This past summer my brother spent some time working as a tour guide for Argosy cruises in Seattle.  Though it was near the end of the season he invited me and a friend to "do the tour" on a brisk beautiful Sunday in November.  

The trip got off to a rocky start with a series of misadventures on our way to the boat. These included: getting lost, not being able to find the Argosy ticket booth, and the limited parking avaliblility in downtown Seattle.  We literally arrived at the boat with not even a second to spare before it departed from the pier.  I might add that we ONLY made it to the boat in time because I got lucky with a parking spot...and because I am just crazy enough to do whatever it took to get on that boat! I sent my friend Jen to pick up the tickets while I found a lucky parking spot.  Feeling pretty good about myself my heart sank when I glanced down at my watch and it dawned on me that there was only one way I was going to make that boat and it would involve sprinting.  Without a second thought I yanked off my high fashion high heeled winter boots and RAN in my mismatched socks like a mad woman through the muddy streets of downtown to make it to the pier in time.  I can only imagine what must have gone through people's minds as they saw a crazy blond girl RUNNING her heart out with winter boots and dignity flapping behind her in the wind.  I also wonder what must have gone through my brother's co-worker's minds as they saw me running up to the boat.  My brother seemed completely unfazed which now that I think about it could be a little alarming...But never-the-less, I made it! 

A few minutes after cast off, once I had hung my muddy socks on the railing to dry in the sun, I began to listen to the amazing guided tour that my brother had prepared.  I am not just saying this because he is my brother but he is really good at engaging the audience, I was super proud.  I also learned so many new facts about Seattle that made me so excited and proud to call myself a Seattleite.