Seattle and me

[susandennis]

For years and years I was a nomad. My family moved a lot as Daddy got promoted - I lived in 5 different states before I hit 1st grade. When I left college I moved around looking for a fit and landed at IBM which, at that time really did seem like I've Been Moved... But I loved it. Whenever someone said 'want to move to...' I said yes before I found out where. I loved it.

But, I got to a point in my career where IBM wanted me back in New York (HQ) and I had been there and done that and had my fill of WingTip City. I was working for a wonderful guy at the time and before they made their move I went to him and pled my case. I told him it was time to jump off the career track and go live someplace fun for me. And he said that he was behind me all the way - he'd find me a job wherever and where did I want to go?

I only had really two places left on my list of I'd-really-like-to-live-there's - Chicago and Seattle. He made me pick. I had been to Chicago on business and pleasure but I'd never even seen Seattle so Seattle it was. I figured that if Seattle kicked me out, Chicago would be a nice fall back position.

The problem is, I fell in love with Seattle immediately. Right away. I loved the weather. I loved the people. I loved the action. I loved the downtown and the views and the water and the mountains. I loved that no one gave a shit who my Daddy was or what church I belong to and that we had two vibrant local daily newspapers. I settled in and, for the first time I could ever remember, unpacked every single box. That was January of 1992. And I've never regretted it for one single minute.

Sure, I'd like a bigger variety of fried foods, but if I ever left Seattle, it would likely be because of the weather. I love snow. I don't want to ski in it or snow mobile or anything like that. I just want to sit on my couch in front of a roaring fire and watch it come down. I want to walk my neighborhood in the snow quiet and listen to the crunch. I want snow but I also want cool summers so I'm not leaving for Chicago. Proabably I'm not leaving for anywhere.

I am just going to enjoy the snow photographs of my LJ friends and hope we get a flake or two maybe.

And, no, I would not like to discuss the Mariners, thank you very much.