School's out for Summer!

It has been quite a while since I've gotten the free time to post on here. I like to jump around a bit anyway, so it's all good. I'll number my points of interest.

1. I started working at Fitzharris Bike Shop in town here. It's the best job I've had so far.
2. I test rode a Kona Ute and loved it. The bike is about a foot shorter than the Surly Big Dummy and half the price. Granted, it is not in conjunction with XtraCycle, so it doesn't have as many attachments, but it is such a great deal! I want this bike for my own. This year's copper finnish and huge saddle bags make it even more wonderful.
3. Gilly and I planted hops today in my back yard. I planted a Willamette and a Centenial, and Gilly planted a Fuggle. I am totally pumped to get a trellis up and start watching these little buggers grow. On a good sunny day, they are supposed to be able to grow over a foot! We also heard that they are nearly impossible to kill, so that is good news.
4. My next bike will almost possitively be a Diamondback Sortie 3. I wanted Hammerschmidt so bad, but the Sortie is way better for my application.
5. I set a date for my North Shore biking trip: July 16-19. Last year we ended up buying a house, so I didn't have the time or money to take this trip, but this year I am going for sure. Who else is coming with me is yet to be determined, but I know that I am going. I have spent the last couple days researching camping gear that I need to buy. I just bought a North Face Tadpole 23 tent online, and I have been researching backpacking stoves. So far I like the MSR Windpro because it has the convenience of a canister, but the safety of a hose. It seems to be simple and able to simmer food, not just boil water. Cookware has been another topic of research, and I think the GSI Pinnacle Backpacker is a really well thought out set. Spendy though.
6. The Westvleteren is still in primary. :( I am going to go straight to bottling - probably tomorrow.

If there is anything else that is noteworthy, I can't think of it. For now I am going to enjoy the beginning of my break from studying. I do realize that it is ironic that I have enjoyed my time off from school so far by studying... even if it is about things I am looking into buying.