I have now gotten through my third week of school successfully. But the term "successfully" at this point merely means that I've kept up with my reading, class notes, and online bulletin board posting. I'll admit, that's a bit of a success at this point, because I forgot how much work homework is! Holy hannah! I have spent much of my spare time either reading my school books, or agonizing over the fact that I need to get my reading done.
But lest you think I'm not enjoying it, let me tell you something. I'm LOVING being back in school!! All of my classes are teaching me exactly the things I've been wanting to learn. I'm feeling so stimulated and intrigued by the world around me again. It's such a great feeling! Right now, I'm taking Cultural Anthropology, Political Science, and Geography Teaching Methods. Anthropology is an online class, which is a new challenge to conquer. It's interesting trying to do all my learning from strictly reading. I'm really nervous for when that test comes along!
In other Ashley-centric news, I was in Seattle just a week ago. It was an amazing trip, and definitely refilled my "Ashley-needs-to-see-the-world" desire. I went on the trip with Jennifer McCullough. I was a bit apprehensive, only because she and I had never hung out for an extended period of time. But she ended up being an excellent travel partner.
Our first stop was Portland, where we saw two magnificent waterfalls, got VooDoo Doughnuts and Thai curry, walked along the waterfront, and went to the Portland Temple.
I loved Portland! I wish we had had the time to spend a day or two here. The city itself is a lot like Salt Lake as far as size is concerned. But the vibe of the city was just so homey while still being modern and, just, cool!
After Portland, we drove out to Seaside, OR. The Oregon coast is one of the more beautiful places I've ever been. The ocean is so exhilarating. It's constantly changing, ebbing and flowing, and there is so much life in it. In Seaside, we got to watch a beautiful sunset, then walk the carnival-like main street. We took a trip to Cannon Beach, which is just so quaint and lovely. The beach was colder, but the shops were a lot of fun. We also took a drive through the Ecola National Park, and went to Indian Beach. That drive was like being in a fairytale. The forest on the coast feels like pixies and fairies, elves and talking animals, will emerge at any moment. So unreal. And in the Indian Beach tide pools, we saw star fish, crabs, anemones, mussels, barnacles, and all sorts of crazy sea life.
I think the Oregon coast might have my heart, as far as ocean views go. That is, until I can get myself back over to Cinque Terre... sigh.
We packed ourselves up, and saddened to leave the Oregon coast, headed out to Seattle. And was it ever worth the trip! Seattle is an amazing city. It's certainly much more happenin' than Portland or Salt Lake City. We went on Labor Day weekend as well as the weekend of the famed Bumbershoot fest, so I'm sure we got to see one of the busiest times of year. Our first stop in Seattle was the temple. It's shaped much like the Jordan River temple, and has the same spirit as all other temples. Isn't that such a comfort in a crazy world? I love it.
Our first stop in downtown Seattle was Pike's Place Market. It's the coolest, most colorful, most eccentric, exciting, fresh, and fun place I've been to! The fish-throwing market is the main feature. And while that was a blast, it was not my most favorite part. I loved the stalls and stalls of fresh fruit and vegetables, the locally made jewelry, the pasta stall, the flirtatious beef jerky guy, and the walls and walls of flower stands. You could easily spend hours upon hours and thousands of dollars there. Easily.
We took a trip through the Seattle Aquarium, where I got a new appreciate for octopuses, and I fell in love with puffins and sea otters. Such awesome creatures! Next, we got to see the sculpture garden, the pier, an awesome antique store where I bought 4 records for only $1.50, and the Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum. The EMP has an awesome section that allows you to experiment and learn several different instruments and even jam with your friends. So awesome.
After all this fun, we ended our trip with the Bumbershoot Festival. The Bumbershoot is a giant music festival that is in its 40th year. It has tons of amazing, up-and-coming artists and just a giant carnival atmosphere. I was most excited about seeing Ra Ra Riot, who was a lot of fun! We ended our night with seeing the Vienna Teng Trio, who was absolutely fabulous! I left determined to purchase every one of her CD's. That is, until I checked iTunes and discovered she has six albums... I don't have $60! But I completely and absolutely recommend that you look her up. Such good stuff!
Wow, long post! The rest of my life is going much the same as always. I'm enjoying my time with my Little Sister Ariel, even though we get less time together because of my being back in school.
I'm not dating anyone. Although, there are a few guys out there who I need to convince to ask me out...
Work is the same as always. My co-workers are grating on me a bit more than usual.
Life is grand and beautiful and lovely! I'm definitely a happy camper!
