The size thing is pretty hard to pin down, since as you mentioned sizing has changed quite a bit over time and varies dramatically by country, designer, manufacturer, etc.

According to measurements from Marilyn Monroe's dressmaker:
Height: 5 feet, 5½ inches
Weight: 118-140 pounds
Bust: 35-37 inches
Waist: 22-23 inches
Hips: 35-36 inches
Bra size: 36D

(published several places. I found it at:
http://jezebel.com/5299793/for-the-last-time-what-size-was-marilyn-monroe#ixzz0vBl0a4zJ)

Which would mean she would probably buy a modern ready-to-wear size 4-6 and would need to have it tailored significantly to nip in at the waist.

Check out Skill Shot zine:

http://www.myspace.com/skillshott

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Skill-Shot/171717641581

They maintain a great list of Seattle pinball locations/machines.

UW, Western Washington, Cornish College of the Arts. They are all good schools with good programs. Western isn't in Seattle - but Bellingham is close (1.5 hour drive or train) and is a cool town as well.

I think getting away from home and seeing more of the world is always a good idea.

I love the tiny islands, going through on a sail boat or kayak trip and camping in near isolation - but also second the recommendation for Lummi. It's beautiful and easy to get to from Bellingham. Orcas has more to offer from a quaint small town, organic farms and hippy hotsprings point of view.