Post numero uno || Yakima vacation

So this is it, huh? The world of blogging. I'm now a part of it! I've been inspired by my sister's blog, which is awesome. I've also been inspired by the fact that I'm on vacation, and have done nothing but shop, sleep and watch The Office for the last six days. It's time to change that by doing something somewhat productive.

I'm in Yakima, Wash., which is located about 60 miles southeast of Mount Rainier. Wikipedia tells me Yakima is the state's eighth largest city by population, but it feels much smaller than a giant city. Everything is spread out, and people are so kind!

The view from Kathryn's back porch is stunning! In the morning, fog fills the valley, and it looks magical!

Washington is absolutely gorgeous. My friend Kathryn--who is attending medical school here in Yakima--and I went to Seattle for the weekend, and had an awesome time.

Kathryn and me at the Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle.

I just love traveling. It's such a neat way to try new things, experience different cultures and take a step back from daily routines. Obviously, it's also important to take a vacation and relax every once in a while!

It's so easy to get caught up in day-to-day tasks--work, make supper, watch TV--and to take it all for granted. There are people out there who don't have the opportunity to do ANY of those things. In Seattle, we saw plenty of homeless people and street performers, and nearly all of them had surprisingly fantastic attitudes. They sing/perform/beg for their wages every day, and yet I complain when my car doesn't start, or when "there's nothing to eat" in my fridge. Seems a bit strange to me! Be thankful, people, for the gifts and opportunities God has blessed you with.

"They say life is a battlefield; I say bring it on."

jm