I’m falling in love again… With Seattle

July 13, 2007

It’s summer in Seattle and I’m loving it! We currently have warm weather and sunny skies with barely a cloud in sight. I can see Mt. Rainier as I travel about each day. When I make trips to and from Seattle, gorgeous Lake Washington just takes my breath away.

When I left this place to live near my family in New Jersey last year, I knew I’d miss the natural beauty, the cultural diversity, and the quality of life. Still, I’d become a little bored and I was stuck in a rut, mainly doing the same old things in the same old places. After a year in southern New Jersey, I have a renewed appreciation for the Puget Sound region and metropolitan Seattle. Therefore, without further ado, I present my top 10 local attractions and activities I intend to finally experience during this, my “Summer of Seattle Love”.

1. Tour the Ballard Locks - I never visited the locks in the first 8 years of living here. This summer I will do it!
2. Take a swing dancing class - I think swinging looks like fun. The Century Ballroom offers lessons and hosts dances on a regular basis. They also have a pretty nice restaurant, if local buzz is any indication. I will experience all three in the near future.
3. Take a meditation class - I already have a meditation practice, but I’ve never taken a class. Doing so will allow me to enrich this part of my life. I intend to meditate more regularly and I want some ideas on how to enrich my experience.
4. Kayak on Lake Sammamish - John and I have kayaked a few times before and it’s always a great time. Funny we’ve never kayaked near home before. Our first kayak experience was in Jamaica during a cruise excursion. It was rough surf and we got tossed around quite a bit in the waves. Still loved it. Lake Sammamish will be MUCH calmer than the Caribbean Sea.
5. Kayak on Lake Union - Lake Union has a couple of kayak rental companies that also do tours and training. I’ll be checking them out soon. Who knows? Maybe I’ll get up the courage to attempt one of those fancy rolls.
6. Kayak on Lake Washington - Did I mention how much John and I enjoy kayaking? We once took a sunset kayak excursion from Roche Harbor up in the San Juan Islands. We were led by a really handsome naturalist who was quite knowledgeable about the local plant and animal life. We saw seal harbor and eagles on our tour. We also ate raw bull kelp from the Puget Sound.
7. Participate in Murder Mystery on The Spirit of Washington Dinner Train (now running from Tacoma to Mt. Rainier)
8. Attend Late Nite Catechism - This show has been running nonstop for nearly 10 years. By all accounts it is hilarious. I’ve always been curious, but never made the effort to go.
9. Eat a Midnight Cuban - I’ve heard amazing raves about this food! I actually went there to get a sandwich after work two nights ago and they were ALL SOLD OUT OF SANDWICHES!!! There was an angry mob milling about, hoping for a scrap of pulled pork. I MUST have one of these sandwiches. SOON!
10. Join a dragon boat racing team - I have a friend who does this. How fun to share camaraderie and competition with a group of active and fun-loving teammates! And just imagine how sexy my arms will look!

For me, this list of activities is all about living a life that’s fun, fit, and full of adventure and growth. It’s also a great way to enjoy the summer and to celebrate my return to Seattle, my second home. Already we’re at the middle of July. Let’s see how far I can get on my list before summer’s end. As I experience each item, I’ll blog about it and maybe even post some pics of me in action. In the meantime, enjoy the links and feel free to share your own list in the comments section. Then, push away from the computer, get up, and go live it!

Playfully,

Char

Posted in Fun