Today was the last day of class. It was very busy for me as well as everyone else. It is nice to feel needed, but a bit overwhelming if the need is coming from about 20 people at the same time. I enjoyed spending time with each of the groups, but it was a bit draining. Especially after the whole week. I am ready for a nap and some time in the arms of those that I love.

The final projects just totally blew me away. The quality and thought that went into their work was impressive and went far beyond anything that I expected. They made me feel like I accomplished something and imparted some knowledge/experience to the teachers and trainers.

After class, we went back to the dorms and I packed up my stuff. Somehow I packed everything into the same bags that I came here with. I did not lose anything, so it must mean that did a better job of packing this time. I mean, come on I have a bit more stuff (books, shirts, gifts, etc). I also left a voice mail for Jeff...

This we were all off to a party at Cat's house (me, Tim, Fred, Jean, Dirk, and Ginger). We all squished ourselves in the car (see pictures below) for the third day in a row. It wasn't uncomfortable at all. Actually, we all found it humorous. This time Ginger was on my lap. On the way home, I ended up on between Tim and Fred.

Cat's party was awesome. The food was great and the company just couldn't get any better. They served Boca Burgers, noodle salad, and humus. It was just wonderful. As night fell, the wine started to flow and we did a few shots. Cat made me a Vodka and Cranberry juice. For some reason, she seemed to want me to have a few drinks. We followed that one up with a shot of Tequila. Let's just say I now remember why I haven't had a short of Tequila in about a year now.

The stories from Fred, Tim, and Dirk were very entertaining. I now have a list of movies and books to read (Blade Runner, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Minority Report). Once I have review more material, I have to speak with Fred concerning the material to see if our theories jive.

Well, I am now off to bed because my flight leaves at 12:30pm PST. My car arrives at about 10:30am.

This has been an experience that I know will change my life and one that I will never forget. I just can't wait to see with that future holds. I am very blessed to have people like this around me. They are my colleagues, mentors, and friends. I just wish that more people would be half as lucky as I am.

Part of me is kind of sad about leaving, but part of me will be happy to get home. I really miss Jeff and can't wait to see him. It isn't that I do not miss my other friends/family. Maybe it is just that my relationship with Jeff is new and not as secure as my other friendships. I know that they will be around, but Jeff and I are still in the seeing if we fit stage. It isn't that I believe that we won't work out it is just that we have to see what happens over time. My hope is that it will turn into something very long term... I just have to balance my excitement with reality... This is something that is hard to do sometimes... It must be done.

More pictures from my Portland trip will be uploaded when I get back to Cincinnati...

Cincinnati, prepare for me to return... Return as a different and more aware person. Somewhat the same yet different in some very fundamental ways.