PORTLAND

After my speedy road trip to AZ, I took off to Portland for a week for required classroom attendance.  8 hrs of lecture EVERY day.  How in the world did I sit for that long for a whole year?!  After 3 months of rotations, I could barely sit still.  The lectures where interesting, but it was hard to adjust to sitting still for that long.  The best part of the week was seeing my classmates after a 3 month separation.  It was great to hear stories and accomplishments.  We got to attend the White Coat Ceremony for the class of 2014 - it was nice to relax this time and kick back.  Hung out lots w/ my classmates Nathan & Anya.

Since I flew to Portland I didn't have a car so it was a little tricky finding rides, borrowing cars, and riding the MAX/bus, but it all worked out!  I got to catch up w/ lots of friends, explore downtown, eat at the food carts, play some volleyball, and even go paddle boarding!  I had a few friends move to town during the week so it was nice to catch up and introduce them to all of my favorite peeps.  Basically, after this week of great times w/ friends EVERY DAY I did not want to leave Portland.  Just 3 more months and I'll be back.  Hopefully the time passes quickly.

This was the first time paddle boarding for all of us.  We drove 40 min. north to Scappoose Bay and paddle boarded around, getting stuck only once, and falling off only once (just 10 ft from the dock on the way back in).  I highly recommend it - minimal balancing skill required.  Erin and I had our last hooray at DQ - I had a frozen hot chocolate of course - since we are now doing no sugar for 3 MONTHS.  Wish me luck.  You know me and sugar........

Can I just say I love this picture and I love these girls.  Can't wait to be reunited soon yet again!