Learning to Drive in the Snow (Part 1)

Reader, I'm no world traveler. Unfortunately I have only been to five states and four countries. Also, I am not very brave. I just thought you should know that about me before I tell you about the time I learned to drive in the snow. In case you are new here, I have detailed my limited experience and genetic fear of snow driving in this post. 

Recently I drove my best friend and her nice friend to visit their friends in Boise, Idaho. We were a little apprehensive about making the trek from Kelso in the middle of winter but we went against better judgement and risked it all for love. Not without warning though; when asking via e-mail for the time off work my boss inquired "DO YOU HAVE 4-WHEEL DRIVE??!" and the Internet informed me that a very large bus filled with many Japanese tourists was derailed by ice in a lovely sounding area called Deadman's Pass. Yep, the same pass that we would be driving through in my little Acura that does not have studded tires. Needless to say, I have still not told my mother about this trip because she would probably suspend my license. So, if you are reading this, Mom, please remember that I love you and I am a 25-year-old, still alive, married woman. And I love you.

So, anyway, we arrived in Boise on a Saturday without me having to drive in any snow at all. The next morning we awoke to something I have never experienced: sunshine and 18 degree weather. A perfect day for walking to the Capitol Building on the way to Idaho's real national treasure, the Boise Fry Company.

Columns.

Capitol.

It was a puffy coat, lipstick, and sunglasses kind of day.

Stars on the ceiling.

Meet the ladies.

I wish that all governors were required to wear cowboy hats and be named Butch Otter.

We found a tree that wasn't really a tree. Real trees aren't made of fake wood and lights. We'd know. We're from The Evergreen State.

But who cares? It's pretty.

Michelle taught us how to pose. Don't we look lovely?

Boise Fry Company: Burgers on the Side. I recommend the Shoestring Laura fries but you should probably pass on their vegan burger.

Frozen fountain.

You may not be able to tell from the photos, but Boise wasn't as bad as I assumed a land known for potatoes would be. The only problem with Idaho was that it was the place that I didn't have much to contribute to any conversations.

Remember how I told you that I'm not well-traveled, Reader? Well, add "hasn't read many books", "doesn't like musicals", "married", "doesn't enjoy school", and "is white" to the list. These ladies I was with, well, let's just say that they are all very very very smart (two of them are doctors. Actual DOCTORS. At age 24.), well-traveled (as in every continent), and have read classic novels (not just sparknoted them). They are also single (because they are busy doing fantastic things with their lives, not because they can't get boyfriends) and love musicals (our big outing was some long movie called Less Miserable and is about people who are only capable of singing words). They are also really into school (did I mention that two of them are DOCTORS? And one of them loves school so much she wants to get a Ph.D.?). Oh, yeah, and they have beautiful tan skin (because they aren't pasty crackers, like me) and because of that they have had experiences I have not. I guess always wanting to be black and actually being black isn't the same thing.

Even though I don't have the mental capacity to add much to their conversations, I was able to participate in some lower level interactions like painting our nails, staring at the guinea pigs, eating food, and watching television. I guess what I'm trying to say is, Dr. Andrea, Dr. Michelle, someday Dr. Brianna, and Master Erina, thank you for allowing me to be part of the "Quintessential Quintet", feeding me, and being nice to me even though you women are much more fabulous than me. Like Beyoncé level fabulous.

Oh! If you haven't heard Joey Potter's version of On My Own, I highly recommend it. It is unlike any other rendition you have heard. And like nothing you ever want to hear again.

Stay tuned for more Boise photos and an actual post about learning how to drive in the snow. (Update: here here!)