Rich Life

Yesterday, someone from South Carolina won the largest jackpot in Powerball history, 250 million dollars. Can you imagine having that kind of money in your bank account? Imagine how many opportunities open up for you and your family! But it is not without its own struggles; with money comes strife and I pray that the winners have wisdom to manage such a responsibility.

Anyway, it got me thinking about my own life. I feel rich, not in money or resources but in family, in love, in joy, in hope. I can say with 100% certainly that I am married to my soul mate, my best friend, my other half. I am very lucky, or blessed, or whatever word you want to use, to have him. We truly belong to each other. I feel as rich as King Solomon.

"You don't have to be rich to have a rich life. You don't have to be rich to travel or try new things, or have adventures."

I must say, I love my life. It is adventurous and lovely. I wouldn't trade it for anything :)

This is why I should not get drunk

I came across an old picture of my college roommate/best friend Liz the day after my wild 23rd birthday. I don't remember doing this to her:

Her poor eye had a black hue for the rest of the year. She thought it was funny. That's me in the back seat with the pink shirt. We took her to the hospital to scrape rocks out of her eye. Aw, memories.

Lost in Translation.

Advice from Belgium:

"Do not fall in love with a thief; he will rob you!"

"If you see a criminal while making out in your car, throw your stuff at him and he will run away!"

"If your possessions start flying, run fast"

*Picture taken by my lucky friend who went on European tour this summer (JEALOUS).

Positive thinking.

I live in Oregon and even if I move away someday, I want to think more positively about my current situation. I want to learn to be content with whatever situation I am in. Obviously, I need some practice. So here goes:

1. Oregon trees are beautiful! There is nothing like driving through Oregon between hills and hills of trees.
2. There are so many hiking trails in Portland alone! I love that Portland is a mix of city living and country living.
3. The mountains and the ocean are a short drive away. And the beaches are not flooded with skimpy sun bathers here...they are rocky and misty and perfect for a hike.
4. Wildwood Park where Brenden and I got married.
5. Powell Books! Who can resist a whole city block of books?
6. Downtown 23rd. I love, love, love the shops and the old houses!
7. Sushi Train, our favorite sushi spot.
8. Waterfalls.
9. Washougal swimming hole (ok, not technically Oregon)
10. I met my husband here!

Sad.

I really miss my mom. I always miss her more when I don't feel well or need health advice. She told me that when my little sister wasn't feeling well (pregnancy related) she brought her a cherry pie and Anne of Green Gables. They ate and watched the movie together. I wish I had that. Why can't we be closer? Oregon is the suck.

And then I said..

I feel like two hot air balloons have crawled into my shirt and are trying to pass themselves off as boobs. I'm not buying it.

Beach!

The vet gave us the OK to take Bandit to the beach, so we went! For a three month old puppy, I was more than impressed. Staying right beside us (never pulling), he walked perfectly on his leash. Once we weren't around screaming children who constantly wanted to pet him, we let him roam off-leash. And he did such an amazing job of staying right between me and Brenden. What an amazing puppy. Here are some pictures: