Fall is Almost Here

Eli and I have been enjoying settling into life here in Seattle. He has be so busy at work! Back and forth from different suburbs of Seattle and a few trips to Portland OR. I keep asking when he's going to have a trip to Hawaii :) Our things FINALLY arrived a few weeks ago, and it's magnificent having furniture in our apartment. We've been able to find a place for everything so far, but have to be careful to budget our space. I've been busy going through the job application and interview process--having a chair to sit on though makes it a lot easier! The two of us have been up to a few things this month--
1. We went to the market for goodies to celebrate my birthday. Macaroons, flowers, and the best mac and cheese ever! Then we made fish tacos at home.
2. Weekend hiking. I think the hardest hike we've done, but the views were worth it.
3. Lunching with a few new friends off Queen Anne Hill.
4. Me learning how to drive in a city--it's kind of intimidating, but I'm getting the hang of it.
5. Excitedly awaiting our first visitors who are arriving in October! (Hiking)

New In Town

What a crazy end to the summer! Eli and I officially moved to Seattle last Saturday and have been LOVING it here. It makes a huge difference to enjoy where you're living, and while we've been on many adventures and seen many things this past year, it's nice to be settled somewhere we truly enjoy. Eli's job is going great--he gets to see a lot of the city and last week he had his first business trip to Portland. It's fun because he takes pictures from the top of the buildings--next week he gets to walk around the top of Safeco Field! I'm job hunting. A challenging process, but I'm confident the right thing will happen. Sometimes it's definitely frustrating and it makes me thankful for a very patient husband.

Our apartment. Oh.my.gosh. We are so so happy with it. We're living in a fabulous neighborhood too. There's tons of young families and kids (strollers are everywhere!) It's really the community feeling I've been missing. We don't have any furniture right now except an air mattress we bought. So we've been watching Hulu/Netflix on the computer and sitting on blankets on the floor. The adventure continues! The moving van should be here this week--It will be so fun to share pictures of our furnished apartment!! (Top of the Financial Center looking at the Olympic Mountains and Space Needle, Top of the Cobb Building facing Elliott Bay, Top of IBM Building looking at the Seattle Public Library, Kerry Park at Sunset--right down the hill from our apartment)

Our Busy Summer

Holy smokes, can't believe July is almost over. I only have 9 more shifts left!!!! Here's what we've been up to:
1. Eli got a job! He's working downtown and so far is enjoying it.
2. We found an apartment!!! It was kind of a process to find. Housing in Seattle is competitive and good units get snatched up quickly. 10th(ish) time was the charm! Took it right away!
3. I've been interviewing as well. I'm looking forward to getting a new and permanent job.

All in in all it's been pretty fun out here. I've been going into Seattle by myself and sometimes I think to myself I can't believe we're moving to SEATTLE! Eli and I are so excited to move into our new apartment and start setting up a home. (Looking at the skyline, Favorite beach, A park down the hill from our apartment)

Afternoon In Seattle

Eli and I had so much fun Wednesday hanging out with Uncle Bart and Auntie Susan! They came into town to go to a Mariners game at Safeco Field. We took the ferry over (my new favorite mode of transportation) and caught a bus out to their hotel. It was a cloudy day, but not rainy so the four of us went to the top of the Space Needle. It was SO fun!! Even though it wasn't clear out the views of the city were spectacular. It would be gorgeous to go up on a clear day. Then we headed to the stadium. When we arrived the stadium was covered and right before the game started they opened it up! Of course Eli and I indulged in some hot dogs and nachos :) It was so great getting to spend time with family--it makes being out here that much more fun. I work tomorrow then we have another three day break and the weather is supposed to be fantastic!
(Us on top of the Space Needle, Safeco Field, The Game)

First Month

We've been married a month! Very exciting and fun. Since being out in Washington Eli and I have been busy job searching and enjoying the great weather. I had a long break so the two of us decided to take a 'mini-moon'. We went whale watching, attempted to find a park, and celebrated with a delish meal. I think the highlight was the puff pastry wrapped chocolate with ice cream for desert. That weekend we headed into Seattle to have a cookout with friends--it's really nice being somewhere where there are familiar faces. The ferry ride across the Sound was SO fun! The weather was sunny and clear so we got a great view of the Seattle skyline. The market was a blast too, since we'd been there already. We picked up some mac and cheese, then snacked on it while waiting in line for pirshokys (fancy Runzas). I think we're getting a system!!! (Whale watching, tasty desert, on the ferry to Seattle)

First Week

I got through my first week at work. I am cautiously optimistic, but so far I like it. It's really nice to go into a hospital and have people want you there. Everyone has been very thankful and welcoming when they find out I'm a traveler. The weather has been fabulous!!! 80s and sunny--can't ask for better than that! The drive to work every morning is so beautiful--the more I'm out here the more I really enjoy the area. Eli and I are taking a few days to ourselves and spending some down time together--today we're going to Point No Point National Historic Site and this weekend we're heading into Seattle to see friends. So far it's been great!!!

We're Back!!!!

1800ish miles, 4 days on the road, 1 odd-ball spring snow, and a few Subway sandwiches later Eli and I are finally back in Washington! Our apartment is on a hill--a steep hill! The first time we parked I almost put on my emergency break. It's very cute and we've got a great view out of the window. Kind of fun--it's a two bedroom two bathroom unit so we have plenty of extra space. When we arrived Eli and I immediately rearranged the furniture to our liking so it feels very homey.

I had my orientation day yesterday, and it was a good albeit exhausting one. The hospital is changing computer systems this summer so they've hired a bunch of travelers to help support them through the transition. There was around 35 of us yesterday and 5 or 6 other travelers live in our complex! It's fun to meet other people and hear their stories. There were quite a few nurses that this was their first assignment, so it's fun to share my experiences too. I got to meet my manager and go to the floor as well--I'm feeling pretty positive (although a little nervous). It's been a crazy few weeks--we've reflected a few times on the differences between coming out to Washington for my first assignment and now. Obviously the biggest one is that we're married now (yay!), but I've also got 4 other assignments under my belt, and we know we like the area. It's also different because we know we'd like to stay out here for awhile. The weather is supposed to be great later this week so I'm hopeful for some Point Defiance beach time or maybe going to the zoo again!!! (Driving scenery, View from Balcony, Living Room)