Seattle: Week 9

Day 43: Considering it’s been two weeks since I’ve written, you’d think that I’m off doing exciting things. That’s only partly true; I’ve just also been really busy with a freelance project that was due last week and consistent nannying gigs. A few notable items from the past two weeks: I joined a flag football league that plays every Saturday near my house, I got back into the dating scene (via Bumble) and went on a few dates, and I took a little two-day road trip over to the Olympic Peninsula, where I stayed in a cute little Victorian beach town and then explored a sliver of Olympic National Park.

(cont.)
Today is Easter, and my roommate hosted brunch. I ended up making my favorite quiche and inviting my old coworker who lives in Bellevue – my first visitor to the apartment! It was a nice time with six of us and lots of yummy food. I’d given up sweets for Lent, so I was happy to have some of the macarons my friend brought. Afterward, a few of us went to a local brewery and sat outside in the sunshine. I spent the evening watching Netflix and building my nightstand. That’s also something notable from the past two weeks: I finally got bedroom furniture!

Day 44: I got a last-minute babysitting job for today, so I was there from 12-5 pm. Despite the boy being a bit bratty and super undeveloped for a 3 year old, it was an easy enough job. I did some freelance work during his 2.25-hour nap. I got my Global Coffee Report assignments for the Jul/Aug issue, so that work starts up again. I was supposed to have a date with a new guy tonight, but he forgot about some prior commitments so we rescheduled to tomorrow. So instead I got in a good workout running to and from a gym sesh. Then easy dinner and more Netflix while assembling bedroom furniture.

Day 45: Conference call to finish up a freelance project and then most of the day spent assembling my dresser. Man did it take forever! Then a quick run in the nice weather before I had to head out the door for a Bumble date. I met him at a pub in Capitol Hill for trivia, which was a great idea. We had a lot of fun despite coming in very last – worst team earned a Rainier tallboy though! He’s nice, but not sure I see a future with him…

Day 46: Today was a long day of work. Six hours with the boy I normally watch on Tuesdays; another day of sunshine so we walked to the park. After I stopped in my gym nearby for a quick workout and shower, and then caught the bus to a second nannying job for the evening. I was planning on bussing home, but I was tired and didn’t feel like messing with it. This family, which books me weekly, is just a bit too far to make the bus work.

Day 47: Six hours with my normal Thursday boy. We walked to the animal shelter that afternoon because the sun was out, but it got really windy on the way back. His mom encourages me to take him out, so I’m looking forward to get out and about the city with him. I was supposed to have a second date with a Bumble guy from last week, but he forgot about plans with his brother. I was actually happy to have the evening free; I went for a long-ish run around Queen Anne and then ate dinner in front of Netflix. I’ve been binging on the new American Crime Story while building my bedroom furniture.

Day 48: I left my schedule open today so I could assemble the last piece of bedroom furniture and get my room situated. The bed frame and headboard ended up being the easiest of all the furniture to put together. I really like the wood color, but unfortunately it doesn’t match my nightstand and dresser. Doh! Nothing I can do now that everything is assembled… I set up my room, unpacked the rest of my boxes and rearranged my closet. The last thing I have to do is hang up my artwork and decor. I’m excited to be so close to settled into my apartment. I going to hit the gym but the weather was so nice, I went for a run down to Olympic Sculpture park and made up a workout there in the sunshine with a beautiful view of the Sound. Afterward, I caught the bus over to Capitol Hill for a late one-off babysitting job. Again, I didn’t end up messing with the bus after finishing super late, so I ordered a Lyft.

Day 49: I slept late today and then lounged around before doing some chores and getting ready for football. The team we played ended up using subs from the team that beat us last week, which didn’t seem fair. Needless to say we lost, though only by four points after a strong second half. I made two catches, but one was out of bounds in the end zone. Oops! The weather was beautiful before and during the came, but once we finished a storm rolled in and it started raining. I ducked into the grocery store for some much-needed groceries, and the sun was back out on my walk home. While I was in the grocery store, I guess the storm brought some strong winds with it that knocked over a crane on top of a new building in Google’s South Lake Union campus, and it came crashing down onto cars below. Four people died! It made international news and the streets are all closed off down there. I first learned of it simply because I was trying to drive through there on my way to a nannying job in Montlake (the weekly family that lives ever-so-slightly out of the city). I ended up having to drive really far out of the way and showed up late to work, but then later looked online to see what happened. Such a tragic incident!

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Seattle: Week 7

Day 43: Soooo I missed a week of blogging cuz I was deep in magazine deadlines. Mostly met my deadlines, and even got a day of snowboarding in. Today was a looong day watching two energetic toddlers while their parents packed up a moving truck. Fortunately the weather was really nice so we could walk to the park and play in the backyard. The 2yo tripped and busted open his lip at the park, but otherwise it went fine. Afterward I had to unload my storage unit. Then found a cute restaurant in Capitol Hill to finish my LAST assignment and eat an early dinner.

Day 44: Nothing exciting today. Freelance call and work, unpacking, F45, dinner at home.

Day 45: Another nice day, so walked to KEXP to work. Because my apartment is sufficient for working and feels so far from everywhere I want to go, I haven’t been going there much. I originally thought I’d be there several days a week… took a conference call, which ended up being difficult because of the noice, and did some freelance work before heading to F45 for the last class of my trial. I really like the variety and the format of circuit training; wish it wasn’t so expensive.

Day 46: Today was a nice day, but also another long one. Work and errand in the morning, three-hour gig midday, then caught the bus downtown for the first of four gigs with a little girl who’s mom is in town from NYC for a conference. She’d booked me in advance for these days to entertain her kiddo during the trip. This first gig was a few hours in the evening with the three of us so her daughter could get used to me. Unfortunately she was exhausted and being super bratty. I hope this isn’t an indication of the days to come…

Day 47: Although Charlotte wasn’t happy when her mom left, I quickly got her distracted and we headed to the park since it was nice out (again!). She fell asleep in the stroller on the way, which made the next couple hours relaxing in the sun very nice. Playtime at the park, then dinner at home before mom returned.

Day 48: The rain started today, so I had to get creative with what to do with Charlotte. Once again she fell asleep in the stroller, so I hung out at KEXP for awhile. We spent the afternoon at the Children’s Museum, which is quite lame compared to Denver’s, and then caught the monorail back to their AirBnb. Venturing around the city with a kid in a stroller while it’s raining wasn’t so bad.

Day 49: More rain, but with rain gear, snacks and pull-ups in tow, we made the trek to the aquarium. Charlotte loooved it, so we easily filled up a few hours there. Afterward we ventured in the rain to Yardhouse for lunch, and then she fell asleep in the stroller on the way back. So I shopped and ran some errands to keep her napping as long as possible before we returned to the AirBnB just in time for her mom to return that afternoon. After three days of lugging the threenager and our gear around the city in the rain, I had a much greater appreciation for urban parents. It wasn’t unmanageable, though, and I didn’t mind it at all.
That afternoon, I headed over to the Seattle Center to watch the end of a flag football game in a league I joined. It was a last-minute sign-up as a way to meet people. I’m excited, but nervous because I haven’t played in awhile. Everyone was super nice and welcoming. Our next game is next Saturday.

Seattle: Week 5

Day 29: Got up early to run in Seattle’s 35th annual St. Patrick’s Day Dash. I guess it’s the first fun run to ever run the Seattle viaduct — the one I ran on in January before they started tearing it down. Unfortunately I didn’t bring money or an ID with me, so I couldn’t take part in the St. Patty’s Day festivities in the 21+ beer garden. Boo! The run start/finish were right down the street from my apartment, but man it sure felt far on the walk home… Spent midday deep cleaning the kitchen. I chickened out and never asked my roommate to help deep clean the apartment, so it filled up my day. Will have to tackle the bathroom another day ‘cuz I had to get a little freelance work in before walking to North Queen Anne for a babysitting gig, which ended up being an annoying four hours because the kids didn’t listen very well and their house is a mess.

Day 30: Up early and drove East of the city for a short morning childcare gig. Afterward I drove to Lexus of Bellevue, since there aren’t any in the city, for my biannual maintenance and to finally get my scratch buffed out. No luck on the latter and a super expensive service; on the bright side, I got a lot done working on their complimentary computers in the waiting room. Quick workout at the local 24 Hour Fitness before heading back into the city. Stopped in Capitol Hill to meet my “mentor” – that gal who’s trying to recruit me for her secret business club that I still have yet to understand. I ordered dinner while I waited, just for her to come in for 15 minutes, ask me about the book she made me read, tell me I progressed to the “next stage” and then peace out. Man, what a freakin’ waste of time. The weather was so nice today, but unfortunately I was stuck inside with my packed itinerary. Supposed to be in the 70s all week, so will have to take advantage!

Day 31: Typical Tuesday, or what seems to be my typical Tuesday in the short time I’ve been here… Full day with little Evan, gym, Whole Foods, home. The weather was really nice again, so I walked Evan and his dog Watson to the park. Opted to walk home from Whole Foods rather than bus since it’s so nice out. It’s about 25 minutes, but the hill is what gets ya.

Day 32: Few morning interview calls with Global Coffee Report and then other work throughout the day. Went for a long run in the warm weather this afternoon up the Elliott Bay Trail, which I hadn’t visited in a week or so. Turns out yesterday and today were record-breaking temps for Seattle, both historically and compared to other cities across the country. It has felt like summer! I got back from running at about 7 pm and made the game-time decision to go see Foals at the Paramount theater, so showered and ate a quick dinner before catching the bus down the street. It would have been about a 35 minute walk, which is doable, but the bus was literally a 5 minute walk and 5 minute ride. I was able to use my transfer slip for the ride back after the show. Unfortunately I wasn’t paying attention and missed my stop by a long-shot. I ended up in North Seattle and had to wait for a bus coming back the other way at midnight. The show was good but not as much as expected unfortunately. The theater is incredible inside, though.

Day 33: The temperature dropped overnight, so there was a bit of a chill in the air today – still sunny, though. I spent most of today nannying a new little boy who I’m hoping will turn into a regular Thurs gig. I hear I’m up against another gal… Stopped at Storyville Coffee in my neighborhood on the way home before signing up at F45 Training in Queen Anne. I took some classes in Denver, so am using the two-week trial here just to mix up my workout. Shower, dinner and work back at home.

Day 34: Was expecting to wake up to rain since it was in the forecast, but another day of sun! Took a conference call at 8 am and then walked to Storyville again to work some more before my 12 pm F45 class. Tonight I watched a couple kiddos in North Seattle. I’m being very particular about the jobs I take that require me to drive; here and there it’s not so bad as I get a hang of the city.

Day 35: Up and out the door for an 11 am F45 class, then an afternoon gig across town. Drive down to West Seattle after for a free performance by Citizen Cope at Eastside Records. It was short and standing room only on the sidewalk, but still neat. Took the opportunity to hang out while I was down there. Walked around in the sunshine and ate at a local brewery. Thinking about snowboarding tomorrow, but I have tons of writing to do and only one week left…

Seattle: Week 4

Day 22: I flew in late last night and spend the first night in my new apartment. My roommate Laura had borrowed an air mattress from her friend and pumped it up in my room for me – beats a hard floor or camping mat. Woke up to sunshine and beautiful views from our apartment balcony. I lazed about inside, got to know my roommate better and did some freelance work. Laura invited me to a firefighter charity event, so I went for a run and swung by the bar it was hosted at. I ended up having so much fun that I stayed out with her super late – mostly because I met a cute boy and we were dancing the night away to a fun cover band 🙂

Day 23: Less sunny today, but not too gloomy and no rain for most of the day. It started raining lightly at about 6 pm. Worked a bit and then met the firefighter for brunch (!) before he hit the road. Too bad he lives in Montana… Grocery shopped and then organized the kitchen a bit. It’s in dire need of a deep clean, so will propose that to my roommate this weekend. I hoped to pick some of my stuff up at the storage unit, but there was a hangup at the gym and I ran out of time. I had a babysitting gig at 6 pm; two well-behaved little kiddos.

Day 24: Gloom this morning and then lots of rain midday, but the sun ended up coming out in the afternoon. Babysat my little buddy Evan (from before I left Seattle in Feb). His mom wants me every Tues until they move in June. I had an interview with another family after, then gym, Whole Foods and bus home. I’m finding the long, steep walk back to my apartment is less than ideal. I fear my place is a bit too far from the places I want to go 😦

Day 25: Another sunny, rain-free day. Freelance work in the morning and then an in-person interview with another family. They live in West Seattle, and at first I was open to the opportunity just to get myself established and make some money in the short term, but I don’t think I want to make the regular drive out there after all. It’s only 5 miles away, but it’s not walking distance and a bit too inconvenient by public transit (plus they need me to transport the kiddos). I moved to Seattle to be in an urban city and refrain from using my car, so I need to actually stick with that… Attempted to go for a run in the green belt near their house, but it was too muddy from the rain the day before. Picked up a bunch of stuff from my storage unit, so looking forward to getting slowly set up in my apartment.

Day 26: More sunshine! Annoyingly distracted and unproductive morning, but got through a couple calls for freelance work midday. Went for a better run down to the Elliot Bay Trail and then wound back up into Queen Anne toward Trader Joes. It’s walking distance to my house, which is nice. Stocked up on more groceries and walked home.

Day 27: Suuuper early conference call with my branding agency gig. T a bit more freelance work after before walking down the street for a babysitting gig. The family’s apartment is tiny and the mom was home working, literally 5 feet away, so Taylor and I went for a nice long stroll around Queen Anne. Another beautiful day! Afterward I explored the stairs near my apartment, looking for a lengthy set that I could exercise on that compared to my fave Santa Monica stairs. Ended up along the trail on Lake Union (in Westlake) and explored up to the Fremont bridge. Didn’t realize Fremont was so close, tho might be a far walk. Happy to find another trail to run on!

Day 28: Babysitting gig in North Seattle — another one I agreed to even though it’s decently far (i.e. had to drive). I had planned a big Target run, though, and they’re in the same area, so it worked out. Spent the day playing with 8-year-old Cameron: Uno, badminton, puzzle, walk, board games. Quite the change from the typical babies I’m watching. Then had a big afternoon at Target stocking up on cleaning supplies and things I needed for my place. Two hours and $200+ hours later… Yikes! I hit a wall on the drive home, so decided not to go to karaoke with my roommate that night. Dinner, little freelance work and then bed.

Seattle: Week 3

Day 15: Since I finally finished my articles for Global Coffee Report, I took the day off to go snowboarding. First time snowboarding in Washington, first time at Snoqualmie and first time back on the slopes in 2+ weeks after a stint of snowboarding several times per week while I was on my road trip west. Unfortunately the snow was horrible – it was all ice – and only 1/3 of the small resort was open. It wasn’t very fun and I was finished within a couple hours. Next I’ll check out Crystal Mountain. Viewed my first room for rent tonight. Went well, but will decide after my other viewings over the next several days.

Day 16: Today was “Free Museum Day” in Seattle so I headed over to the Seattle Art Museum after two apartment viewings. I wasn’t stoked about either of them, unfortunately – I listed one as a maybe and one as definite no. The art museum had some neat exhibits, and that night was an Africa theme party. So I had a quick dinner and then went back for the party. There were speakers and live music performances – it reminded me of my amazing trip to Kenya several years ago.

Kijiji Night at Seattle Art Museum

Day 17: I had my first nannying gig today. This woman found me on UrbanSitter and is looking for 2x per week for her 5 month old son. I was there 6 hours and it went really well, so I’m happy to have a regular job arranged for when I get back to Seattle in March. Afterward I had another apartment viewing, which I was pleasantly surprised by. Then I met my
“new friend” from Day 1 out for coffee. She didn’t have any coffee, though, and instead basically interviewed me for this elite club that she won’t share much information about. Turns out my instincts were right about her trying to sign me up for something rather than wanting to form a friendship. Just have yet to learn what it actually is. Oh, and snow again today!!

Day 18: More snow today! I had an apartment viewing, so rather than trudge through the snow, I drove there on Seattle’s empty streets. The city truly shuts down when it snows, and these have been record snowfall levels. Lexi actually had trouble on a couple super steep streets covered in slushy wet snow. I liked this apartment, too, and the girl (who would be my roommate) is super nice. I could see myself becoming friends with her. Unfortunately because I drove there, I couldn’t get a good sense for how walkable the location is. Ran to the gym and it was closed because of the snow.

Day 19: One of my last appointments was today and the lady kept flaking on me. However, finally we were able to meet up around 3 pm. This is my favorite place by far. It’s a great price, has big rooms and great views. My friend (i.e. future roommate) and I are going to have to move quick if we want this one. Ran to the gym and this time it was open; however, it started snowing really hard on my way home. I watched a Prius pinball down a steep hill, ricocheting off another car and the median before sliding sideways through the intersection. Holy moly!

Day 20: More snow, if you can believe it! Second day babysitting little Evan and it went well again. Afterward I went and got a library card at the Seattle Public Library downtown and then walked to my last apartment viewing. Despite all the amenities this one came with, it was disappointing. I think I have my decision… My friend happened to be in town today/tonight for work, so I met up with him and his colleague for dinner. Then he and I had some great catch-up time afterward over drinks. It was a bit hard to find a bar open on a Monday night in the snowy weather.

Seattle Public Library – main downtown branch

Day 21: I had hoped to go to Crystal Mountain today, but the mountains were expected to get up to 10 inches and I just didn’t feel like driving in those conditions and sitting in the car for hours. (I also stayed up to late…) So instead I went to coffee with one of the guys who works at my hostel. He and I have become chatty over the past couple weeks, and so I can finally say I do have a friend in Seattle! Reached out to the property manager to start negotiations and move forward with that apartment I really liked, but turns out someone else viewed it the next day and already pulled the trigger. Nooooo! I’m so bummed because I loved that place and am no longer excited about any of the others. What do I do?! Packing and running errands the rest of the day, getting ready to head back to Denver for a couple weeks and then travel throughout Georgia for a week for work and leisure. Will be back to Seattle Mar 9 and pick up my journal then.

Seattle: Week 2

Day 8: Despite another nice day, I spent it inside working at the KEXP Gathering Space. Ran to the gym for a workout, and then found my local Whole Foods on the way home. I actually think it might be the only one in the downtown area, which seems crazy since Seattle is a trendy progressive city and Amazon is based here. Also saw the most beautiful sunset ever tonight. Downfall of being in a big city is buildings block views and get in the way of photos. Haha

Day 9: Thought it was supposed to be rainy today, but another blue-ski day with some sun. Headed over to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery to work. It’s like Disneyland for coffee lovers. Today I finally dedicated some time to looking for apartments. Responded to 11 postings, so let’s hope something comes out of it!

Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Day 10: Rain today – Basically my first since I got here, not counting the downpour I arrived in my first night. Worked all day again at KEXP. intended to drive outside the city to run an errand but walked all the way to my car and forgot my keys. Doh! I’m hoping parking isn’t such a pain near wherever I get an apartment. Decided to be social and went out for a bit with hostel-mates.

Day 11: My first fun run in Seattle! Participated in the historic Tunnel to Viaduct 8k, where we ran 4k through the brand new SR99 tunnel and 4k back up on the old viaduct that’s being torn down soon. I guess 49,000 signed up for the run! Just a tiny bit of drizzle during the run. Spent the rest of the day doing laundry and working. Finished my article so treated myself to a night out: dinner with a friend who came in from Bellevue and a show – another first!

Tunnel to Viaduct 8k

Last view (midrun) from the viaduct before it is torn down…

Leftover Salmon at The Triple Door

Optimism Brewery

Day 12: Checked out of the hostel and moved to an Airbnb in the First Hill neighborhood. It started snowing today! Gym > work > Super Bowl. Watched the last quarter of what turned out to be a boring game at Optimism Brewery. Found the city’s second Whole Foods.

Day 13: Worked in the Airbnb most of the day. It snowed all morning, covering Lexi with at least 3 inches of snow. Some parts of Seattle got one foot!! So crazy! The sidewalks and streets were ice skating rinks when I ran to the gym and side road were closed simply because they were icy. The city clearly doesn’t know how to handle snow. Meanwhile, I’d much prefer it over rain.

Day 14: Worked at a coffee shop most of the day. It was Kaladi Coffee, the roaster I love in Denver. Had no idea they didn’t actually start out in Denver (actually Anchorage). Gym sesh and then back to the Airbnb to finish my article – the last of 5!

Seattle – week by week

I finally arrived to Seattle on January 22 after a full year of deciding on a city and continually pushing out my departure date. Each full day since I arrived, I started making mental notes of what I was observing and of my “firsts” as a resident in my new city. Considering I want to be more active on my blog (even if no one reads it but me), I decided to post a weekly update on how I’m faring.

Day 1: Rain in the morning, continued from the previous day but then no rain the rest of the day. Went on my first run; took me through at least 4 parks! All the moisture makes sidewalks, roads and trails slick with water, mud and moss/algea. Made my first grocery trip and my first friend! A gal at the store complimented me on my raincoat, and then ended up getting my number. I’m not convinced she won’t end up trying to recruit me for something…

Interlaken Park

Day 2: No rain today, just overcast. Found my local 24 Hour Fitness, my local REI (which is even more impressive than Denver’s!), and my local library.

Day 3: Sun!! Still chilly out, but no rain. I had my first visitor in town. Technically she’s up here for her husband’s interview with Amazon, but was happy to spend time with a familiar face, nonetheless. I really hope he gets it so they move up here! I also took public transit (i.e. bus) for the first time and used Lyft for the first time. Although the city is super walkable, it’s way bigger and more hilly than I remember, so walking is a bit more of an endeavor at times.

Day 4: I checked out of my first “residence” and moved into a hostel in Belltown that I stayed at during the visit to Seattle that got me hooked. I finally put all my stuff in storage, where it’ll stay during this short stint and while I’m traveling for three weeks. Also the first time I really had to scope out parking. Queen Anne seems to be a good residential area to leave Lexi and walk to Belltown. More sun today, so I made sure to go on the same run along the Sound that helped win me over 18 months ago. Then dinner and drinks with my “visitors.” Found a new rooftop bar and added another Fairmont Hotel to my list.

Puget Sound

Day 5: My friend introduced me to a great community space with lots of tables, couches and outlets. It also has a vinyl record stand and coffee bar with free sparkling water! Because it’s hosted by KEXP radio, great tunes are always playing and you can even see inside the DJ booth. Worked there all day today. Will be my new office for the foreseeable future.

KEXP Gather Space

Day 6: More work, and at my fave spot of course. Second grocery shopping trip, which was quite the task walking with all the bags.

Day 7: Semi-productive workday from the hostel. Made sure to finish by 3:00 so I could get outside on another sunny day. Ran further down the Elliott Bay Trail than I ever have. Made it to Smith Cove and Elliott Bay Marina; 7.5 miles RT.

View from north on Elliot Bay Trail – Mount Rainier in the distance