7 Summer Goals

My darling fiance has chosen to spend his summer weekends out of town, going on climbing and hiking adventures with his friends.

Rather than sit at home alone, I've decided to compile a list of summer goals to keep me busy.  With the wedding approaching I'm certain I'll be busy with wedding items, but a girl can only address so many envelopes before her eyes cross!  The PNW summers are AMAZING, and I refuse to let this summer go to waste because I was too timid to explore on my own.

With that being said, below is my list of items I plan on accomplishing this summer/year.

Workout Classes

 I'd much prefer a group class over solo workouts any day.  I've been trying the different classes at my gym (Body Works Plus Abs kicked my butt!) and at Pure Barre (another butt-kicker).  These classes have really forced me to get out of the house, be healthy, and be social.  Kill 3 birds with 1 stone!

The Lake/River

I love water.  I might not be a swimmer, but I grew up going to the lake every weekend.  My family would pack up our lunches, the jet ski, and head to the lake.  Some of my most FAVORITE memories involve a bikini and ice cold water.

If that's not enough, my dad moved to the lake when I was young, reinforcing my love for summertime lake-time.  

While I view the lake as a social activity, sometimes I forget that I can grab my beach towel and a book/magazine and get my tan on.  There are so many spots on the river in the Portland area, so my options are open!

Go Fishing

I. Love. Fishing.

I. Love. Eating. Fish.

The last time I went fishing was with my dad when I lived in Reno.  Basically, a long time ago.  This is unacceptable.  I need to pack up my fishing pole, grab some pink powerbait, and catch me some dinner.

Punchbowl Falls

Since I've known about Punchbowl Falls, I've wanted to visit.  I never really found the time last summer, so I'm hoping I'll find some time this summer to visit the pool.

Hotsprings

I LOVE HOTSPRINGS.  Like, love.  A nature hot tub?  You'd think I'm a hippie by the amount of excitement I get from hotsprings.  There are several hotsprings in this area, so I'm hoping to visit at least one!  Stay tuned :-)

Campfire on the Beach

Did you know that in Oregon you can have campfires on the beach?!  LEGALLY!  This will be my third summer in the PNW and I still haven't had a campfire on the beach.
Shameful - I know.
Although this one might need some company.  Any takers?

Crabbing/Clamming

Need I say more?  I've always wanted to catch crab then have a crab cookout.  My little heart SWOONS when I think of this!  It's kind of like fishing in that it's not very exhilarating until you catch something, but it's still fun for me :-)

Sweet Home Reno

In July, boyfriend and I made a journey back home to RENO! 

My friend Robin (Theta Big Sister) was getting hitched, so it was a great excuse to go home and see the family.

Boyfriend and I drove two cars down so he could return his Corolla to his mom (he recently bought a new car).  We brought the pups though so I had my Polly with me and we rocked out to country music the entire drive down!  I'm certain Polly loves country music as much as me :-)

... and boyfriend had Ibo with him.

It was nice seeing family and friends.  Boyfriend visited his family on Saturday while I spent the day with my Grandma, Aunt Julie, and Mom.

We got to see my dad up at Donner!

We attended an AMAZING wedding!

Funny story:  Boyfriend was among some of the single men to catch the garter.  I'm not sure why, but Melissa randomly started chanting "Aaron, Aaron, Aaron.." and got a few more people to chant.  My friends are only looking out for me :-)  So Aaron is in the front row and I was standing off to the side with my glass of champagne.  Bryan (the groom) flings the garter which soars through the air and bee-lines is straight toward ME.  I reach up and grab the garter.

Yes ladies and gentlemen, I caught the garter.  Since Alex caught the bouquet, we decided that she and I would make a lovely couple.  Sorry boyfriend - you're off the hook for now.

 

I saw Lina briefly (she cried, we cried, it was a good reunion).

We ate Port of Subs.  Doughboy Donuts.  And Sushi Pier.
I have yet to find donuts in Portland that are as good as Doughboy!  So good! 
And Sushi Pier 2.  Where do I begin?  Portland only has the conveyer belt type of sushi, or $15/roll type of sushi.  I die.

... it was heavenly.

It was a nice visit back home!  But far too short.  The drive home was nice since we got to drive together.  We used to always road trip during the summers, so it was like old times.  It felt good to finally have a weekend together.  Boyfriend's days off are Tuesday and Wednesday, and I have Saturday/Sunday off, so it's rare we get to spend a "weekend" together. 

If you can't tell, we can't get enough of little Polly

 Boyfriend caught me sleeping

 

 And since I'm a light sleeper, the camera click woke me up.  Busted!

 

 Then I caught him sleeping with Polly perched on his shoulders.  What the...?!

 

The Weeeeeeebo

 

FEBRUARY!

I love love love February because:

IT CONTAINS MY BIRTHDAY! 

Weeeeee!!  (not like I look forward to it much)

February means it's almost March which is practically May which means IT'S ALMOST SUMMER!!

I have also decided that on the dreaded February 14th, I'll be going to the Library.  I confirmed my plans with myself today.

.... gosh I really am strange.