So, I suppose the point about having a blog is to actually keep it up, right? Alright, alright... I'll get better I promise.
Well I let the news out. It's really happening. It honestly didn't hit me that I was actually leaving Seattle until this last weekend when people kept coming up to me and asking about it. Birthday parties, Random Beer Fests, being out and about this city... are all ways we use as an excuse to reunite with one another. Whether it's a college friend you see every other weekend or someone you haven't seen in almost a year, its inevitable you will see them sooner than later here. That I feel like I have taken for granted. And it's that which has made me realize, whoa, I really am going to miss this place.
So I wanted to compile a list. The Top Ten things I'll miss about Seattle. Aside from the fact that the people here are going to be VERY hard to replace, and believe me, this will not be happening; I need to focus on this city for a minute. I know I'm probably missing a few as I'm on the spot blogging, just so three weeks don't pass without a post to this darn thing. But anyways, here it goes, in no particular order other than what popped into my mind...
My Studio Apartment.
I never knew how much I could enjoy living alone until I stumbled upon this cozy little waterfront abode. I love everything about it. Belltown has treated me well while keeping its crazies out of this area I like to call Condo Land. Sculpture Park and I have become rather close and the ever-changing views I get to witness each day and night out my window are priceless. To those of you have come over for a visit, thanks. Glad you got to see it. Now I'll be taking it apart piece by piece. Soon I'll only be left with clothing and a bed. I signed the move out papers this week. Ah! This really is about to be goodbye!
The Center of the Universe. Our little eclectic neighborhood of Seattle. Home to college grads just trying to keep the dream alive, nude enthusiasts and Bo Odissey the scarf dancing extraordinaire. Let's face it, sometimes you just want to go where everybody knows your name. Big props to all the local watering holes that have put up with me and my posse's shenanigans... LTD, 9 Milli, Ballroom, Norms, High Dive, Nectar, Sinners & Saints, Brouwers... ahh your potent beer has killed me one too many times. You know we all love it and will continue to keep coming back for more. Fremont, I love thee and will miss thee. You people better keep this place alive.
The Showbox.
I'd like to play favorites and say Market over SoDo, but come on, they both host amazing artists and for a mere $22 graciously give you the opportunity to get in a few drinks, mingle with friends and then hit the dance floor where you can squeeze your little toosh up to the very front. The front where you can look into James Mercer's Eyes, and he looks into yours. Or when you haven't made it to the front yet because SoDo is so damn big, and you find the encore's approached, but then you look up and there's Thomas Mars leaning over from above, touching you, trying to crowd surf to the stage. As he hands your friend the mic and goes on his merry way, you think to yourself at that exact moment, I love this place. I may have melted one too many times at these two fantastic venues. God love the Showbox.
The Hate/Love Relationship between WAZZU & UW.
Let's face it. We all went to school thinking that our own cat was better than our friend's dawg, or vice versa. It was a hobby to be on one end of the state, rooting so hard for your team, and hating so hard on the opponent that lives 280 miles away. But then, we all graduated. We realized that if we weren't going to leave Washington, we were going to have to reside in the one city where we may start our career and put our degrees to use. We came together in this metropolis, and what do you know, the hate bars went down. Sure you start off talking a little smack, but in the end, you all know, us animals have a strong love for each other. Thank you Seattle for bringing us together. Here's to all my Hucking Fusky friends - thanks for taking me in :) and your welcome for doing the same.
Okay, even though I haven't been able to run in over THREE MONTHS and it's KILLING ME (thank you Rock & Roll), the feeling I get when running around this city is incredible. The fresh air, the views, the active people passing by you... I love it. What started as a little 3 mile jog through the Magnolia Hills, progressed to a 6 mile adventure down Elliot Bay Path, and finally turned into an 8 mile loop around Lake Union with an option to push it to 10 while getting some Ballard sight seeing in. I miss this now and will miss it dearly once I move to the concrete jungle. Central Park better be ready to bring its "A" game. I'm coming back with a vengeance...
Chelan for Chelanigans... Gorge for my main man David... Leavenworth for Beer Drinking & German Chicken Dancing... Bainbridge for a Ferry Ride Day Trip... Whidbey for Cabin Fun... Portland for a Train Ride & Tax Free Shopping... Yakima Valley for Wine Tasting... Westport, Cannon Beach, San Juans, Vancouver... the list goes on! We are SO lucky here to have such fun things to do around us! All within a 3 hour drive! To live out here in the Pacific Northwest is truly an awesome thing. There's no doubt I'm extremely proud to call myself a West Coast girl. Once I first made the trip the Ocean, I knew we were blessed. Again, Atlantic O, I'm expecting big things from you...
I know, tourist spot! Hella picture takers! Big crowd! Street Performers and the good ol' Bum Park!! But come on, you have to give it to Seattle, this place is rad. Ever since I've moved to the downtown area, it's so nice to be able to walk to this place to get a reminder of why our city is so cool. Fresh fruits & veggies, flower bouquets that change by the month, crafts that are made out of the love for the Northwest, everything local. It's always a great experience. Of course I take all of my visitors here, but also sometimes it's nice to just come visit by myself. You can grab a coffee, walk around, snap some photos and snatch the free samples that are so conveniently placed along your path (my faves are the balsamic and olive oil tasting along with the flavored nuts - duh!). Lunch there is always a treat and I plan to get in a few more trips before takeoff. Anyone in the area wanting to join, send a holler!
Again with the tourist spot. I know. And I admit, I don't come up here too often anymore since I've gotten rid of my car, but that doesn't mean it's not a favorite. This view of the city, is I think, the best we have. So postcard perfect, so flawless. Every visitor who comes this way - you better believe I take them up here. I could sit and stare all day, especially on a clear day when you get Mt. Rainer peaking out from behind the skyline. I'm not trying to get all Rick Steves on you or anything, but this place is legit. Probably a great first date spot, or picnic. Damn, missed out on that one!
Cherry Street Coffee House.
Sorry Starbucks, I'm over your hype. Your Americanos taste burnt and your lattes are too sweet. You don't do the cool foam design thing and you certainly don't switch up your decor enough for my likings. I thought I had tried it all, Tully's, Seattle's Best, Peets, Cafe Ladro... I even settled on Uptown. But then I found her. Cherry Street, I am in love with you. Ever since my move to Belltown, this has become an everyday check-in for me (fellow FourSquarers can back me up on this). Their drip is phenomenal and as I stroll in before work, I always wish I could stay and just relax a bit while enjoying my coffee. Come to think of it, I may start doing that now before the days run up. I love the people, I love the music, and good God I love that coffee. The other day a kind regular even offered to buy my drink and breakfast. Yup, I'm convinced. Best. I'll miss it.
I think it's fitting that this little gem popped into my head as I was trying to think of a final thing I'd miss. THIS is going to be one thing I know for a FACT cannot be replaced. Summer in Seattle, as you all know, is the one thing the people residing in this city will hold on to until their dead. I knew this was true during my first summer spent here. Well, no I take that back, the second. Summer one was 2006 - my first frat-live in experience. Great times no doubt! But I was rather busy living life on the mainland. Summer two was a different story. 2007, frat live-in once again (come on, I wasn't about to go back to Colville), but my very first Seafair. My oh my how this set the bar. Never had I ever seen so many people go buck wild out on the water. Lake Washington, I give it props as it puts up with a lot of our antics. All that built up energy from the 9 months of the year when weather just really isn't to our total liking. Once that first weekend comes, and the sun is shining, the boats and the babes and the booze, oh they come. People are walking around the streets smiling, bums are offering you flowers... it's quite a pleasant time. And this high does not stop. It just keeps on going and events keep on piling up and your body keeps telling you to rest but you know you can't stop because you never know when the weather is going to give out. And then it's back to the countdown again. But it's worth the wait. Another factor to making this time of the year so great is our easy access to boats. So many friends with boats, so many opportunities to rent boats, even opportunities to LIVE on boats (shot-out to Club Boyd 2010!). Ugh, only in Seattle. So great. I don't know how to explain it any more, but that euphoric feeling is one I'll treasure and miss. You all better believe I'll be making a trip back out here once I hear that first weekend has hit the Emerald City. I'll be ready to help make a ruckus. Seafair 2011 baby!!
Well there you have it. Whew that was rough. Alright, over and out. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!! I hope you get to do one of the things I mentioned above! :) I shall be headed East to Yakima for my very first friend wedding. Woo! Ciao!
