on birthdays, and twinning

One time, during a discussion of friends, the topic of what you think about when there's nothing to think about came up. I felt more than a little panicked at the thought of answering that question, as I was afraid it would reveal a very vapid person. The things I think about when there's nothing to think about are largely ridiculous. For example, my hair washing schedule gets a lot thought. For another example, this text convo with my sister (which was preceded by updates on her bus ride from DC to NYC which I insisted she give me every 30 minutes during my work day):

Me: So fall conference tends to line up with our birthday weekends. Do you have memories of that being the case as a child? Because I don’t.
She: No. Do you have memories of watching anything more than Sunday morning as a child?
Me: No, but still. Doesn’t it feel like we were usually celebrating our birthday through Sunday?
She: Yeah. But after this year conference won’t be on our birthday weekend for another 5 years.
Me: But won’t it be on the weekend close to our birthday?
She: Next year our birthday will be on Sunday so conference won’t be until the weekend after.
Me: Oh ok. Are you like looking at a calendar?
She: I just know.
Me: No you don’t! No one just knows these things!
She: A few weeks ago upon discovering our birthday would be shared with conference I looked into how much longer this would be the case.
Me: YES. And it’s totally been on my mind too. Twinners! Twinning!

dear new house

I think we're going to be very happy together. I'm excited about your wood floors, your original 1901 molding, and your open cabinets in the kitchen.
See you next month!

pyramids and camels

We just got back from five days in Jordan and Egypt, wherein we saw Petra, the Red Sea, and Cairo (pyramids et all). More details to come, but for now I'll leave you with this beauty:
Our camel guides also doubled as photo-taking geniuses. I mean, these guys were effing professionals-- this pose wasn't even my idea!

ashkelon

still traveling

We're just hanging out in our hotel in Istanbul, waiting to fly to Tel Aviv and connect with our dad this afternoon.

Flying yesterday was uneventful. Delta had a pretty fantastic selection of movies so I watched 4 1/2 movies in lieu of getting any sleep on the way to Amsterdam. Then the next flight to Istanbul was too cold for me to be able to fall asleep. This resulted in a short nap upon hotel check-in, that maybe extended to three hours. By the time we were a little awake, it was 8pm and we didn't feel like navigating our way downtown anymore. Kind of lame, but we're coming back in two weeks with several days to explore the city.
I've got my maxi dress and keens: my uniform for the next three weeks. I'm happy to be here safely, and so excited for the upcoming adventures! Kirst and I will stay in Israel with our dad for just a day(beach, anyone?), then the three of us will drive to Petra and meet up with mom and Daniel, who are flying into Jordan. We have a whirlwind tour of Jordan and Egypt planned, then the five of us will head back to Israel. My mom and brother leave before Kirst and I do, so we'll get some extra days in Israel, then a few days in Istanbul before flying home.

so not worth it

I don't think I've ever spent $100 on a pair of shoes and felt so meh.

But they're going to be perfect for my trip. Plus? Everyone third person on the streets of Portland is wearing a pair of Keens, so I can continue to wear them when I get home and fit right in.

shark week

What do you bring to a pot luck shark week kick-off party?

A fruit tray, of course.