I’ve traveled around for most of my life, and I have yet to find a place as beautiful as Seattle is during the few months of the year when the sun goes up at 5AM and sets at 10PM.  The temperature is moderate, the greenery is plentiful, and the people all seem to have a sparkle in their eyes.  Last weekend, I witnessed the July 4th fireworks on Lake Union on a upscale houseboat and had an incredible time.  I did miss Mark and Erin who were my usual July 4th house boat buddies.  They were having their own fireworks with the birth of their son Chance!!

I’ve just finished up my first month at the Gates Foundation.  A couple of days ago, the company had a picnic and I was astounded at how small we are.  As an undergrad at the University of Texas, I had more people in most of my classes than employees at this company picnic.   It was a great experience to meet so many of my coworkers and their families.  The event was set up as a children’s paradise; there was a little train going around the facility, an “iron man” rubber jumping castle, an obstacle course with tons of slides and ropes, and dozens of little flotation devices in the waters near Vasa Park.  The highlight of the day was seeing Bill Gates Snr sing “Tiny Bubbles” in a wig while the executives blew bubbles in the background.  This was a great send-off for CEO Patty Stonsifier who was serenaded with a creative ballad celebrating her accomplishments.  What an amazing human being!

I’m starting to adjust to my project and my new life in Seattle.  Over the past two weeks, I’ve gone hiking and kayaking multiple times.  My workoutrageous competition is going well, and I have little to complain about these days…