Tough Day

  No postcard to go with this post.  Today was a tough day.  LivingSocial laid off 400 of our 4,500 employees this morning, mostly in the U.S.  The news was leaked yesterday and I thought I was mentally prepared for whatever today might hold.  I was wrong.   Fortunately, I wasn’t a victim to the lay-offs, but so many colleagues in my office were.  Our Seattle office was already small.  We're a tight knit crew and departments work closely together in person, unlike our DC headquarter offices which are spread out all over the city.  On top of that, we’re all friends, so letting anyone go is going to hurt.  Seeing half the office go was brutal.

  When the goodbye hugs started mid morning, so did my tears.  That happened once more during the day and again when I was telling my roommate about it all at home.  I’ve cried more today than I have in a long time.  I’m so sad.  I’m grieving the loss of co-workers, the way things were, the trust I had in company leadership to some extent, the naive safety I felt in a fun place like livingsocial.  I miss it all.  In the midst of the sadness, I’m confused, frustrated, hurt, and somehow still shocked that it’s all real.  As a result of all of that, I’m struggling with being thankful to still have my job.  I know excitement and gratitude don’t always go hand in hand in life. But now I’m realizing that having one without the other is really difficult.  Since sadness has replaced my excitement currently, thankfulness is hard to come by.

November 30, 2012 – The day after layoffs is painful in a different way.  You’re still adjusting the loss of what was and the friends who were let go, as well as being left with their work.  There were moments I wanted to believe it was all a bad dream.  But the 3+ hours of video conference meetings with leadership attempting to explain why and share the vision for where we’re going snapped me back to reality pretty quickly.  The short and incredibly simplified explanation is that it had to do with long term profitability.  That meant having to make some hard decisions.  In some small way, it was comforting to hear the CEO say yesterday was hard for him too.  I guess acknowledging it was a good starting point, at least for me.  He walked through the vision for 2013 and as defeated as I felt yesterday, the vision for tomorrow is a good one if all goes according to plan.  Through the course of this week I have learned that the “if” can make all the difference. It’s the nature of business.  Even the best analysts can’t know answers to the “ifs”.

  As this ridiculously tough week comes to a close and as much as I wish things hadn’t changed, I’m thankful to have been in the office yesterday to ride the emotional roller coaster.  I definitely don’t want to do it again anytime soon, but unfortunately large scale lay offs are common in companies with a big vision for the potential to come.  I learned a lot and I’m not sure the experience would have been as impactful or real had I not been in the office to live the emotion first hand.  I’m also not sure all the lessons can be articulated into words.  They are intangibles; shifts in thinking, perspective, understanding, confidence.  I was naively innocent in terms of harsh business reality before.  I’m not now.  Emphasizing all the more, that the only sure thing is the Rock on which I stand.  My heart longs all the more to be more deeply rooted in that foundation. 

Costa Rica

   Two Christmases ago my sisters and I were graciously given frequent flier miles from our mom for a sister’s trip.  With the combination of not being able to agree on a location and Shelly getting married that summer, our trip ended up happening this year instead of last.  Better late than never!  After much research, we finally settled on Costa Rica.  About a week after that decision Lindsay informed us that she would be studying abroad in Costa Rica during the next semester (meaning, right now).  Somewhat defeating the point of traveling to a new place together, but clearly a God-ordained, open door to a place we already had travel plans, so we ran with it.

   I love international travel for numerous reasons, one of which is experiencing different cultures.  The U.S. is an amazing country and yet such a bubble.  As uncomfortable as feeling out of place can be, having that bubble popped every once in a while gives valuable perspective.  To that end, we opted to stay on a coffee plantation instead of tourist town hotel.  A local family owns the plantation and rents out the guest house to travelers.  It was perfect - complete with a full kitchen, living room, and two bedrooms for a super reasonable price.  The son of the family picked Shelly & I up at the airport (waiting patiently during the hour it took us to get through customs!), which turned out to be a huge blessing because as we quickly learned, there are no street names in CR.  So if you don’t know where you’re going, you may not get there.  The family was wonderfully generous, providing the three of us a traditional breakfast the next morning, and were significantly better than a travel book when trying to figure out the bus system.  They even showed us how to harvest coffee!

   Worth mentioning, but not elaboration are these other observations unique to CR culture:
• Bus - drives with the door open, uses foam pockets for sorting coins from riders (meaning all manual collection)
• Roads – mostly neighborhoods, not many main or big roads
• No law to wear seat belt in backseat
• Huge road gutters, kind of like mini moats
• Weather -  blue skies & hot in morning,  cloudy/ muggy/ rainy in afternoon
• Because of the weather, people wake up early
• Tons of shoe stores
• Lots of fried food
• Road biking is super popular
• All taxis are red – and only taxis are red

   We had three full days together with significant portions of that time spent on buses getting to and from various Costa Rican highlights.  If you’re looking for a quick summary of the trip it can be summed up in three words: we were together.  If you’re looking for a little more, here’s the run down:
Once Shelly and I dropped off our stuff and waited for the monsoon like rain, vibrate-your-insides thunder, and lightening that made the sky look like a continuous flow of power surges to pass, we set off to find Lindsay.  Our hour and a half journey took us to the Whitworth Costa Rica campus nestled atop an over-sized hill outside Heredia (the city).  We were able to meet some of her friends, see where they “study”, and enjoy the fact campus feels like home away from home before heading back down to her host-dad’s Soda (a.k.a. local café) for dinner.

   Our first full day we went to La Playa de Puntarenas (the beach).  Not the most glamorous or beautiful of the many beaches, but it was far less crowded and the closest to Heredia with water just as warm as all the rest.  On our way home we went through San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.  As expected, the city was packed with people and traffic.  We walked the main tourist strip, went into quite a few shoe stores on a mission to find TOMS (but failed), and treated ourselves to caramel relleno churros as a consolation.

   Day two Lindsay’s host parents offered to be our tour guides to the Irazu Volcano.  Not only did this mean no bus was involved in the journey, but it was also an opportunity to get to know the family who adopted Lindsay for the semester.  #Win.  Since they don’t speak English and I don’t speak Spanish, direct communication between us was sparse.  However that “us” doesn’t include Shelly or Lindsay as they are both more than capable Spanish conversationalists and lucky for me, able translators.  After a couple hours we finally made it to the top of the volcano where we were greeted with low clouds, cold wind gusts, and horizontal rain.  Definitely not ideal conditions, which gave us no choice but to bundle and brave the elements.  We walked the rim, saw the beautiful teal lagoon that is the volcano mouth, took some pictures and bought post cards before heading back down.  A few “detours” and some traffic later, we made it back to San Rafel (where they live).  William and Zayra generously invited us to stay for dinner where we were treated to a traditional Costa Rican meal called Patacones.  It’s plantains cut into fifths, peeled, fried, smooshed, fried again, then topped with black bean purée and a homemade pico de gallo type salsa. Buen provecho (a.k.a. SO good)!  Despite feeling somewhat out of the loop through out the day, simply observing William and Zayra was enough to reveal their genuinely kind hearts.  What a blessing to know my sister is in good hands, well fed and more importantly well loved while she’s away.

   Day 3 we set out for the adrenaline rush of zip lining from tree to tree through a cloud forest.  Upon arrival we learned that the tourist attraction actually originates from efficiency minded scientists who were studying plant life in the top of Costa Rican trees back in the 70’s and decided it was easier to zip from one tree to the next instead of going up and down.  Then someone brilliant thought to monetize it so people like us could pay money to put on uncomfortable harnesses, wear goofy hats, and fly through the forest.  I was totally in my element and loved every second.  Since our morning started with the early canopy tour, we decided to “be locals” with the second half of the day.  We lunched at an El Salvadorian restaurant and topped it off with dessert at the ice cream shop around the corner before walking the streets.  After a few hours we hopped on a bus back to Santa Barbara and our coffee plantation abode, stopping on our way for dinner at the local fancy restaurant.
   Despite being a little short for my taste, the trip was a success.  I am fully aware how blessed I am to have sisters that aren’t just family, but my closest friends as well.  And even more so that we travel well together :)  One of my favorite quotes is “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page” (St. Augustine).  My heart is overjoyed that the pages of this trip are filled with pictures and memories with my sisters.

One Year

Today marks one year at LivingSocial.  Similar to my one month anniversary, I received a new badge – this time for one year - via email with a note basically saying ‘congratulations, thanks for contributing to the company success, we’re looking forward to more years ahead’.  Also in the email was a link to order my very own LivingSocial backpack.  They’re way better than a clip art badge, impressively fancy, and somewhat like a right of passage within the company.  Plus it’s free swag so naturally I’m pretty excited about it :)  I’m always surprised by how quickly time passes and feel incredibly blessed to still be enjoying my work, as well as the people with whom I spend 40-50 hours a week.

   Since I’m talking about work, here’s a quick update.  To better leverage internal resources, the LivingSocial Operations team did some restructuring last month.  I was asked to join the newly formed “Entertainment Team” based on my previous employment background and current performance.  My work is essentially the same except now it’s for the fun Adventure deals and newly created Live Events we run on the site, instead of regionally based dentist office or beauty salon deals.  I’m really excited about the transition into a new challenge and opportunity, which probably adds to the reason why I still enjoy the job.  Also work related yet on a completely different note, today our LivingSocial softball team brought home its first league championship (for softball, we already have one for soccer)!  Needless to say, work is going well.

   The one year marker of my move to Seattle passed while cruising home from Alaska, which gave me plenty of time for reflection.  When I think back over the last 12 months it’s difficult to be anything but thankful.  A few days ago I reread my first journal entry after relocating up north.  It ended with this thought:

The most amazing part of those words is that they’re all still true.  I feel the same overwhelming gratitude on day 366 in Seattle as I did on day 1.  While that thankfulness might not have been present everyday due to moments of feeling lonely, frustrated, disconnected, etc., the contentment that comes from a grateful heart has been the dominate theme through my year.  Despite my past 12 months of smooth sailing, not everyone around me has had the same experience.  As a result, I’m also highly aware that the tides will inevitably change at some point.  I simply hope and pray that when I do encounter rougher waters my attitude would still be one of gratitude for the abundant blessings that fill everyday. 

Alaska

Cruises spoil you for everyday life.  I don’t ever have set meal times where someone puts my napkin on my lap and brings fancy 5-course meals.  Or someone who makes my bed and leaves wash cloth animals to greet me on my return home.  Or the option of constant entertainment and/or constant relaxation, depending on what my heart desires at that specific time of day.  That’s not “real” life.  That is however, life on a cruise and I really enjoyed it.  In fact, after the first two days my sisters and I decided that cruises are like summer camps for adults.  Evidence for our conclusion includes a set schedule for the week with each new week being almost the same as the one before it, activities galore, the aforementioned assigned meal times, being encouraged (and in some cases forced) to meet new friends because you’re all living the same experience, excellent people watching, afternoon free time, staff members that are all ridiculously cheerful despite being over worked and under paid, less than comfortable beds, and an escape from real life that is in most cases overpriced.  Yet just like teenage summer camp, the cost is small compared to the benefit of the experience.
   This was my first cruise (not counting the family Caribbean cruise when I was two) and I have to admit I’m a newly converted, big fan.  With the exception of feeling overstuffed 90% of the time, I thoroughly enjoyed every element of my week at adult summer camp.  Our sea-filled adventure brought us to Alaska.  Wow it is beautiful…and large.  If you ever want to feel incredibly small, take a cruise to Alaska – it will give great perspective.  The journey brought us to three Alaskan towns – Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan – as well as Tracy Arm Fjord which looks remarkably similar to Yosemite, with the addition of massive glaciers and mysterious icebergs.  It was actually pretty amazing a huge ship could navigate such a narrow water way in the midst of so many invisible chunks of ice below the surface.  Ketchikan was easily my favorite port, such a quintessentially cute fishing town, it was hard not to like it.  Other highlights include Carlos and Paula – our waiter/ waitress duo for dinners (we liked them so much one of the days we rearranged plans in order to make our normal dinner time), walking laps around the deck while at sea, naps in the sun, learning about the engineering, navigation, and culinary operations of the ship, movies under the stars (or in our case, under the afternoon sun), and watching at least one episode of Downton Abbey season 2 all piled into Mom & Dad’s room each night.  Being together is the highlight of all the highlights.  I’m blessed and so thankful to be apart of a family that enjoys spending time together.  Getting to do that on a cruise made it all the more exciting and memorable.

Zoo

Until a few days ago I hadn't been to a legitimate zoo in quite some time.  Probably because I'm not really a zoo person.  Learning about and getting to see exotic or endangered animals semi-up close and personal is great.  That part I enjoy.  It's the other visitors and fanatical/ border line obsessed  zoo keepers/ workers that keep me away.  Zoos feel a little bit like Disneyland to me...a lot of little kids and nerdy park staff.  However, since the Woodland Park Zoo is less than 10 minutes from where I live and actually a pretty reputable tourist spot well loved by locals too, it made my Seattle-do list.  I have to admit I was pretty impressed - great park layout and attention to detail, all the animals you'd hope and expect to see at the zoo, and highly informational.  My nerdyness was brought out by the knowledgeable guide who lead us around the park so maybe I just needed to visit the right zoo to really appreciate the experience.  

Olympics

I love the Olympics!! And what better way to start off a world wide competition than with my previously mentioned favorite Mexican food.  Go Team USA!!

Tuesday

Last Tuesday I ventured up to Roche Harbor for a friends wedding.  One of many harbors on the San Juan Islands, Roche is tucked away on the most western tip.  Getting there takes 3 hours, including a scenic ferry ride.  Everything about the area, and Roche Harbor specifically, is perfectly picturesque.  Although if I was a local, I'd definitely own a float plane and know how to fly it.  I think I'd feel a little trapped by the journey of getting there.  Regardless, for a two-day mid-week escape it was an ideal adventure.  Here's a few postcards that don't do it justice so I recommend making the trek in person.

Photo from the ferry

Road that leads to the Harbor, a.k.a resort

Focal point of the town

The Harbor at sunset

The beautiful bride

Canada in the distance

Mexican

Here in the Pacific Northwest, good Mexican food is rare.  Which is unfortunate because it happens to be my favorite genre of food.  I learned this the hard way after trying a local spot thinking the reviews on Yelp had to contain at least a little truth.  The real truth is that generally speaking, folks from Washington don't know what good Mexican food tastes like.  So of course they'd think the second rate stand in is great.  I was disappointed.  And not to be dramatic, but do remember thinking "I guess I'd just go without until my next trip home to CA".  That was until my roommate and I discovered a hole in the wall gem.  Actually, it's on wheels so I don't know if it technically qualifies as "hole in the wall", but you know what I mean.  El Camion, which means 'the truck', is aptly named as it's your classic taco truck (permanently) situated in the Home Depot parking lot a few miles north.  I don't usually go for spicy options or pork as my first choice, but their spicy pork burrito is pretty dynamite.  Fish tacos are a close second.  As one would expect from this type of dining experience, their seating is outdoor and not the best so we usually take our bags of deliciousness to go in search of an ambiance to more fitting for our flavorful meal.

Soccer

As you know from my previous post, Monday nights I play on a co-ed soccer team with my colleagues from LivingSocial.  Last Monday was the end of our second season (they are quarterly) and after 10 hard fought games, we came out as the Champions of our division.  Winning is much more fun than losing, which is what happened most of our first season.  Yay for improvement, exercise and being number one!

Sunsets

When change happens in someone’s life, a common question for family and friends to ask is “how are things?”  This is most definitely true of my move to WA.  And since part of my change involves a different climate, the second question that follows is almost always about the weather or rain or cold, and how terrible it must be to live in the gloom ever day.  To which I respond, “it’s really not that bad”.  Honestly, it’s not.  I’ll let those of you who aren’t familiar with the Pacific Northwest in on a little secret… it really doesn’t rain here as much as you’d think.  It’s more of a light mist.  What I call “California rain” (aka actual rain drops) doesn’t happen all that frequently.  However, the lack of real rain doesn’t mean there is a lack of cloud cover.  It’s cloudy a lot. Something I hadn’t taken into consideration is how constant grayness during the day also equates to lack of color during sunset.  As a result, I have a new found appreciation for the magical way a setting sun makes everything glow.  It’s genuinely exciting.  A couple weeks ago we had several days of sunshine and yes, amazingly vibrant sunsets.  This is one of them overlooking Greenlake…

Seattle-Do

I am a list maker.  I make to-do lists, pro/ con lists, life lists, shopping lists, and the list of lists goes on.  Often times I include items on the list I've already accomplished simply for the satisfaction of getting to cross it off.  Yes, I'm that girl.  As you might imagine, living in a new city requires a new list.  I call it my "Seattle-Do" list.  Some of the items have been done, some of them were done then added to be crossed off, and some (actually most) have yet to be accomplished.  So in the spirit of accountability and collaboration I'm posting the list.  Feel free to check in on my progress and/ or make suggestions for items that should be included.

• Hike Mt. Si to top of Hay stack
• Go to Columbia Tower Starbucks
• Fly in float plane
• See troll under bridge in Fremont
• Buy flowers from Pikes Place
• Go on Seattle underground tour
• Visit Theo Chocolate factory
• Run a Seattle race
• UW tailgate in a boat
• Go to a Seahawks game
• Go to a Sounders game
• Hike Discovery Park
• Visit Kerry Park
• Bonfire on Alki Beach & Golden Gardens
• Visit Snoqualmie Falls (and Salish Lodge)
• Wine tasting in Woodinville - (which can totally be done again!)
• Have a bonfire at Golden Gardens
• Go on a tour of Starbucks HQ’s
• Visit the Woodland Park Zoo
• Hike Mt. Rainier
• Go to Red Hook brewery 
• See a concert at the Gorge
• Become a regular at a local coffee shop (on it’s way to being crossed off)
• Kayak, canoe, and/or paddleboard on Lake Washington
• ...

My attempt the typical "tourist" shot of Seattle from Kerry Park

Ramblings

Most of the time I don’t usually talk just to talk.  If I have something to say I’ll share it, but I’m not one of those girls who has a word quota to meet each day.  Basically I don’t do much rambling.  Thankfully, I’m not a politician so rambling isn’t a necessary skill I need to develop.  Although I am finding my lack of the skill makes consistent blogging more difficult.  I’m also learning my posts are sporadic because, like conversation, I prefer them to have a purpose.  Since most of my days are filled with routine activities, the “postcards” I could share with you are what I’d consider “word count ramblings” just to meet the proverbial quota.  I say all of this as justification for my absence over the previous month as well as a warning/ explanation in case I disappear again for another 30+ days.

Speaking of 30 days, the month of April has exactly that.  Here are a few highlights in reverse chronological order, starting with last weekend...

According to locals, last weekend was a glimpse into what Seattle summers will be like.  In short, I’m excited!  Although a few of my previous postcards have been about the weather, a topic some may argue is the ultimate form of rambling, be prepared for more once the sun decides it would like to stay and play longer than 48 hours.  Anyway, since baseball and sunshine go together like peanut butter and chocolate, Shelly and I made a last minute decision to go to the Mariner’s game on Saturday which turned out to be a complete win.  Free tickets made for quality time together, soaking in much needed vitamin D while enjoying sunflower seeds and watching White Sox pitcher Philip Humber throw the 21^st Perfect Game in MLB history.  It was an all around perfect day.  

Sunday after church I ventured out to Green Lake with sandwich in hand for an afternoon of alone time and reading.  Although I may have been there by myself, I was definitely not the only person taking advantage of the sunny day.  It was packed! (The accompanying postcard makes the park look tranquil. It wasn't.)  My attempts to find a patch of grass semi secluded for quiet reading, yet optimally placed for sun exposure semi-failed and I ended up people watching/ listening instead.  Always an entertaining way to pass time.  The weekend was capped off with a BBQ at a friend’s house nearby.  If those two days were a look into the upcoming months, this is going to be a gloriously wonderful summer.

Back in February (and relevant to this entry because it still applies in April,) I started going to a Thursday night Bible Study at Bethany for young professional women.  Having been to groups like this in the past at other churches I was skeptical (so much so that I skipped the first two weeks because I thought it would be like all the rest and didn’t want to intentionally suffer.  I know, terrible attitude).  Once I finally got over myself and simply showed up, I was met with the blessing of intellectual study, thought provoking questions, great discussion, and new friendships.  I now look forward to our time together every Thursday as the lovely ladies in my small group have become a part of my developing community.  The Lord’s sense of humor and complete provision never ceases to amaze/ entertain me.

At the beginning of April I made a quick trip home for my Mom’s birthday.  My gift to her was me, which I realize was already a gift given by God twenty-something years ago, so I’ll just say I re-gifted myself.  We spent two full days at the cabin and enjoyed every moment.  I know most people probably refer to Disneyland as the happiest place on earth, but that’s because they haven’t been to the cabin.  It’s my happy place.  It’s also my mom’s happy place and being there to together makes it the happiest.  Great conversation also makes me happy and I am so thankful to have established relationships with my parents that allow meaningful conversation to flow easily.  With one remaining day in CA I was fortunate enough to spend it with wonderful friends from past seasons of life whom I love and don’t regularly see now that I’ve relocated 400 miles north.  The trip as a whole was good for the heart.  In fact, coming back to Seattle after such a great time with my parents and reconnection with friends was more difficult than expected.  I was sad the time had to come to an end and wished in some way I could bring my two worlds together in one place.  How great it is to know that one day they will be?!

p.s. I know I said I wasn’t going to post about recipes I'm making, so I’m not.  However, these protein/ power balls are particularly amazing and I feel compelled to share a picture of them with you.  They may look like a mound of you know what, but they taste light years better!

Discovery

Thanks to my roommate Chelsey, last weekend I was introduced to a new favorite spot.  It's called Discovery Park.  I'm going to call it an urban hiking oasis because once in the park you'd never know downtown Seattle is only a quick 10 minutes away.  Seriously, where outside of Santa Cruz can you find an escape with legitimate hiking trails, beautiful ocean views, and scenic greenery all around?  OK fine, this probably exists outside of northern CA and WA, but where ever else that might be I've never been so it doesn't count yet. (Side note: the views of the "ocean" below are actually of the Puget Sound. Pretty much the same :))  Anyway, three of our four roommates went on a mini adventure to explore the trails that lead down to the water.  We cataloged almost every step of the way, including the moment when Katie and I attempted to do a yoga pose on a wet, sandy log which lead to her almost doing a face plant as she fell.  As you'll see below I too almost tumbled off in extreme laughter.  Had she been hurt, it wouldn't be funny.  However, since she wasn't seriously injured I still break out in uncontrollable laughter every time I see the series of pictures.
For numerous reasons I can't wait for summer. Discovery Park is now apart of that excited anticipation.  The park will likely be crazy busy, but I'm thinking/ hoping convenience will out weigh crowds and result in continued discovery.

Greta

Back in November I got a phone call from Kyle, the husband of my good friend Greta, who like all good husbands was brainstorming what to get his wife for Christmas.  He was tossing around the idea of surprising her with a trip to come visit me.  Not only was I totally on board with the incredible thoughtfulness of his gift, but it also meant I was going to get some quality time with my friend.  Complete win, win.
The last weekend of February, in a typical dreary and water logged evening, Greta arrived.  It was her first trip to WA and my first time playing tour guide, which made for moments of undecided wondering and what I considered great fun (I hope she did too :)).  Highlights of the weekend include exploring Pikes Place downtown, walking Green Lake with coffee in hand, the Theo Chocolate Factory tour (which ends in their sampling shop!), and meaningful conversations that accompanied our activities.  I'm so thankful for Greta, for her faithful friendship, for her compassionate heart, for her desire to serve well, and for our time together.  Thanks Kyle for making our weekend of tourism and catching up possible!