Wasn't What I Was Looking For

They say you meet "someone" when you aren't looking necessarily, but what if it isn't a someone rather a new life. A few months ago I wrote about discontent, wanting change feeling a disconnect with the city. Something changed, honestly until recently I wasn't aware of this, instead it slowly developed. My seasonal affective problems of course are lessened with this absolutely beautiful summer filled with sunny days. Truthfully it wasn't the sun. I found passion in my life.

For the past two years my focus has been food, but not in a good way. I was depriving myself of something I loved. I focused on counting calories, food became the evil negative. If you asked me what my passions are, whole heartily I would answer first, food. Like Julia Child who when asked what she liked to do, she responded, "eat!" In May I joined Twitter again. Inspired by Karianne who connected to the social media/PR world, I decided to explore the food community. Little did I know how quickly this world would explode for me, finding others who shared the same zeal for all things food related. My days are filled with conversing with people who get excited about talking about pies (including the best leaf lard), where to find the best DimSum, the bounty of the season, foraging the farmers markets and eating out at restaurants. Food professionals, writers, bloggers and other enthusiasts like myself are constantly sharing stories, attending food related events (talking more about food!) and planning diners out together. Some are becoming true friends. I'm enamoured and most of all, content. I'm not looking externally for happiness. The creative side in me is being tapped again.

Not to say I still don't cherish my existing friends, although I see them less often, but I'm learning to realize that's OK. Managing my time is a bit harder. My community continues to build in Seattle and why would I want to leave this and start all over? I'm experiencing a new part of the city rather than observing from afar. As for dating, I am confident I fill find Mr. Right at the right time. No longer do I spend time online looking for that person, rather I want to find someone who experiences the world at large along with me. I appreciate those who have stood by me, challenged me and continue support me the past two years, allowing me to grow into who I am becoming. More and more I realize how different I am from the Lorraine who I used to know. I had to let some people in my life go, those who bring me down rather than up.

I look forward to what the future brings. If you asked me in October what I would be doing in a year, I probably wouldn't have predicted this. I went to a Halloween party for a reason, the palm reader was more right than I'll ever know. I kinda want to track him down and see what he has to say now.

thank you

First of all, I'm extremely happy because it's going to be sunny all week with a high of 92!!!

But most of all, the food blogging stuff is taking off, i'm having the time of my life, can't wait to see what it brings, really looking forward to upcoming months! Being mentioned today in a nationally known blog! Maybe I have to take what the palm reader said to heart, more to contribute, follow passions, and write! Check! Next, love?

Oh and I neeed to work out, my thighs are sore from the stairs at Coleman pool, alas I am hoping to do something active, might even swim again!

Looking forward to foodportunity wednesday!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

staycation

I just realized I had a green staycation, I barely drove at all, instead utilized my feet, ferry, bus and a few car rides with others. Walked on the ferry to bainbridge, then mostly walked around the island, and finally for my journey back, taking the bus home. Most of all, it was extremely affordable after a week of splurging eating out.

My hosts Devon & Chaz, completely and totally fabulous. It was honestly one of my real 4th of july's in a long time, complete with an old fashion parade, BBQ & fireworks! Today we went to the Bloedel reserve, which was spectacular. We saw two bald eagles, impressive gardens, magnificant views and the weather was beautiful, moments like this remind me of my faith and how thankful I am of our world. I'm looking forward to my next visit to the island, which must include mora's and blackbird.

I have a hard time coming back to reality, rather I wish my summer vacation would continue. Luckily the 18 is slowly making it's way back to Ballard.

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family

Family is what you make it, I realize this more and more, community is family. I had the honor of watching my best friend graduate from college, he's been through so much the past two years and has finally gotten the reward for all of his hard work. Most of all it makes me happy to see him make changes and following his dreams. Friday night we celebrated by making a special dinner and opening two nicer bottles of wine that we purchased over two years ago in walla walla. It was a bit surreal, interacting with his mom who never comes out, spening time together. The whole weekend was wonderful, celebrations, meeting people, it was community in action. I am very grateful for the amaxing people in my life. Congrats M!

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vacation

Enjoying sitting in a random bagel place, not having to cook my own food while improvising. Sasquatch was good, my favorite performance for sure was Bon ivar. Missed most of decemberist but from what I heard from afar solid music. Happy m got to experience the gorge, although we both came to the conclusion we were feeling a bit old. Camping has been mostly relaxing, went on an awesome hike pretty high up outside of leavenworth. It's our last full day, going to a lake and authentic Mexican in Wenatchee, haha just like the infamous labor day camping trip. Ok off the bat phone, back to vacation mode.

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finding inner peace

Wondering what's next. Really great day yesterday, seattle was hoping, sun out, the city felt alive, but maybe that's because I did. Realizing how lucky I am to have such great friends, my life is full, but days like yesterday make me think, do I belong in a place that days with the sun are more of a rarity? My own issues and problems will still follow me no matter where I go. I google mapped my walking route, 5 miles, easily walked, hoping to do more walking now that the sun is out. Should actually get up and out, walk for coffee before mother and mum get here. Now that depressive slump us over, want to account for health better, but wondering how. Especially with $445 in bills for the basic lab tests from last visit. Scheduled naturo path visit, but probably can't afford blood work. Stupid health system and insurance.

Want to continue to better myself, challenge thought patterns. Feel happy with myself and body, most of all enjoy life. Good things coming up, Sasquatch and camping, hopefully a nice hike, weather seems promising. And another opportunity to see live music, discover new bands plus spend time with M especially if he leaves to pursue his passions finally.

Ok need to get up, no more stream of consciousness. Uh oh kitty coming to cuddle, must resist!

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

train

On train headed to Portland for a girls weekend. Looking forward to the weekend away after a stressful day at the office. Thinking about lots of things. Thankful for friends who inspire and challenge me. Great birthday night out last night with shots and laughs! Oh and wine on the train rocks!

Mobile Blogging from here.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]