On the Bus.

So, I'm on a bus between Seattle and Portland. Seattle was magical: friends new and old, lots of amazing food, and the happy coincidence of running into old friends (also on tour) due to the statue of Lenin, which led to friends realizing I was within a couple of blocks. It was a few awesome days capped off by singing at karaoke night at a vegan metal bar (Highline in Capitol Hill. Get the poutine and the High on Fire off the cocktail menu. Trust me).

It was good to start somewhere I was a bit familiar with, but hadn't lived. All my past memories of Seattle have been good. I'm a little worried about what Portland might drag up for me - I was really a hot mess when I lived there a few years back. There's definitely stuff from my past I haven't dealt with, and a couple people I wasn't on the greatest terms with.

Anyway, we're there less than 48 hours, so it will there'll be even more to see and do that I won't get to. Hopefully the book event tomorrow evening will be as positive as the Seattle event was.

Another Batch of Classes Down

And I'm done with another batch of classes (semesters are a polite suggestion in this year of my program), over halfway through the chaotic first year of my program, and over halfway to being an RN. As tough as the last two years - the traditional MSN program culminating in becoming an APRN - will be, they'll have a much more regular rhythm to them. It's also been the half-semester where I've had the most outside stress, the most going on with myself, that wasn't directly about the courses and clinicals. I asked for help when I needed it, supported other people with whatever they had going on, and we all got through it together.

Now for my spring break trip to the West Coast and speaking tour!