Random First Thoughts About Seattle

Here's a short list of my random first thoughts about Seattle...

- Dogs. Everyone, I mean, practically EVERYONE has a dog. And the owners all have to carry around to a bag to pick up its...well, you know. I don't think I could do it. I think its the temperature that would get to me. AND they even take them to the mall. I was at the mall the other day, having coffee with a friend when I saw a lady pushing a cart with a weiner dog where a child would sit. It's actually pretty ridiculous, but entertaining at the same time.

- I know I live in a city now, but holy houses, cars, and people!!! I went running the other day and the neighborhoods just went forever and ever. It was crazy! I guess its much different from running the country roads of Parma. A good different though. Here I can run 20 blocks and see the water! And everything is in bloom here so I can smell the trees and flowers when I run.
A-mazing! (The hills suck though.)

- Parallel and back-in diaganol parking. Both things I haven't had to do much of before in my life. I'm learning and improving!

- Diversity. I love it! Parma/Spring Arbor obviously aren't the most diverse communities so just seeing and interacting with people different than me is refreshing. I could choose almost any type of food and find a restaurant in a somewhat close distance.

- Weather. It has been rather beautiful here thus far. I am thankful for that! I think it helps with the transition.

- Staying up late. Wow, I think I have stayed up until at least midnight every night since I've been here (well, not the night before my first day of work, i think i was in bed at 11:30 then). At home, I went to bed around 10:30. Definitely a lifestyle change, but am enjoying it! I'm still young, right?

- I get excited about Michigan. We went to a concert the other night and one of the acts said they were from Michigan. I got excited! Then, we saw a guy wearing a Detroit Tigers hat at Trader Joe's and I was excited. Kind of weird, but guess its just a little taste of home.

- I've realized that in Parma/Jackson I think I forget about God's creation and his ability to create all that is around us, but here each day when I see the mountains or the water, I am reminded of God's creativity and how big He is truly is. I am very thankful for that reminder. I wish I could remember that at home too. I hope that I don't ever get used to the mountains and ocean and forget about who created them.

All in all, my observations and thoughts have been positive. I am so thankful and feel blessed that living here is part of my journey and part of this season of life. God is truly faithful!

70 degree and sunshine welcome

After getting the car packed...

And driving 33 hours...

We made it to Seattle!!!

It was sunny and 70 degrees in Seattle today. I think it wanted to give me a warm welcome :) The car ride was fun and was pretty flawless except for a little traffic near Chicago. The time went by fast as we had plenty to do with chatting, music, and all the gifts and snacks from our parents and friends. I can't wait to get some exercise after eating and sitting for 33 hours.

And with some family and friends slipping us some generous amounts of money before we left, we were able to make it out here without any cost to us. We even were able to treat ourselves to a celebratory breakfast. Thank you so much!

I start work on Wednesday and move into my housing on Sunday! I'll keep you posted! Thank you to all who prayed for our safe travel!

Moving on Out!

I went to my friend, Stephanie's, baby shower a few months ago. This was the onezie she received for her newborn. The sad yet funny thing is it has applied to me for the past year and four months...

but soon, this will be me...

Yup, i am moving...............................................................................to Seattle!