My First Day in the "City of Dreams"

Hello Friends,
I woke up the next morning awake and ready to go! Where to you may ask. Well I was actually spending my day with Tyler at his job. I know what your thinking but bear with me. Tyler works at this very Hoity Toity Hotel that has a fancy restaurant that is right off the beach in Santa Monica. It's also known as Shutters. Tyler works in the restaurant but I stayed in the hotel lobby did a bit of work, mail, phone calls, and some reading. While I worked I kept noticing people staring at me. My imediate reaction was "Ah CRAP! They know I'm not staying here!" Then I noticed that it was mostly the male workers. I soon felt better once I started getting free stuff, peanuts, chips, cappuccinos. . . I guess I wasn't in trouble. : )

As I sipped my free coffee, Tyler swooped in and whispered in my ear that Leann Rimes was in the restaurant.

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He then told me I HAD to keep it cool because if I went up to her and asked for a picture that security would kick me out. The restaurant/hotel prides itself on the Star's privacy.
My response: OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok so she's not Justin Timberlake whom I was HOPING to just run into BUT I love Leann Rimes! When I was little I used to have all her CD's on Cassette (old school) and then I would sing all her songs to this Karokee Cassette that my brother ALWAYS stole from me and hide in the house. Rude. Real Rude. Sooo being in her presense and NOT talk to her was like asking a fat lady to not eat Girl Scout Cookies.
UGH!

I will say that I was very cool. I went to the bar (as instructed by Tyler) and sat within a few feet from her while I talked with the handsome bartender. I didn't get a drink, I didn't want Leann thinking I was a Lush and it not even be noon yet. Can't have that. Haha! Nathan was the bartender and he was a very nice boy. He told me about his background in dance and TV (he appeared on shows like Greys Anatomy, House, CSI: Las Vegas to name a few) and asked about my job. He seemed impressed that I was a WORKING actor. Score!

Remember how I mentioned I kept getting stared at by the workers? Once I was at the bar, they all swarmed in and I felt like a celeb infront of Leann. Talk about Ego booster! She then left and I felt so proud of myself that I had kept my cool and didn't get kicked out. Yea! I had drank a lot of water at the bar which was all aprt of my front for Leann and then it hit me. Pee party! I walked into the bathroom and unbeknownst to me, there she was.

Leann Rimes was in the same bathroom as me, primping in the mirror and when I walked in she smiled at me.
HOLY. COOOOW!
I tried to play it cool by acting like I didn't really know who she was while I walked towards the stall but I've NEVER had such a serious inner monologue war go on in my head.
Mind 1: Be cool.
Mind 2: HOLY COW!
Mind 1: She's just a normal person, just like you.
Mind 2: HOLY COW!
Mind 1: Don't. Don't! Your gonna get us kicked out.
Mind 2: I'm never gonna see her again OR have this opportunity. I HAVE to say something!
Mind 1: DON'T!
Mind 2: We're in the Bathroom, no security guards here.
Mind 1: True...
Mind 2: Pleeeeease!
Mind 1: I guess it wouldn't.....

Before I knew it I was talking to her. I don't even remember what I said but it was something along the lines of introducing myself, (she shook my hand!), telling her that I have always loved her music, (she said thank you) and that I just had to tell her that. She was so KIND! She said thank you again and wished me to have a good rest of the day and we parted ways. Its a good thing I was in the bathroom, I might have peed all over myself.

I went back to the bar where I saw Tyler and Nathan the bartender and I was in a word Star-struck. I had just met one of my childhood idols. Never once did I dream that I would meet her. All that time of me singing her songs in my room to a hairbrush, knowing every word of every song, the Lord knew that I would one day meet her.
I am in complete awe.

I went out on the patio and attempted to read some more of my book. To no avail. I just met Leann Rimes! There's no way a book is going to hold my attention now! I decided to go for a walk on the beach. I called my Dad and told him everything. He was pretty excited for me. I also put my feet in the Pacific ocean. I never thought that would happen.

Once Tyler got off work, we headed to the Promenade where we got some Greek food. It was sooo yummy! As we perused the little shopping area, Tyler and I stopped to listen to this one girl sing. Her name is Amy May and she was set up on the sidewalk just singing her heart away. I actually really liked her. Look her up on facebook. She has a very chill-acoustic flavor which I just love. Tyler mentioned possibly going and seeing a movie. I mentioned Breaking Dawn half kidding half serious and wouldn't you believe it, he said YES!

YEAAAA!!!!!
So recap:
1. Met Leann Rimes
2. Put my feet in the Pacific Ocean
3. Walked along the Promenade
4. Saw Breaking Dawn
5. Hung out with my good friend Tyler

BEST DAY EVER!
Los Angeles is called the City of Dreams for a reason, five reasons for me and it's only the FIRST DAY!!!!!!
-Jen

L. A. Here I COME!

Hello friends,
Incase you can't tell from the title, I spent Thanksgiving break in L A! I would have LOVED to go home and see my Dad and Grandma for the wonderful day that only comes once a year where I stuff my face with endless turkey and cranberry sause but alas I could not afford it. I told myself that since I had just seen them a week before for my brother's wedding and that spending $500  just to return two weeks later for Christmas seemed financially silly. So I guess I guess my other option was to plan another adult vacation for myself. . . . YEA! But who wants to spend the Holidays by yourself. Sounds depressing if you ask me.

So I thought and thought and thought, "Who lives near Washington state that I haven't seen? hmmmmm". As I pondered my friend Tyler Turner just so happend to call me. As we caught up on our lives and relationships, I metioned to Tyler my circumstance without even thinking about it and it was as if we both had a lightbulb go off over our heads. A big lightbulb, like the kind you find at Home Depot.
Tyler: "COME TO L.A.!!!!!"
Me: "REALLY?!?!?!. . . . . . . . OK!!!!!"

Last Friendsgiving

After making plans, I found myself counting down the days until I saw the little squem. I was sooo excited! Every Thanksgiving my college friends and I would get together and celebrate Thanksgiving. We would each make an item for the table (Green Bean Casserole is my speciality) and we would gather around the table just like in Charlie Brown. Only we didn't serve toast and popcorn like Cody Carwile wanted. We hence named this occasion "Friendsgiving". So if I can't partake in the traditional Thanksgiving I might as well with the Friendsgiving as best as I could. . . . with TYLER!!!!!!!!!!

Sweet Loretta dropped me off at the Spokane airport in Washington early Sunday morning and I was on my way! With in a matter of hours I was in L. A. Funny thing about this job, once you've driven 24 hours to Texas and back and then take 15 hour flights to Florida a five hour drive or two hour flight seems like a walk in the park. Ha go figure. Tyler and an old friend from high school (Cody Wilson)picked me up at the airport. That night we went to the Cheesecake factory for a little something to eat. That little something to eat was DELICIOUS! I always love the White Chocolate Raseberry Cheesecake for dessert. We then headed to their apartment which they shared with two other roomates and this apartment was sooo nice! As I layed down on my airmatress for the week I fell asleep to the hilarious comments and giggles of Tyler and Cody.
It's gonna be a good week. : )

-Jen

The Adventures of Jennifer Crews

Hello Friends,
As Loretta and I made the trek from Oroville, Wa to Lewiston, Id we could tell that this week was at least staring out on a good note. We were staying at the Red Lion hotel which Loretta kept telling me was a really nice hotel and we were on our way to go have pizza with our Contact Stephanie and her family. As we drove we saw some interesting things like a sign that said "Bighorn sheep crossing".

Whaaaaaat? Loretta also told me that as she was driving there earlier in the week (I was in Florida remember) she saw a Sasquatch statue thing to take a picture by. We kept looking for him but I guess he was nestled up in his little cave.

We did stop at the Coulee Dam which is the biggest Dam in the U. S. Although we didn't just stop there, we may have gone out in "JeLo" (thats our team name) style and "JeLoed" infront of it and planked. Yep. I never realized how dangerous planking can be, it took us a few tries hahaha! We also stopped and got some Huckleberry Italian Sodas which were ok. I've never been brave enough to try an Italian soda. I always go for a water or a sweet tea but this year is all about adventure right?!?! Plus it was Huckleberry Flavor so I figured it couldn't be too bad. As we drove we caught a glimmer of snow on the mountains. In Lynchburg it doesn't even look like snow until about mid December so this kind of blew my mind because I thought it was so early.

When we arrived at our hotel I was sooo excited! I had another room with TWO double beds which when you push them together you get one AWESOME GIANT BED! This also left me with lots of room to dance. :)
I like to dance.

Stephanie provided us yummy meals all week!

As we got settled in our rooms, we got ready for Pizza with our contact. We went to this local pizza place which was really fun. I love the local places. Our contact ordered us all two pizzas one with everything and one with sauerkraut. I know what your thinking, I thought it too. Sounds gross! Well I don't think I had ever tried sauerkraut so I can't really say that I don't like it, it just sounded weird at the time. SOoo like I said before, this year is full of adventures I could at least try.I did.I actually liked it! Maybe it was a combination of that and all the ranch I was dipping it in but it was pretty good. Now this isn't one of those pizzas you can wake up in the morning and eat it again but at  that moment in time with my diet coke in hand, it tasted pretty good, different but good.

Red Lion Elevator

Moving on, that week the kids we had were sooo cool! They were a bit young but they did a really great job at memorizing and having fun which was sooo refreshing! The kid that played King Arthur even reminded Loretta and I of our friend Kepler back at the home office. haha! We also had four Assistant Directors which made my job a little easier that week since I was Directing. Woot woot! I absolutely loved working with these kids. They had such a desire to learn and to keep improving their characters which for me is a lot of fun.

Loretta and I also got to do a few workshops that week too. Ever since we left for Fall Tour every school has wanted us to do the assembly workshop which we do once and its for up to 600 kids. Its Nuts! So it was nice to go back to the basic ones and connect with some of the kids who weren't in the show better.

One thing that kind of stunk was we couldn't get into the performance space until the day of the show and we couldn't do costumes until then either. Talk about panic. Thankfully our contact was so sweet and had others come in and help us get everything ready just in the nick of time. Everyone was so helpful!

The shows were great that weekend and since we were done on Saturday at 2pm we decided to head to Loretta's after the show. We however did not expect to wak up and see snow everywhere! No worries, Loretta drove really slow and we got there safely. That night Loretta, some of her friends and I went to this show called "Harvey" in Coeur d' Alene and it was pretty fun. I had to go get some sleep though, the next day I had a pretty big adventure planned for Thanksgiving.
-Jen

Back to Reality

Hello Friends,
After a long day of flights, I stayed at a hotel in Wenatchee for the night. Aww sleeep. :) Sweet Loretta picked me up early in the morning so we could head back to Oroville together. Since my day of flying was on Monday (audition day) I had to have a "Fill in". Luckily for Loretta it was actually a really good friend of hers named Jillan. She used to work for MCT and is now loving life with her husband. I bet that was really nice for Loretta to hang out and catch up with her friend. So the next day, when Lorettta picked me up, we had to hurry back to Oroville for the second day of rehearsals. Oroville is literally 5 miles from Canada.

I travelled as far East as possible (Washington-Florida) for my Bother's wedding. That. Is. Love. :)

I was definitely ready to go back to work. My job is a fun job. :) The kids in Oroville were really great. Loretta and I had a lot of fun with them and we even performed some Bieber. We're on youtube, "Team JeLo", look us up! It did stink that we were missing a Damsel hat for some reason. I still feel like its hidding somewhere in the truck. Also a lot of the black pants had to be stitched up so we had a sewing party in our homestay's basement next to the heater and watched "The Guardians". Loretta and I also went to two Zumba classes that week so that was a lot of fun. Loretta and I always stopped at this little coffee/cafe place in town and it was so cute. It had delicious Chia Tea. :) This probably defeated the purpose of the Zumba class.

I also got some mail from the sweetest Gill in the whole wide woyld! Allison sent me a love note that was sooo encouraging. Thank you Gill you are just the best Gillfriend a Gill could ask for! I just love you. There wasn't much to do and we had no internet and no phone service, that week so I felt so cut off from the world! Getting that love letter just made me feel so warm. I love getting mail! With all this lack of communication to the outside world, Loretta watched a lot of movies while I did a lot of reading. I finished the 2nd Harry Potter book and started another one my Dad sent me. I also caught up on some sleep. Remember all that flying?

Our homestay was nice that week too. Their names were Loyd and Beverly. They made us dinner every night and wanted to have breakfast with us every morning at 7am. :( We didn't always eat breakfast with them but they understood why and were constantly like, "Your job requires you to sleep." SO we did. I did wake up for a breakfast or two with Loyd and Beverly. On the menu everyday was a shot of orange juice, citirusy fruit, a bran muffin, and porridge. Now I had never had porridge but as I suspected it was a lot like oatmeal. Nancy Drew look out! Beverly told Loretta that she liked to pour the milk around the porridge and said it was her porridge moat. Haha! Ohhh Beverly... When it came to the muffins Beverly MADE me eat my muffin with a fork...odd. Loyd and Beverly were really into the game Bridge and Jeopardy, fun fact. Whenever we would see Beverly before or after rehearsal she would always greet us with a hug. That was fine but then she added a kiss which was a little weird but whatev!

After the show Loyd and Beverly took us and their Granddaughter out for pizza at this place that had Mickey Mouse EVERYWHERE! I felt like I was in some sort of store at Disneyland. . . . . .weeeird. . . .  Anyway, Oroville was really chill which was nice but I was definitely excited for our next week in Lewiston. The last time we were in that area, it wasn't the best experience but I hoped that this time would have a better outcome.  :)

-Jen

Ding Dong the Bells are gonna Chime!

Hello Friends,
After my day in Seattle with Kelly, I headed back to Coeur d'Alene to reunite with my tour partner Loretta. We had been separated a whole week and we had so much to catch up on. Although, we didn't have a whole lot of time to catch up. The next morning I was leaving for Orlando, Florida for my BROTHA'S WEDDING!!!!!!

Loretta was so sweet as to take me to the airport at the crack of dawn-that's love. It was so early in the morning that I didn't go to sleep when I was at Cole and David's Apt for fear that I wouldn't wake back up. I knew it would be a long day ahead.  I had to be at the airport at 4 in the morning, fly to Colorado, then take a looooong flight to Florida. Thankfully nothing happend like a flight delay and I only brought a carry on so I didn't have to worry about my luggage getting lost. When I finally arrived in Florida I had been in the air for about 9-10 hours. UGH! 

I was so glad to see my Dad and Grandma at the gate. I practically ran and pushed everyone out of my way. It was so nice to hug my Dad again. My Dad, Grandma and I headed to my brother's Apt and hung out with him for a little bit. The night before the big day and it was nice just to have some long overdue family time. I have to admit I got a little teary eyed when I watched my Dad help my brother practice putting on a bow tie. Whether that was the long day of flights or the fact that it was a very sweet scene to watch play out, whose to say? Afterwards Dad, Grandma and I went out for a late dinner. I was starving! We went to Bahama Breeze which is one of the restaurants affiliated with Darden. I used to work at Red Lobster so I had to try it.

After dinner we went to our hotel room and I decided that I couldn't wait until the morning to try on my dress. It was a beautiful flower dress with light blue flowers that matched the color scheme of Justin and Tania's wedding. Whelp sure enough it had a cheap zipper and would not zip. Now what am I to do ?!?!? That was my only dress that I had with me! UGH! Worsties. The dress mishap I think was actually a kind of blessing in disguise. My Dad and I had to rush to the mall the next morning to try and fing a new dress. Grandma stayed at the hotel so that left Dad and me for some long overdue Father-Daughter time. Before the stores opened we grabbed a quick Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. I think Dad has a new favorite drink. Then we rushed into Dillards to see what we could find. We ended up getting this yellow dress at The Limited that would actually make a pretty audition dress. I felt like Belle. :)

We rushed back to the hotel and got ready. Sure enough 10 minutes before we had to walk out the door Grandma accidently locked herself out of her room. She left her shoes in there and couldn't very well go to her Grandson's Wedding in her bedroom slippers. Thankfully a very nice man came and unlocked the door just in time and even hit on my Grandma.

Get it!

Once we got to where the wedding was going to take place, things settled down. It did rain a little which made more work for the workers trying to keep the chairs and dance floor dry buuut you know what they say about rain on your wedding day. ;D  The place that they had picked out was beautiful! It was very much their style and everything was just right. Dad and I visited Justin in the Groom's room where the guys where drinking beer and watching football. (Sigh) Typical Men. :) We posed for a few pictures and Dad and I even caught a glimpse of the beautiful Bride. She was up on the balcony and she looked stunning in her beautiful gown.

The ceremony started and everything was just perfect. It was a very private, intimate wedding and it was just right. I watched my brother take his vows, a beautiful poem was recited by the Pastor, and then the kiss....

I HAVE A SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!

As Justin and Tania took their wedding photos the sun was setting at just the right time. While we waited for them to finish their photos we all snacked on delicious grilled chicken, shrimp, spinach dip and wine. Yum! They came downstairs and the night of dancing soon began. Since it had rained the dance floor was now the porch of the house which I liked better. Justin and Tania danced to a Frank Sinatra (Loved that!) song and it was so fun to watch! I didn't know Justin could dance like that. I gotta step up my game. Maybe he'll teach me a few tricks. :) Everyone Flamenco danced and ate yummy food and cake all night.

When Justin threw the Garter belt guess who caught it? My Dad. HAHAHA! The DJ asked me who it was that caught it and all I could say was "That's my Dad! THAT'S MY DAD!!!" It was so awesome! The DJ then told my Dad he had to put the garter on the lady who caught the bouquet's thigh and for every inch up, it was 10 years "Good Luck" for Justin and Tania. All I'm gonna say is that Lady was eyeing Dad the rest of the night. HAHAHAH! Dad's still got it.

I said my "Goodbye's" to Justin and Tania and wished them luck before I left early in the morning. I really miss them.The next day I had to be at the airport early in the morning for another long day of flights from Florida to Texas to Seattle, Wa to Wenatchee, Wa. My ankles were so sore. I had to stay in a hotel that night and wait for Loretta to come pick me up in the morning from Oroville. "What a good friend".

Justin and Tania I wish you both the best and I'm so glad I got to be apart of your special day.
I love you both so much and hopefully the next time I see you it will be a longer amount of time.
love,
-Sis

My Family

The REAL Seattle...Trolls and all

Hello Friends,
November 4, 2011 was a bittersweet day. I woke up in once again the most comfortable bed I had ever slept in (next to mine back home) and I certainly did not want to get up. I was leaving Forks. > :(

However I was enticed with the wonderful smells coming from downstairs. As I walked downstairs for my final breakfast at the Miller Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast, I was met with a lovely note left on the table. My Twilight Tour buddies left me a note telling me how much they enjoyed meeting me and wished me the best of luck with my job. Yea, I forgot to mention that EVERYONE in the town knew who I was because I was on the Missoula Children's Theatre truck and they all wanted to get to know me. The letter ended with a few other nice words. Yep I had a "Twilight Family". :) For breakfast I enjoyed the most delicious blueberry souffle. It was sooo fattening but I didn't mind one bit. I bid farewell to the owners (Bill and Susan) and I headed to Seattle to meet up with none other than Kelly Combs!

Kelly is from Seattle and she had that week unbooked as well and since I would be driving through Seattle, she and I planned to spend the afternoon together. Kelly and I meet up at this one restaurant, (I forget what it's called) but it served nothing but vegetarian dishes. I got some kind of Macaroni that had basil and tomatos. Not too bad. I would've liked it better with chicken but I guess that defeats the purpose. Haha! After Kelly and I shared crazy TAD stories and filled each other in on our lives, she took me around town.

What I loved was that she took me to see the REAL Seattle. Yea going to the Public Market is nice but been there done that! Kelly and I spent the afternoon in bookshops, vintage stores, and whacky stores that had squid fingers for your hands and all kinds of weird things that you would just have to see for yourself. Kelly also took me to go get some Gelato Ice cream. I have never had any before. Its kind of like frozen yogurt only lighter. I got two flavors (I know I was feelin CRAZY!) Pumpkin and Mint. I'll admit that those flavors may sound weird together but rest assure I ate them separately.

Side note: I kept thinking how funny we must have appeared. Here we were, two short redheads, hanging out together, both wearing a blue peacoat type jacket, jeans, brown boots, and a brown satchel purse going over our shoulders. We must have looked like we planned to dress. Remember when you would do with your best friend in fourth grade? Silly us. Teehee! Kelly also took me to go see if the rumors were true; I didn't believe her.

Trolls DO live under bridges!!!!!!

I had such a good afternoon with you Kelly. You are just a breath of fresh air. Thank you for showing me around town and for being a good friend. If your ever come through Virginia, you HAVE to let me return the favor. Thanks again Kelly. : )

Squid friends for life!
-Jen

LaPush Beach

Hello Friends,
For my last full day in Forks, I wanted to do something really special. Earlier in the week I went somewhere that seemed in a word, majestic. I went back to LaPush.

I absolutely adored being at LaPush but when I went there for the Twilight Tour we were only there for 30 minutes. Not long enough. When I was there, the last thing I wanted to do was leave. I wanted to stay and build a bon fire and watch the sunset  but that unfortunately was not an option. SO since I had one more day in Forks, I planned my whole day around being at LaPush.

That morning we had Esme's French toast. Gotta love the names hahah! They always had a sign up declaring what was on the menu. After some yummy French toast that I could not finish I set out. I packed a blanket, a towel, a book, a lunch, and my rainboots; everything needed for a good day on the beach.

As I pulled into the parking lot, I was blown away once again. What made this day even better? The sun was shining. Now I had been lucky to be in the rainiest part of the U.S. and only once was there a storm and that was at night which made a wonderful night's sleep. The rest of the week had just been the glum cloudiness. Typical I guess. But sunshine in Forks?!?!? I was thrilled! I set up "camp" against a big tree and I just sat there and enjoyed God's work. I got totally lost in what was around me that I didn't even realize that I had been sitting there for over an hour and hadn't even picked up my book. Odd but I didn't mind.

I spent the afternoon gazing at the ocean, reading my book, and exploring the tree wreckage and it was so much fun. I had such an inner peace that day, words can't even describe. I was and am so incredibly thankful for all of the things the Lord had blessed me with this year. I sat in awe of his work that he had done around me, for me and has YET to do in my life. I guess you can say I had a day with God on the beach of LaPush. I sat there, lost in my thought, watching the sunset. No I didn't have a bonfire but I didn't need one.

This was my favorite day in Forks.

I headed back for my final night at the Miller Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast and I found myself not wanting to leave. I had my first adult vacation (by myself) and I couldn't have picked a better place to go. Everyone in the town was so friendly and kind. I couldn't get over all the beauty I saw out there, the trees, the rivers, the beach, the wildlife etc. I could go on and on. Yes I went to Forks for Twilight but I would love to plan another trip. The scenery was truly was breathtaking.
That night I begrudgingly packed my bags and prepared for the next day. A day that was sure to be filled with fun. I had a TAD date with the lovely Kelly Combs in Seattle. :)
-Jen

Port Angeles

Hello Friends,
You may be thinking, "What else could she have done in Forks?" True lovely readers, I went horse back riding, passed out candy at the Cullen house on Halloween and went on tour through Forks but my trip was only half way through. The next day was a day that I don't get to experience very much anymore and by very much I mean not at all. I meandered. This was my day where I did what I wanted, when I wanted, and stayed for however long I wanted. It was sooo nice. For breakfast I was served sausage links and I believe it was called a White Chilli Egg. (?) It basically was like an egg casserole. It was pretty good. I ate breakfast with some girls from Finnland and met up again with my Twilight Tour friends.

After a delightful meal, I was out. Now I did do some responsible things like buying new windshield wipers for the truck and getting the wheels balanced. Once I got that out way I decided to go souvenir shopping for my friends and myself. I bought a "Forks" T-shirt. :) Tease me all you want but I like it! I then started thinking what else do I want to do while I'm here. I had heard from some of the locals that I should at least pay homage to Port Angeles, the place where Bella always went for shopping with "the girls".

OK!
So I went. Nothing more than a 30 minute drive. It took me longer mind you because I kept stopping at taking pictures of the beautiful Crescent Lake again. Once I got to Port Angeles, I just wandered around downtown. I felt like such an adult. hahah! I went and looked at some of the boats and then proceeded with my window shopping. I love going into neat little store that have all these intricate and different objects for sale. Port Angeles had a lot of stores like this. My favorite was this one store that had exotic beads everywhere. They were all made from all kinds of different stones from all over the world and the walls were COVERED in them. This store also had an Indian feel to it because of all the elephants and belly dancing skirts. It was so cool.

I also stopped and looked in a bunch of antique stores. I love to look at vintage items and try to think of their possible history and what I could use them for. I really love finding old books and tea pots. I blame Micah for my fascination with teapots. :) But alas it seems pointless to go antiquing when you basically live out of a truck. I went into a few bookstores too. Even if I don't find anything, I just love the smell. Have you ever noticed that ALL bookstores smell the same? They smell either like musty old books or cinnamon. I love both smells.

I originally wanted to go to the Italian restaurant where Bella and Edward ate (Bella Italia) but they didn't open until 4pm and I did not feel like waiting that long. So I went to this little cafe instead. It was kind of weird. It was two businesses in one room, a tea place called Itty Bitty Buzz and a Catering place called Oven Spoonful. Oven Spoonful had a lunch menu so I got a veggie sandwhich that was The. BEST. sandwhich I have ever had! The bread was sweet and inbetween the delicious bread was cucumbers, avocado, red peppers, spinach, tomatos and feta cheese. UGH! What I would give for another one! I spent this time to do Loretta and my two weeks out calls. See I was responsible!

I decided that I had dilly dallied long enough in Port Angeles and decided to go back to my B&B. I spent the night chilling just like the other nights. I watched a movie, bought my Bridesmaid dress for Micah's Wedding, and drank Apple Cidar. But what made this night so special was I got to have a long conversation with my dear friend Laura. I miss her so much! Who knew that a day of meandering could be so refreshing?
 -Jen

Twilight Tour

Hello Friends,
I woke up the next morning and I was feeling good. My bum was a little sore but even that couldn't get me down because today was the BIG day. 
Twilight Tour
Hahaha! I was so excited to go explore and take silly pictures all day. I went into it knowing that it would be cheesy so I was prepared for the worst. Luckily I like cheesy. :) I strolled downstairs, being extra careful this time so I wouldn't make a graaand entrance like the day before and I helped myself to some delightful strawberries and orange juice while I waited for the main course. Breakfast was Emmett's Eggs Benedict. They must have known we were all about to go on the tour. Now I've had Eggs Benedict before and I have to say I did not like it. However, I had never had Emmett's version. It was DELICIOUS, just like the pumpkin pancakes, I tried to eat it all but I just couldn't. :(

After breakfast I headed upstairs to get ready for the tour. Gotta look nice, loads of pictures would be taken. I met up with the Twilight Tour and I was delighted to see my fellow Bed and Breakfasters. What was even better was all the ladies were the age of 50 or higher. Hahah Love it!!! I also found out that some people had come all the way from Finland, Australia, Europe as well as the city of Chicago. This made me feel better about myself. I was surrounded by fellow obsessive Twilight lovers.

The tour began and for some reason the tour guide (Randy) decided to pick on me the entire time. Probably because everyone else was old. H e constantly was trying to get me to take pics with all the cardboard cut outs. Now I will admit I did agree to a few because I thought they would be fun but I put my foot down when he suggested to take one with Jacob. That is where I draw the line. Needless to say he learned his lesson and never brought up Jacob again. Haha!!!

I loved all the places we went. We stopped by Forks High School, The Police Station, The Cullen House (my Bed and Breakfast), The Forks Hospital, Bellas truck, Bella's House, The Quileute Treaty Line, Jacob's House, and my favorite LaPush beach. Now for those of you who don't know the movies were not actually filmed in Forks, its merely the place Stephanie Meyer set the stories. She actually never visited the area but you would never know it because her books describe everything in such perfect detail as if she did. Like I said, LaPush was my favorite part of the tour. Don't get me wrong I loved every nerdy moment about the tour especially making new friends but LaPush was just so beautiful. I have never been to a beach that looked like this. I was very much used to Puerto Rica or the Bahamas where the ocean is teal and the sand felt like walking on flour; LaPush was different. LaPush had giant trees washed up onto the shore and the sand wasn't really sand but smooth rocks. LaPush was also on Native American lands and one of the islands on the far right was considered to be holy land by the Quileute tribe for burying their past Chiefs. Very cool.

Fun Fact: In the movie the Cullen house is actually the house that belongs to the founder of Nike.

I mentioned in my previous blog that Forks used to be mainly known for being the logging capital of the world but due to bad economy and possible extinction of the spotted owl, Forks hasn't been doing too well. Then Twilight happend. Ever since then people have flocked to see the famous Quileute Territory and the Cullens hunting ground. I feel like I helped the economy in some small way. . . . .

HAAAA!

After a long day I went to this local restaurant called Sullys. It kind of reminded me of Dairy Freeze in Gretna. Sullys is known for their famous Bella Burger but I got a cheeseburger instead. :D  As I relaxed in my room, I sipped my Apple Cidar and watched another movie.
I was content.
-Jen

Day 2 in Forks

Hello Friends,
After a wonderful nights sleep in a bed that was a comfortable as mine back at home I headed downstairs for breakfast. As I groggily walked down steps that were the size of a twinky right before I hit the last few steps my feet slipped out from under me. Thankful I grabbed the railing and didn't fall on my face. Needless to say it wasn't my most graceful moment. haha! While I waited for my breakfast I helped myself to trays full of pastries, fruit, yogurt and juice. Then I was given the most wonderful pumpkin pancakes I had ever eaten. They were sooo delish and I had so much that I begrudging couldn't finish them all. Believe me I TRIED!

I then headed back up to my room. I wanted to call the Sol Duc Valley Riders to see if I would be able to go horse back riding that day or later on that week. I talked to this sweet little old Lady, her and her husband take people out on the trails. I kindly asked her if they had any openings this week and she told me that unfortunately that they couldn't that week. She had company coming over that day and then for the rest of the week she and her husband would be in Seattle for some Doctor apointments.

My heart sank.

Just then at that very moment. I heard the screen door open and her husband say "I;m going for a ride". As if I was right there in the kitchen, she turned to him and said "Really? Well this young lady wants to go too."
"Does she want to go today?"
She said into the phone, "Does today work?"
I then tried not to shout, "Yes!"
Turning to her husband, "Yes she can go today. What time were you planning on going?"
"In a little bit. Tell her to be here around one and I should have the horses shoed by then."
YEAAAAA!!!!!!!! I honestly feel that this was no coinscedence, just the Lord's timing.

So I drove out to their (Sherry and Larry's) home. Again another lovely drive through the woods. I pulled into the long, winding, gravel driveway and was met by two sweet dogs. I pulled up right to the barn and what did I my eyes behold. Horses! Lots of horses. Not only horses but cows, donkeys and a llama. Haha! Larry was still working on the horses so I took this time to take some photos. I even dared to go see the llama. I got really scared. He kept looking at me funny and I kept thinking of that one youtube video where they guy tried to get away from the llama that kept trying to mount him. Eee! Scary.

Larry was finally ready with the horses (Taz and Patty) and his cowboy hat. I had Patty and with that we were on our way. As the two dogs followed us at the horse's feet, we took a trail that went all throughout the woods. It was pretty. Again, I LOVE FALL! I also loved the company. Sherry was tending to the company that was at the house so it was just Larry and I. We talked about so much. He asked about my job, my family, if I had a boyfriend and other things like Puerto Rico, where I saw myself in 10 years and so on and so on. I loved hearing about how he and his wife got started with this job, how they met (this is where he inserted his advice on boys haha!), their kids. We also talked about college, his time as a soldier during Vietnam and what he thought we were facing now in Iraq. He was such a sweet man. I'm not sure if it was his kindness, the fact that he wore a cowboy hat or both but he reminded me of Chuck Norris.

As we rode back to the house I realized that we had been gone for about three hours. I only paid for one hour. Sweeeeet! We all said our "Goodbyes" and then on the way back to the B&B I stopped at "The Hungry Bear" and got the yummiest frozen mocha I have EVER had! I was reminded that the day was Halloween because the young girl who made my drink was dressed in a Polka outfit or maybe she just wears that everyday. It's possible. : ) With drink in hand I drove back to rest my bum and to read.

After an afternoon of horse back riding and reading I was famished. I picked up some spinach and cheese pizza at the local pizza. As I sat eating my pizza and facebooking, Bill and Susan let me pass out the candy for the Trick or Treaters. Yep, thats right. I passed out candy at The Cullen house. haha! Once the trick or treaters were gone I headed up to my room to watch Twilight and settle in for a cozy night. Yep, a good day indeed. :D
-Jen

I made it!

Hello Friends,
I made it. Forks is beautiful. I couldn't have picked a better time to be there. I seriously have never experienced such a beautiful roadtrip. All the leaves were beautiful oranges and yellows and I drove on a road that was right beside Crescent Lake which was surrounded by mountains. Seriously, it was so picturesque I felt like I was in a movie. I kept thinking the whole way up that I wished my Gills were there with me to experience it. We LOVE roadtrips and FALL. Before Twilight hit, Forks was really well known for their Logging and for the outdoors things like hunting, fishing, hiking, etc and I can see why. When I first arrived I drove by a herd of Elk just roaming off in a field. They were just being. I immediately thought with the combination of my drive and wildlife "This week is going to be really something. I can just feel it.".

As I pulled into the driveway of the Miller Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast my heart skipped a beat. I couldn't believe that I was actually there! I was greeted at the front door with a big hug from one of the owners (Bill) and he helped me carry in my luggage. I had the very top floor in a room titled "The Weathervane" room. I had the entire floor to myself. I had my own bathroom and a balcony looking over the fields the house was surrounded by. My bedroom was decked out in cats. Not real cats just cat pictures and other things throughout the room. Although while in my room I was always visited by the house cat Tunny who looked like my old cat when I was little.

I wandered around the house and explored. I found "Carlisle's office".  I thought "Huh?". I knew everyone in the town had their own little souvenir that dealt with Twilight but a room? Ok whatever. I peeked in on some of the other bedrooms. Ones that didn't have people in them. I'm not a creeper. I also saw a few other things like the "Graduation Hat" Picture like whats in the Cullen's house in the movie. Again, "Huh?".

I then went back to my room for some relaxing. I watched a movie in my room, it was a documentary about Forks and how Twilight has forever changed it. By watching this video I learned so much. For instance the place that I was staying is referred to as "The Cullen House" in Forks. "OHHHH!" This house may not look like the one in the movie but it's history matches the story. The actual house used to be owned by a Doctor who worked at Forks Hospital and also adopted 4 kids. "Oooo!" I later found out that it was one of the stops on the Twilight Tour I was taking later that week. So I guess its offish. I'm staying with the Cullens. :) I then went to this local cafe and got something to eat while I talked to my Dad on the phone. While I was waiting I got some free Salmon to sample. Sweeet! After dinner I went back to my B&B and read. (Sigh) It was nice just to be.

I made it!

-Jen