My Grand Adventures

Happenings of Summer/Fall

2009-11-08T19:15:00.001-08:00

Puget Sound from Marine View Dr., Everett, WA

The stunning Olympic Mountains through a break in the clouds

View of Puget Sound in Everett

The big tree slab

Downtown La Conner

Sunflowers while heading into La Conner

Dana and Tim preparing for Skee Ball!

Steve and I in Ballard

Dana and I in Ballard playin' Skee ball!

Well, I've been crazy busy at work and trying to enjoy the most out of my weekends. Thought I'd share some pics from the past few months. I'm ready for time off at the holidays for sure!

Sailing to Sucia Island

2009-08-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

Yet another awesome summer adventure to the high seas; sailing to Sucia Island (pronounced "susha", not the Spanish "sucia" Andy!) part of hte San Juan Islands in the Puget Sound. My friend Liz's parents own a 32 ft sailboat and were gracious enough to let myself, Steve, and my other co-worker Rick and his wife Sarah join them on an overnight trip. It was more than I imagined it would be! We all went for a small hike on the island and enjoyed a gorgeous sunset while eating salmon and steak for dinner! This was a trip I'll never forget!

Summer Fun

2009-07-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

AQUAFEST in Lake Stevens, WA

The rest of the pics are from my boss's wedding held in the mountains at Steven's Pass, WA where there was thunder lightning and beautiful mountain sights!

Liz and Tina (co-workers)

Zach (co-worker) and his wife Stephanie and their unborn daughter

Steve and I

Chris and Liz (Co-workers)

Katie (Co-worker) and her husband Todd

The newlyweds! Sean and Betsy!

Meet the Dryden Family

2009-07-15T00:37:00.000-07:00

It's been an exhausting few weeks at work, really busy and I haven't had any time off since March to just relax. So, for the 4th of July, Steve and I drove to his family cabin to enjoy the outdoors and for me to finally meet some of his family! (of course, he still hasn't met any of mine...this is a hint to you all to come visit me!!!!) We all had a fantastic time hanging out in the woods! The mosquitoes were fierce, but nothing 5 coats of the superman bug spray couldn't handle. Steve showed me around his old stomping grounds in Spokane before we headed north to the cabin. The Dryden family cabin had an original character about it that made it feel quite comfortable, knowing all the hard work that went into constructing it over the years. I was a bit nervous meeting his family, but they were all very welcoming. They taught me how to shoot a few types of guns... (don't worry mom and dad, I didn't hurt myself :) ) I shot a couple of rifles and handguns. Kind of unnerving intially, but I felt like a somewhat knew what I was doing by the end. Other than that, we went for a nice flat hike, a rugged, steep terrain hike (which was worth all the pain I had in my legs for 4 days afterward because the view at the top was spectacular), and we all jumped (I more or less waded) into the freezing glacier water that is the pond by the cabin. It was really great to meet some of the family! Now it's his turn!

Flight to Friday Harbor

2009-05-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

Steve and I headed out to see his friend Mati and his girlfriend Helen for breakfast on the boat. What we didn't anticipate was the flight in a 4 person plane commanded by Helen with views of the Puget Sound, Seattle, the San Juan Islands for lunch and sights from Snoqualmie Falls from above!! Talk about an awesome way to spend Memorial Day!

Elyse's trip to Seattle- Saturday/Sunday

2009-05-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

Elyse's weekend in Seattle- Thursday/Friday

2009-05-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

My friend Elyse made the 5 hour flight from Michigan to come hang out in, yes, SUNNY Seattle. Thursday was spent hanging out around town, then heading to downtown for dinner with the rest of the crew. Friday, we made the trek to Mt. Rainier, to Paradise, and then a BBQ later that evening.

Easter 2009/Tigers vsMariners baseball

2009-04-17T15:49:00.001-07:00

Marine Rifle Drill Team
After the game.
View of the Olympics and the Sound from the top of Safeco.
Micah and Steve tryin to get some Rally fries!
Griffey Jr at bat
Micah, Elisha, me and Steve-O all not looking at the correct part of the camera...
Boyz got some skillz!
Steve and I at Easter with his pin stripes....or should I say "pimp" stripes?
I spent Easter with my Washington family again this year! Steve wanted to dress in his super cool pin-stripped suit for the occasion. I got to dye Easter eggs! Adele, Alea and Kim prepared a delicious meal of cornish game hen and all the fixins. I supplied the dessert. William and Viktor were there to celebrate, as well.
Steve and I went with Micah and Elisha to the Tigers vs. Mariners game the following weekend. It was military night, so Steve and Micah were trying to get some Rally fries. Steve decided to be be a part of the winning team and buy a Detroit hat!! ;) Tigers won. Granderson had this awesome throw from center to home to make a out. He's got a rocket of an arm! Also, got see Griffey play which was pretty sweet.

29th Birthday!

2009-04-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

Lake Sammamish State Park
Snoqualmie Falls trail
Red Hook Brewery for my B-day!
Steve and I at Snoqualmie Falls
Steve says this is the present he made for me...umm... :)
Snoqualmie Falls

So, here it is. The last of year of my 20's. I think this my best birthday yet! Steve and I went for a hike at Snoqualmie Falls. We climbed off the trail onto the rocks to get a closer and water-spraying look. Then, we headed off to Lake Sammamish and walked the beach a little ways. Later, we stopped by one of the wineries by my place and got a few bottles of wine. Then we went to Red Hook Brewery for dinner and good ale with good friends. It was a really good day! :)

Whidbey Island

2009-04-07T22:39:00.000-07:00

Steve and I headed out to Whidbey Island to enjoy the awesome sunshine! We took the ferry over and stopped off at Fort Casey. Then, we checked out Deception Pass for a gorgeous sunset. We had dinner in Anacortes before heading back home. Check out some of the awesome shots!

Little bit o' sunshine!

2009-03-18T11:08:00.000-07:00

Headed to Tucson, AZ to see Andy and Sara for a week. I really needed some sunshine since it's been quite dismal in Seattle. We went for a hike, went mtn biking, Suns basketball game in Phoenix, 4th Ave window shopping, mini-bonefire at the house, wine tasting, and I even crashed a wedding. All in all, the trip was well worth it! Enjoy the photos!

Happy Anniversary!

2009-02-27T08:42:00.000-08:00

It's official! I've been living in Washington and working as a Physical Therapist for one full year! My boss had flowers sent to me yesterday. It's so cool to think I've been doing this a year already. I've learned and have grown quite a bit professionally.

The Amazing Sights on a Bike Ride

2009-02-10T22:20:00.000-08:00

Went on a 30 mile jaunt to Marymoor Park and around the roads of Woodinville on Sunday. It was a sunny, decently warm day. I saw this huge eagle perched on a simple tree right along the trail. What an stunningly handsome bird!

Roller Derby night!

2009-02-08T11:39:00.001-08:00

My co-workers and I went to support our fellow co-worker in her debut at Key Arena as the captain of Grave Danger, a roller derby team in Seattle. Lacey is seriously awesome and it was cool watching the bout! Her name on the team is Carmen GetSome. You can check out info at www.ratcityrollergirls.com Enjoy the shots!

La Connor and Silvertips Hockey

2009-02-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

Steve in the town tree slab in La Connor
Someone's dream sailboat...
Hockey, eh.
I was fortunate to get 4 3rd row tickets to the Silvertips hockey game, which was a ton of fun. They lost, but that's okay. On Saturday morning, Steve and I headed up to Arlington for a good old fashioned/small town breakfast. Then we went to La Connor to see the houses he worked on for Habitat for Humanity and hung around the town for awhile. It's tulip country up there, and in April the tulips are everywhere. We also met up with one of Steve's friends in Mt. Vernon for lunch and trip to the local outdoor adventure store. I like the little weekend side trips!

Magnolia at Elliot Bay

2009-01-29T20:25:00.000-08:00

Steve and I headed down to Ballard to check out an outdoor gear store, had coffee at Starbucks, then a late lunch in Magnolia right on the water. We were inside of course because it was a bit chilly outside. It was a nice relaxing day.

A Friday Full of Flowers!

2009-01-27T20:20:00.000-08:00

So, I was busy treating patients on Friday morning, anticipating leaving on time and getting home. Around 10:30am, I had to quickly head back to my desk to grab something for my patient, and what do I see sitting upon my desk? A gorgeous bouquet of lilies and tulips, my FAVORITE flowers, from Steve. I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face for the rest of the day!! :)

New Year's Randomness

2009-01-21T12:01:00.000-08:00

Lake Washington, Kenmore
Alea and I
Steve and I
Kim and Victor
Alea and I
Key Arena minus the Sonics
Steve and I at Key Arena
Steve and I on a FREEZING bike ride
Mario, Tim and I at the Alibi Room, downtown Seattle

I've done lots over the past month and a half, visiting friends, cycling in the freezing weather, met a man, Steve, who treats me well, and even purchased my first basil plant that is growing well from just seeds! I went with Alea, William and Steve to see Seattle University basketbal play Loyola of Marymount at Key Arena. Kim and Victor held a housewarming/Happy Bday Vic party that was fun. Andy's friends, Tim and Mario flew up from Tucson and invited me out for a night on the town. Other than that, I've been quite busy at work. Hoping to head to Bellingham at the end of the month and I'll be attending a Rat City Rollers Roller Derby match to watch my co-worker kick some booty. She's the league MVP, so I'm sure she's tough!

Washington Christmas!

2008-12-26T15:57:00.000-08:00

I spent this Christmas with Alea and Adele. Alea's friend William was also there. Pretty much a small gathering of Midwestern fun!

Michigan Christmas!

2008-12-26T15:17:00.000-08:00

I headed back to the hometown to see my family and friends for the first time since I moved. Had a good time with everyone despite getting the flu at the end of the vacation. I got see a little bit of snow and re-visited Ciao Amici's and Lu's for a holiday hoorah!

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-30T10:22:00.000-08:00

This was my first Thanksgiving away from my family and I was able to spend it with my favorite friends! We all made part of the meal, which was nice. I made butternut squash soup- the first time I have ever made soup that didn't come out of a can. It was actually pretty tasty. Adele and Alea made the turkey and a few other side dishes and Kim and Vic made stuffing and green bean casserole. Random desserts were brought and devoured. It was a fun weekend! I leave for Michigan in a week, so it will be nice to see everyone!!!

Becks B-day Surprise Bash

2008-11-12T10:51:00.000-08:00

I snuck into Portland again this past weekend to surprise my friend and old college roomie, Becky, for her 28th birthday. The big surprise was that her sister Amy also flew in from Michigan as a HUGE surprise! We headed out to dinner and other bars for some drinks. It all felt like old times at State! We all had fun, some maybe too much fun :)

Work party wine tasting!

2008-11-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

I was invited to my first wine tasting extravaganza at a fellow co-workers home as a Good-bye party for Amie, one of the therapists I worked with here, and a congrats on attaining US citizenship for Raafa, one of the front office staff members at work. We all had to bring a Cabernet, cheese, crackers, and chocolate for the shin-dig. We all had a great time chatting it up, playing foosball, ping pong and Nintendo Wii golf/guitar hero. These are the folks I see everyday of the week, so they are pretty much my family!

Halloween in Portland

2008-11-12T09:21:00.000-08:00

I spent a nice Friday evening in Queenanne with Dana and Tim. We went out for dinner then to a little hole-in-the-wall bar to play darts and pool. It was my first (and last) experience with Rainier beer. The next morning I got up early to help my boss at a ski clinic, teaching skiers, young to old, the importance of and how to recruit the lumbar multifidi and transversus abdominus for proper neuromotor control while skiing. Sounds boring, but it was fun!

I also headed down to Portland to visit with Becky, Pete and Floyd the dog and to dress up and enjoy Halloween. It was a fun and well-deserved weekend away since I've been working my tail off at work. Everyone needs a mental break and this was mine!

Oktoberfest Brew-haha

2008-10-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

Alea and I met up in downtown Seattle today for some window shopping. We didn't buy any windows, but a good time was had nonetheless. Later, we headed to Kim and Vic's for their little Oktoberfest gathering since we couldn't make it out to Leavenworth this year. Anyone who's anyone was there to enjoy some beer, food and good times. This morning, I'm headed out for a ride out to Viewpoint Playyfield to play soccer (non-competitive).