Wordless Wednesday - Last week's trip to Seattle!

Taken by Seattle.....

When I got off the plane I was a bit panicked and frightened. Normal for being somewhere new and not knowing anyone or my way around. But the beauty and feeling of this place instantly took away the fear.

It was gray skies and cool and from the green hills it looked like rain at any moment. PERFECT for me. And my God, there were mountains in the distance. Mountains!

I only visited Seattle for 5 days/4 nights but it felt much longer...and that's a wonderful thing.

On those lovely days when it rained and rained, something stirred within me...like I was meant to be there, or perhaps, was a Seattleite in another life.

I think I could be quite happy there...I KNOW I could...and it makes me very sad that I might not get the chance to live there.

It was a place connected to nature. So many trees, lush gardens, and green spaces. On the outskirts of town, house after house outdid the other in terms of their landscaping. Poppies and azalea blooms as big as your hand.

I walked and walked and walked in every direction, exploring downtown and all the surrounding areas. An adventure for sure. Visiting Seattle was one of the best decisions I've made. There was something so right about that city.

On my last night I went down to the waterfront, a view that could rival Chicago's. From the piers I cried for the longest time, the sun setting over the lake and mountains. The thought of never seeing it again was too much to bear.

I wish I never left.....

I returned home earlier this week and miss Seattle already. Terribly so.

What am I going to do without you?

If God is kind, He'll help me find a way back there.....to stay.

Seattle, here I come!

It was kind of last minute and an impulsive decision.

I'm so nervous yet excited. Excited enough to scream!

I requested time off from my jobs this weekend and will be flying out to Seattle for the first time!

Weeeeeeee!

I can't tell you how many times people have asked if I've been there before or told me I should move to Seattle when I mention LOVING rainy weather.

So for the next five days I'm going to see what it's like firsthand.

I don't know a soul there and am a bit afraid but don't want those things to ruin this opportunity. God knows it might be a while before I can take time off again and the future is guaranteed to no one.

So bring on the rain, clouds, and mild temps!

Whether I'm ready or not...Seattle, here I come!

Losing Johanna.....

I never laughed so hard at work except when she was there. We'd always goof on Corporate and she made work FUN.

When she would hum or tap or clap to our store's music soundtrack, I would too.

When she'd randomly start doing pirouettes on the sales floor (she's trained in ballet) I'd dance along with her.

Her quirky nature and sunny personality were infectious and brought out a playful side I didn't know I had. And I do believe working there will SUCK with her gone.

Johanna, one of the managers at the arts-and-crafts store I work at, put in her two-weeks-notice and yesterday was her last day...only weeks after the assistant store manager quit.

Sadly, Corporate could care less. Maybe one day the higher-ups will realize they need to invest in its employees if they want to keep them.

I think once she was promoted to manager last year, she saw the darker side to Corporate and was ready to go. Thankfully Johanna found a less stressful job, one more in keeping with her field.

I didn't have time to make her a proper painting but I bought a ton of snacks that day and set up a makeshift farewell party in our breakroom. It's the least I could do for all she's brought to us. She's a true asset to our store and will be missed.

But onto bigger and better things, Johanna!!

Wordless Wednesday - Dead pigeon on 11th Street

I could care less.

I feel like I'm losing time and can never get enough done.

It's been one of those days...for the past couple days.

Being unproductive, feeling sad, and crying during the quiet times.

There are a couple art projects which need to be started soon so hopefully I can rebound and get them completed.

But for right now, at this moment, I could care less.

The day after.

Besides my immediate family, only a handful of people remembered but that's okay because I really don't celebrate my birthday anyway.

I turned 33 yesterday.

It rained off and on most of the day (which I loved), I worked both my jobs, and I had a bit of a sore throat which was annoying.

My new baby!

One of my coworkers at the crafts store bought me an orchid plant and cupcakes. And one of my student workers at my university job baked red velvet cupcakes for me! I even got voicemails from both of my aunts.

It made me feel very special. I haven't felt that way in many months and it helped soften the birthday blues.

One day I do believe I'll actually celebrate my birthday instead of loathing it and it making me sad.

In time.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have several kinds of cake to eat!