The breakup needs to end

Today I was an adventurer in my own little hood. It was great! (My day, however was a 2 on a scale of 1 to 10, but that is not what this is about. It is about my adventures in the da hood.) I met a friend for a comfort-food lunch of soup and a grilled cheese. YUMMY! The place wasn't that far so I walked. It took me about 25 minutes to get there (because I walk at the pace of a snail). The whole time I kept thinking about my bike and how much quicker it would be if I rode a bike rather than walked. The hood is full of places to safely park a bike and it's Seattle, so people really don't steal anyway. The day was amazing (75 and sunny in the afternoon) so a walk was nice, but it would have been better if I could have been done the hill and back in a faster way. Due to the crap level of my day, I decided to have ice cream for dinner (yes, sometimes that happens mom. Don't worry, I'll have a healthy snack later.) My new obsession is a place called Molly Moon's ice cream. It's homemade with local, natural ingredients. The most amazing flavor ever---salted caramel. In the words of one of the favorites, it's a life changer! Seriously.

That aside, the location I go to is about 1.0 mile away. I should have walked (or biked) but I drove. As I was driving back, I started to think about my bike again...I need to end the break-up.

Let me explain-- shortly after moving to Seattle, I decided I needed to be a bicycle rider. I have a great bike and this is a city that is conducive to bike rides. I was geeked! I got the flat tired replaced, new grips, and it was all shiny and new again (not that it was ever not new.) I was excited. The beach is only 3 miles from my front door. One afternoon, I packed a lunch, a book and grabbed my helmet. And off I went. (I should have mentioned I live on a hill and not a small one. You have to go up or down no matter where you go.) So there I was riding down the 39th Street hill, just made it through the light and my brakes STOPPED WORKING! Seriously. WTF?! First, who else does that happen to? Second, why did I pay REI all that money if they didn't really fix the bike! Those were not actually my thoughts at the time. Rather, I believe I started to yell, Holy S*$T, holy S*#t, etc. I started to think through the hill, as the bike was picking up speed(there is minimal grass and luckily I had been walking so I knew right where the patch was that I needed.) Without thinking I supermanned off the bike and landed on the grass without injury. (I literally have no idea how that happened). Of course, all this happened in front of a group of people that were BBQ'ing. Awesome. One of them ran to me, one of them ran after the bike. (They still say hello when I walk past...again, awesome.) As my bike was handed back to me and I red-faced made my way back up the hill, I made the decision to break-up with my bicycle. Obviously, we were not in the same place. I wanted to be able to ride up and down hills. The bike wanted have some crazy adventure. Clearly, in different places. There was NO WAY I would ride that bike up or down a hill anytime soon! The bike (perhaps it needs a name?) has lived in my storage unit ever since. But after today, I think it's time to get back on the bike. The breakup has to end. Maybe we can be friends to start (and ride on flat land), and someday we could be back together...ride up and down the hills to greet friends and get an ice cream dinner. Here's to a future successful relationship with me and my bike! (I feel like there should be a Sesame Street song to accompany that statement...)

Seattle Recap

This past week (well last week now because I am so late in reporting) was the Seattle 3-Day event. It was weird to manage an event in my home city. In fact, once I was on-event I continued to forget that my house was only 45 minutes away. I think this was a saving grace to not be reminded that my bed and pillows were only a short drive down the road. I was definatel tempted!

The event went well overall, but there were gliches (as there always are). The important thing to remember is how we deal with those glitches. For example, instead of buidling a dining tent (because the ground was WAY too soft) we (well, the amazing tent boys and their helpers) built a dining area that Buzz-buzz called a Shanty-Town Dining tent. It was an array of tents that reminded me of the little fishing houses (or boats) in a remote fishing village. It was quirky but it had some charm.

The rain came on Thursday and stayed through Friday for most of the day. It went away for the most amazing day of walking ever (no joke- 72 and sunny. Perfect!). But then returned with a vengence on Sunday morning, just in time for breakfast. I am sad to report we all got caught in it. No one chose to dine under the tents, rather they waited in line for the buses with their plates of food. In hindsight, perhaps we should have provided each walker with a cute umbrella. Maybe next time? It dried out for the closing ceremonies. The walkers left happy, the staff left tired. And then I got to go home, to my own bed in my own house (even though it was a little messy). Delightful.

Skyscraper heels

On Friday I had the especially great experience of a significant flight delay for no apparent reason (sense the sarcasm?). There was no weather, no apparent airplane engine errors, etc. As a frequent traveler, I know that delays happen. And they are generally fine. I am prepared--I always have a good book and a fully charged iPod and definately always have work to complete (especially in event season)! With events coming up and many, many things left to do, I had high hopes to get some work done. Sadly, ATL has not gotten on board to provide weary travelers free and reliable internet. (It is a modern city, but still the south, which seems to mean slightly behind the times. I mean even CLE has internet!)

That said, I decided to enjoy the time. Afterall, I had a good book and my tunes. So, I just plugged in and started to do my favorite activity ever-- people-watching! Within minutes, I observed the following:

The slip and fall of a skyscraper heel wearer. This woman was the epitome of the "together traveler" (see previous post)- she had her matching Louis Vuitton suitcase and attache case, super-cute suit ensemble, and of course, the sky-high heels. As I was watching her approach, I was just thinking- awesome, another "together traveler". And then it happened. The wobble and the complete and total collapse of the together traveler. She straight-up bit it! Completely! If she were skiing, it would have been a yard-sale. I couldn't believe it. Before you think I am a total jerk--she was just fine. She stood up (a little brighter faced), brushed off the suit (damn, it was super cute), and picked up her things with the help of many others. She then just continued on her way--click, click, click, click, click, click. It was literally like it never happened. Except that it did. And it was just one more item added to the list of reasons why one should not wear high heels to the airport. I mean, even if you are conviced that you can only wear heels--put em away for the commute! No one is impressed. And in fact, I have now witnessed the risks.

And really, it's only a matter of time before TSA stops allowing spiked-heels onto the plane. Liquids were banished and haven't been allowed back. Those heels could definately be seen as a serious weapon, especially compared to my face lotion.

Airline Snob

For today's travel adventure I was headed to Atlanta. It's a quick trip, so I decided not to check a bag. I was on a direct flight (Amazing!). I was on time, not super early and not going to be running. good deal. I even packed on Monday night so I would make sure all my stuff fit and I didn't forget a thing. Well the best laid plans...
As I approached security with my at-home printed ticket, I realized my driver's license was NOT in my wallet. At all! (I believe it is in my regular travel bag at home in the pocket- where I ussually place it to get through security.) Since I had different travel gear, due to the carry-on, I only had my wallet. Luckily, I had my student ID from MSU. It was issued in 2003. Now, let me remind you, it's 2010. That's 7 years....but I figured I'd give it a whirl before I ran out the door and called the airline to book another flight while headed home to grab my passport. I had to give TSA every item in my wallet and they had to pad me down and check all my stuff, but I was able to get in! (Whew!) (And PS before you make fun of me, I am really not sure why I still carry my student ID, but it sure did come in handy!)
Sadly, the airline I was on today was one that I rarely travel on so I have ZERO status (now referred to as ghetto status). As it turns out, I have become an air passenger snob. I don't like to travel with the masses and have to fight my way to the back of the plane, fight over the ovhead bin space, or deal with unfamiiar travelers. Well, today that is exactly what I had to do. (sigh). I ended up in the last row of the plane, in the middle seat, between two large dudes with the seat reclined in front of me. That left me exactly 1 inch of space (argh!). Cue to a good nap and some chapters read in my good book, since clearly there was no space to get out a computer and work (a gift and an annoyance).
The highlight of my day was arriving at the Hotel Indigio- Atlanta. Love it! Seriously, it was like walking into a little bit of my dream house. Bright colors mixed with white, for a bright but cozy feel. Then mix-in a cozy chair and cute cottage touches--I am officially a huge fan!

Home

As you may have figured out from previous posts, I am "new" to the Seattle area. I put new in quotes because I have technically lived here since February (which means I am not really new). But let me explain the "new" a little better. Of the 7 months I have lived in Seattle, I have been gone for a total of 3.5 months. That means I have only been home in my new home for 3.5 months. In my opinion, that still makes me a "new" resident. What this means is that I am still learning about Seattle and figuring things out. What this also means, is that I have been able to spend some really good time with favorites who live so far away (hooray!). And lastly, it means I have been able to go back to my old home (Phoenix) far more than I anticipated. From a work perspective, it's kind of a bummer. But from a personal perspective, it's been so nice to transition away from there. No cold turkey for this girl!

Being gifted with the unexpected time in Phoenix, it has made me really start to think about what makes your home a home. If people ask why I moved to Seattle, I alwyas start by saying, "I lived in Phoenix for 6 years and it never felt like home". Oddly, by moving away it is more home now than it ever was when I lived there. This is not to say that I regret my move (I definately don't!), but it has made me appreciate what Phoenix has to offer.

So, in that vane (and in homage to one of my favorite bloggers) here are my Top Ten lists (don't worry list lady, they are an even number just for you) for both Seattle and Phoenix and why they each have a special place in my heart:

Phoenix Loves(since it was first in my adult life):

1. It never snows (I know this is an easy one, but I really hate scraping off a car before I have to get somewhere in the morning.)


2. You can swim outside practically every day of the year.


3. The first days it reaches 100. It actually feels good to be warmed all the way to your bones. (Believe me, it does get old 6 months in, but initally it's lovely.)


4. When trees are green, they look brilliantly green because the rest of the landscape is brown.


5. It made me appreciate brown and the various shades. (I am serious. The shades of brown can be really beautiful.)


6. Sunsets and sunrises are never quite as beautiful as they are in the desert. (sorry, Papa, but Lake Michigan sunsets just can't beat a good desert sunset.)


7. The feeling of being somewhere unexplored (even though it's a thriving metropolis you can drive 25 miles west or just south of Chandler and listerally be in the middle of nowhere)


8. And the most important- the people who helped shape 6 years of my life. It was a good ride and I would not have become who I am without those people. The good ones will always be part of me and part of my life.

Seattle Loves

1. The smell of salt water in the air (all the time!)


2. Being able to walk .5 miles and see water, boats, little shop, and a great market.


3. The way my garden grows! (It is amazing. I have never seen plants grow the way mine did and they were slightly neglected due to my travel schedule)


4. The availability of fresh food (fish and fruit being at the tippy-top of the list)


5. Coffee!


6. Culture at my fingertips.


7. The cityscape. Every time I cross the West Seattle bridge on Hwy 99, I grin from ear-to-ear that this is where I live!


8. How Mt Rainier still surprises when it appears as if out of nowhere (how a HUGE mountain can do that is amazing and delightful to me.)


9. That I can wear pants everyday and not sweat to death. (Grandma Schulte knees are not short-friendly which can pose a problem if you live in a place where it 100+ for 40 days out of the year.)


10. The People. The good friends who have taken me under their wings to introduce me to their home and help make it mine. And the new people I have met, who want this to be home as quickly as it can be.

In short, the common denominator here (and to my previous "homes") are the people who help shape that place in my memory. I am a lucky lady who has had many places to call home.

The Together Traveler

Today’s topic is the Together Traveler. The Together Traveler is that woman who walks through the airport in her heels, and trendy ensemble (can be a suit, jeans, whatever), with her little carry-on and a purse…yep, you know who I am talking about! She’s that person who never looks frazzled, that person who never gets sweaty from running (with 20 extra pounds of bags) from one terminal to another, that person who seems to float through the airport from security to gate. Even in the most hectic terminals, she still gets to where she needs to be on time and without a stitch of clothing, makeup, or hair out of place. When traveling to China a few years ago, my cousin (a favorite) made note of the Together Traveler we saw and we discussed these ladies at length during one of our many airport adventures. We both wondered how on earth they can do it.
Ever since that conversation, I have made note of all the Together Travelers I see. They are a rare but enviable breed that I strive to become. By now, I am sure you understand that I am not a Together Traveler. I strive to be, but inevitably I just don’t make the cut.
Now normally when I travel I sport the comfiest of comfy—favorite t-shirt, long-sleeve article, favorite jeans, and flip-flops. When packed into a tine can for 4 hours you need to be comfortable, that’s my normal motto. And frankly, I am typically traveling to a hotel or to a loved one—no need to be fancy.
Well, today I had high hopes. I was bumped to First Class (Thanks, US AIR!), had only on carry-on item, and had to be dressed because I am stepping off the plane and going directly into a meeting. So, I was half-way there! Alas, I opted not to wear my fancy shoes this am and instead sported my fav flops. But still, the rest of me was together. Well, then I needed to bring a few more items, so upped my carry-on to 2 bags (and not items that fit well together, so I am constantly shifting). And the end all, be all proof that I am NOT a Together Traveler—I spilled coffee on my white shirt! So, there it is, my small hopes of being a Together Traveler were dashed in the moments just before boarding.
So, now as I board the plane with two bags and a coffee-stained shirt, I have to wonder if my dream will ever come true….until next time!


(sorry guys, you have too little to carry to be included in thisimpressive status)