Parades Parades! [Part 2]

Welcome back for Part 2!

So as some/most of you may know, Chrissy has been diligently training to run a Half Marathon. A Half Marathon = 13.1 miles [that's crazy]! I personally don't know why anyone would want to put their body through that but I am very happy for her and completely support her ridiculous decision. She is a better person that I am :)

For the last 2 1/2 months sh has been training hard 5 days a week. Beginning with a "light" 4 mile run, she began working her way up week by week until she eventually ran a 13 miles mock marathon. I remember the day that she did this when she came back and collapsed on the ground. Her face had a look that said "Just Shoot Me" and "I'm going to throw up". A couple weeks later she was then fully trained and ready for the real race.

It was an early morning (5:15am to be exact). Competitor #20684 was primed and ready for action. The Tukwila starting line was packed full of eager and anxious participants. This scene can better be described by the song "Going The Distance" by Cake.

Reluctantly crouched at the starting line,
Engines pumping and thumping in time.
The green light flashes, the flags goes up,
Churning and burning, they yern for the cup.

The scene was set as the streets of Seattle were filled with 25,000 Runners. Some were running the Marathon some were running the Half Marathon. Some were prepped to hand out waters or precious electrolytes. Some were suited in full race gear while others donned costumes more suited for Halloween. Some were sitting on a grassy knoll awaiting for support with a camera in their hand, myself being the latter of those.

Chrissy ran the marathon with Kristin. She said that it was nice to have another person to talk with along the way. I suppose it would get a little boring running for 2+ hours without nothing to do [maybe I should have gave her my Gameboy]. After taking pictures and cheering her on at the 6 mile marker, I rushed downtown to Qwest Field (home of the Seahawks and Sounders) to watch her make the last 1/10th mile. She did so with a smile on her face. I'm so proud of her!

She was able to maintain a constant 10:00 minute mile pace throughout the entire race without slowing down once! She finished with a time of 2:12:34. And she didn't even look like death afterwards. She was treated to a free lettuce wrap from P.F. Changs as well as a gaggle of gifts for running. This concludes part 2 of our saga.

On a side note [or more importantly] I found the biggest box of Captian Crunch ever (with Crunch Berries of course)! It was like two of the biggest size boxes you can buy put together. And the best part was that it was only $3.79. It's been about a month and I still have some left. Awesome

Parades Parades! [Part 1]

I know everyone has been anxious to hear what has been happening in the happiest city of Seattle. It has been very busy here the last couple of weeks. There has been so much going on that it has taken awhile to get everything together. It has also taken awhile to go through the 300+ pictures per parade. So look out later this week for a couple more updates as I get everything together.

Part 1 begins with the Summer Solstice Parade. This is a joyous celebration commemorating when the tilt of the Earth's Axis is most inclined toward the Sun, causing the Sun's apparent position in the sky to reach its northernmost extreme. In Leymans terms it basically means the longest day of the year. Appropriately enough the sun was out in full effect giving us all a pleasantly warm 82 degree day.

Taking place in Fremont (aka North Seattle), the parade began with the thousand person naked bike ride. Yes, you read that correctly... naked bike ride. Since this was a "family" event, the bikers were required to wear body paint. This lead to some very creative designs to cover up some very unattractive body parts. It was pretty cool to see and a lot less obscene than you might imagine. In fact 2 of our friends, Matt and Kristin, had joined in the festivities. They said it was a really happy and fun experience.

The rest of the parade entailed numerous floats, ferries, bands and bikes. The floats varied from homemade creations made from recycled goods to professional constructed structures big enough to carry entire Rock Bands. With a smile on the face and a twinkle in the eye of every person there, the parade was a great success. You can't help but have fun at an event like this.

The parade made it's way through the streets of Fremont en route to Gasworks Park located on the northern part of Lake Union. At the end of this Solstice Rainbow was a plethora of authentic ethnic foods as well as a giant grassy knoll for people to relax and soak up the sun. There was even a giant balloon ball that was rolled down the hill to entertain the kids who were lined up like Bowling Pins. Fun, Fun, Fun.

Stay Tuned for Parts 2 & 3!!!!

Memorial Day Weekend Part 2

Last time I left everyone wondering what part 2 of this wonderful weekend had in store. Well after a long anticipated wait, without further ado, I give to you:

The Seattle Folklife Festival

The folklife festival is a joyous event of laughter, celebration, showmanship, music and much more. It brings out all walks of life to gather, show off and spread love to the city that gave them birth. The weather continued to bring a bounty of sunshine without a single cloud in the sky. We dawned ourselves in t-shirts and shorts, and made our way to the Space Needle's festival grounds. Upon arriving we were greeted by magicians and ferries with signs offering free hugs.

There were numerous street performers giving the crowd everything they had. With a smile on each and every individuals face, they were never disappointed. To go along with the bounty of booths containing every sort of homemade objects imaginable, there was a plethora of delicious delicacies. From fair food to finger food to ethnic delights, no one would leave with an empty stomach. Except maybe these guys:


From break dancers to break beaters and everything in between, there was always something to satisfy your six senses (The Sixth being the collective energy of the crowd). We could have people watched all day long with all of the commotion going on.


Incase the summer heat was too much to take, there was a giant upside down sieve looking-fountain there to cool you to the core. The city kids took to this like it was fire hydrant spilling fun into the street. The only thing missing was the Ice Cream Man....


The following weekend was a fairly low key one. Friday we went out for Happy Hour at a place called Eastlake Bar & Grill located on the waters of Lake Union. The view is only topped by the price of the Happy Hour Items. $3.00 burger and fries, Chicken sandwhiches and quesadillas. Mmmmmm... delicious. Friday night concluded with a late night run to 13 Coins for some 2am breakfest. Saturday brought the sun again for the 14th day in a row. We took advantage by doing some frisbee golfing at a local course. Unfortunately the area around here lacks the space needed for a proper course, but it was still fun none the less. For sunday me and Andy decided to do a little photo shoot, for our cars. We went to an old Army Barracks located on Lake Washington called Magnusson Park. The following was the result of the day.

Finally, this last weekend contained one of the coolest things I have ever been to.

Teatro ZinZanni is a big night out unlike any other, a three-hour whirlwind of cirque, comedy and cabaret all served up with a five-course feast designed by celebrated Northwest chef Tom Douglas; all taking place under a giant circus tent. From dazzling vocals to daring acrobatics to delightful comedics, Teatro ZinZanni has something for everyone. If you were lucky enough to be within the "Inner Circle" of dinner tables, you may have been choosen to perform along side of the actors themselves. Everyone was in on the act, including all of the perfomers dressed in Gypsy or 1920's flapper appareal. The only restriction for the night was no SHORTS, T-SHIRTS or TENNIS SHOES. This was awesome for us because it gave a chance to dress in attire that would have otherwise brought funny looks. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take pictures but a sample video can be viewed below. Until Next Time Folks! Have a good one!