Tacoma, WA

July 3, 2013July 24, 2013 ~ Crystle ~ 11 Comments

I will probably have no shame about being a tourist, ever. Even in my own town (whichever it may be at the time), I have no qualms about snapping photos wherever I go.

My family is in town to see Margot for the first time since she was born, and I’m glad their visit is to this area in Washington where the tourism opportunities are endless. Tacoma, WA is a beautiful city. Period. When I read up on this area, I tend to see a lot of comments on how rough around the edges it is, but as long as you don’t hang out in Hilltop at midnight, I see no problems.

Downtown is especially beautiful since it’s adorned with blown glass by local native Dale Chihuly. Abstract architecture and early twentieth century masonry create a unique skyline on Commencement Bay where Marina and Industry coexist. I can’t get enough. Truly.

Kicking around the town giving our usual Tacoma tour, we ran into other residents who were giving the same tour to their out of town family. What a coincidence, we all end up gawking at the house that starred in the film The Hand That Rocks The Cradle, strolling through Stadium High School, and crossing the Glass Bridge. “This is where Heath Ledger serenaded Julia Stiles back in the 90s”, I imagine many a Tacoman explain at the gates of the Stadium Bowl. Maybe even a brief explanation on the School’s history as a hotel is provided. They may give a quick bio of Chihuly, or explain the landmarks around Commencement Bay. The conclusion is the same: Tacoma has colorful highlights.

Of course we visited the same lovely landmarks that all other tourists come upon when they visit Tacoma. My family seemed to enjoy it.

If my Dad was impressed with sea otters, rabbits and raccoons at Point Defiance Park, I’m sure he’ll get a kick out of Seattle later this week.

This is How…

June 21, 2013June 21, 2013 ~ Crystle ~ 9 Comments

I’ve always been an over-thinker.

When I was a kid I would think about my future a lot. I’d wonder what high school would be like, then count how many years left until I turned sixteen. My mind would continue to wander; I’d ponder what college I’d go to, what my future husband would be like, how my unborn children would look, and where we would live. Would we be healthy? Would we have a happy home?

And as these early milestones came and went in my life, I found myself thinking, “wow, so this is how my [life event] happens.” It was fun to fantasize about what the future held, then see elements of it come to fruition.

After Isaac and I eloped after just two months of dating (crazy, I know!), I found myself saying “wow, so this is how…” over and over again. One milestone after another rolled by; I changed my last name, quit my job, moved across the country and then got pregnant.

Then when Margot was born, it was the most overwhelming TIH moment.

This is my baby! This is my future! I am a mother! This is unbelievable!

It was truly a beautiful moment. I only wish it lasted longer.

That wrinkly newborn turned three-months-old this week. She’s holding her head up by herself now, and her dexterity is improving every day. Margot has become a happy, babbling, drooling bundle of joy that I can’t possibly get enough of. Our first home as a family, way out in Washington State, is full of life and love.

Just when I started to get really comfortable here in the suburbs, my husband reminded me that our move to Alaska is less than 90 days out. We’ve made our travel plans, started on the change of station paperwork, and begun looking for housing. I’ve been thinking and over-thinking about this move for a year now.

On moving day, I’m sure I’ll take one last look at our house on Stockholm Ln. and think “so this is how our Alaskan adventure begins”.

Vancouver, B.C.

May 21, 2013May 21, 2013 ~ Crystle ~ 9 Comments

The sights and sounds of Vancouver, B.C. offered a truly international experience on our Canadian Sojourn this past weekend. We took to the city by foot and spent our time hiking along water fronts, through coniferous parks, and around urban plazas. Foreign language conversations echoed off of tall buildings and blended cacophonously with the sounds of car horns and seagull caws. Peruvian Chaufa, fresh Seafood and strange new vegetables nourished our bodies. We tried fiddleheads for the first time (delicious!).

On our final night in Vancouver, we stopped into a Cathedral to listen to a performance of Gregorian Chants. The Cathedral was dimly lit and a curtain of incense smoke hung densely in the air. One monophonic chorus after another rang high into the rafters of the vaulted ceiling of the ornate Cathedral; melodious reminders that life is grand.

While the women in the chorus sang, I was overwhelmed by gratitude for the beautiful family I have and the amazing adventures we find ourselves in.

On the way home from our Canadian Sojourn, my post-vacation rumination on this sentiment was interrupted by news of a natural disaster in the community in Oklahoma we called home for many years.

I was saddened to hear the news, but tonight as I watch the story progress I’m selfishly feeling grateful that my family is healthy, safe, and in tact. The time we spent in Vancouver this weekend furthered our bond with one another, and made it difficult to stomach the news of a climbing death toll in Oklahoma.

It’s hard to believe such tragedy is ongoing while we’re safe and sound in our calm, manicured suburb following a fun-filled yet restorative vacation.

The eyes of the world are on Moore, OK as things wind down around here. We hope friends and family back home are safe and that healing begins soon for the city of Moore.

And to Vancouver, B.C., we will to see you again after our Great Alaska adventure.