Illinois Silliness

When I worked for corporate America, I hated it. I hated it so much that I would do everything humanely possible to distract myself. Sometimes I would sing obnoxiously and put on quite a show with my hip shakin' skills...I got walked in on multiple times, mostly while belting out  Lady Gaga. Sometimes I would drink countless cups of coffee hoping that the deliciousness of the brew would somehow make the day go by faster; but one can only drink so much coffee before the jitters take over. So most of the time I would stalk my lovely unsuspecting co-workers (I hated the job but my co-workers were pretty great! Too bad I couldn't get the best of both worlds :-/). And because we worked on the same floor, just a short hallway stroll away from each other, Andrew's office became my most frequented destination. I'm pretty sure he hated it. And I'm pretty sure he hated me. But he came around after I drew him pretty pictures, bribed him with chocolate, and told him awesome stories. Before we knew it, we were pretty great friends. I don't think either one of us liked it very much, but it was too late. Our unhealthy emotional ties to each other were strong and not going anywhere. So we joined the YMCA going religiously everyday after work (until I quit)...because, clearly, that's what friends do.

So when I made a pit stop to visit Andrew in Urbana, Illinois this past weekend, I knew things would get weird. And they did, but in the best way possible.

He tried to show off his basketball skills...

And failed. Miserably.

See all those beer bottles on the counter? We drank them all. And then we went out because, clearly, it's not a visit unless you check out the local bar scene. So not surprisingly, we weren't feeling like our usual selves the following morning. I sipped on Southern Comfort from a coffee mug, and Andrew popped some Advil...to each their own. We spent most of the morning watching a ridiculous amount of Family Guy, and as a continuation of our "recovery day", we went to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D. It was awesome.

And since popcorn is clearly part of the "recovery process", we got the largest size they had (granted we only ate 1/4 of it and tossed the rest...but totally worth it).

The next day Andrew made the best breakfast ever (who knew he could make killer omelets?) and then I bid him farewell. But the best part is the pictures I discovered on my computer that Andrew so graciously took of himself while I was in the shower. And because I'm an awesome friend, I will share them with the cyber world.

So what have I been doing since leaving Illinois on Sunday? Well, I spent 3 days in Louisville and fell in love. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined loving Kentucky as much as I did. I can't wait to write that post tomorrow (and hopefully, you can't wait to read it!) And since about 4pm, I've been in Nashville, where I'm staying in a hostel with a bunch of amazingly talented musicians and fellow travelers. I was looking to build community and socialize on this adventure, and so far I haven't been disappointed :-)

Check back tomorrow for the details of my Louisville adventure! You won't be disappointed!

At that moment, it was enough.

My short visit to Kalamazoo was exactly what I needed and my last night there was nothing less of perfect. It was a bittersweet goodbye, but the excitement of the open road always captures my heart.

They say that pictures are worth a thousand words. Pictures also have a way of bringing back that smile of recollection when you were the only ones that mattered, the only ones that existed, and everything was beautiful. My last night in Kalamazoo was one of those nights. Everything was golden and eternal. And at that moment, it was enough.

Goodbyes are always hard. But they are also the gateway to new experiences, new love, new stories, new friends, new memories, new hellos, and new goodbyes. As I get ready to say goodbye again, in just a few hours, to Illinois and all the possibilities here, the excitement of moving towards something new draws me in. And so I leave, with a heart full of bittersweetness, but with the certainty that the best is yet to come. And at this moment, that certainty is enough.

Southward Bound!

So as you all know, my adventure to New Orleans got postponed due to some car troubles. Well, car has been fixed and anxious to hit the road! And being the awesome car owner I happen to be, I will comply and hit the road tomorrow.

Now some of you may think that three extra days of downtime won't change travel plans too much...and you would be wrong. Very wrong. My adventure to New Orleans went from a straight shot down south, to an epic 2-3 (+) week journey. But before I get into those details, the three days of downtime also allowed me to visit (and feed!) my very pregnant, super adorable, proud owner of a new home (woohoo!), friend Aimee.

As well as hang out with these crazy fools. (And I say that in the most endearing, loving, caring way.)

Yesterday I spent the whole day (and night) in my pajamas, in bed, watching Gossip Girl (2 seasons of it...I may have a problem). It was the perfect day of laid back relaxation before hitting the road again (you don't really get a lot of lazy days on the road). And today has been occupied planning my super awesome Southern adventure and an evening photography date (which means tons of pictures in the next post!!). Clearly, three extra days in Kalamazoo turned out to be exactly what I needed.

And now, for my super awesome southern adventure...after a bit of backtracking, of course.

Sunday night, when my brakes decided to stop working, I took a deep breath and did what I do best; I grabbed a beer and started plotting out the details of my next adventure (New Orleans, yea!). In the midst of this plotting, I decided to text my friend Andrew because I haven't talked to him in awhile and wanted to guilt trip him for not staying in touch. As we texted back and forth, I realized that the little hick town he lives in is directly on my route to New Orleans...Coincidence?

I don't believe in coincidences. And because I don't believe in them, I invited myself over to Andrew's for the weekend. He accepted after I bribed him with Arcadia and Bell's IPA. Apparently, the little hick town he lives in lacks good beer...can't say I'm surprised.

And because I couldn't resist sharing, I will grace you with three of my favorite pictures which Andrew happens to be a part of...(I'm still deciding how I feel about that).

So the first stop on my southern adventure is Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, home of University of Illinois, 40,000 college students, the Urbana Sweetcorn Festival, and a local bar (#1 on my attractions list), The Blind Pig.

My second stop will be Louisville, Kentucky! I plan to spend 2-3 nights there Couchsurfing and checking out the local music scene.

Third stop, Nashville, Tennessee! I will spend a week there, staying in a hostel. And if I really dig the city, I'll stay a bit longer and Couchsurf. I can't wait for Nashville!

Fourth stop will be Birmingham, Alabama! I will spend 2 night there Couchsurfing and probably resting a bit before hitting the road for NOLA.

And lastly New Orleans! I'm not sure where I'll be staying yet, since I'm not sure when I'll get there. But I do intend to stay for Mardi Gras (!!!!).

My intention for this adventure is to build community, meet people, explore the music scenes, and completely immerse myself in the experience. Couchsurfing and staying in hostels is a great way to do that, and I'm really looking forward to doing something different. Exploring the Southwest was really great; it was filled with lots of outdoor activities, camping, mountains, ocean, canyons, deserts, and lots of quiet...I'm ready for something different; surrounding myself with people, exploring cities, nightlife, live music, good brews, and a little more of the urban lifestyle. Who knows, maybe I'll find a place to grow some roots for awhile :-)

I hit the road tomorrow and I'll try to update as much as I can with stories and pictures! Stay tuned!

And then you realize that the Universe has a plan of her own...

First lesson of the day: Never ignore your check engine light.

Why?

Because it's usually trying to tell you something.

Like...

You have a brake line leak...
And it may potentially result in your death.



Second lesson of the day: Learn to go with the flow, because the Universe always has her own plan, regardless of whether it fits in with yours or not.

Like...

Wanting to leave for New Orleans Wednesday morning and realizing that because of the mentioned brake line leak this may not happen.

Divine intervention?

I don't know.

Does it really matter?

Nope!



Third lesson of the day: Trust and BE GRATEFUL.

Be grateful for what?

1. That my check engine light has been on since November, meaning that I've had a brake line leak for 3 months, while traveling through various mountain roads all over the country, and I am still alive.

2. That I made the 3 hour trek from Rochester to Kalamazoo without any issues.

3. That my brakes stopped working roughly 200 yards from Sam and Justin's place and I was able to get to their place safetly.

4. That there was a really nice man at the gas station who helped figure out what was going on, helped me pick out the appropriate brake fluid, and made sure I got to my destination safely.

5. That I may be "stuck" in Kalamazoo for a few extra days with my favorite people. I mean KZoo was my home for over a year after all...

It's where I got acquainted with the glorious Lake Michigan...

It's where my love for music festivals went beyond the music...

It's where my love for live music went from an interest to an obsession...

It's where I learned how to make killer bed-forts...

It's where I turned my body into a work of art...

It's where yoga went beyond the mat...

It's where co-workers became family...

It's where one just isn't enough...

It's where dinner parties turn strangers into friends...

And it's where sisters reunite (over and over and over again..)...

Clearly, Kalamazoo isn't such a terrible place to be stuck for a few extra days...

Especially when there's kittie snuggles involved...

Just sayin'....