Missing Downtown

It's approaching 7:55 AM. I'm at work. I'm reviewing some of my music that may make it onto my next release. I'm thinking about the incredibly fun weekend I had. I'm realizing that I miss living near downtown Seattle.

I certainly miss the atmosphere, the hustle and bustle, the commerce, the accessibility to Pike Place Market, the photographic opportunities, the artwork, the architecture, the style, the *good* smells, the hum of humanity... I miss just about all of it.

I don't necessarily miss the constant droning of traffic and people when I'm trying to get some quiet time at home.. but then again it wasn't THAT bad... it was only ever bad when people were being shot at, stabbed, beaten up, or swearing outside of the apartment in the Central District.

After growing up in the suburbs of Reno, NV, how do I balance the desires for things offered only in suburban living (space, high level of privacy, a garage, music studio space) with my lust for urban living and culture? Yes, the sacrifices can be made and I suppose that's just not something I'm interested in doing quite yet. I'm enjoying the space afforded in the upper east side, not to mention my commute to my job (now in Bothell) is cake.

I'm a glutton for cars. I couldn't bear to get rid of my truck. I'm considering a project car in the next year.

I *love* having a dedicated space to make my music. I can turn it up when I need to. I'm not disturbing neighbors at night with my toiling over beats and textures.

BBQ's in the summer are one of my favourite things to do (I love to cook.. small tidbit about me not many people know right now).

Live in the burbs.. Playing in the city sometimes.. I suppose that's how it's going to be for awhile.
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Amy and I had an awesome time on Sunday. We went to the gym in Bellevue and did some weight training, then I had my daypack loaded with some weight and did the treadmill thing for awhile. Getting ready for Ranier and the hiking season is fun. I can't wait to go hiking!

After we sweat'ed it out at the gym, I hit the showers, got changed into normal clothes, then we headed out to Seattle. Street parking is free on Sundays, so down past Virginia we found an angled spot and strolled up to the SAM.

First we stopped into Caffe Ladro to get some espresso. I love my "organic white mocha" (of any size.. usually tall or grande). While chillin in 'Ladro we played some Sudoku. It was uber relaxing.

Next on the agenda was a walk through the market to scrounge for some food. It was decided that Humbow was the best snack to have. We picked up BBQ Pork Hum bow and a Sesame Bun (with red bean paste!) and sat on a bench at the end of Post Alley. I enjoyed the crap out of just sitting there snacking on my delights and watching the people go by.. some tourists, some locals, some dressed in business attire and some dressed like transients.

After the snacks we went up to the SAM and, to our dismay, bypassed the incredibly long lines (yay being a volunteer!) to see the Roman Art exhibit. Seeing the pieces on display from the Louvre was awe inspiring. Open air exhibits of marble sculptures, mosaics, art work, every day items, and an amazing LEAD sarcophagus burned their images into my brain. It will be awesome to see some of this stuff in person in Europe one day ;)

The last stop in the afternoon was at Whole Foods to pick up some odds and ends, then back home for a relaxing Sunday night.
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This week.. music music... video games.. music music. RJD2 on Saturday.