MY NORTHWEST WORK-ATION





I first visited the northwest in 1993, the exact month escapes me but, that trip will forever remind me of a distinct feeling I’ve yet to replicate. It was a feeling of home, being content, inspiration, and wellness. I remember it like it was yesterday, walking the streets of Seattle, staying with my mom in downtown, and just feeling this calm I’ll never properly define. Strangely, it was like I was supposed to be there.
Luckily, I have had the opportunity to return to the northwest several times since then and my most recent visit was nothing short of wonderful. I arrived at the SeaTac airport late Friday night or early Saturday morning to be accurate. I won’t mention the following 3 AM drive to my cousin’s house. It didn’t go exactly as planned but I arrived safe and sound, ready to begin my work-ation (work/vacation). I call it this because technically, I was there for business but in my heart I was on an escape mission to my beloved Seattle.

My cousin is a staple in my life, a person embedded in my earliest memories. He and his partner live on Magnolia Hill in Seattle and both sell real estate. They are just a hoot together. I laugh so much when I’m with them and just love being at their home. It’s reminiscent of being at a spa without the rock massages or facials. The back yard reminds me of a Japanese garden.

The interior of the house is tranquil and relaxing with the Asian inspired décor and neutral colors. Kelly is quite the host, always has been, so when I arrived he naturally wanted to know what I most wanted to do in Seattle. Though there are a million wonderful things to do I’d honestly be pretty content with a bottle of wine and just time to relax in this beautiful setting. It is extremely different than my present, much to busy life, in Valdez, Alaska, where time for reading, writing, and relaxing seem like a last priority. Nonetheless, I was in my favorite city in the U.S. It was time to explore. We headed out for breakfast in Kel’s Lexus SUV. Rick met us there in his convertible BMW. I mention the car details only to point out the obvious. Their lives are quite different than mine. I love the feeling of luxury, not that I’m envious but being here in this way just makes you feel pampered, even when you are doing next to nothing. We have some great meals together, great conversation and then, like that, it’s time for me to head to Tacoma for training. Prior to this trip I had heard only two things about Tacoma. One, from my hair dresser who cautiously told me “Tacoma is icky. I was at a mall there and witnessed a fight and a gun was pulled and everyone hit the ground. And the other comment, “Well, the city used to be negitavely associated with the smells of paper mills and was fittingly labeled, The Aroma of Tacoma. But, I hear they've cleaned that up now. It will be fine.” Cousin Kel. Great, what was this going to be like? Can I just stay in my Seattle sanctuary and take the week long class on line? I was less than thrilled about leaving what seemed like paradise to me for a rotten egg smellin’, gun slingin’ city. But, off I went.

Like, most unknowns I’ve been apprehensive about, I was pleasantly surprised with the reality of Tacoma, a quaint little college town filled with coffee shops, cute neighborhoods, and art galleries. I didn’t notice any unfavorable aromas and never once felt threatened by the people there, however, I never once visited the mall. The University was just gorgeous with old Tudor style buildings and perfectly manicured grounds. Just like Seattle, everything was green and lush and just lovely. On the contrary, it was far from luxurious, far from affluent but, it was just fine, comfortable, and inviting. The neighborhoods remind me of parts of old neighborhoods in San Diego that border downtown. 1920s or earlier architecture, small, but charming. Pretty yards and narrow streets. The dorms were dorms with tiny rooms but with a common area in each suite. A full kitchen and couches made up the shared space which was quite nice compared to my days at the dorm. But, the biggest attraction to this happy little campus was its progressive approach to living. The cafeteria which I had originally dreaded was so diverse. There was something for everyone but most importantly most produce and fruit were organic and locally grown.
There was a vegetarian option for every type of food and half way into my trip they opened a Vegan grill that served breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Imagine that. Vegan food three times a day! The recycle efforts at UPS were state of the art as well. For the few items that couldn’t be recycled, bins for their disposal were cleverly labeled LANDFILL instead of TRASH. Makes ya at least think about it, right? Classes were good. Fellow students were nice. But, the overall experience of being “in college” again in an entirely different fashion was just icing on the vegan cupcake. I loved it there.
Upon leaving UPS I headed back to Seattle for another 2 days with Kel and Rick and like always, it was quite the treat. Rick made us some yummy nachos for dinner before we headed out to see the ballet in downtown Seattle. I was going to the ballet for the first time, with two gay men, how perfect! This is going to be fabulous. And it was. The new McCaw Hall was just gorgeous and the ballet was so incredible. I was very impressed with the live orchestra and the beautifully built sets. The dancers were amazing and the story very sweet, very unique. What a special time. I remember sitting there thinking I should have made a career out of something like this. Not, that my clumsiness would have ever allowed me to be a ballerina. But, I could have played an instrument and been in that orchestra. I could have been a set designer and created that beautiful stage. Hell, I could have been a painter and painted the props, whatever. I should have been creative is the point. And here I am working for municipal government. How did that happen? :)
Saturday was filled with shopping and lunch at the grill in Nordstrom’s. Kel and I each had the tastiest salads, soup, and of course great bread! We talked and laughed about our family, a subject that is always good for a lot of humor. I don’t think we could possibly run out of stories to tell and memories to recall. These moments are always the highlight of my visits with Kelly. I just love remembering things we’ve shared and the deeper look at our Texas roots we often explore. Not, that we are less than proud of our family or upbringing but the reality of how different our lives are now is always good for an hour or two of conversation...minimum. Upon our return home, I decided to grab my laptop and head out to that Japanese garden with a glass of wine and take a stab at describing this trip. And there I was, enjoying the last few moments of my never-to-disappoint-trip to the lovely Northwest when Kelly showed up with wine refill and two homemade cookies. How thoughtful!

If that wasn’t enough he then announced that we’d be staying in for a quiet lobster dinner at home out on the back deck. The Cash-Finer Spa is a five star joint in my book! Too bad, it’s a completely private resort…. :)