Farewell to Seattle

I have spent almost 15 years in Seattle and now I am moving back to the South.  In those years, I have worked at Microsoft, SAP, Getty Images, ShareBuilder, and a few others.  I have trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with one of the best grapplers in the world.  I worked on a television show for almost 7 years. I dj'd clubs, weddings, and parties.  I taught dance for several years.  I travelled to Japan, Thailand, Germany, Costa Rica, and France.  I got married to a woman I met when I was 9.  I started a business.  I got sober and will have 10 years next month.  Needless to say, I have done a lot.  That being said, I am not, nor will I ever be a  northwesterner or seattlite. I have camped, hiked, kayakked, and learned to love coffee. I am not a hiker, camper, or kayaker. I am me, a florida born, new orleans raised southern boy. I like people who like people. People who eat crawfish and Popeye's. People who share an opinion good or bad about a person, restaurant, music, etc... I have met some great people up here but very few that stay in my life. After all of this time everyone asks, "what are you going to miss the most?" Probably the donuts at pike market, or coffee at vivace. The sonics are gone, some of my friends are now in southern california, and the weather does suck here. I will miss gas works 4th of July. Christmas in leavenworth. And I'm sure other things I'm leaving out... But I'm excited to move back to the south. Excited to start my next chapter with Susie. I believe God put me in Seattle to do what I have done. Now he needs me in the south. Farewell to my friends, my coworkers, and the restaurants I love: Hana Sushi in bothell, passion tequila, and john howie steakhouse. I will not miss the cold weather, the cold people, and everything that is bellevue (except for John Howie). :) My final suggestion to the northwest, say hi to each other, wave, smile more. Meet your neighbors. You could have a great community if you got over your money and invested in each other. But for those that are awake and smiled at that last comment and didn't immediately get defensive, thank you for being you. I do love a lot of people here. Stay invested in each other, that is how you can heal the world. farewell and I have enjoyed my time with you all.

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