Why we live here: The Seattle summer is just over the horizon

There have been a lot of heavy topics in the news this week with a ton of big emotions flying around. May Day protests, head tax fury, and general outrage when dealing with politicians reaching into our wallets.

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Mind if I push away from all that for a minute and invite you to take a breath and look around? We are right on the cusp of the best time of the year to live in the Pacific Northwest. Boating season starts in a few days, Cinco de Mayo is Sunday, and then the summer concert season begins.

This is the reason we put up with all the high prices and greedy politicians. There’s a reason why we collectively endure all the traffic and construction delays. It’s for these next few months. So maybe close that draft of your strongly worded email, and pull out a calendar and start to fill in the blanks with all the amazing things that are right in front of you.

Plan an ambitious hike at one of the world class trail heads within an hour’s drive. Walk on a ferry just for the boat ride. Maybe grab lunch at a mom and pop shop on an island. Go to a park you haven’t been to in years. Some of the best in the United States are right here. Listen to some live music outside at Marymore or White River or the zoo. Eat great food on a deck with an old friend. Get the gang back together and host a BBQ. Sit in the cheap seats at a Mariners game and eat some cracker jack.

Despite all the craziness, despite all the protests, despite all the inequalities, this place is awesome.

It’s easy to get in a rut and focus on all the things that are not working perfectly. This is a reminder to you, and to myself, that it can be just as easy to change that focus.

Here’s to a super fun summer.

You can hear “What are we talking about here?” everyday at 4:45 p.m. on 97.3 FM.

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