How amazing is this summer so far, and how ridiculous is it that so many of us have to work five days a week, and we barely get to enjoy it?



When I’m in the middle of these weeks where the weather is so fantastic, I often stare out the window in an attempt to think up strategies so I won’t have to work so many days Monday through Friday, or how I can continue to make money without working at all.



Until I get that all figured out (and I finish writing the book that I’m working on, I wonder if that’ll make me any money in the future …), you’ll find me taking walks around the downtown in the middle of the day, or cruising Wright Park or Ruston Way to soak up any rays that I can.



I’ve also been trying to make as much as I can of the evening time, and I found such a great treat on Thursday night.



I headed into Alfred’s Café and Bubble Room after work Thursday to meet up with everyone’s favorite, K to the K. After checking out all of the peeps in the room, I found a sight that I couldn’t believe.



Two of my gal pals from college, Emily and Michelle, who live in Eastern Washington, were in Tacoma for a conference, and they were out that night for some reprieve.



Naturally, I was so happy to attach both of them to my hips because neither knew much of anything about Tacoma, and we set out for a mini-tour.



K to the K and I took the gals to The Hub, Doyle’s and Matador, and while enjoying that warm summer night amongst downtown’s gorgeous historic buildings, the girls fell in love with this city — AWESOME!



We had so much fun on this impromptu girls night out that I was sad to see the night come to a close.



But after awaking to another gorgeous day, I was chomping at the bit to get to Showcase Tacoma on Friday.



I took a late lunch break and was so happy to see so many people prancing around, admiring the art, listening to the insightful words of community organizations, enjoying the music, noshing on delicious food from locally-owned restaurants and having a great time.



I headed back to the office, pushed several projects along, and headed straight back to Tollefson Plaza for the Showcase VIP event hosted by the Pacific Grill. While there, K-Love, Nate Dog and I rocked to the music, sipped on drinks and talked with the fancy people and city dignitaries.



I felt so bad for Showcase Tacoma on Saturday as the crappy weather fell upon us, but after such a successful and fun Friday (Helio Sequence rules!), I hope that all of those involved felt the true Tacoma love.

Carmen’s Hot Tickets this weekend

The McKinley Art and Street Festival Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the McKinley Business District, and also the Red Hot’s One Year Anniversary party (dear Chris Trashcan: Can you rig it so I’ll win the PBR bike?).



Tell me where you like to party at permanentlipstick@hotmail.com.