Seattle -- oh love

This will have to be a work in progress post -- I only slept for two hours this morning, so I think I will start it, take a nap, and then finish it later today or tomorrow. But, I guess by the time I post it, you won't even realize that I did take a break.

-- and then I took a break --

Ok, I slept for another three hours, so I think I am ready to begin this again.

SEATTLE!

This past week I was blessed to have the opportunity to go up to Seattle with two of my good friends. We all work together, so it took a lot of effort to get all our shifts covered at the same time. It was nothing short of a miracle that we actually got to go. So, thanks to all the people I work with who made our trip possible!!

We left Monday night, around 4:30. Our excitement seemed to overshadow the driving through the night. And with only one minor missing our exit by five miles, one having to pee in the woods, two minor drink spills, and one major flood, we made it to our friend Michele's house around 5:30 am Tuesday morning. Michele ushered us to our beds, and we passed out. Sadly, despite our lack of sleep, I still woke up about two hours later -- which then woke Cortney up. We then had to wake Julie up -- that girl can surely sleep.

Day 1:
Our first day we went to one of my fav restaurants for lunch: Ballard Bros! MMmmmmMMmMM. Then we went to Pike Place. It was fun taking the girls through the market. And I got some new art, so I was definitely happy. We then met up with Cort's cousin, Erin. We all trekked up to Capitol Hill where we went shopping at Red Light - one of my fav vintage stores. After we shopped for awhile we headed out to dinner with a lot of my best friends in the entire world. I was short one best friend - TJ!!!!! - and unfortunately didn't get to see him at all while I was up there. We all went out to a great dinner at the High Life. It was fun just getting to catch up with all my friends who I hadn't seen in so long. They're such amazing women, and I wish I could just take pages from all of their books, because that would make one terrific life! We even had a great discussion about tattoos, which just got me itching for my next one. But don't fret my more conservative readers, it will still be a short while before I embark on getting any more of those. The time came to say goodbye to all of my friends, and my heart broke a little. But they all gave me their last words of school and Utah advice as we all hugged goodbye. I can't wait to move home so that we can just be friends again! None of this long distance nonsense. It was time for sleep though, that's for sure. So we headed back to Michele's to crawl into bed.

Day 2: We got up at a semi decent hour, and just chatted with Michele during the morning. We then packed up and headed into town for an underground tour. It was really interesting learning all these things about a city where I'd lived -- and apparently knew nothing about! They have ghost underground tours also, and if I wasn't such a chicken I would definitely do that. But, I am way too much of a wuss, so I'll just recommend it to all of you! (I say all of you, as if more than five people actually read this... and I'm sure three of those just gave up after my nap break.) We then headed up to the Space Needle. It was kind of fun being a tourist this trip. I hadn't done any of these things for years -- if even at all. We went to the top of the Needle and took some photos. We then went to Archie McPhee. My favorite store in the whole world, which I love because it's my cousin Lucas' favorite store too, so I'm glad we have something in common. We then jetted over to the U-District. We went to all the shops on the Ave. It was so much fun showing my friends all these stores I am madly in love with. Cortney got some cute tops, Julie bought everything in site, and I got a super cute new shirt because I pitched big enough of a fit that Cortney gave up buying it so I could have it. Hehe. I'm a jerk. It happens. THEN we went down and visited my aunt/uncle/cousins/and Gma Purple for about an hour. It was a quick trip, but I LOVED seeing them. Family means a lot to me, especially when they accept and love everything about you. They're good at doing that. We had a good visit. I hugged the snot out of my favorite Annabelle. I let Lucas be shy (next trip though, he better be ready, because we are playing chase and hide-n-go-seek just like the old days).

Day 3: We decided day three would be a beach day. But we had to kill some time so we could take Erin (Cortney's cousin, don't forget) with us, but she worked until 3. So we headed back to Capitol hill. BUT FIRST we went to the biggest Good Will known to man. We shopped and shopped and bought and bought and barely spent any money. I got cute plates that have a kitten climbing a clothes line with underwear hanging on it. They have french written on them too. I'm obsessed with French. And now I am obsessed with those plates. I also got a tea pot, I've been on the market for awhile. Then we went to the Broadway Grill, mmmmm. Then shopped. Then went and got Erin and headed down to Alki. It was such a beautiful day! We walked around West Seattle for awhile, just looking at shops. We went back to Erin's to change and get fancy. We then went to dinner at the Pink Door. IT WAS SO DELICIOUS. And we had a beautiful view of the water. And life was perfect. Of course we had our dumb, immature, ridiculous conversations the entire dinner. I'm sure our neighbors just wanted us to talk about politics or whatever adults talk about non-stop. But that's what made it the best dinner ever, we were just ourselves, eating good food, and drinking water while everyone around us got drunk. Our beds were definitely wonderful to climb into that night, but we were a little weary because we knew that we had to wake up and begin packing the next morning.

Day 4: We finally convinced Michele to spend the day with us. And we are so glad she did! We drove up to Seattle and took the Ferry from Seattle down to Bremerton. It was a fun ride, we just stood on the deck and let the wind make my hair as frizzy as possible. Cortney just kept laughing when she looked at me. "If you have frizzy hair, raise your hand!" Oh so cleaver. We drove up from Bremerton to Tacoma, where we went to Stadium High School. You would have seen it on 10 things I hate about you. It was all closed and locked, so we just walked around and took some pictures. We then headed back up to Michele's house. We packed up, cleaned up, loaded up the car, cried a little, said our goodbyes, stole both of Michele's dogs, thought about stealing her kids, and then pulled back out onto the road. But first we stopped at the local gas station and bought every single item of junk food they had. Rule number three of car trips: never be ashamed to spend $20 on food at a gas station. Finally we pulled into traffic -- rule number two of car trips: always leave between 4:30 and 7:00 pm. Makes life really enjoyable.


We drove. And we drove. I sunk into a deep depression. Corntey hated her life. Julie slept like a log. I almost peed my pants. We told Oregon it was a kind and courteous state. I never want to drink Caffein again in my life. We pulled into our homes mid morning. I crawled into bed -- only after taking the most beautiful shower ever -- and now, I am off to work!



I always come home from Seattle with some form of new found view on life. I was already having some deep thinking on the way back, and then I got into this huge "what if" conversation with a friend on the way home -- just about life in general. I think that after this trip, I have walked away with a new sense of life being too short to do things I don't like, or things I don't believe in. So, I'm making some changes. I'm being myself more. I'm not taking crap from you if I don't have to. And I'm gonna get unlazy. Sometimes I forget that I can still live an amazing life even if I don't change the world -- I can just change myself! Anyways anyways. That could all just be my lack of sleep/pep talk to get myself back to Utah talking. But I like to think it will stick for awhile. I just feel like so much of life is playing by other people's rules. Well, I'm grown now, and although I still act like a twelve year old, I can make my own educated decisions. So, I chose a fitting song of the week. And I say to all you who think I have to be someone I'm not in order to succeed in life -- I'm not gonna take it anymore! I'm not going to have any more regrets. Not because I was too scared to make the tough choice. Yes yes n deedy.




Love you, Seattle! I will be home soon!

Concerts are my love.

Last night I went to this concert:

It was really really fun. It was a free concert, at Pioneer Park in SLC. Ya know, when I'm in SLC I forget I'm even still in the big UT. Feels just like any other city to me. Here are a few highlights from the show:

1. Listened to Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat with Brundon and Amanda on the way there. Classic.

2. Essentially paid $4 to go to this concert, since it was free, all I did was pay for parking.

3. Had a really good view the entire show. We weren't really all that close to the stage, but considering how many people were there, I was shocked a how well I could see, and how much I enjoyed it.

4. Watched a woman shorter than me grab some guy a lot taller than me who was trying to push past her and shove him backwards, telling him that there was no way he was going to just shove his way to the front. He tried to get past her again, but she stood her ground. I love that woman.

5. Switched glasses with a bearded man. We had the same prescription, so I'm pretty sure we are soul mates. :P

6. Meloy referred to the Chili Peppers the entire concert, and even incorporated some of their lyrics into his songs, I LOVED IT. Especially since I loooong to travel back in time and go to the Chili Peppers concert my aunt, Beth, went to like 15 years ago. I felt like I was kinda there --- kinda.

7. They played random music for a good five minutes during their first encore. Guitarists had a play off - both played behind their heads. They then got the entire audience to sit down on the ground and then we all jumped back up. It was annoying, but fun.

8. I got the front seat on the way home.

9. I sang far, far away on Judea's Plains the entire way back

10. We got some tasty In N Out. Mmmm, milkshakes.

It was such a great show. Such great music. Such great fun. Such a great crowd. Such great friends. Lots of beards. My heart is happy.

The Find Me a Man Project

Hello fans, family, and random people alike. I haven't posted in awhile because I was off loving Montana, and then I really had nothing to talk about, and then I was busy, and then I was lazy -- but now I'm none of those things! I am just hanging out in my freshly cleaned room, trying to decide what to wear to work today. Not like it matters, on average a single guy comes into our work once every 3 months. And an attractive single guy comes in to our store probably once every six months. So, I probably should just be rolling out of bed and showing up in my nighties. Seems like the most viable option.

Today is an exciting day. Today is the day you all read this post, and realize that you

know of (or are) a single man who you want to set me up with!! Guys, I need me a boyfriend. So let's make this happen. And I'm only semi-joking too. I really do need a man. And I really do want you all to read this little list of glory and think over the men in your life. Don't feel pressured to find a guy for me to go out with, and then find someone who you just know

wouldn't be my kind a guy. I don't want boring or lame dates here people. I just want to get to know guys who I would like! So, now you're wondering, well what kind of a guy does she like? Who should I pick? How old is too old? How young is too young? Is it alright if he's missing a leg?! I will answer all these questions, except the leg one, because that's ridiculous. And besides I'm not a horrible person, so obviously any and all amputees are definitely a possibility. So, here we go:

Find jen a Man, 2011*:

Do you know of, or are you yourself, a single 25 year old (or older) man who has a love for big red curly hair, freckles, and crazy energy? Do this man, or yourself, find himself living in Utah, but often times sits at windows pining for a new home at a not so distant point in his life?

Does this man, or you yourself, enjoy spending time with someone who has a lack of a quiet inside voice? If you answered yes to these questions, then we are on the right track indeed! If you answered no, then probably this man is not for me. If it you are the single man and answered yes, then for heavens sake, just call me up! But if you answered no, then let's go ahead and be friends, yeah? If you feel lost at any point in this posting, just refer to the photos of various men that I have provided you with. Now find me a man that looks something like one of these photos.

The following are other traits that are preferred, but not

required. I would hope the man for me has at least four of these things. If he was all of these things, that would be a bit creepy...... Anyways, the list:

-Owns a dog

-Loves watching movies

-Vegetarian/Understanding of people who are vegetarians

-Longs to change the world

-Loves nature

-Feels comfortable with buying me lots of shoes

-Loves reading

-Often longs to lay in a hammock for hours on end

-Has a car

-Has a car other than the color white

-Tells immature/lame jokes

-BEARDED (now, I say this is not required, but if we're being honest, I rarely go for a clean shaven guy... sorry all those of you who pride yourselves in a close shave.)

-Taller than me by at least two inches

-Less than 32 years old

-Owns a scooter

-Wears sweaters of the button up variety

-Finds himself saying old fashioned types of words, like bicycle instead of bike. And let's shall instead of

whatever else you would say instead of let's shall.

-Not so photogenic, so I won't feel guilty for messing up our endless profile pictures

-Easy going, mostly so I can boss him around (JK! But seriously.)

-Funny, not just mediocrely so -- like legit I pee my pants often because I am laughing so hard, funny

-Tattoos. *double eyebrow wave*

-Quirky, so Pee-Wee's playhouse is your favorite TV

show, or you're obsessed with graphic novels solely written in French, or you find yourself with interesting facial hair (such as an extreme handle bar mustache) ---

then you are the type of quirky I am lookin for!

-Employed

-Can beatbox

-Knows the lyrics to at least one N'Sync song

-Driven

-Dreams of living in a caravan in the woods

-Doesn't insult the pacific northwest

-Loves animals

-Goes to every concert possible

-NERDY

-Can name at least ten Red Hot Chili Pepper's songs

-Owns fashionable scarves

-Loves Cassie (This one is a must. If he doesn't get along with

Cass, then he definitely isn't the guy for me.)

-Not obsessed with the notion of marriage.

-Doesn't mind loud belching.... no, like really really loud belching.

-Creative

-Outgoing, but also loves just sitting at home, spending time together.

-Will text for hours on end about nothing in particular.

-Visits people at work, just to say hey.

Here are some DEAL BREAKERS:

-Republican, and can't stop talking about it (I hate discussing politics, especially when they're not my own).

-Currently in jail

-Lives farther than 100 miles away

-Hunts

-Heavy drug user, recreational drug use is fine-no one is

perfect. (Ok, fine.... no drugs. But I'm just reminding you all that I'm getting up there in age, so I gotta be willing to take what I can get!)

-Takes things too seriously.

-Isn't open to ever having facial hair. Ridiculous.

-Doesn't ever want to have any pets

-Wants a lot of kids

-Hopes to live in Utah for an eternity

-Feels content working fast food the rest of his life. (Haha, I almost wrote his/her life, then I remembered what this list was for --- nope, , his.)

-Follows the norms of society blindly

-Skinny, and can help it. It's ok to gain some weight, ya know? But I mean, let's say you try and try, but just stay skinny -- well I'm sure you're attractive just the way you are. ;)

Congrats! You made it through the list. Now here's what's in it for you....

The Finder's Fee Scale**:

If we start dating: $10

If we date for longer than a month: $20

Engaged: $50

Marriage: You get a sense of joy that cannot be found anywhere else, and that should be good enough for you!!

(And if you have read this list and fallen madly in love with me, and long to date me this very instant, well then first of all I'm awake so call me. And secondly, you getting to be with me is payment enough, so you don't get the finder's fee. Sorry!)

Thanks for your help! Let me know if you come up with someone.

Also, our house is clean -- so everyone relish that for just a minute. It's spotless!! And I am going to go to the Decemberists concert tomorrow night, so I am definitely excited about that. And I go to seattle in 5 days. And that's all. Get outta here.

*I reserve the right to pass on any men that you might think are meant for me. I also reserve the right to modify and adjust the list periodically.

**I owe you's are an acceptable form of payment.