Day Trip to Deception Pass

Deception Pass

Impromptu trip to a historic landmark?

Sign. Me. Up.

Recently Jeff surprised me with a plan to drive up to Deception Pass. Located about 80 miles north of Seattle in Anacortes. Deception Pass is a strait between Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands. For about a year now I’ve been wanting to go up there so I was elated by this news. Deception Pass offers beautiful views of Puget Sound, Skagit Bay, and Macs Cove. It’s a popular sightseeing destination in the Pacific Northwest that I can now (excitedly of course) describe first hand.

12 books in 12 months: #3 Undead and Unwed by Marie Janice Davidson

In Undead and Unwed, Betsy Taylor is laid off from her job as a secretary, killed in a car wreck, then wakes up as a vampire in a casket at a funeral home. She loves designer shoes (think Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo, and Manolo Blahniks), is obsessed with her appearance, and doesn’t mince words. Betsy, along with two human sidekicks, is thrust in the middle of a vampire feud. She doesn’t want to pick a side and certainly doesn’t want to follow any vampire rules. I quickly devoured this hilarious novel and enjoyed every bite.

Kayaking 101 on Seattle's Lake Union

The rest of my classmates returning to dock.

Sunday morning I stepped out of my comfort zone and into a kayak. As part of a bucket list of sorts, I ventured down to Seattle’s Lake Union to attend a basic strokes kayaking class held at Northwest Outdoor Center.

I was nervous and equally excited.

This is the first time I’ve done a water activity. There’s no jet skiing, wakeboarding, canoeing, etc. in my repertoire so this was truly a new adventure for me.

12 books in 12 months: #2 Yes Please by Amy Poehler

Autobiographies aren’t the type of books I typically read but when I was gifted Amy Poehler’s Yes Please I was pretty excited to dive in. From Saturday Night Live to this year’s Golden Globes to watching her on Parks and Recreation, I enjoy watching Amy. She always makes me laugh and when paired with Tina Fey there’s no doubt I’ll be entertained.

This book covers much of Amy’s life – from her childhood, to trying to lose her Boston accent, to the birth of her two sons. She writes about her friendships with other comedic actors like Rashida Jones, Rachel Dratch, and Louis C.K (just to name a few). She also tackles being a woman in Hollywood and the challenges it can bring. Along the way she sprinkles in advice in an insightful and humorous way. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.

From Blondes to IPAs to Sours, Beer Lovers Toast to Seattle Beer Week

Whether you’re new to drinking craft beer or a longtime fan Seattle Beer Week is your chance to join thousands of others who want to enjoy what the market has to offer. The ten day celebration kicks off today with dozens of bars, pubs, and breweries hosting several events showcasing a variety of hop based beverages. It’s no coincidence Seattle Beer Week is successful. According to the Brewers Association, Washington State ranks second in the nation in the number of craft breweries creating batches of a drink first created in ancient Mesopotamia.

Quote of the Day

Evergreen State Gem: Green Lake Park

Turtles sunbathing at Green Lake Park.

If I were creating a list of my favorite outdoor spots in Seattle, Green Lake Park would make the top five. The loop around the lake is almost three miles long and is usually bustling with activity year round. It attracts people who want to walk, run, bike, roller blade, etc. You can also play tennis, fish, and put a small craft in the water.

Photo gallery: Picture Perfect View of Seattle

View from Kerry Park.

One of the best views of downtown Seattle is from Kerry Park in the Queen Anne neighborhood. When the weather is nice you can count on a steady stream of people from locals to tourists enjoying the scenery. When I first came to visit in 2010 my friend Amber took me there and I was amazed by the picturesque view. You could argue it’s what sealed the deal in wanting to live here one day. Although at the time that seemed like a far-fetched dream.

A weekend of firsts: Pacific Science Center, Space Needle & Pacific Northwest Ballet

Each year millions of tourists descend upon Seattle and the surrounding areas to visit places like the Space Needle, Pikes Place Market, and Ballard Locks. Recently I explored one popular area of the Emerald City which turned out to be a weekend of firsts.

Quote of the Day

This is one of my favorite quotes. It's in the same school of thought as “opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work,” which is credited to Thomas Edison.

In part, this blog is my dance. Most importantly I enjoy crafting new posts to share and I trust the right “partner” will come along and ask to join me.