How's Seattle?

When it comes to making polite conversations, I have a disease.

I'm either really good at it or I suck at it.

I am in the process of making new friends in Seattle, and when introduced to one, I effortlessly make small talk, "accidently" spill a drink on my dress and move on. There are times when I assume that I'm going to hate or already hate the person I'm being introduced to. Even then I manage to make the hated believe I love them.

It's when I have to make small talk with people I've known differently earlier that I'm terrible. If I know them well enough, I should already know how they are doing, and how the weather is where they live! If i ask, then this is exactly what it is... unmeaningful small talk.

I don't know what I hate more...
1. Me doing the small talk
2. The small talk itself
3. The other party so knowingly playing a part in the small talk

For all I care, the glaciers in downtown Seattle are getting bigger!

Already?

Boy needed a break from work, and I just needed a break, generally. The excuse hence - our first wedding anniversary. All those of you who came to Bangalore last year around this time should remember.

Of course, I didn't think we should spend too much. So I suggested that he attends conferences in China, Italy and such. While he'd be conferencing, I'll be in the fancy hotel room... yeah, an A/C and clean white sheets do it for me. I figured that way we only spend on my flight tickets.

That idea was ruled out, bad scheduling of conferences.

Then I suggested Disneyland... lovely summer days, roller coaster rides, probably a Best Western or something with free breakfast for guests, nearby. But really, this trip would not have lasted for more than 4 days. Max. And we wanted a big break remember?

Some looking up Orkut photos udates, talks to friends and brainstorming sessions later, Alaska seemed like a probable place to go. Far away? Yes. Expensive? Very. Chances of finding vegetarian food? Slim. There, our decision was made.

Here's a little preview of what we saw in Alaska. It was like watching an active volcano. Just the opposite.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLHldfAv7qU

We celebrated our anniversary sea kayaking and watching glaciers calve. Scary.
I'm sitting at home and today it's a year since I came to Seattle. Already? Very Scary.

But so far, touch wood, I've enjoyed it here. For all the fun, fights, family and friends (on TV and on g-talk), I'm thankful.

Happy Anniversary Swamiji!