Yesterday I went with most of my AmeriCorps team across the sound to Seattle. It had been a few years since I had been on a ferry and really enjoyed it! Even if I was on a big-ish boat I was happy to be on the water. I was also happy to enjoy the ride on the "sun" deck with a lot of the team and be excited as a group to see the Seattle skyline come into clearer view, as well as see Mount Rainier.
My roommates, Marie and Megan, and our friend Suze, and I took a hike and went to the REI. Megan showed us an amazing thing...the bargain basement! So, needless to say, REI is an even more dangerous place for me in Seattle. As we journeyed to REI we passed the big "Public Market" sign, as well as the Space Needle. I had a fun time walking around the city like I hadn't since I was there over four years ago with Kath. Feeling the street under my feet, hearing the different languages swirl around me, the diversity in the population... it all helped with the little bit of homesickness I've had. Next time I'll have to find a good Mexican food place! Then I'll really know I could survive up here for a while :)
The official reason for the team going to Seattle was to go to the Red Sox, I mean Mariners, game. As we were walking to the stadium we naturally found our way to a brewery. After we fueled up with food and some delicious beer we finally got to the game and then took another hike up to our seats. Who says nosebleeds are bad seats? I think some of the most entertaining sports patrons sit there! Ha!
I had a good time cheering for both teams and having a seat where I could look directly at the Space Needle! The usher for our section was really excited that we were part of AmeriCorps. It's funny, in the short time I've been here I've met a lot of people who are very supportive and excited about AmeriCorps being in this community. From the stadium to the ferry terminal all 40 of us walked along together in what felt like an elementary school field trip. "Does everyone know where their buddy is?" It was fun though; I talked to a few more people I hadn't really had a chance to yet. It's hard when there's such a big group of us to get to know everyone in some manner in a week and a half. On the other hand I have had some really enjoyable times and talks with some new friends, including the ride home from the ferry. When I got home I was smiling big after a ride with good conversation, good music, the moon playing peek-a-boo behind the clouds and the stars making a guest appearance. Not sure if I followed a yellow brick road, and I'm not exactly in the Emerald City, but I feel like I'm meeting new friends who will teach me a lot about myself and life and who I'm sure I'll go on adventures with that will change my life forever.
I also love being up in the nose-bleed section -- the fans are oft-times more entertaining than the game!! This sounds like a great excursion .. I love your references to moon and sky. I think Sara also feels this tug about the large group-small group. She is now in her 'zone' and one of its schools ... So it's an interesting and changing dynamic. Proud of you and love you, sweetheart.
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