Walking amongst dangerous bluffs is the best view in the house

The most laziest week from hell! However, I managed to get myself out of bed after HOURS of sleep, and get out to enjoy the first couple of hours while the sun was directly overhead. And because my endurance was probably close to zero from not being active all week, I went to Point Defiance in Tacoma and enjoyed the long Five Mile Drive trail. I walk amongst the bluffs, jumping on trees about ready to collapse on the cliffs, and Garry chasing bald eagles. We were almost close to the Gig Harbor Bridge view!!! But the trail was a mess. It was absolutely muddy from the storm the night before.

Gorgeous sun, yes?

Tacoma Narrow's at the end of our walk.

Oh Hello, dangerous cliff!

Tacoma Narrows Bridge at the beginning.

persian poetics and russian deaths,

These two books I had read and loved. I haven't read much poetry and Russian literature lately. As many of you may know, I'm stuck on a environmental rush lately, and put any sort of intellectual literature on hiatus. Well, I spent the past two days reading The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy and The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám. The only books that have came close to any Middle Eastern literature was A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Kite Runner, and The Arabian Nights. I also feel like I can finally read Tolstoy's War and peace (and I still have to admit, the volume of the book is INCREDIBLY intimidating).

So if you need any recommendations of something new, those two are easy and fast reads. A lot of philosophical meaning, if you are into that sort of thing.

Venture Time with the two best people I know!

Snoqualmie Pass venture and hike was incredible. However, we were suppose to get in touch of our childish side with a little bit of sledding, but that didn't happen. Seriously, who wants to pay 20 bucks to park and use the Iron Horse hill for an hour or two? We hardly found the Snow Lake trail, and when we did, the trail was covered in 5 feet of snow and hikers used snow shoes. Then we trespassed on a road that lead to the Denny Creek trail, and found bear feces and fish remains. We accidentally found the Pratt Lake trail on the other side of Denny Creek on our last stop. We hiked a short hike, and went down the trail before it became dark. Our trip was chilly and rainy, but we'll be back in a couple of months when the weather becomes dryer and about 30 degrees warmer!

From left to right: Erin, Me, and Amanda

Pratt Lake trail and Fog

There were TONS of small cascading waterfalls on the way up. It makes for a tranquil and chi hiking experience.

Me posing near the small cascading falls. Oh, and I'm drenched!

Walking on top of a few feet of snow near Denny Creek. An area where we trespassed.

At the Aplental Ski Summit bridge near the Snow Lake trail!

Me: "OMG! Granite Mountain Lookout!" the entrance of Pratt Lake trail :D

And more small cascading waterfalls near Denny Creek

Amanda, the cute snow bunny, past knee deep off the Snow Lake trail into a dangerous zone.

A nice creek near the Aplental Ski area. I'm sure this was part of Denny Creek.

We were lost trying to find the Snow Lake trail. So we got out of the car to stretch and take pics!

Trying to find a place to sled near Denny Creek.

Denny Creek Trail this way. Snow Lake trail the other way. Ahhh.

Up Pratt Lake trail we go! So much mud and tree debris.

After a half an hour or so it started to get dark. So down Pratt Lake trail we go.

The beginning of some awesome trespassing.

So what's next?!

In May: Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument!

And hopefully another Snoqualmie adventure soon!

Goodbye, Libra. Hello, Virgo.

So since 2011 started, the astrological birth signs have change as well. Now, I've always believed that I was perfect being a Libra. I was sensitive, ALWAYS crying, I always wore my heart on my sleeve. However, I didn't think I was at all "balanced".

Until I read about the Virgo's predictions for 2011:

Expect a year of surprises - especially where people are concerned. Friends you've known for years will suddenly start doing weird things. You'll also change quite a bit. Be prepared.

A year of glowing health awaits you. You've grown stronger, and you'll rarely be sick. But what are you going to do with all that energy? Your longtime customs and habits may now seem boring. Try some new activities. Return to school, take up a hobby, or take a vacation. Your friends will be thrilled about the sparkle in your eyes.

Socially, you're going to get out more this year. A friend could talk you into meeting some new people, and you'll definitely be grateful. The people you meet should be interesting, intelligent, and curious - and you might embrace some new ideas. You could talk with your companions for hours - and come away with your head spinning. Welcome to 2011

I'm going to pretend this is the ultimate fortune cookie after a Chinese Buffet. Virgo, I'm seriously counting on you this year.

not a New Years resolution.

My prediction for 2011: My high blood pressure will go down to normal.

Five books in seven days.

Because I'm a really big avid reader, but sometimes I'm too busy that I can't finish a book that's 300+ pages in 5 days, I'm dedicating one week to read five books.

1) The Elephant's Journey by Jose Saramago (sadly, I turned to the last chapter of the book and read the first sentence ON ACCIDENT. I spoiled the ending for myself...)

2) Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev

3) Nine Stories by JD Salinger

4) The Death of Ivan Ilyvich by Tolstoy

5) The Pearl by Steinbeck

After reading these five books in one week, I will be organizing a "John Steinbeck" month because I really, really want to read Grapes of Wrath among other books.

However, I have to go through the last 100 pages (actually, less) of On The Road, then read some Henry David Thoreau.

January 1st, 2011: New Years Day in Leavenworth, WA

Hello, Little Germany. I haven't seen you in a decade plus one year. Yes, I was fourteen since I went to Leavenworth.

Start of the trail...




Shops!




Dogwood.

Me next to a...pine tree? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I also drove near the Skyline mountain where there was snow tubing, snow boarding, skiing, and cross country skiing going on. Can you guess what I'm going to try next? Cross country skiing!

Cross-country skier (with his adorable Schnauzer Mush! Fido!) at Leavenworth.