Greetings all and happy sunshine! I hear the east coast got a glimpse into the summer time with sun and high temperatures. Perfect for Blue and White weekend at Penn State. After seeing some pics of PSU, a wave of nostalgia swept over me. Can't believe that it was six years ago that I graduated from there! With those thoughts and my impending birthday that will add another number to my resume of life I find myself looking back and wondering how I came to be at this very spot I am today. Well maybe not at this very spot. At the given moment that would be on my couch with my 2nd chick flick of the day trying to will myself to feel better. The nice weather couldn't keep the germs away and I finally had to succomb to my first real bout of sickness all year. For anyone who knows me I don't do sick well at all and end up getting angry with myself for not being productive. To make matters worse our cable decided to stop working on Friday and so I've had to find ways to entertain myself that doesn't involve expending too much energy. I'm grateful to the channels that broadcast episodes of shows online. I found myself watching one particular episode of a show called "My Boys" whose basis is about a female sports writer in Chicago and her male group of friends. The episode included a freelance article for a women's magazine entitled "What He Really Does When We're Not Around" and so for research the male group of friends was observed for a week. From lounging on the couch eating snacks, to falling asleep on the couch in boxer shorts with a plate of wings on their lap, to being in the same work environment without speaking a word to each other for 45 minutes, the columnist concluded that when women are away guys tend to do absolutely nothing. The twist and something that I'd like to try appreciate is that males are on to something on the days when they don't do anything. It's them taking time to regroup, restructure, and just plain unwind. So simple an observation but tough to remember after asking "said male" to do x,y, & z and getting no results. So that's what I've done this weekend-tried to regroup, restructure, and unwind. So what if that has met trying to sit on my hands so as not to dust the layer that has been building by the TV. Or turning a blind eye to the pile of laundry that has needed to get done. Nope, I'm taking a guys approach. Of course their cleaning fairy may come in the way of their wife. Wonder who is my fairy????

Sitting here on a sunny day in Seattle. We've had a great weekend of weather which was a huge welcome after a busy and tiring week. I'm pretty sure I'm in for busy and tiring weeks from now until June so I welcome the reprieve of sunshine to boost my mood on the weekends. Joe and I spent Friday evening walking along Broadway in Capitol Hill and having dinner outside of one of the restaurants since it was so nice. Being anywhere on Broadway is always such a spectator sport as the people walking around can be so fascinating. From the outfits to the conversations, the environment is always a treat! We also got to witness yet another protest walking back from dinner. Right across the street from Seattle University in front of a little French bistro there was a group of people chanting something that was hard to hear until we got closer. In turns out the group was PETA and they were protesting the cooking of goose liver. After further learning about how goose liver is prepared that is one more dish to add to my list of things I'm never going to try! The word liver is enough to scare me away no matter where its coming from.
Saturday brought more sunshine and sporting events as the Mariners were in town the Sounders (new soccer team) were playing away. After Joe got home from work we found a sports bar downtown (they are hard to find in this city!) to watch the games. I'm trying to learn a little about soccer but honestly I have a hard time getting past the bright green uniforms that the Sounders wear. Not exactly easy on the eyes. Looking back I guess being able to comment only on the uniforms and not much else in only telling that I have a lot yet to learn with this sport.
Today I wandered downtown trying to store up a little sunshine for the week. Now I sit procrastinating from the report that I need to write before work tomorrow. I wish the weekend could just move a little slower..........

Easter Weekend

Hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter weekend whether it was carrying on the traditions from year to year or creating something new. It's been a good weekend in Seattle as Sara has been here visiting. Our weather has been a mix of sun and rain but we have tried to make the best of it.
Saturday we ventured to another island. Who knew so many existed in the Puget Sound? Whidbey Island is about a 20 minute ferry ride from a dock just north of Seattle. We took our car and cruised around the island stopping in an area called Coupeville for a farmer's market and a walk along the main street that sits right along the water. The small number of stores are home to galleries, gift stores, and even a Japenese wood store. We're learning that each of these little towns has a place that sells homemade ice cream and the smell is wonderful as you walk from one shop to the next. After our stop in Coupeville we were ready for lunch but finding a place to eat was easier said than done. Between each area is a lot of open land making it difficult to know whether passing one place up was leaving more time for our stomachs to grumble. Of course we did take a slight detour when Joe read a sign for an "estate sale." His curiosity got the best of him and unfortunately he was at the wheel so off we headed. It turns out this "sale" was just another word for selling cheap things that nobody would want out of garage. We did get to see nice properties that have a great view of the water but did not come away with anything from the estate. This is probably a good thing since we are having difficulty housing the things that we already own. Lunch ended up being a stop at a winery with an adjoining cafe. We got to sample the local loganberry pie before tasting some of the wine. After an afternoon of exploring such open land, I was grateful to return to city as too much space and lack of people tend to make me nervous:-). After a brief rest, we headed to dinner at the oldest Mexican restaurant in the city (31 years) and then to a concert at a venue that was "the" place for the Seattle grunge scene back in the early '90's. The likes of Kurt Cobain and Nine Inch Nails got their start at this venue known as the "Crocodile." The music was okay (I was missing my singer songer writers) but it was something different that took us to a part of the city that we don't really venture to.
Our Easter brunch was at a Chinese restaurant for Dim Sum. A new experience for us as Dim Sum consists of different chinese pastries and other broiled shell like consistencies stuffed with meats and seafood. It was something different to try but I'm still partial to my favorite breakfast foods before 12 pm. The rain was in full force but we still managed to show Sara one our favorite areas and walked the market before finding shelter at the movies for the afternoon. Our Easter feasting continued this evening at Charlie's for jumbalia and rhuebarb pie. All of us were relieved to avoid any contact with the traditional ham and enjoyed a different kind of way to spend the day.

Back on the west coast

As I sit here typing this, I am looking out my window at a perfect view of Mt. Ranier. Up until yesterday we didn't know we had such an incredible view but the weather has been such that all the beautiful views are beaming from the landscapes of the city. What a nice welcome back for me!
It's been a week of family and relaxing in Susquehanna. How nice it was to catch up and visit and give myself an opportunity to just relax. It's kind of ironic that I flee to the east coast to lay back and relax when that is the supposed motto of the west coast. I did get to venture into the hustle and bustle of NYC on Wednesday. We did lots of walking, saw Jersey Boys, and had a great meal at Tao restaurant. As far as cities go, New York is definitely high on my list and I never tire of visiting there. Seattle and New York are like night and day and one of the things that stuck out most to me was in the simple act of crossing the street. As you wait on the corner in New York, it's a lot of go with the flow of the crowd. You might glimpse at the street light to see if it's giving you the little white person to walk or the red hand to stop you but then you still can't help to look both ways and see if you can chance crossing before the yellow taxi speeds its way through the intersection. In Seattle, you quickly learn the rules of crossing the street. You look at the street light for a sign and if there is a red hand, you DO NOT move. You could be the only person on the corner with no cars coming in either direction but the minute you put one toe on the street someone will appear and yell at you for making such a foolish mistake. In New York, it's the hustle and bustle of get where you need to be going at a rabbits' pace. In Seattle, it's get where you're going as fast as the little white person on the street light will allow you.
I came back just in time to experience a beautiful and sunny weekend! Yesterday the sun was shining early (I should know as I was up at 7:30-thank you jet lag!) and daring you not to set foot outside. Joe and I decided to walk down to the Pike's Place Market for a little wandering and fresh air. I think every other person in Seattle had the same idea as it was soooo crowded down there! We stumbled upon a great place to get clam chowder and enjoyed lunch amongst all the hustle and bustle. That's the great thing about this city- you can stumble upon just about anything.
Despite my jet lag, I managed a night out last night complete with dinner, drinks, and my first gay bar experience. Guess the sign above the door that read "Purr" should have been an indication that we may have been in the wrong place but the art work on the wall was further affirmation that we stumbled into some unfamiliar territory. With that said, we enjoyed good drinks, a very friendly bartender, and no worries about skeavy guys getting too close to us. Maybe gay bars are the way to go!
Another gorgeous day today found me at a park soaking in some sun and taking in all the interesting people who had the same idea that I did. Sunny weather in Seattle means no holds back on attire and the shorts, tank tops, and sandals were out in full force. Also out were drum players, hula hoops, remote control airplanes, and adult men wading through fountain water. My afternoon was certainly not boring!
And so it is time to bid adieau to my break and get back to the reality that is the work world facing me tomorrow.

Family Ties

Greetings from the east coast! I'm back on familiar ground and looking forward to a week of
R & R. I had a very smooth flight across the US (and hope to repeat it again on my flight out) and got into Susquehanna late Friday night. When we got home I got to meet my "niece" puppy Bella and right away I couldn't help but take a liking to her. Maybe I'm not such an anti-dog person after all. Of course after an hour of in and out of the house trying to make her go "poo" (Lauren's word not mine) and subsequent observations of Bella pooping everywhere but outside, I have determined that I can view dogs from afar but can't find the desire to have one of my own.
Saturday was a beautiful day of warmth and sunshine and also a day for the entire family to come together. It's been 8 months since I've seen everyone but sitting around the table talking and laughing made it feel as though no time has passed at all. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to come home and be surrounded by so much family! Near or far, it's a comfort to know that no distance can break those ties. I took as much in as I could and will carry it with me over the next few months.
Until next time from the west coast...........

I'm sitting here typing this post on our brand new couch. Yes Joe and I bit the bullet and invested in couch number two. I've learned this time around not to get too attached to the furniture that we buy but for the mean time it is quite comfortable! Nala has really taken a liking to it and every time I sit down there are a few more white hairs....If only she wasn't so cute! We were fortunate that Bryan and Alex were still here to help move it into the elevator and up 4 stories. This was one instance where I was happy to take on the role of "alpha female" and let the boys do the work. :-)
I got to spend the last two days of last week at an Autism Summit. It was nice to step out of my schedule for a change. I got the opportunity to listen to a great speaker from Pittsburgh and she was very inspiring showing the work that she has done. Of course I leave these conferences wanting to do everything and anything that I see and hear only to find that there still isn't enough hours in the day to fit it all in. The story of life I guess......
I'm hoping this week goes by fast as I'm anxious for my trip back east. Looking forward to relaxing and seeing everyone!

Bonding With Cousins.....

As all of you were enjoying some of the sunshine this weekend, Bryan and Alex were welcomed to Seattle by none other than rain and wind. The wind is actually some of the most intense I've felt since we've moved here. So the boys are here for the weekend before heading down to Portland. It's been nice to spend some time together-especially since the last time I can remember this much time together involved Mom and Aunt JoAnn with four kids camping somewhere in upper New York state. (very good memories I might add!) The rain yesterday didn't keep the boys from exploring the city on foot and then engaging in a game of soccer with a couple of the locals. Today we were all slow getting the day started but Joe and I wanted to show Bryan and Alex other areas outside of the city. We took them to the area around the University of Washington and walked some of the campus and the main street. I was actually expecting the campus to be bigger but did find myself impressed by some of the beautiful houses that are residence to the fraternity. How such beautiful houses are given up to smelly fraternity boys is beyond me......From there we headed to the neighborhood of Freemont where Joe and I love to wander the vintage junk shops. I think it is lucky that the boys are flying back as Alex was eyeing up a number of really gaudy things for his house at school. The house has been spared some interesting choices of decor due to the expensive rate of postage from one side of the country to the other. Joe introduced the boys to one of his favorite spots-a belgium brewery with an interesting feel between midevil times and as Bryan pointed out-a backdrop that could have been used in the movie Fight Club. We then drove over to Alki Beach and despite the wind and the sunshine playing hide and seek, we found a great Italian restaurant for pizza and a view of the Sound. Bryan has had some interesting observations of people in the area- from what they wear, to their mannerism, and how much jay-walking is frowned upon. I warned them that people take it seriously out here and they didn't believe me until a homeless man yelled at them for walking without the walk sign. It's been interesting to have another east coast perspective because for us it has just become the norm and I guess I've forgotten the "view from the other side." I guess I should be a little bit more specific in that some of Bryan's comparisons have been between here and Scranton which is a whole other entity in and of itself! As I sit and type this, Joe, Bryan, and Alex have gone out to explore some of the local bars. I haven't decided yet if I should be worried about this combination or not! :-)