Running the Gamut
Justin and I just got back from our advanced dive certification in Hoodsport, Washington. Lord Jeebus am I tired and slightly sore. For a relatively low-imapct sport, diving sure is extremely exhausting.

It was a satisfying weekend and I'll write more on the dives later. Mostly, I just want to note that it was so nice to get away from the stress of the apartment, classes, work, and all that.

I can't believe how much I've committed myself to this term. Between work, class, and the Voice (not to mention working out, housework, and diving... and excludign all "recreational" activities) I forget how to be a person.

While we were driving this weekend, sometime in the middle of the 5 hour span to Hoodsport as we passed through Portland, I realized that I am actually a human being and not a machine. Honestly, it's a shame because I treat myself like a machine.

As we drove through Portland, it was like a curtain lifted from my soul and I was, for a moment, myself again. I love driving... it's a time when I truly cannot multitask, when I cannot be doing anything else or making excuses about my obligations. It's a time to JUST BE.

We passed into Portland to get dinner and my soul lifted into flight. I LOVE that city. Somehow, even more than Seattle, where I have lived, I belong to Portland and it belongs to me. I am a part of it. I expecially love the Northwest district up by Urban Outfitters and Pottery Barn. There's something about that place that's so kitchy but so ALIVE.

Being there for just that moment rekindled my glamour, rebalanced my ying, refilled my chi.

And the dives were excellent... I think I may have to take Rescue Diver the rest of this term. I must be insane.

Now to bed with unfinished homework and the lingering question: why has Chase again given away our parking spot for the second time in as many months that we've been away more than overnight? Blar...