Winter Wonderland

It snows in Seattle. A fact I wasn't aware of when I decided to move here. Last week we were hit by probably the only snow storm of the year, but it was a sizable one for Seattle leaving about 6" of snow on the ground.

The city goes into a bit of a panic when it snows. The local newscasts reminded me a lot of NYC's Hurricane Irene mania. Businesses, offices and schools shut down. People stay inside, afraid to drive on the roads. Seattle, already a sleepy city, was absolutely serene. It was so quiet that I could hear boat horns from our front door. My office was a ghost town. It was weird, but I really enjoy snow, so I still went to work and did my normal activities.

Eventually the storm died down after a few days, and then came the rain and melted the snow away.

Home for the holidays

As usual, I spent Christmas with the family in San Jose. Here are a few scenes from life at home. Warning: most of these pictures are of dogs.


The SeaTac tarmac at sunrise waiting for my flight to SJC.

George. So precious.

Sunsets in San Jose. Took them for granted growing up.

The streets of San Francisco



Curtis and Ivy, my uncle and aunt's dogs

Lion King

Warriors season opener vs the Clippers with dad on Christmas day

The dogs were first in line for food.


Morning cuddles.

Welcoming Peter into the Lee family, wrapping wonton.


And finally this little gem of Missy playing with George.

Deck the Halls

I love Christmas, so naturally on the day after Thanksgiving, the day I can "legally" start celebrating Christmas, I decorated. We only have some colored lights, garland, silver snowflakes and a wreath, but it's enough to make me happy and ready to put Mariah Carey's Christmas album on repeat.

There's a donut hole-shaped void

... in my Seattle life. There is not a single Dunkin Donuts here.

Yes, Seattle has Daily Dozen and Top Pot, which I have yet to try. But back in NYC, I worked and lived above DD. The giant, bright, glowing coffee cup was like a beacon; I'd use it to direct taxis on where to drop me off. I could smell donuts and brewing coffee every summer morning. It's not like a patronized DD every day, but it was a staple in my NYC life, so I miss it.

Anyway, Josh posted this on my wall, and it made me smile.

Over Puget Sound

It's only been a month since I moved to Seattle, but I still can't get over how pretty this place is. With Mount Rainier to the south, the Olympic Mountains to the west and all the greenery, this place is just stop-in-your-tracks stunning. My new office has a balcony that overlooks Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, and every time I pass by, I can't help but stop and stare into distance like some airhead.

Discovery Park

Saturday afternoon, Nick and I took advantage of the sun and had a nice, little stroll through Discovery Park. (Zach, if you're reading this. I know you were first.) The park is this beautiful oasis of meadows and forest in the middle of the city, with easy trails for joggers, dog walkers and casual strollers like ourselves. Life is different in Seattle but with places like this in the city, it's been pretty easy acclimating to our setting.

BOO

Happy Halloween.

My mom sent me the card, which made a nice addition to our front window sill next to the mini pumpkin.

I started my new job today. My first "first day" in four years. In fact, my first day at AKQA was on Halloween too. It's funny how Halloween has become a significant holiday in my life. I'm curious to see what will happen on Halloween 2012.