Turkey, family, friends and a special woman!!
This week started out by talking to Cathy and our getting back together. Throughout the week we've spent a lot of time together and have talked a lot. I really enjoy having Cathy a part of my life, she means a lot to me. Being with her makes me want to be a better person for myself, my family and friends and for her.
On Thanksgiving Lisa (my sister) and I were invited to join my friend Alexie and his family to dinner. My niece Summer was spending the day with her dad and his family. It was a bummer to not be able to spend time with her since I've been a part of her Thanksgiving since I moved here. Being able to join my friend's family was very nice though too.
On Friday Cathy met up with me at work and we were going to go out after my shift got done. Unfortunately a problem occured 10 minutes before I was supposed to leave and Cathy graciously waited for an hour for me so I could fix the problem for the evening. Everytime I saw her while she was waiting she had a smile on her face for me :) I am so lucky!!!
Last night we joined Lisa and Summer for some dinner and a movie at their place. It is so nice that the three of them get along and that we can all spend time together.
I truly am blessed to have such a good life and have such wonderful people to share it with and who share their lives with me.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
2 days off and a ferry boat ride
Well for my days off on Monday and Tuesday I made sure to put them to good use. On Monday I took the bus into Seattle where I got on a ferry and headed to Bainbridge Island. I hadn't been to Bainbridge in several years and with the perfect weather I wanted to get some photos and just get out on the ferry. I really enjoy being on the water and being able to enjoy Puget Sound is truly a gift. The winds were brisk as the ferry got up to cruising speed and the seagulls were making time with the ferry and were hoping for a free snack from any willing human. A ferry boat worker answered their call and came out with bread and other snacks.
Once on Bainbridge I did a little bit of walking around the town of Winslow, and soaked in the nice sunshine.
After a few hours on the island I headed back to Seattle and anxiously looked forward to a call from Cathy. Things were looking up for us and she had asked if she could call me later in the evening. I ended up going to visit with her and we were able to talk and figure some stuff out. I'm very glad that she decided to give us another chance. The circumstances around our break up were somewhat complicated, but I respect the decision that she made at the time. I'm happy to say that we are back together though now and that makes me very happy.
On Tuesday I stayed home for most of the day taking care of some domestic things while my car was in the shop for an oil change. I was happy that the oil change seems to have quieted the problem that I noticed in my engine on Sunday. Even at 35 years old I can still get complacent about car maintenance.
At home I got more painting done and spent some much needed time with my kitty cats. They get lonely when I'm not around very much. Even with 3 of them running around they miss me. So these next pics are for them.
Charlie
Shadow
Max
Once on Bainbridge I did a little bit of walking around the town of Winslow, and soaked in the nice sunshine.
After a few hours on the island I headed back to Seattle and anxiously looked forward to a call from Cathy. Things were looking up for us and she had asked if she could call me later in the evening. I ended up going to visit with her and we were able to talk and figure some stuff out. I'm very glad that she decided to give us another chance. The circumstances around our break up were somewhat complicated, but I respect the decision that she made at the time. I'm happy to say that we are back together though now and that makes me very happy.
On Tuesday I stayed home for most of the day taking care of some domestic things while my car was in the shop for an oil change. I was happy that the oil change seems to have quieted the problem that I noticed in my engine on Sunday. Even at 35 years old I can still get complacent about car maintenance.
At home I got more painting done and spent some much needed time with my kitty cats. They get lonely when I'm not around very much. Even with 3 of them running around they miss me. So these next pics are for them.
Charlie
Shadow
Max
Monday, November 17, 2008
Pain and Joy make us human
The title is part of a text that a friend sent me almost three weeks ago. "Data", a character from the tv series "Star Trek: The Next Generation" was an android who could do anything a human could and better, but what he could not do was feel what it was like to be human. He longed for the chance to be able to feel emotions. Unlike Data, we feel emotions both when we wish to and when we don't.
Like most people in the world I've felt extreme pain and extreme joy and everything in between. I'm reminded that both during pain and joy that "This too shall pass". It's nice to be reminded of that when I'm experiencing pain, but not when I'm experiencing joy. Sometimes we feel one of these emotions from a person we've come into contact with, but the ones closest to us can make us feel both of them, sometimes within a short period of time. I don't fault them for that, if I didn't trust them I would never let them get as so close to me as I have.
Experiencing pain helps me grow as a person if I'm willing to allow it to happen. Having enjoyed the joys that have been a part of my life gives me hope as I work through pain. Pain in life is mandatory, suffering on the other hand is optional. The longer I sit in pain I start to drift ever closer to suffering, and that does me or anybody around me any bit of good. Loss is a part of life, and the pain comes along with it. In my life I've not lost nearly as much as others that I know, but I've lost some and the grieving process goes along with it. It's what I do after that and how I deal with it that makes up a big part of who I am. Six years ago I lost a special person in my life and due to guilt and shame I suffered long after that person was gone. I was a wreck and not fun to be around. Lately I've reached out to those around me and they have helped pick me up and point me in the right direction.
So as I move on with my life I don't regret the things that I've gone through or that I've done, to do so would keep me from enjoying the wonderful things and people that come into my life. It's important for me to remember the things that people bring into my life, no matter how long that lasts, whether it be for only a few short weeks, or many years.
Like most people in the world I've felt extreme pain and extreme joy and everything in between. I'm reminded that both during pain and joy that "This too shall pass". It's nice to be reminded of that when I'm experiencing pain, but not when I'm experiencing joy. Sometimes we feel one of these emotions from a person we've come into contact with, but the ones closest to us can make us feel both of them, sometimes within a short period of time. I don't fault them for that, if I didn't trust them I would never let them get as so close to me as I have.
Experiencing pain helps me grow as a person if I'm willing to allow it to happen. Having enjoyed the joys that have been a part of my life gives me hope as I work through pain. Pain in life is mandatory, suffering on the other hand is optional. The longer I sit in pain I start to drift ever closer to suffering, and that does me or anybody around me any bit of good. Loss is a part of life, and the pain comes along with it. In my life I've not lost nearly as much as others that I know, but I've lost some and the grieving process goes along with it. It's what I do after that and how I deal with it that makes up a big part of who I am. Six years ago I lost a special person in my life and due to guilt and shame I suffered long after that person was gone. I was a wreck and not fun to be around. Lately I've reached out to those around me and they have helped pick me up and point me in the right direction.
So as I move on with my life I don't regret the things that I've gone through or that I've done, to do so would keep me from enjoying the wonderful things and people that come into my life. It's important for me to remember the things that people bring into my life, no matter how long that lasts, whether it be for only a few short weeks, or many years.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
What I'd like in a woman
I recently spoke with a few friends and they suggested that I make a list of things that I'd look for in a woman I'd want to date. I was encouraged to not list things I didn't want because then if I did that that might end up being the things I'd find in a woman. So I've been thinking of this list, if you will, and putting some good thought into it. I will of course probably add more things, but I was also informed that I might not get the 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom house, that I might instead get the 3 bedroom/1.5 bathroom house instead. That much I understood. Life and relationships in particular do consist of some compromises, but it's important that I not confuse that with sacrificing certain things that I need or want in my life.
So first and foremost I'd like a woman that I can talk to and feel comfortable being myself around. I need to feel that I can trust her.
I'd likes someone who has goals and ambitions in life.
Wants to learn more about life around her and expand her horizons persay.
She would be either a light drinker or non drinker.
I'd prefer a non-smoker. (I smoked for 17 years and have quit for 5 now)
A hiker girl would be great, or at least go out on a few hikes with me.
Likes to read.
Likes to go for walks and talk.
Family oriented
Feels comfortable being herself.
Low maintenance (can get ready to head out in a reasonable amount of time.
Expects to be treated with respect.
So that's what I've got for now. I think this is a good starting point. I'm not going to get too caught up in this list, but knowing what I'd like is very important and a good thing to know.
So first and foremost I'd like a woman that I can talk to and feel comfortable being myself around. I need to feel that I can trust her.
I'd likes someone who has goals and ambitions in life.
Wants to learn more about life around her and expand her horizons persay.
She would be either a light drinker or non drinker.
I'd prefer a non-smoker. (I smoked for 17 years and have quit for 5 now)
A hiker girl would be great, or at least go out on a few hikes with me.
Likes to read.
Likes to go for walks and talk.
Family oriented
Feels comfortable being herself.
Low maintenance (can get ready to head out in a reasonable amount of time.
Expects to be treated with respect.
So that's what I've got for now. I think this is a good starting point. I'm not going to get too caught up in this list, but knowing what I'd like is very important and a good thing to know.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Live music at Sunset Tavern
On Friday after work I headed over to Tony's place and hung out there for a bit before we drove into Ballard to catch a show at the Sunset Tavern. I had recently listened to a friends jazz band over dinner in Columbia City, but this was going to be my first club show in over a year and a half.
The bands on the bill for the night were not any that I had every heard of before. I caught a bit of each band's music on their MySpace pages and I was intrigued by what I had heard.
The first band was a 3 piece called Season of Nightmares. They were pretty good and were celebrating a recent record release.
The second band, Meisce was bigger and their accordian player was MIA for the first few moments after they took to the stage. A very unique band with a good sound.
The last band was called Wages of Sin. A lot of people had come to see these guys. Their stand up bass player was also in the first band. The sound that these guys had was something new to me, well that goes for all the bands that night. The lead singer sounded similar to a pirate singing. These guys got the crowd going though and everybody, including me, was having a great time.
So for a mere $8 I got three bands, free water and a heck of a good time in this small venue.
The bands on the bill for the night were not any that I had every heard of before. I caught a bit of each band's music on their MySpace pages and I was intrigued by what I had heard.
The first band was a 3 piece called Season of Nightmares. They were pretty good and were celebrating a recent record release.
The second band, Meisce was bigger and their accordian player was MIA for the first few moments after they took to the stage. A very unique band with a good sound.
The last band was called Wages of Sin. A lot of people had come to see these guys. Their stand up bass player was also in the first band. The sound that these guys had was something new to me, well that goes for all the bands that night. The lead singer sounded similar to a pirate singing. These guys got the crowd going though and everybody, including me, was having a great time.
So for a mere $8 I got three bands, free water and a heck of a good time in this small venue.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Emerald City, Jet City or Rain City
Chicago is known as the Windy City, New York is the Big Apple, St Louis is the Gateway to the West and LA is the city of Angels. Seattle is known as the Emerald, Rain or Jet City.
When I first visited here about 10 years ago I couldn't help but to agree with the Emerald City nickname. I visited here from MIinnesota in Febuary and I couldn't believe how green it was. The trees and other foliage in Minnesota in the winter is a dull shade of brown.
Having lived here now more than 5 years I completely agree with the Rain City moniker. It may not always rain very heavily, but rain, especially in the winter, is a very common event. We may not get as much rain as some cities in the states, but what we get comes usually steadily and over long durations. A few years ago it rained everyday for over two months straight. Unlike the midwest, where I grew up, the rain does not usually come down in a few hour thunderstorm then blow away, it just keeps coming down at a rate similar to a steady light drizzle. Back in November 2006 it was a different story, we got a real doozy of a storm that dumped over 18 inches of rain in 36 hours at Mt Rainier, only 70 miles away from my home. Other parts of the state including the greater Seattle area got a very healthy dose of rain too. Urban flooding was common and many people on lower levels of aprtment building found themselves partially under water.
Now to the last nickname, Jet City. Boeing first opened it's doors many years ago as the world started to see air travel as a faster way to move about the world. With assembly plants on the north and south ends of the Seattle Metro, jobs were plentiful and the pay was good. The 737 was assembled not to far from where I currently live, and knowing a Boeing employee was as common then as a Microsoft employee today. Recently Boeing's new "Dreamliner" rolled out and would be assembled on the north end, in Everett. The original model name was the 7E7, named for the city of Everett. With Japan making the first large order, the model name was changed to the 787 since 8 is considered lucky by the Japanese.
So for those who live in the greater Seattle area, any of these nicknames means something to them. Many local businesses use on of the nicknames in the operating name, Emerald City Smoothie, Rain City Video or Jet City Pizza.
Next time you visit the area don't be surprised by all the nicknames, Seattle is a very diverse region with many different cultures and historical events that shape this beautiful part of the country.
When I first visited here about 10 years ago I couldn't help but to agree with the Emerald City nickname. I visited here from MIinnesota in Febuary and I couldn't believe how green it was. The trees and other foliage in Minnesota in the winter is a dull shade of brown.
Having lived here now more than 5 years I completely agree with the Rain City moniker. It may not always rain very heavily, but rain, especially in the winter, is a very common event. We may not get as much rain as some cities in the states, but what we get comes usually steadily and over long durations. A few years ago it rained everyday for over two months straight. Unlike the midwest, where I grew up, the rain does not usually come down in a few hour thunderstorm then blow away, it just keeps coming down at a rate similar to a steady light drizzle. Back in November 2006 it was a different story, we got a real doozy of a storm that dumped over 18 inches of rain in 36 hours at Mt Rainier, only 70 miles away from my home. Other parts of the state including the greater Seattle area got a very healthy dose of rain too. Urban flooding was common and many people on lower levels of aprtment building found themselves partially under water.
Now to the last nickname, Jet City. Boeing first opened it's doors many years ago as the world started to see air travel as a faster way to move about the world. With assembly plants on the north and south ends of the Seattle Metro, jobs were plentiful and the pay was good. The 737 was assembled not to far from where I currently live, and knowing a Boeing employee was as common then as a Microsoft employee today. Recently Boeing's new "Dreamliner" rolled out and would be assembled on the north end, in Everett. The original model name was the 7E7, named for the city of Everett. With Japan making the first large order, the model name was changed to the 787 since 8 is considered lucky by the Japanese.
So for those who live in the greater Seattle area, any of these nicknames means something to them. Many local businesses use on of the nicknames in the operating name, Emerald City Smoothie, Rain City Video or Jet City Pizza.
Next time you visit the area don't be surprised by all the nicknames, Seattle is a very diverse region with many different cultures and historical events that shape this beautiful part of the country.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Obama wins the election!!!!!!!
The voters of the US have made history today by electing Borak Obama as the 44th President. What a wonderful day for so many people. I'm very happy that he has won!!! As I type this at 12:09am there are people partying in the streets of Seattle. Last I knew there were 3 different locations where the streets are full of happy party going voters celebrating their canidate's victory.
As of midnight, King County voters voted for Obama by a 75% to 25% margin. The residents of the greater Seattle have spoken and they are ready for a major change in the other Washington. Also they voted 70-30% margin for Incumbant Democratic Governor candidate Christine Gregoire. I'm proud to live in a county where my voting neighbors overwhelmingly voted for the candidates I would have voted for.
As of midnight, King County voters voted for Obama by a 75% to 25% margin. The residents of the greater Seattle have spoken and they are ready for a major change in the other Washington. Also they voted 70-30% margin for Incumbant Democratic Governor candidate Christine Gregoire. I'm proud to live in a county where my voting neighbors overwhelmingly voted for the candidates I would have voted for.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Day 2008
It's exciting to see the enthusiasm for the election this year. People are out in the street hollering about the fact that they voted and they're proud that they did. This morning at the bus stop I sat by a girl who was wearing an Obama t-shirt and I asked if she'd been to the polls yet. She said that this was her first time being able to vote and that she had cast her ballot. She asked if I had voted and I had to admit that I hadn't. I did not get myself registered in time, so I can't make my voice heard. This fact bums me out. This years election is a very pivotal time for our country and will be historic no matter who wins the presidential race. TO be honest I kind of feel left out, but I have nobody to blame for that, just myself.
The Governors race here in WA is also a very big one. A lot of people have very strong opinions regarding our candidates. I just hope that the better person gets elected and that we don't end up with a ballot counting mess like we did here 4 years ago.
I will not make the same registering mistake that I did this year in the next election.
The Governors race here in WA is also a very big one. A lot of people have very strong opinions regarding our candidates. I just hope that the better person gets elected and that we don't end up with a ballot counting mess like we did here 4 years ago.
I will not make the same registering mistake that I did this year in the next election.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Hanging out in Ballard
Another day off and I find myself out and about with my camera in hand and my shutter finger at the ready. With plans on moving to Seattle in April I decided to hang out in what I hope will be my new neighborhood, Ballard. For those not from the area, Seattle is separated from Kirkland (where I currently live) by a fresh water lake, Lake Washington. Crossing the lake can sometimes be a pain with traffic and limited bus service, and a possible re-instatement of a toll on both lake crossing bridges. So I've decided that in an effort to simplify my life and to attempt to shorten my daily commute to work, along with more bus options, I'm going to move across that lake. Seattle has many different neighborhoods with personalities which make them each rather unique. Ballard once was it's own city before being annexed into Seattle in 1906. Originally settled by Scandanavians, Ballard's roots as a fishing town are still evident today. Fishing vessels still dock here when they come home from the fishing grounds in Alaska or the Pacific Ocean.
Despite the push from Seattle for Ballard to grow and the increasing development of condo buildings, Ballard is still a fun neighborhood to hang out in and live life.
An active nightlifes keep Ballard awake well into the evening with plenty of live music options on most nights.
Despite the push from Seattle for Ballard to grow and the increasing development of condo buildings, Ballard is still a fun neighborhood to hang out in and live life.
An active nightlifes keep Ballard awake well into the evening with plenty of live music options on most nights.
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