Back to basics....

In order to get my degree in Baking and Pastry I have to take some English and Math classes along with a few others.  Last Monday I started a new term and I have Math and English.  I love my English class because we get to do a lot of free writing.  Everyday my professor gives us a Yiddish word and a definition.  I am really looking forward to including some of these "new" words to my blogs.   My math class is not too bad.  The professor is very funny so that helps.  Today he gave us our grades.  We took a quiz last week, had one today and another tomorrow and on Wednesday we have a midterm.  Oh joyous!!  I currently have a 100% in the class!!!  I want my 4.0 back so I am buckling down and working really hard to achieve this goal. 

Breakfast by the water...

Saturday morning when I got off work I decided to go for walk because it was beautiful out and it looked like it was going to be an amazing day.  I stopped at this little shop and purchased a cup of coffee and a Hawaiian bagel, which was delicious!!!  I took my breakfast to the water front and sat on a bench and watched the sun appear!!!  It was beautiful. 

I spotted this tree and just found myself infatuated with it.  Even bare I just couldn't step away.  I don't know why this tree got me but it did and now I am looking forward to spring to see this tree in bloom.  I wonder if it will still have the same affect on me. 

After enjoying this tree for awhile I walk the waterfront and took some pictures and just listened.  I usually have my ipod on and just in my own little world when I am walking, but yesterday I walked and just listened to all the things around me.  I heard the birds, groups of people talking, people walking, and the sound of the cars driving over the bridges as I walked under them.  It was astounding at all sounds that are around you.  It was really quite an experience yesterday.   

Roomie Time...

Yesterday afternoon my one of my roomies, Tim, and I went out to dinner.  After I woke up I went stairs to make some food and just didn't feel much like cooking, so I started to make a pb & j.  Tim heard me down stairs and came down.  He was dressed to the nines, in his new 3 piece suit he just got.  We started chatting and he told me he was a little down so he put on his suit, which he looks very good in, to cheer himself up.  I thought to myself, hmmm he shouldn't be sad, so I said hey lets go out to dinner.  I will go put something nice on as well and we can walk to eat. 

 I went to my room to change and then we walked down to the Marina (it is about a mile or so away). 

We ate on the waterfront outside.  It was very nice. 

 We sat out there and chatted for a few hours.  He had a few long island ice teas

 and I drank water because I had to work later that night. Tim got sweet potato fries, which were pretty darn good.

 I got Penne Pasta

And wow it was DELICIOUS!!!  The best past is that is was happy hour so I got this amazing meal for $5.50.  WHoop Whoop!!  I had a great time just bonding and enjoying the view of the water.  We are suppose to hanging out again later today.  I am going to make him try sweet potato tots.  They are super yummy!!

Cup of Coffee...

For being Portland and having coffee shops and bars everywhere I have had some trouble finding a really good cup of joe...  I love white chocolate mocha frappe!!!  Now I was introduced to this AMAZING very unhealthy beverage when I was 18 at a local coffee shop located in Salisbury, NC.  After a few years of being able to get this amazing brand of yumminess, the local shop closed and the owners moved. This saddened me because I have yet to find a cup of joe that was as good as Mr. Morgan made.  Miss you Mr. Morgan and your coffee making abilities!!  Anyway, I have been on a search for a replacement and I usually end up slightly disappointed.  I try each cup with an open mind hoping that one will quench this craving I have.  I have found some "good" coffee but not WW points worthy.  This cup of the Gods has to be ground breaking because it cost me so much in the points department, it must be worth it.  Which is also why I find myself disappointed as well.  My coffee habit has increase a little since living here due to the hectic schedule I keep now.  I sometimes (ok, more than not) need the extra assistance staying awake and I fear next term, sitting in an English and Math class for 4 hours after working 8 hours on graveyard I will need this assistance more often.  So my search is on full force.  This morning when I got off work I noticed a quaint bakery across the street where I pick up the Max and I thought, hey lets try it.  First, they actually make Frappe, oh by the way a lot of places here do not make frappe.  A frappe is just a frozen coffee, equipment needed: BLENDER!!!!  Why do they not have blenders here in restaurants, coffee house, etc... Ok sorry back on track.  SO I got frappe which first sip, I thought hey, I may be on to something here... 3 and 4 sips oh darn, this is really sweet!!!  WHAT!!!  A frappe TOO SWEET FOR ME!!  Yes folks it happened, I was unable to finish this cup of joe...

Oh well probably better I didn't because it was HUGE!!!
After purchasing this coffee I got on the max and heading home.  On route we go over the Steele bridge and most days they view is good, but this morning it was beautiful.  I tried to get a good shot but this was the best I could do for riding by it on the train.

Then after the Max I pick up a bus from time to time or I will walk.  Today I opted for the bus ride.  While waiting for the bus I noticed a new statue across the street.  I just love how these random statues just, show up and are just, you know there hanging out and don't really have to do with anything besides being awesome and something look at besides the weirdies that walk by. 

After I get off the bus I still a small walk to get home.  So that is always a good time to snap a photo...