Francophile in the West

Actually, I have travel fever, to be specific. Hooooly crap, do I want to leave the country ASAP. This Tuesday was my three-month-iversary at the UW. Nine more months to go... Don't get me wrong, this is a fantastic job and the people are awesome and I'm even going to be flying off to Arizona for a week to recruit new Huskies, but a work trip to Arizona doesn't quite have the same appeal as going to Germany for Oktoberfest, FINALLY going to Italy and returning to Spain, and then spending the better part of the year hanging out in France. I must keep reminding myself that I'll get there soon! It's not as far away as I think. I'm just jealous because the majority of my good or decent friends from my graduating class at the UW have left for internships, jobs, or youthful play abroad. I'm pouting because I want to go, too!! I'll get there... That said, I can't believe it's pretty much October. What a wild year. A trip to Arizona is coming up, I'l...

I had the best Labor Day long weekend EVER!!! First off, it was amazing to have a three-day weekend, of course. But, I was outside and exploring all sorts of new places, which is always amazing. Roomie K, Roomie S, Roomie S' boyfriend, and I went out to Roomie K's parent's cabin on Lake Cavanaugh and swam, cruised around the lake, and barbequed all day on Saturday. On Sunday, Roomie K and I went backpacking and hit the Park Butte trail in the Mt. Baker National Forest. Hoooooly crap, it was the most amazing hike I've ever been on! It was 3.5 miles at a pretty good grade the whole way; the hike ends at the Park Butte Lookout on the very top of this awesome ridge that's right in front of Mt. Baker at about 5,400 feet. We were the first overnighters at the lookout, so we totally snatched it to stay in! It's a 14' x 14' building with an old rickety bed, some cooking supplies, table & chairs, and a 360-degree catwalk from which you can see Baker, the Casc...