Girls trip to Philly

What a blast I had! It all went by way too quick, but we had so much fun. I went to Philadelphia to visit one of my old friends, Corrin. Here's the long story on how I know her...(this is for documenting purposes so bare with me!)I actually met Corrin and her best friend Kate at EFY when I was 15. They were in my group and I was there with my best friend Karynn (how random that they both were named Corrin?) so the 4 of us were inseperable for the week. The weirdest part looking back now was that Kate was barely active in the church and Corrin wasn't even a member, but they still went to EFY. Not sure how that happened? Anyway, we kept in touch through letters for about 6 months and then our friendship faded. They lived in Wyoming and I thought I would never see them again. Fast forward to my freshman year of college. I decided to go to Utah State and went up a week early for a program only for freshman called "S.O.A.R" (not even sure what that stands for) to get me used to this whole college thing. Lo and behold who do I see there on my first day? Kate, my old friend from EFY. She didn't recognize me at first, but it only took a second and then we were back to being inseperable. Kate and I have remained close friends ever since and we also were roommates for 2 years up at Utah State. I have gone home with Kate to Wyoming several times and gotten to know her highschool friends also. So since it was Corrin's birthday coming up and she lives in Philly where her husband is doing is residency for medical school she invited all of her girlfriends to come out for a girls trip. I couldn't pass up the chance to see my two dear friends. 10 of us ended up showing up and we had such a great time together.

The first night we went to a salon that Corrin knew the owners of. They did our hair and makeup and also had a cake, cheese and crackers, and balloons in honor of her birthday. It was so fun. Here are most of us sporting our new dos!

L to R Katie, Kate, Lisa, Savannah, me, Fei, Melanie, and Kodi
Corrin and Katie

Our wonderful hostess and birthday girl Corrin

The next day we went into the city and got a bus tour. It was really great to get to see everything and we could get on and off when we wanted. My only thing I REALLY wanted to see was the Rocky statue and stairs. Rocky is a classic in my family and who doesn't love a good underdog story? I heart Rocky Balboa!!

We all ran up the stairs...alot easier than I thought it would be. Wahoo!

Savannah and Katie

Katie taking a hit from Kate

I made it!! I love the Philly skyline in the back too. It was a cool city.

Then it started raining...I was glad to be on a bus! This is a bad picture of Betsy Ross' house.

Where Benjamin Franklin was buried.

He owned pretty much everything in Philadelphia. It was interesting to hear all the history. For instance, did you know that the first post office was in Philadelphia and it is the only one that doesn't have a flag raised outside of it? They didn't have a flag then, so they just kept it the same ever since. If you want some more trivia, just ask. I know you want to know what the first ice cream flavor was...

The next night we went to a Sushi/Karoake bar called Yakitori Boy. It was such a blast. I am a total karoake girl and am not afraid to belt it out to whomever will listen! We had VIP seats (thanks again to Corrin's connections) and a yummy dinner with great entertainment.

L to R Kori, Kate, Kodi, Katie, and Lisa

Another birthday cake for Corrin

As you can see I got into the karoake, eyes closed and all! haha Actually the highlight of the night was when I did a solo of "Shoop" by Salt n Pepa. I know every word to that song (shameful I know) and so when the screen wasn't bringing up the words correctly, I just carried on without hesitation. I had several people come up to me after (one being a gay black man) telling me how impressed they were that a white girl could bust it out like that. What can I say? I have a little gangsta in me I guess. :) haha Good times.

Here's the girls singing Sweet Caroline. Great song.

That night I stayed up until about 2 and had to leave for the airport at about 4 am. Needless to say I slept the ENTIRE way back home. I have never done that before but it was much needed. I am still trying to catch up on life since being home, but I had so much fun it was worth it!