West Coast

 

It was time for the 3rd annual girls trip. In years past we headed to the Oregon Coast. This year, we flew into Portland and then drove to Seattle. I really loved the Portland Saturday Market, and then we hiked Multnomah Falls. It was absolutley beautiful. For dinner went to Claim jumpers and had amazing carrot cake!

 

I can't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday then going to Washington. After church we went to Mt. Saint Helens. The tour guide did an amazing job of retelling the story. It was absolutely fascinating.

 

I absolutley loved Seattle. My favorite place was Pike's Place Market. I couldn't get over all the beautiful flowers and fresh fruits and vegetables. Right underneath the market is this gum wall, disgusting but so cool. We spent the afternoon on a tour of the city in a "duck". It is a trolley that turns into a boat. I loved going into Union Lake for a perfect view of the city. Of course a trip wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Space Needle or the Seattle Aquarium. I loved my trip to Seattle and I hope to get back soon.

 

  

Lately

This summer has flown by so quickly. I cannot believe it is already July. Life is grand! I have had a lot of fun going on some trips and just enjoying the good ole sun. I love summer! I love the carefree feeling. I love coming home from work and being done for the day, no homework!  Here are some pictures from the latest adventuring.

Frugal Fashion

I used to own these fabulous pair of Enzo Angiolini  black peep toes that I wore  everywhere, even wore them on the streets of Brazil. Recently, those beloved shoes were put to rest until today! I ran over to trendy exchange because I had heard they had some good deals. Imagine my surprise when I found my shoes in my size. One problem: they were bright metallic gold.  I didn't think I could pull that off, so I spray painted them. I paid eight dollars for the shoes and four for the spray paint. I found the "same" shoes online for $50. Saving....thirty nine dollars...I am not mad at that!

They say failure leads to success...

Is there a sign on my head that says "hey weirdoes.....I AM AVAILABLE? I hate to fill up my blog with the stories of the "weirdies" but they seem to be a prevalant part of my life. Seriously, I need to learn to say no and quit being so nice. Any advice? Maybe I can pick up a few more bad habits...smoking or perhaps a tattoo?

Uh Awkward

I need to safe this for posterity! I went on this super weird blind date and the texts that are coming from this guy are hilarious so here it is.

There are many "gems" but these are some of my personal favorite

His hobbies: poetry, dancing, singing, photography, massage, barefoot running, cooking, writing and much more than that!

"By the way I just saw you walk by"

"Whats your heritage"

"I was wondering if you were free tomorrow night after work. If you weren't too tired from working all day I could help ya relax and have a good time"

"I'm one to be either bouncing off the walls or self-reflecting in a meditative mindset. Like I said Panda Bear"

" Can I keep you"

"I've always had a thing for yin and yang in my life. Cleaving to opposites. For example in high school. I did a bit of wrestling, theatre, ROTC, a choir, digital graphics and animation, and Academic Decathalon.

"I've been called a Peter Priesthood a few times in the last few years. I mean I was the EQP and Temple Ordinance worker. Most people who knew me thought I was basically perfect. It was super awkward being put on a pedestal like that. I felt highly constrained by that expectation.

" I miss reading books, I can't read anything outside of spiritual literature until I finish a story I have in my head, I can listen to a book on tape but unless it has a spiritual context, any book I pick up becomes oring.

" Ya must of done something to me, did ya bewitch me"?

Aldeia Indignea

Today I had the most rewarding experience to visit an “indian reservation” here in Brazil. Few people are even aware that there are still Indians living in the state of Rio de Jeiro. We hiked about 3 miles up a steep mountain to this amazing reservation. The people of the village didn’t speak Portuguese but Guarani. They performed for us with their traditional dance and song. They showed us their village and their church. I even got to play soccer with a little boy, I guess soccer is the universal language. The purpose of this visit was to increase our knowledge about diversity. It was so interesting that we couldn’t communicate and how we tried our best to communicate with hand motions and pointing. I know it is cheesey but I felt so much love for those people, I love that they are working so hard to preserve their culture. As I was there I felt really blessed to feel a bit of the love that Heavenly Father has for all his children. They live in literally the middle of nowhere and Heavenly Father knows right where they are, and he speaks their language perfectly!

Weekend Fun

Wooh…what blast! Friday night our ward managed to get tickets for the local theatre where we got to watch a ballet production of Romeo & Juliet When I first got to Rio, I took a tour of the theatre but I never imagined I would be able to watch a performance. The theatre was beautiful and the dance even better! The next day I went my friend Danielle and her family to a bbq( Churrasco). I must say that the Brazilians know how to barbeque. Things needed for a churrasco: 1.) lots of meat 2.) loud music and 3.) more meat!