Labor Day Weekend

So rare is a three day weekend at BYU that I decided to make the most of it and take a trip home to Washington. I know it was only a week after school started, but you've got to take what you can get. I took my friend, Marissa, my sister, Jillian, and her friend, Sam. On the way home I was doing 85 in Idaho, got pulled over and got my first ticket. Way to go. Usually Idaho is where we speed because no one lives there, the roads are usally good, and they don't patrol at all. I did not think that since it was a holiday weekend that there would be more patrols out. WRONG. Also, I used to think that the first time I got pulled over I would cry and have an emotional breakdown. In reality I was like, "no biggie." I am proud of myself.

When we arrived my mom fed us stuffed shells. Glorious. I then got to sleep in my own bed in my own room. I haven't slept that well since Marissa and I spent the weekend with Jessica and stayed at her house.

On Saturday we headed up to Seattle! (There's not really that much to do in the TC). I was worried that it would rain all day and be miserable but it only rained once for like ten minutes. It was overcast though which is too bad because it is gorgeous when it is sunny. There was a tad confusion over directions but we got there safely. I was a bit paranoid about getting towed but I think I did the pay parking lot correctly. (I am so not a city girl). We first visited Pike's Place Market. It's the third time I've been there in less than two years but it's a must in Seattle. I love the flower vendors the most. Huge boquets that go on forever. So colorful. Also they have plenty of vegetables and fruit, jams, oils and vinegars. Tons of things to try. It was packed because it was Saturday, but still fun. I didn't get mini-doughnuts becasue there was a mile long line. We did see the first ever starbucks, the restaurant used in the movie "Sleepless in Seattle," and the guys that throw the fish.

Me and Marissa at Pike's Place

Then we headed over to the Space Needle for Bumbershoot. I wasn't really sure what it would be like exactly but being Seattle I kind of knew what to expect. It was billed as a music and arts festival. I told the other girls that it would be the most hippie time of their lives. And it was. On the way in I saw a bumb selling bongs. Only in Seattle. There were a lot of vendors and things to look at. Jillian described it as "you know when you see things and you wonder where people get things like that?...well this is it." So true. Lot's of eccentric hippie/grunge attire. There was a fountain in the middle of the park where there were people interpretive dancing. Only in Seattle.

Jillian and Sam by the fountain

The real reason we (I) went was to see Eric Hutchinson. (You may know his song Rock & Roll.) It was in front of an outdoor stage that was standing only. I wish I had 9 inch platform shoes so that I could actually see at events like this, but I did ok. There were no old men bobbing up and down in front of me this time (James Morrison/Adele). I LOVED the concert! Eric's music is so fun and catchy. He is a great singer live and the arrangements were different than the cd which made it even better. During the show he made up a song on the spot about Seattle and how we almost had to watch the concert with our ponchos on. He was so good at ad-libbing. I had tons-o-fun and think the others did too. Afterward he came out for a meet and greet to do autographs. Never in my life have I been squished by so many people. Random people were touching me and I did not enjoy that. When we finally got to Eric there was a table in between for safety purposes so that's why the picture looks awkward. Then we left for home.

Eric Hutchinson

Me, Eric and Jillian

Sidenote-Bumbershoot is actually a big thing. Other singers they had included Jason Mraz, Sheryl Crow and the Black Eyed Peas. Jason was on Sunday otherwise I would have see him too.

Side story-The night before my dad was asking about Bumbershoot and seeing if we were going to go listen to grunge music. (Grunge music a.k.a. Nirvana started in Seattle). I explained that grunge is not a big thing anymore. Then trying to act like he knew something my dad said, "Yeah, isn't the singer like...Keith Cobain?" I started laughing. So close. It's Kurt Cobain.

On Sunday I went to my wonderful home ward where they are newly wed or nearly dead. Sooo many babies in church! Too loud. But my mom taught Sunday School so that was fun. After church Jillian and I took Sam and Marissa to all the TC high points. The Columbia River Temple, Richland High School, and the Columbia River. Not much, but I loved it and it's my home.

Sidenote-I would just like to say that my childhood is now nonexistent. Everything I once knew is now gone. My park has new toys, my elementary school has been torn down and rebuilt, my high school has been remodeled and don't recognize anything, and the library I used for 17+ years of my life has also been remodeled. I guess it's progress but it's changing what I know.

Monday we drove home. My car gets great gas milage. Then we all had to play catch up for school. But I'm glad I finally got to take Marissa to Washington!

Me and the Columbia River