November
Another month down for 2018 and we’re in the final stretch.
I’ve been taking a break from writing because it’s been a little go go go but also I haven’t felt super inspired to write whatsoever. It’s been a weird time taking a step back and just being. To be honest, I haven’t been doing anything in particular.
Darker days are taking hold with the sun setting at 4 pm every single day. Luckily, the weather has been formidable which makes the shorter days more bearable. Still, it’s difficult to pack it all in during the daylight hours making everything seem more urgent.
November was quite bittersweet with the terrible fires burning their way through California. It was hard to see the cities in flames and the dark, ash gray skies, but even worse to hear about close friends unable to go outside and others losing their homes.
On a lighter note, Frankie & Jo’s hit the jackpot with their trifecta of seasonal flavors (Miso Moon, Molten Chocolate Cake, and Japanese Pumpkin) which brightened my mood and emptied my bank account. We celebrated some of the last home tailgates of the college football season (GO DAWGS, we’re Rose Bowl bound), Gina visited, celebrated the biggest friendsgiving yet with 20 people, had the ability to spend Thanksgiving at home this year, and spent a weekend in San Francisco with my mom and best friend (more on this one later!).
Favorites favorites favorites!!!!
T U N E S | 2018 has been jam packed with new music and it just keeps coming. My boys, aka The 1975, released their third studio album A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships and if you know what’s good for yourself, give it a listen. Favorites include “I Like America & America Likes Me” and “I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)” so start with those. If you’re looking to expand your music library also check out No Rome and listen to “Narcissist” and The Band CAMINO starting with “Daphne Blue” and “My Thoughts on You”. And you can’t forget Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next” which captivated everyone for all of November.
A C T I V I T Y | I got really into trivia over the course of the month - I even went with my parents when I was visiting home for Thanksgiving. I’ve always loved Jeopardy and this is just a social situation to apply the random knowledge you’ve picked up throughout life. Put me on your team if you’re going on Tuesday!
T R A V E L | I was really scrounging for ideas and realized that a fair amount of the month was dedicated to flying. I have gotta say, Alaska Airlines is the superior airline in my book. They have made this travel season easy and smooth with kind staff, seat chargers, on-time arrivals, and comfortable seats. So next time you’re deciding on a flight, splurge the extra twenty dollars and choose Alaska Airlines. Alaska, please sponsor me, please!!
F O O D | This is so random, but Leigha came home one day, excited about her latest purchase fro good ol’ TJ’s: butter spreads. A stunning purchase to say the least. Find them in the dairy aisle to mix up the plain stuff. We most certainly devoured our way through Roasted Garlic & Herb and Black Truffle - no regrets at all.
S E A T T L E S P O T | The new Space Needle is remarkable. That’s, misleading - the renovation of the Space Needle is remarkable. It might as a well be new though. During my first visit to the Emerald City, we were pleasantly deceived by a sunny day. Day numero uno also happened to be our “touristy” day where we went to the top of the Space Needle. Don’t get me wrong, it was spectacular, but definitely a one and done situation. When Gina told me that she wanted to go up the Space Needle, I was kind of reluctant, especially given the stark increase in price, but I succumbed to her persistence. I’m so glad I did too. The renovation is worth every penny. Gone are the tacky wires obstructing your view, replaced by the sleek six inch thick angled slab of glass allowing you to see the expanding city skyline. It’s a must for first timers and a treat if you “have” to go up again. It also helped that we went on a gorgeous, crisp day, and Mt. Rainier came out to play.