Backyard Bliss

By Liz

As backyards go, I am one lucky ducky!  When you factor in city living, a rental and a roomie that is a natural gardener, I'm off the charts lucky!  Many of my friends agree that the space is inviting, comfortable, and a gem.  In the summer, the party lights go up, adirondack chairs come out and peace ensues.  Long afternoons with a book and ice cold drink, or enjoying the company of good people for a backyard shindig.  Life is good!

I do enjoy all the pretty bushes or plants and such, but frankly I'm glad roomie cares about them and keeps them looking good.  The only thing I'm good is for mowing the lawn and weeding in the veggie garden. Well, a little more TLC to the veggies from me than weeding.  This summer's crop includes some goodies... Sugar snap peas, beets, onions, fennel, tomatoes, zucchini, tomatillo, green beans, corn, herbs, blue berries, and lettuce.  Oh boy, is there lettuce.  My friends and coworkers have been enjoying the abundance of that crop:0)

From top left clockwise: sugar snap peas, tomatillo, full garden view, and corn that is well over knee high by the 4th of July!
Having a veggie patch is nothing new, not to me or many others.  I grew up with always having some sort of veggie in the backyard.  My grandpa has had a rather large garden in his backyard for years that has produced many wonderful ruffage. It sure is a lovely feeling taking a bowl from the kitchen, walking it down the back steps, and gathering fresh organic produce for that night's meal... 

Breaking Spots

by Liz 

Breaking up the work day is very important to me… As a cubical/office worker I find myself in front of the computer and on my bum for long periods of time.  I try to make an effort to get up as often as possible to move around and get my blood pumping (well more than it already is).  We all hear about how “sitting is killing us” that sedentary lifestyles are just as deadly as smoking, eating red meat, salt, and alcohol.  Even taking a two minute stroll every hour during an eight hour day will drastically reduce risks and be all around better for your body. 

When the lunch bell rings, I find myself getting out even if I have no plans or the weather is not top notch.  Walking for some or all of my lunch break has become a habit.  Now, I’m not “walking” for exercise, it’s just to get those extra steps in.  My biggest go to place is about a half a mile one way, but it’s a Market.  Which is fun to browse, but I usually do not just browse if you know what I mean…

So, when I found a nice little park between some offices a short walk from work I was very pleased.  It is again the perfect distance to walk, eat lunch, read a bit, and then walk back to work on my forty minute break.   Also, it has a pretty sweet view of the Sound and Olympic Mountain Range.  I’ve gone down to the water plenty of times on my break, but the route does not leave much time to dilly or dally around.   Just time to take a nice walk to the destination and then  head back a few moments later.  Check out my new faves spot and don’t forget to get up and get out a bit yourselves.  Happy Breaking!

Overlooking Myrtel Edwards Park before hitting the Sound.

Baggage Revisited

by Liz 

As Seattle nears the one year mark since banning plastic bags and charging for the use of paper bags, I thought it might be nice to check in.  Last year I wrote a post titled Baggage, outlining the change for Seattle and what that means for me.  Last year I found myself to be about a 50% user of my own bags at the grocery store.  Also, I probably never used my own bags at other retail type stores.    When the July 1, 2012 plastic bag banned happened for Seattle I was ready.

Being somewhat of a competitive person, I vowed that I was not going to pay for the use of a bag when at a store.  Don’t worry I did not resort to thievery.  I did accomplish this task have have not paid for a single paper bag.  I was able to accomplish this by always having a fold up bag in my purse or extra shopping/reusable bags in my car.  On a few occasions when I was lacking my personal bag I refused to pay and ended up just carrying the items I purchased.  This led to some odd juggling maneuvers.  Call it cheap, stubborn, ‘greenie-weenie,’ or even foolhardy if you will, but I’m glad I’ve upped my ‘own bag’ usage and depended less on the thin annoying store plastic bag. 

Now, to be completely forthcoming, I will admit that when at stores outside of the Seattle city limit, I will get the plastic bag. I know, shocking!  However, I have good cause. Well, at least in my mind… The bags are reused as bathroom garbage bags, kitty litter cleaning, or giving out lettuce and produce from the garden to my co-worker/friends.  It’s nice to have a stock of bags to use for those purposes. 

A year later and I think the city has gotten used to it.  From my personal observation (no actually study made here) the impact has been minimal on the average consumer.  I’ve even seen other cities join in the ranks, I was happy in October while visiting San Francisco to find they had just started this practice.  Good for me I had my bag handy.  From time to time, we all need a little extra push or reminder to do the right thing.  So, even if your city does not require this I encourage you to bring your bags to the store and/or reuse the bags as you can. 

These are my favorite fold up bags… they work great, easy to wash (yes, you should really wash your reusable bags every so often), and they are pretty darn affordable.  Thank you Ikea $1.99.

HaPpY BiRtHdAy!!!!!

 by Liz

Happy 1^st Birthday Rider Chronicles!  It was just a year ago that the “And the Ride Begins,” welcomed the first post of 63 to date (64 if you count this baby).  What a labor it has been too!  A labor of love, loathing at some time, excitement, exploration, and commitment.  I am proud of the Rider Chronicles and excited to continue, even though it is different than initially set out to be.

Essentially a ‘bus’ blog about people and bus commuting, life changed and so did the Rider Chronicles.  In the first year we’ve experienced a glimpse into Seattle’s commuters, a faux Olympic Bus Games (one of my favorites, by the way), and a few changes to the King County Metro system that was met with anticipation, but realized with total grrrr-ness.   There was a 1800 mile round trip to Napa and San Francisco in the Fall, a spring trip to Michigan and Jeremy expanded our global view with The Horn of Africa and a dream trip on a 747 from Tokyo to Detroit.  I’ve shared some big life changes and appreciated the warm reception to such a personal story.  Thank you, by the way!  Lastly, a major love story with Seattle unfolded with love  letters and valentine request. 

It has been an interesting year to say the least.  This experience of ‘almost’ weekly blogging has been one of a challenge, in a good way and a welcome way to express thought.  It brings me so much excitement and anticipation of what the next year of blogging will entail.   The Rider Chronicles owes a great deal of appreciation to founding member Jamie for the push and excitement to get this off the ground.  With the help of guest bloggers like Jeremy, a different voice has been heard as well. 

I will blow out the singular candle on the cupcake to celebrate the Birthday/Anniversary, make a wish and dream of another year of happy posting.  Cheers for coming along for the ride…

Poo-Gate 2013

By Liz

 

It is amazing the amount of security and courage that we have behind email or written word vs. face to face contact.  This is something that I have frequently thought of, especially as a person that writes her thoughts pretty freely in a weekly blog.  Now, I have mentioned before that our connectivity with each other is something that is few and far between as technology is readily at our disposal.  As a recent addition to the neighborhood email distribution, this has become even more relevant to me. 

I love my neighborhood, it is lovely, full of relatively nice people.  I’ve only met a few folks and know them by name and recently was added to this email list for other folks that live on the street.  I did not know there was such a thing.  I guess the person that was in charge figured the two girls that live at the end of the street with no kids could care less about being added.  Okay, now  I’m just projecting my assumptions here.   I smile and wave when I see folks out and about, they do the same.  I guess I should have made jam or cookies for each of the neighbors as a ‘Olive Branch’ so to say. 

Anyhoo, less than a day after being added to this list, one of our neighbors that I’ve actually have had conversed with on more than one occasion in the last 2 ½ years emailed a concern about the house cat.  Essentially, my roommates cat that has adopted me as a lap provider, behind the ear scratcher, food dispenser, and cuddle buddy on occasion.   However, I received the e-mail that provided a well written, non aggressive recount on the cat pooping in their yard.  Ugh!  Sorry dude’s, that does suck.  Umm, he’s a cat.  Nocturnal by nature and for some reason has been pooping on their lawn.  I understand the frustration, cleaning up the poo of a pet that is not yours, well stinks!  Literally and figuratively! 

Here is the kicker though, my disappointment with the e-mail.  If this has been going on for a year plus, why not tell me or my roommate during all the times we are outside or even saying hello.  It’s not until the safety of an e-mail is given that this issue has been brought up?  Why?  I may be wrong, but I think we are both pretty approachable people. 

Well, again I do get the irony as a person that writes out her thoughts freely in blog and most likely will opt for e-mail vs. in person communication on some sticky situations.  Nevertheless, this recent encounter has made me think and reflect.  Maybe I need to grin and bear it, or buck up and have those ‘hard’ conversations in person too.  Not that they come up all that often, but why not challenge myself to rise to the communication task.

In the mean time, there has been a lot of conversations about poop in my house, which is both odd and funny! 

 

Summer MAYbe

By Liz

May is my favorite month of the year, why you ask?   Well for one, its my birth month and I shamelessly love my birthday!!!!  Love it!!!  The other reason I love it, is even though the official start of Summer is in June at the solstice, May sure kicks it off. Not only is Memorial Day  and the weekend that encourages the first summer type get-aways and backyard BBQs in May.  It is the start of the blockbuster movie season. 

You may be a fan of the most recent popcorn flick, super hero jaunt, sci-fi adventure, comedy (raunchy or not), or epic drama.  Each weekend proves to have at least one or more film that will have you running to the nearest cinema.  May alone has provided three for me that did not disappointed.  

Why oh why Hollywood do you make us want to go inside to watch irresistibly good and even bad movies when the lovely summer weather entices us to be outside?   Well, even the movies have proven to be relatively recession proof.  The masses will go and watch the Iron Mans, Star Treks, and The Great Gatsby's.  Which happens to be the three May movies that I have greatly enjoyed thus far.   

I am sure to see many of the summer blockbusters at my local film houses.  My calendar is set. I hope to also see a few classics at the outdoor movie in the parks, this happens at a few venues round  Seattle.  Check for some in your local area too!  Pack a picnic, take some friends and/or family and watch a movie under the stars.  What a treat!  

Happy Memorial Day Weekend BTW!!!!

Hey Bitches!!!

By Liz

Got your attention, didn't I?  Good, now stick with me, I'm not trying to be crude, I promise.  I would not call myself a  feminist, although I am totally for equality.  Equality in all realms: Gender, Race, Orientation, Religion, and the list goes on... Today however, I speak on to my fellow ladies and to the gentlemen out there that want to be enlightened.

Recently, I went to a workshop geared to young women balancing life and career.  Very empowering day, made me think of my life, and all my 'sisters' out there.  Part of what we discussed was how women can be each others biggest obstacles. Odd, eh?   Around the same time as the conference, I saw a Tina Fey quote that really hit it on the nail for me. "Know what? Bitches get stuff done!"  

So true, right?   Even with its truth, the word bitch is less than empowering. Actually, it is very disparaging in a way.  There are many, many other appropriate words out there that we can use when describing the awesome assertive woman that gets shit done.  Yet, when we (as women) get threatened or insecure we automatically go to the negative, "She's a bitch!"  Insecurity is nothing we ever struggle with, right? 

Are there actual Bitches out there?  No doubt, but lets try some of these more appropriate adjectives when describing our fellow sisters.  Like most of our parents and teachers taught us, use your words.  Here are a few words to get your minds juices flowing.  Thank you thesaurus: Assertive, insistent, self-confident, self-assured, aggressive, forward, determined, strong-minded, resolute, unwavering, controlled, precise, meticulous, organized, and brilliant to name a few.  All far more amazing and most likely well suited in lieu of 'Bitch'.   I too hope to practice what I preach here, not using that word when talking about my fellow womankind out there.  I know you can do it too!

Found on Pintrest