Doors

Why is this door in the airport?

There's another door behind it after that walkway, so what purpose does this door serve?

The best I can figure out is that the door is there for my amusement.

Voodoo Doughnuts

When I head out on the road, I always do some research ahead of time so that I have some ideas of places to see and places where I want to eat.

One of the places that was recommended to me again and again is a small place called Voodoo Doughnuts.

The doughnuts are pretty tasty, but you have to wait a long, long time to get them. Here are some pictures of the shop and the doughnuts. (My apologies for the blurriness: the doughnuts are spinning around in a display case, and the shop is very dark.)

Yes, yes, that is a maple bar with bacon on it. I did not eat one.

Here's the outside of the shop:

The entrance to the shop is just slightly to the right of the green door on the far left of the picture.

Slightly outside of the frame of this shot is an adult movie theater. Its sign says that it plays several films in rotation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It's just information I didn't need.

The line takes about 30-45 minutes to get through. I didn't eat any of the crazy doughnuts, but the regular ones were just fabulous.

If you're wondering what it smells like in that giant line, to be honest, it smells like pot.

Fortunately, the doughnuts were great, and I used them to refuel after my walk that day in Portland.

Where was Liz - Portland

Well, we had some pretty good guesses on the last picture, and the correct answer is Portland, Oregon. I spent just a couple of days in Portland, but I really enjoyed it. Here are some quick pictures and anecdotes about the Portland experience.

I did a lot of walking in Portland. I like to walk, and the weather was fabulous while I was there. One thing that Google Maps does not tell you, however, is how hilly your walk might be. My first walk in Portland was basically straight uphill. I walked about three miles from my hotel, and about two of those miles were straight up. However, when I arrived, it was well worth the walk. I went to a giant park that had many smaller sub-parks. I was exhausted when I arrived, but I started my walk around the park. The first sight: Historic Reservoir 3. I really have no more words for that one, so here's a picture.

The stairs were fine, in case you wondered.

My next stop in the park was the Japanese Garden. It was very tranquil and beautiful, even though it was still a bit chilly. From the park, it's easy to forget that you're in the middle of a giant city, and the Japanese Garden is even more quiet and secluded. There is one spot with an extraordinary view of Mt. Hood, although I had to walk past that spot twice before I saw the mountain. In my defense, it is big and impressive, but it fits behind a tree. I'm from a land where mountains don't fit behind trees. Here are some of the many, many pictures I took at the Japanese Garden.

Later, I was looking at a map as I planned out the best trains to take to get to my next destination, and lo and behold, there is a Happy Valley out there, too.

When I got to the city center, I found this great sign that helped me get my bearings.

The law school I was touring in Portland wins the award for the most beautiful school I've seen so far, as it is literally on the edge of an incredible state park. Some pictures of the school:

Don't rush them--it's their park, too.

And back in downtown Portland, I thought I should take a picture of one of the giant bridges that go over the Willamette River.

And here's a close up of a sign on it that cracked me up. It's telling me to not trespass. Do they think that I am going to swim out there and somehow Spiderman my way up? You can see from the boat in the picture just how giant the bridge is and how implausible that feat would be for me, or anyone for that matter. There may be a way down off the top of the bridge, but then why is the sign over there on the side? The world may never know...

In summary, I loved Portland and had a wonderful time there. It's a beautiful city with friendly, quirky people, and a wonderful climate.

However, don't read anything into that. I still have made no decision about where I'll be next fall. I told you that I'll have more information for you all on May 1st, and I still will.

A Movie Review

Because I have an opinion on basically everything, I wanted to share a quick movie review of my most recent Netflix movie.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Basic (Spoiler-Free) Plot (as seen in any of the trailers):

Eric Bana travels through time. A lot. Really, really a lot. Every time he does, he leaves all of his clothes behind. Rachel McAdams is his very, very patient wife

Liz's Thoughts (non-spoiler-free):

Here's a good rule of thumb for all of the movie makers out there: I don't need gritty and real in my movies. I've got gritty and real in real life. I want sunshine, roses, and happy endings in my films; I basically demand it in any romance/romantic comedy/romantic drama/Disney movie.

For future reference, I'd like a better ending than the one we got here.

Additionally, I really, really, really was not interested in seeing Eric Bana's butt that many times. I mean, seriously. There was very little else in the film. I hope he used a butt double that got paid by the number of times he had to display his rear end. In this economy, I'm sure that someone could've used that job to pay their mortgage.

Where's Liz? - Part Three

It's that time again! Where's Liz?

Where was Liz - Rural Wisconsin

No good guessers on the last picture, but it was a tough one. I was in rural Wisconsin visiting my sister and her family in between travels.

Some pictures of that part of my trip:

Getting ready for a bike ride:

I love this next picture because they don't all look like they're having the best time, but really, we had tons of fun. This image just doesn't reflect that for all of them, but I think it's adorable.

Pizza night!

I went to help out in the class of my sister's oldest son , The Bean, and then he and I walked to the market to buy some donuts. He's such a good helper. He pushed a tiny cart around and helped me pick out just the right donuts. He was so cute. I asked him if he wanted to get a treat, and he said he'd like to get donuts, and then he immediately added that he wanted to get some for his two little brothers as well. He's so good at sharing.

Bean and the merchandise:

When we arrived home, Chubbers, the youngest boy, was taking his nap, so we figured he could have donuts later. We left the box with several remaining donuts on the counter and went about our day. Later, when he was awake again, running and playing around, my sister and I were upstairs. When we returned back to the kitchen, we found this:

That adorable boy found the box of donuts, pushed his chair over to the counter where they were, climbed up, opened the box, selected this donut, and then sat down to enjoy it. How he knew they were up there is still a mystery to me. From his eye level, it would've just looked like a box. He's a smart little man.

And of course, after all the donuts and pizza during the week, we had to make sure we did some Zumba to work off the calories.

My nephews are all much better at the Zumba than I am, but I'll keep practicing.

After Wisconsin, it was back to Minnesota for a two days, and then back home.

Stay tuned for the next travel adventure!

Friendly Provo

Note: this posting is the first in a series of thoughts and comparisons of cities where I'm contemplating attending law school.

One thing that Provo has on basically anywhere else is its overwhelming friendliness. For good or bad, people here are just always nice.

Even the graffiti here is friendly. I've seen two samples recently on my daily walks.

First: "I'd rather live kiss to kiss than paycheck to paycheck."

And my favorite: "Toy Story 2 was okay."

I'd tell you where it is so that you could go enjoy it, but it has been painted over by some very dedicated city clean-up crew.

Where's Liz? - Part Two

Next leg of the trip...

Where's Liz?

Where Was Liz - Minneapolis

Congratulations to all of the smart people who Googled "giant spoon and cherry" to discover that I was, in fact, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (I did, however, prefer Matt's description of being in a giant milkshake. That is basically what the whole park looked like--it was a big slushy mess.) I visited three schools in the Twin Cities, mostly because they were all very close together and not necessarily because they're all at the top of my list.

Minneapolis was very nice. It was not nearly as chilly as I expected it to be. There was about a foot of snow in some places, but it was melting quite a bit, so there was lots and lots of water everywhere, in addition to all of the standard rivers and lakes in the area. It was quite a change for a girl from the desert.

The giant spoon and cherry is a sculpture appropriately named "Spoonbridge and Cherry." I went to a sculpture garden in Minneapolis to see it. I liked this particular sculpture, and some of the others were interesting as well. Here are a few more shots of that garden.

This next one is NOT a bench--it's art, people. Don't be confused by its bench-like appearance. It is labeled with artist and donor information and everything.

I find this next one to be odd on many levels...

Minneapolis was great fun. I got to eat at some great restaurants, enjoy some good company, get a bit of clarity on some law schools, and do some nice relaxing.

I would tell you where the next leg of the trip was, but that will spoil all of the fun!

Where's Liz?

My law school decision is taking me across the country to investigate some of the schools where I've been admitted for the next few weeks. I'm a lucky, lucky girl with many options of where to go for school, and I need to visit my top choices to help me make a final decision.

After finding a fabulous house-sitter, I've headed on the road. I'll try to keep you posted, but things will be up a bit after I actually do them, as I am a very busy woman. :)

So, here's the first installment in the road trip game called "Where's Liz?" (In most of these cases, it'll be where WAS Liz, not where IS Liz, as I'll probably only post on the days in between legs of the trip when I'm home, but just take whatever you can get, people!)

So...Where was Liz?

First Day

Today is the first day of a new part of my life.

So far, so good.

FAQ Part 1

*This post is the first in a series of posts answering some of your questions about my future.*

Readers: Which law school are you going to?

I haven't picked one yet. When I know, you'll all know. Because I've never applied to law school before this, I may have applied to slightly too many law schools. My decision has subsequently become ever more complicated.

I will have a definitive decision by May 1st. Until then, the answer is that I simply don't know.

Readers: When are you leaving your job?

Tomorrow is my last day.

Readers: Holy cow! That's so soon! What are you going to be doing in the meantime?

For the next six weeks, I'll be doing lots of traveling off and on to evaluate some schools. After that, I'll be spending time with family, relaxing, partying, and living it up in my last few months of freedom.

Stay tuned for more Q & A when I get some time.

Beggars Can't Be Choosers

Some of my loyal blog readers (read: LL) have complained that it has been three days since my law school announcement with no follow-up information or other amusing anecdotes.

I'm actually on vacation right now and totally reserve the right to not discuss the law school thing today, but I will give a picture and quick rundown of my day.

Car rides: 2

Train rides: 7

Ferry rides: 2

Blueberry croissants: 1 (sooooo worth every calorie)

Street vendors: 483,209

Guys dressed like the Statue of Liberty: 4-8

Ridiculously and hilariously inappropriate street vendors: 1

People dressed like they should be visiting California: 47

Cheesecakes: 1 (one slice--I'm not just eating whatever I want...sort of...)

On tomorrow's agenda? More crazy touristy stuff, family get-together, and bagels. Vacation is the best. Maybe I should skip the whole law school thing and just be a perpetual vacationer. That's a job, right?

FYI

I need to give you all some information, and this blog seems to be the easiest way to make it known. This won't be funny, entertaining, or even super informational, frankly. However, more details will be posted in the coming weeks.

Last Friday, I gave notice to my employer that I will be leaving in just a few short weeks. I'll be taking the next few months to do some traveling, spending time with family, volunteering, and getting in some great rest, relaxation, and mental preparation.

I'll be starting law school in the fall.

Vacation

Somebody's Mother and I went on a quick girls' weekend. It was WONDERFUL and relaxing and just fabulous. And look how gorgeous!

Jealous?

Primary Tidbit

Funny conversation from primary today, as I sat and watched the other teacher for my class from the back:

Teacher: Ok, so what happens after resurrection?

Student 1: (enthusiastically) FINAL JUDGEMENT!

(They all love that one for some reason...)

Teacher: That's right! And then where do we go?

Student 2: Well, there's the one that's like something, and then the moon and the stars.

Teacher: Exactly--the kingdoms like the sun, moon, and stars. What are they called?

Student 3: Celestial, terrestrial...

Teacher: Well, there's telestial next, and then...

Student 3: Um, choles...cholesterol...

Pretty sure we all know where I'm going...

Old Age

Today, in the primary class I was teaching, I used the word "dude" once to get the attention of one of the kids.

Another student replied "Old people can't say dude!"

I told her that I had been saying "dude" since long before she was born. She repeated her sentiment, saying that I just couldn't say that.

My reply: "Watch me."

Everything You Ever Wanted

I'm having such a Dr. Horrible-esque evening.

Sometimes, when you get the things you thought you wanted, you find out that there are a lot of strings attached.

Sigh.

Anybody have some scissors?

Relationship Trouble

I'm having a serious problem in my most important relationship. Those who know me well know that I'm not really one to talk about my private life, but this is just something that I need to share with someone.

Like most relationship problems, it really all boils down to communication issues. I suppose that most people have trouble really communicating what is going on and when they really need something, and I suppose that things are no different for us.

It's easy to let things fester, to leave unsaid the tiny things that are troubling you, and ignore the underlying problem.

I wish that things were different. I wish that the problem wasn't so frustrating and seemingly unsolvable. If only my side could be seen...

I mean, really, how hard is it for my MacBook to tell me when it has a low battery? Just a small pop up, a tiny warning that it's about to shut itself down? It used to warn me, and now, out of nowhere, it just stopped doing it! Come on, MacBook--communicate. Tell me when things aren't okay, and I'll try to fix them. You just shut down without warning when I'm trying to do things. This is seriously the only problem we've ever had! I love everything about my MacBook--why all this trouble now? Two and a half years into our relationship, and this is what I get?

Better keep an eye on that battery meter...you never know when I'll have to run and find a power source...

(Ten bonus points to everyone who KNEW that this post was going to be about a piece of electronic equipment right from the beginning.)

Things Not to Do

Here are some things I should not do in public:

• Eat
• Walk
• Talk
• Text

Aren't you jealous that you didn't get to see all of the reasons why this is the case? Too bad for you--I save my best awkward moments for total strangers and coworkers...