… is change. Looks like my time in Seattle will be coming to an end. I’m not exactly sure when, but it’ll happen in the nearish future. This realization has given me a fresh perspective on the city. 

I’ve lived in Seattle for 2 years, which is much longer than I anticipated staying. Many opportunities have kept me here, and I’m thankful for that. I’m also confident that it’s time to move on. That being said, daily Seattle occurrences have me feeling nostalgic already.

Climbing the steep sidewalk with overgrown plant matter to reach 31st Ave S, a high point which provides views of both the Cascade and Olympic mountains to the East and West of the city.

Sipping my zilionth IPA at a micro-brewery outdoor picnic table. Surrounded by folks with tattoos, piercings and dogs. Dogs everywhere, even in grocery stores.

Wondering over the sexual ambiguity of many people. There’s more freedom to simply be who you are here, to represent however you see fit. I like that sexuality is more fluid in this city, perhaps shifting to a more sex-positive culture. Something we desperately need in the States.

Ordering a hemp latte and feeling like an Urban Outfitters hippie - you know, the expensive kind. But doing it anyway because they are delicious. 

Being one of those young people with an abnormal schedule - laptop open at a coffee shop on a weekday morning. What is that person typing away at? Do they have a job? How do they pay for things? They must work remotely. Or in my case, for the airlines. 

Thighs burning biking up massive hills. Getting cheered on by fellow pedestrians. And conversely getting yelled at by aggressive bicyclists for lacking headlights, forgetting my helmet, not being the perfect bike rider. Why are they shouting at me? Do they think that helps? Entitled cyclists. 

Flowers bursting open to display lovely colors and smells by the end of February. Seattle showed me that spring can be beautiful. I was used to muddy brown and trash surfacing from the snow melt. But in the PNW, I enjoy spring!

There are SO many more little things I want to remember about Seattle. It’s certainly not a perfect city, far from it. But you know you love something when you even accept its faults. I’m intrigued by the quirks and pitfalls of Seattle. I strongly hope that current urban development doesn’t kill the soul of the city. I’ll be back to see for myself. 

I’ve now lived in 2 cities with a distinct view of a giant looming mountain. 

Nusa Penida, Indonesia - Mount Agung

Seattle, Washington - Mount Rainier

It’s interesting to see how this mountain presence orients people. It’s something we all share, the presence of a thing we collectively personify.

I frequently find myself saying “oh the mountain is out today” or “man, the mountain is dusky today, can’t hardly see it” and such. I clear my weekend to visit the mountain, with diligent plans that involve hiking routes and food stuffs. I snap photos every-other day: The mountain with a lake in the foreground. The mountain at sunset. The mountain on my commute. The mountain with snow. The mountain up close.

What an interesting commonality for people to share. It’s quite incredible. 

Housing in Seattle is insane.

It’s fitting that I work for a nonprofit who seeks to assist everyone in finding a “safe, decent, affordable place to live” (Habitat for Humanity). And yet I found myself nearly homeless at the end of August.

Since I moved here last January, in 7 months I have lived in 2 houses found through Craigslist advertisements. Both had no official documentation signed, and I never met the Landlord. Each place was slowly falling into disrepair, overcrowded with 8-10 people filling the house beyond its capacity (and surely city code). Generally I’d say each place was livable, but not necessarily a sustainable way of life. I’m 24 and recently spent 4 months backpacking Southeast Asia - so I like to think I’m open minded and flexible about lifestyle choices. But when I decided to stay in Seattle for more than a year, I wanted to make a more solid commitment to my housing circumstances. 

I can’t tell you how many horrible places I looked at each week. Mold, useless kitchens, dark windowless spaces, smelly basements, etc. Every other day I emailed 5-10 advertisements inquiring about rooms for rent. In this last housing search through the month of August, I emailed over 80 places, saw over 20, and applied to them all. It consumed all my free time. This fruitless process in search of the basic human need for shelter chipped away at my sense of accomplishment and personal pride.

I’m currently an AmeriCorps Member, meaning I’m paid a “cost of living” stipend by the government - making about $940 a month after taxes. I’m also earning food stamps at $194 a month. But the last thing a Landlord wants to hear is that you’re on food stamps for extra income. Apparently this does not make me a renter worthy of legal rights afforded through Leases and other official documents. 

I was extremely stressed in this situation, when the only person I’m trying to take care of is myself. I can’t imagine what this would feel like with the added responsibility of children, an unstable job, English as a second language, accessibility concerns and a wealth of other challenges people regularly face.

AmeriCorps is often described as a choice of “temporary poverty” which in my case is certainly true. I don’t come from a low-income background, this is something I’m choosing at this point in my life. So for those that don’t have the choice, what does this mean? What can people do to combat the system when they aren’t able to live like a free-spirited 20 something? How can they cope with the challenges of a system not built for them? I don’t have the answers. But I’m trying to put my experience into perspective. I am a 24 year old white woman from a middle class Midwestern family. I decided to throw a few variables into my life which created significant barriers in the search for a basic human need - housing. But look at the previous sentence: “I decided” and “a few variables” can’t compare to those who haven’t chosen their circumstances, and are dealing with a list of adverse conditions. To think that I’ve struggled with this only amplifies my concern for fellow humans who are coping with much more than I am. 

I had 3 days before I was expected to move out. I had a backup plan involving a list of couches to crash on until something worked out. Finally, just 3 nights before needing to move, I commited to a full-year lease sharing a space with someone I love.

I lucked out.

It doesn’t always happen this way.

After months of separation anxiety from Thailand, I’ve mulled over what it is about that place that made me so damn happy. Here are some of my musings:

Markets. Local, colorful, fragrant, full of entertainment. I can’t get enough of markets!

Impromptu interaction in public realms. People selling goods upon blanketed sidewalks, corner food stands, ball games, music etc. Things that people randomly add to the built environment. These “undesigned” elements give unique qualities and personality to a place. 

Alternative transportation. Motorbike, bicycling, walking, ride share, bus, train, tuk tuk, boat, you name it. I appreciate these forms of transportation over a car, because I’ve realized I find cars excessive and stressful. Some would also likely add that I’m not a good driver, but I seem to manage the other aforementioned modes just fine.

Kind people. Smiling faces and an unmatched willingness to be helpful (despite language barriers). 

Less talking, more listening (and therefore learning).

Less screen time. 

More time with my thoughts, because of a less busy schedule and in some cases less efficient ways of doing things (so basically lots of wait time). 

More time in nature. I need to make a point to do this every day (if even just a short walk) wherever I live. Enjoying the outdoors is important! A weekend trip once a month would help me feel balanced and healthy as well.

Waking up with the sun.

Practicing patience.

Reading the local news and global current events. 

Having a “go to” person for individual needs. For example, the soup lady, the smoothie making tiki hut couple, favorite tea/coffee cafe, Chinese bun stand, yoga studio etc. Regular spots I visit where I’ve invested in the people and what they do. Where I support and validate their contributions to the community.

Cooking as a social and cultural activity.

Recycling, and even more importantly, reducing my consumption. And composting! I didn’t do this in Thailand, but they collect compost in Seattle, how cool right?

…the list could go on, but it’s a start. As I get settled in Seattle, I want to keep these things in mind and make a point to incorporate them into my lifestyle here. 

In an effort to dodge Minnesota winter once again, I’ve headed West for a 10 month position as Community Engagement Liaison with Habitat for Humanity in Seattle. I’m excited to be in a new place once again! I’ve only been here 2 days, but it feels quite a bit different from the Midwest.

Yes, it’s a little gray, but the vast amount of green is stunning. The Puget Sound waterfront and islands looming in the distance are quite mysterious. Massive industrial cranes hover boldly just to the south of downtown. And Pike’s Place did in fact live up to the hype. What a place to explore! 

I’m orienting myself this week - looking for housing, understanding the various neighborhoods, public transportation (got an Orca card yesterday), hiking trails, breweries, yoga studios… you know, all the necessities. I have to remind myself to be patient, getting settled in a new place takes some time. But off to a good start I’d say! My Habitat position begins February 1st so I’m really looking forward to that as well.