a few pics

Who would have thought my first stop for this Colorado boy would be to hike a mountain... Saddle Mountain is the place.


... not really sure if I was supposed to be there.


Finally made it to the beach. God really blessed me with some amazing weather! I'm pretty sure this is Tillamook Point.


I was going to try to make up this really fun story about learning to surf, but alas, no... I'm taking the photo not riding the wave. someday...


This photo talks for itself


Who knew that there are beaches you can drive on!?! Apparently, this is one of the few.


Budget Rental Car Employee: "Do you mind if it's a two-door?"
Me: "No, I really don't care either way."
Budget Rental Car Employee: "Well, we have a PT Cruiser or a Mustang..."
Put me in a tough spot... I was really tired and didn't really want to make such an enormous decision, but after about twenty-three minutes of quiet discussion with myself...
Me: "I guess I'll have to go with the Mustang."


I think my next career choice is a car model (is there such a thing? not really sure, but I'd be dang good at it!).

After the two day stint on the beach I headed back inland to see the cuz and their beautiful baby. Amazingly, Seaside, OR was sadly lacking in the mermaid population. So disappointing. Where to look next...?

vacation

I'm getting out of Kiowa! Can you believe it? I know for some of you this is a huge surprise, and no, not for good, just a week long trip to Oregon to see Andrew, Cassidy and Paisley (that was really cool to add Paisley's name to that list). But I shouldn't say "just a" because I'm completely ecstatic about it (and for those of you who would like to see me stay in Kiowa for a little while longer, you better start praying that I come home!)!

I've been toying with the idea for awhile now... finally decided just to go for it and bought the tickets Tuesday. I mean really, what's keeping me from leaving for a few days (sorry Cello, didn't mean to make little of our relationship)? One is only single and 25 once. The rental car company can't even give me a hard time! I do plan to spend as much time with Andrew, Cassidy and Paisley as I can, but I also want to do some exploring and see some things and places in the area (cold or not, I'm going to the beach). Please feel free to give any suggestions of really fun things to do or see in that area. Who knows, I may get a job at some beach coffee house, become a beach bum, marry a mermaid and live happily ever after... okay, so probably not, but it was fun to imagine for a second.

On top of doing a lot of sleeping, relaxing and seeing really awesome people and places, I also desire to do a lot of visiting with God. To quiet my spirit, seek His face, and really listen for His voice. Please pray for me as, as most of you know, quieting my spirit and hearing God's voice is no easy thing for me to do.

The coffee markouts are packed (just for you, Cassidy), the plane tickets bought and the trip far from planned out! Matthew on vacation - flying solo.. weird, scary, crazy and really exciting!