I like being home

As cold and as rainy as it is here, I got mad love for Seattle. I honestly don't look forward to living in these temperatures again when we move back, but I am very happy to think of the day when I'll be closer to my family and friends again.

Our gathering on Tuesday was nice; very low key with just a few people. I got an absolutely beautiful memory scrapbook from my three close friends that I will treasure forever! It included pics and notes from many of my friends - I'm feelin' the love fo' sho'. I only wish more people could've come out to see us and/or that we had more time to make for those we haven't seen. *sighhhh*

We went shopping on Wednesday at Alderwood Mall. It's weird how even hometown malls are that much more nice to shop at, just knowing your surroundings better and how the stores are I guess.

We went snowboarding for the first time for me yesterday. We went to Steven's Pass; me, J, B, K, and Ai. I almost didn't go, but glad I did since the conditions were ideal for a beginner like me. It was cold enough for fresh snow to fall, but warm enough that I actually took off a couple layers - me (the cold one)! Had a good time, but of course I sucked. I may try again, but I'm content with just my surfing for now.

After cleaning up a bit, we met back at J's parents' house and watched American Idol auditions, followed by karaoke with the Magic Mic. As any good karaoke session goes, there was gut busting laughter and even some hoarse voices afterwards. I want a Magic Mic!! (**Magic Mic is a karaoke system where you punch in the song number from a directory, then you are scored on your performance - most commonly found in Filipino homes. J's mom brought one back from the Philippines. Yessssss!) To both mine and my husband's surprise, I sang a lot. I didn't give it my all, but I was audible and included some awesome dance moves. And even his sister and future brother-in-law really threw down and came out of their shells. I love it.

Just got my hair cut by my favorite (and currently, my only) hair stylist at 7 Salon. I can't imagine where I'd go with out her, lol. Tried and considered growing my hair, but it's back to the usual slightly bob cut, off my neck and framing my face.

Gotta finish up here, gonna go visit my sister and other family tonight. :)

Feels Like Home

Well, we're ending our first full day of visiting Seattle. It...is...cold. I forgot how cold you can be just walking to and from your car over here. My ears have been hurting since we got off the plane. Despite all this, as we drive around, everything feels like home. The familiarity of this city is comforting - and if I wasn't so cold, I would feel relaxed, lol.

The other side of it all is that Honolulu is also our home now. It's a home away from home. It's warm, and it's where we've lived, worked and played for more than 6-months now. (Feels like longer.) We're building relationships and routines that will be missed when we eventually do move back here to Seattle. And of course, nothing will replace surfing anytime we want.

The flight here this time was fast: 5 hours. Thank goodness. I like flying Hawaiian Air, nice experience. My parents picked us up right on time and we went and ate some good Mexican food up north. I loooove my tacos al carbon! The cats were happy to see us, as usual. Thankfully they aren't over us, cuz I still miss them a lot, especially TURTLE. He's the cutest ever. So sad to have to know I have to leave him again.

Got a visit from one of my besties today. She's recently engaged and I finally got to hear the whole proposal story - so excited for her wedding! Gonna see many more of my darlings on Tuesday for a gathering at my mom's, can't wait.

My mom and stepdad saved their tree and Christmas lights for us to see since we missed Christmas time over there. I like. J got to see their new house for the first time, and his sister's apartment. We're staying at his parents' house tonight, and will be snowboarding in the morning. I've never tried snowboarding or even skiing so it will all be new to me - keep me in your prayers! We'll have a good size group, and at least one other girl will be with me on the bunny slopes. :)

Restaurant list through tonight:

La Palmera, Everett

Red Robin, Seattle (Northgate Mall)