Electric Run Seattle

Before tonight, I had seen tons and tons of photos on Facebook, IG, etc. from the Electric Run events in different cities. And I wasn't impressed. It seemed like another trendy 5k but with a generic rave theme that didn't appeal to me.

This morning I had barre class, attempted to play tennis with Sean and Matt, and then as a spur of the moment thing Matt bought me a ticket to do the Electric Run Seattle with him and a few others. Oy vey, I was definitely not in shape for a 5k.

We took off running at the Start line because we were so anxious to begin, but after about 15 minutes I couldn't keep pace with the group. I ended up walking and somewhat jogging on my own for 3/4 of the run, but I got to take in all of the creepy and awesome parts of the semi-decorated Puyallup fair grounds. A lot of the course was winding through empty stables with some pretty cool lights set up. There were bubble machines and foam machines to play in! And there were interesting glow structures, lots of places to stop and take pictures at, and even animal-shaped shrubs with display lighting. My favorite part of the course was an intensely long row of gigantic circular arches that changed colors to the sound of music. The arches also had a strobe lighting effect and it seemed to be synced with the scratches and drops of the mixes.

Even though I can think of a handful of things the event can improve on, I enjoyed the experience! The short rave concert after was alright, we were definitely wishing for some trap music though. Maybe next year? In the meantime, these sore legs will hopefully tone down some before Vegas in 7k, or days.

My First Par (3)!

Today I played golf for the second time (same Crossroads Par 3 course) and I got my first par!!! At the 9 hole I got right near the green on my first stroke, so I HAD to take that picture. And it became my par. Super exciting, and makes me want to play more and more. Looking into adding to my club set and finding the perfect golf ball to match my swing. Can't wait to get better, and can't believe I waited this long to get into golf!

Golf, finally!

Soooo, today I played my first game of golf. After years of the occasional driving range practice and owning a new set of Callaway clubs for no reason really, I finally got out there and did it! I've always had anxiety of being rushed and holding up the queue at a course, but in Bellevue at the par 3 course today that was not an issue at all.

I lost, but not by thaaat much. Mike and I played 9 holes and I got a 48, he got a 41. I'm so excited to play more! The weather is perfect and I've got plenty of time on my hands the next few weeks. Yay summer hobby!

Woodland Park Zoo

I finally got to go to the zoo! And we saw the cutest little baby jaguars. Took lots of fun pictures and in the photobooth we chose the worst photo (instead of the best, since it seemed so boring). Ugh, LOVE SEATTLE SUMMER!

Rock The Bells & Reno Rubfest

Summer has been INSANE - a vicious cycle of anxious planning, being really busy, and then ending up absolutely exhausted!

The job search is still ongoing, I had a resume workshop with a professional and learned a ton about how to better customize each application. Although he assured me that my content was solid, I definitely feel that the advice he gave me on the delivery will help me tremendously. And so I apply, and wait, and apply, and wait again.

I've also been working remotely nights and weekends again. Thankfully, my assignments have conveniently fallen between big events so I haven't had to choose.

The weekend before last, I went to Rock the Bells in Mountain View! Salt 'N Pepa was wildly entertaining, with the baby daddy and the husband on stage - I love their dynamic! I also thoroughly enjoyed Ice Cube, he is an AWESOME entertainer. The way he transitioned from one hit to another kept us on edge, and he always dropped the beat at the perfect moment. Watching DMX was pretty great also, until he started preaching about God. I don't mind that he's deeply religious, but I didn't pay to see that. DJ Quik and Bone Thugs were good, but I wish E40 and Too Short were there - they would have completed by perfect RTB lineup. Overall, it was an amazing weekend. We stayed over at Hiep's friend's house in Mountain View on Saturday night and had a giant sleepover. SO FUN! <3 br="">
This past weekend, for Labor Day, Charles, Victor, and I went to the Rib Cookoff in Reno (dubbed the rubfest per miscommunication between Alex and myself, LOL). The ribs were excellent as always, and I'm glad this has become an annual tradition. Charles was cracking me up the entire trip, from the airplane rides, to the ridiculous comments he made throughout the weekend, and his overall loveable personality. I'm glad Charles and Victor made the trip this year, I think everyone enjoyed the company through and through. We went to a new club in Reno called Rise, and it totally blew our minds. The venue was definitely on part with San Francisco clubs, maybe even on the same level as LA clubs! Beautiful, open spaces with easy access to drinks and awesome music. We had such a blast dancing our butts off!

For September, I think I'll be taking it easy. I've got two remote work assignments the next few weeks, and I'm going to start a 24 Day Challenge (diet) mid-month. I'm trying to slim down before Moonlight Masquerade on 10/13, and definitely before FreakNight! All of this yummy food and experimental cooking has given me a nice, juicy, spare tire. Not cute.

Summer Shenanigans

So now that summer is in full force, I've had more going on and less time to update this here blog! This weekend was a pretty productive one - made sangria, planted broccoli and tomato seeds, cooked up a batch of corned beef, went to Jozelle's No Pant's birthday party, grilled lightly seasoned chicken hearts, ordered Vibrams for hiking, made pate, and started watching United States of Tara! PHEW.

Over the past few weeks there was the Capitol Hill Block Party, hanging out at Juanita Beach, bbq at the Zante's house, wing cook-off between myself and Victor (I won, btw) and so much more. I LOVE SUMMER IN SEATTLE!

Summer Night in Seattle

Can't get enough of this song - it really captures the emotions that I associate with summer nights in Seattle. It's positive, warm, soothing, but at the same time it's exciting and intense. Like when the weather is amazing and there's nothing else you'd rather be doing, you just take a deep breath and feel overwhelmingly relaxed. And it's so overwhelming that it's almost like anxiety. No? Is that just me?

Summer Hobby - Golf

A few weeks ago, Sunny took a road trip down to San Francisco and was kind enough to pick up my golf clubs! He also promised to teach me how to play golf, since he used to teach professionally and all. How awesome is that!

Today was the first lesson. After work, I headed over to Columbia Super Range and we worked on posture and swing. There are SO MANY things to remember! But I think I'm picking it up pretty quickly. I had an awesome time, but I wish the driving range wasn't so ghetto. Sean actaully told me that the range we were at is one of the nicest ones in the area, and Sunny later agreed. WOW. Seriously? It was only one level, the grass was all dried up, the railings were rusted, and the range smelled like hot frogs. I was not impressed, but I guess I've just been spoiled by the driving ranges in San Francisco.

Anyway, Matt is always telling me that in Seattle you have to have hobbies to enjoy the nice weather. I found mine! I'm hoping that with Sunny's help, this summer I'll be able to hit well enough to actually play a game on a course. If I keep at it, I'm sure I'll be able to do it. And inbetweens I'll start running - I can run around the beach I found last weekend! My new Brooks running shoes are absolutely wonderful, the treadmill is a totally different experience and I think I finally have enough support to start hitting the pavement.

This summer is going to be good times. :)