Top Ten of January

New year, new fun, new lists.

1.  Salsa Dancing

Bryan and I have now attended all five of our Beginning Salsa classes at Suenos De Salsa in Fremont and we absolutely loved them.  They were not only fun and active but taught us a remarkable amount in only five weeks.  Purchased on a Groupon we did not know what to expect but our instructor, the studio, and our classmates have all been remarkable.  Now we are signing up for Salsa II and hope to get to a salsa studio very soon.

2.  Whistler Trip

Our third annual Whistler weekend excursion with our friends was again successful.  We once again didn’t have great snow but we still did a lot of skiing, had sunny skies, and fun apres-skiing nights.  This resort continues to amaze me.  The village is so cute and happening.  Our 13 attendees got along well with lots of drinks and two wonderful group dinners of pulled pork sandwiches with mac and cheese and coleslaw and another with chili, roasted veggies and cornbread.  Great fun on the slopes and snowmobiling in the trees!!

3.  FareStart with the Rooms

My Christmas present to my roommates ended up really being a hit.  For the first time my roommates have all sat down to a dinner together, for the first time we all went out together, and for the first time they got to attend the wonderful FareStart Guest Chef Night.  We all had a great time together and a fabulous meal prepared by the students and the chefs from Serafina.  Additionally, we got to watch four inspiritional graduations and were given the grand tour by my friend Timothy.  All my roommates instantly wanted to go back to volunteer.

4.  Seattle Rep Theater

Bryan and I have instantly fallen in love with the Seattle Reperatory Theater.  Neither of us have ever really attended live theater before;  musicals, yes, symphonies, yes, ballets, yes, but not live theater.  The intimate audience, the talented actors, the stage props and transitions are all so live and amazing to watch.  Our second play was very different than the first but the message and actors were amazing!  It’s casual, it’s intimate, it’s close, it’s $5…but we have already vowed to get season tickets next year at regular price.

5.  Seahawks Super Bowl Win

First let me give you another little insight into the Seattle Seahawks HERE.

I have really liked this team all season.  They are exciting to watch, very talented, and have a slew of cast and characters.  Plus, it is the first thing I have really seen anything unite this city to this extreme.  “12 Man” flags hanging everywhere, everyone wearing jerseys, and even Starbucks giving away $.12 coffees!  Harvin, Lynch, Baldwin, Tate and Wilson led the offense to 43 solid points.  Chancellor, Sherman,Thomas, and special teams held the Broncos to 8 measly points and added to a lot of our own points.  It was a domination of such I’m not sure I have seen all season.  But I’m not surprised.  I can’t tell you how pumped up this entire city was to get to the Super Bowl and then to win.  1st Avenue was shut down to partying in the streets.  And although there were reported couch burnings, from everything I heard all of the partying was very positive and safe.  I can’t wait until the parade through downtown and to the Clink tomorrow.  One last sweet party for the Seahawks in what is surely going to become a Seahawks legacy (the players are all so young)!!!

6.  Skiing

Aside from Whistler, Bryan and I have enjoyed a few other great days of skiing by ourself.  I love my new skis and new abilities.  We have had a great sunny, bluebird day and a snowy, fresh powder day.  And then three days at Whistler.  I’m a lucky girl.

7.  Seeing Friends Again

It had been a really long time it seemed since I had really seen or got to spend time with my friends here.  Since January started I have gotten to spend some great quality time with my roommates; at FareStart, watching the Bachelor, going to a movie with Polly, going out for drinks and have gotten to see the larger group too; a weekend in Whistler, documentary night, Seahawks watching parties.  It definitely has been great to be back to socializing with others and definitely helps get through the winter.

8.  UM Basketball Big Ten Start

Until this weekend undefeated in the Big Ten, already defeated the likes of Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, and already accomplished something we haven’t done for three years when I was back at school; beat MSU at the Breslin.  I’m back to actively watching the team, back to wearing maize and blue, back to hanging my UM flag at my desk, and back to taunting coworkers, friends, or whoever wants to give me a hardtime.  And already awaiting the joyful March Madness.

9.  Exercise

The weather for January has been…unexpectedly fantastic!  We have had countless sunny day, countless days approaching or in the 50s, and little rain to boot.  Along with this nicer weather I have been able to stretch my legs outside and that has been miraculous.  Bryan and I went on a nice long walk outside, I’ve gone for a bike ride, and continue to walk at any chance that I get; to FareStart, walked to work one day, walk to Bryan’s after work frequently, walk to the store, etc.  I love walking!!

10.  Cooking Again

I’m getting back to cooking and it feels really good.  I’ve reaffirmed that it is okay to plan and cook meals more often and that has led to more meals at home lately.  I made fresh whole wheat pita for the first time, purchased some spices and sauces from the Middleeastern market in Pike Market, and even baked a loaf of banana bread.  Just call me Martha!

Chelsea