Home Turf

Upon landing in Portland, I had a sudden feeling of nerves.  Why?  I couldn't pinpoint it, but it quickly subsided as I walked into PDX, my old home airport.  There was something settling about the green and blue criss-cross carpet and the REI gear everyone was wearing.  These are my people.  This is the place in America I fit the best.  I was reminded again and again of this while talking politics with friends or education with Grandpa or family drama with Mom.  If I were to pick somewhere in America to live, it would still be the Northwest.  My voice can get a twang from being in the South, I can listen to the ideas of an East Coast friend, and I can understand the small town view of my mid-west coworkers.  But I still feel the most like those from the Northwest.  I think I forget this sometimes as I'm exposed to more Americans from my ventures abroad.  But family and friends reminded me that I'm still an American girl no matter how far I go.  So thank you to all my family and friends for a wonderful trip to Oregon!  Next time, I'll drag Will along.

(Ok, most of these pictures are old, but they'll have to do because I forgot my camera in Budapest.)

Sweet Bekah

Newberg Friends

Kelsey Girls

 Grandma and Grandpa

 Mom

12 Years Ago...

In 2000 nine girls went out into the world to seek their fortunes.  Nine weddings, loads of kids, many jobs, and a few countries later, the nine girls returned to share their adventures.  (Two returned in spirit.)  What did they learn?

In 2000 we thought we were cool.  Apparently, after looking at some of our old photos, we were NOT!

We've all changed.

We've all stayed the same.

True friends can always pick up right where they left off.

Each one has had her struggles.  Each one has been made stronger.

Our topics of discussion have changed a bit - from writing papers, dates, and boys... to kids, husbands, sex, and work.

Laughing together has not changed.

After 12 years, true friends are still true friends.

Hiking in Oregon - green and gorgeous!

Aunt Kimmie got in some baby time with the two newest Kelsey additions.

Walks on the beach.

Look at those cute butts!

Lots of relaxing and talking.

Kelsey Girls, I love you and thank you for an amazing week together!  

Getting a life

I met some of my new co-workers on Saturday. Started working with them on Tuesday. And invited the new "crew" over for drinks at our house on Friday. We're getting to know each other...

Will has found some guys to hang, joke, and drink beer with.

I've found a few shopping buddies.

Elena is my 3rd grade co-worker. Her strong New York accent makes me laugh a lot, and we're having fun weeding through our classrooms across the hall from one another.

Debra lives in the building behind us, so she's very close by. We're going to try to be work-out buddies and hit the running trail on Margaret Island.

FINALLY, we have some friends. :)