i hate flying.

airplanes weren’t made for somebody who is six-six. i have a bit of a gut too. so i’m crunched into this seat, my belt pushing into my gut, and i just can’t get comfortable.

luckily, i fell asleep right before the plane took off and woke up just as they were bringing the drink cart around. it wasn’t a long sleep, but it was long enough to make my neck sore.

i tried to go back to sleep, but turbulence started to bounce the plane around. that didn’t really bother me. what bothered was the old blue hair in front of me decided she wanted to recline her seat which pushed her back straight into my knees. as soon as my knee was locked between the chair and tray, i said “muthafucka” through my teeth. she must of heard me and got back into her full upright position.

soon after that, i passed out for another 30 minutes. it only felt like five though. what woke me up was the uncontrollable desire to yak. sweat was pouring from my brow. i couldn’t think straight except for that i need to either blow chunks and release some gastric pressure. i quickly rummaged through the pouch in the seat in front and found barf bag. a few dry heaves later, i fell back to sleep.

i felt sorry for the guy sitting next to me. he had to listen to all of that.

well, after landing a $40 cab ride later, i was at my friend’s place in the wallingford neighborhood of seattle. after taking a moment to relax and release that undue pressure i mentioned before, i headed out to see what this neighborhood had to offer.

i basically traveled 45th from 2nd ave all the way west to where it ended, then worked my way back through the back neighborhoods. in a town the size of seattle, it was refreshing to find an area that kept a small town feel. the street was dotted with occasional corporate business: hollywood video, quiznos, subway, etc; but small businesses also outnumber those bigger business at least four to one.

after spending an hour walking around town, i came back to the apartment and just crashed hard. i must of slept for at least three hours. woke up not quite refreshed, but i was ready to go. by that time, my friend came home and we headed up to the apple store to pick some christmas gifts and then over to the biggest rei i have ever seen. this place had a huge rock climbing wall, its own rain forest/bike trail, and three stories of rei madness. if i camped, i’d be in heaven.

finally, its time to crash. i have a whole new day to look at tomorrow. my plans include touring around the university of washington, getting my haircut, and then heading downtown and take in the tourist trap that is the pike market place.

things i forgot: ipod, camera, sanity.