Vacation in the Pacific NorthWest

Hello, hey, hi!!

I hope this past month has been filled with growth, peace, and opportunity. Mine was a bit rocky but worth it. I’ve dealt with some challenges the past month or so at work and I sometimes allow it to overflow into home life. Thankfully I still see the good that is going to come from this rough patch and it more than outweighs the inconveniences I’m facing now. If you follow me on social media you may have noticed that May 26th was my four-year cancer-free anniversary. One might think that’s cause to celebrate and they wouldn’t be wrong. However, May 16th marked 12 years since my mother lost her war with cancer. I say war because she fought many battles. And every year I am filled with debilitating anxiety hoping to make it to May 26th without a reoccurrence. Anywho, I made it! 


One way I’ve been able to combat the survivor’s guilt and workforce blues is by squeezing in a vacation! I extended the already long Memorial Day weekend to travel from Illinois to Seattle and this was the first trip I’ve taken in six years without my kids! Why Seattle? Grey’s Anatomy, duh. My younger sister and I are huge Grey’s fans so we packed our bags and scurried off to see some of the sights. Honestly, this trip was EVERYTHING I needed. So much so, I was tempted to relocate to Washington. I know running from my problems won’t fix them but hey, old habits die hard. If you are an artist or creative being in any way, I must advise you to visit Seattle at least once. The art, the food, literally everything about their downtown screams inspiration. From the street art to the bookstores and little coffee shops; I couldn’t get enough of just walking around and soaking it all in. Lucky for me, my sister is a planner. She did her research prior to our trip and jammed packed our days with meaningful moments that made our trip one that I’ll never forget. Here are just a few highlights:

On day one we saw the Space Needle, the Pike Street Market, and scored great seats to a Mariners game. We also ventured off to see the helipad from Grey’s and the intern house. 

On day two we took a ferry to Bainbridge Island and spent the entire day exploring bookstores, wineries, and vineyards. We had some of the freshest seafood and met some of the kindest people ever!

On day three we caught a bus at the butt crack of dawn to hike and explore Mount Rainier! I think this may have been my favorite day. Our tour guide was amazing. The views were literally breathtaking. And even though I was sore from days of walking Seattle hills, hiking the trails with my sister was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. We both agreed that the fresh mountain air had healing properties and we’re claiming one hundred percent healing of my lungs. 

While I love my job and know that I am truly fortunate for all that I have, coming home to responsibilities and obligations has been tough. Waking up at five a.m. to take care of and teach children is a lot harder than waking up to gallivant around a beautiful city. Paying bills is a lot less fun than paying tabs. And coming home each evening to chores doesn’t compare to the nightly free beer social our hotel hosted. I get it now, the vacation hype. I’ve been home less than a week and already I’m thinking about where to go next. But I’m also trying to remind myself that everyday life really isn’t all that bad. I’ve come a long way. That I could even take a vacation speaks volumes to the progress I’ve made. I’m slowly but surely collecting moments and creating a life I love. Comment your favorite vacation place below!!

Creatively yours,

Miss Bee Cancer-Free, Grateful, Tired






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