Seattle or Bust!

2006-12-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

2006-06-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

Okay so sorry for being MIA for a few weeks!

So here I am. Seattle huh? Can you believe it? Already a month and 1.2 weeks and I feel sort of like this is home now. On one hand I do miss all of my friends, my family, my little town Monterey and other random things like Plume's coffee house, Hula's restaurant and my mom's food. But it's been amazing so far here. People are great and work, Joanne and I have had a blast exploring the city (me for the first time and her again). My parents visited last week and we did so much!

We went to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands - a great little fishing and vacation town where it feels like you are in some tropical fishing village instead of a couple hours north of Seattle.

We did the duck tour which is fun for first-timers that takes you all over the city showing places of history and interest (and you're encouraged to quack at passers-by).

We ate out at great restaurants, went shopping at Target (thanks mom!) too.

Anyway, nothing exciting or remarkable to report here - just living life here in the rainy city (although yesterday I got a sun burn while laying out at a friends' pool because it was like 75 degrees out).

More later!

2006-05-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

There is a city called Forks here. Yes that's right, Forks, WA

It's funny the things you notice when you move to a strange new city.

I've discovered that a news anchor I used to pretend to be (Kate will remember) when I was little (because I wanted to be a news anchor and loved her name: Margo Meyers) is actually the host on our local evening news in Seattle!

The weather has been so nice here lately. It's a great time to be in Seattle. They are saying that this month is the dryist since 1994 with only .4" of rain so far in May.

As I've been riding the bus to work each morning, here are some of the things I've seen:
1. A man sitting right next to me meditating with ear plugs in.
2. A woman with plastic garbage bags for a purse.
3. A man yell at the bus driver as he gets off at his stop because of some kid in the back who was speaking loudly on their cell phone.
4. A man wearing no shirt.
5. A doggie van called Suds and the City with the logo like Sex in the City and with doggie faces instead of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. If I had a dog, you better believe that I would use that service!

Some of the things that I am enjoying about my job:
1. The people are really nice and I swear that there is not anyone under the age of 45 there (not that this is a good or bad thing but I've never experience it!). I'm am actually one of the oldest! J/K.
2. At our Friday staff meetings they serve a buffet snack including beer and wine.
3. They took everyone out on Cinco de Mayo for a two-hour fiesta at a local Mexican restaurant in lieu of a staff meeting.
I am actually starting to do some work and things will be challenging but exciting.
4. They have tv's on the elevators where they play CNN as you ride up and down!

That's all for now!

2006-05-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

After a long week of adjusting to my new schedule...

I am finally moved into the new apartment and am almost unpacked. Here are a few photos of my new place (very messy with lots of boxes but gives you an idea of why it was worth the wait). I even have a full sized storage closet that is pretty large and would be perfect when Kate comes to visit because she would have her own room. Lara can sleep in the bathroom. :)

The living room has a fireplace, which I later found out, has a fake flame thing that really looks like it should have people behind it waving fabric around to look like flames. Oh well, it looks nice from the front anyway. It's just not as good as Sarah, Dbz and Mar's (but with this one, I won't have to worry about Sarah visiting and burning her hair off!).

My view is not the greatest but I am up a few flights so I can see into the city and also have a slight view of Lake Washington with all of the cute little sailboats. When I walk out my door I can see the Space Needle which is really cool to see every morning as I ride the bus into the city for work.

2006-05-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

The First Day of Work...

My first day at work was really good but cut short because of an immigration rally marching down 4th avenue in the downtown area. So we were all told to either leave at 3:30pm and try to catch respective buses, cars, taxes, trains etc. or be stuck until about 7pm when the ralley would end. So I jumped on my bus and rode for home.

I have never felt so welcome though. The first day was packed full of meetings and orientation. I can expect the same for today (my second day). They took me to lunch and I was even presented with a gift basket on my new desk as a "welcome". I cannot say I've ever experienced that before! Lots to learn and get up to speed on though.

More to come as the week goes on...

Amy

2006-04-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

In Typical Seattle Fashion...

It started raining while I was wearing flip flops walking down the street in downtown. I really need a good hooded raincoat and if you ever come to visit - be sure to bring one!

The picture above is the last of the items that we moved out of my apartment on Wednesday. I just got a call from the movers saying that my total charge for moving is $2,300. I knew it would be expensive to move but had no idea it would be this much. I will cut back on Starbucks, wine and shopping.

This is my mom helping me pack on Wednesday. I just had no idea that I had so many things lurking behind corners. My very late New Years resolution for 2006 will be to live with less material items and enjoy what I already have.

2006-04-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

After 16 hours and two days I have arrived....

I arrived today in Seattle after about 8 hours in the car today and 8 or a little less from yesterday. I stopped over in Ashland, OR to spend the night.

After driving on the 5 N for a while outside of Red Bluff, I hit Mt.Shasta. It was so beautiful and a place I'd love to go back and explore more. When I stopped to take a photo, it must have been about 85 degrees or more.

As I drove through Medford and small towns in Oregon I passed a lot of beautiful forest and green countryside. I stopped at a gas station in the middle of what looked like nowhere to use the restroom and the attendant begged me to wash my car window. I was happy to have it washed but being way out there - he must get really bored because he and his wife also offered for me to try some homemade jelly or peanut butter. Needless to say, I passed on that and kept on my way.

Next I drove through the remainder of Oregon which was very basic, just trees, grass, livestock and a lot of logging areas.

As I approached Portland and then went on through Washington, it was really cool to see parts of the country that I have only flown over and never driven through before. Definitely would be a fun road trip if I had the time to stop and explore.

When I got to Seattle and drove into the city it was at least 68 degrees. What a nice welcome! I found my way to Joanne's condo and lugged all of my stuff in. More to come...

2006-04-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

Once you get everything in boxes...

...you suddenly realize that you have more than you thought you did. No matter how many times a year you go to Goodwill and donate things you don't use - you end up still - with more than you need.

My brother's cat (from upstairs) seems to be quite confused about what's going on.

I was cracking up today after getting a letter from a friend who is traveling abroad (Lara) and it was completely torn up when it arrived today.

I really hope this doesn't happen to my things in the move!

2006-04-23T18:04:00.000-07:00

Saying Goodbye to Monterey

This weekend was a blast as I got to say goodbye to most of my friends here in Monterey. We started the evening with dinner at Hula's (my fav!). I had my favorite dish: Macadamia nut encrusted Hapu with mango salsa and Maui Blanc wine - yummmmm!

Then we moved on to downtown Monterey where things got a bit more interesting. We had more wine and lots of fun at Lallallapalooza. As lazy as it sounds, by the next day all of us were wiped out and it took us all day to gather energy and go out again Saturday night. It was an exhausting weekend but so much fun and great to see everyone (including one very special friend who drove all the way down from Modesto - thank you Anna!)

2006-04-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

I have been living my wish for the last two weeks...

Although no income is coming in, it has been great to enjoy this time off before I begin a totally new job in a completely new city.

Yesterday as I was reading in my Newcomer's Handbook to Seattle I learned that Seattle enjoys only 58 days of clear skies.

I was reminded that "clear skies" are defined as zero to 3/10 average cloud cover. The clearest months are July, August and September. So I let out a sigh of relief realizing that this statistic is not as bad as I thought.

Weather temperatures in Seattle during May, June, July and August range from 64-74 degrees. So it should be a nice summer!

2006-04-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here's where I'll be living!

http://www.mercerview.com/mv_main.html

2006-04-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

Girls Guide to Apartment Hunting:

1. Be willing to drive from here to Timbucktoo when searching for apartments.
2. Be willing to be swindled out of at least 2 apartments earlier "promised" by a handsome apartment manager - then three hours later - to be told that they are rented.
3. Be willing to sacrifice your budget, your timeline and your need for close proximity to work and friends.
4. Be willing to drive around the same block ten times before you realize you are going the wrong way.
5. Lastly, be willing to talk to friendly man on the street holding a cat because you are too nice to say "get away from me!"

2006-04-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

Thursday was the day of tearful goodbyes. I don't know what came over me really, I just couldn't hold it in as I walked through the rows of cubicals saying my goodbyes and standard "keep in touch" wishes. People were really sweet however when I said goodbye to one guy I think he thought I was a complete nut because I was super weepy.

Tonight should be fun though with cocktails downtown with some of my closest friends from work.

I didn't realize how hard this process would actually be.

Next week is devoted to apartment hunting.

2006-04-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

Booked the movers today. They are picking up everything on April 20th! I can't believe what a tight-time frame I have to get everything done. Everyone keeps saying "you have three weeks off!". Not really!

Anyway, it's been raining for like 2 weeks straight here so it's actually been good practice for the weather and climate in good old Seattle.

But when I came, alas, to wive, With hey, ho, the wind and the rain, By swaggering could I never thrive, For the rain it raineth every day.
-William Shakespeare

2006-04-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Questions/Comments/Suggestions

I Seem to Get On a Daily Basis:

A) Have you packed yet?
B) Hope you like the rain!
C) When is your last day?
D) Can you do this one last project for me?
E) What are we going to do without you?!
F) You look tired
G) Hey Short-timer!

I can't complain about E)

2006-04-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

Approaching my last four days of work with the following emotions:

1. Excitement
2. Anxiety
3. Relief
4. Realization
5. Sheer happiness

The feeling of starting to pack up my desk and say my goodbyes makes me sad but I am going to be so excited on Thursday (last day) to walk out that door. The feeling of not knowing what the future holds is exhilirating!

More to come...

"The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."
-Allan K. Chalmers

2006-03-30T16:23:00.000-08:00

Hmm, getting nervous about the uncertainty of things. Not knowing where my new apartment will be or when I will be settled is making me break out! I know it will all come together and I am so excited about it.

Note to self: start collecting boxes.

I've done it - I have made the decision to go!

2006-03-27T17:02:00.000-08:00

Seattle or Bust!!!

After much back-and-forth and decision making. I made a (huge for me) life-changing move to Seattle, WA. I am moving April 20th and start work in the city on May 1st!

The next steps for me are...

Finish out my job here at Excelligence;
Pack (eek);
Find an apartment; and
Drive to Seattle!

I'll be updating this blog with details of my trip and updates on apartment-hunting and starting my new job!