*Two weeks later*
I didn’t plan to disappear from this space for so long, but whenever I had a free moment the last thing I wanted to do was bust out my computer. I now know what it’s like to want nothing to do with technology at the end of the day.
I go from work, where I stare at a computer all day (I do have a standing desk though, so that’s a big fat sugary win) to my house where I then stare at the computer for school work. Needless to say when I have some free time I am outside starting at trees.
Work, work, work, work, work.
So what have I been up to the last two weeks?
—I got to meet Annie, her sweet partner Kel, and her adorable pup Ike. We had lunch, and walked around a lovely Seattle lake. We chatted like old friends and she gifted me the most adorable painted photo of Ike. What really sold the deal was when she suggested the photo below. She’s good people…and those curls are too legit.
—I made an executive decision to do 90% of my shopping at thrift stores in an attempt to further expand my minimalistic mind. I was able to find some solid wins. The other 10% is usually at REI, they always suck me in.
—My camping compadre Jessica and I escaped to Mount Zion yesterday. She’s the kind of girl that keeps you grounded, the kind that you just need in your life. Always a fun adventure with that one. This trip didn’t involve stripping and spooning, so it was much more casual than our last adventure.
—I bought and returned two new Garmin watches. I just couldn’t let go of my original true love. I now have the mindset of “earning back” $440 so I will probably spend that on camping gear.
—I had two awesome solo hikes where I found myself mesmerized by a lake at the end of each of them. I looked like Mowgli when he first met Kaa, only the lake wasn’t singing to me. I went to Annette Lake and Snow Lake. Snow lake always steals the show though.
This is the kind of view that has you questioning why there are people in the world that dislike being outdoors. I found a dime on this hike which makes for the second time I’ve found money while hiking.
Annette lake it great too, but not nearly as photogenic. I did however encounter an extinct inter-species love affair. Only in the woods…
— I didn’t run a single time, and loved every moment of it.
— I ate a non vegan cinnamon roll and loved every moment of that too.
— I finished and started two semesters for school in a matter of a few days. Can’t stop, won’t stop.
— I spend 10 days with Gizmo the cow dog and was like a 12 yr old child when reunited with my cat. #catladyforlife.
—Went against everything I said in my opening paragraph and watched at least six hours of Netflix. Mindless computer time doesn’t count.
Q: What’s your current Netflix binge?
Blissfulbritt 
82 thoughts on “Since You’ve Been Gone”
ASipoftheCity
Most recently I’m obsessed with Everybody Loves Raymond. I’m averaging around 2-3 episodes before bed each night and I’m loving it! And when I’m in the mood for something more serious, I caved to peer pressure and started watching Stranger Things – best decision ever lol.
Brittany
I plan to start watching Stranger Things simply because everyone is raving about it!!
kathy @ more coffee, less talky
THOSE VIEWS. So breathtaking! I’ve been avoiding the computer most days when I get home as well.
Brittany
It’s a must, my eyes burn too much as it is.
Rachael @ Catch Me If You Can
i wish i had mountains by me, mountains make me want to be outdoors all the time. i heart netflix, right now im catching up on bones but i’ve binged orange is the new black, supernatural, glee, psych…yeah a wide range of shows lol
Brittany
I’m finalllllyyy finishing the most recent season of OITNB. I waited much too long!
pickyrunner
Gahhhhhh those views are stunning. We have some great hiking here, but the west coast has arguably better views, I’ll give you that. I’m with you on not wanting to be on the computer when you’re not working. I try to shut it down but I usually end up scrolling through elite daily and other websites after work on my iPad. Outdoors>technology
Brittany
I admit I’m on my phone at the end of the day more than I should be. It’s starting to affect my sleep.
SincerelyLily
oh myyyyyyyyyyyyy these views never get old. seriously. need to visit stat. happy you got to ‘unplug’ for a bit and enjoy the outdoors. Before we know it, winter will be here 😦 boohoo.
current netflix thing – beauty and the beast. it is ridiculous but i can’t stop watching it when i have a moment. but it is really hard for me to rip my eyes away from reading so i am getting through the show slooooooooowly. like the speed of a baby snail.
Brittany
Like the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast? Or is there a series I don’t know about!?
SincerelyLily
Noooooo, it is on the CW. And the beast is this rather attractive guy (main reason I watch it) with a deep voice. I’m a sucker for corny love sagas.
Brittany
Oh snap! I must find.
Angela
Your hike photos though, ugh, too perfect. I’m convinced they are fake haha, kidding. So pretty!
Yeah I hate using a computer after work too and now wish I had a desk I could stand at!!!!
I’m not hooked on anything Netflix just now but I’ve been obsessed with Biggest Loser recently, although I found out today that the season I’m watching is like 3 years behind you guys in the US, what!!! Haha!
Brittany
OH my goodness I was on a HUGE Biggest Loser kick a little while back. I would binge watch past seasons. Such a good show.
Jessica
I think one of my favourite things about you is that you are a fellow minimalist. I rarely buy clothes, but when I do – they often come from a thrift store and seriously? The BEST finds. 🙂
I love your photos, lady.
Brittany
AHH YES! This makes me love you more. It’s SO much cheaper, and I like to think more environmentally friendly in a round about way. 🙂
wanderwolf
Awesome views! Inter species love affair?
And my current Netflix binge is still Orange is the New Black, I have to finish season four!
Brittany
SAME!! I finally just got around to finishing season 4, I’m on episode seven.
wanderwolf
Gah! That’s not a coincidence!
pausesandclicks
Fun post Brittany! Glad to see you outdoors, enjoying all that beauty. It’s a good balance for school and work in your life….and so is binge watching Netflix!
Brittany
I couldn’t agree more, and thank you for the approval. 😉
Christina Does It All
Bahaha love the dinosaurs.
Also love the idea of doing 90% of shopping at thrift stores. Thrift shopping is on my long list of favorite things.
Brittany
YASS! So many awesome finds that NO ONE ELSE HAS!
Ellie
Congrats on school! I totally get you on the GET ME OFF THE COMUPUTER RIGHT NOW! mindset. I worked a lot on here today with school, sales rep job and blogging and think if I did this full time, I would need to find some sort of walking outside desk 😉
Brittany
Ha! Walking outside desk, how brilliant that would be.
Anthony
Stunning pictures….Wow.
Brittany
Thank you! 🤗
omobtomtom
first- beautiful pictures. can’t wait to visit Washington state and hike all those gorgeous places. if my thanksgiving trip plan A doesn’t work out, Washington is a very likely plan B. Second, funny you mention netflix binge-ing- i’m currently rewatching Scandal 🙂
Brittany
Oh I do hope you make it to Washington, this state is quite magical.
Josie @ Literature Mistress
Love the pictures! Can you swim in that lake? It looks magnificent!
I’m currently rewatching Gilmore Girls to prepare for the big return this autumn – can.not.wait! 🙂 🙂
Brittany
Yes you can, and many people were jumping in! My mom is also rewatching GG!
Josie @ Literature Mistress
Do you think she’ll make it in time? There are so many episodes!
An Unrefined Vegan
My bucket list is nearly complete: I took a goofy-face photo with Brittany!!! Seriously – so fun to meet you and hang out a little bit. Next time we must take to the hiking trail together. I need to see some mountain lakes. Maybe find a dime or two.
Netflix: we are watching The Bridge (Danish version). Kinda weird, kinda sucking us in despite ourselves.
Brittany
So happy we had time together. I loved you guys!
Shawna
Hundo P agree with you on having no idea how people don’t love the outdoors…and I’m currently having allllll the outdoors cravings/wanderlust for the PNW after these photos. INSANE BEAUTY and I need to go there! I just sent this to my man and was like, look at this. LOOK AT THIS. So glad you’re able to enjoy this beautiful scenery and that you share it with US!
Brittany
Haaaahaha I love that you sent it to him. One day we will explore the hills!
fionajarrett
Those lakes! Makes me want to take a trip to that part of the world just to see those lakes along…and maybe have a cinnamon roll along the way too 😉 I’m not on Netflix much these days but I am watching the Sopranos for the first time, causing a rapid rise in my own screen time!
Brittany
I’ve not seen any of those episodes! I hear it’s good.
Amanda Afield
I’ve been binge watching the Wire, (not on Netflix )but it’s so addicting!
Brittany
Ohh I’ve not heard of this one.
Amanda Afield
It’s an HBO police drama set in the early 2000s, really good!
Amy @ A Desert Girl
It looks like you’ve had the perfect combination of solo time and friend time in your down time. Good for you!! Those views of the PNW – get me every time! So gorgeous.
Brittany
Balance is key!
Atheria
Okay, if you keep posting pictures like these…I’m moving back to the Pacific NW should Denver not work out. 🙂 Actually, I’m having concerningly bad allergies in Colorado, so I may NEED to leave. — On a different Starbucks note, this is HORRIFYING me!! http://www.cnn.com/videos/weather/2016/08/25/kokomo-indiana-starbucks-crumbles-tornado-vo.brandon-mobley
Brittany
I’m coming to CO in six days! That Starbucks story is so sad.
Atheria
I just saw this comment. Are you coming to the Denver area?
Brittany
Quick family trip to CO Springs! I’ll come back to check out Denver one of these days!
Atheria
CoS is very pretty. Have fun! Don’t go to the Castle Rock Outlets!! Dangerous! 😃
Kayse
Love everything about this post. You got to meet Annie!!! I’m so glad you’re getting time to hike and tackling your goals like a boss. You’re amazing, girl.
Brittany
She was wonderful!
Heather
A) I’m mad I didn’t get a text of your dime, B) Your hiking pics made up for it, C) Mmmm Cinnamon Roll
Brittany
Ahhh I HAD YOU on my mind the entire time!!! I dropped the ball in sending that pic. It’s cause I lost service when I found it and then forgot. I will never let it happen again. 😂
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
I just did a lot of scrolling back on here to figure out when you started your new job & what it is 🙂 CONGRATS! That’s awesome that you have a standing desk. My cheapo “standing desk” when I don’t feel like sitting in my home office is standing at my kitchen counter (currently doing so!). As usual, your nature photos are making me long for a hike and/or a trip to the PNW pronto!
Brittany
That totally works! I makeshift standing desks at home too. Thank you. ❤️
Josh dV
Looks like a solid couple of weeks and it also seems none of is mad at you for disappearing, but we’re all happy to see you again.
Grats on the standing desk. I have a sit stand at work but it always stays up. I had a coworker ask me if I ever sit. I do my best not to.
I’m not watching anything right now though I have a few things on my list: Deadwood, rewatch Battlestar Galactica and rewatch Firefly. Yes, they are that good.
I have been reading a lot lately. Finished The hunger Games Series after my wife and kiddo did, now we’re working our way through the films.
Brittany
OHHH I remember when those books came out, I had so much fun reading them. I’m also trying to read more, right now I’m working through Me Before You. Saw the movie first and working backwards. Standing is good. Good. Good.
Josh dV
Books were ‘meh’ for me and movies are pretty much the same but it is a fun family activity.
Brittany
Yea definitely. 😄
Barbara Barry | justasmidgen
It’s been so long since I’ve stopped by. What job do you have and what are you taking in school? Looks like an exciting summer!! xx
Brittany
Hello friend!! I work for the Starbucks corporate office in HR. I’m studying human communications through Arizona State University. It’s been quite the summer! I hope you’re well, thank you for the comment. ❤️
dolthack
I’m going to ignore the question at the end of this blog (and hope you’ll forgive me) and say just two things:
1) I’ve missed your entries, but I’m glad to see that you’re thriving in your new position.
2) I love to see posts about CowDog! Your soul dog for sure.
Okay, one more thing. When I was around 14 years old Seattle Parks had backpacking trips and I’m pretty sure that Snow Lake was the one I went on. I wish I could say that it changed my life, but the impact has lasted all these years and for that I’m grateful.
Brittany
Of course you’re forgiven, your reply was much better! Thank you, and the impact of Snow Lake will live in me forever. It was where I first fell in love with alpine lakes!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
Wow, these views are absolutely stunning, especially the inter species love affair. Bow chicka wow wow. That lake thingy isn’t bad either. 😉
I’ve missed you. I owe you a video.
Brittany
Hahaha your comments are my favorite. Love you.
Drew Kunz (@drwknz)
Hey good to know yer still around… beautiful pics. Latest Netflix binge: Penny Dreadful, before that Stranger Things. Oh and thanks for the Dino Porn!
Brittany
Everyone is raving about Stranger Things! I gotta check it out. I would have never pegged you as a Penny Dreadful fan! The previews were enough to give me nightmares. 😂🙈
darwinontherocks
Beautiful pictures of the lake !
I’ve watched Stranger Things recently and I quite enjoyed it.
Brittany
Ok, that’s it. You’re the millionth person to mention this show. I gotta watch it!!
darwinontherocks
I know, I was like that not so long ago.. not going to watch it.. nah.. not going to watch it then I finally gave in :p
Allie Zottola
It’s great to see you back!! I am glad to see you are enjoying your free time and generally loving life :). The pictures are gorgeous, as per usual! And the cow dog? SO CUTE. But I understand wanting to get back to your cat!
Brittany
Hahaha. Cat lady for life.
katalysthealth
Girl I so dont blame you. If all I did was stare at a computer screen all day I would definitely want to get out and about and see some LIFE! Though as it is now, I’m a pretty lame person and really like being a homebody, especially when there are sports on [seriously I dont think I left the house save for the gym and groceries when the Olympics were on!]
Brittany
I hear you on being a homebody, but I’m starting to crave being out and about more! Haha.
dave379
I always love the lake and mountain pics! Last night I watched Sing Street, a feel-good movie about a kid growing in up Ireland and that has a lot a music (he starts a band). I recommend it 🙂
Brittany
I have been lusting over Ireland for years now, I will have to watch this. Thanks for sharing. 😄
Rach @ This Italian Family
My husband just saw your mountain photos and asked if I was reading about Switzerland, haha! Clearly we have our Europe trip on the brain. But seriously as beautiful as Switzerland is, the States has some pretty gorgeous places as well! 🙂
Also, thrift store shopping for the win!!
Brittany
AHHA I love it, so glad to know my photos are decent enough to be vacation worthy. 🙂
Melanie
Oh, that picture of that dog is awesome! I love all animals, but doggies have a special place in my heart, ha ha.
I looooove your lake pictures too. Absolutely breathtaking!!!
I’m also loving your thrift store shopping. I love it when I can find great things at second hand stores My oldest son is a bit of a hoarder though, so I have to keep him out of the thrift stores or he’ll bring everything home with us, lol!!!
Brittany
I do love that photo of Gizmo, although ten days with him is my max ha! I created a rule for myself, only if I get rid of something can I bring something new into my house.
Erica Wollman
Bates Motel, Stranger Things, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder
I just started watching The Americans on Amazon Prime and it is pretty good.
Brittany
Thanks!! I’ve got some watching to do!
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