this is not a new years post.

it is a post about my road trip to oregon/washington this summer. because one of my new goals is to do everything i say i will do. i realize this is a daunting task, but i'll have a go at it.

i said i would write about my trip (and many other things), and i will.

before i left the west for the east i decided to go back to my old stomping grounds in oregon and see some long lost friends. i love oregon and washington, and had a beautiful drive.

the first day i took a little detour to a small town in idaho called arimo to see this lively bunch:

then the road took me to ontario and huntington seeing these friends from high school:

i drove to salem to catch up with kyrey and started documenting my visits to the states' capitals and largest cities.

in portland i saw these people:

and in seattle i had some great adventures with my dear friend carrie. i love seattle.

driving alone was most therapeutic, and as the loner i am, almost preferred. i could stop anytime and anywhere i wanted to, could eat anywhere i wanted to, and listen to the music i wanted to. it was a lonesome heaven.

it was a reflective trip, and it made me realize that i have had some amazing experiences and met some wonderful people.

ok. here comes the new years crap: 2011 was not my favorite. granted, i experienced a lot, but it was probably the most emotionally taxing year i've ever had. and i am not ready to relive it. so here's to a more healthy (in every way) 2012.