It has of course been difficult falling back into the daily grind after our 2-week fairy-tale of a vacation, but I feel like Seattle has been especially good to us since our return. We’ve enjoyed good times with friends and neighbors, and we’ve had some great opportunities to enjoy Seattle’s multitude of entertainment offerings.
We hit up our first Mariners game of the season a couple of weeks ago and are so looking forward to more visits to the ballpark – I have made it my mission to learn the names of at least 9 Mariners and to seek out the best hot dog that Safeco field has to offer. A daunting mission, yes, but one that will ultimately earn me the utmost respect of my husband, and so I’m calling it a worthy endeavor.
Last Saturday we enjoyed our first ever Seattle Sounders game at Qwest field. Our friends had scored four tickets right at the 50-yard line and asked us if we wanted to go with them – um, yes, please! The excitement over Seattle’s soccer club was almost electric, as people jumped and shouted and hugged after each goal. Confetti rained from the skies when the team declared their victory – it was quite the athletic event. It’s a bummer that Seattle had to say good-bye to their NBA team last year, but I am stoked about the buzz our city’s soccer club has generated.
Sunday I officially became part of the Aluminum Siding fan club as I watched my friend D’s dance performance at On the Boards. She titled her piece “Chemo Confessions”, as it explores the struggle she endured in overcoming cancer a couple of years ago. I was moved to tears as I watched D use her art to express the fear, the pain, and the ultimate necessity for strength that a battle with cancer entails. I am in awe of the way she has turned her experience into something so inspirational and so beautiful. I have a whole new admiration for her, and a whole new excitement about modern dance.
Last night we headed to the theater for a performance of Crime and Punishment at Intiman. The play was intense and dramatic, and the intimate setting of the theater heightened the whole experience. I could see the beads of sweat on Raskolnikov’s tormented face, the tears falling from Sonia’s desperate eyes. I didn’t realize I’d been holding my breath throughout the final scenes until the stage went dark, the play ended, and I found myself needing to deeply inhale.
So, do I miss Europe? Well, yes. Duh. But I am excited about the breadth of experiences that Seattle has to offer. Looking forward to taking advantage of more of my city’s offerings!