This was my first real weekend in Seattle. I have a few boxes and some organizing left to do, curtains and shelves to hang and photos to frame, but the main items are in place so I can take some time for myself. Finally. I realize this may be the last weekend to enjoy the outdoors sans umbrella, too.

On Friday I did some shopping with a friend. We hit all the regular stores and I walked away happy with a new pair of fabulous jeans. Then she drug me to all of the thrift stores in the area to complete her Halloween costume and I ended up with 20 new books -- that makes 50 books on my shelves I have yet to read -- for less than $30! Who knew you could find such great deals on books at Goodwill? I managed to find Maureen Dowd's Are Men Necessary? in hardback. I knew of it and considered picking it up in paperback, but it wasn't on my Must Read List. Maureen Dowd, a popular columnist for The New York Times, is a feminist of sorts. But most of all her writing is sarcastic, witty and fun and while it's a tad harsh at times, it does hold some truth. I can't say whether I agree with her wholeheartedly or not, I haven't read the book. What's A Modern Girl To Do?, an excerpt from the book, was all the talk a year ago. I suggest you check it out and once I open the book I will let you know what I think.

Saturday I spent the afternoon at Pike Place Market. It was a beautiful day outside and the market was packed. I bought a few flower bouquets for my apartment and had a small fresh seafood lunch. I thought about purchasing a load of fresh fish and stocking my freezer before I found out the market is open year-round. On the east coast everything closes in October and reopens in May so fresh produce, fish and meats are very difficult to find for half the year. On the way back to my car I noticed a Four Seasons going in next to The Lusty Lady, to be completed in Spring, 2007 (FYI). Looks as if it will be very modern, all glass with magnificent water views.

In the early evening I took a run along Lake Washington and enjoyed the cool air and the Bellevue skyline. The mountains weren't readily visible, but I could make them out if I concentrated real hard. There were a few boats on the water enjoying the last days of clear weather, otherwise it was me, a couple runners and a small handful of dog-walkers. Oh, and mosquitos.

Today, Sunday, it feels wonderful being home on my sofa, relaxing for the first time since my move. I've been running around, cleaning, painting, unpacking, organizing, hanging, redecorating and basically only sitting to drive or when it's time for bed. I was looking forward to a rainy Sunday indoors but I can see blue sky and sun so I may be forced outside at some point.

I saw The Bodies Exhibit in Manhattan quite a few months ago. It's been in Seattle for a little less than a month over at 800 Pike. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. While in the reproduction portion of the exhibit I overheard some parents taking advantage of the situation and teaching their pre-teens about the birds and the bees. While I can imagine a public discussion like this was awkward, it left little to the imagination and was probably easy for the parents as they simply pointed and explained.

Kate

Everyone in Seattle is so friendly. There is no honking, people open doors for strangers, apartment buildings have parties, it's not uncommon to receive a smile from someone on the street, friends are made easily and customer service is excellent compared to other parts of the country. It's refreshing, actually.

There is one small segment of Seattle that I'm finding quite abrasive. Based on my experience with the people of Seattle so far, I was surprised to find a guilty until proven innocent attitude among the local review board. It all started with a short note posted on the board to say, "Hi, here I am." That note turned into something I surely did not expect. Confusion ensued, wildly incorrect accusations flew and despite trying to smooth things over, it did not go well.

In addition to these problems with the board owners/moderators, there have been board members taking things completely out of context with regards to one of the options I offer to gentlemen suitors. Basically, people are making assumptions without reading my website, that assumption being that the pre-date introduction is a requirement, and a shady one at that. The pre-date introduction is clearly spelled out on my website and in the year that it's been there, there has never been a question from anyone at all about whether or not it was required. Why now?

So, for the record, the pre-date introduction is an option for those gentlemen who would like to get to know me before committing to a date. It is an option, I repeat, an option, and not a requirement. The option was not dreamed up one day out of the blue while thinking of ways to screw people out of their hard-earned money but requested time and time again by gentlemen suitors. Adding the option was more about customer service than clever marketing.

It's frustrating to me that I am being treated so poorly and as though I'm new to the industry (which means everyone must be leery) when it would be incredibly easy to research my past board contributions and reviews and find out that I am not a troublemaker or a schemer. Over the past two-plus years I have carried an excellent reputation both with the ladies and gentlemen of this industry and frankly, don't deserve such foul treatment.

Kate

So, here I am in Seattle. I'm still settling in. Actually, I'm still waiting for my things to arrive from New York.

I can't believe the number of Starbucks. At first it was funny, now it's obnoxious.

The fact that dogs practically outnumber people is a good sign.

Sales tax will really kill you, won't it?

I'd forgotten about the hills until I went for a walk.

At first I thought it was creepy, but now I'm getting used to strangers talking to me for no reason at all, just to say hello. I haven't started doing it myself but I'll catch on eventually.

Seattle is a Vietnamese food lover's dream come true.

Does everyone drive a Subaru or what?

Speaking of cars, people actually use their turn signals here. Also, they don't honk all of the time. If you need to merge, they usually let you and if you let someone else merge in front of you, they wave a "thank you". Wow.

When you go into a store, the people are friendly and helpful.

I won't talk about r-a-i-n, or the lack thereof.

While I always enjoy new surroundings and exploring, I do miss my friends. I'm so happy for free long-distance cell phones, email and inexpensive and easy flights, though.

Kate