These Past Couple Weeks Have Put a Lot of Miles on My Car (Well, That was Fun, Goodbye!)

It's so weird to think that the last entry I made was the day before the events I am currently writing about occurred. It all happened so fast. I was looking forward to Anna's birthday party and seeing my friend for months, but these moments already have passed. I have gone from anticipating them to remembering them, how about that? So much planning and overthinking went into these, and now I am here writing. No need to drag on that thought.

The day after Anna's birthday, April 9th, Aiden flew in from Jacksonville, Florida to visit me for my 21st Birthday! He was supposed to land at noon. However, his flight was delayed until 4PM! So, that gave my bro Nee'e time to get his home in order, and my other friend Jesse time to do the same. Jesse picked up Nee'e, and they met me at my apartment at 2PM, giving us leeway to get to the airport and be on our way.

Squeaking of which, we had a plan! When I lived in Florida, Aiden made sure to show me places that were very Florida. You know, outside of the touristy spots. Not just Orlando or Tampa, but the places in Tallahassee or Gainesville or Daytona you don't think of going unless you're a local. I really wanted to give Aiden a full experience of my home state like he had done for me. So, I decided to take him across the state to Spokane the day he landed. This would ensure that he sees the state for what it is. So, Jesse and Nee'e decided to tag along, and at 4PM, we got Jack in the Box. That was not in Spokane, it was in Issaquah. Aiden was hungry, we had to.

After this, we then went on our way to Spokane. From the airport, Spokane is almost a 4 and a half hour drive, and that's without stops! If you're a Floridian reading this, it would be like driving from Tallahassee to Tampa. It's a lot. The four of us had a lot of fun on the drive there. We talked some deep talk, and also made some other small talk, and showed each other music.

We all were collectively getting tired around hour 3 into the drive, still had about an hour and 20 minutes left to go, and we were getting cranky. Aiden dropped some lore that helped keep us sane. So, we strutted along. Nee'e was a vibe too, giving us (especially Aiden) a hard time. After hours of driving together, we finally made it to the airbnb, we made it to Spokane. We had a nice spot to ourselves. Had a beautiful view, pool table, kitchen, and the cabin overall was crazy cool. There was some cool animal heads on the walls, and the fridge had waters in it. Can't turn down some free cold water.

When we got there, we settled in and calmed down for a bit. This was before, my big back self (fat) asked everyone what they wanted to eat. With indifference filling the room, I decided we were getting pizza. I went on my phone and went to order Papa Johns, but they were closed! I was absolutely devastated. How dare they be closed at a time when I so desperately needed them open. Because of this, I had no choice but to get the cardboard pizza from Dominos. It was edible and satiated the men. You may be asking, "Ethan, why didn't you and the guys cook? You are young men that need to save money?" I am asking myself this question now. Mainly, we were tired. That's it, straight sleepy.

Waking up the next day, we drove over to Idaho to see my Uncle Joel for breakfast at a burger joint called Zips. Seeing him and having all my bro's there was really cool. Actually, it was really cool! I hold my Uncle Joel in a high regard. So, having him meet my friends was a cool thing. Seeing him was also a huge blessing. I had not seen him in a while, so it was very refreshing to see him in good health and his dog all happy.

A thought that just came to me as writing about my uncle is that I think you can tell a decent amount about a man by the health of his dog, mentally and physically. Of course this varies. But, if a dog is skiddish and skinny, there may be an issue there. Or, if the dog is obese and never wants to play, may say how often the owner engages in play time. I think this because my uncle's dog, Braggy, is a very good dog. This is coming from someone who does not really like dogs, I am strongly a cat person.

My in laws dogs are pretty well behaved and loving. Their Corgi doesn't like my wife, but that's cause she stares....... MENACINGLY!

Seriously though, Braggy is so playful and affectionate. He was jumping up on me and Jesse outside the burger joint. Only when my uncle commanded that he get back in his truck did Braggy retreat and obey what my uncle told him to do. I just think that a dog can reflect a mans character, and Braggy shows devotion from my uncle to him, and that's pretty cool.

Same with my in laws dogs. I'm certain my sis in law, Abby, takes a lot of time to be with Zeke based on how he acts. Same with Sandy, but moreso with Mama Creekmore.

Anyway, after lunch with my uncle, we went back to the airbnb to relax for a few more hours before doing what I really wanted to do; see the Grand Coulee Dam. I won't bore you with everything, but I really liked this video on it (click here for video). My dad took me and Anna there in 2023, and I did not appreciate it for what it was when I first saw it. It was not until after researching it further that I truly understood the magnitude of what that dam means for Washington State and the United States as a whole.

At about 3PM, we went on our way. It was about an hour and a half from the cabin, and it flew by pretty fast. Well, besides Aiden making me pull over to allow him to pee. I won't lie, I appreciated being able to take a moment to just truly appreciate the scenery around me. Upon arriving to Grand Coulee, I had to do what men do at least twice a day, poop. So, I did. Afterword, we saw the dam.

It truly is a sight that can truly be appreciated only by being there. Taking pictures is cool and all, but nothing compares to the raw human eye witnessing it in person. Watching as little droplets sprinkle from the falls onto the sidewalk. The water crashing down, causing waves in the water. It is so huge, it is daunting just trying to process what you are witnessing. We often speak of the destruction that man inflicts onto nature. But, I don't think that we talk about how we use the resources nature provides to help it often enough. The flood control the dam provides is amazing, as are the fish passages still being made.

After seeing the dam, we powered through and drove the 3 hours rest of the way back to my home in Seattle. By the time we got back we were so exhausted. The four of us wanted to crash and just recharge. So naturally, we decided to play Jackbox on my Switch! After that, we then went to sleep.

Friday morning we woke up slowly. I knew today I had to take Aiden to see Poo Poo Point. So, Jesse took Nee'e to charge his electric car. Myself, Aiden and Anna went to the Point and set off to meet the other two in Tacoma. Poo Poo Point is special because it's where I proposed to Anna. Scenic wise, it's just sentimental. It is not extraordinary or anything. But, he seemed to like it.

After this, we went on down to meet Jesse and Nee'e in Tacoma. When we reassembled, we went on our way to Eatonville. This wasn't before getting Nee'e's mom's permission to take him out longer. She said yes, so on we went!

Upon our arrival, we went into a meat store. Jesse bought some jerky and was kind enough to gift me and Anna some. It was so delicious. The best I have ever had. Not so chewy that is frustrating, but also does not lack challenge. Flavor is nice and juicy, but not greasy. We also explored a vintage store. But, everything was overpriced. So, after going to a local cafe, we went on to see a little waterfall. This was accompanied with a railroad track. I do not recall if this track is in use. Either way, this part was kind of Jesse to show Aiden cause it does capture a lot of the essence that the PNW provides. We also went shooting. I got to shoot a couple guns, as did everyone else. Taking turns was a load of fun. I hadn't gone shooting in a long time. So, it was nice doing that again.

Now, for a spooky story (I'm a pansy). Aiden made it clear to me that he wanted to explore while he was visiting. I do not like hiking. I will suck it up for the sake of my wife. But, I deplore the idea of walking uphill for 7 hours roundtrip for a view. If it is to camp...... still probably not. But, with this in mind, I compromised and elected to take him to a ghost town. I was going to take him to one down in Pierce County. But, I was advised against it. Instead, I was told to take him somewhere else. I am not certain we were allowed to be where we went. So, I will not be naming the place we went.

After shooting guns, it was around 6:30, we did not have too much longer before the sun went down. So, the five of us made our way to where this ghost town supposedly was. The path there was tricky and odd. We were startled when we stumbled upon bear feces. It was confusing, trying to discern if it even was what we thought it was. After doing a bit of googling right in front of the dump, it most definitely was a bears.

Anyway, we eventually found what was thought to be the ghost town. Instead, we were met with a disappointing sight. There were no structures. No buildings. Just an abandoned boat and a wood chipper.

But, by the time we got there, the sun was almost down. No big deal, right? Wrong.

As soon as the sun went down, so many coyotes starting howling from a distance. I was horrified, as were others. We stayed longer anyway. Then, we heard coyotes from the opposite distance howl. So now, there were two groups of coyotes howling. We had the idea of trying to find a place to chill. We ultimately decided to just sit in a circle and tell scary stories, especially with circumstances like these.

Aiden recounted an experience he had in Florida with a friend of his. He believed to have encountered some sort of UFO while hunting, had seen it twice! Personally, I do not believe in aliens. But, I do fear the unknown at times. So, woah! Spooooooky.

We eventually started getting even more paranoid because Jesse heard a noise that was believed to be a mountain lion. So, we got the heck out of there. We all followed in a line. We stayed together, and rejected horror movie logic. Getting out of that forest was so relieving. It felt like we survived something that likely wasn't even that dangerous. I look back on this and get a bit of the heebie-jeebies. But, it was exhilarating. I don't think it's necessarily wise to put yourself in dangerous situations in order to get a thrill. I did get a thrill though, and it was fun. I am unsure if I would do it again though.

After that, we went back to Jesse's and made a fire. We cooked pieces of steak over the fire and just had conversation for some time. It did not take long for me to push for the night to end, I was exhausted. So, we shut down and I took Aiden back to my place to go to bed.

What a day, right? Well, we aren't done yet.

It's Saturday, April 12th! I turn 21 this day!

Aiden and I started off our day by going somewhere not very well known in Seattle called the Columbia Center. It is the tallest building in the PNW (I think?) with a nice observatory. Not too much to say about it. Very nice view on a sunny day. Best way to see Seattle without getting into all the yucky places.

We then went to Snoqualmie Falls, which are also incredible. I did not know this, but Aiden pointed out to me that the falls actually produce hydropower. It was actually among the first few facilities to ever do this. Of course, the falls were stolen. He learned all of this by reading the signs around him?! The more you know.

That evening, myself, Jesse, and Aiden went to eat at a restaurant called Fogo De Chao. Anna coordinated the surprise for me for my birthday since I loved eating good food with the bro's. But, there was miscommunication and the food was out of their price range. So, we ate cheesy bread and left. Instead, we decided to go play some arcade games and watch the UFC fight. It was cool, Aiden lost a bet and I lost a race. We both lost.

However, we both also won. The three of us won. The plan didn't work out. But, Anna did give us a circumstance that made us appreciate the evening all the more. I am grateful for my bros. I am especially grateful for my wife.

That night, I slept so good.

Next day, Sunday!

It was good. The guys decided not to come to church. So, me and Anna went. It was very good.

Come Monday and it was Aiden's last day in the state. He asked that it be lowkey. So, naturally I decided to drive him down to Tacoma to swim in 40 degree water. We get to Owen Beach, and you can feel it that it's going to be eventful. We settle in and he surprisingly gets in! He dunked himself all the way in. Jesse and Nee'e show up a few minutes later, and they start egging me on to get in.... and I didn't. I should have. It would have been fun had I done so. But, here we are.

Soon, we decided that it was cold and uncomfortable. We went and got food, and it was delicious! I forgot what I ordered, but I know it was good.

After leaving the restaurant and getting back to the apartment, Aiden napped for a while. Then, he packed his things, loaded up, and off we went. I took him to see one last view point before leaving the PNW. I took him to see the city. It was very nice.

That was until we went to start up the car and Anna realized she did not have her phone with her. Apparently, she somehow managed to chuck her phone into the thorn bushes. The thorn bushes out of all places. So, I'm calling her phone again and again and again. She's digging around. The more she digs, the more she pains herself. Finally, after minutes of searching with thorns digging into her, she got her phone, and peace was restored to the city.

We got Aiden to the airport, and off he went back to Jacksonville to be with his girlfriend.

I do miss hanging out with him. He is a close friend of mine, and I feel like we just click. Almost as if we could spend decades without speaking, then see one another and get back to chilling together as if we hadn't just grown into different men. There is a good chance I will see him again this year. And if that is so, praise the Lord! But if not, that is ok too. I am just so thankful to have a friend who would take the time and make the effort to visit me. I know that the older we get, the harder it becomes to coordinate things like this. You can't just decide you wanna and then two months later do it. You have to take at least 6 or more months to plan and budget and all of that nonsense. I may be 21 now, but I still have so much more maturing and growing up to do. I still mess up. Will I ever stop though?

All in all, it was a great birthday event trip thing, whatever you'd call it. I have had even more things happen recently. But, this blog is already so long I need to save the rest for another entry. Just going to leave one more thought; our lives belong to God. Whatever He wants for us to do for His will, we oughta be willing to do. To have a relationship with God is to sacrifice for Him. He is no genie in bottle waiting to grant your wishes, He is not your self-help coach, but your father in Heaven who wants to redeem you and have an eternal relationship with you. If you are unfamiliar with God and want to learn more, message me! If you do know God but need help, message me or pray and try to find someone who you may know better. You are not alone and no matter what you have done God wants to redeem you and to have a relationship with you.

Thank you for reading this unusually long entry.

Proverbs 8:24