It's Always Sunny in Seattle ;)

I am blogging from a coffee shop in Seattle, how cliche! My situation here become even more cliche since the young man behind the counter is gorgeous and has a wonderful smile. After a silly and brief conversation about Mighty O Doughnuts, the password for the wi-fi here, and a warm mocha in hand here I sit blogging about sunshine. 


So I have to be honest, it is not always sunny in Seattle, today it is actually overcast and appears to be threatening to rain. Rain is quite common here (duh), but according to my camera memory card it is always sunny here.

This picture was taken a few weeks ago. It is from Woodward park looking out over the soccer fields towards my house. Look at that blue sky!


This last weekend was full of sunshine and adventures. Saturday afternoon I went on a hiking/snowshoe adventure with Sarah (sister), Matt (house mate), and Carolina and Gwin (friends). We went up I-90 to Granite Mountain and headed toward Ollalie Lake. What a wonderful trip! The first part of the trail was a normal dirt hike and then the snow slowly started to appear as we gained elevation. The last part of our hike became a snowshoe adventure for Matt and I. Snowshoes were not required, but since we had carried them up the first part of the hill, we decided they were necessary! So Matt and I "Yettie-ed" around, this is a new word for running in snowshoes. So fun! I think my smile was as big as the blue sky all day! 

The at the trail head. Sunny & cold!

Carolina on a switchback...switchbacks are a staple in pacific northwest hiking. :)

The gang approaching a creek crossing.

snowshoe can-can

yettii yetttiii yetiiiii

Our mom got us big gloves for Christmas! haha They were warm and wonderful!

The day totaled in 2,000 ft+ of elevation gain, about 6 miles, and lots of smiles. We returned to Sarah's casa for slow cooker bean soup, corn bread, and pomogranite wine. Happiness.

Sunday was just as great as Saturday, it was another stunningly beautiful blue skied day in Seattle. Stephanie, Matt, and I ventured to Magnenson Park in Sand Point area right on the edge of Lake Washington. 

The view... green grass, blue water, Cascade mountains, and blue sky. Life is great.

This park is full of sculptures! This one is aligned for a straight shot and each stone is exactly half the distance from the previous one over a 1 KM range!

We found the last stone! We were getting a bit skeptical, but  we finally spotted it across 2 soccer fields and squealed (well Stephanie and I did, not Matt) like little girls! Our steps quickened and we made it to the final of 12 stones!

Next up was Row House Cafe, which is known for gourmet grilled cheese. It is housed in a picturesque little house which cute ambiance. The tomato soup is to die for and the grilled cheese is not just any grilled cheese. Think rosemary bread, fontina cheese, olive & garlic dipping sauce, and lots of  "yummm" sounds. Perfection. 

Row House

Sunday was complete with church with Sarah, dinner, and hanging out with my housemates. The weekend was a stellar success for weather, fun, and friends. Even if the sun is hiding behind clouds a bit today, it is still shinning strong in my heart. =) I just had to end with something cliche since after-all, I am blogging from a coffee shop in Seattle. Cheers!

pushing the envelope

I am exploring new things and working to develop the skills I already have. I am trying to think outside the box and open my mind to new possibilities, this is sort of hard because I tend to be most comfortable in a pattern where I know what is the likely next event (and right now I do not know what is next). These last few weeks have been hectic in a great way and I have had a lot of healthy butterflies in my stomach for various reasons.  =)

Two weeks ago I went to an all day training to become a indoor cycling instructor. 8 hours with bike fit lessons, an anatomy review, coaching workshop, and 2 actual classes later I am now a certified instructor. What an awesome day with a fantastic presenter, Keli Roberts. Keli is a world renowned fitness enthusiast and master trainer and it was a privilege to meet her and learn from her. I had no idea how much time it takes to put together a rockin' cycling class!

With my play list ready, class plan of interval and hills, and SPD clip cycling shoes I had my audition Tuesday (2/15/11) to teach at my work. I was nervous before hand and wasn't very productive the last 45 minutes of my normal work day prior to the audition. But once the music started and we got into the grove of cycling I felt right at home in the group fitness room. :) A lot of sweat, breathing, and motivation summarizes the rest of my audition. The feedback from my managers who took the class was great. They are going to try to get more employees together for a second practice class and then I'll be free to teach!

Last night I had the privilege of talking to the UW Climbing Club about injuries and exercise to prevent injury. I had so much fun sharing my knowledge and teaching others about what I love, exercise! Two physical therapists from my work came to my speech and it was fun to see them interact with the club during the Q & A part of the talk. It is also curious how after one person mentions an injury suddenly almost everyone in the room has something to ask a therapist. :) People are funny.

Pub night at Big Time brewery on the Ave with the climbing club after was enjoyable. Nothing says nutrition from a fitness expert like pizza and beer for dinner. ;)

I'm running out of time so here is a quick summary of other Seattle adventures in the last few weeks:
-going to Rock Box in capitol hill. It is a karaoke place that you rent out a little room with your friends and sing the night away without making a fool of yourself in front of strangers. One of my friends happened to own a whole collection of wigs, needless to say it was a fantastic night that ended with a group choir effort to "You make me wanna shout!"
-volunteering at the "Love 'em or Leave 'em Valentines day 5K around Greenlake! My friend Melissa and I decided if we volunteer again we need to bring a boom box and signs and then it'll be perfect!
-Food In Seattle Is Amazing! Latest was shushi at Kisaku and breakfast at Portage Bay! YUM!
-when it is sunny you stop whatever you are doing and go outside, it is an unspoken but understood rule :)

I'm off to teach a Circuit class. I can't believe today is Thursday, that means the weekend is almost here! I will try to be more regular in blog posts also! Cheers!