Seattle Times

It has only been a year since I have been living in Seattle officially (I was basically living with R for, oh, 8 months before that, but not paying rent yet), and SWEET JESUS it has made all the difference in the world. Although many transplants would argue that Seattle isn't a REAL city, it sure as hell feels like one to me. What I hated in the suburbs, though, was the lack of people with drive. Everyone was so uninspired, including myself.

I am fairly young. I mean, I'm pretty young. I will consider my first year out of the suburbs the beginning of my actual adult life, I suspect. I just can't believe that I'm finally living it and that it is as great as I thought it would be. I want to go and tell 12 year old me that everything will work out fine and you WILL get out! And have boobs! And hold hands with your cute boyfriend at hip lounges drinking fancy beer! Just like you imagined you would!

Of course, novelty wears off.
But hot damn is it ever good while its still novel.

This park will be nearly abandoned in a month. Because the rain will have come and all the beautiful parks will be soggy and horrible. God. Just don't come back, rain.

One of my good friends FINALLY moved here after commuting an hour each way to school here for not one, but TWO quarters! He has a sweet, perfectly located apartment. Im so jealous.

And now we finally revel in our new lives together, going on walks through streets with what seem to be an impossible amount of interesting [looking] people, things, places.

And best of all, his building is next door to one of my favorite Ethiopian restaurants. I eat Ethiopian at least once a week. This is a huge, awesome deal. My neighborhood is drowning in them, but the closest one is 4 blocks away! That isn't anything, but it's everything when I'm trying to convince myself to get off my ass and go get food.

So now, we can be newbs together, and wander around in a pathetic state of awe that Seattle probably doesn't even deserve. Here's to more beer drinking and more Ethiopian eating. Yes, I am a cannibal.

I'm just excited. Still. Forever. I hear it only gets better from here?!

THX SEA

Growing up as one of the few black kids in a very white suburb had some dire consequences on my love life and love interests from middle school throughout high school. I didn't feel ugly, but I didn't feel beautiful, and I knew that I wasn't what any of the boys had in mind as a potential date. The boys at my schools liked their girls white (but horribly tan), blonde, and stupid. I am not any of those things. I had boyfriends, don't get me wrong. But it just wasn't like it is NOW, and I don't know if it is solely my location that I have to thank/blame for the change I have experienced since moving to Seattle from the suburbs. I am asked out fairly often. Every woman is, I know. But by men I RESPECT. That is a rare and beautiful thing, internet. Not that I have to tell you.

It could be that I am now in contact with many more people who are much more likeminded than those 30 miles south. It could be that I have an incredibly supportive boyfriend who tells me every day that I am beautiful. It could be that I am finally happy, challenged, and stimulated on a daily basis. I feel that I am thriving here, and I suspect that I secrete happiness from my pores.

Either way, I feel totally beautiful for the first time in my life. I am confident. I love myself. I love the people I choose to surround myself with. I accept those that I do not. It just feels good.

Non-somnia

I should go to sleep, but all I can do is watch Mad Men and think about how much I do NOT want to go to school tomorrow.

I am literally laying in bed exhausted with my laptop open and the computer on.

WHY CAN'T I LET MYSELF GO TO SLEEP?

[because you are a masochist and a moron and you must enjoy waking up tired.]