It's finally summer in Seattle 2014

Last weekend I took full advantage of the long, sunny, Seattle days. Also, it has been really hot in my tiny, second story, brick apartment so I've been looking for every excuse to spend evenings out and about. Friday night I went to a Mariner's game with some coworkers, significant others and some a bunch of friends. We ended up running into a few more friends at the game and by the end of the night there was quite a big group of us hanging out in the beer garden. (side note: I took a lot of pictures but they're on a not-yet-developed disposable camera, so here are some photos I've stolen from other people who used their phones like normal people living in 2014).

^^Me, Brittan, Danielle & Natalie (Mexican Food Club does a Mariner's game^^

 

The Mariner's won at the last minute against the Oakland A's and it was a really fun game. Afterward a few of us attempted to go out in Ballard, but we were all tired and my flip flop blew out (even though I was walking normally) as I was going into the bar, so we didn't end up staying long.

 

Saturday was Seafood Fest in Ballard. Dustin, Katie, Josh and I ran into my coworker Dave and his girlfriend immediately upon arrival. It was Dave's birthday and we ended up hanging out with them and meeting up with Art and Amy for beers in the beer garden. Eventually we got hungry and wandered into the Ballard Annex Oyster House for some happy hour and a place to sit.

 

^^Selfie during HH^^

 

 ^^Katie and I at HH^^

 

After happy hour we met up with Justin, Brittan, Natalie and Boyd for some more beers, seafood and fun.

 

Eventually Art, Amy, Dustin and I got tired and decided that we wanted to head back to Dustin's for some Rock Band and a sleepover. Adult sleepovers with your friends who are kind of like your family are totally normal, right? :)

 

Sunday I ate Mexican food with Justin and Brittan, attempted a beach day (but it was overcast and Natalie was over the elements), and ended up on a patio drinking a glass of chilled Rose with Brittan and Natalie.

 

It was a very successful weekend before a very stressful week. After receiving an e-mail from Satya Nadella (Microsoft's CEO) talking about significant changes that would be made to the company in the coming weeks, then hearing numerous news reports that Microsoft was expecting to lay off as many as 6,000 people this week, reading last night that they layoffs would happen today, freaking out last night, not really sleeping all night, then waking up this morning to e-mails from Satya and Brad Smith (the head of legal at Microsoft) saying that not 6,000 but 18,000 people would be laid off today and in the coming months. Brad's e-mail said that 10%(!!!!) of the legal department was being laid off today. I cried when I read that, first thing this morning. I cried a few times today. It was nice to know that I would know today whether or not I would be laid off, but also very stressful going to work this morning. Part of me was like, "they're not going to lay me off, they JUST hired me!" and the other part of me was like "well, they went that long without me, maybe they don't really need me after all, and I know they're expected to make cuts, and like, I get it." I, luckily, still have a job. One of my favorite coworkers, however, was laid off. My heart hurts for her. It was a really emotional day for my whole group (and probably for everyone at Microsoft). Now I'm attempting to de-stress with a glass of Rose and some blogging :)

 

This weekend I will attempt to de-stress even more (with two other Microsoft employees who are also "safe") with some camping, round 2, in the Hood Canal! Yay! 

Sunny Seattle weekend highlights

We finally got some sunshine in Seattle this weekend and I spent as much time as possible soaking it up. Friday after work my coworker Kei and I, went to our other coworker, Tami's house. We ate Thai food, drank wine and watched Frozen with Tami's son and her nieces. It was nice to unwind with my coworkers after a long week of work. 

 

Saturday I went to the gym before heading to my cousin Maegin's (and Matt's) housewarming party. I had to leave early so I showed up early and helped them finish cooking the appetizers and slicing fruit for the mimosa bar. It was so great to get to chat with them before everyone else got there and to see their gorgeous new place. I'm a little jealous they're homeowners (and they're both younger than me). I'm also definitely jealous of their view of the Puget Sound and the Olympic mountains. So gorgeous!

 

I had to leave their housewarming party early to go pick up Dustin and head to our friend Dan's house for his birthday celebration. Dan booked a suite at the Mariner's game Saturday night and we all met at his house to ride down there together. Little did we know, Dan's wife Kristen booked a stretch Hummer limo to take us to the game. It was kind of awesome and kind of tacky, but it was a fun little surprise and we all had a good time on the way to the game.

 

^^The limo ride to the game^^

 

The limo dropped us off near the stadium a few hours before the game started, so we headed across the street to the Pyramid brewery to have a few beers in their outdoor beer garden before the game.

 

 

The suite Dan booked for the game came with a keg of beer and a bunch of snacks. It was awesome. Plus, it was on a private level with super nice bathrooms (which is important during sporting events).

 

^^the birthday boy pouring me a beer^^

^^Sports!^^ 

^^Dustin and I during warm-ups^^

 



I wore a really sweet Mariner's sweatshirt my mom purchased circa 1996 when she went to a Mariner's game with my dad and which I promptly stole from her. I've wore that thing so many times during the past 18ish years. Dustin and I made a pit-stop at the team store during the game and he bought me the sweetest Mariner's windbreaker. I can't wait to wear it with jorts this summer. I need to go to a bunch of games so I can wear it (not that I only have to wear it at games, but you know). Hooray for awesome baseball apparel.

^^My jeans were a little too tight, I couldn't quite recreate the picture next to me^^ 

 

 ^^There is a really amazing sunset behind us you can't really see...^^

 

Sunday I woke up and went to yoga, then Dustin came over and we walked around Greenlake before heading to our favorite Mexican place for some late lunch and margaritas on their patio. Afterward Dustin needed a haircut but there was a wait, so we went across the street to the Park Pub for another beer in the sunshine. It was a fun, sunny Sunday. I can't wait for more sunny weekends.