Well the Seattle Sounders are off to a great start. First of all, they are one of only two Major League Soccer (MLS) teams to still have zero goals scored against them. Second of all, Sounders forward Fredy Montero was MLS Week 1 Player of the Week and Sounders goalie Kasey Keller was MLS Week 2 Player of the Week. Third of all, Montero is first in the running for the Budweiser Golden Boot award. AND the Sounders are currently first in the Western Division.
If you ask me, that's just about the best start for a brand new team as we could have hoped for. Keep it up, Sounders!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Closing Washington Parks
The Seattle Times reported today on the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, who identified more than 47 state parks that could be closed temporarily or transferred to different governance to cut costs. Washington state legislature has suggested similar cuts to parks and recreation in the past.
Lawmakers eye $5 car-tab fee to keep state parks open
Seattle Times - March 30, 2009
I understand that these are tough economic times for everyone, especially state governments. But there is not much that infuriates me more than closing areas of recreation - most of all during a recession. If there is a time people have need for access to free recreation, it is now. Some of the parks they suggest closing include St. Edwards Seminary, Wallace Falls, and Fort Ebey - all parks that include constructive and free activities like camping, hiking, and mountain biking. These activities can help keep kids out of trouble, provide weekend getaways for families, and define Northwest life.
All I can say is cut costs elsewhere; do whatever it takes... do not close parks.
Lawmakers eye $5 car-tab fee to keep state parks open
Seattle Times - March 30, 2009
I understand that these are tough economic times for everyone, especially state governments. But there is not much that infuriates me more than closing areas of recreation - most of all during a recession. If there is a time people have need for access to free recreation, it is now. Some of the parks they suggest closing include St. Edwards Seminary, Wallace Falls, and Fort Ebey - all parks that include constructive and free activities like camping, hiking, and mountain biking. These activities can help keep kids out of trouble, provide weekend getaways for families, and define Northwest life.
All I can say is cut costs elsewhere; do whatever it takes... do not close parks.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Pix from my Weekend
This weekend, I was lucky enough to attend the second Sounders game, in which they beat Real Salt Lake two to zero. Undefeated! Sunday turned out to be a beautiful day, and though my hiking plans were thwarted due to heavy mountain snowfall, I still got out to walk around Discovery Park and cruise Alki. Here are some pix from my weekend (in Seattle Times spirit, which often posts reader photos).
Monday, March 23, 2009
Hiking Mount Si
Mount Si is the most-hiked trail in Washington State. Over 80,000 people per year hike the 3,400 feet to the top of the mountain. Needless to say, many consider it a sort of right of passage for Washington hikers. Just outside of North Bend, Washington, it is a short drive from downtown Seattle and Bellevue.
This past Saturday was my first experience hiking Mount Si. Two friends were visiting from out of town so we along with a coworker and friend took our chances on the partly sunny day to get outside and climb a mountain.
I've been on a fair number of hikes, but I will say that Mount Si is steep. It's up, up, up the entire four miles to the top (except for maybe 100 yards). But as such, it is an incredible workout. Needless to say, two days later - I'm still sore. About two miles in to the hike, we discovered snow still packed on the trail. With three of the group in tennis shoes, we waffled a bit about turning back or continuing to the top.
Luckily, we decided to press on and after a little slipping and sliding, we made it to the top for a view of the Cascades, Mount Rainier, the Olympics, Puget Sound, and downtown Seattle and Bellevue. I was happy I brought my binoculars. We sat for a quick lunch, but it was pretty chilly and snowing lightly so we didn't linger long.
Though we had been nervous about coming back down on the snow (most hikers we encountered on the way up were wearing crampons and using hiking poles), the way down turned out to be the best part of the hike. We set off gliding down the snow in a sort of mesh between sledding and cross country skiing. We made excellent time. Minus a few icy spots - it was a blast coming down the mountain.
As we drove away from the Mount Si parking lot, looking back at the mountain we realized how impressive it was that we just climbed an entire mountain. As I visited with friends later that evening, I made sure to tell them I climbed a mountain today! Hiking Mount Si was a great way to spend a Saturday in March. Hopefully next up within a few weeks: Wallace Falls.
This past Saturday was my first experience hiking Mount Si. Two friends were visiting from out of town so we along with a coworker and friend took our chances on the partly sunny day to get outside and climb a mountain.
I've been on a fair number of hikes, but I will say that Mount Si is steep. It's up, up, up the entire four miles to the top (except for maybe 100 yards). But as such, it is an incredible workout. Needless to say, two days later - I'm still sore. About two miles in to the hike, we discovered snow still packed on the trail. With three of the group in tennis shoes, we waffled a bit about turning back or continuing to the top.
Luckily, we decided to press on and after a little slipping and sliding, we made it to the top for a view of the Cascades, Mount Rainier, the Olympics, Puget Sound, and downtown Seattle and Bellevue. I was happy I brought my binoculars. We sat for a quick lunch, but it was pretty chilly and snowing lightly so we didn't linger long.
Though we had been nervous about coming back down on the snow (most hikers we encountered on the way up were wearing crampons and using hiking poles), the way down turned out to be the best part of the hike. We set off gliding down the snow in a sort of mesh between sledding and cross country skiing. We made excellent time. Minus a few icy spots - it was a blast coming down the mountain.
As we drove away from the Mount Si parking lot, looking back at the mountain we realized how impressive it was that we just climbed an entire mountain. As I visited with friends later that evening, I made sure to tell them I climbed a mountain today! Hiking Mount Si was a great way to spend a Saturday in March. Hopefully next up within a few weeks: Wallace Falls.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Seattle Sounders Inaugural Game
On March 19, 2009, I was lucky enough to attend the Seattle Sounders FC inaugural game, which was also the Major League Soccer season opener. The Sounders played the New York Red Bulls in front of a packed house.
Season ticket holders received their inaugural game tickets attached to a bright green Seattle Sounders scarf with the team logo and Sounders in huge letters. As a result, the crowd was awash with lime green. Others were festooned with similar lime green Sounders paraphernalia. The crowd was great - everyone excited and anxious to see the brand new major league soccer team. But the crowd was also much less rowdy than your typical Seahawks game crowd, so there was no worry of a fight two rows in front of you or beer spilled down your back from the drunk fan behind you.
I love sports - especially the camaraderie of hanging out with friends watching your team battle against a rival. But I must say, as much as I like football or basketball and sometimes even baseball - soccer is the only major league sport I ever myself played competitively for a long period of time. This makes the game SO much more fun to watch. I know the positions and what they do; what a header feels like; what fancy footwork can be used to trick the opposing team; and simply how awesome and exhausting soccer is. I really enjoyed the game and cannot wait to see more games in the future.
Our fantastic goalie Kasey Keller keeping good care of the Sounders goal. He saved our butt a couple times this game and proved he's dynamite. 
The Sounders got off to a great start and beat the New York Red Bulls three to zip. In soccer, this is by all means a good solid route. And what a great beginning to our brand new major league sports team. I see a bright future for these guys (though my crystal ball is not always accurate). And how cool is it that the Sounders have sold more season tickets than any other major league soccer team in the U.S. ever? Wow. Pretty incredible.
The Sounders outplayed and outran the Red Bulls. The Sounders beat them to the ball almost every time; took more shots on goal; and played tougher throughout the game.
Goal! Third goal of the game was a spectacular one - and the crowd went wild!
Season ticket holders received their inaugural game tickets attached to a bright green Seattle Sounders scarf with the team logo and Sounders in huge letters. As a result, the crowd was awash with lime green. Others were festooned with similar lime green Sounders paraphernalia. The crowd was great - everyone excited and anxious to see the brand new major league soccer team. But the crowd was also much less rowdy than your typical Seahawks game crowd, so there was no worry of a fight two rows in front of you or beer spilled down your back from the drunk fan behind you.
I love sports - especially the camaraderie of hanging out with friends watching your team battle against a rival. But I must say, as much as I like football or basketball and sometimes even baseball - soccer is the only major league sport I ever myself played competitively for a long period of time. This makes the game SO much more fun to watch. I know the positions and what they do; what a header feels like; what fancy footwork can be used to trick the opposing team; and simply how awesome and exhausting soccer is. I really enjoyed the game and cannot wait to see more games in the future.
Our fantastic goalie Kasey Keller keeping good care of the Sounders goal. He saved our butt a couple times this game and proved he's dynamite. 
The Sounders got off to a great start and beat the New York Red Bulls three to zip. In soccer, this is by all means a good solid route. And what a great beginning to our brand new major league sports team. I see a bright future for these guys (though my crystal ball is not always accurate). And how cool is it that the Sounders have sold more season tickets than any other major league soccer team in the U.S. ever? Wow. Pretty incredible.The Sounders outplayed and outran the Red Bulls. The Sounders beat them to the ball almost every time; took more shots on goal; and played tougher throughout the game.
Goal! Third goal of the game was a spectacular one - and the crowd went wild!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Support the Swift Walkers!
Last year two of my fabulous cousins organized a Swift Family Relay for Life team, called the Swift Walkers for a Swift Cure. Relay for Life is put on by the American Cancer Society to raise awareness and funding for cancer research. The event takes place all over the country at parks, playgrounds, and other outdoor areas. Teams relay continuously for 24 hours (actually only 20 hours this year) after spending months raising money and helping spread the word about the event.
Last year, we took turns walking for an hour at a time. We spent time throughout the day decorating luminaria for a candlelight walk to remember all of our loved ones affected by cancer. Teams camp overnight with someone always walking to support the cause. Our team captain last year blogged about the event.
Last year, at the Green Lake Relay for Life:
For my family members and friends, join our team! Or if you can't make it to the event, donate to the Swift Walkers. Or if you are not in Seattle, consider starting your own Relay for Life team or getting involved with another team. Most of us have loved ones who lost the battle to cancer... so show your support for their memory and future generations!
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/swiftwalkersrelay
Let's Relay!
Last year, we took turns walking for an hour at a time. We spent time throughout the day decorating luminaria for a candlelight walk to remember all of our loved ones affected by cancer. Teams camp overnight with someone always walking to support the cause. Our team captain last year blogged about the event.Last year, at the Green Lake Relay for Life:
- The entire Relay raised almost $90,000 to benefit cancer research.
- Swift Walkers for a Swift Cure raised $6,633 to benefit cancer research.
- This made us the #2 fund raising team!
For my family members and friends, join our team! Or if you can't make it to the event, donate to the Swift Walkers. Or if you are not in Seattle, consider starting your own Relay for Life team or getting involved with another team. Most of us have loved ones who lost the battle to cancer... so show your support for their memory and future generations!
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/swiftwalkersrelay
Let's Relay!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Sounders Countdown
Next Thursday - March 19th - marks the Seattle Sounders FC very first regular season game. The Sounders will play the New York Red Bulls in the Major League Soccer opener at 6 PM Pacific.With the positive swing in Seattle sports recently following dreary baseball and football seasons (the UW Husky men's basketball team just finished first in the Pac-10), I am hopeful for the Sounders inaugural season.
Go Seattle!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Feeding an Addiction
I did a bad thing on Saturday... I bought books. For the past year and half or so I've been trying to curb my book buying. Books are getting more and more expensive and the Seattle Public Library system is fantastic. Ergo: no need to buy books. Not to mention I already have way too many books on my need-to-read shelf.
BUT I was enjoying a quiet Saturday afternoon meandering around the University of Washington Bookstore and simply couldn't help myself. The U Bookstore is such a nice environment for book lovers, and they have used books mixed in with their new books. The used books are marked with a little yellow sticker on the spine - so I browsed around some of my favorite authors (Margaret Atwood and Tim O'Brien) and found some very reasonably priced used books.
Another one of my favorite things about the U Bookstore is in the basement are class books. I love browsing around the English class reading lists, seeing what people are reading, and imagining the classes and the types of discussions they will have in class. This is also a great area to find used books as well.
Alas, I miss Santa Clara English classes... maybe it's time to join a book club.
BUT I was enjoying a quiet Saturday afternoon meandering around the University of Washington Bookstore and simply couldn't help myself. The U Bookstore is such a nice environment for book lovers, and they have used books mixed in with their new books. The used books are marked with a little yellow sticker on the spine - so I browsed around some of my favorite authors (Margaret Atwood and Tim O'Brien) and found some very reasonably priced used books.
Another one of my favorite things about the U Bookstore is in the basement are class books. I love browsing around the English class reading lists, seeing what people are reading, and imagining the classes and the types of discussions they will have in class. This is also a great area to find used books as well.
Alas, I miss Santa Clara English classes... maybe it's time to join a book club.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Let the Sunshine In
I just realized one of the best days of the year is this Sunday! Daylight Saving Time begins. That means instead of the sun setting at 6:00 PM it will set a whole hour later - giving us daylight after work in the evening for play time. Then less than two weeks after that is the first day of spring! Yippee! Time to stow away those parkas and kick that seasonal affective disorder to the curb.
What will you do with your extra hour of daylight in the evening?
What will you do with your extra hour of daylight in the evening?
Monday, March 2, 2009
What Happens in Vegas
So it's official, I bought my plane ticket last night to Las Vegas for this spring! Plane tickets were ridiculously cheap and I will be staying with three friends in a suite at the Mandalay Bay. I have never been to Las Vegas before... I cannot wait. I can't think of a better way to visit Vegas than with girlfriends in a suite with cheap airfare on top of it!
For you Vegas Veterans - what are must-sees and/or must-dos?
For you Vegas Veterans - what are must-sees and/or must-dos?
Sunday, March 1, 2009
If You Are Having a Bad Day...
It could probably be a lot worse... For instance, I saw this poor lady who had her window smashed out and a Honey Bucket (!!) pushed over onto her car today in Fremont! Talk about a really shitty day in more ways than one...
Omelettes, Scrambles, and Potatoes, Oh My!
I have told a number of people I could eat breakfast foods for every meal of every day. This would probably be rather unhealthy, but breakfast food is just about the best thing ever.
Needless to say, one of my favorite things to do on a Sunday morning (or early afternoon) is go to brunch with a friend. Today I went to Blue Star in Wallingford - one of my favorite breakfast grub spots. I love their potatoes and huge amount of choices for scrambles, omelettes, and various types of eggs benedict. I usually order the Eggs Seattle - basically an Eggs Benedict except the ham is swapped with smoked salmon.
Friday afternoon after trying to sleep away a nasty cough, I enjoyed breakfast at the Coastal Kitchen - a local favorite on Capital Hill. The Coastal Kitchen is unique because they regularly update their menu with foods influenced by various regional cuisines. On Friday, there were a number of dishes influenced by cuisine of Tunisia. They also serve breakfast till 3 PM daily, so it's my kind of place.
Other breakfast spots I have been known to frequent include Hales Ales (Fremont/Ballard), the Hi-Life (Ballard), Atlas Foods (U Village), 14 Carrot (Eastlake), the Varsity Inn (a total greasy spoon in Wallingford), and Chandlers (South Lake Union). I've been anxious to try brunch at Peso's in Lower Queen Anne - I certainly love their dinner.
For my fellow Seattleites - any favorite breakfast/brunch spots?
Needless to say, one of my favorite things to do on a Sunday morning (or early afternoon) is go to brunch with a friend. Today I went to Blue Star in Wallingford - one of my favorite breakfast grub spots. I love their potatoes and huge amount of choices for scrambles, omelettes, and various types of eggs benedict. I usually order the Eggs Seattle - basically an Eggs Benedict except the ham is swapped with smoked salmon.
Friday afternoon after trying to sleep away a nasty cough, I enjoyed breakfast at the Coastal Kitchen - a local favorite on Capital Hill. The Coastal Kitchen is unique because they regularly update their menu with foods influenced by various regional cuisines. On Friday, there were a number of dishes influenced by cuisine of Tunisia. They also serve breakfast till 3 PM daily, so it's my kind of place.
Other breakfast spots I have been known to frequent include Hales Ales (Fremont/Ballard), the Hi-Life (Ballard), Atlas Foods (U Village), 14 Carrot (Eastlake), the Varsity Inn (a total greasy spoon in Wallingford), and Chandlers (South Lake Union). I've been anxious to try brunch at Peso's in Lower Queen Anne - I certainly love their dinner.
For my fellow Seattleites - any favorite breakfast/brunch spots?
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