Today I returned from the happiest place on Earth. No I did not go to Disney Land! I was in Seattle for three glorious days. Seattle is possibly the most wonderful place on the planet. Ok, so I exaggerate a bit. All I know is that I haven't been that relaxed and haven't had that much fun, in I don't know how long.
Wednesday I landed at SeaTac airport and boarded a bus that took me to downtown Seattle where I was to get on another bus that would take me to Jeff and Lauren's apartment on Capitol Hill. Of course, I couldn't just go straight to an empty apartment. I decided to wander around the city. I am sure I looked rather nomadic with my roller suit case and carry on bags. I now totally understand the whole shopping cart thing. At one point I found myself looking for a homeless guy with a spare just to take some of the pressure off my aching back! Eventually I got tired and decided to eat at a restaurant that epitomizes all that makes Seattle great! Ok, so McDonalds isn't exactly fine dining, however I am convinced that everything tastes better in the shadow of the Space Needle.
Friday I spent the day wandering around Seattle, eating lunch with Lauren, and going down to Pikes Place Market. It was at Pike's Place that I discovered something about myself. I am a stuck up tourist! I found myself not taking pictures with all the other people around me because I wanted to come off as a local or someone who has at least lived in Seattle. I did live in the Seattle area for almost 3 years...doesn't that make me a step above the average tourist? I mean really, I was visiting friends - not touring. Friday night Jeff, Lauren, and I made dinner, went to ice cream, and then made homemade cinnamon rolls. Ok, so Lauren made the dough but I helped put on the cinnamon and roll up the dough!
Saturday was my favorite day of all. We went to Bainbridge Island which meant that I got to ride a ferry. I LOVE FERRIES!! I was taking sneaky pictures on my cell phone. Like I said, I am not the average tourist and could not appear to be so. We spent the day walking around the Island and looking through little shops. I ordered a Mimosa at lunch and quickly learned that champagne on an empty stomach has interesting effects on a person. Let's just say I was relaxed. After a day full of walking, wine tasting, eating, and ferry riding I was beyond tired. I ended up going to bed very early after dinner.
This trip was exactly what I needed to relax and clear my head after many stressful months. I haven't had much clarity on where my life is going or what I am supposed to do, but I have decided that it is time for big changes. While a tattoo is definitely something that is still on the table...the change I am about to make is bigger than ink that is permanently attached to my body. I am going to be moving to Seattle. I am going back. I am hoping in the next couple of months I will be able to get myself in a position that will allow me to move. This is just something I need to do for Gizmo and I. I am excited about the future for the first time in 6 months.
