Last days

So much has been happening this last week. The headline of it all is capstone festival, a presentation of everyone's final senior projects. My presentation in front of 200+ people is this Friday. Before this, there will be a flood of goodbyes, some tears and embracing every minute I'm here before I leave.

I'm more excited than nervous at this point to go home, swapping teachers, classrooms and papers for bosses, libraries (and coffee shops) and accounts.

This is it. I'm done with college.

"You're not going back; you're moving forward."

Fort Ord

I went mountain biking for the first time by myself in Fort Ord. Although its known to be confusing, I made it through without getting lost. I absolutely loved one of the trails as there were tons of turns and short elevation changes; I went back and forth through it five times! I can't wait to keep biking at home in the spring!

Working out outside makes me feel like I'm on top of the world. Nature blasts bad moods, sad moods, mixed moods and gives you tons of energy. I am so happy I came to Monterey and rediscovered my love for the outdoors.

Today, I went to target first to get a new pair of headphones and park my bike next to another. Still content with what I was riding...

When farmers market produce is about to go bad

Casserole time! Leftover broccoli, string beans and mushrooms with pork and a can of mushroom soup plus black pepper and soy sauce to taste. Scoop some over brown rice for extra heartiness! Yum!

Don't forget to breathe: Skydive documentary

There's cheese in those burgers

Adios CSU Adventuring

I've done so much outdoor with CSUMB from backpacking and hiking to kayaking and rock climbing. I've camped, disc golfed and biked all for class credit.

Friday was my last kayaking class, my last course with my favorite outdoor professor. That was my last collegiate final and the only class of my college career that I truly learned everyday right up to the very end.

We kayaked down from Del Monte beach to the buoy one nautical mile offshore toward Lover's Point. We kayaked between rocks, timing the waves. My giggling verified what my professor said: exploring through rocks in a sea kayak is incredibly fun.

We saw seals fighting over who could stay sitting on the edge of the buoys. We found a dead bay sunfish and studied it, then saw seals and birds fighting over it moments later. We saw an otter with a bloody nose: "it's female. Do you know how you can tell?" "Nope, why" "Because she just mated. A male bites her nose and comes up behind her to mate. The males are much longer..."

We played one last game of tag then headed back sharing stories and laughs. I'm really going to miss adventuring for school credit. It was by far a highlight of my stay here in California.

Kelly's First Skydive - Video fixed

Video is so frustrating. Good thing I'm not a TAT major!