Saturday, December 25, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS!




xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Currently...

Reading- Poker Face: the Rise and Rise of Lady GaGa by Maureen Callahan...as well as Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Foer.
Also on my list to read is Born to Run by Christopher McDougall, 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Torture and Democracy by Darius Rjali, and Paris Underground by Mark Ovenden

Listening to- Assorted Christmas music on the radio, both at home and at work. Nonstop. AND Tony's new talented CD.

Baking- Pretzels and No-bake Cookies with Lil' Momma

Wearing- My new husky sweatshirt! It was a late birthday present/early Christmas present from my aunt and uncle

Watching- all the documentaries and movies I haven't had time for this last quarter. The list includes: Restrepo, The Box, Green Zone, The Cove, The Lottery, Fair Game, and Taxi to the Dark Side

Enjoying- the smell of my new candle, a quiet house, and a day off of this 40 hour work schedule!

Looking forward to- starting my marathon training for June 2011...it begins with shoe shopping of course. Also, Canon Beach after Christmas with the Villellas and hopefully a New Year's celebration up in Seattle with Finn.


xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Fly Away

This is how I cope with things I don't like... whether it's that conversation I don't want to have or that feeling I want to avoid:

I run.
I go to France, I move to Seattle, I stop returning texts, I make travel plans, I change the subject, I busy myself with other things.
I'm good at running.

And it's because running is easier than facing myself or what I'm afraid of.

2011 Montpellier Application, here I come.

Currently listening to Coming Home by Diddy

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Sunday, December 12, 2010

finals.finally.



Francais.
l'imparfait, passe compose, plus que parfait, vocabulaire, superlatif, comparatif, j'taime.

International Conflict.
power transition, realism, militarism, democratic peace, nationalism, ideology, diversionary war, balance of power, russo-japanese war, international relations, just cause, ethics.

Human Rights.
universal declaration of human rights, human trafficking, constitutions, treaties, united nations, guantanamo bay, international criminal court, inalienable rights, liberia, jus cogens.

These three subjects consume me.
Only three days left until I am a free woman.

Currently listening to: I Go Away by MNDR

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

pablo neruda

Oh love is a journey,
with water and stars,
with drowning air and storms of flour,
Love is a clash of lightnings,
two bodies subdued by one honey

Currently listening to Sparks by Coldplay

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Monday, November 29, 2010

In 2 hours...




xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Monday, November 22, 2010

white Thanksgiving?

When snow has been falling consistently for the last hour, and the Red Square webcam looks like this:


....I think I won't be going to school today :)

Currently listening to: New Heights by A Fine Frenzy

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

aesthetics











This is what I do instead of writing my research paper. I browse flickr and tumblr to look at pictures and daydream. Enjoy :)

Currently listening to: Not Fair by Lily Allen

Monday, November 15, 2010

Speak Now

Dear T-Swift,
Sorry I haven't been returning your e-mails or phone calls lately. I am not the kind of girl who should be rudely confronting you like this. I've been trying to think of a nice way to say it, but basically, I have a problem with you.

No, it has nothing to do with the dishes you left in the sink yesterday. And no, it's not because you used my eyeshadow without asking (yes, I did notice). It's actually this new song of yours I've been listening to on repeat.

Admittedly, I have the whole catchy tune memorized and it occassionally pops into my head without warning. I know, that was probably the whole point, BUT...it's been weighing on me and I can't not say anything, especially as your friend. Guess I have to speak now.

Simply put: You're annoying. I mean, interrupting a wedding because you want to run away with the groom screams homewrecker, but I also have to wonder why you can't just let it be. Like, why can't you let the guy marry who he wants and move on with your life? You're Taylor Freaking Swift; where's your confidence? Where's your rockstar attitude?

Okay, sure you can daydream about that stuff for a moment, but are you actually going to embarass yourself in front of a crowd? Or make this boy's affection into a competition? Obviously the guy does not want to be with you or he would be making it happen. You already let him know 'You Belong With Me' while they were dating, yet he still asked the girl to marry him. And then it took 6 months to plan the whole wedding and he still hasn't backed out. Maybe it's a sign you should back off. Permanently.

And possibly rethink your character a bit. I understand the naive, cutesy type is selling really well these days, but is that who you want to be?

I'm worried about you...maybe tone it down a bit. Like, no more throwing yourself at guys, no more putting down other girls to feel good about yourself, no more sneaking into weddings or hiding in curtains? Just a thought. Let's do coffee this week, I'd love to chat more about this and see where your head's at.

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

(http://www.jango.com/music/Taylor+Swift?l=0) if you have no idea what this is about.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Appropriate

Two years ago I wrote this. And I find it appropriate once again...

The sky is surprisingly beautiful, considering it is shrouded in winter.
Cumulonimbus.
They are black and ominously swirling about the city, infused with colors without a name.
Blue and grey and white do not define the heavens as they warn of winter cold and storms approaching.

I count the empty nests outside my window; one perched between those once hidden limbs, two thrust upwards as sacrifices to the gods of frost and change.
The blue jays have all flown south,
have left me here alone in Seattle,
yet their navy feathers remain as shades in the sky, as shadows under the clouds that bring me snow and rain and sleet.

Currently listening to: About Today by The National
xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Friday, November 5, 2010

poetry on a friday

My Offering to Autumn

This is an offering to Autumn,
to the saddest season somehow filled with stoic hope,
to the slow fade of color from green to yellow
yellow to orange and orange back to red
and the final sigh before the final leap back to
the final resting place on the floor of the

world. This is an offering to the spoken words
on rain soaked mountain tops, the vows and promises
to a life waiting to be built; to the audience of trees,
rocks and clouds that bear witness. This is my offering,
burnt like sincere words on secret paper and scattered

into the air again, to the black of ash that won’t
wash off. To the sun that sleeps earlier and the
moon that sits in the sky to watch her slip into slumber;
to the brief and beautiful moments they share the sky together.
This is on oblation to the sound of snow geese in the darkness
and the struggle to find their contrast of white
on black; to the moonlight that shines upon them and to the
wonderment of where they travel to.


This is an offering to Autumn and this is my offering to
you. We will dance in the falling leaves and memorize
the sound of leaves crunching under our feet. These are alms to my favorite season and to the snow that hints at falling through the crisp air.
To the smell of wood stoves roaring back to life after the hibernation through the hottest months. To the sweaters that cover your

skin and the color that fades as the last of summer flees
from your cheeks. This is to the sacrifice that all trees
must make, the shedding of their skin to the skeleton
they hide below. To the bravery of the leaves that leap
without looking and fall without ever asking
why.

This is my offering to you. To the tea in your mug and
my hand in your hand as the chill returns. This is to how
the air smells before it snows and the way the scarves wrap
so perfectly around your neck. To the cold of my hands on the warm of your back and goosebumps that crawl down your back to rest on your legs. To the giant breath before the giant sleep through the winter of life. To the red that returns to your

nose and the gloves to your fingers. This is
to the way tears fall without hestiation when you face
the cold wind that Winter waits to breathe. To the first time my eyes found your eyes. To the home you have always been to me.

This is my offering to Autumn. This is my offering to you.

By Tyler Knott


Currently listening to: Colorblind by Counting Crows
xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Thursday, November 4, 2010

count your blessings

1. Sunshine in November...not to mention an accompanying 60 degrees, which has resulted in dress wearing and an overall boost of happiness.

2. A late lunch with Michael Hartley, at Jimmy John's. Great combination.

3. Half the Sky by Kristof and WuDunn. I get really excited about my education when I read these kind of books because my major is reaffirmed and I realize there are so many ways I can improve the world...this tuition money will not be wasted.

4. Basically everything with Kate Jendersee...Molly Moon's, good conversation, funny facebook chats, realizing our outfits just happen to match.

5. Getting published in The Daily!! It's surreal seeing my quotes and picture in print. Even after working for The Independent. (http://dailyuw.com/2010/11/3/academic-transplants/)

6. Living vicariously through Tony's 365 project. If only I had a camera...

7. Carving a kick-ass pumpkin, even if it was 4 days late


8. My house, my school, my family. You know, all the good stuff :)

Currently listening to: Something Beautiful by Alexi Murdoch

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Novembre 3

We should not regret loving, even when our love is not returned in full.
Harweb: you are beautiful, you are strong, you are okay.
Forgive my ironic video ;) I love you.



xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Monday, November 1, 2010

5 weeks to Christmas Break.

Being a transfer student, my hometown inevitably comes up in almost every conversation. And either the other person momentarily thinks I'm Canadian and exotic, or they ask me that horrible question 'What is there to do in Vancouver anyway?'

Of course I'm polite.
Of course I joke about the city life 'only 20 minutes away in Portland!'.

Of course I want to slap them across the face.

Maybe I romanticize the past a little too much, but so much of who I am and who I want to be is still there...

...in Mrs. Dignan's classroom, on Riverview's playground, at Lacamas Lake, along the stretch of Talton, on the Weaver's trampoline, in the view of Mt. Hood, at Clark College, buckled into a Mazda3.

The Couve is anything but monotonous. It's where my family lives, where I fell in love, where I return for encouragement. There's so much to look forward to in my life, but I can never let go of what home means to me.

That's all definitely too heavy to share in small talk though ;)

I miss you. I'll see you soon.

Currently listening to: I Don't Trust Myself by Mike Posner and Mine by Taylor Swift

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

So I have this friend...

...who is poignant. She always has the right thing to say and the most original way to phrase it. I would like to be Brittany Harwell when I grow up.

See for yourself:

"lately my life has seemed staged. like things are happening and they are connected even though they have nothing to do with each other. do you know what i am talking about? it’s like when you read a a great novel or play and the author has this underlying theme that makes the story even better. everything makes more sense. there is something other than just the story that is going on.
i’m reading donald miller’s a million miles in a thousand years for the second time. he talks about how we need to write better stories for ourselves. under whatever story i’m writing there is also this trajectory, there is a current, God is connecting all the stuff that happens. and sometimes it is more apparent. i love it when i am cognizant of it. there is a lot of reinforcement, when it doesn’t seem like i’m just a random person, in a random place, doing random stuff. when i am reminded that there is a point. that God wants to pull me to Himself if i just would let Him. that i can only love God, and love people by his grace and power, not my own. that’s the theme. and i wouldn’t want another one."

Currently listening to: Yeah x3 by Chris Brown

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

can i be close to you?



xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Sunday, October 17, 2010

26.2 miles

Exactly one week ago, I ran the Portland Marathon.

For those of you who need me to break it down in numbers, this is how I did:
Time: 4 hours, 20 minutes, and 45 seconds
Place:
Overall- 3026 of 7804
Out of women- 1168 of 4412
Out of girls in my age group- 106 of 289

All those miles are a blur now...I can't believe it's over and I don't have a race looming ahead of me and consuming my thoughts and time and discipline.

Vancouver 2011 anyone?? I'm feelin it :)

Currently listening to: The End by Macklemore
xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Lost Things



Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Saturday, September 25, 2010

treasures







Currently listening to: Dans ma Rue by Edith Piaf
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

transition #82737329

I am in the new house.

Tomorrow is my official move-in date, but I spent the night and I've already put stuff on the walls, wiped out the drawers, and made a move-in plan.

I'm not very good at these transitions... Like, I love adventure, I love how my life is not static and there's really no time to get stuck in a rut, but when things are so good, it's hard to move on and have faith it can only get better.

How many times have I done this?

Months from now I'll look back and wonder why it was so hard for me to move from one house to the other, why I wanted to go home, why I found fault with so many things and even cried. Yeah, I know that's embarassing.

At least this morning I am at peace. I'm ready to move, I'm ready to start school, I'm ready for what the year has for me.

Now to meet the roommate :)

Currently listening to: Dustbowl Dance by Mumford & Sons
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Friday, September 10, 2010

Who says?



Who says I can't get stoned?
Who says I can't be free?
Who says I can't take time?

Yes, I would.

Currently listening to: Who Says by John Mayer
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

SAM

Today was almost a perfect day. I was productive (cleaned my room and did laundry), I went for a run, I had frozen yogurt and pad thai, I borrowed Brittany's clothes, I spent a majority of the day with eminent people.

AND I went to the Seattle Art Museum.

SAM = BLISS

And yes, admittedly, I did cry. Because good art gets me that way. And no Britt, there was no sobbing in the museum. I did not cause a scene ;)

My favorites:
Jackson Pollock's 'Sea Changes'
Chris Brodahl
Dan Webb's 'Shroud'
Bierstadt's 'Puget Sound on the Pacific Coast'

Look these up. I have been blown away.

Currently listening to: The Clothes in the Dryer by My Dryer
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Monday, August 30, 2010

Beautiful Things

I just wanted to pass along this site Brittany introduced me to.




I mean, photography, poetry, and music always make my day.
TYLERKNOTT.COM



Currently listening to: Words by Gregory Alan Isakov
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

pillow talk

At home (the house I grew up in), I would lay in bed at night with the window open and listen to trains whistle as they crawled from east to west. There would be nothing but the creaking of a silent house and that faint interval humming... Which is the most calming noise I can think of, especially when that train is two miles away and muffled by trees and houses and night air.

And now, at home (the house I currently live in), I cannot sleep. Instead I lay here with the window open and memorize new sounds, tracing each one in the dark.

There's an airplane.

A faint siren.

Crashing at the locks as something is unloaded.

Traffic.

And of course a boat horn to top it off.

They are foreign sounds, not the interval humming of my childhood and teenage years. But they are still peaceful. This is still home.

It's not what's outside my window that makes it home, but what is inside. It's the house that lays in silence. Or should I say, the people who lay in their own beds and listen to the same sounds I do.

Brittany, Candace, Natalie, Brittany, Emily, Lauren, Amber, Teresa, Todd, and Quinten. Your love is home.

Currently listening to:...
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

aches and pains




Currently listening to: Writer's Block by Britt Daniel
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Monday, August 23, 2010

Perpetually

living in a house with 7 to 8 girls was the best decision of my life. Period.

The humanity. The drama. The relationships. The laughter. The diversity. The awkward moments. House Dinner.
I feel bad if you've never had a similar experience.

Currently listening to: Little Lion Man by Mumford and Sons
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Friday, August 20, 2010

freshhhhh

THINGS I DID WHILE HOME:
-Went running...a total of 22.75 miles of flat, open road. Mmmmmm :)

-Bought new canvas at Craft Warehouse's 50% off sale (WHAT A STEAL!) and created this little beauty... Obviously Jackson Pollock is an inspiration these days:



I just watched the season finale of 'Work of Art' and it makes me realize how much I want art to be part of my life. Picasso comes to the SAM this October...Brit and I are PUMPED!!

-Walked the usual routes with Mom and Roxy

-Went to Cannon Beach at midnight. Basically for the best bonfire of my life, a red moon set, and sand that glows at low tide.

-Ate a ton. I mean, when the entire fridge is on-limits, why the heck not?! Also, when I come home, so does the good cooking. Dad's salmon on a cedar plank- yummm.

-Saw the worst movie ever. But the company of Hayley Weaver always makes up for bad action movies like 'The Expendables' haha. I also said goodbye to her until we see each other again at Thanksgiving...and I've realized it never really gets easier with each year. Watching her pack up the car is still hard.

-Went to lunch with Jordan and heard alllll about his exciting journalism career. Jamba Juice and Chipotle was a nice mix-up from our usual spot at Red Robin this time. I am so proud of that boy and his ability to make the best of all his opportunities.

-Visited my family at Borders :) I still love that place WAY more than a normal person should.

-Had a coffee date with Sharon at Brewed, which is one of the best parts about home. It's nice to condense all of my favorite things into such a small period of time, but it makes it hard to leave.

-Went on a redemption tour of Portland with Tony...Habibi, Tea Chai Te, waiting for the I5 Bridge to go up, and the greatest soundtrack a girl could ask for are some highlights



-Attended Amy Antisdel Cameron's wedding. Wow. Kind of surreal since I've known her since I was six. Some things have changed drastically and others have stayed exactly the same.

-Hung out with Ariel! We went to a barbecue and played botchee-ball with friends and her boyfriend Andrew. I might have botched that spelling... ;)

-Discovered this gem, which makes me feel mightily adventurous:


-ANNNND I should mention the baby brother turned 18. Fuhrick we're old.

Back to the real world...
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Take a bite...



Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

you.

I love the way people never cease to amaze me.
And there's really two different meanings to this thought...the positive and the negative...

example #1: In the alley next to our building today there was a stand-off between police and an armed felon...classic downtown right?
I was expecting we'd have to close the windows and doors, maybe keep customers inside as men ran aroud outside with their guns, but no. Instead, people ordered gelato like 'no big deal' and took pictures of officers blockading the man to show their friends back home. A security guard came in to explain the situation and literally right after, a customer who overheard the conversation grabbed his little girl's hand and took her outside to see the action. whoa whoa whoa.
People will never cease to amaze me with their irrationality.

example #2: (this one's a little heavier)
A few nights ago, two friends and I went to the beach to watch the Perseid meteor shower. It wasn't too late...maybe eleven...and there were quite a few groups of people out in the park as we pulled into the parking lot.
As we got out of the car, there was some yelling coming from a cluster to our left, but it really wasn't a big deal. The park is kind of known as a party place and so we continued to walk out on the beach and leave the drunk people to themselves. At the most, we were on the beach for one minute and saw a total of two airplanes when the yelling was not just yelling anymore, it was malicious.
Since it was dark and we were at a distance, I could not see everything clearly. Since it was dark and we were at a distance, I saw a man crouched and I heard his fists hit something over and over again, but I did not see the woman beneath him or hear her friends crying until we started walking back and I told one of my friends to call 911.
Obviously, the situation was intense. We were the only witnesses, we called the police, and we had to give statements after the woman had been put in the ambulance.
Most of it is too traumatic to recount neatly, but that night has really stuck with me more than I thought it would.
People will never cease to amaze me with their brokenness...or with the hurt which can manifest itself in a cycle of violence and/or hate.

examples #3-8:
I sat on the roof and looked at the city
I watched the moon over the Sound on a night run
I fell asleep
I waved to people on the canal
I leaned against the cop car
I drank my coffee in the crowded shop... all with you.
And I am still amazed, not only by those individual moments of beauty, but by their resonance in my life. Those moments with you make all the bad things okay.

Though I've experienced ugly, hurtful things caused by people -whether it's simply annoyance or something more brutal- people will never cease to amaze me with their complex and seemingly innate good (for lack of a better word). You are full of joy and purpose and love and encouragement and good conversation. You are a light.

Thank you.

Currently listening to: The Fire by Imogen Heap
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

ode to brittany

On the way home from work yesterday, a beautiful man got on the bus. Like one of those true Seattlite men who match meticulously and take the bus to work to contribute to a sustainable society. He had his ipod earphones in of course and smiled at each woman who made eye-contact as they swooned over him. This man, let's just name him Alejandro for Lady GaGa's sake, decided to sit next to me. Lucky me, who smelled like disinfectant and probably had a nice shine from cleaning the espresso machine.

Currently listening to: Cinderella Man by Eminem
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Saturday, August 7, 2010

i like this



Currently listening to: Poison and Wine by The Civil Wars
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Friday, August 6, 2010

things on my mind

1. Today is my last day of house-sitting, THANK GOD! It's definitely been a good time and there have been a lot of perks, but the half-hour commute, time management between my responsibilities at home and taking care of the cats, and sleeping in an empty house are beginning to take a toll on me. Starting tonight, I will only have to worry about my own stuff...for a while.

2. I'm realizing how fast the Portland Marathon is approaching. 2 months, 4 days. I'm terrified.

3. I want the school year to come faster. Faux pas, I know, but I'm ready for summer to be over! I'm just too anxious for football games, a consistent schedule, and people to be back in Seattle.

4. How excited I am for a hair appointment on Wednesday AND going home for the weekend of the 20th :)

Currently listening to: Sleeping to Dream by Jason Mraz
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Sunday, July 25, 2010

good ol' blaise

"Anyone who wants to know the full extent of man's vanity has only to consider the causes and effects of love. The cause is a je ne sais quoi. And its effects are terrifying. This indefinable something, so trifling that we cannot recognize it, upsets the whole earth, princes, armies, the entire world.
Cleopatra's nose: if it had been shorter the whole face of the earth would have been different."

Love. Diversion. Balancing wretchedness and greatness. The human condition.
Read Pascal's Pensees
Boom yahtzee.

Currently listening to: Hold On by Michael Buble
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Monday, July 19, 2010

lovely



Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Saturday, July 17, 2010

this is why...

...I'm in love with the man:

http://jhnmyr.tumblr.com/post/805620978/simple


Currently listening to: Corona and Lime by Schwayze
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Storming the Bastille

Shocking, but I didn't know what Bastille Day meant until exactly one year ago when Honfluer enlightened me with its fireworks and dance party.

On July 14th, 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille prison...setting the French Revolution and the fall of Louis XVI into motion. And so today is celebrated in remembrance of French Independence, as well as the 'emergence' of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

On a more personal note, Bastille Day is a celebration of my own independence.

As I look back on the last two years with clarity only hindsight can provide, I've found my trip to France was really a turning point. Before stepping on the plane, life had been tumultuous and I left Seattle as a girl unsure of my future or what to make of the last year's transition. Moving from one city to another, one school to another, was difficult without the activities and people I had defined myself by. I had to say goodbye to my leadership positions, my dance team, my varsity cross country spot, my church family, my boyfriend, and all the plans and ideas I had based on them. And without those things was I really that great or special?

I overanalyzed. I withdrew. I wrestled with my changing foundations for almost an entire year.

But France changed that. It not only gave me perspective and closure on a few issues, but also the most amazing friends I could ask for, and re-directed purpose. It was France (the language, the culture, the history, the people, and the classes I took) which opened my eyes to things I want to continue to pursue like French, Political Science, and traveling the world.

It also reaffirmed my own identity. I remembered the strong, adventurous individual I am without needing anything to cling to in order to remind me of it.

And so, this Bastille Day is nothing like the last (read last year's here)...with the exception of Brittany Harwell and a two-hour French class. But it marks a year of learning, of happiness, and of progress.

Bonne journee.

"Paris is notorious for its love affairs. And though I'm in the city of lights alone, I've rediscovered I love myself"


Currently listening to: West Coast by Coconut Records
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Sunday, July 4, 2010

independence day

Today is a balmy 66 degrees, complete with overcast skies and a slight breeze. If someone could remind Mother Nature of the date, it would be much appreciated.

Regardless, today is a good day. The morning has been well spent with sleepy music and tea time with Brittany. I guess there's no real excuse not to get my French homework done as well!

It's not only my first summer in Seattle, but my first 4th celebration in the Emerald City. Yesterday I went on a run (in the SUNSHINE!)and a big blow-up head of Lady Liberty is gracing the top of Gasworks' hill haha. That and an amazing sound system was blasting 'Somewhere over the Rainbow'. The fireworks extravaganza tonight will be from the park so hopefully the rain holds off and turnout is still good. I'm sure pictures will follow.


Currently listening to: First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

June 30th

The waters feel uncertain.




xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

public transportation

There are parts of Seattle I forgot.

One of the most important being how much I sweat here (obviously it isn't the sunshine).
Here's the cause:



Hills, hills, hills, hills, hills.
This city was built on nothing but hills.
And when you're walking across campus, running after a bus, or just meandering, the workout is definitely noticeable.

Hello calf muscles.

Currently listening to: The birds chirp and the ships dock
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Monday, June 21, 2010

settled

So here I am. Finally in Seattle, in my new house, in my new bedroom.
Whew.

This blog seems premature since it's only 1:31, and I have a to-do list waiting, but it seems like days have passed since I packed up the Civic (Roscoe as my father has named it) and drove off into the rain.

When I got to the house and had started unpacking, Brittany and I went to the 5 o'clock service at Bethany. Which was great. Though I'm admittedly jaded on church these days, the service was refreshing. Richard started a series called Are We There Yet? It's focused on the idea that we live in a skewed world and only see glimpses of eternity and an ideal world.

I hope that makes sense...like how there are moments of complete happiness and peace and intimacy (how it ought to be), but they always come to an end and contrastingly we face a world of oil spills and child abduction.

It made me reflect on moments of 'shalom' in my own life. I can only describe them as perfect moments when my chest hurts because it can't hold everything I feel. Strangely, a lot of them have been when I'm alone- like standing in the Paris metro, walking down the Vegas strip in the snow, and riding the bus home from a late night in downtown Seattle. However, there are those perfect moments when it's the people I'm with who generate them...like laying in the grass with the Fab 5 on our last night in France, winning state with MV's dance team, sitting at Kerry Park with Kelsea, or laughing with a significant other.

Richard added 'the fall' always intrudes though- the moment ends, the snow melts, we grow up or apart from one another. And it's our response which is the important part. We can adopt denial, cynicism, a determination to be self-sufficient, or we can move forward as a sojourner. A sojourner- a wanderer.

I personally favor movement. Whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual, I will continue to change.
My horizons will continue to expand.
Taking steps is painful- it means leaving something or someone behind- but it is better than stagnancy.


Currently listening to: Superbad by Travie McCoy
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Thursday, June 17, 2010

roulette

Though I don't write every day, I have every intention to. I get on my computer and get to the blogspot log-in and then...
I'm distracted. Surprise.

It's just that little button up top that says 'Next Blog'. I can't stay away from reading strangers' blogs. And yeah, that's a little creepy, but I find the coolest stuff, the most interesting people and thoughts and layouts haha.

Here's today's find: http://suitcasesfull.blogspot.com/

Now go play roulette for yourself!

Currently listening to: An unidentified mixed CD from Kevin
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

changes

In the whirlwind of the next 19 days, I will:
-Go camping
-Visit Seattle
-Print the last two issues of The Independent
-Attend Quinten's baccalaureate and high school graduation
-See Lion King
-Put in my last day at Borders
-Attend Alumni Awards Night and the OSWALD Awards
-Graduate with my AA from Clark

Hard to believe in 19 days I will not live in my house anymore.
I will not see my family daily or work at Borders or go to school at Clark.
I won't be able to catch up with friends at the tennis courts or eat at Golden Tiger with Brandon.
Or run the same routes. Or walk Roxy. Or drive to the gorge.

It's crazy how I fought enjoying this year (at least in the beginning) and now I feel like I'm walking away from a perfect life.
Fortunately, I know life up north holds opportunity and fun for me as well.

In 19 days, things will change dramatically.



*breathe in* I am ready *breathe out*

Currently listening to: How We Breathe by Pinback
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Thursday, May 27, 2010

kelly cutrone

"Being 'spiritual' and being 'nice' have absolutely nothing to do with each other, contrary to the popular notion that 'spiritual' refers only to vegans in Whole Foods whispering to each other. Kindness is important, and the heart plays an important role in the progression of humanity, but I don't believe we should all just get naked and skip in the sun. Ultimately, we need to be able to battle our demons within and without to get where we want to go. Jesus turned over tables and defended hookers, and the Hindu goddesses were not messing around."

-Kelly Cutrone in her book If You Have to Cry, Go Outside (and other things your mother never told you)



Very interesting book. It's making me think.

Currently listening to: Awe by Citizen Cope
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Monday, May 24, 2010

travel

A trip is in the works for me!

This fall I will be flying to Washington D.C. to see my dear friend Jordan. Jordan attended school out east last year and I regretably never made the trip to make use of his location, especially since I love the history, architecture, and bustle of the capital. I definitely felt like I missed out when he moved back to the PNW. However, he is returning to Washington D.C. and I will not pass this opportunity again!

As we were talking about the trip today, I realized just how important I find travel in my life. Thinking about big moments in my life, quite a few of them occured in airports, on airplanes, or on the soil of another country.

Destinations which stand out are Washington D.C., San Diego, Las Vegas, and Paris. I obviously don't have room to describe them all, but travel experiences have enriched me and shaped the goals and dreams I have.

I can't wait to be traveling again!!

Currently listening to: Don't Steal Our Sun by The Thrills
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

so good

I could spend hours doing this:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/05/03/blogs/a-moment-in-time.html

Currently listening to: Run by Vampire Weekend
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Sunday, May 9, 2010

mother teresa







Currently listening to: Airplanes by B.o.B., Haley Scott, and Eminem
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Saturday, May 8, 2010

little things

I'm a big-picture kind of person. I plan for at least 2 years in advance, I put events in long-term perspective, and I've been known to be a serial monogamist.

I'm sure this trait is beneficial in a lot of ways, however, it can get hard for me to live in the moment and appreciate small things.

So here they are- the details I've noticed recently, the facets of my day I am thankful for:

1. the heat wave when I open my car door
2. wearing running shorts to a party
3. F-15's
4. new summer playlists
5. running into mrs. dignan
6. payday
7. blended green tea milk tea with boba
8. intricate and amusing conversations with mom
9. snuggling
10. boats out on the river
11. lunch with new friends
12. sore muscles
13. unexpected phone calls
14. green everywhere



Currently listening to: Riding Solo by Jason DeRulo
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Thursday, April 29, 2010

conversely

Three things are on my mind right now...

1. The french fab five will be reunited tomorrow! And I am SO excited! Last time we were together was a full month ago right after spring break, and not for that long I have to say. This one will at least be a full 24 hours haha. Also exciting about this visit is the fact it will take place right here in my town, with all of us staying at my house...no travel necessary ;)

I plan on taking them to Montage, Villagio's, Tea Chai Te, Rocky Butte, Renaissance, the zoo gardens, Mon Ami, Carafe, the Saturday market, Big Al's, and maybe a little sight-seeing in the gorge. Maybe that's a little ambitious though?

2. I'm being artistic again, which is something I spent a lot of time on in high school. Though I've never taken an official art class, I love creating things and really just haven't done a lot in the last year or so.

A boy in my French class is an artist himself and asked me to create a collage for him. Sooooo we chose a cityscape he likes and I'm replicating it on a 5-foot board. More to come on this, when it's finished.

These two things are super happy, but of course, the third thing on my mind isn't as relaxing.

CONVERSELY,

3. I am still waiting for my college acceptance letter. While I'm about 90% sure I'll get in, I still have this seed of doubt and obviously don't feel like I can make concrete plans for the next year without a concrete YES! in black and white. Knowing my track record with college plans, things could get ugly haha.

I got a letter from the girl I plan to live with next year saying she needs a decision by Tuesday. Which means the pressure is on.

Ideally, I'll walk out to the mailbox today and find a manila envelope waiting for me. I can imagine myself doing a little happy dance, calling Brittany, and letting the world know it all worked out. But realistically, I'll have to decide whether I'll move to Seattle regardless of my acceptance. What if I committ and don't get in? But what if I don't committ and get in? Dilemmas.

Currently listening to: The Only Exception by Paramore
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

sentiments



I used to know exactly how I felt and why. And I used to be articulate enough to convey those sentiments to others.

Thank you to the people in my life who are teaching me to be that way again.

Currently watching: Millionaire Matchmaker with Patty Stanger
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

one moment

What if photographers around the world all snapped a shot at the same moment?

The New York Times photo blog, Lens, has taken on the "A Moment in Time" project to answer this exact question. On Sunday, May 2nd, the newspaper has asked the world to take a photo at the same time (15:00 hours in Coordinated Universal Time) to create a mosaic of what the world looks like at one point in time.

For more info, go here.

I'm looking forward to seeing the results. Hopefully Lens can pull it off!

Currently listening to: You Belong With Me by Butch Walker
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Monday, April 19, 2010

in a shoebox...



When I take on a project, it usually turns out to be more than I planned. And cleaning my room is no exception.

Since I don't live with roommates any longer, I have to admit keeping order is not on the priority list. When my mom gently encouraged me to pick things up, she was probably hoping I'd hang up the pile of clothes on my bed and straighten out my covers. But of course, with a free day and good music, things got a little out of hand.

I not only put those clothes away; I went through my clothes and shoes to bag up the things I don't wear anymore and then proceeded to clean out the desk drawers.

Many people don't know I keep basically everything. I keep every birthday card, every encouragement note, every movie stub, every picture. Anything I deem important goes into the "memory drawers" (there are two of them).

Now, I wouldn't consider myself a hoarder, but as Nicole Krauss writes in The History of Love : "Perhaps that's why I hoarded the world: with the hope that when I died, the sum total of my things would suggest a life larger than the one I lived."

However, as I condensed the drawers into a shoebox and read through old notes (a few from elementary school) and newspaper clippings, sorted through the pictures and mix cds, I realized my life doesn't need to be portrayed as large with a whole bunch of stuff because it already is.

Though I get restless a lot and long for adventures, I could not ask for better friends, for a better family, for a better education, or for a better opportunity at living life to the fullest.

The world is at my fingertips.

And I also came to improved terms with losing people. Life moves in cycles, in seasons, and just because a friend and I are no longer close doesn't disregard the importance of our paths crossing or the impact they made in my life.

All I have to do is clean out my room for a little bit of perspective.

Currently listening to: Honey Let Me Sing You A Song by Matt Hires
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Monday, March 22, 2010

cliff faces

The roadtrip began yesterday with a three hour drive up to Seattle... which was only mediocre due to a broken ipod, resulting in country stations all the way up, and a whole bunch of rain, strengthening my resolve never to live in Centralia. It ended well though, with sunshine and Brittany's house!!

I got in just in time for some Harwell cooking and Whole Foods mocha cake. Scrumptious.

Annnnd then came the fun part: a sunset run at Discovery Park...


However, this picture is a little misleading because the lighthouse is currently wrapped in plastic. How's that for scenic?

I made my way down the beach to realize there is only one mainstream way to the south beach...the path I had come from. So, I found a cute little trail up the cliff side...complete with footholds and tree roots to hoist myself up. I had to laugh a little at the thought of someone else witnessing my gracefulness and agility.

The night ended with Jamie Oliver's new "Food Revolution" show...if you feel like getting frustrated with the department of agriculture, America's educational system, or people in general--I'd highly recommend it.

Currently listening to: Sooner Surrender by Matt Nathanson
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Sunday, March 21, 2010

vancouver

For some reason, this last round of finals really took it out of me. Usually I'm able to handle the stress and be productive, but these last two weeks, my face broke out, I stopped hanging out with all my friends, and I basically felt like I was losing my mind.

Example:
I went to English class on Monday with my wimpy first draft (of my Mormon research paper, now complete) and on the way home I thought, I should really go get my paycheck since I'm driving right by the store. So I went inside and started talking to a co-worker, catching up and taking my time. I was curious to see who was working so I asked and Tyler picks up a schedule...
"Well, it looks like you're working today Caitlin"
"Oh yeah? This evening? What time?"
"Ummmm actually at noon"
"Well, what time is it right now?"
"Noon."

I then proceeded to work a 9.5 hour shift.

However, finals are now over (hallelujah!!) and guess where I'm headed??
Vancouver, B.C.

The scrapbook is prepared, the poloroid is loaded, the coolers are packed, and my car has been washed. Peace of mind, here I come :)

Currently listening to: C'mon by Delta Spirit
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Seven months later...

The blog has been revived!! After some pushing from Brittany and a lot of thinking, I've decided not to limit my writing to big trips...since I'd probably only post about once a year if that were the case.

So, here's a brief synopsis of the last 7 months:
1. I am still a college student...though that institution has changed and my grades have fortunately improved
2. I have started training for the Portland marathon
3. I am currently single
4. My traveling has been limited to Seattle, Pullman, and Disneyland
5. I have a job in a bookstore :) annnnd have recently become the managing editor for my school's newspaper
6. I am in my second quarter of French
7. My trip to France is still the best decision I've ever made

More to come soon!

Currently listening to: First Love by Adele
Au Revoir!

xoxo
Caitlin
caitlinboyd72@gmail.com