746.

(from June 7)

746.
That is the number of miles we drove today.
That is the distance from Seattle, WA to Bozeman, MT.

Today, we decided to leave early. Previous to the plan being made, I had made Papa promise not to make me get up too early (he is an excessively early riser. He blames the dog, but I;m fairly certain it is him and the dog just follows suit.) Anyway, he's an early-riser and was on East coast time. I said we should leave by 6am, just to make sure we got to Bozeman with enough time to check out the city, visit with the dudette's best pal and her hubby.
Shocker, I was up early and we hit the road before we planned.
Our first stop-- Starbuck's for some breakfast and much-needed fuel to start the fire.

We left in the Seattle rain. We left in the rain, just like when I arrived. It was fitting. 

The air was chilly. It's not summer quite yet there. (Seattle summer doesn't actually begin until after the 4th of July).



Papa was the driver and I was the navigator (likely the case for the whole trip!).
We drove over the Cascades and entered into parts of Washington I didn't know. I believe it is called the "fruit basket" of the west. As we drove, we decided we needed a little snack. Not the cherries from the state, but a little Schulte roadtrip tradition-- Hot Tamales.....

"Let's not kid ourselves, this box is not going back into the snack bag."- Ferd Schulte as he tore off the reclosable boxtop.

As we said goodbye to Washington state, we entered into the panhandle of Idaho.(I missed the photo op because it came up so quickly....just use your imagination and picture the welcome sign.) Neither of us had ever been there before, so we decided we should stop someplace in the small portion of the state . Before leaving mom had challenged us to eat locally and not at a chain-- to find fun places. We liked the idea and since some of the planned journey was to take the road less traveled that fit the mold.

Our first official stop was Wallace, Idaho.

We'd seen a sign for BBQ and thought that could be fun.

We ended up in "the center of the universe". Now the funny part of the "center of the universe" is that my old neighborhood, Fremont is also known as the "center of the universe." Now I have no idea why either place is know as that--whether it's for ego or some kind of mathematical thing. Either way, we thought it was fitting and made us even happier that we had stopped here.

Before our stop in Wallace, we did stop in Coeur ' alene, ID (because it the name of a song I love by the Seattle-based band, The Head and the Heart). When we stopped, we started to talk about gifts to bring back to mom and others. When in ID, we thought it might be kind of awesome to bring back a bag of Idaho potatoes from Idaho. (I know, we're a little nerdy, but we think we're funny!). Well, we drove into town and passed a lovely lake and park. While there, we asked a guy where we could find a grocery store (or farm stand) to find some Idaho potatoes. His reply-- "In wasington state.". We were bummed, but were kind of excited to learn that contrary to what people think, more potatoes are grown and exported from Washington than from Idaho. Random fun fact.

Anyway, back to Wallace. The first place (the BBQ place) was a bust. They weren't quite open and were less than friendly for sure...

So we wandered a bit and walked into a local place. 1313. Named because it was the 13th bar and brothel in the town when it was the heyday. We also learned that not only was Wallace the "center of the universe", but more importantly that it was the silver mining capital of the world! Cool.

We stumbled into a cool town with a very interesting story.

After learning that this was the silver capital of the world, we knew we needed to get mom a souvenier. Silver something...we then learned that opals are also mined in Idaho. Who knew?! So we (well, papa) bought she and I each a pair of earrings. After an hour or so, we got back in the car and headed out of town and onward toward Bozeman.

Shortly after leaving Wallace, we were at the border---

And I swear the sky got bluer...

We took our first scenic route...

 

And then we got to Bozeman. Jackie and Jason (friends of the dude and dudette) were our gracious hosts. Their family has a condo right in the heart of downtown Bozeman and were super generous and shared the space. So, our first night we stayed in ridiculously comfortable beds and each had our own space. Quite the way to start off the adventure!

Well, Jackie met us at the condo and made plans for dinner. None of us were all that hungry, so we took a little field trip to go see their home. It was AMAZING! They have bears and deer and wildlife in their yard. The house is a log cabin and is cozy and cute and charming. I loved it!

After seeing their home, they took us on a mini tour of their studios and then of their little town. We didn't make it to dinner until almost 9pm. By then, we were all old chums. I think half-way trhough dinner, I just invited myself to return (who knows where my manners went?!). We learned about Jason's family. (PS- he's a real life cowboy...). And learned of their future plans. It was a delightful evening spent with two really great people. And no joke, I am coming back!

It was the perfect end to Day one of the adventure.

They shared tidbits and tips about going to yellowstone and now we have a better plan. Directions to the scenic route.

And with that, it's time for bed.

Although Papa promised a later start, I have a sneaking suspicion 7am may not be early enough....



This is it.

(from June 6)
Well, today is the day. My last day in Seattle.

I ran my last minute errands and packed all my stuff so when Papa arrived I'd basically be ready to roll. (He is not a late morning person and is on EST). Aubrey and I had our date at "our place". We talked and laughed, per normal. And when I hugged her goodbye, I said "I'll you at Thanksgiving". No tears. I know I'll see her and that we'll talk- whether she comes to me or I go to her. It was a nice way to say "see ya later" and to make sure I got my fix of the best veggie french dip ever made. No matter what I know it'll be a bit before I get back here.

Before I picked up Papa, I was able to meet a new favorite for dinner. We ended up at my favorite place in West Seattle and enjoyed a spectacular view of the city and the mountains. My pal was having an exceptionally bad day, so we had a normal friend dinner. Talked about life and didn't discuss me leaving until the very end. She is a new friend- recently moved from the south. I am so grateful to have gotten to know she and her husband. They were a really exquisite addition to my world here in Seattle. I have so enjoyed getting to know them over the past 6 months. They are people who are there for you. People to have fun with. And people who you love to know. They experience life and just knowing them makes you happy. Although tonight I said goodbye, I know these two new people will forever be friends. And again, there were no tears when I said goodbye.
Then, Papa was here. I had to go get him, which meant that all of this is really real.

Not only was my last official day in Seattle filled with my favorite people, but my mountains all made an appearance (and a spectacular one at that!). It's been some days since they have come out to say hello. I was so worried that I wouldn't see them to say goodbye. Even seeing them disappear into the night, I didn't shed a tear.

And while finishing up some work for the day, before I am gone and checked out from this for a few days, I got an email from Aubrey. A goodbye video. And I cried. I cried so hard I thought I would wake up Papa sleeping in the other room. I cried one of those gut-wrenching, cleansing cries that leaves you feeling spent. That you're all done. That you've cleared it all out and can move on. That kind of a cry.
I blame the song. If you listen, it's beautiful.
And that beauty just touched a place in my heart that I had buried in the adventure of it all.
I still think this is a good choice, but I needed to cry. To start the process of letting go of something I have loved. A good cry is part of the letting go. And, I for one, think it's an important one.
So, I cried.
And with that said, goodbye. Not see you later. But goodbye.
And with a ful heart, I am headed to bed to get some rest before we depart to places unknown.
I am more excited than nervous.
And am feeling very lucky and loved after my day.
Good night.

Well, hello again.
It's been awhile and A LOT has happened. Too much to write in one blog. I know I owe you some travel strories and some tales from the road. In short- life has been BUSY. I intend to write all the updtes (and there are many) this coming weekend.

In the meantime, a self proclaimed "stalker" of my blog sent me a reminder that today is the two year anniversary of my blog. Said stalker suggested I mark in some way.

Since time is tight and my eyes are crossing, we will mark the 2nd birthday of this blog by sharing pictures of me on my 2nd birthday. ---

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
And I prmoise I will write again soon. :)

The big drive.

Last night I got back to Seattle. It’s very surreal. The last two weeks have been so filled with "busy"ness that I have let myself forget that I am leaving a place that I love. I have been SO excited about what lies ahead that I have let go of what lies in my not-so-distant past (and present). Since I am moved out of my house, I will be staying at Em’s house. Tomorrow, I will attend my last class and receive my “certificate” in non-profit management. I have plans for a night out with classmates to celebrate what we have accomplished and what lies ahead. Wednesday, I have meal plans with pals to say goodbye (for now) and then pick up my travel buddy from the airport. We’ll head back to Em’s hideaway and rest before heading out on Thursday morning for the final departure from Seattle. (Even typing that my eyes get misty.)

Thursday morning (likely well before the sun comes up) Papa and I will leave my beloved Seattle with my suitcases packed, the bike hitched to the car, maps stowed in place, Dave on the iPod and plenty of hot tamales.  We’ll head east through the Cascades into Eastern Washington (where I have yet to be) and then through Idaho (we may need to grab a potato or two) and into Montana where will stay with the dudette’s BFF and her hubby.

Friday, we plan to check out Yellowstone Park and see what there is to see and check out what we can before dark.

Saturday, we’ll head toward South Dakota to visit the Presidents at Mt. Rushmore.

Sunday, we’ll wake before the sun so we can drive through the badlands at sunrise since it is touted to be so amazing.

Monday, we’ll drive on through Chicago (and stop to grab a new car and meet a new baby). Papa will take his new car on home and I’ll follow (in what is likely to be a stinky roadtrip car by then!).

I’ll plant my feet for a few days in Detroit, then head to my beach for an extended beach (I’d like to say vacation), but it’s really work time with family.

I am 100% sure there will be random journeys and adventures along this path. And I am sure I will get sad along the way to leave behind a place and people I love so much. But I am excited for what lies ahead in my new home. And I think my Papa and I will have a GREAT adventure getting there.

We’ll see check some states off the list and make the bucket list almost complete.

I am sure we will talk and laugh and try to solve the world’s troubles.  

And see things we’ve never seen.

Starting this new chapter in this way is fitting I think.

Big adventures for the big life adventure that lies before me.

I am excited to see what transpires. Stay tuned for tales from the road…

Hell Yeah!

Hell Yeah!

Hell yeah is a phrase that is part of my company culture.  We give them out for a job well done. Though we do serious work and work hard, we definitely have fun doing that work with people we like and respect. For me, I feel lucky enough to share  my work world with some of my best friends in the world. We might get crabby but in the next moment we will be laughing harder than ever at something so stupid that no one else will ever think it’s funny.

This past weekend, I worked on the Global Race for the Cure. We’ve handled it for 4 or 5 years, but this was the first time it made sense to have me be there (I need to learn all about it afterall…). Anyway, the first day was HOT! Like, walk out the door and need to change your underpants kind of hot. (Molls- you would have combusted right on contact!). Then on Friday, it was MUGGY. (Dang I had forgotten all about that kind of mugginess….gross). By mid-afternoon, the rain started. It was no ordinary light showers, but rather buckets from heaven for hours at a time. We were hanging signs, posting tents, trying not to make a mess on the National Mall lawn (yep, at the base of the Washington monument) or on the Capitol lawn (where I was). We were standing in puddles calf-deep trying to rescue spomspr schwag from being drown. And we got a little crabby. And then we laughed. And laughed. And laughed a little more. And kept working because we knew the job needed to get done in rain or shine. We might have complained a tiny bit when we touched a sign for the 7^th time, but just a tiny bit. In the end we called it a day at 7pm when the third torrential downpout happened. We made the call to return to the sites at 3am the next day to finish our work before the big race.

We got back to the hotel, forgot about dinner so we could get more sleep and tucked I for the nap we needed. (with a side of a hot shower, of course!).

Some choice words came out of my mouth when the alarm sounded so early. I got up, got dressed in my snappy event wear, and met the team to head over.

We got to the site and thankfully it was dry.

We worked our booty’s off and the event happened. 30, 000 people walked and ran for a cure. They enjoyed amazing weather and lots of treats.

And before we could blink, it was over and we were cleaning up the stuff that we had placed less than 24 hours before. By 6pm on Saturday, we were done.

And we celebrated. We shared a meal and cheers’ed over drinks. We broke rules about how many people can fit into a pass van (22!) and potentially broke some rules about co-workers sitting too close…(no one was offended!)

We pretended we hadn’t been up since 3am and played until 1:30am or later.

And again, we laughed. We told stories. We “fired” people for bringing up work. And we had a great night.

The hard work is hard. The people are fantastic. And the work do helps people make a difference.

Hell Yeah! Is suitable to describe the weekend I had.

Hell Yeah to loving my job.

Hell Yeah to loving the people I do it with.

I really couldn’t ask for anything more.

House-warming or heart-warming?

So, as E and I were discussing my new place (before it was officially offical), she mentioned that she and L were discussing what they should get me as a house warming gift. Not sure what was discussed, but the story that was shared was the suggested gift was to be a "pack n' play". E laughed, and I shared in her laughter, but I also had some tears come to my eyes. They were, of course,  tears of joy.
A pack n' play means regular time with my munchkins and more precious time with my favorite cousin/friend and her lou-lou.
I was with them for the weekend and just had such a lovely time. It warms my heart to know they will be so close and will be part of my regular life. Each time I think about it, I have a happy feeling in my heart. As we've been together, I realized just how awesome it is going to be to be part of this special family's regular lives.
I'm excited to have them come to my house for naps during DC adventures and excited to see their new addition on the very day that she arrives. I'm excited to host sleepovers with the little ones when the grown-ups just need a night out and super pleased to be able to attend a soccer game or recital (when that time comes). I am happy to have them integrated into my life here in DC.
Though there's much I am excited about this new place, having them here is a big huge incredible bonus.
I was stoked to call Seattle home. It felt right almost instantly. But I think this new chapter is going to be one of the best yet!

officially official

Well, it's officially official. Though not proper English that is the statement that confirms I am 100% in to Washington, DC. Today I signed a lease.
E and I spent a super fun (and kind of random) day together on Saturday house-hunting for me. Part of the hunt was to figure out a neighborhood and a house within it that I'd like to call my home.
The place I landed on was the 2nd place we looked at. When we got there, I really liked. We were a little early, so we investigated the hood. One mile away, we found a farmer's market, a Target, and really anything I could ever actually need. There was even a flower booth. (I was a little in love). And a Metro stop! The place is new, I'll be the first tenant. The property manager was someone I could be friend's with. She lives down the block and touted all the good things about the neighborhood---a Capitol City bike place (you rent a bike and drop it anywhere in the city you see a location....amazing!), a coffee shop, an amazing bar, and a pizza place. And apparently, it's the friendliest neighborhood in the district. Neighbors know neighbors! And people hang out on porches. It sounded really perfect, but it was only the 2nd place we looked at and I had a list of 8. I was a little in love with a different neighborhood, but the place there didn't work out. To be honest, I was heartbroken. I hesitated a little on the application because I didn't want to commit and then be disappointed.
After church (yes, I went to church with E and C), brunch, and some mattress shopping I borrowed the car and went to check out a few more places. The first one on Sunday was in a fancy neighborhood and I was sure that I was going to find a place. Then I walked into the place--- no thank you! I didn't even walk trhough the front door. Then I went to another neighborhood and didn't even want to get out of the car. It squashed all of concerns about committing to place #2. (Oh, and the very first place was in total sketchville, so it was a no before we even walked into the door!). By the end of the day, I was already moved into the new place! (in my head.)
So, I will be moving into a 1BD plus Den in the Columbia Heights neighborhood in early July. I will be 2.9 miles from the Obamas (and all the monuments!); 1.2 miles from a pal, 1.3 miles from the National Zoo. I am thrilled to discover this new place and am excited to call it home.
(Oh and I will have room for guests!)