Bring it on 23!

I celebrated my birthday a few days early, but it has taken me this long to post these pictures because the past couple of days have been super busy. Anyway, we went to Corcoran's the pub across the street. My parents had called ahead and ordered us food. We had so much fun, we ate and drank a ton. The restaurant let us use the back room and we stayed until close.
Almost everyone from the second city came over and a few of my friends from outside the second city. MInd you though, anyone with a day job didn't make it because we didn't start until 11pm. The text of this post wont be too long, hopefully the pictures will do the talking. To my family members who are reading this this, I promise I acted as a responsible young woman. To my friends who are reading this, thanks for all the free drinks. Lets do it again next week!
I had to work on my actual birthday, but i thought it would be a good day anyways. Actually, it was a pretty rough day. I was at the second city for over 15 hours and I was feeling like I was getting sick. I didn't make a big deal about it being my birthday since I already got to celebrate. But, none-the-less at the end of the night, the staff surprised my with Ho-hos and twinkies and candles and sang to me. I totally made my day. Yay for 23!

I survived the blackout of '07

There was a big storm in Chicago that caused the power to go out in the neighborhood around the second city. I was in the theatre when all the lights went out. It was in the middle of the second act of the matinee but the actors just kept rolling with it and finished the show. They couldn't use any special effects, music, or even lights for scene changes but the just kept on going. Bravo Blue Co.
Anyways, it became mass organized chaos behind the scenes. We had no way of running credit cards in the computer so we used old fashion carbon copy papers. Thankfully, people were very generous because they thought we were working so hard. we were, but it really wasn't that bad. And for some reason, I think everyone at the second city thrives on chaos. We all just want to be part of the action. Everything went smoothly, all the emergency flashlights were in place, and no body walked out on their check= success.
After we washed all the dishes by hand, we just hung out and waited for the power to come back on. Unfortunately we had to eat the ice cream because it was melting, too bad for us : ) The managers decided that if the power didn't come back on by 7:30pm, we would have to cancel the 8pm and 11pm shows. I was fine with working that night but I had also starting psyching myself up to having the night off. Sure enough, the power came back on right at 7:25. So we scramble to put the theatres and the bars back together and open the joint up on time. It ended up being a great night, I love the people I work with so a couple of hours of just hanging out time (all be it in the dark) was fine by me. Plus, the customers in the 8pm show were also very generous tippers because they thought we were working so hard. Its a good thing the shows weren't cancelled. Seth Meyers and two other producers from Saturday Night Live were at the show scouting actors. Good thing they made it, these actors are so smart and talented they need to be scooped up by something like SNL, they deserve it. On top of an already great night, I got to wait on Seth Meyers who let a big fat tip even though we didn't charge him for his drinks. Three cheers for nice people.
So that's that for the night the lights went out in Chicago.

Brookie B. got married!

My roommate of three years, little Brooke Benage, GOT MARRIED! It seems so fast but the truth is, she and Dave have been dating as long as I've known her. He is wonderful and I couldn't image two more wonderful people. They are perfect for each other.
Okay, that's about enough cheese for me.
The weekend was a lot of fun. Brooke totally had her stuff together. She was so organized that there was no stress for anyone, including her and her family. The wedding co-ordinator worried about all the little things and Brooke and the rest of us just relaxed over the three days of festivities. Her family was so gracious and welcoming, I felt like I was part of the family (which is nice, since i consider Brooke my sister from another mother)
I got to have so much fun with Ashley, Lucinda, and Brooke. I miss them so much. And being back there is like we have lost no time at all, back to goofing off as usual. I need to plan more visits though, I really miss them.
The ceremony was gorgeous, and super short. Lucinda and I stood up as Usher-ettes and Ashley was a brides-maid. The dresses were gorgeous and yet simple, definitely something they will wear again. Brooke's friends from high school were equally as cool as we are, I am happy to report. We really just had a ton of fun, mostly due to Brooke not being a bridezilla. The reception was held at Hallbrook Country Club (the same weekend as the Tom Watson Challenge Golf Tournament). dave was besides himself with excitement seeing as though he is a professional golfer himself. We drove out to one of the greens to take pictures after the ceremony. Someone was finishing there round though so we had to wait until they finished. (this picture to the left is dave giving is the "all quiet on the green" motion. oh, Dave) Can you imagine being that golfer, trying to sink a put and an entire wedding party white dress, tux and all come marching through the grass (we took our heels off, don't worry).
I can probably say with all certainty that I will not being in another wedding that takes there pictures ON a Golf Course. We rode the trolly to the banquet hall. In the seven minute ride, i finished off 3 glasses of Champaign (it was flowing like wine).
The reception was wonderful. the food was delicious. The cake was huge. The dancing was fun. The drinks were plentiful. The band rocked. Most importantly, the company was the best. I love the whole Benage family and my kappa girls (my sisters) were so much fun. I miss them all. At the end of the night, we went out on the balcony (where the Jenkins family couldn't hear us) and serenaded Dave a Brooke with our sorority songs. I remembered ever word!
The whole thing was a success. Absolutely beautiful. I am so happy for them. Congratulations!
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: MR. & MRS. DAVID JENKINS!

knock on wood, please

Seriously, we made it this far without incident and all the sudden our our last day on the road, we get a flat tire. The funny thing is, it wouldn't have been a big deal but i needed to be at work the next day. I had just called in too, just to make sure i was still on. I said to my boss that i might try to find someone to cover me just to be safe, like incase we get stuck in traffic or had a flat tire. Boom, flat tire! Thank goodness we knew people in Omaha. We were staying withe Mike's (Coop's boyfriend) sister and her family. They have two adorable babies that we got to play with all night. Lindsey and Dax, our gracious hosts, cooked us wonderful homecooked meal. It was a welcomed change from our road trip foods. Not only did they let us stay at their house, they found us a place to take the car in the morning. We decided we had to get up at 6am so that we could get the tire fixed as soon at the place opened, but when i woke up, Dax had already taken the tire off the car and brought it to get patched up. He came back around 8am, had breakfast with us (which Lindsey cooked again) and put the tire back on the car. I love nice people. They totally went above and beyond. What a great family and a great example of what kind of host I want to be. it made a complete difference in our day. I was able to make it back to work with 10 minutes to spare. Woohoo.
So, our five day drive had finally come to an end. It was fun while it lasted, but I am pretty happy to be out of the car. There is probably only one person i can spend that kind of time and I regret nothing. I'm so glad that Coop and I got to spend the trip together, she is going to be gone for the entire summer.
Ps: you can follow her trip throughout Europe on her blog at: http://heathercooper.blogspot.com/

My gnome away from home

These are last images of our good friend Arthur. He was a great friend and travel companion. He was always up for an adventure, he never complained. The strong silent type. In his short life he got to see a good portion of the beautiful northwest. But he had bigger plans. One day in the near future, he hoped to return to his birthplace of Devonshireton, UK, or possible Ireland; his twin brother Cliff works at a summer camp there. Arthur kept his passport in his back pocket and was ready to travel at a moments notice. You will be missed my little friend. It was great getting to gnome you. I hope you have better luck in garden gnome heaven.
I will leave you with one of Arthur's favorite quotes (he was so smart): "It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop." - Confusius

My bad, Badlands

The weather was terrible on our drive out of Wyoming and into South Dakota. We had planned on seeing Mt. Rushmore that night but didn't make, the rain was so heavy we had to pull off the road. It started to hail while we were at the gas station. Little Frannie (Cooper's car) sustained minimal hail damage; she'll be ok.
So first thing in the morning, we headed to Keystone, SD to see Mt. Rushmore, but alas, it was still raining. Plus it was $8 per person to enter the park, so we just told the park guard that we were just turning around: she bought it. We took some pictures from the street but didn't even bother getting out of the car. It was so wet and rainy it look liked the presidents were melting. It was still cool to see. Cooper reminded me it wasn't actually a "natural wonder" like i had kept referring to it.
Back on the road in South Dakota, we stopped in Wall, SD, home of Wall Drug, because it was the only thing advertised in the entire state. It was very much like Branson, MO. . . and you know my feelings on that place. Cooper and I stayed approximately 60 seconds, maybe it was the wall of Buffalo heads that freaked us out or possibly the Mullet convention being held in the gift shop, but we felt compelled to get back on the road. However we did find the best cup of spiced chai tea latte that I have ever had in my life (scouts honor) at the Mocha Moose ice cream shoppe in Wall, SD. I was prepared to get ice cream but, unfortunately it was only 9am; the chai was the right choice.
Apparently I had gone to the Badlands when i was a child, but I really don't remember it, unfortunately. On the insistence of Powers and Bobbi from work (both of whom are from South Dakota) we went, it was pretty much already on our way. Well, i am here to tell you, it was the coolest thing on our entire trip. Absolutely gorgeous. Even though it was a cloudy day, everything was just beautiful and colorful. These pictures really don't do it justice. I am so glad we went.

It is at this point that our story takes a terrible turn for the worst. Arthur, our roaming gnome (see above) was taking pictures from a safe view point. When out of no where, a strong gust or wind knocks him of his stand and right over a cliff! I watched him tumble down the steep canyon but I couldn't do anything. I actually screamed out his name and the tourist around me thought I had actually dropped a real person. It was hard to explain that it was just a gnome, mainly because I was laughing so hard, and crying a little i think, all at the same time. We couldn't go down and get him, this is how people (real people) get hurt in the Badlands. . . the very badlands. So we set up a mini memorial in Arthur's honor (for more on Arthur's memorial, please see next blog).
We made our way through the badlands and tried to enjoy the rest of our day but a dark cloud was over our heads. Arthur had been our travel companion and more importantly our insurance. We even named him triple A: Arthur Albert Alfredson (AAA) to keep us safe on our drive. Wouldn't you know it, as we were pulling into Omaha, NE that night we got a flat tire! Coinsidence? I think not! Thank god we knew people in Omaha.
I'll have to save the flat tire rescue story for the next blog. Don't worry, it has a happy ending. Rest in pieces Arthur.

Why did the buffalo cross the road?

No rest for the weary. We got up early, hit the espresso-a-go-go, and made our way through Yellow Stone Park. Even though it was Memorial Day weekend and the place was crowded, it was a perfect weekend to be there. the weather was beautiful. At points we were basking in the sun, and at others passing piles of snow on the side of the road.

One of the main attractions we wanted to see on this whole adventure was Old Faithful. A big tourist spot but definitely one of the coolest natural wonders in the United States. We got there at about 5 minutes before it was schedules to blow (can you believe that they can predict it's explosions like clockwork?) But Cooper and I had to go to the bathroom soooooo badly, so we started to run to the bathroom, right when we got to the bathrooms it went off, so we ran back and caught it. It was huge and lasted for like two minutes. We asked a french woman to take our picture, ironically enough Coop and I had just been practicing speaking french while we were driving (she's going to Paris laster in the summer), so it was fun to test it out. . . in Wyoming.
We hiked around for a while, saw the "painted canyons", the clay puddles, and the hot springs. I was excited to get out of the car and straddle the continental divide, but it was pretty cold, so we didn't spend much time outside. After we left the park, we worked on getting back to a major highway. It took awhile and we hit some crazy little roads. Including one the road with signs that said: "Road narrows", "shoulder drop-off", "pavement ends". Mind you, this is a curvy road around canyons and cliffs 1000 feet high. Shouldn't the sign say " road closed, choose somewhere safer"?
Alas, we made it out alive. Since it was memorial day we had some important things that needed to get done. . . eating barbeque being number one, and Arby's fast food wasn't going to cut it. Mission accomplished" We went to Bubba's BBQ Shack in Cody Wyoming! Mmmmm, baked beans, beef brisket, how American!
Throughout our drive there were many opportunities to stop and take in the view; we took many of those opportunities and that could be why we didn't make it as far as we hoped that day. I regret nothing. One of the best stops we made was at Shells Falls. Right when you think that Wyoming has nothing left to offer, there's a waterfall in the middle of the state! B-E-A-U-tiful!
Along our travels we picked up literature, including the statics on how many people are gored by buffalo each year: 100! Can you believe that? I couldn't either. . . until we saw the little guy and I was drawn to get out of the car and pet him. Thankfully I had Cooper, who was blessed with the ability to use her common sense (i must have left mine in Chicago). I was still able to get good pictures of them from the car, since they were only feet away.

Idaho... who knew?

Sunday morning 9am. We are on the road. Our plan was to make it to the middle of no where by night fall. Mission accomplished. But here are the highlights of day one. First of all, Coop had to say good bye to Mike. She won't see him for a month. He is going to meet her in London when she is done working as a camp nurse in Ireland. How romantic. Anyways, he is adorable and it was so cute that it was so hard for them to say good bye, how lucky are they. So we made our way across Washington state which has to be one of the most topographically diverse places i have ever seen. At one point we are at the ocean, then the mountains, then pine tree forests, then practically desserts. It actually did not take that long to cross the border into Idaho. I was not expecting Idaho to be so beautiful. We drive along side a beautiful lake and up into the mountains. However, we were only in Idaho for about 30 minutes, the pan handle is kind of small. On to Montana. Already 3 states i get to cross off the list of places I have never been. We wondered off the planned route and into Wyoming. We finally called it a night at set up camp at a sketchy motel in Yellow Stone Park. We figured we would see everything the pacific northwest has to offer, how often do you drive cross country? .. . . that was a retorical question, but I've done it 3 times in the past year.

Seattle's Best

Cooper is a traveling nurse and just finished two assignments out on the west coast. So I flew out to Seattle to drive her back to the midwest. We only spent one day in Seattle but in true Coop/Britt style we flipped the city upside down. First of all, I got to meet her boyfriend, Mike Wade. He is adorable and an incredible gentleman; i did not open one door while i was there. He packed up most of Cooper's apartments and cleaned up without saying a word. besides that, the two of them are totally "smitten' for each other; they are in deep smit. My flight got in at 9am so we had the whole day. We went to Pike's Place Fish Market where they throw the fish and some amatuer tries to catch it. While it is some renown fish market, after watching the people drop the fish all over the place, i wouldn't be to excited to buy fish from them. We had lunch looking over Elliot Bay; there were hundreds of sailboats out. It was an absolutely beautiful day. We walked around the entire city. Which i was fine with, it burned off all the lattes we had (when in Seattle- drink the best coffee in the world. Besides, where else do they make designs with the foam in you capacino.) We even made it to the original Starbucks: I'm glad I got to pay my respects to the place that started my addiction. We went to the park around the space needle because there was a folk festival going on. We stayed approximately 10 minutes before we realized it was not our cup of tea (or coffee). I don't know what it was exactly: the cloggers, the hippies, the cello players? Anyways, big crowds and we were tired, not our scene. So we shopped a little down town and then made our way to Coop's apartment to pick up a car and drove to the beach in west Seattle. Finally we just sat still and watched the boats in the harbor and the cruise ships take off down the bay. Lastly we went down to the pier and had dinner at a fancy place called Anthony's and of course got wild salmon, tis the season. Oh, and a bottle of wine. That was enough to do me in, i hadn't slept in over 30 hours (we had a crazy night at work and a 6am flight). We stayed at Mike's place and hit the raod early the next morning. Here starts our long journey across the pacific Northwest. I had to break up the blogs so i can put more pictures up. Check back for more, i took over 100 pictures in 4 days!

Life can go on

I passed my boards!
Yahoo!!!! I have put it off for six months, its about freakin' time. I have been all sorts of anxious about it and have been studying forever! I was really starting to annoy the people around me, but, alas, I have wonderfully patient friends and family who put up with me. thanks everybody. A little shout out to my peeps! Yes, Megan Powers, you are one of those who helped me through moments of doubts and anxiety. You rock.