This morning I was running on about three hours sleep. I headed up to Phinney Ridge for a day with the Jamie, Jesse and Mike, and we packed it full. We got gyros at Mr. Gyro – really excellent food. I also saw the Space Supply Store – we have a Super Hero Supply Store in Brooklyn, and both are actually writing workshops put on by Dave Eggers. I didn’t know that – love learning something new every day.

Sunday was a great day. Jamie and Mike picked me up in West Seattle, and we went up to Phinney Ridge to hang out. Jesse is about 3 1/2 months old and super cute. She’s very smiley and happy, athough there was a bit of a meltdown near the end of the afternoon.

After an uneventful flight out Friday, Saturday was my first full day back in Seattle. Got some quality Mario Cart action in on Wii (tip: Waluigi with the bike is a good choice), and spent the early evening at the first birthday party of Elizabeth, my good friend’s neice. They’re really like a second family to me, and it’s nice to see them all.

 Last night Renee and Kevan dropped me off downtown, where I met up with Gene and Jessica, Bolt and Amy, and Jeremy. We ate some dinner at Rock Bottom Brewery, then headed over to Lockspot, which is right on the locks in Ballard. J and I stopped into the locks really quickly – saw a sailboat passing through. It’s quite lovely there in the early evening – there’s a nice garden.

 At the bar we met up with Dave, Matt and others. It was really nice to see them all together again. Every one of the boys is doing really well and seems happy. I should be seeing J again on Tuesday and maybe Thursday; Gene moves with his wife to San Francisco Monday, so I’m not sure when we’ll all get the chance to be together again. I love spending time with these guys – all doing different and interesting things. The only one missing was Nicole – We missed you Nic!

 I also got to enjoy a Dick’s milkshake at 1 am. No visit to Seattle is really complete without one…

I’m quite happy traveling these days. I think I’ve spent at least a full day in the airport since Christmas. This one trip was a quick one, but a good one. I headed out to Seattle to help throw a shower for Jamie, who is expecting a baby girl in February. It was a bit unlike a traditional shower – guys and ladies were there, there was no ‘smell the faux poopey diaper’ game, and we served liquor and chinese food instead of tea.

By Sunday I was a little tired, but got a minute to see some of my friends – brunch with one group, and an afternoon with Reagan, who I hadn’t seen since her wedding in October. 

Whenever I go to Seattle it’s always a little hard to leave. Driving down to Alki on a sunny Sunday, with a view of the Sound and good music on the radio, I can’t help but think about what a great place it was to live. NYC is great, too. I’m lucky to be torn in such a way.