I was the Parade.

Hey all,

So this week was quite eventful.

• During one of my "productive days" of driving around in the heat, our new/used car decided to overheat. YAY!

Of course, I had no idea what was going on. What I thought was the car in front of me blasting talk radio, was actually the car making this "rrrrwwrrr, rrrrwwrrrrr!" sound... and then came the smoke. I immediately turned into the nearest driveway that happened to be a Chevron. I semi-parked the car, almost in the middle of the lot. I figured opening the hood would be a good idea since it was smoking. Apparently there is another latch on the front of the hood to keep it from flying open, but I couldn't find it.
Luckily, I knew enough not to reach my hand under too deep while it was smoking - a burn would have been inconvenient in that moment.
Meanwhile, I'm calling the hubby, repeatedly, called his co-worker/boss/friend's cell. GEEZE LOUISE is everyone busy!?

Finally, I decide to call their office - of COURSE that one got answered! Duh Erin.
Note to self: In case of emergency, call work number before cell that is on silent in desk! I guess that makes sense, after all they ARE working!

I got through and he is on his way to save the day; progress!
Then some sweet kid on a bike handed me his monster and popped open my hood, what a champ!

I may have started crying... okay, yes I did!
I thought I broke our new/old car!

Necessary backstory!
Earlier in the day, I got gas for the first time in Oregon (OMG THEY PUMP IT FOR YOU!) I was so excited, I forgot to turn the car off!
I asked the guy "is that bad?" and he said no - but from all I had ever heard it wasn't supposed to be good for the car.
Turns out I was wrong about that - but I really thought I broke the car!
Thankfully, the car was fine (it was just a really hot day!) and hubby saved the moment :) Thank you, dear! Also, now I know more car-related type things.

• Next exciting thing of the week:
1) We spent fourth of July "camping" at Wallowa Lake - SO PRETTY!
OH and by camping, I mean I slept in the cab of a truck!
Better than in a cold tent on pinecones for #theneworegonian. Whoop whoop!

2) I got second place in a card game that I am still not sure I comprehend, not bad!

3) I have to say... fireworks, on a hill, over a lake, is by far the best! And spending the entirety with people who enjoy making up stupid names for each firework puts the cherry on top!
The Bob Marly, Flasher, and Koi Pond are some standout names for you.

It's been a fun and eventful introduction to Oregon so far.. even the cop that pulled me over was nice. Oh yeah, I got pulled over yesterday!
Taillight out. This car is not my friend right now.

The cop was so nice and then saw my Hawaii drivers license. I didn't have my insurance card with me either (It's all good now! I have it on my phone like the pig from the commercial!)
I think he let me off easy because he felt sorry for me, moving from Maui to the boonies.
"Just get that taillight fixed and keep your insurance card on you... uumm, enjoy the mountains?"
Thank you Mr. Cop - you're my favorite cop.
He was so nice.
I'd say that's a WIN for me.

• BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT of the weekend.

On our way to the 4th of July Camp Wallowa Lake Extravaganza, we drove through a small town about two minutes before their parade was going to start.
So it only made sense for me to roll down my window and see what happened!

I decided to thank everyone for coming, of course they were there to see #theneworegonian, I mean why else would they be there? (Independence? Ok, that too.)
The best part was the looks on their faces as I thanked them for coming to my parade... "Is this it? I guess I'll wave back. I don't think this is the parade?"
It was priceless.

Well enjoy your week - I'm going on my Californiacation for TEN days!