Garrett (aka Shorty), his girlfriend Linh, Gina, and Brian were all in town for a visit this past weekend. It was a full house, but great fun. I haven’t seen Garrett in a couple of years, so we had some laughs reminiscing over highschool photos and stories, like how he asked me to “go with him” on the back of his 9th grade school photo (I said no because I wanted to go out with Aaron), or the time he ratted me out in Mrs. McKeaver’s 8th grade Geography Class for throwing a rubber eraser at him, or the time we mooned people while in the back of Warren’s truck on our way to Underwear Olympics. Oh goodness, those were the days. Garrett is the only other person I know with a memory as horrible as mine. It’s amazing we can remember anything from so many years ago, but we do. Besides, I may not remember specific events or moments, but I always remember how I feel around him – comfort, like he’s family, a brother. He’s fun to tease and be silly with, but there is also a bond of having known one another for so long and still connecting when so much time has passed and so much has changed. But then some things never change, like the way he tells stories. He’ll begin telling a story and then start cracking himself up mid sentence – and he does this all the way through the story telling. So it takes awhile for him to get it out, all while laughing hysterically with each sentence. It’s endearing, hilarious, and I just love that that hasn’t changed about him in the 18 years I’ve known him.
Autumn has arrived and the colors are bright outside with reds and oranges and yellows. This and Spring are my favorite times of the year in Portland. My friend Lisa sent me a sweet card and inside was a picture of a pumpkin her 3 year old Sophia drew. There was no reason for the card. Just a note to say she was thinking of me and knowing I must be loving all of the fall colors as much as her. She is such a dear friend. We have very similar loves, joys, appreciations, personalities and outlooks on life. And I just love that she sent me a card for no reason, when we live in the same city. It was the best part of my day.
It’s been a really busy last couple of weeks. I’m looking forward to slowing down a bit, whenever that may be. John is still in the midst of grad school applications. He was asked to interview at a school near Providence, RI. He’ll fly out in a couple of weeks for that interview which is very exciting. It’s weird to think that we could possilby be moving to RI next Spring (classes start in May). We also just found out that UNF in Jacksonville is accepting applications in Jan for fall classes, so that might turn out to be an option, too. It’s all up in the air.
I think you would really like Providence (and I would love to visit you there)! I haven’t been there in awhile but I remember it having that same small town feel that Portland has but with more history and old buildings. It’s also a pretty artsy place because RISD is there. I will keep my fingers crossed for John – that’s great that he has an interview already!
love – Clare ox