Partly cloudy with rain

So you know all that hullabaloo people make about how it tends to rain some in Seattle?  Well they're abso-FREAKING-lutely right.  It's like everything deemed within the greater boundaries that make up Seattle create some weird vortex sucking all the precipitation that would otherwise go to surrounding areas into the Seattle City limits.  

Take for example Tuesday of this week.  In preparation to go the my soccer practice that evening I had put on enough outer layers to look like Nanook of the North, because there is torrential rain and winds at my house (i.e. within the boundaries of the greater Seattle area).  But I've played soccer in New England so I figure no problem I can deal with playing in this.  Driving however was a whole 'nother story.

For those who don't know (which is really everyone) the complex where the Seattle Sounders hold their practices is this great little complex called the Starfire Complex.  There's a clubhouse/food court area for people (players/coaches/parents of players) to sit around eat and watch soccer, there's at least 6 turf fields and a stadium where home games are held, which seats 400+ people.  Really just a great facility for a city/state who has soccer as one of it's top three favorite sports to watch/play.  The downside, however, is it's about a 20-30 minute drive down I-5 South, the main through-fare to get in and out of Seattle (therefore always congested).  And in the midst of a downpour it's quite nerve racking to drive in when I'm skirting down the highway at 45 mph, with very limited visibility and EVERYONE else is charging past me at 60-65 mph because pssht, that weather was "child's play."

Of course to make things worse as soon as I left those blasted Seattle city limits, low and behold there is not a drop of rain to be had, just some wind and overcast.  Making my many MANY extra layers (including a plastic bag of dry sweats I had intended to leave in the car that I could change into after) completely useless.

So while it's been raining for three days straight, in other news that does not include the weather...ehhh nothing much.  Still on the job hunt and trying to get a feel for the area where I live (the U-District) and eventually downtown Seattle.  In fact that's the project for this afternoon: to get lost on the Seattle bus system (again), to head downtown and get lost there (again).  Here's hoping I'll make it to my practice tonight. 

Virtual high-5s to those who left comments ;)

Love to all.

Cheers,

~Abby~ 

PS I'll try to get some pictures up of my road trip, roommates, house etc but to may take a bit before I figure it out.

~AEI~

Here we go...

A few things for those who may or not know:

1. I don't do languages, let alone Latin.  So if my blog title is grammatically incorrect DEAL WITH IT.   Which leads me to my next point
2. I've never "blogged" before (JBK's class does not count Jess and Jessie) so bear with me as I try to get the hang of this technological tool.
3. I am a HORRIBLE pen pal/replier of emails and letters (as my grandparents and cousins know all to well).  So while I still be checking my email (AIsaac1of4@gmail preferably or the Wheaton one if you must) I'm going to try the whole blog thing to try and keep in touch with family and friends in bulk.  Basically, still don't expect frequent updates be it via blog of email

Those points being said hi and hello from Seattle, Washington!  Let me give you the short(ish) run down of what is/will be/might be going on in my life this summer.

For those who don't know I have decided to take a leave of absence from Wheaton.  It really just comes down to me being burnt out on school.  I know some of you may be thinking "Well gee that's swell, Abs!  But why are you going into the swill and cespoll of liberal America (aka the West Coast) to fester, er live?"  *coughDORNETTEYScoughcoughRANDY*

Well since you asked...before I even decided to take this leave of absence from school I had plans to intern as a techie for a theater company based out of Seattle and play for a soccer team in the area.  However, the intern position ended up getting cancelled .  So while I had no job prospects or definitive living arrangements, I had the soccer-thing going for me, which was light-years ahead of any plans I had for being in New York for the summer (which was zero by the way).  Thus, I decided to stick with my original plan and on the 17th of May in the middle of New York rush hour no less I started my drive cross-country (Yes. By myself) to Seattle.

For the most part I followed Rt 80 west, stopping in PA, IL, NE, WY, UT and OR before arriving in Seattle on the 25th.  Points of interest for those who want to embark on a similar journey might I recommend Springfield, IL (Adulthood home of our 16th president Abraham Lincoln), Dinosaur National Monument (a splendid place to stretch ones legs after driving for four hours straight), or perhaps Lost Springs, WY: famous for it's astonishing population of one (I can't say that I made that detour but I was SORELY tempted let me tell you!).

I also must recommend a stop in Portland, Oregon not only to see a very cool and fun city but to also spend time with the fabulous Katelyn Brack for those who know her (Heads up WSOers).  She gives a great tour, so pack your bags Erin, Stacey, others and hit the road!

On arriving in Seattle late on Saturday evening, I packed it in early to meet up with the most awesome Katie Watson on Sunday where she gave me my first taste of Seattle: Folklife 2008.  Basically Folklife is a BIG hippie convention with amazing food , venders and equally amazing people watching.

Since then I have finally figured out a place to live (Just north of the U-District for those who love maps, Dad), moved in, met three of my four roommates, participated in one practice with the Seattle Sounders (the soccer team I mentioned earlier), and I'm still unemployed.

And with that I will bid ya'll good day and goodbye, until next time (whenever that maybe).

Leave a comment if you feel compelled to comment on my goings-on, drop me an email with the name and address of the friend or relation that you want to see this (and hopefully future postings) as I'm making this a limited view blog, and have a fabulous day overall.

Cheers and Love,

~Abby~