it's been almost a month since my birthday, and i'm just starting to sort through my photos.  for the third birthday i've spent in california, my parents, my sister and i went on a roadtrip to monterey.  nothing makes me happier than smelling the sea salt in the air and watching the endless ripples disappear into the horizon.

we saw sea otters...

and hairy otter!

birthday oysters :)

when i was sixteen, twenty-seven sounded so old.  i thought i'd be married, buying my first house or apartment, perhaps planning a kid.  the reality is that right now i can't imagine doing any of those things.  it's funny how you can plan life as much as you like, and yet life is exactly what happens when your plan takes a detour.

the first thesis draft is completed, the portfolio is finished and job hunt is on.  i have to remind myself constantly that i should not be just applying for any positions available in this economy.  i deserve it to myself to take the time this time for something that will be challenging, rewarding and inspiring.  i know that it's going to be hard to keep this mentality in a month when i don't hear anything back, so here's a note to self: hey, you're worth it.  you chose to stick with the environmental design profession, and you knew the consequences.  don't go off track now!