Time to Live

I think I'm ready. Actually ready, ready. I'm ready to start living the life I daydream about. Am I the only one that does this? I have a tendency to live in my head too much; I am an INTP, after all. Since I was nine, I have wanted to live in the Pacific Northwest, and here I am! I made it. Sadly, I am not living the life I want to live. For a couple of years now, I've felt stagnant, and - dare I say it - actually afraid to do what I want. Afraid of what you might ask? (I know I did.) Afraid of failure. Isn't that silly? Not living the life I want due to fear of failing at living the life I want.

So what have I done instead? I've eaten my emotions. Too much food, too little movement, which is ironic since in my dream world I'm doing activities all the time: rock climbing, stand up paddleboarding, biking, yoga, you get the picture. It's time for me to do the things I want to do instead of opting out due to the notion that I'm not fit enough for them. I'll never know until I try.

I'm ready to embrace the Cascadia life. If you're like me - wanting to live here and live like the locals do - join me as I shed my old life and adopt a new one.

Staying at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel

A few months, I fulfilled a dream of mine: staying overnight at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. I spent a few days online making sure I got the best deal and the type of room I wanted. Since I am a resident of the state, I got 20% off my room. That savings lead me to upgrade the room I was originally thinking. I went with the executive suite. It was amazing.


Upon arriving, I was greeted by my name; every time after, I would be greeted by my name, and when I called room service, they answered with my name. It was such a nice touch. I wanted to really immerse myself in the experience of enjoying the room, so once I checked in, I didn't leave. I made the splurge to have a wonderful meal from room service. I'd never had room service before, and I loved every minute! The food was perfection.


I did not want my stay to end. Would I go back? Heck yes!

Tulip Festival

Every April in a neighboring county is the Tulip Festival. It's in Skagit County, which is about an hour north of Seattle, WA. It's a big thing here. There are fields covered in yellow and red tulips. They are gorgeous! You have to get there early April to see them before they're cut for sale.

In the middle of the month, the town of Mount Vernon always has a street fair on the weekend in the middle of the month. It's so much fun. So many booths! So many things to try! I never tire of it.

One of the artists created some work during the fair.

Yes, it was a Paint-a-Person booth. This was set up by this really cool arty story (see below). The store has fun nostalgic items on one side and serious art supplies on the other. It's a magical place. Truly.

If you're in the Puget Sound area in spring, be sure to check out the festival. It's huge and amazing. Spring is a great time out here. I'm in love with my home. 

I've been finding myself lacking inspiration for this blog. In fact, I have been contemplating switching to Tumblr. If that happens, I will post the link here, and hopefully you'll come with me. I am tossing around new ideas for this place. I've started a new job, and my husband returned from deployment. So, yes, I have been busy.

There's something about Spring. Without even knowing it, it's like I've awoken from a long slumber. Sometimes I feel like I'm fighting who I am with who I want to be. Does that sound crazy? It feels crazy. It's like my laziness is keeping me from going after what I want. I'm hoping to work on that this Spring.

What about you? What new things are you feeling or doing?

Cole Haan Bradshaw Pump



I am in love with my new shoes. I bought these beautiful Cool Haan pumps at DSW. They are very comfy for a pump. The heel is 2.5 inches, so not too tall. I've been wearing them at work, and so far so good. On the website, the pumps go for $248. Holy moly! I got mine at DSW for $100, which is a lot more than I would spend on heels, but I've decided my feet are worth the investment. My last pumps, from Michael Kors that I got on sale at DSW, didn't stay comfortable for long. Don't  you just hate it when you try on a shoe and it feels great only to have it betray you later on and hurt your feet? Yeah, me too.

My feet are wide, so it can be tricky finding a pump that works. I had just about given up on a pointy one until I found these. I remember my first pair of grown-up black pumps I bought in college. They were gorgeous. The heel was about an inch or so, and I just loved them. I wore them out. I'm hoping these new one will work as wonderfully as my first pair.