9/11: 10 Years Later

From September 1st, I was already reminded of what was coming. With this year being the 10th Anniversary of September 11th, the media overload only made me more anxious and uneasy. It wasn't until someone else commented on my demeanor not being like my usual self did I realize how much the upcoming day was actually affecting me. During the week leading up to the anniversary, I relived the weeks after September 11, 2001 over and over and over again. It is not something that I share with most people, but this year I am ready to open up and share that I lost my grandfather on September 11th.

Because my grandfather's influence is a part of who I am today, I now feel it is time to share a bit of the story. My grandfather was a man who stood for quality. From the way he carried himself to the way he treated others, it was evident that he was genuinely a class act.

Although I was not thrilled at the time, I remember the day he gave the assignment of ironing (by his standards) my school shirts for the entire week on Sunday evening.

I vividly remember how hard he laughed as I unwrapped my gag Christmas gift (two empty toilet paper rolls) and how excited I was to discover my real gift of a CD player that I wanted more than anything and not-so-subtly hinted at weeks before.

I remember discovering just how hard it was to clean a fish tank, trim trees, clean a pool and learning to tie a solid knot (all on one Saturday) with him.

Because he was so much fun to me, I now wonder how he managed that on top of everything else he did. I now have an even greater appreciation for the quality of man he was, and it makes him that much more special.

The saddest part for me is the moments I wish I could have experienced with him: my high school graduation, college graduation, getting my driver's license and first car, and eventually getting married. There is something so special about when a grandparent is proud of you, and I so miss that. But that is my motivation to continue to create moments that would make him and my grandmother proud. (My grandmother passed away two days before the 5th anniversary of 9/11.) I continue to remember the moments we had together. He was more than a grandfather. He was like a father and a friend to me. I am so grateful for the moments we shared. Though it has never been the same.

It seems fitting that my mother and I went to the 56th Fighter Group for brunch today. In a World War II setting that has been preserved, it felt as if we were among American history. Seeing the American flag that was adorned with all of the names of those lost on 9/11 reminded us that we are in fact a part of American history.

Photo credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ87Khz3hfNHdVq4Ooo2nzPsdWFEcN0ZfhCl2dXKcES4sR882uEMV5KbbZbgFbeHfJPb7RCXqbkSJAF3o5ZSTtKT5lgwtfYizSy5xvfwWccMfjbsrYU2nX-QEY-hGT6FLEFX6HXgCbAVQ/s400/01.jpg

Fun Friday: Getting to Know Miss Journey

Guess who has a YouTube channel...Yup. ME!

Now I'll be able to share my adventures in a whole new way.

Stay tuned!

Seattle: Other Fun Stuff

I am so happy I stumbled upon Wax On Spa, not only because my eyebrows were in need of some serious attention but also because I finally got myself a copy of CRAVE seattle (which Wax On Spa is in).

It's obvious that they taking waxing seriously. I was surprised to see an array of different wax options in a number of fragrances. I also thought it was a cute touch that they offered lingerie options that are a nice little bonus to accentuate some of their wax services.


Fly Fitness, which is also included in the CRAVE guide, won me over with their FUNky style. I'm such a sucker for clever marketing, and everything about Fly Fitness' identity is (for lack of a better word) fly. From the breathtaking views that serve as a backdrop for runners to the exquisite studio, the details create nothing but an enjoyable experience for guests. I would love to go back for one of their Sporty Soirees.



Even though I was not involved in the Rain City Rock Camp, I was inspired by their "Girls Rock!" message. As I shared in my first Seattle post, my main reason for the trip was to escort my friend's niece (who we'll call Patty Schwab) on the cross-country flight. After two weeks of camp, where she enjoyed a variety of different sports, she went to Rain City Rock Camp for a week. I could not believe the transformation we saw after just the first day. When we picked her up that evening, she was so excited to share her stories that she didn't even get all the way into the car before rattling off all her favorite parts of the day. As the week progressed, we witnessed her style evolve, her confidence blossom, not to mention the singing in the bathroom. From song writing activities and band practice to lunch time performances and the big concert at the end, it seemed like an amazing experience that the girls not only enjoyed but really benefited from. I even wished I could share in the experience. You don't have to take my word for it, local publications like the Stranger and Seattle Weekly are singing their praises. I'm so proud of our little rock-stars!


Even though Sky High Sports is included in Memorable Firsts post, seemed appropriate for this one too:
Believe it or not, I had my first experience on a trampoline at Sky High Sports. (It's possible that I've been on a trampoline at some during my childhood, but I honestly don't remember. It's been on my to do list in my adult life for quite some time now.) I have to admit that I felt a bit ridiculous as one of the few adults (maybe the only adult with no children) there as groups of children ran by me. I was even a little bit intimidated at first when I saw what looked like a field of trampolines.

Watching the children, some who looked like they'd barely mastered walking, bound across the field of trampolines and bounce off the walls, it was only a matter of time before I was infected by their contagious energy. I was also inspired by the freedom I saw in a few women who were doing bouncing exercise. With all of that combined with the intensity I witnessed in the dodge-ball game in an enclosed pit, I was ready to go. I immediately realized that it was not as easy as the others made it look. Although I eventually got the hang of it, I was surprised by how much physical effort it took. I enjoyed the release and the freedom that came with each bounce. I enjoyed t so much that I'd love to develop my trampoline skills.

Not only does Sky High Sports offer a fun atmosphere, but with their dodge-ball pit and AIRobics classes, they also create a unique trampoline experience. It became clear within minutes of my experience that this is fun for all ages. I'd highly recommend it to anyone.

I found a YouTube video that shows just how cool this place is:

Seattle: Nightlife

Beyond the reggae nights (Sundays at WAIDS, Mondays at Baltic Room, Thursdays at War Room, Fridays at Afriq), we ventured out to explore more of what Seattle nightlife had to offer.

I loved the vibe of Lucid Jazz Lounge. It was my first time trying Boulettes (Haitian meatballs), which were really tasty. As I shared in my Yelp review,"It's obvious that they were well seasoned and made with authentic passion." I also tried a Manhattan, which was actually called a Brooklyn: A rye Manhattan made without bitters, instead we use maraschino liqueur and Dolin Rouge vermouth. The live band set a nice and relaxing mood for the intimate setting.

We also had a really good time at Babalu. The DJ kept the songs coming, and a local group kept the crowd on the dance floor with their version of some of the hottest party songs out right now along with some of their originals.

Republiq was the place that reminded the most of NY clubs. Maybe it was the size and the layout of the club; maybe it was the lights that filled the room; maybe it was the crowd or the music. Whatever it was, I felt right at home and had a good time there.

Seattle: Caribbean

Having grown up in a Trinidadian household, it is only natural that I'm a somewhat harsh critic about others' Trinidadian cuisine. However, when I first saw Pam's Kitchen on Diners, Drive-in and Dives, my interest was piqued. Not only was I surprised because Seattle is a place where I don't imagine many West Indians, but I was also excited about the fact that I actually knew someone in Seattle and had a reason to visit. We never made it during my last two visits because we had too much packed into the trip but this time we made it, and I have to say it was well worth the wait.

I have to give Pam's two thumbs up for reminding me of meals I remember from home. It was evident that care was taken in the presentation: it wasn't over the top; it was just right. The food was well seasoned, and you could tell from the tenderness of the chicken that it was cooked with love and affection. We tried a chicken roti, jerk chicken with fried rice and aloo pies. I thoroughly enjoyed it all. I especially appreciated how warm and soft the buss up shot was. I also can't resist the urge to rave about the seasoned salad that I could not get enough. When something as simple as a salad is seasoned well it is such a pleasant surprise. I can't say I was wowed by the sorrel rum punch, but it was a nice touch to rekindle the memories.

The place overall was very comfortable with island tunes playing and island reminders hung throughout. The staff was pleasant. All the details created a relaxed island vibe that made me feel at home. I would definitely love to go back and would certainly highly recommend it to anyone visiting Seattle.

Being of Caribbean descent in New York, I'm used to being surrounded by the Caribbean culture. Having been to other cities, I've also gotten used to not seeing that in other places. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Caribbean culture is alive and well in Seattle. Not only did I get a little taste of Trinidad at Pam's, but I also went from feeling like I was at one of my family's backyard barbeques to Carnival when I went to a boat ride hosted by SOCA (Seattle's Official Caribbean Carnival Association).

Although I found comfort in the familiar reggae tunes, I found an interesting twist in Seattle. In New York, a reggae set will often include a mix from the different islands and may flow into Reggaeton. In Seattle, the Caribbean audience includes people from Africa, and the Caribbean sets segued into African music, which I really enjoyed.

After almost a month of what I like to call "nightlife research" I grew familiar with the line-up: Sundays at Waid's; Mondays at Baltic Room; Thursdays at War Room; Fridays at Afriq. I'd also recommend checking out SeattleReggaeScene.com to stay up on what's going on.

Seattle: Reasons to Return (To Do List)

It seemed that every time I accomplished one thing on my to do list, I'd discover a few more things that I really wanted to try. The list grew to the point that I realized that another trip to Seattle will be in order.

• Agua Verde is on the top of my list. This is right up my alley
• A Segway Tour is something that I once thought was silly, but now I'm curious.
  
• Sky City Restaurant in the Space Needle. We already know how I feel about rotating restaurants. It's not at the top of my list, but I'd like to try it for the experience.
• Savor Seattle Tour and a whole list of things in the CRAVE Seattle guide.
  
• Reminiscent of Coyote Ugly, I'm curious to see what Cowgirls is like.
  
• more seafood!
  

I'm sure this list will continue to grow. By the time I return, I'll have a full agenda. I'm open to all suggestions!

Seattle: Dessert

I am happy that Cupcake Royale is now in my life. What started off as a brief stop became a very exciting experience for me. Although I'll admit that I'd usually choose a slice of cake over a cupcake, the display at Cupcake Royale was irresistible. With so many to choose from, it was a difficult decision, but I was more than happy with my pick: the strawberry velvet. I need to go back to try as many more as I can.


The friendly man outside of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory did his job well. With a few nibbles of fudge he lured us into a place that I would have never wanted to leave. There were some of my favorites, like jumbo chocolate covered strawberries; a few things I was curious about, like chocolate covered orange peels and jalapenos; things I thought sounded like a good idea, like the chocolate covered bacon, which I wish I never tried. They didn't just have peanut buttercups, they have peanut butter buckets. I don't ever want a peanut buttercup again if there are peanut butter buckets in the world.

They also had display of chocolate covered wedding items that we so cute. Many details of my future wedding may be blurry, like the husband, the date, location and all that good stuff, but this is a detail that I'm certain I want to have.


Although Molly Moons seemed to be a popular treat, I have to admit that I didn't love it. I'm willing to go back and give it another try.