I know the list will grow larger.... but here is what I have so far
1) Did you know that if you do not recycle a certain % of your trash, the city will fine you. Apparently, they hire people to actually go through your trash on trash collection days and surveys what is in your trash..huh...really??? So they have a recycling bin, a yardwaste bin, and a regular trash bin.
2) Seattle residents do not use Umbrellas....apparently it is uncool
3) When crossing the street, you step off of the curb when the light is yellow (drivers light) going the opposite direction; you do not look at the cross light to tell you when to go.
4) Mapquest, Google, GPS and any other driving aide that is suppose to help you get to your destination does not work and/or apply to the Seattle area. The directions will tell you to keep going straight up 3rd ave, but there are several problems with that. Either it is a dead end, there is a highway blocking the continuation of 3rd ave, or there is 3rd ave N, W, S, E or just 3rd ave which mixes the aides up.
5) Parking in residential areas and even thoughout Seattle, you are able to park on either side of the curb in whatever direction that you would like. Weird!
6) Driving the freeways of Seattle is so confusing. They have an express lane that is only open certains hours in the day and will switch to the opposite direction on other certain times (haven't figured out what times they are.) They have carpool lanes, but some carpool lanes are for single person vehicles, others are for 2 or more, and others are 3 or more people in a vehicle. Also, the speed limit changes every two exits between 50, 60, 65, 55. Basically, the State of Washington would like to give you a ticket, so if you would like to get one, just come up here!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Home
On September 12th I walked away from church knowing that I was home. I had found a church that I can officially call home, and there are not even words to describe how relieved and excited that I am to be able to say that. It has been a long 3 years in jumping around different churches and not feeling like God was calling me to any specific church. I am still not sure exactly why the Lord led me through that path but perhaps it was for me to understand how important the church body is to support you and lift you up when needed, how much Jesus loves His Bride, and how important community is. Without this desert, I don't think I would have learned that lesson, understood His heart, and opened my eyes and heart to love the Church more than ever before.
The first week that I got to Seattle, I went to a church called The City Church located in downtown Seattle which Diana Mao had recommended. I went to the Saturday night service in which it is tailored for the young professionals of Seattle (ages 24-34.) What was interesting was that the Senior Pastor was speaking his last message that weekend and handing the position over to his son on Sunday evening....I just moved to Seattle and come across this church which is in transition and change also..ummm. Anyways, the worship was amazing, and the message was on how God called the pastor to start this church 17 years ago, in which he left and sold everything in order to buy the land because God called him to Seattle. I just sat there able to relate with everything that he was talking about. After the service, I knew that I wanted to come back and hear the new pastor before deciding. In 2 weeks, I visited 4 different churches in which one of them of the City Church again. Going into the service at the CC, I had been having some doubts about whether I was really suppose to be in Seattle or if I just jumped the gun too soon. When I felt like God told me to move, I didn't realize how quick everything would happen. The new pastor's name is Judah Smith and he is 30 years old. He talked about Ephesians 2:10 which has been my favorite verse since I accepted Christ. He talked about how we are called His "masterpiece" and that God knows beforehand what and where He wants us. Then, he seriously called out everything that I had been thinking and doubting.
He says, "Some of you God has brought you to Seattle and you don't even know why you are here. You are here for just a time as this. This was destiny. This wasn't just your decision. That was God. God was involved. You are sitting here without a job, but don't you know that God knows everything that you need, that he knows every hair that is on our head, don't you think He can take care of your little problems like a job. Your problem is that you are not trusting God." OUCH
I walked away that night convicted of my lack of trust in the One who has and will allows provide for me. I also walked away knowing that this was the church that the Lord wanted me to be in. So estatic as I drove home saying "I'm home, I'm suppose to be in Seattle, and I am really home." I never thought I would end up in a megachurch (apparently they are the fastest growing church in Seattle, and is the 89th largest church in the US) but this is where the Lord wants me and I am so thankful that He is making it so plan and clear! Here is the website http://thecity.org/ if you would like to check it out. Pastor Judah Smith really is off the hook!
The first week that I got to Seattle, I went to a church called The City Church located in downtown Seattle which Diana Mao had recommended. I went to the Saturday night service in which it is tailored for the young professionals of Seattle (ages 24-34.) What was interesting was that the Senior Pastor was speaking his last message that weekend and handing the position over to his son on Sunday evening....I just moved to Seattle and come across this church which is in transition and change also..ummm. Anyways, the worship was amazing, and the message was on how God called the pastor to start this church 17 years ago, in which he left and sold everything in order to buy the land because God called him to Seattle. I just sat there able to relate with everything that he was talking about. After the service, I knew that I wanted to come back and hear the new pastor before deciding. In 2 weeks, I visited 4 different churches in which one of them of the City Church again. Going into the service at the CC, I had been having some doubts about whether I was really suppose to be in Seattle or if I just jumped the gun too soon. When I felt like God told me to move, I didn't realize how quick everything would happen. The new pastor's name is Judah Smith and he is 30 years old. He talked about Ephesians 2:10 which has been my favorite verse since I accepted Christ. He talked about how we are called His "masterpiece" and that God knows beforehand what and where He wants us. Then, he seriously called out everything that I had been thinking and doubting.
He says, "Some of you God has brought you to Seattle and you don't even know why you are here. You are here for just a time as this. This was destiny. This wasn't just your decision. That was God. God was involved. You are sitting here without a job, but don't you know that God knows everything that you need, that he knows every hair that is on our head, don't you think He can take care of your little problems like a job. Your problem is that you are not trusting God." OUCH
I walked away that night convicted of my lack of trust in the One who has and will allows provide for me. I also walked away knowing that this was the church that the Lord wanted me to be in. So estatic as I drove home saying "I'm home, I'm suppose to be in Seattle, and I am really home." I never thought I would end up in a megachurch (apparently they are the fastest growing church in Seattle, and is the 89th largest church in the US) but this is where the Lord wants me and I am so thankful that He is making it so plan and clear! Here is the website http://thecity.org/ if you would like to check it out. Pastor Judah Smith really is off the hook!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Falling in love with Seattle
I can honestly say that I have fallen in love with Seattle. The busy streets, the crazy parking fees, people, coffee shops, and the skyscrapers make my heart happy...okay maybe not the insane fee of $26 to park downtown, but everything else YES. After Jen left I spent the day setting up my room and mourning the realization that I actually moved to Seattle. Basically at the end of the day, I had two choices: I could continue to stay in my room hoping that life comes to me, or I can go out and grab what life has to offer...of course you know what I chose. I went to the international district aka Chinatown on Saturday(but apparently you never say Chinatown because there are "other" restaurants besides Chinese and people there get mad.) Guess I am learning to be more "politically" correct. I walked around and just soaked it all in. The area is quite small but they have dim sum everyday! I wandered the streets wondering which restaurant to go to since there were so many, and I thought the one where everyone was standing outside waiting to get seated was a good place to go...guess that restaurant serves the best dim sum. Praise Jesus for easy access to amazing food! I ended up sitting with two different couples and we had a great time talking about the city. One of the couples even gave me their phone numbers, yeah for friends.
While I have been hunting for jobs, I have found something else that has been taking up my time....I found a library that is one block over and have read 2 books in less than 4 days. I can not tell you the last time that I actually pick up a book that wasn't dealing with school..besides The Shack thanks to the Lomelinos. I have also been doing some sightseeing with all my spare time. I spent one day walking from my house all the way down to Pike's Place which was only about 2.5 miles. On my walk, the Lord lead me to this park that isn't too far from my house. It gives an incredible view of Seattle and a place that I for sure can see myself spending a lot of time at. check out this view!
While I have been hunting for jobs, I have found something else that has been taking up my time....I found a library that is one block over and have read 2 books in less than 4 days. I can not tell you the last time that I actually pick up a book that wasn't dealing with school..besides The Shack thanks to the Lomelinos. I have also been doing some sightseeing with all my spare time. I spent one day walking from my house all the way down to Pike's Place which was only about 2.5 miles. On my walk, the Lord lead me to this park that isn't too far from my house. It gives an incredible view of Seattle and a place that I for sure can see myself spending a lot of time at. check out this view!
This past week I also have gotten together with the girl Launa that I was originally going to room with. I am so thankful that the Lord has put us together as we both moved in faith to Seattle and both don't have a job, it is comforting in a sense. We walked through several different districts and had some great food. In the Fremont District, they have this Troll sculpture underneath the bridge. Apparently, some artists were hired to create this troll that has an actual VW bug in one of its hands. It also at one time contained Elvis memorabilia. Kinda creepy but awesome at the same time.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Journey to Seattle
Packing on Sunday didn't go as well as I had planned. I had a bunch of beer that was left in my refrig. so I recruited some college boys who had just moved into the complex to help me load my stuff in the car in exchange for beer (best idea that I have ever had!) The problem was that I had to keep unloading and re-loading the car because everything wouldn't fit in my car. Guess I learned that it is just materials and that is it...I left around 5pm on Sunday and headed to see my old boss in Santa Ynez. She had been sick all week and was able to be there on my last day. It was sweet to see her and say goodbye. I do have some good memories with her, and will miss her a lot! Headed to Templeton to pick up Jen, and it was during that drive that I realized (thanks to the help of a cop who gave me a speeding ticket) that I was leaving Santa Barbara and the beautiful people. Crying was much needed for the crazy week I had a work, the friends I had to say goodbye to, and the unknown of what lies ahead. I am very thankful that I was able to unload everything before going on the roadtrip with Jen.I am so thankful that Jen was able to come up with me to Seattle. There is no way that I would have made the drive on my own! We have a lot of great memories of the trip!In 4 days, Jen and I visited Grants Pass (saw Ariel and her amazing husband Robbie,) Portland, OR (visited some great coffee shops and saw Kelsey,) rode bikes at Stanley Park in Vancouver, B.C. (thanks Aya for the great idea,) and a day sightseeing in Seattle (checked out some great coffee shops, Seattle Center, carriage ride around Seattle, and Pikes Place.) One of the memories I will treasure forever is the first time that we drove over the hill and saw Seattle for the first time at midnight. We both screamed at the same time, it was classic!Here are just a few pics of the trip.
Pikes Place
Jen drinking coffee at Barista in Portland
Carriage ride around Seattle with Jen and Kelsey (that was a neat experience)
Riding bikes around Stanley Park in Vancouver, B.C.
Space Needle
Pikes Place
Jen drinking coffee at Barista in Portland
Carriage ride around Seattle with Jen and Kelsey (that was a neat experience)
Riding bikes around Stanley Park in Vancouver, B.C.
Space NeedleMoving to Seattle
People have been wondering how the heck I have ended up in Seattle, WA. In June 2009 I had a conversation with a dear friend on why she was moving out of Santa Barbara and it got me wondering if I could actually leave this city that I have called home for the past 8 years. It had been over a year and a half since I had asked God if I could leave and after talking with my friend, I asked the Lord if it could be possible to move. I first thought about Los Angeles, but it didn't feel right. The thought crossed my mind about Seattle...even though I had never visited the city and decided to just look into it. Next thing I knew, the ball was rolling. Within basically two weeks, I got several confirmations that I was to move and turned in my notices for work and my condo. The final thing that confirmed that I was to move was a conversation that I had with my mom. She called one day and told me that she wanted to come visit Santa Barbara that week (which she hadn't visited since 2005.) I told her I was thinking about moving to Seattle and she said, "okay. I just want you to be happy. So if this will make you happy, then move." This is not the typical response that I get from the mother. I double checked with my sister and Dad that they had not the told my Mom that I was thinking about moving and then called my Mom back. My mom said that she felt like she had to come to SB soon, didn't know why, but that she had to visit me. Now she knew why...because you are moving. WHAT?! Really?
Although I do still have a heart for Santa Barbara, I know that the Lord is leading me to Seattle. Everything has worked out so perfectly. All the things that I needed to sell got sold....and my bed was sold a week in advance but the person didn't pick it up until the night before I left (Jesus knew how much I hearted my bed.) It is time to move, and although there are people I will dearly miss, it is time for a new adventure and journey with God.
Although I do still have a heart for Santa Barbara, I know that the Lord is leading me to Seattle. Everything has worked out so perfectly. All the things that I needed to sell got sold....and my bed was sold a week in advance but the person didn't pick it up until the night before I left (Jesus knew how much I hearted my bed.) It is time to move, and although there are people I will dearly miss, it is time for a new adventure and journey with God.
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