no rain, no gain

this weekend seemed more social then my past weekends. on saturday, i went to the Fremont Oktoberfest which had over 70 breweries and so many different types of beer represented. On the sad side, it was raining the whole day, more like a hard sprinkle. But we were determined to go and i already pre-bought the tickets.
so the adventure began by taking the bus to the U-district (aka where the huge University of Washington is located) to meet my roommate's friend David. From the U-district, we take the bus to Fremont. I'm a little shocked the event is all outside and there isn't much covering but people are there and drinking anyway. The old LA chanda wouldn't go to this event because of the rain. she would've complained and complained. but i keep telling myself to try to bite my tongue when i want to complain about the rain. to create the idea in my head that the rain will not stop me doing what i want to do. so do as the seattlites do. if seattle is going to have a huge beer festival outside, then we are all going to wear our rain gear and drink! i wish i took a photo of all the North Face jackets and rain jackets sipping their mugs of beer.
and it was fun!

today my roommate invited me to her co-workers birthday party. he's japanese american and it was great to meet his friends and family who are active in the asian american community and seattle community at large. i really do want to become active in the asian american and people of color communities here in seattle and it felt good to be meeting people outside school. and being around other japanese americans feel like home to me.

so its interesting how i have been pondering how i'm going to meet people and make friends. part of me wants to say put yourself out there. other times i think to just sit back and let things happen. but i do think its a combo of the two. i have to let others know what i'm interested in and what i like so that i can be included and invited to things.

always sunny in seattle

i had last friday off and the weather really has been amazing. i decided let me embrace some of my so cal-ness and hit the beach. so i went to Alki Beach in seattle which really was pretty. i parked my car, packed some fruit and a journal and just walked. for one thing, there is amazing views of downtown seattle from the beach. also, there are old tree trunks on the beach to sit on. september really is a beautiful month in seattle. thank you seattle weather gods for making my first month so nice!

i start school on wed, september 24. got to love quarter system! but for now its working my graduate assistantship. i get to do staff training tomorrow til wed. i'm really excited to meet my staff.

as worrying about making friends and getting to know the area, things are actually going well. this week was meeting the new and returning grad students, getting to know the people in my office, my neighborhood, and seattle at large. like tonight, i saw an old friend from my ucla hawaii summer program who is in town. so many connections with people and you just never know where you are going to meet up again. we ate in the international district at a japanese restaurant and boba after. so happy to have good japanese food and boba here!

oh and here are pictures in my room which have been a working progress. i got the office chair and desk for free! plus my aunt gave me the free bed. i really hawaiian themed my room on purpose and also organically. i just love hawaiian floral print. plus, i want my room to be very lively and uplifting with the aloha spirit to cheer me up when its all gloomy and raining.

i got a haircut at Rudy's Barbershop near my school. They have some in LA, i think in silverlake.

i don't know why but just getting a haircut felt like a new experience that was fun and a gamble. back home, i'm used to going to my paul mitchell school for a haircut. now in seattle, i have to find my new specialist(s).

was bargain hunting for furniture. our place is starting to come together. this yard sale near our house was by these guys in their 20's. they offered us beers and cookies as we looked around. do i need to say more why i think my neighborhood is so cool?

and i also live near the upper middle class urban living area and they have block parties. like i was walking yesterday and they have several streets closed with signs saying, "Street closed 12-3pm: Block Party". and they have all the families eating together out on the street. cute! charming! community-i love it!

i'm here- in Seattle that is

i'm glad to report that i am alive and well in seattle. i had a great time driving up here with shira. we made a stop in san mateo to hang out with trish and friends. then stayed in portland with angie. portland is a cool city but i think i like seattle better. but then again, i didn't explore a whole lot there. but they do have a great transportation that is always a plus.

i moved into my new apartment on saturday with my new roommie, a fellow grad student in the same program. shira and i spent time getting stuff for the apartment, bargain hunting, and exploring.

i started work on tuesday. the impression i get from my co-workers and the people i work with is really great energy. people around me here have been using the word "energy" and i guess its something i've been thinking of. what kind of energy you bring to a place and how that effects the mood and other people.

i don't start school til sept 24 so for now its workin' at my grad job and trying to move in properly. my room is currently at a tornado-state. but i hope to get a bed today from my aunt. and hopefully a desk this weekend.

so what do i think of seattle and my neighborhood so far? i like it. i know my view is skewed cuz the weather has been really good. no rain and sunny. i love the little neighborhood i am in surrounded by cute mom and pop shops, but in a trendy way. right next to my apartment is an independent coffee shop, Kingfish Cafe (soul/creole restaurant), aikido dojo, hip children's store, small independent theater, and a fusion vietnamese restaurant. i should post a photo.

what amazes me about seattle living is how nature is blended in the urbanness of the city. it seems that no matter where i am, i'm close by to a park or water that just seems to calm me.

the only thing i'm anxious about is meeting people and making good relationships. i miss having my friends and family back home to go out with and talk.