In flight school (San Antonio) I wanted to continue doing Jewish things.... (Temple Beth Am bar mitzvah, “confirmation” (oy vey) and Jewish Midshipmen Club....) so I looked up “temple” in the phone book. Finding nothing I thought, “Ah, I’ll check ‘synagogue.’” I found one, drove up in my sport car one bright and what I thought was early, fine Saturday morning...only to find a full parking lot. Hmmm.... Door was locked at 8 am... Then not-Jewish-looking fella comes over and unlocks door and deactivates the alarm... my spidey sense was tingling at this point. I walked in first and soon after bearded, yarmulka wearing (full-time yarmulka-wearing) Yidden walk in. To my horror! OH NO! I chose an orthodox shul by mistake!!!! Thus began, with fits and starts, my path to observance.
Now I guess I know why. I don't know what Seattle is like, I hope not everyone is like that :P
Phinneous, Your Path to Observance is fascinating, you want to continue your story?