California : Day 2

So I've been reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert between the Tom Robbins novels that Julia gave me. I'm really enjoying this book. The first third of the book, Eat (while she was in Italy) was my favorite. The Pray part (while she was in India) was just okay, and now the final part "Love" (while she is in Bali) is just wonderful! The medicine woman, "healer", gives Elizabeth a cure for her broken heart.

Fail-Proof Broken-Heart Curing Treatment:

Vitamin E

Get much sleep

Drink much water

Travel to a place far away from the person you loved

Meditate

Teach you heart that this is destiny

I love it! And it's oooh so very true. Another tidbit that I'd like to post is from Elizabeth's indian Guru. It's about happiness.

" People universally tend to think that happiness is a stroke of luck,

something that will maybe descend upon you like fine weather if you're fortunate enough.

But that's not how happiness works.

Happiness is the consequence of personal effort.

You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it.

You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings.

And one you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it:

you must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever,

to stay afloat on top of it. "

With all of that said, I'm very happy!! Jbird (great, life-long friend Jay Oliver) picked me up at the Santa Barbara airport and we headed straight to the beach. We surfed waist high, clean waves...just the two of us. We surfed until the sun completely set, and I was so content, knowing that I made the right decision to stay on the west coast a bit longer. Jay and his woman Toy have a great house in Lompoc, CA. They have three dogs: Lulu (and old, blind, deaf very sweet bulldog), Ruby (a cattle-dog who's sole goal is to kiss you as many times as possible), and Osa (a part-wolf puppy with nothing but energy and love). They also have a very rambunctious new kitten and a very loud parakeet.

Jay is at work now, and we just finished a late breakfast and some delicious coffee. I'm going to play with the dogs, sip some tea, play some music, read Tom Robbins and think about my next blog. Hopefully Jay and I will be able to get in a surf session before dark.

Happiness is something I've created this week, with special help from my great friends (whom I consider family).

Life is a River.

I was talking with my dad the other day and he had some great advice.

Life is like a river.

It'll bend right, then left, overwhelm you with raging waters, and sometimes run dry.

And you have no control over the direction that the river goes. So there is no use fighting it, you just have to flow with it.

There is no controlling life. Yes, you can make life to be just about the way that you want it, but there is always going to be some aspects that are out of your hands.

SO. I'm riding the river.

Riding it to California.

This morning I cancelled my return flight to New Jersey from Seattle, and instead I will be leaving tomorrow for Santa Barbara, California. I'm going to stay for one week, a few days with my friend Jbird in Santa Barbara County and then a few days in L.A. with my Auntie D.

So for all of you out there fighting the currents, you just gotta flow with the way the water is taking you.

Mojito MmMm

I had the most delicious mojito of all time last night at this great little bar, Zig Zag.

It hit the spot.

Tom Robbins "The Genius Waitress"

My friend Julie reads a lot, and we have a similar taste in authors. So I have been super excited about a recent author she has introduced me to, Tom Robbins. He is actually from Seattle. I just started one of his novels, but I have been reading short stories from his book "Wild Ducks Flying Backward". One story that really made me smile was "The Genius Waitress". I have waitressed all my life, and I feel like this story was spot on. I hope that you enjoy:

Of the genius waitress, I now sing.

Of hidden knowledge, buried ambition, and secret sonnets scribbled on cocktail napkins; of aching arches, ranting cooks, condescending patrons, and eyes diverted from ancient Greece to ancient grease; of burns and pinches and savvy and spunk; of a uniquely American woman living a uniquely American compromise, I sing. I sing of the genius waitress.

Okay, okay, she's probably not really a genius. But she is well-educated. She has a degree in Sanskrit, ethnoastronomy, Icelandic musicology, or something equally valued in the contemporary marketplace. Even if she could find work in her chosen field, it wouldn't pay beans- so she slings them instead. (The genius waitress is not to be confused with the aspiring-actress waitress, so prevalent in Manhattan and Los Angeles and so different from her sister in temperament and I.Q.)

As a type, the genius waitress is sweet and sassy, funny and smart; young, underestimated, fatalistic, weary, cheery (not happy, cheerful: there's a difference and she understands it), a tad bohemian, often borderline alcoholic, frequently pretty (though her hair reeks of kitchen and bar); as independent as a cave bear (though ever hopeful of "true love") and, above all, genuine.

Covertly sentimental, she fusses over toddlers and old folks, yet only fear of unemployment prevents her from handing an obnoxious customer his testicles with his bill.

She doesn't mind a little good-natured flirting, and if you flirt with verve and wit, she may flirt back. Never, however, never try to impress her with your resume. Her tolerance for pretentious Yuppies ends with her shift, sometimes earlier. She reads men like a menu and always knows when she's being offered leftovers or an artificially inflated souffle.

Should you ever be lucky enough to be taken home by her to that studio apartment with the jerry-built bookshelves and Frida Kahlo posters, you will discover that whereas in the public dining room she is merely as proficient as she needs to be, in the private bedroom she is blue gourmet virtuoso. Five stars and counting! Afterward, you can discuss chaos theory or the triple aspects of the mother goddess in universal art forms- while you massage her swollen feet.

Eventually, she leaves food service for graduate school or marriage, but unless she wins a grant or a fair divorce settlement, chances are she'll be back, a few years down the line, reciting daily specials with her own mixture of warmth and ennui.

Erudite emissary of eggs over easy, polymath purveyor of polenta and prawns, articulate angel of apple pie, the genius waitress is on duty right now in hundreds of U.S. restaurants, smile at the ready, sauce on the side. So brush up on your Schopenhauer, place your order- and tip, mister, tip. She deserves a break today.

Of her, I sing.

Day 8

I went to Seattle's Arboretum (translates literally to "tree place"). I walked all over the place, through the Botanic Gardens and the Japanese Garden. I walked for about 4 hours. I fed some cute little ducks that followed me for about a mile, found some peace in the Japanese garden, and smelled some gorgeous flowers that were along the trail. It was definitely chilly today, but atleast the sun was peeking through and the rain stayed away. After that I walked through town and ended up at a Japanese restaurant for some lunch. I had miso soup, two sushi rolls, and some Genmai Cha (my FAVORITE, toasted brown rice green tea). Sleepy and full, I found my way to a bus and headed back to Julia's house. I got home and cuddled with Shimo (the cat), sipped some tea, and recorded some more songs for my YOU TUBE. Today I added Fell First, Bigger Than Me, and Louis Armstrongs "Saint James Infirmary".

I'm getting ready to head BACK into downtown Seattle to meet up with my friend Noele. Noele is a Canadian that I met while I was in Costa Rica. We stayed in touch, and when she found out that I was visiting Seattle she said that she would hop a 2 hour boat ride and head down to see me!! So we will be going out on the town for some cocktails and I HOPE some dancing.

Noele and Me @ Tortilla Flats in Costa Rica, March 2008

Night 6 and Day 7

So after I planned my trip through Rome, Adam and his friend/roomate/bandmate Rory picked me up @ Julia's and we headed for ALKI BEACH. Adam, Rory, Carol and Kelly share a GORGEOUS apartment that overlooks alki's beautiful scenery (see photo above). It's the perfect spot in Seattle, in my opinion. You can throw a rock into Puget Sound from their porch, there is a bike path, walking path and beach to launch your kayak. It has the small town vibe, think Rhode Island beach town meets the North Shore. All the businesses are cute little bungalows that have been there for a looonnng time. ANyways...I will get back to those details after I give you all the exciting news about our evening.

There is never a dull moment with my friend Adam. Never. He is a crazy man. We all loaded into the truck and headed to the Red Line for some cheap beer, and some cheap cheap bar food (I'm talking $1 apps). After that we headed to a WELCOME SNOW party thrown by the snowboard company K2. It was here that I had too many locally-brewed beers and met my new great friends, Kristen and Tre'. Kristen is a petite, beautiful girl with a kind smile and tons of great travel stories. She is one of those people that you instantly meet and want to be best friends with. Tre' is a bearded man who's eyes laugh (yes, they laugh). The second you get within 10 feet of him, you feel comfortable -- like you grew up next door to him. I spent a couple hours throwing back beers and exchanging travel stories with my new friends. Later, we hopped in Tre's car and headed BACK to the Red Line for the {eccentric} open-mic night. Adam rocked out with a badass rendition of louis armstrongs "saint james infirmary" as well as some bad-ass originals. A few others graced the stage and then I trumped up there. I sang Phil Phillips "Sea of Love", Bonnie's "Angel from Montgomery" and my new song "Two Words" (all of which you can watch me perform @ www.youtube.com/cailincallahan ). We had a fantastic laugh filled, dance filled, beer filled, friend filled evening. We headed back to Adam's cozy abode and passed out. This morning I woke up early, way before the boys (surprise suprise), and decided to go exploring. The walk was just what I need. A slightly cool breeze, but the sun so warm that I could walk around without a jacket on. And because everyone in Seattle is so damn friendly, ever person that passed greeted me with a smile and a "hello". Everyone was out. Strolling Alki Beach. I stopped into the Alki Bakery for an americano. It was delicious, and of course the girl behind the counter was Seattle Friendly (that's my new word for super super duper friendly people). I felt so content walking along the sea wall on my way back to Adam's. I've been meeting some wonderful people and experiencing some amazing things in the north-west. I'm so thankful for all of the kind, eccentric, interesting, and passionate people that I've met -- it's definitely motivated me. Seattle is a city of art, music, food, brewed beers and local wine. Organic food and canvas bags. Kayaks, dogs, and being outside as if it weren't raining at all. I've made more friends - genuine friends - during my week here than I have in the past 10 years in New Jersey. This is when I curse surfing. Cause (as my friend Jeff Pace put it), "Surfing has ruined my life". Ha. I love surfing, I love love love love love it so much, and that's the problem. Cause if it weren't for surfing, then I could live in Seattle. Or Rome. Or London. Or Vermont. But I can't. Because there aren't waves. But, I guess it's just one of those sacrifices that I'll have to make in life. I will be sure to visit Seattle more often though. I feel at home.

Tonight I'm getting all gussied up and going to dinner by myself. It's my new favorite thing to do. Go places by myself. Eat by myself. Shop by myself. Explore by myself. You meet more people, absorb more of your surroundings, and just EXPERIENCE more. But tonight I won't be totally alone. I'm going to eat at Julia's restaurant, La Medusa for some gourmet Sicilian food. She won't be able to sit with me, but after dinner she'll be close to done and we can sip some vino.

ANyways -- I hope that everyone is experiencing something great or meeting someone new. The world that we live in is a big place.

Love cailin

DAY 6

Day 6.

4 days left.

I couldn't sleep last night, I kept having crazy dreams.

The kind of dreams that when you wake up, it takes you about 30 minutes to realize that what you experienced was not real, it was just in your head.

This makes for a groggy morning, a 2-cup-of-coffee kind of morning.

Julie works one of her crazy 14 hour days today. As well as tomorrow, and the day after that.

Gordon has his day "off", but not really, because he just left to go to Vios to do the ordering.

Check out his restaurant on YELP.com Usually reviews are negative, but they got rave reviews.

I'm finally (physically) feeling better. No more coughing, no more fatigue, no more headaches. I'm very very thankful. Hopefully I will be able to meet up with Adam Price today, my great friend and old drummer. He plays in a band, The Bits of Knowledge. Check them out: www.myspace.com/bitsofknowledge. He lives in Alki Beach, which is only a few minutes drive away from Julia's.

That's all for now. I'm going to read some books. Being at Julie and Gordon's is like living in a Library. A library that only carries cookbooks and travel books, but a serious library none the less. So far I have planned my trips through Italy, Bali, Spain and India. I wonder what book I'll open today...

my life: food and music

I have been eating all day. And it's been glorious. It is 4:53 pm right now, and I'm on my 2nd glass of red wine.

I started the day with a Bialetti americano (duh), and some toast with cream cheese. But not just any cream cheese -- the most delicious cream cheese in all of the world. Local, organic and creamy. Fantastic. Then Julisa and I did DEBBIE. Debbie's "beach body" workout. It was a 75 minute workout dvd. I almost died...twice. So I sweated out my breakfast of toast and cream cheese...and then we went to the supermarket so I could load up for goodies for the day!! I grabbed:

-a bottle of Bohemian Highway red wine

-romaine lettuce (organic, of course)

-tomatoes (locally grown and organic, of course)

-cheese with chives and onion (local, obviously)

-gourmet salami stick (wooohooo spicy meat)

and some kick-ass ciabatta bread from a local bakery.

For lunch I had a salad with tomatoes and quinoa with a tahini dressing.

Through-out the day I have snacked on the cheese, salami, and bread dipped in gourmet olive oil. Which now brings me to the wine.

I figured that I couldn't have a day with zero productivity (after all, my host and hostess are both working 12 hour shifts while I lay around their house eating like it's my job), so I figured out how to use Mac's Photobooth. There is a video section, so I've been recording myself singing songs. Some covers, some new originals, all going on my YOUTUBE site. Hopefully they will make me famous so that music and food and blogging can REALLY be my job. Anyways, check out my youtube through-out the week. www.youtube.com/cailincallahan

Gotta run, my wine glass is getting empty and I only have one song up on youtube so far!!

Julie & Gordon

I'm so glad that I came to Seattle and got a chance to stay with my good friend Julie and her boyfriend, Gordon. Being around them has taught me what love could be, and should be.

Julie has had a boyfriend as far back as I can remember (we've been friends since birth, predestined by our parents friendship). Some were good, some were bad. So when she said that she had a new boyfriend in Seattle, and that they were buying a house together, I was skeptical. But rest assured, Julie and Gordon are the real deal. A perfect example. They have truly shown me the joy of love.

When they wake up in the morning, they always stay in bed for a few extra minutes to cuddle. And from the moment that they wake, they aren't just living their own day - they are living for each other. Whoever gets up first starts the ritual of coffee. Grinding, measuring, brewing and pouring. Gordon has been sick for the past few days. Super sick, had to go to the hospital kind-of-sick. THe next day (the day of my arrival), Julie found a note in her purse from him. He apologized for being a grump over the past week that he was ill, but he was so appreciative of all she'd done for him -- that he loved her, and then he thanked her for being his best friend. She got teary-eyed, but she told me that he leaves her notes rather often. Something that only takes a few seconds to do - but means so much to the receiver.

Everyday at 4:30 Gordon takes a break from work to walk around the block. Whether or not he has anything to "talk about" or "report" - he calls anyways to tell Julie that he's thinking of her, and that he loves her.

Julie does not make one decision based on her. Not one purchase, one move or one idea based just on her. Everything that she does (and this goes for Gordon as well) is based on how it will affect not only her, but how it will affect Gordon (emotionally, financially, physically). They are true partners.

Main Entry: part·ner·ship
Pronunciation:\-ˌship\
Function:noun
Date:1576
1: the state of being a partner : participation
2: a relationship resembling a legal partnership and usually involving close cooperation between parties having specified and joint rights and responsibilities

Sure, there are a million guys in the world, and if Julie weren't with Gordon she could certainly find happiness and love in the arms of someone else - but that's the point. There is no need to love multiple men, when she has this one - someone she has vowed to share her life with: the good and the bad. Her partner in crime and laughter.

A couple came into Julie's restaurant the other night to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Jules asked how they did it - what's the secret? The woman smiled and replied "Be nice. Just be nice."

DAYS 3 & 4 : Seattle

Seattle is a cleaner, bit-smaller,dog-friendly, eco-conscious, organic version of Philadelphia. With friendly people and beautiful water. They don't offer you plastic bags at the grocery store, kids want fruit instead of candy, and a random stranger will compliment you on your earrings. I'm having a wonderful time.


Day 3:
We hung around the house for a while and sipped on delicious Bealetti americanos and then Julisa and I went out for brunch. We arrived at Easy Street Records and had to wait a bit for the table -- but it was well worth it. Plus, the place is half record shop, half restaurant. I had the huevos rancheros, and they were muy muy muy deliciouso. After that we bopped around, in and out of some great antique stores. Bought some vintage cards (surprise surprise), some great orange earrings, and I bought shawn a bad-ass vintage shirt. We came back to the house, had more coffee, then went to the Elision for some of their home-brewed beers and french fries. As if that wasn't enough, we went to share a bottle of white wine at some fancy-shmancy place down the street, and spent some time hanging in a beautiful book store. Now you aren't going to believe it, but we actually went out for dinner an hour or so later. To a fabulous little Vietnamese place where I ate FAKE MEAT. Yes, vegan meat. It fuckin freaked-me-out! But it was sooo good, tasted just like the real thing, maybe even better. Who knew -- Tofu, the other white meat. Again, what is a day if not a gluttonous one -- so we dropped off Gordon and us ladies went out for cocktails.

The Hideout.
Coolest bar ever.
It is surely hidden. There is one little neon side in the draped windows that says "open". Inside are gorgeous chandeliers, charming little tables, and intimate candlelight. Sexy. I know this is not a word that is usually in my vocabulary, but the bar was Sophisticated Sexy. They had a glorious painting of a voluptuous nudie woman (wearing panties), holding oranges and there were oranges all over the ground around her feet, and she had fabulous fire-red hair. She looked so happy. We sipped on Old Fashions and then came home to finish our night with "SNL: The Best of Will Ferrell".

Day 4:

Today was fun-filled and exhausting. Julie had off from the restaurant but not from nannying. So we woke up, had coffee, then were off to pick up Clare. Clare and Miles are two little boys that Julie nannies for a few days a week. Their parents own an organic farm. Super super super cool people, with very well-spoken, polite, outgoing children, and a very cute, old golden retriever - Ella. On our way, we stopped at FUEL for Julie's favorite, their Latte. Then we picked up Clare (Miles had a doctors appointment) and we took him to the Seattle Aquarium. I think that I was more into the otters and seals and sea-life than Clare was, but all in all it was a good time. Around noon Jules and I dropped off Clare and headed to the HOT HOUSE. It's a women's spa. You get nudie, and then there is a sauna, steam room (aromatherapy!!), hot tub, and a cold plunge. Very very cold cold plunge. It was fantastic. I felt revived, rejuvenated, and relaxed. Well worth the $12. We showered then shopped and snacked and sipped bubbley, and ended up at Vios. Vios is where Gordon works. Gordon is Julies boyfriend, love-of-her-life, "insert any shmoozie thing" here. He's awesome and he is a kickass chef. It's a mediterranean restaurant, and we ate everything mediterranean. Eggplant, olives, pita, cheese, meats, beets, we had it all. Ended our meal with a light, creamy and delicious cheesecake made with some cool kind of greek cheese. We rolled out of there and here we are -- at home. Julie feels under-the-weather, but we've all felt crappy for the past few days. I think that we just need to rest tonight.

I'm fooded-out, drank-out, shopped-out, saunaed-out and wiped-out.

Write more tomorrow.

pickled string beans.

I LOVE string beans.
I REALLY love pickled string beans.
I've always been a big fan of dill pickles, so it only makes sense!
Shawn bought me my first container of the delicious pickled beans while we were down in Florida visiting his family.
They have a great flavor and a wonderful texture. Love em.

Anyways, to my delight, Parker's Pickles at the Pike Place Market yesterday had some pickled string beans!! They were $7.95.
Down in New Orleans they have made it a tradition of serving these pickled beans in your Bloody Mary's (another favorite of mine), and they are often set out as appetizers.

I decided that $7.95 is more than I'm willing to pay on a regular basis, so I need to figure out how to make them on my own.
I went through a TON of recipes, but here is one that sounds right on the money:

Ingredients

3 lb Young green beans; to 4
-pounds
4 long, thin Red chiles (fresh
- or dried)
4 lg Garlic cloves
1 tb Peppercorns
(white, black, green or a
-mixture)
1/4 c loosely-packed fresh dill
-sprigs
(or 4 tablespoons dried dill
- weed)
2 1/2 c Water
2 1/2 c White wine vinegar
1/4 c Salt

Instructions

Trim and remove string from the beans. Rinse well and set aside.
Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water. When jars are cool enough to
handle, fill each upright with beans until they are snug. Insert chiles
and garlic cloves preferably around outside so they can be seen (both for
decorative reasons and also to alert that they are spicy). Divide
peppercorns and dill among jars.
Separately bring the water, vinegar and salt to a boil in a
non-reactive sauce pan. Ladle the hot brine over the beans leaving about
1/2-inch head space. Wipe jar edge clean and screw on sterilized lid and
band according tomanufacturers instructions.
Process in a boiling water bath for 12 minutes. Remove
and allow to cool completely at room temperature away from drafts. Check
lids to make sure proper seal has been attained. Store for at least one
month before using to allow flavors to develop.
This recipe yields 4 pints.

Recipe Source:
COOKING RIGHT with John Ash

Anyways...I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do!!

DAY 2 : Seattle

It's day two, and Seattle is FRIENDLY!!

There is no better word for Seattle than "Friendly". When it's raining: dreary, depressing, yet always friendly.

I started off my day with the most delicious bit of caffeine that I've EVER had (yes, shawnie, im sorry -- better than your morning brew). It was cafe americano (espresso + water), with cream and sugar. But the espresso was made in the most delightful, intriguing contraption. I'm sure that the espresso was as delicious as it was because of the machine it was brewed in. It's made by a company, Bialetti. Fabulous. Absolutely fabulous. I'm definitely going to start using this method upon my return to NJ.

It kind of reminded me of this French-Press-esque gadget that my friend Emily Corkill brought me back from Vietnam. Both make super strong brews, but the Vietnamese press sits on top of your cup.



Anyways, enough about coffee. Let's talk about Seattle.

I took the 120 Seattle bus into the heart of the city this morning for $1.50. I asked the bus driver and everyone person seated around me 5 times where I was going, and if I was headed in the right direction. I was. In 15 minutes I was dropped @ 3rd Avenue and Union. I was only a few walking blocks from the famous Pike Place Market.
Outside there are a ton of fish markets, produce stands, cheese - salmon - meats...you name it. If it was fresh, it was sold along the street. I opted for the downstairs 'flea market' style shopping center. You walk underground and they have a zillion shops, you can get lost. I did get lost and found myself in a cute little stationary store. I chatted with the owner for over an hour (they specialized in VINTAGE CARDS, my favorite!!) and spent a bunch of money on cards (I'd rather not disclose the amount.....). I ventured outside because the sun was shining, for which I was very very very grateful. It was gorgeous. I strolled along the street and munched on a PIROSHKI from the russian bakery. It was basically a pastry filled with potatoes, onions, and cheese. Okay, not amazing. I'd never heard of them before, so I was interested. It was $3.50. After that I walked to an antique store that my Stationary friend had told me about. It was a large building and everything was expensive and in cases, but I found one room filled with great vintage clothes. I tried on every article in the room. I was having a bunch of fun putting feathers in my hair and trying on ridiculous clothing, but I did end up picking up one black leather jacket to purchase. It's classic. Love it. And of course, I bought some vintage cards. After spending a few hours in there I stopped at this place called Taxi Dogs and had the best hot dog of my life!!! I'm not really a hot dog eater-- but it was fantastic. Fantastic. Hit the spot. I ate it while I was sitting on a stone wall looking out over the beautiful water in Seattle.

Next I saw a golden retriever.
I followed the golden retriever -
into a wine store.
And what a wonderful discovery it was!
The Tasting Room: Wines of Washington.
Jeff was my wine connoisseur.
He helped me find a wine to give to my Host, Julie's boyfriend Gordon, as a gift.
THen while I was being rung up, I decided to have a "flight" of wine (2 oz tastings). I tried 4 reds.
Had a full glass of my favorite red.
And then had 2 glasses of sparking wine, all the while chatting with a fabulously friendly couple to my right and gabbing with Jen the manager and Jeff my connoisseur. It was soo fabulous and fantastic and delicious. I snacked on some cured Salmi's and chatted up a new friend, Tiana. She had to jet because she was late for work, but she said that I should definitely stop in. The place was Steel Head Diner and she gave me her number just in case I got lost.
I said my goodbyes, gave the two golden retrievers kisses, and stumbled out.

I bopped one more time through Pike Place, picking up some gifts for Shawn and my family, then I made my way towards the Steel Head Diner. When I got there the chef sent over some fried Smelt (little bait fish) with a fantastic mustard dipping sauce (on the house). I then had BEET TARTARE. Bah. Fabulous. Delicious. Wonderful. I shared this with my dining "neighbor" Sophie, who was eating some kick-ass gourmet Mac n Cheese. I sipped on a delicious gin, lime and sage cocktail while making new friends. Sophie walked me to the bus stop and we texted for the next 20 minutes. She's very friendly, like everyone else I've met in Seattle.

Im home now, and julie just arrived -- so we are going to drink some wine and eat PICKLED STRING BEANS!!!! MMMM.

xoxoxoxo cailin

DAY 1: SEATTLE

*Night Before:
Of course something exciting is going to happen, so I catch a wicked cold, cough & congestion. Been hacking my lungs up for days.

I packed today. I packed way too much. But I think that they charge a fee for checked bags now, so if I'm paying - I might as well get my moneys worth with a big bag. Took a benadryl and some cough medicine. Going to watch Grey's Anatomy then pass out. Flight @ 6:15 am. Have to be up @ 3:45am. Need gas in my car - shit - be up by 3:35 at the latest. Thank god Paul is taking me to the airport - he drives fast. He's such a good friend - I don't know anyone else who would take me to the airport at the ass crack of dawn.

OFFICIAL DAY 1:
I'm flying into Detroit now. En route to Seattle. Traveling is expensive anymore...gas prices are up. Plus $15 to check my bag, plus a $5 tip. Atleast I got a cup of free OJ on the plane. THey don't even give you peanuts anymore. Rip-off. The guy sitting catty-corner me is a jackass. I'm guessing that he's a sports coach of some sort based on his hoodie and sweats get-up, his Nike carryon bag, and the fact that he's obsessing over the sports section of the paper. Plus, he just gives off that "I'm a coach" kind of pompous attitude. He's bald with big ears and long blonde eyelashes. When he boarded the plane he threw a shit-fit because there was no room in the overhead for his Nike duffel bag. He threw his bag in the middle of the aisle, while people still needed to get by. Damn, he really showed us. Well since you get charged a fee for checked bags everyone brings a big carryon and a book bag or something -- and who can blame them. We just spent hundreds of dollars for a shitty, uncomfortable seat next to a crying baby on a stuffy airplane -- and all we get is crappy stale coffee in a styrafoam cup. I don't want to pay an extra $15 fucking dollars for my bag - I'm putting it in the overhead! So tough shit buddy, stick your bag under the seat like everybody else. I don't know why, but this guy is really getting under my skin. Maybe it's because I haven't had coffee yet. Who knows, maybe he's such a prick because he hasn't had HIS coffee yet. It's a very powerful beverage.

My ears are popping and I have to put my seat up. 1/4 the way there....

Detroit Airport. Waiting for my flight. Call me a coffee snob - call me whatever you'd like -- but the coffee I just got at the "Coffee Beanery" was so horrible that I took one sip and had to throw it out. And I HATE to waste things, but the coffee was really that bad. Their slogan is "Coffee People Who Care" -- I was mislead. For someone who's sole gig is coffee, they serve a pretty crappy brew. I thought that the Coffee Beanery understood that your day is only as good as your first cup of coffee. And this was a serious day, coffee was not a luxury, but a necessity. I'm going to go look for a better coffee fix -- I hate to say it, but I'd be so thankful for a Starbucks right now. In the meantime I will just dream of Harry & Beans Sumatran Blend that my boyfriend brews to perfection.

In my quest for coffee (I worked up a sweat, frantically searching the airport for a decent brew) I found myself @ McDonald's. Random right? Guess what -- they make a decent cup of coffee! Way better than starbucks, and cheaper! It's no Harry & Beans but beggars cannot be choosers. Woo hoo! My day is salvaged afterall.
**I'm so excited about my delicious discovery that I drink prematurely and burn the shit outta my tongue.


Seattle Flight: So consumed with new book, Eat Pray Love. Cannot put it down. Write more later.

WOOO HOOO IN SEATTLE!!! JULISA IS AS BEAUTIFUL AS EVER. Love their house, and my room is super cute. Headed out to meet up with my great friend, and old drummer, Adam Price. Yahooo.

old time photo machine @ lakeside

wooo hooo lakeside had an old-time photo machine. i blew all my money on it and it was fabulous!

lakeside lounge photos

You can check out my Lakeside Lounge album that's on my facebook by clicking on this link:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=175801&l=461df&id=653500240