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The 255 is my new best friend

I have been taking the bus back and forth to Seattle from Kirkland the past several weeks as I am spending more time down at Gist these days.  The 255 bus literally picks up about 50 yards from my house and takes the same route downtown that I drive so really no excuse not to take it.

I am mildly ashamed that it has taken me a couple years to actually give it a go and have embraced my rookie status as I learn the ins and outs of when the fare changes, why the bus stops some places and not others, what to do when the downtown bus tunnel is closed, and the best time to pull the cord to signal you want to get off (not too early!).  I have learned all these lessons over the past several weeks and am sure I provided a bit of comic relief to all the hardened veterans on the 255.

It's a nice ride, clean buses, good people, and a bit of prep time in the morning and decompression time in the afternoon. 

Sunny in Seattle

What a day today.  Sunny and warm.  I fear this is just a teaser of what is to come but on days like this there is no better place to be.  Here's a pic I took with my Blackberry while walking Riley looking West over Lake Washington to downtown Seattle from Kirkland.

Brad Feld in Seattle Feb 25 - put it on your calendar

I have yet to meet Brad in person but have corresponded with him and met some of the team at the Foundry Group.  I am a bit of a Boulder fan boy and the combination of technology, venture capital, start ups, and Boulder has made me a long time reader of Brad's blog.

Brad's coming to town on Wednesday February 25th from 6pm to 8:30pm at the Palace Ballroom at 2100 5th Avenue in Seattle.  Here's his post on it.

Good friend TA McCann of Gist (where I am helping out a bit) as well as Dave Schappell of TeachStreet have pulled together what looks to be a great event with the $5.99 admission going to Seattle micro-finance non-profit Vittana.

I have a conflict that evening but am sure it will be a good time with some great folks.

Cabin fever or retail surge?

Here's another report from the Seattle microcosm of the economy.  We went over to University Village today for a few items and so that I could check out a new MacBook at the Apple store as I go through the process of picking out a new laptop.

The Apple store along with just about every other one was mobbed with people.  Parking is always an adventure there as you weave among buildings and pedestrian crosswalks, but today it was a serious challenge.

Saw lots of bags and the Apple store was packed full of people so not sure if folks were just ready to be out after a week of being snowed in or if the retail spending fire is still burning a bit in this corner of the country.

It was also very cool to run into a few people we knew.  One of the great things about Seattle is that it is not so big that you won't have a chance unplanned encounter with a friend when you are out and about.

A strong showing (for me) at the 2008 Seattle Half Marathon

1:53:55. 

That was my chip time today for the Seattle half marathon.  Here's the results.  Surprisingly good given the fact that I parked AFTER the race had begun.  Traffic was pretty much a nightmare getting to the start although I can't say that I did myself any favors in terms of planning other than leaving the house really early.  I guess I got my stretching in working the clutch in my car as I made my way through the traffic.

I will say that it seems that a better job could be done getting folks off I-5 onto the Mercer exit then up to Seattle Center.  The only police car I saw actually pulled someone over for blocking an intersection as we all made our way to the start line.  Remember - follow the rules in Seattle!

A good race and nice stroll through downtown as well as some of the really cool neighborhoods of Seattle (Leschi, Madison Park, etc.).

Running the Seattle half marathon tomorrow

Running this for the 3rd year in a row but doing it solo tomorrow as my running partner Marel is still recovering from the arrival of our second daughter.

If you are running tomorrow and want to connect before, after, or even during the race, let me know.  I'll be shooting for +/- 2 hours and the weather looks like it might even be ok (ie, no rain).

Congrats to John Cook & Todd Bishop on the launch of TechFlash

Two great technology journalists here in Seattle have just launched their new site - TechFlash.  John and Todd have carried forward their previous blogs to this new endeavor and I wish them well. 

If you want to stay on top of the tech industry here, tune into this site.  Congrats fellas and look forward to the posts.

Art with Heart

I was fortunate enough to start my morning with several hundred other folks at the Sheraton in downtown Seattle at the Color of Hope breakfast in support of Art with Heart.  Good friend and Gist CEO TA McCann introduced me to this organization and I must say I am very impressed.

Their mission is to "empower youth in crisis through therapeutic books and programs that foster self-expression."  It's about using art to help kids through difficult times and the program was really well done.  Check out the site to learn more and get involved.

Dawg Dash this morning

I did my part to try to help the Huskies salvage a miserable football season by participating in the Dawg Dash 10K on the University of Washington campus this morning.  This was the 23rd year for the race but my first time.

It was great to hang out on the field before and after the race.  Results aren't up yet, but my Timex Ironman watch showed me an unofficial 50ish minute finish time.  Not too shabby given my desire to take it a bit easy today (no athletic vendetta at play today).

Update on the Seattle metro economy

We spent today running a few errands and happened to drop into REI in Redmond during their big sale.  We are shopping for dual strollers as we await the newest member of our family to join us and needed to go kick the tires on a few models.  Yes, that is where I am in my life and, yes, I am ok with it.

Judging by the cars in the parking lot, people in the store buying necessary "gear," and overall level of shopping going on, there is no visible slowdown out here among what David Brooks so accurately labels as 'Bobos' (read Bobos in Paradise for full explanation).  Guess I have guilt by association.

We wrapped our day at Red Robin which is a wonderful combination of family friendly, good burgers, and sports bar atmosphere.  Something for everyone and a fitting end to our outing.