Tag Archives: Independence Day

USA, USA, USA!

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Independence Day weekend could not have been anymore perfect. Between a great 4th of July, and the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) playing in the World Cup Finals the next day, it was almost impossible not to be in the festive spirit!

My family and I were fortunate enough to have purchased tickets to the FIFA World Cup Final months ahead, not knowing that the USWNT would be playing! So when the U.S. won the semi-final game, we were ecstatic! I had always wanted to see the National Team play, however I didn’t think the opportunity would ever present itself. Luckily, it did!IMG_2419

So, Sunday July 5th, we started our 3 hour road trip up to Vancouver, British Columbia. I was happy to be going to Canada, since it’s where I was born, and I haven’t been back in awhile! We made it across the border and into my homeland at about noon. We then spent the next few hours walking around the stadium area and enjoying all the World Cup festivities. I felt bad for the Japanese Team, because it was pretty much a home game for the U.S., there were U.S. fans everywhere!

International Boundary between Canada and the U.S.A.

International Boundary between Canada and the U.S.A.

Outside BC Place with our free Cokes!

Outside BC Place with our free Coca-Colas!

Once we got inside the stadium, the excitement began to set in. I was really at the World Cup Finals!! Our seats were located behind one of the goals, and we were sitting near the rowdy folks. This group of people are called The Outlaws, and they travel all around supporting U.S. Soccer. It was a lot of fun to be surrounded by them at one of the most iconic women’s soccer events!

The view from our seats

The view from our seats

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Field level with my sister

Who wouldn’t take a selfie at the World Cup?

The American Outlaws

The American Outlaws

Of course, because it was a final game, and Japan is a good team, I thought the game was going to be close. However, within the first few minutes the U.S. was already up by three goals! It was almost like a miracle. The atmosphere was incredible after that. I would get chills every time the crowd would chant for the U.S.. It was so crazy to be in a different country, but the whole stadium was cheering for the U.S. What a day for U.S. women’s soccer!! At the end of the game, when the entire team ran onto the field as the crowd was going wild, it felt like a scene from a really good sports movie. The players grabbed American flags and started running around thanking and waving at the fans. It was incredible.

The mascot of the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada

The mascot of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada

We met Internet-famous @Soccergrlprobs at half-time!

We met Internet-famous @Soccergrlprobs at half-time!

The USWNT celebrating on stage after the game

The USWNT celebrating on stage after the game

I feel so blessed that I was able to attend the game. My dream of going to a World Cup was checked off, and in the best possible way. It is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life, and I’m so happy I got to be a part of such a wonderful day in the soccer world.

Until next time,

Lindsey

Let Freedom Ring: Independence Day Weekend Activities

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Although I have been working non-stop this summer, I did take a break last weekend to enjoy myself. I was fortunate to have a Friday off, so I decided to take a road trip to the Nike Employee Store in Beaverton, Oregon. A few friends and I piled into a car and started our journey bright and early. We shared many laughs along the way and made it to Portland in what felt like no time at all!

I have a travel philosophy, which is that while you’re traveling, you should never eat at a restaurant that you could eat at while at home. So, of course, we looked up some of the best local restaurants in Portland. We ended up stumbling upon a small BBQ restaurant, which made some of the best pulled pork I’ve ever had.

After our appetites were satisfied, it was time to do some major shopping. I had been to the Nike Employee Store once before, however, never as an official Nike employee. The rule is you can only get into the store if you have a pass from a Nike employee. The exclusivity, in my opinion, makes it more exciting when you get the chance to shop there. The best thing about the Employee Store is that almost everything is 50% off. The bad thing about this is that you can do some major damage to your bank account in a short time, while still believing you’re saving money.

Once we had shopped for about an hour and we had grabbed all the Nike product we could, we journeyed back home. Not only was it a great shopping experience, it was awesome to spend some quality time with friends and family on the road!

The next day, July 4th, is one of my favorite holidays of the year (even though I’m Canadian)! I love all of the parties, fireworks, and pride that Independence Day brings. Where I live, we spend the 4th of July by the lake. This year was the perfect weather for a good BBQ and fireworks show. Because we didn’t get to light off any fireworks this year, at the end of the night, my friends and I went out to the lake to watch other people’s fireworks displays. Almost every house on the lake was lighting off their own fireworks, along with the professional show put on by my neighborhood. The night of July 4th is always one of the highlights of my summer, just because of the happiness and pride it brings to everyone.

The beginning of my Independence Day weekend was one for the books, however July 5, 2015 was a day I will remember for the rest of my life. Find out why in my next blog post!

Until next time,

Lindsey