from different areas of the Park. 
 No one knows what's going on here. Clearly.
Super cool contraption + Skateboard friends.
This picture is taken from Kerry Park.
In Seattle, it's imperative that you take your dog with you everywhere you go. This is Buddy.
Beautiful homes on Highland.
This place served the most wonderful iced peppermint tea known to man.
At El Diablo in Queen Anne. 
Look who we found on a corner in Seattle! It's my dad!
We ate doughnuts from Top Pot
And sweet fennel sausage, roasted pepper, and provolone pizza from Serious Pie to top off the evening.

And that, ladies and gentlemen is day one. Get ready for day two tomorrow! I hope...