Seattle: A Nice Piece of Glass

...weekend of October 10th...

After a long week at work, all I wanted to do was.. well, pretty much nothing. Plans spoke otherwise, but I wouldn't have changed a thing. I enjoyed the perfect blend of relaxation and beauty. From Pirate Radio paired with Amazing Mexican, to the dog park, a Bear's win, and finally, the Chihuly Glass Museum with a friend from home, everything was great!

On our way to the park! Meet Stout, Porter's [big] best friend.

Cheeeeeeeeese 

Handsome buddy 

Sunday evening, I was able to meet up with Kristin, a friend since second grade, who was in town for the weekend. We visited the breath-taking Chihuly Glass Museum, one of the items high on my to-do list! Feeling inspired, just a few days later, I signed up for a four hour glass blowing class. I'm sure my pieces will look just as incredible as Chihuly's, if not better.

Flashback to Fall 2010 at the same spot. It was on this trip that I first fell in love with Seattle. :)

Vantage Rock Climbing

You can't fall if you don't climb, but there's no joy in living your whole life on the ground. -Unknown

On October 4, I completed my first lead climb. One more New Year's resolution crossed off the list! It was a 5.5; not a difficult route by any stretch of the imagination, but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Saturday morning, coffee/chai in tow, Kristina, Natalie, Hexar, and I began the 2.5 hour drive to Frenchman's Coulee. During our drive, we were, unfortunately, pulled over. Fortunately, we had the pleasure of meeting the FRIENDLIEST policeman known to man or woman. You know you just experienced something out of the ordinary when you leave a traffic stop and you're all smiling and telling the green-eyed officer to have a great day. Crazy enough, he made our day better.

Meet Miles, Natalie's dog, and our day-trip companion!

Once at Vantage, we met up with Sarah and friends. Sarah set the bar high with a kick ass climb.

Natalie going after one of her many climbs

Two amazing ladies crushing it

Oh yeh, I was there too. :) 

Kristina making it look easy! I'm on lead belay and Natalie's belaying Hexar, the talented photographer.

Natalie coming down from her first lead climb!

At the top of my first lead climb!

 Taking on the rock together. The climb on the right required a little jump of faith!

I daresay this trip may have changed Kristina's opinion of Vantage to a positive one!

My little buddy. :)

Hexar killing his final route of the day, a 10c.

Gorgeous view!!

About five hours later, I had five climbs under my belt, a few lead belays, another first-hand lesson on repelling, and my first lead climb. Pretty wonderful. Certainly, a day deserving of the good Mexican grub that followed!

Fair thee well, Frenchman's Coulee, it's been fun.

The End. :)

A Weekend Getaway

At the end of September, I was lucky enough to have my parents come in for a visit. Three travelers reunited, just looking for a nice, relaxing weekend with, may I say, excellent company.

First up, we had to try a new bar (obviously). Thursday evening, we made our way to Hale's Ales. Though I'd enjoyed Hale's beer before, I had never been inside the brewery. As usual, Seattle brews (and food) did not disappoint.

Prost!

I left work early on Friday and we made our way to Bellingham via the scenic route of Chuckanut Drive. Though the skies were overcast, they added a certain beauty to the drive. That evening, at a Hawaiian joint in town, we enjoyed some pizza that would be proud to call itself pizza in Chicago. Who knew! For a night cap, we stopped by Kulshan Brewery. I enjoyed the TransPorter (HA!) while my dad partook in the Dude Man Wheat Ale. 

Cool name, bro.

Saturday morning, we visited Whatcom Falls Park. So many beautiful waterfalls in such a short hike. If only Christina could have been with us! 

Next, onto the town of Bellingham to enjoy a farmer's market, Boundary Bay Brewery, and a nice walk around the beautiful town. One of my favorite stops was Mallard Ice Cream where I enjoyed root beer ice cream for the first time in, at least, 15 years. It wasn't as magical as my childhood remembered it to be, but it was still pretty darn delicious. :)

Dark beer drinkers at Boundary Bay. One of them may be root beer...

Rocking the Seahawks colors!!

A scenic pitstop on our way to La Conner.

For our last stop of the day, we traveled to the scenic town of La Conner. No need to tell you how beautiful it is, just take a look at the pictures!

At dinner on Saturday night, I got a fun surprise! Since I couldn't be home for my birthday, my mom brought the belated celebration to Seattle. Now I can say, I am officially 30. :)

Sunday was spent exactly as it should have been - watching the Bears game. Felt fantastic to bring some of Sweet Home Chicago to the Pacific Northwest!

Polish Women in Seattle!

I love to find the beauty in everyday objects. - Dale Chihuly

The first weekend in September, I was visited by my wonderful cousin and sister. Katherine was attending a work conference but we were still able to show her around the town! The weather couldn't have been better; it was such a lovely weekend! We hit up Pike Place, Kerry Park, Lake Union, Lake Washington, and all the favorites! Below are a few highlights. 

I got my first Pike Place bouquet this weekend - it was gorgeous! Thanks, Katherine!

Twinkie love.

Surrounded by lovely Brzozowski women.

Rainier came out just for Katherine!! What a day - and what a shot!!

I had to take them to my favorite Molly Moon's. Honey lavender ice cream!

I was also dog-sitting this weekend! Meet Puppy, a true snuggler.

One morning after dropping Katherine off at her conference, Christina and I took a short detour to the Sneedle.

Porter was very happy to have more friends in the house! Always sad to see them go though!