tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17706785356829239052024-02-02T00:03:49.503-08:00West CoastOnward I Gohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08842169862539426906noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770678535682923905.post-30497281342240379012012-04-01T21:37:00.000-07:002012-04-01T21:37:47.087-07:00The GuthrieMost of the visitor's center folk that we met across our journey played the role of informant very well; where to go for a nice meal, what the weather was going to be like, asking where we were coming from, and one woman who even offered to explain what a tornado was; we dont get those in Canada I guess. But there was one visitor center host who seemed to go a little further in giving you the goods on where to go. A large strong frame complimented by a large white afro was the first thing to greet you when you walked in. Followed closely by his large eyes that seemed to take in every pixel that life was sprouting out at each milisecond. His suggestion for where to get a decent margarita in Santa Fe was based on how alcoholic it was. His suggestion for what to give 'the little lady' was dependant on how coherent I wanted her to be. He recommended that we go to the Inn on Anasaze where they serve a cheap but very strong margarita. His suggestion was that she only drink three quarters so that she would be good and liquored but not to have her drink the whole thing as she'd be 'no good to you; she'd be in a coma', punctuated by eyes that became more white than iris. That was within the first few minutes of us asking where to get a good drink. The conversation carried on effortlessly and we soon found ourselves listening to his description of the conversation that he had with his ex-wife while sitting in the back of an ambulance after getting in a life changing and almost life ending accident. We werent sure how we were privy to the info. but he mentioned that he was in shock while talking with her; we strangely felt that he hadnt come out of his shock just yet. Once we got back on track that we were indeed touring through the area and looking for the gems of Santa Fe he proceeded to go back to his desk and pull out a zip-lock bag of two cookies. He offered us an entire cookie, much to our polite acceptance of only half, we ended up eating the whole thing. I asked him if there was anything wacky in said cookie, to which he replied "Sorry", with a bit of an undertermined expression and downcast eyes. It was followed up with a "no" that rose out of his throat just as his large white eyes came up and caught our gaze of apprehension. He is by far the most interesting man, and not just visitor center person, that we could have met and would like to have stayed chatting with him, but food, beer, margaritas, sunshine and a debriefing on "The Guthrie Experience" needed to be got to. Below is a picture that some other fortunate soul who had the opportunity to meet him has posted. If in Santa Fe you should stop in and have a listen and chat with Joe Guthrie. Actually, if you're anywhere in New Mexico for that matter, you should stop in for a chat with Joe Guthrie. One of the many interesting and 'enchanted' people in New Mexico that we had the pleasure of meeting. <br />
<br />
<br />
"The Guthrie"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKr6H7eSPVtQeVbNRmJu6VDbno7latqWjXQEk01EZ2R3jD72nEQ7AJiY3COAvUmRwV8z0GaW2ZL7OC1OJAw97wG3As-HatRolErUDRZ5HKjRbVr9_TPe7FJ7aEc2vAkFSeMUUmHN_iKiy/s1600/Guthrie'd+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKr6H7eSPVtQeVbNRmJu6VDbno7latqWjXQEk01EZ2R3jD72nEQ7AJiY3COAvUmRwV8z0GaW2ZL7OC1OJAw97wG3As-HatRolErUDRZ5HKjRbVr9_TPe7FJ7aEc2vAkFSeMUUmHN_iKiy/s320/Guthrie'd+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Onward I Gohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08842169862539426906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770678535682923905.post-55381982324779970842012-03-30T20:29:00.000-07:002012-03-30T20:29:31.643-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We drove through a lot of nothing on the way to
Arizona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was warm and for
the 5-6 hours it took us to get to Flagstaff, Arizona we assumed that the
weather was warm all the miles in between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, when we arrived into Flagstaff, there was snow on the ground
and snow covered mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped
to get gas and realized that it was quite frigid out! We had no idea that we
would be going from a warm, dry Santa Fe to a cold, frosty climate in a town
with an elevation of 7,000 feet! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The town of Flagstaff was immediately amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove through downtown keeping an eye out
for possible accommodations and I spotted a hostel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up staying at the De Beaux Hostel in
downtown Flagstaff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my first
hostel experience so I was a bit skeptical but it felt like a comfortable
little community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a
small…extremely small….private room with a bed and a tiny shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was within walking distance to everything downtown
and a 90 minute drive to the Grand Canyon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately, we didn’t have such a long drive that day so we were able
to check in, change and have time to get to the Grand Canyon National Park to
check it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we were
exhausted, we are SO very glad we made the drive out there and back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not going to say much about the Grand
Canyon because, as cliché and cheesy at it may sound, there are simply no
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was bigger and more majestic
than anything I have ever witnessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is an infinite mass of carvings of land and colors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do not have enough sight in your two
eyeballs to take it all in and it is something that you will never quite wrap
your brain around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We drove an hour and a half back to our hostel, almost in
silence as there isn’t much to say after witnessing such an amazing thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our tummies had no problems talking for us,
however.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was definitely dinner
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was, or close to, freezing
temperatures by the time we got back to the hostel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ran in to throw on more layers of clothes
and head out to find food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
excited to 1) have so many options in front of us and 2) to be able to walk the
options without having to drive around aimlessly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up at the Railway Brewery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason and a flight so that he could sample 6
of the local brews while I had a margarita (I was on a margarita mission after
having Maria’s in Santa Fe).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took us
all of an hour to eat and finish our drinks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jason looked at me and said, “I’m really feeling that beer.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, according to our server, the
effects of alcohol intensify with the elevation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A gentleman came by our table and announced that they were
providing free two step lessons in the back for anyone who wanted to
participate and that in an hour they were going to be moving all of the tables
for dancing and two-step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason and I
toyed with the idea but opted out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
considered trying the Flag Brewery across the street but decided that it had
been a long enough day and that we had a LONG<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>drive to Los Angeles the next morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next morning we got up around 6:30 and went for a run
downtown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t notice as much, but
the elevation definitely makes a difference when trying to get air into your
lungs and breathe properly (or perhaps it was the horrible diet and lack of
exercise over the past week). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason and
I went to breakfast in the common area separately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way we could take turns showering and
taking care of other restroom neccessities (sometimes you just need some
privacy…haha!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once showered, I went to
the common area to post on the blog while Jason packed, showered and played
guitar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plan was to leave by 9am but
I was held up when I met a couple from Toronto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were two ladies who had been together for 13 years and each year
they take a trip somewhere new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent
about 20-30 minutes chatting with them before I realized the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told them goodbye and wished them
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We threw things into the car and prepared for
what we knew would be a long day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Farewell, Texas! We were finally on our way to New
Mexico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only took about an hour to
get to the boarder from Amarillo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
amazing how much the scenery changes from state to state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped in at the Visitor’s Center to get
some information and, per the recommendation of the front desk clerk, decided
to take the scenic route to Santa Fe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The terrain changed from spans of flat land to dry, red canyons and was
absolutely stunning to see in person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was about a 4 hour drive to Santa Fe from the boarder (I’m proud to say that I
actually drove that entire distance and it was the most I’ve driven thus
far).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, we had a good bit of
fuel in the tank because there was literally nothing for miles and miles other
than the amazing scenery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came up to
a small store in the middle of nowhere off of 25 South and decided we’d stop in
for a potty break and a small snack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There no other vehicles in sight and I was unsure if it was even open or
operating at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pulled open the
first door then pushed in the second door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were greeted by a buzzing noise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I immediately shut the door thinking it was an alarm going off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason encouraged me to go on in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, the noise it to signal to the
people upstairs to leave their living room, come down the ramp and greet the
customers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An older Spanish gentleman
with a limp arm and a flannel shirt, cowboy hat and large belt buckle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked as if we had stepped into a house/bar/once-was
fuel station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the right were a couple
of pool tables and cleaning supplies. To the left there was a bar fully stocked
with the following: liquor, bags of chips and popcorn, M&M’s and Bud
Light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What can I do for you, little
lady?” he asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained that we
were hoping to use the restroom and grab a snack. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His little granddaughter in Dora the Explorer
pajama’s followed him closely as well as his little dog, Buddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He encouraged us to stay and have a beer with
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We can’t, we’re driving into Santa
Fe and it’s 11am.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a thick accent
he said, “Oh, come on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One beer ain’t
gonna kill ya.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do a shot
then…something!” We declined although looking back now we wish we would
have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a lot of interesting things
to say about New Mexico as well as a few theories on how all of the land and
property must be owned by “doctors or drug dealers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">New Mexico is an interesting place to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is made of adobe – homes, schools,
churches, everything – other than mobile homes which are randomly scattered
about the land in no particular rhyme or reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Santa Fe is a busy little city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped at the visitor’s center in town
where we met the most interesting person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The attendant’s name was Joe Guthrie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was tall, black, wide eyed and animated with a big white afro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was very charismatic and said that the
government gave him that job to keep him off welfare after a terrible car
incident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was hilarious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had homemade cookies with him and offered
them to Jason and myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, he
pushed them onto us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saying “no” wasn’t
an option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason said that it was the
best cookie he’s ever eaten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loved
Joe’s cookie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were starting to get really hungry so we stopped in at
the Second Street Brewery for lunch and a brew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From there we headed into downtown to walk around for a bit and take a
few photographs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like New Orleans, it’s
one of those cities you wish you could spend more time in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way out, we stopped at Maria’s Kitchen
for a margarita as several of the locals had recommended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maria’s offers over 150 different tequilas
and an entire book of different margaritas! We each had a margarita (which was
fantastic…and strong!) while we looked online for accommodations in Albuquerque.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We checked into the Super 8 around 7pm (“I’m not really sure
where the ‘Super’ comes in…….or the ‘8’” – Jason).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt later to me and, as usual, I was
showered and asleep within an hour as Jason worked on the blog and probably
checking emails and such since he had no one else to talk to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I vaguely remember him asking valid questions
such as “Do they have a place we can do laundry here? Is there a fitness
center?” I’m not sure if he got an answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt like I was in a coma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
fact, I fell asleep sitting up on the bed trying to fill out postcards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lame. Anyway, the next morning it was off to
Flagstaff, AZ and to hopefully get in a peek at the Grand Canyon in all of its
glory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1rcjImnoy96Mu-hP6TotUtY3EBeSHb2vfbLQTAPDhuAG3DFmGaKfrjst3TmCu-srf8ucAJEvbd17Ofa36__ozlsreM8cRGX5b02DMiK2MlAEIvy_ZrDTJwnmnyZFKaD2Ka-jJh_-qvaI/s1600/IMG_3048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1rcjImnoy96Mu-hP6TotUtY3EBeSHb2vfbLQTAPDhuAG3DFmGaKfrjst3TmCu-srf8ucAJEvbd17Ofa36__ozlsreM8cRGX5b02DMiK2MlAEIvy_ZrDTJwnmnyZFKaD2Ka-jJh_-qvaI/s320/IMG_3048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Onward I Gohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08842169862539426906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770678535682923905.post-86487777776086532352012-03-23T20:02:00.009-07:002012-03-23T20:33:24.350-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclnjwK6IUEA-P775tzSTTfcd0hP0sSR2onn2Lg_Vpm9CbLo3USSKXNffubTLanrhK_rOkUwAnQTqoK_3ZHQVxFUZxtKytXFZXLrMGfhfY2qPSwAihERbmgXzLkdaBgjSmjDP09d3rPA/s1600/IMG_2879.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723301047730269442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclnjwK6IUEA-P775tzSTTfcd0hP0sSR2onn2Lg_Vpm9CbLo3USSKXNffubTLanrhK_rOkUwAnQTqoK_3ZHQVxFUZxtKytXFZXLrMGfhfY2qPSwAihERbmgXzLkdaBgjSmjDP09d3rPA/s320/IMG_2879.JPG" /></a><br />Damarillo. Its actually Amarillo, but once you’ve been there the preceding title makes more sense. We leftShreveport and decided that we’d drive as far as we could without fallingasleep, which put us in Amarillo,approximately 620 miles from Shreveport.We decided to try and get some miles under our wheels as there isn’tmuch to see in Texas where we were passing through. Driving around Dallas to head north was anexperience. When you’ve been in smalltown after small town, to encounter a city that spurred on its own TV show, it felt like we were in a differentworld. It was busy, fast and hectic andthere were definitely more SUV’s and trucks than cars. We finally got through after figuring out thebest way around Dallas and headed north.The map that we are using wasn’t totally clear so with some backtrackingand route finding and a few arguments,we eventually got ourselves in the right direction. We passed through numerous towns on the waythrough to Amarillo and each one had such a peculiar feel to it. Perhaps the most peculiar was when we passedthrough Conway, which had a road side amusement fair going on, with no onethere. The vacant ferriswheel did lapswhile the controller sat below staring out towards the road. It was such a weird vibe. The only cars it seemed at the time on theroad were the ones either coming from Amarillo or heading to Amarillo. At this time of the day however it wasgetting towards sunset, so we had the chance to see some beautiful Texas sky asthere was a sliver of sky between the clouds and the horizon.Everythingis bigger in Texas; including their steak houses. After we drove around trying to find a placeto eat, once finally in Amarillo, we settled in at the Big Texan. I guess it’s a well known spot by those whohave ever had the chance to drive on the 40 headed West. Its claim to fame is the 72 ounce steakeating contest. You have 59 minutes and 59seconds to eat four and a half pounds of steak including the salad, rolls andbaked potato. If you do its free. If you don’t it will set you back $72.00,paid up front of course. The currentrecord is 8 minutes and 52 seconds. Onlyin Texas I think. Both Tess and I optedfor the burgers as we weren’t feeling steak.And to think that my diet consisted of nothing with faces or feathersfor a significant part of my late 20’s and 30’s. Therest of the restaurant is decorated with the heads of various animals mountedon the walls, large chandeliers, a group of men who play music at your table, ashooting gallery at the otherside of the bar, a woman who plays honky-tonk onan upright pian’er but the saving grace is the microbrewery there that servesup some pretty good beers. A growler [64oz] will set you back $14 the first time and $10 afterwards. It was nice to have a good beer after the daythat we had. I think we’re both lookingforward to getting into New Mexico. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKa_MohCM9tqIbjNuw1Bl2zfn6mQtbL7XH3ZvxdGSMzihyHc8odyex2B6Y_8EgZWV1PttDc2a8MvJK8pgwknXN7GDY41iX4nHvSmz-oI82m3Z79D_sWEK8oD7OhkXXj4io5TqpEeZeQ/s1600/IMG_2904.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723301042825458066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKa_MohCM9tqIbjNuw1Bl2zfn6mQtbL7XH3ZvxdGSMzihyHc8odyex2B6Y_8EgZWV1PttDc2a8MvJK8pgwknXN7GDY41iX4nHvSmz-oI82m3Z79D_sWEK8oD7OhkXXj4io5TqpEeZeQ/s320/IMG_2904.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkOFT6HRAsMo9-X3XbjjmcSKrfCWWvyZDDaqdGCdFvHvgnRIe2YvgUvtmZb9HLBV7QgjxpviUeybLBKIAZKn_ZnDyddMoW-aqGh-sh5o0YKLL31ZHm36m-o0y_HrK_ie3aC38mMD3Xw/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The wind was picking up something awful and the weather
reports were indicating a huge storm that was getting ready to hit southeastern
parts of Mississippi and Louisiana – right where we were, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry for stressing you out, mama and daddy! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> It was impossible to
explain not stopping by New Orleans being that we were so close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, despite the bad weather headed in our
direction, we decided to stop in and see it for about an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked around the French Quarter and had
coffee at Beignet Café to fill out postcards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jason was given a nice little treat from a bird who decided to poo on
him and his camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was amazing to
see the devastation still left behind from Hurricane Katrina in both New
Orleans and Biloxi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Driveways, foundations
and chimneys of homes remain but nothing else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You could see where there were clearly shopping<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>centers and parking lots and now there is
nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially driving into New
Orleans from the interstate, homes stood eerily boarded up and the roofs were
being covered with moss and other plant life and covered in spray paint and
graffiti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being there gives you a
bizarre feeling in your gut when you try to imagine what must have been going
through the minds of these people as they were about to lose everything they
had ever known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We rushed back to the car so that we didn’t have to pay for
an additional hour of parking….we missed it by 2 minutes! Actually, the
employee at the booth said we missed the cut off by 4 minutes and she wouldn’t
budge on that fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frustrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got back onto 10-West and ran into the
storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sky was a blue/green/grey
color we had never seen before and it was only noon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, the heavens opened and it rained unlike
anything we had ever seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cars were
pulled over with flashing lights and although we were only driving 20 mph, we
couldn’t even make out the lines on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>AM radio was playing so that we could listen to the local weather
reports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bad news – two tornados had
been reported….Good news – we were going the opposite direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t quite make it to Dallas after
having to drive a round-about way to avoid the storm but we were safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After decided at 7pm that we were just too
exhausted to make it another 3 hours to Dallas, we had dinner at Posado’s and
booked a reservation at the Ramada in Shreveport, LA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made plans to settle in early, do some
laundry and work on the blog together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While Jason was moving the Jeep, I took a hot shower, threw on pj’s and
settled in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He poured us each a glass
(no, plastic hotel cup) of Sasquatch Stout he brought from Vancouver which was
delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cheers! Then, we got out the
laptop to begin on the blog. I was asleep in about 3 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry, Jason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I got up this morning (Thursday) for a makeshift workout in the “workout
facility” at the Ramada while Jason caught up on sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t blame him as he drove the entire
day yesterday and I seem to be experiencing some sort of narcolepsy falling
asleep any and everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had the
continental breakfast at the hotel, finished our postcards, packed up the car
again and hit the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next
destination: Amarillo, Texas. Translation: Maybe somewhere in Texas but who
really knows?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There isn’t much to say about our journey through Alabama
other than this: we finally realized that we were driving across the country,
that it was going to be a long way, and that it was going to be a lot of car
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, Grace and Garland are towns
that must feel like “home” to those who live there (and have mostly likely
always lived there and will always live there); however, it feels like anything
but “home” to those passing through for food and fuel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took an exit which lead us to a sign with
arrows pointing in opposite directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One lead to the town of Grace, the other to Garland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove both ways and each looked identical
– dirt roads with people sitting on porches staring at us as if we didn’t
belong….and we didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could almost
hear crickets, banjos and the clicking of shotguns (“and the whistle of wind
through teeth….no tooth!” – Jason). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We stopped at the Alabama Visitor’s Center to take a picture
and get some information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were
doing so we were greeted by James who had a thick Alabama accent (I didn’t
realize southern accents had their own twang but they definitely do).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was an older man who had probably been
working there for years and new a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He took pictures of us by the Alabama sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason was sure that James was either staring
at my necklace or something in that general vicinity and that Jason himself may
not have made it into the photograph that James was snapping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although our next scheduled stop was Dallas, we decided it
would be nice to drive a bit out of the way to see the Gulf Coast….so, that’s
what we did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had checked into
accommodations in New Orleans, but they were not in the budget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Biloxi, MS had plenty of cheap hotels right
on the coast line so we headed that way excited about a good night’s sleep in a
room by the water. As it turns out, in Biloxi, cheap = skank. We aren’t
pretentious by any stretch of the imagination; however, the Flamingo at
$34.95/night wasn’t worth investing in bullet proof vests and watching our
luggage (and our backs) overnight in shifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We drove around and around Biloxi checking out hotels and finally came
to the conclusion that it’s either pay a little more or give up peace of
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed at the Super 8 on the
coast line of Biloxi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We requested a
room where we could park the Jeep right by our room window and brought inside
the valuables – guitars, cameras, laptop, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For dinner we went to Shaggy’s which is right on the beach
and completely open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is most likely
the site of lots of drunken nights and debauchery among college students and
spring breakers, but was a neat place to see the water, have dinner and not
discuss the road for a minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a
blackened chicken club and margarita and Jason had the grilled fish sandwich
and Indian Summer Ale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chowed down on
food and made small talk with the bar tender about our travels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t go far beyond how horrible Texas is
to drive through and how miserable we would be. In her defense, she did the
drive through Texas all by herself and with a 5 month old baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yikes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We finally arrived in Huntersville, NC around 9pm to see my
best friend, Sonya, her boyfriend Jacob and his roommate Ryan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had no issues other than a noise we
couldn’t quite figure out – the constant locking and unlocking of the doors on
their own accord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason proudly
announced that he fixed it the next morning, “I jiggled some wires. I think
we’re good.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t believe that he
meant it at the time, but we haven’t had the issue since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all sat around and mingled for about 2
hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was nice and relaxing as we
were all feeling exhausted – them from St. Patty’s Day shenanigans the day
before and Jason and I for obvious reasons (refer to previous post).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We got up around 8am the day which was Monday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our next destination was Newnan, GA to see my
other best friend, Liz, and her husband, Jonathan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to stop at the Vortex with Jason
before we made it to Newnan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a
unique pub/restaurant in Little Five Points in Atlanta, GA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are ever nearby, check it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man v. Food from the Travel Channel was there
as well trying out different things from the food menu including the
‘Elvis.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, like millions of others,
felt the need to share my current location status with hundreds of others on
Facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend from college, Andy,
saw my post and said that he lived just next door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rode his bike on over and the three of us
sat down to have a beer before moving down to Newnan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had just gotten back from Europe with his
girlfriend 1pm the day before! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Around 8pm, we arrived into the cute little town of
Newnan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Liz and Jonathan were great
hosts offering to help us unload the vehicle and have the upstairs prepared for
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason and I pulled out the guitar in
an attempt to entertain with playing and singing but, apparently, we didn’t
have it in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, the four of us
sat down talked about music and technology (well, mostly Jonathan talked about
technology and we tried to understand it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like the night before, we didn’t get to socialize as much as we would
have liked due to lack of time and energy; however, it was so nice to see them
on the way out! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason and I got up at 6am Tuesday and went for a run around
the neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That involved more
than throwing on running shoes and a t-shirt as my running clothes were buried
somewhere in the bottom of the chaos that was and is the inside of this Jeep
Liberty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After pulling everything out of
the car, taking clothes from the bottom suitcase, repacking the car, we finally
headed out for the run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were lots
of beautiful streets and flowers blooming and felt good to stretch the legs
before sitting down in the car for what we knew would be the longest day of
driving so far. We showered, had a quick cup of coffee and had breakfast at the
Redneck Gourmet per Liz and Jonathan’s recommendation (we both had the veggie
omelet and it was fantastic….other than the unexpected potty break I needed as
a result).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, on that note, we were
off to Alabama….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zfmSFd1q2P-7KkR_HuDITVGQPg9-eDaWnfA_cBl0RrGmA_4ioVbv34kMf-QYHqTh1qaRtKmCBiO005xXSa-6U8fIgRRPvoGvGSaPeLrWFKOzAYKwntpHNh8RqtH_OGpi5Di7kwozIE74/s1600/DSC01613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zfmSFd1q2P-7KkR_HuDITVGQPg9-eDaWnfA_cBl0RrGmA_4ioVbv34kMf-QYHqTh1qaRtKmCBiO005xXSa-6U8fIgRRPvoGvGSaPeLrWFKOzAYKwntpHNh8RqtH_OGpi5Di7kwozIE74/s320/DSC01613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Onward I Gohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08842169862539426906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770678535682923905.post-82105171937905750422012-03-21T19:39:00.005-07:002012-03-21T20:02:01.752-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExrB71SZGwzekRptMSZoqA1PjK8IWfLiX0_fgzeVaD5cIb97FCR0v3q84PWhkoRN9JK8AxT1juj-AcuX8-HBatwZ8QrQc1YC0OenFctKuzwlGQqHA5VxecZRZ0vKWmG4Aci10bVGabA/s1600/IMG_4276.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722550247775521266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExrB71SZGwzekRptMSZoqA1PjK8IWfLiX0_fgzeVaD5cIb97FCR0v3q84PWhkoRN9JK8AxT1juj-AcuX8-HBatwZ8QrQc1YC0OenFctKuzwlGQqHA5VxecZRZ0vKWmG4Aci10bVGabA/s320/IMG_4276.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvkZf9vhmq2x5OHr5op64RL1wYUF-ZT9iHNfsOkV3KU2JL7DIMq9EzNS6B9KJu14V_nl_y6TZBmnQCZztk5Ft77k9Jkf6cE49FLelZTKxNMpfqDbdaTZwnpAtVhjv4EuTBojvD3KkoA/s1600/IMG_4274.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722550239818358882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvkZf9vhmq2x5OHr5op64RL1wYUF-ZT9iHNfsOkV3KU2JL7DIMq9EzNS6B9KJu14V_nl_y6TZBmnQCZztk5Ft77k9Jkf6cE49FLelZTKxNMpfqDbdaTZwnpAtVhjv4EuTBojvD3KkoA/s320/IMG_4274.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevqiYNfAamyOxIwwo_jbg55D9Q3waX6f5vGT7eXlKgJJTj8D6znPaLWgilcMooJe6t9jVgChjbggR6LfUOYACDX6vFu737tieiQDcD1PZcJI9mBRCmkAxw49kv9EpBO1qRTbo8U7biA/s1600/IMG_2747.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722550232146340018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevqiYNfAamyOxIwwo_jbg55D9Q3waX6f5vGT7eXlKgJJTj8D6znPaLWgilcMooJe6t9jVgChjbggR6LfUOYACDX6vFu737tieiQDcD1PZcJI9mBRCmkAxw49kv9EpBO1qRTbo8U7biA/s320/IMG_2747.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrT2qDLIqMm9a8JsDFcybUyoEtWPwXSsQwlAbUgmjJPc6Huk-Gr-EM-YMu7-QJdsUGc2lA1xLjJB20rz98B7z_uycA1GNUyJcFkGgcuo1lQfNmadR7VAmZN4BLWsP3rbSXf_33UdHBag/s1600/IMG_2746.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722550219874243970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrT2qDLIqMm9a8JsDFcybUyoEtWPwXSsQwlAbUgmjJPc6Huk-Gr-EM-YMu7-QJdsUGc2lA1xLjJB20rz98B7z_uycA1GNUyJcFkGgcuo1lQfNmadR7VAmZN4BLWsP3rbSXf_33UdHBag/s320/IMG_2746.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghif6PKY5oFBuPIj9ZXdUVyvKnBlI31XkGhHkdOi50n7sAlCBFiI843qOaXVipCQ7fojoA1E81XTsUMz3p_wiR97T6O169FY2FluZL0TneK6sWASrUQzuRGrSqeQG2bJ-e2bHHjL3URw/s1600/IMG_2745.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722549580441513890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghif6PKY5oFBuPIj9ZXdUVyvKnBlI31XkGhHkdOi50n7sAlCBFiI843qOaXVipCQ7fojoA1E81XTsUMz3p_wiR97T6O169FY2FluZL0TneK6sWASrUQzuRGrSqeQG2bJ-e2bHHjL3URw/s320/IMG_2745.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Not much on moving day is as hilarious, or as frustrating, as the sound of silence when you go to turn over the engine. Especially when it is silence after seven hours of packing and as you're finally in the car ready to head off to the left coast and its been a day of throwing things out, packing and repacking, sorting, crying....................mostly Tess, ok all Tess, and rushing to drive two hours in the opposite direction to see a good friend that just had a birthday. So as it was, at 4:30 on departure day when we were ready to leave, we were instead sitting on the grass beside the Jeep, with its hood up like the jaw of a hippo, waiting for AAA [triple A auto] to arrive to give us a boost. Apparently the battery had died, or so we thought. We hadnt even put the car in reverse and there needed to be a call to get a boost. It ended up being a frayed attachment piece to the battery, which after we went down to the auto-parts depot. and spent the $3.29 on the part, ended up being an easy fix; thankfully. But it still added an additional two hours on top of the packing and cleaning. Ahh good times to be sure. The only saying that came to mind was 'it can only get better from here'.</div></div></div></div></div>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04612905576495144015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770678535682923905.post-90756934132470651442012-02-26T04:52:00.000-08:002012-02-26T04:58:59.469-08:00Saying East Coast Goodbyes: 1 of ____ ?I'm leaving in just 3 weeks and the closer it gets, the more I realize how much I want/need to do before I leave! Between work, packing, getting the car prepped, etc. I'm not sure just what I'll be able to squeeze in. It is getting here more quickly than I thought it would! My first goodbye adventure was this past Wednesday, February 22nd. I realized that I'm not only saying goodbye to people but also some of my favorite spots (and sunshine). <br />
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Wednesday was Blind Pilot at the Grey Eagle. First, I met my friend Mike for some grub at Lucky Otter. Mike and I went to school together growing up and, thanks to Facebook and it's ability to allow you to never keep any secrets, we found out that we both lived in Asheville. This has come to be one of my favorite spots in Asheville. I always order a big fat plate of build-your-own-nachos and one of their famous $4 key lime margaritas. Mmmm....if it weren't 8:00 a.m. I'd go grab one right now! They also serve local brews, offer a nice wooden patio to enjoy sunny days and unique table markers (anything from a Happy Meal toy to a remote control car). This is a wonderful place to hang out, stuff your face and have a drink - all for around $10! I highly recommend! <br />
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After scarfing down food, we realized that it was about 2 hours from show time and that maybe it would serve us best to not be the first ones greeting the tour bus and waiting for Grey Eagle to unlock the doors and let us in. Or, as Mike put it more comically,"can you imagine us chest bumping, high five and a 'woo hoo! first ones here!'" Haha, point taken. On to the Wedge we go. If you do not know already, Asheville has been named Beer City for the past several years inclusive (yes, OVER Portland!). The Wedge is one of the more unique breweries in town and is located in the River Arts District. They offer amazing craft beer and an interesting setting. It is located in an old warehouse and when walking up, you'll see a couple of games of corn hole taking place, locals and their pets and...well, really anything else. You never know with Asheville! :) We each had a beverage there. Mike had the Golem (which I recommend) and I had the Derailed IPA/Barleywine. <br />
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Finally, onto the show. Meagan and J are running late and from the texts I received, "is Blind Pilot on yet?" "is it packed?" "now are they on?", I took it I would see them right before or after the show :) <br />
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I had seen Blind Pilot at the Biltmore with Jason when I was in Vancouver. It was a much larger venue and we in the balcony trying to look down. It was so nice to be right against the stage in a much smaller venue. Grey Eagle is a more intimate setting and a great place to catch your favorite artists....or any artists at that. I met my coworker, Alyssa, there (I guess technically I'm her boss but I never could get used to feeling like a 'manager' or 'boss'). She had never heard of the band but was down to check out new music. Judging by her dancing and sweating, I'd say she had a good enough time! As expected, Blind Pilot put on an amazing show with lots of energy. Afterwards, I found J and Meagan and also got to chat with the band for a little bit. This is a sensitive subject with Jason, so don't rub it in too much ;) <br />
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Thanks for a great night, guys! Hopefully we will have a chance to see each other again before I head out but, if not, you are always welcome to come visit Portland and please, please, please keep in touch! I feel a strong urge to use phrases I would've written in a yearbook in middle school; things like "K.I.T." (keep in touch) or "stay cool." Cheers!Onward I Gohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08842169862539426906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770678535682923905.post-25340871344701242772012-02-19T16:42:00.001-08:002012-02-19T18:41:50.961-08:00Tess Is Moving to the West Coast...Portland to be exact!So I am moving to Portland, OR in 4 weeks! I am starting this blog for a couple of reasons: to document my journey beginning to end as this is a huge deal, to help explain to everyone what in the world I must be thinking (as best I can...haha!) and to keep everyone posted on my travels! <br />
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I have always been a "seeker" wanting to see and do more...as much as financially and physically possible (most of the time outside of my means). I guess it is both a blessing and curse depending on who you ask and what day you ask me. I have changed careers, gone through break-ups, moved apartments, moved cities...states...and, now, coasts! Career-wise, I finally have it figured out. I want to train and I want to do it well and I want to be one of the best. Everything else is up for grabs. Sometimes, I think, "Tess, you're 29, you should have it figured out" while most of the time I think, "Tess, you're ONLY 29! Take every opportunity you possibly can now." The latter speaks loudest to me. So, here's my story: <br />
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Jenn and I were roommates at the end of college and after graduation. She, God love her, knew exactly where she wanted to go to graduate school and for what...she wanted to go to Pugent Sound in Seattle, WA for Occupational Therapy. I, too, wanted to go to graduate school. I was determined at the time to go to graduate school in Arlington, VA for a dual Master's Program in Forensic/Counseling Psychology. I was going to be the next Clarice Starling from Silence of the Lambs. I was accepted!! AND...I didn't go. In the meantime, I also took the GRE 3 seperate times (rasing my score each time) and was accepted into 2 other Master's programs at different schools: School Psychology and Human Nutrition. I truly wanted to get my Master's in Human Nutrition but due to the madness of student loan debt, it wasn't an option. <br />
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While I was working different jobs - everywhere from the District Attorney's Office to bartending to Social Services - I began personal training on the side and LOVED it. I decided to move to Asheville, NC where everything is organic and artistic. Jenn and I have always kept in touch. She went on to get her Master's in Occupational Therapy and moved to Portland, OR to do her internship and decided she never wanted to leave. In the meantime, several months ago, she had mentioned to me that she would need a roommate in the spring. Hmmm...that is exactly when my lease would be ending. I told her to let me see where life was taking me around that time and I may just seriously consider it. <br />
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WELL....here we are....5 or 6 months after that conversation. There is nothing tying me to Asheville and no reason for me not to explore. [Enter Jason, the boyfriend]. A lot of you who are aware of my current relationship status may assume that I am moving for Jason which is not the case. Here is the brief story of Jason and I: <br />
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<em>Jenn and I went to Hawaii with her parents in June of 2009. Jason and I met there and have emailed since then. Jason lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. Two and a half years later, this past September, he came to spend the week in Asheville. It was the first time we had seen each other in 2.5 years! Things went really well and I went to visit him in Vancouver for 10 days over Thanksgiving. That went really well so he flew in Christmas night and spent 2 weeks with me. That went really well. Now, he is flying in to drive for a week across the country with me. We will still be about 6 hours away from each other. Bummer....but better. </em><br />
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At this point, there really is no reason for me not to venture out. I have an awesome roommate waiting for me, SEVERAL career opportunities keep appearing before me, I have an opportunity to drive <em><strong>across the country</strong></em> and I have a significant other living on that side of the continent. <br />
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Worst Case Scenario: I get to drive across the country, get a feel for west coast livin' and rack up memories that I can never, ever get back. Will I miss my family and friends and feel scared at times? Holy cow, absolutely!! Still, I can't NOT take the opportunity due to fear. I can always come home, but I can't always get this opportunity back. <br />
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SOOOO.....here's to new experiences, dreaming big, being a free spirit, being bold while always knowing that I have a place to come back to should I fall flat on my face. HERE'S TO HAVING ROOTS AND WINGS! Thank you in advance for your support. Stay tuned for more updates. xoxoxo - Tess.Onward I Gohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08842169862539426906noreply@blogger.com1