Curious George

via Prettystufftumblr

Addicted

I'm sure I'm not the only one that is currently addicted to the Olympics. I can't even read my twitter feed since there are spoilers. This happened yesterday and bummed me out, but lesson learned. No, social media for me right now:-)

via Dezeen

via Dezeen

What are your must see events? I've always loved swimming and women's gymnastics. Although, after last night I also love men's gymnastics. I guess I haven't paid much attention in years past but wow, does it take some serious strength to work that pommel horse. I'm rooting for John Orozco...his story last night had me balling. 


Has anyone noticed the amount of empty seats at the swimming events? Strange to me.


Well, one thing is for sure, my house and sleep are going to suffer big time for the next 2 weeks.

Dare, Please

Amy Borrell print, via Little Paper Planes

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature…. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."

~Helen Keller

Seattle

Seattle, I'm dying to see you again. It's been eons I know, but you have so many cool things to do and see, I must hurry back. While I can't make it this year I promise to visit soon. (Buying an a/c instead, painful but necessary)

I used to work for a company that was based in Seattle and had the privilege of visiting several times a year. I will admit once I left the job Seattle built some uber cool buildings I'm dying to see.  

via Here

via IdeasforHouses

I'm dying to see the Experience the Music Building designed by Frank Gehry. While I understand not everyone is a fan of his work, I think it's so out there kinda cool. 

via IdeasforHouses

via IdeasforHouses

via IdeasforHouses

via arcspace

Goodness knows I like a good book and lately I'm noticing quite a few cool builds of public libraries. The Seattle Public Library is another one I'd like to see. Designed by Rem Koolhaas OMA

via OMA

via HistoryLink

Hello, bright and fun reading room. Who wouldn't want to plop down in a chair and read for a bit.

via Here

I can't wait to see what Austin's new downtown library will look like.

Clearly, I lost site of this post being about Seattle. Perhaps, there will be a part 2 because there's way more to do than visit 2 cool buildings. Next time...

Rules to Live By

via Pinterest

Opera

Something I love to do is go to the Opera. I think it is so fun to get all dressed up, see an amazing performance, then go to a late dinner. My mom took me to my first Opera in New York City, and I fell in love. 

Apparently, I'm slow to learn Dallas has a pretty snazzy Opera House, Winspear Opera House, designed by Foster+Partners out of London.

via Travel and Leisure

via Here

via InteriorDesign

via Here

I might need to go next time I'm in town...

Qualities

via Pinterest

"Leaders are not what many people think–people with huge crowds following them. Leaders are people who go their own way without caring, or even looking to see whether anyone is following them. “Leadership qualities” are not the qualities that enable people to attract followers, but those that enable them to do without them. They include, at the very least, courage, endurance, patience, humor, flexibility, resourcefulness, determination, a keen sense of reality, and the ability to keep a cool and clear head even when things are going badly. This is the opposite of the “charisma” that we hear so much about."

– John Holt

Can it be?

via Pinterest

I read the following poem on one of the Positive Patty blogs I follow...I like it...

Can it be

that life has afforded me

the chance to be,

to sink or swim on a whim

as earth spins on a pin?

Whatever floats your boat is buoyancy you see.

Can it be?

Can it be

that my soliloquy

can be heard

without a herd

through thick and thin

with legs to run up under the sun?

Whatever melts your butter

is heat aflutter.

Isn’t that neat?

Can it be

that my eyes can see

as far as they can see

up to what lies in

the edge of the horizon?

Whatever lights your candle

is the spark that’s aim became a flame.

Is it all the same?

Can it be

that our brains can admire

that which we can inquire,

before we must expire?

We better aspire

to live man-on-wire.

Whatever blows your hair back

is the wind, I grinned.

“Life is short,” I rescind.

Life is life. Let it be lived without chagrin.

—Bassam Tarazi

---

Reuse

Who knew shipping containers could be turned into something cool. The first time I read about the reuse of shipping containers was when Starbucks opened a drive-through using these containers to build the drive-through. (I can't remember if I've posted their pix before, so enjoy again.)

Photo: Tom Ackerman, Starbucks

Photo: Tom Ackerman, Starbucks

Travelodge is now creating travelpods to accommodate those traveling to the Olympics. Pretty darn cool if you ask me. Ok, so the first one of all glass may spook me a bit but the second pic is perfect!

Weburbanist via Treehugger

Perhaps, you've always wanted the perfect treehouse, here is your chance!

Jason Thomas Architect

via EarthSci

Tennis Anyone?

I'm super stoked to be playing tennis again. Ok, playing would be a strong word. Let's just say it's one step at a time. I did get a new racquet for my birthday.

via Google Images

I've found a tennis court near my house (SATC) that gives lessons as well and won't break the bank. I did go hit against a backboard this morning and will need to invest in tennis shoes soon. Let's just say running shoes really don't work on the courts. There aren't words to describe how happy I am to find something physical to do that will challenge me and doesn't require a $75 monthly fee. Happy Birthday to me:-)

You

via Pinterest

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."

~Judy Garland

Another Option

Seeing as I just celebrated a new birth year, it's time to start planning the big birth year of 2013. My friend, Tonya, and I both turn the big 4-0 next year. She's already been to Paris...back to the travel board we go, hi-ho! She's dying to go to Italy, I've never been so it qualifies as an option. Of course, the more wine we drank the more options we're in sync on...fun decisions to be made.

via Lonely Planet

Mineral baths in Tuscany via Here

Capo Vaticano via All Things Europe Tumblr

Milan via Milanotravel

Rome via Here

Venice via Here

Florence via Google Images

Happy 4th of July

via Google Images

Today is the first day of my final year in my 30's. That's a bit of a mouthful. Hard to believe this past decade will be coming to an end in 365/364 days. So many things have changed and I still feel as if I'm 31, except for when I first get out of bed in the morning and feel more like 91. 

I'm finally at peace with this next new number and the nearing of a new decade. When turning 38 it was a big fat WOAH moment as in, I'm not nearly as far in life as I "should" be at this age. I had to stop and ask, "says who?" I did move from San Francisco to Austin, bought my first condo, got another degree (for me, this time), adopted a dog/became a parent...all of these are adult accomplishments and completely different accomplishments from my 20's. Cheers to a New Birth Year!!! 

Better

via Swiss-Miss