Gotta love a Sunday night after the day has been spent outdoors with yummy food to follow. Spent my Sunday walking in Discovery Park with beautiful views of the Puget Sound with dinner to follow at a new restaurant that I've been wanting to try for months! After a week of getting back (and still getting back) into the swing of things at work it has felt good spending a low key weekend. This past week went by fast in a swirl of meetings, familiar faces, and that overwhelming feeling of another year beginning. I'm continuously making mental lists and notes to myself and the post-it note flurry has begun! By Friday night I was happy to be sipping a Martini at a new bar and watching all that Friday nights have to offer. Saturday morning we got up and drove to Charlie's cabin for a day of low key living in the mountains. He invited a few friends for a tupperware party where we learned to make a chocolate bunt cake in the microwave for 11 minutes and a 3 course meal in 15 minutes-all in plastic! For the love/hate relationship (okay maybe I'm missing the love part) I have with cooking, it made my eyes wide with excitement with all you could do with such little time and energy! We opted to start small with a rice cooker where rice can be cooked in the microwave in only 5 minutes and then we'll see how it goes. So long pans and the wait time of boiling water! Our tupperware instruction was followed by a BBQ and then a neighborhood gathering where several millionaires were lurking (although you would never know by looking at them). We got to talking with a guy who climbs Mt. Rainier every year and was ready to retire by the time he was forty. I was trying to take as many mental notes as possible from some of what he had to say.
Early this morning we made our way back into the city and now with Sunday over with, I look forward to the extra day off as I don't have to head back to work until Tuesday. Gotta love four day weeks!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
On The Eve Of A New School Year
Twenty three years ago I'm guessing that I was a bit anxious, a little nervous, and even a little eager to see what lay ahead of me once I descended that big yellow school bus. No longer a student, with the days of yellow school buses long gone, and I still have the same feelings approaching a new school year. Guess some things may never change!
Try as I might to hit the "slow" button this past week, the last week of summer vacation has come and gone. And what did I do to enjoy this last little bit of freedom? Slept late, enjoyed my morning coffee with Regis and Kelly, drank Bloody Marys at 3 in the afternoon, and went to see my first professional soccer game. We bought tickets months ago to see the Seattle Sounders play and the day finally came Thursday night. We went as a foursome with Sydney and a friend of hers. Dressed in our bright green attire, we made the 30 minute walk through the International District to Quest stadium (also home to the Seattle Seahawks). We went down early to get a table at one of the bars to eat and drink and take in all the die hard sports fans. The restaurant was a sea of green and bright blue and I've never seen more winter scarfs in August then I did at the restaurant and then at the game itself. That was the first thing I learned that night---scarfs are a big accessory at soccer games. Who knew? (Except maybe the Hargrove household :-) We had great seats at the game-8 rows up from the field right in the goal area. It was neat to see the faces of the players and at the same time gross to be that close to the field to see the sweat fly off foreheads when the players did a "header" (not a "head butt" as I was so inclined to call it the first half of the game...oops). The crowd really gets into the games with chants and there is a section in the end zone area that jumps, does hand movements, and has their own little routines. Sort of reminded me of the "S" zone in Beaver Stadium. Unfortunately we lost the game but it was still a fun night and a new experience to add to the list!
Some interesting politics going on out here. We just voted in the primary election for city positions with 2 important areas of focus. The first was the "bag tax" that someone thought would be a smart move---way off. We were voting whether or not we wanted to be taxed and pay 20 cents for each bag we got at the grocery store or any other place we buy goods. With good conscious, the city as a whole uses a lot of reusable bags when shopping and we're always asked if we want a bag with our purchases but making us pay for that little luxury when we forget to bring our own bags....I think not! (It didn't pass). The other important vote was for city mayor. Seems our current Mayor lost major support after the snowfall in December when the city did nothing to clean the streets. Here I thought I was the only one disappointed by the aftermath. Seems it bothered others as we are bidding adieu to our current leader. Wahooo for the potential of road equipment for bad weather if (and I hope not!) we need it.
You know if I'm typing about politics that it has been a quiet week. That's okay because I'm pretty sure it's going to get a whole lot louder in the month of September. Goodbye summer and hello fall!
Try as I might to hit the "slow" button this past week, the last week of summer vacation has come and gone. And what did I do to enjoy this last little bit of freedom? Slept late, enjoyed my morning coffee with Regis and Kelly, drank Bloody Marys at 3 in the afternoon, and went to see my first professional soccer game. We bought tickets months ago to see the Seattle Sounders play and the day finally came Thursday night. We went as a foursome with Sydney and a friend of hers. Dressed in our bright green attire, we made the 30 minute walk through the International District to Quest stadium (also home to the Seattle Seahawks). We went down early to get a table at one of the bars to eat and drink and take in all the die hard sports fans. The restaurant was a sea of green and bright blue and I've never seen more winter scarfs in August then I did at the restaurant and then at the game itself. That was the first thing I learned that night---scarfs are a big accessory at soccer games. Who knew? (Except maybe the Hargrove household :-) We had great seats at the game-8 rows up from the field right in the goal area. It was neat to see the faces of the players and at the same time gross to be that close to the field to see the sweat fly off foreheads when the players did a "header" (not a "head butt" as I was so inclined to call it the first half of the game...oops). The crowd really gets into the games with chants and there is a section in the end zone area that jumps, does hand movements, and has their own little routines. Sort of reminded me of the "S" zone in Beaver Stadium. Unfortunately we lost the game but it was still a fun night and a new experience to add to the list!
Some interesting politics going on out here. We just voted in the primary election for city positions with 2 important areas of focus. The first was the "bag tax" that someone thought would be a smart move---way off. We were voting whether or not we wanted to be taxed and pay 20 cents for each bag we got at the grocery store or any other place we buy goods. With good conscious, the city as a whole uses a lot of reusable bags when shopping and we're always asked if we want a bag with our purchases but making us pay for that little luxury when we forget to bring our own bags....I think not! (It didn't pass). The other important vote was for city mayor. Seems our current Mayor lost major support after the snowfall in December when the city did nothing to clean the streets. Here I thought I was the only one disappointed by the aftermath. Seems it bothered others as we are bidding adieu to our current leader. Wahooo for the potential of road equipment for bad weather if (and I hope not!) we need it.
You know if I'm typing about politics that it has been a quiet week. That's okay because I'm pretty sure it's going to get a whole lot louder in the month of September. Goodbye summer and hello fall!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
My Aversion to Port-A-Potties Has Lessened
Within the past 4 days I have made some progress with my aversion to toilets that do not flush and how did I do this you may ask- it was either the Port A Potty or the woods.
Joe and I went to Mt. Rainier on Thursday for an overnight camping trip. We haven't had the clarity in the sky like we had in June but it was still worth it anyway. I had done some careful research into the camping facilities as I didn't want a repeat of Colorado 2007. The website boasted "flush" toilets and fire pits and there were high numbers given for each site so I was pretty sure that we weren't going to be alone. I have to thank Aunt JoAnn for passing along information she learned after their stop there in July and the area of Sunrise Peak (Elevation 6400) became our destination as it's supposed to be the "most beautiful view in North America." We got to the park around noon and chose our campsite. I was easily relieved when we arrived as I saw a number of people out and about-some with dogs. I couldn't help but think that if some wild animals came to visit in the middle of the night at least the dogs might warn us. Each site had its own picnic table and fire pit and after setting up the tent (I supervised Joe's efforts) we had a picnic lunch and then drove the 10 miles up the mountain to the Visitor's Center. It was apparent quite quickly how cloudy the day was turning into as well as how cold it was going to be. The high was 44 and the low was enough to allow us to see our breath in the middle of the night. Needless to say I was wearing 5 layers and wishing I had brought a winter jacket and gloves. There were lots of hiking trails to choose from and we chose one and walked as far as we good until my hands needed to get out of the cold (I'd say about 3 miles). The area was described as "meadowlike" with deep drop offs on one side and open on the other. We got some good pictures on our hike and just breathing in the crisp air was refreshing. Afterwards we toured the gift shop (every tourist attraction has to have one) and then settled into the warmth with coffee and a Barrel of Monkeys. Yes we passed some time while reverting back to childhood. An onlooker even commented about how she admired our youth. :-) Back to the campsite (and the nonflushing toilets) to start the fire. It's illegal to gather firewood there so conveniently starting at 5 o'clock a truck drives around the sites and sells firewood for $5. Some my argue that we weren't "roughing it enough" but may I remind you that there were no flushing toilets and I had to wash my face not with running water but with a face wipe. That to me is roughing it! Not long after we enjoyed our dinner did the rain start to fall-and then fall really hard. We were in our tent by 7:30 with no reprieve of rain until about 2 in the morning. So much downtime and I made several attempts to have a serious in-depth conversation about life with Joe but I was met with him playing with his head light and all attempts at a conversation were lost. I will say that sleeping was a bit easier this time around. Instead of gripping the car alarm for dear life, I slept with a small flashlight within reach and would just check to make sure it was there every now and again through the night. I think that's progress right? In the morning we made our way back up to the mountain in attempt to get some clearer shots of the mountain-which we did! It was a good experience together and Joe told me that I got "half" my camping card back after losing it back in Colorado. Again I guess that's progress. :-)
My second encounter with nonflushing toilets came yesterday as I attended an acoustic music festival at an outdoor park. 7 artists and 6 hours worth of music. It was so much fun and normally in these circumstances I would avoid the bathrooms at all costs but after 2 glasses of wine and a bottle of water I had to face my fear-again. If you hold your breath and squint your eyes you can trick yourself into thinking it's not that bad-which I did twice and I survived. I feel like I can walk with my head a little higher today after concurring and reconcurring my fear. The festival was wonderful with so many talented artists. One of the best parts of the night was hearing David Gray sing live "This Years Love" which was the last song we had played at our wedding and I must admit to tearing up just a bit. What can I say except that I'm a sucker for romance! :-)
One week to go of summer vacation.....may it go so ever slowly!
Joe and I went to Mt. Rainier on Thursday for an overnight camping trip. We haven't had the clarity in the sky like we had in June but it was still worth it anyway. I had done some careful research into the camping facilities as I didn't want a repeat of Colorado 2007. The website boasted "flush" toilets and fire pits and there were high numbers given for each site so I was pretty sure that we weren't going to be alone. I have to thank Aunt JoAnn for passing along information she learned after their stop there in July and the area of Sunrise Peak (Elevation 6400) became our destination as it's supposed to be the "most beautiful view in North America." We got to the park around noon and chose our campsite. I was easily relieved when we arrived as I saw a number of people out and about-some with dogs. I couldn't help but think that if some wild animals came to visit in the middle of the night at least the dogs might warn us. Each site had its own picnic table and fire pit and after setting up the tent (I supervised Joe's efforts) we had a picnic lunch and then drove the 10 miles up the mountain to the Visitor's Center. It was apparent quite quickly how cloudy the day was turning into as well as how cold it was going to be. The high was 44 and the low was enough to allow us to see our breath in the middle of the night. Needless to say I was wearing 5 layers and wishing I had brought a winter jacket and gloves. There were lots of hiking trails to choose from and we chose one and walked as far as we good until my hands needed to get out of the cold (I'd say about 3 miles). The area was described as "meadowlike" with deep drop offs on one side and open on the other. We got some good pictures on our hike and just breathing in the crisp air was refreshing. Afterwards we toured the gift shop (every tourist attraction has to have one) and then settled into the warmth with coffee and a Barrel of Monkeys. Yes we passed some time while reverting back to childhood. An onlooker even commented about how she admired our youth. :-) Back to the campsite (and the nonflushing toilets) to start the fire. It's illegal to gather firewood there so conveniently starting at 5 o'clock a truck drives around the sites and sells firewood for $5. Some my argue that we weren't "roughing it enough" but may I remind you that there were no flushing toilets and I had to wash my face not with running water but with a face wipe. That to me is roughing it! Not long after we enjoyed our dinner did the rain start to fall-and then fall really hard. We were in our tent by 7:30 with no reprieve of rain until about 2 in the morning. So much downtime and I made several attempts to have a serious in-depth conversation about life with Joe but I was met with him playing with his head light and all attempts at a conversation were lost. I will say that sleeping was a bit easier this time around. Instead of gripping the car alarm for dear life, I slept with a small flashlight within reach and would just check to make sure it was there every now and again through the night. I think that's progress right? In the morning we made our way back up to the mountain in attempt to get some clearer shots of the mountain-which we did! It was a good experience together and Joe told me that I got "half" my camping card back after losing it back in Colorado. Again I guess that's progress. :-)
My second encounter with nonflushing toilets came yesterday as I attended an acoustic music festival at an outdoor park. 7 artists and 6 hours worth of music. It was so much fun and normally in these circumstances I would avoid the bathrooms at all costs but after 2 glasses of wine and a bottle of water I had to face my fear-again. If you hold your breath and squint your eyes you can trick yourself into thinking it's not that bad-which I did twice and I survived. I feel like I can walk with my head a little higher today after concurring and reconcurring my fear. The festival was wonderful with so many talented artists. One of the best parts of the night was hearing David Gray sing live "This Years Love" which was the last song we had played at our wedding and I must admit to tearing up just a bit. What can I say except that I'm a sucker for romance! :-)
One week to go of summer vacation.....may it go so ever slowly!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
1 Year Anniversary
54 posts and 1 year later and here I sit ready to divulge my experiences of year number 2 of west coast living. In honor of the new year I chose a new lay out and since I've been reading lots of fashion magazines telling me that "green is the new black" I decided on this background. I've found myself asking the last few days "Where has the summer gone" and now as I type this entry I ask "Where has the last year gone?" Many new experiences, a new job, and wonderful new people (along with 2 address changes) have gotten us to this spot. Although it hasn't always been easy and at times I still wonder what the heck we're doing out here and if we're not here where are we supposed to be, I just have to walk down the street, look up at the mountains, or out onto the water and know that for right now this is home. This past year has taught me that anything goes in the wardrobe department (and I mean anything!), you may not cross the street if you cannot see the little white person on the walk sign (even though you may be the only person and/or vehicle in sight), Teriyaki joints are Seattle's answer to McDonald's, the stereotype about coffee out here is true, it does not rain out here as much as people think it does, this city does not believe in snow plows or air conditioners so in extreme weather conditions there is a chance that as an east coaster familiar with both may freak out (which I have-more than once!), pasta really does taste better when it is homemade, one can never tire of seeing Mt. Ranier or the mountain backdrops, there is such thing as traffic as bad or worse as traffic in NYC, Philadelphia or any other major east coast city, pedestrians always have the right of way here in a cross walk and therefore we can walk freely throughout the city but one must remember to look and then double look when traveling back on east coast territory, Thai food really does taste better on the west coast, it is possible to need a coat, an umbrella, and a tank top all in the same day and in rotation.....and the biggest thing I've learned in the past year is that a type A personality such as mine cannot just be "erased" by living on the west coast and my hopes of less list making and more spontaneity are still a work in progress. Stay tuned for year #2 of East Coast Girl Trying West Coast Living.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sitting here trying to position myself with fans blowing on either side of me in an attempt to bring down the temperature in our apartment; or at least the temperature of my body. It's still SO HOT here! I didn't think it was possible to actually swim in any body of water here as how could the water get hot enough? Well with this kind of heat wave I was proved wrong and found myself swimming in Lake Washington on Saturday. Sydney, Joe, and I took a picnic lunch to a beach about 15 minutes from our place and enjoyed the sun and the water. The lake was so clear and after the initial shock on the cold water, it was surprisingly refreshing. This weekend was Sea Fair so everyone who is anyone that owns a boat was out on the water both for pleasure and to witness the boat races that take place as well as to see the Blue Angel fighter planes that do a show in the afternoons. We had a pretty good view from where we were sitting and it was pretty neat to see. The result of the day in the sun has given me bright red legs and a bright red stomach. At least I can't complain about not getting enough vitamin D.
This morning Sydney and I got ambitious and did a 6 mile hike up one of the trails on Tiger Mountain just outside the city. Wow were my legs burning! It took us about 3 hours and we were never so glad to get to the bottom. Needless to say they will need a little TLC later on in a hot bath. Oh wait- that can't happen as I can't let anything hot near my body as I'm afraid I might combust! I will never be so happy when the weather man tells me there is 70 degree weather in our future.....Frying like an egg while I wait for the news.
This morning Sydney and I got ambitious and did a 6 mile hike up one of the trails on Tiger Mountain just outside the city. Wow were my legs burning! It took us about 3 hours and we were never so glad to get to the bottom. Needless to say they will need a little TLC later on in a hot bath. Oh wait- that can't happen as I can't let anything hot near my body as I'm afraid I might combust! I will never be so happy when the weather man tells me there is 70 degree weather in our future.....Frying like an egg while I wait for the news.
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