Houston, We Have A Problem....

I really need to be more consistent with updating so I don't dump a ridiculously long post on all of you like I'm about to do. So be prepared, this is a lengthy one.

I arrived in Houston late in the evening with the hopes of having a quiet night consisting of Netflix and snuggling under the blankets. And everything was going according to plan until I got hungry. As some of you know a hungry Yelena = a grumpy Yelena; and that's not fun for anyone. Since I just got into town a few hours before, I had no idea where to go. Thankfully, a pair of guys from Denmark arrived shortly after me and after some prying and snooping I found out that they were going out for beers. I then proceeded to invite myself out with them without giving them a chance to decline...I was hungry; courtesy wasn't on my priority list at that given moment. So we went out to eat. And we then wandered over to a sports bar where we drank ourselves silly until 3am.

Robin and Mikkel

The next two days I did what I came to Houston to do- relax and recharge. I wandered around downtown and found a nice spot in the park to read. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and life was blissful. Then the day before Valentine's Day, I took myself out to a dinner and a movie. And, ladies, if you've never taken yourself out before you're definitely missing out! All it took was a few days and I felt back to my good old self again! Nothing like a little quality time with yourself to recharge those batteries.

On actual Valentine's Day, Robin, Mikkel, a new friend Patrick, and myself decided to get dolled up and go dancing at an 80's bar. We played drunken Jenga, showed off our Michael Jackson moves, and did the robot to a series of jealous glares. It was a perfect Valentine's Day. The next day, my Denmark friends left for New Orleans (be still my heart and remember how Mardi Gras almost killed you), and I hit up the museums.

There was the Museum of Natural Sciences, which was pretty cool (sometimes I forget that I'm a microbiologist and a geek for science-y things).

They had a pretty wicked crystals exhibit and the art work throughout the museum was incredible!

The museum also had a butterfly house, and being a tad obsessed with butterflies, I spent most of my day sitting on a bench watching them fly all around me. However, every time one would land on me I'd freak out and cause an unintentional scene...sometimes I wonder about myself...

After finally snapping out of my butterfly induced coma, I wandered over to the Museum of Fine Art where I got yelled at for taking pictures and then followed around to ensure that I didn't do it again. However, I got away with a few shots and then took myself out for a glass of wine.

My night ended at the Planetarium where I was whisked off by psychedelic visuals to the sweet sound of Robert Plant's voice. When I finally returned to the hostel, I was greeted by a handful of newcomers who soon became instant friends (the main reason I love hostels). And being instant friends, the following morning we all squeezed ourselves into a vehicle and ended up at the NASA Space Museum where we transformed into a bunch of little 8 year-olds running around on a sugar high.

After the NASA museum, we returned to the hostel to even more newcomers! So of course, time to get to know each other a bit better over a few (or more than a few, for some of us) drinks.

Apparently, balancing shot sized bottles on your forehead is an honored skill in Canada.

As is drinking from measuring cups.

Until a certain Russian comes along and shows you how it's really done.

And because after a few drinks dancing is a requirement, we all went out to a dueling pianos bar where the silliness continued...

 

The next day consisted of a 9pm bedtime for all of us. And the following day of movies, blanket snuggles, and comfort food.

Houston was by far my least favorite city; but the people I met along the way made it one of the best experiences. I am loving how with each destination, and even within each destination, I am learning so much about myself, the world, other people, and how I fit into this world and into other people's lives. My world is beginning to expand in amazing ways and my options are multiplying exponentially. It's quite beautiful, really. But I'm also learning not to over-plan and leave room for the unexpected (like that climbing trip Dan and I planned in the past hour...) Life isn't meant to be difficult or complicated or stressful. We create those things within our lives. It's all quite simple, if you choose for it to be. Sure, there's bad days...but even the bad days can include laughter. It's a simple choice.

I'm currently in Austin, TX hanging out at a Starbucks updating this blog, catching up on other blogs and just taking a few hours to center myself before heading to my couchsurfers place. My couchsufing host, Taylor, seems like a really awesome guy and I'm sure there will be plenty of adventures involved that I'll be sharing with the rest of you. I'm staying with him until Wednesday and then staying at a hostel for another week! I can't wait to see what Austin has to offer!

Hope you're all having a great Monday!

You Say Goodbye, and I Say Hello

(The pictures in this post are not related to the post. They're just pictures I found on my computer that I haven't shared. And since pictures always brighten up a post, I thought I'd share!)

Being on the road has presented me with countless goodbyes. I remember the day I left Michigan, I cried myself silly all the way down I-94, past Chicago, and eventually composed myself halfway through Iowa. Goodbyes filled me with a sense of loss followed by a sense of longing at past memories, experiences, and feelings. Goodbyes were accompanied by a heavy heart and a deep sadness.

Somewhere in California...might be my solo trip through Death Valley (??)

However, in the past month, something shifted. I noticed this very clearly yesterday when I had to say goodbye to two really awesome people. I should've been sad at the loss of the connection we had developed, but I wasn't. I was excited. I was thrilled for their next journey, and also thrilled for mine. If I connected so strongly with these guys, what will the next stop bring into my life? And then I started reflecting, noticing that there was no longer a feeling of loss associated with goodbyes, but a sense of gain and appreciation for the moment in time we had spent together.

Utah.

Each goodbye is followed by a new hello, and this fills me with a sense of adventure. It seems as though the people I meet are getting more interesting, more unique. I don't know if I am the one who is changing or if it's the places I'm visiting, but things are different, they are more hopeful, upbeat, and exciting.

Louisville.

Staying in hostels and couchsurfing has presented me with the opportunity to meet new people and connect on deep levels for short periods of time. Of course, the lack of long, intimate, intricate relationships definitely has its challenges, but constantly meeting new people for brief periods of time has its benefits. I am not exaggerating when I state that I have met more people in the past month than I have in the past 2-3 years. It's true, I am always meeting new people, there is always someone to go adventuring with, always someone to grab a drink with, always someone to share a meal with, and always someone to share a story with. Some people you connect with on a soul level, and others you keep your distance with. But there is never a lack of people, and never a lack of friends.

Australian friend in Nashville. (I've developed a slight obsession with Australians. Can you blame me? Oh that accent....(swoon) Thankfully, there's not a lack of them at hostels. The Australians love to travel!)

The more I travel, the more I realize that there is not that "one special person", or that "one and only best friend". Everyone has the potential to be "that person" or "that friend". It's all a matter of what you want and desire. I can choose what I want in a relationship or a friendship. My options are not limited, in fact, they are broader than ever. And I think this knowledge has made goodbyes effortless, just another transition and another door opening to new possibilities, new people, and new experiences.

Hostel in New Orleans.

However, this new disconnect from goodbyes and the effortless simplicity they take on does concern me. I am at a point where goodbyes excite me because each goodbye is followed by a new hello. How long will I keep running around in search of the new hellos? Will I ever know when it's time to stop? Will I pass up on a beautiful potential relationship in search for something more? Have I become detached from my feelings and emotions?

Passing through Colorado.

I don't get attached to people or places anymore. Is this healthy? I'm not sure. But, at least in my life, with each new destination the places seem to get better and the people more relate-able. In fact, I'm ready to leave the states in search for something more. But what is more?

Met up with my parents for Thanksgiving in Missouri.

I'm not sure where I'm headed or who I'll meet. But there is no fear associated with leaving places and people. At least, not anymore. Looking back, I can't help but laugh at myself at the tears I've shed and the sadness I felt. Especially looking back and remembering all the new people I've met, all the incredible places I've discovered, all the laughs I've shared, and all the amazing memories I've created since leaving that "person" or that "place". Again, is this a set-up for disaster or a blessing? I simply don't know. Not yet.

Brad in New Orleans calling his parents....at 4am. Those crazy Australians.

As I prepare to leave Houston for Austin in a few days, I can't help but feel excited. In Austin I'll be couchsurfing and staying at a hostel. I have no expectations except that of saying goodbye, and saying hello. That seems to be the only constant in my life...and it's a welcomed constant.

One for giggles...when I stay in hotel rooms by myself, I've developed a habit of dancing around to Home by Edward Sharp and The Magnetic Zeros while getting ready in the morning.

Have any of you had experiences with constant goodbyes and hellos? Where did it lead you? Please share! I'd love to hear your stories!