03__Steve the architect / baker?

A new calling? I doubt it. Within the first week of being in town, I realized that with a job market the way it's been going the past few months - I can't count on securing a job in architecture anytime soon. This doesn't mean that I wouldn't consider working for a firm again, just that when you only find one post a month for an opening you need to find other means.

I work 5 days a week at the Columbia City Bakery - recognized as one of the best places in town for breads, pastries, and coffee (which says a lot in a city which loves its coffee)



Honestly, I find the change in scenery from a cubical to behind the coffee bar to be really refreshing. I spend my mornings (starting at 6 am! can you believe that i could do this) greeting customers, talking about life - hobbies - sports - vacations, then get them their espresso and pastries. Aside from standing on your feet all day, this is an ideal way to make a living.

The staff are awesome, they're all in their 20s and 30s - and great company for the shifts. Seeing everyone putting so much work into these delicious foods makes me a bit jealous that I don't know how they do it. The bread is incredible! Plus ham and gruyere croissants & a different quiche everyday! If there were ever a ploy for me to gain some weight - this is it.



Today I learned how to make a dry cappuccino. Just espresso and milk foam. Much harder to achieve than it sounds. I am anxiously awaiting the chance in life to bring these skills to the coffeehouse/furniture shop that features all my own work. A neighborhood hub where you can buy the furniture you sit on, designed by the owner himself. This may very well be my life's ambition. If there's anything I have learned from the experience so far... it's that coffee brings people together.

Another exciting feature of this job, is how many regulars I've gotten to know in only a couple weeks. Just a few days ago I met a local glass-blowing gallery owner who told me that she's looking for a local craftsman to build the platforms for her displays. After talking it over, it may be one of my first projects out here! The bakery should be a great way to promote my own work in the coming months.

02__Ultra-Mod Pod Party

Thanks to everyone who came out to the going away party. It was so good to have a last hurray with full contact games and even a bonus room.

That fine specimen of a moving pod, decorated industrial-minimalist, served a perfect escape from the rain and intimate seating for 10.

By the morning of the move, it looked more like this...



The rest of the night was a blur. Ask Andy how the night ended - if you think it'd be cute to know we shared a bed unintentionally (or subconsciously who knows?) The friendly owner at Tenley wine & beer asked the next day if there were good stories from the party. What do you say to that? "Woke up with someone in my bed and have bruises from wrestling for pong balls, but your keg was delicious!"

01__Welcome!

Lots of things are changing, the surroundings are new (again), career aspirations are in flux, and you may be wondering: "what's up in their lives?"

To anyone that wants a little insight into our days here in Seattle, I give you this blog.

I'll do my best to update about once a week. I see it as an exciting way to show off the projects I'm working on and to give a bit of news to family and friends. Enjoy!