Weekend in Portland

I ventured south to visit Becky for the weekend. I went for a day hike with her boyfriend Pete and Floyd the puppy at Multanomah Falls within the Columbia River Gorge. It was a really nice day, but a bit chilly in the mountains. I realized the altitude does not help my respiratory system very much. Nonetheless, we made it to the top of the falls. Later, we all went out to dinner and drinks in downtown Portland and ended our night at a Karaoke bar on the east side. Good times had by all.

Washington Fun

St. Edwards State Park biking, Bellingham, my apt and flowers for passing my PT boards!! I'm officially Dr. Erin!!!

Moving to Seattle Washington!

Well, the time has come for me to venture off into the wild west and find out what I'm made of. My trip started out by stopping off in KZoo for a quick visit with Jess. After a fine McDonald's dining session, I hit the road only to be stopped in Indiana due to a HUGE accident. 3 hours later, I finally got back on I-90 only to hit a HUGE snowstorm within 20 minutes. What luck, I only made it to Davenport, IA and spent the night in a hotel on a HUGE king-sized, pillowtop bed! I was able to make it to Colorado that night, by the grace of God and stayed with Justin and Susan in Denver. I spent the day lounging, studying for my boards, and even got my haircut. I left that evening after eating dinner with them and spent the night in Laramie, WY. I made it to Boise, ID that day. I loved the trip up I-84 in Utah; it was gorgeous going through the mountains! Idaho was boring. Lots of potatoes... hehe! Day Day 4 got me to Portland, OR, where I got to hang out with Becky. The drive through the Columbia River Gorge was just super awesome; every corner I turned, there was another great sight. I stopped off at a few waterfalls and hiked around in a state park that was plowed, yet deserted. I made it to Olympia, WA, the capital, and walked a bit, then off to my destination at Kim and Vic's place in Seattle. The longest trip of my life, but I'm glad I did it all by myself. I really am proud of myself for starting my new life, new career, and new friends. Not that I'll ever forget the ones back home of course!! Thanks to everyone who helped me and supported me. I appreciate it all! Miss you all!!! Love, Erin

More Michigan Randomness

Here are some extra pics from my last bit in Michigan... Friends, wedding, XC Skiing and winter cycling!

January/February in MIchigan 2008

I had been gearing up to fly to Seattle to interview for 5 physical therapist positions. I absolutely hated having to wear a business jacket. I decided to work for Olympic Physical Therapy and I love it there! I also interviewed in the Keweenaw penninsula of the U.P. The offer was very nice, but I really wanted to move out west! So, I did! I was able to visit with my friends I had met over last summer and survived the biggest blizzard I have ever seen while I was up there. I recall there was about 16 inches of snowfall within a few hours, 40 miles per hour winds, and -30 wind chill. Of course, I still went out to the KBC! My friend Mike drove there with me, so it wasn't a lonely 10 hour drive. Good times!

Christmas 2007

The month of December was quite nice. No studying or writing last minute papers since I finally graduated! I didn't start studying for my PT board exam until Jan 1. I read fiction books, hung out all over town with my friends, visited Andy and Sara and basically recaptured all the sleepless nights I had over 4 years of grad school! Here are some random pics from that time.