mercury is in retrograde...

Just keep chanting: mercury is in retrograde...mercury is in retrograde...mercury is in retrograde...

Turns out...communication is going to be a little bumpy over the next two weeks. Anna tells me not to make any major purchases (ie: anything I cannot return) and to expect miscommunicaiton (ie: not to worry if I'm unclear about things). Easier said than done, huh?

So...do I buy that ticket to NYC?! It's pretty cheap right now, but I'm not certain I really have the time to go up. Of course, I could always go up after the term, but then I'd miss the SEC Championship game.

Decisions...decisions...decisions...Until next week when I'm off to Nashville!

Smithsonian Institute Castle

Smithsonian Institute Castle, originally uploaded by da_mere.

The original Smithsonian Castle which was built after the creation of the Smithsonian Institute with monies received from the estate of John Smithson, a British Subject.

Garden in DC

Garden in DC, originally uploaded by da_mere.

Simply stunning.

Outside the Natural History Museum II

Outside the Natural History Museum II, originally uploaded by da_mere.

On my graduate program's Fall Break trip to Washington DC, I was waiting outside the Natural History Museum for our afternoon tour to begin. The colors, overcast sky, and time...

Paris in DC

Paris in DC, originally uploaded by da_mere.

So not only is there a Paris Metro station in Manhattan at MoMA...but now there is one in DC?! What's up with that!!!

OR - Oct 2006

OR - Oct 2006, originally uploaded by da_mere.

OMG - Do you see the size of that sucker?!

OR - Oct 2006

OR - Oct 2006, originally uploaded by da_mere.

Fri., 13 Oct - Driving the South on the Pacific Coast Hwy (Hwy 101) at a stop along the way to Florence, OR.

OR - Oct 2006

OR - Oct 2006, originally uploaded by da_mere.

Fri., 13 Oct - The bridge from Seal Island near Heceta Lighthouse (I hope I got that right). Part of Hwy 101.

OR - Oct 2006

OR - Oct 2006, originally uploaded by da_mere.

Fri., 13 Oct - A look through the lighthouse at Cape Meades, OR.

OR - Oct 2006

OR - Oct 2006, originally uploaded by da_mere.

Fri., 13 Oct - Do not call me Jackie O. Stopping at Cape Meades near Tillamook, OR at the start of our southern journey along Hwy 101/the Pacific Coast Highway.

OR - Oct 2006

OR - Oct 2006, originally uploaded by da_mere.

Fri., 13 Oct - A rock, the shore, Oregon Dunes...who says you cant' have it all. Anyone else think Monet might have made a trip to Oregon?

OR - Oct 2006

OR - Oct 2006, originally uploaded by da_mere.

Fri., 13 Oct - Me and Mom hiding the Pacific Coast during a stop heading South on the Pacific Coast Highway.

OR - Oct 2006

OR - Oct 2006, originally uploaded by da_mere.

Fri., 13 Oct - A stop at Cape Foulweather on Hwy 101/the Pacific Coast Highway. There we spotted this bench with beautiful carvings, including a compass and a few constellations. If you look closely you might see the Big Dipper.

Me & Timber

Me & Timber, originally uploaded by da_mere.

Multnomah Falls was amazing, but so are the extra bits you see along the way...such as this massive, felled tree. It's almost as wide as I am tall! That'll give you perspective.

Over the Bridge, Multnomah Falls

Over the Bridge, Multnomah Falls, originally uploaded by da_mere.

Up on the bridge over Multnomah Falls...the bridge is built on the edge of the final plunge. One side of the bridge shows you the magnificent first drop, but looking over the side you realize you aren't very far from the water. The other side, however, gives you a perfect shot of the second plunge. It's a spectacular sight. It seems scarier from the entrance, but it's breathtaking from every angle.

The Bridge @ Multnomah Falls

The Bridge @ Multnomah Falls, originally uploaded by da_mere.

Mom's a trouper. She hobbled up the ramp with me to the bridge across the Falls. Wasn't as scary as we'd hoped...err...as I hoped. Here's a close up of the bridge.

Mom @ Multnomah Falls 2

Mom @ Multnomah Falls 2, originally uploaded by da_mere.

This...THIS is the Number One reason I wanted to come to Oregon...Multnomah Falls! I've waited about 2-3 years to get to Oregon. In this shot, my mother is doing her gimpy best to climb the stairs to the viewing area. Thanks, Mom!

Paris Metropolitan Station @ MoMA

Paris Metropolitan Station @ MoMA, originally uploaded by da_mere.

Paris comes to Manhattan. Date Two with Rocky, and we hit Free Fridays at MoMA where we not only found a Paris Metro entrance transplanted but a billet on the ground nearby. Was that there on purpose? Next year, I guess I'll have to have birthday drinks at MoMA to celebrate Bastille Day.

Hitting Balls @ Chelsea Piers

P1000343, originally uploaded by da_mere.

On my first date with Rocky we headed to Chelsea Piers to hit balls. After, we hoofed it uptown to watch the Florida/Tennessee game with Joachim Noah! (Sat., 16 Sept)

Oh, and, just another week til I'm headed to OREGON!!

The celebration can begin...maybe just the countdown. However it works, I'm psyched because in just one short week, I'll be heading to Oregon. A place I have wanted to visit for many years, now. I'll be there long enough to hike around Mt. Hood, the Columbia Gorge and make a scenic drive up and down the coast.

Can't wait. Check back soon for those pictures!

Aah...a trip home

I'm leaving for New York on Friday, and every day is one day closer to my trip home. It's a glorious feeling, really, except that it makes me think the week is farther along that it really is. I swear I think I'm leaving tomorrow (Thursday) when it's only Wednesday. I do believe this is the first time I've started packing for a trip more than 24-hours before my departure. Am I ok? Or am I just ready to move back home? If you know the answer, please let me know!