It's Tuesday! Well, it was Tuesday, lol. The day is almost over and it'll be hump day tomorrow. (giggle)
So, I was lovingly reminded that it is now pumpkin latte and pumpkin bread time at Starbucks. Which of course means that tomorrow I am headed that way to partake. I love this time of year because it's also when the World Market comes out with their gingerbread cookies. And Wal-mart stocks their mulled cider candles (of which I forgot to grab today when I was there). O-well, there's always tomorrow.
I'm decidedly getting out of the house tomorrow so I'm supposing, go out and get my Starbucks and then depending on the weather, I really need to ride some more. Today was an icky kinda day so I didn't venture very far. AND now while I'm thinking about it, I forgot to take a picture of the dinner I had the other day. They have a place here called Cafe Yumm! and I stopped to try it out. It was pretty tasty. Definitely different than anything I've had. There are several flavor combos so I'm sure I'll go back and try a few of the others out.
I found this really cool website that lists things to do in your city and there are a few things I'm kinda interested in checking out. Friday night, at a park down the street, they are having a free movie in the park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. So I think I will, lol. And then on Saturday there is a Barks & Brews Fiesta that sounds like fun. I don't have my dog here but maybe I can get Matt to go and we can take his dog. If anything, I'm just gonna take some stuff down to the park and veg. Or just ride my bike.
Such an exciting life of leisure, lol. ;)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
My Loot
- 7 t-shirts
- 1 pair of jeans
- 1 pair of super-cute shorts
- 2 pairs of capris
- 2 pairs of work pants
 |
| If you hold the pic up to the mirror, it'll read right, lol. |
This is a picture I took yesterday of me in one of my new Oregon Ducks shirt. I think it looks good on me. ;)
Lazy Sunday
Such a great lazy Sunday today! :)
I bought a new headboard/foot board last week and tried to set it up yesterday but realized halfway through that I was missing two of the supports for under the bed. I'm thinking that's the reason why it was so cheap so I didn't bother calling the seller back. I know my way around the home improvement stores and lucky for me Home Depot is right up the street. So I took the middle support that I DID have and headed up there. Found a really nice guy to help me out and not only did he cut the wood to size (I knew they usually do) he ALSO drilled the holes for me. (I love being a girl ;)) I put everything together and it looks awesome!
I didn't feel like biking but I did want to get out of the house so I packed a bag with a towel, some water and a book and drove to the park. It was another gorgeous day and I sat in the park, tanning my legs and reading. After the sun started going down I headed back to the house and decided to cook some spaghetti with meat sauce. Now I'm just relaxing and wondering if the temp agency is going to call me tomorrow. Monday is half-priced clothes day at the Goodwill and all my shorts are too big. (Yea!) So I'm going to go and see if I can find some cute new shorts, maybe another pair of jeans and some capris. Can't go too crazy though.
I didn't feel like biking but I did want to get out of the house so I packed a bag with a towel, some water and a book and drove to the park. It was another gorgeous day and I sat in the park, tanning my legs and reading. After the sun started going down I headed back to the house and decided to cook some spaghetti with meat sauce. Now I'm just relaxing and wondering if the temp agency is going to call me tomorrow. Monday is half-priced clothes day at the Goodwill and all my shorts are too big. (Yea!) So I'm going to go and see if I can find some cute new shorts, maybe another pair of jeans and some capris. Can't go too crazy though.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
I need some friends, lol
So here I am at 9:45 writing in my blog kinda wishing I was back home because I know I could drag Brandon out for some drinks or something. I have one roomie at work and the other is in his room. I may go back in a few and see if he wants to do anything.
It's tough because I don't really want to get a job due to the fact that I'll be gone pretty much the whole month of October. I would feel better waiting but I may just start looking. Well, I'll wait to see what happens on Monday or Tuesday after the possible interview. I was thinking about joining a gym when I got back from the cruise for two reasons. #1: because from what everyone is telling me, once winter gets here it's gonna be tough doing things outside and #2: to meet people. But, I may go ahead and join one just to scope out the possibilities. I can bike and elliptisize at the same time. :)
I can't let the boredom get to me because when I do, silly pictures happen, lol.
It's tough because I don't really want to get a job due to the fact that I'll be gone pretty much the whole month of October. I would feel better waiting but I may just start looking. Well, I'll wait to see what happens on Monday or Tuesday after the possible interview. I was thinking about joining a gym when I got back from the cruise for two reasons. #1: because from what everyone is telling me, once winter gets here it's gonna be tough doing things outside and #2: to meet people. But, I may go ahead and join one just to scope out the possibilities. I can bike and elliptisize at the same time. :)
I can't let the boredom get to me because when I do, silly pictures happen, lol.
 | |||||
| I call this one CRAZY HAIR |
Friday, August 26, 2011
C'est la vie!
Well, today was another absolutely gorgeous day on the bike trails. I took the new white bike out and I definitely like it better than the pink one. I'm gonna try to get that pink one sold and I'll be good to go. The roomies and I are going to go to the Saturday market tomorrow and I think we're gonna go check out the bike store downtown. I need a bike lock and I want to look into getting a basket for the dog when she gets here so she can accompany me on my trips.
I remembered what it was I had been thinking about the other night and it has to do with worry and not getting what you want. I thought it maybe had only pertained to the majority of the package contents being lost but I also found out today that the company I was referred to by the temp agency decided to go with someone else. So back to the drawing board for me. He mentioned going on another interview next week so we'll see if that happens.
The point I realized that while both pieces of news are upsetting, I'm not really all that worried. Why should I be? There's nothing I can do about it. And that's what I wanted to write about. In my learning and growing, I've realized that being mad, upset or worried over the things we have no control over is useless. Being mad is not going to make my souvenirs unlost. Or suddenly get me a job. And to be honest, maybe I wasn't supposed to have that job anyway. I now have more options and different opportunities that I may not have had with that job. I'm not worried. Or mad or upset about the things that happen to me. I still get up, get dressed and live my life because that's really all you can do. :)
I remembered what it was I had been thinking about the other night and it has to do with worry and not getting what you want. I thought it maybe had only pertained to the majority of the package contents being lost but I also found out today that the company I was referred to by the temp agency decided to go with someone else. So back to the drawing board for me. He mentioned going on another interview next week so we'll see if that happens.
The point I realized that while both pieces of news are upsetting, I'm not really all that worried. Why should I be? There's nothing I can do about it. And that's what I wanted to write about. In my learning and growing, I've realized that being mad, upset or worried over the things we have no control over is useless. Being mad is not going to make my souvenirs unlost. Or suddenly get me a job. And to be honest, maybe I wasn't supposed to have that job anyway. I now have more options and different opportunities that I may not have had with that job. I'm not worried. Or mad or upset about the things that happen to me. I still get up, get dressed and live my life because that's really all you can do. :)
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Pacific Coast
Gorgeous day at the coast today!! I got up and moving around
11ish and stopped to get some gas and a coffee for the road. The drive out there is gorgeous. It's a winding road through trees and along rivers. I can't wait for the first person to come up and visit so that I can take them to the coast. After I hit 101 I headed North just to drive. I was getting a little hungry so I finally stopped in the town of Waldport. I had initially stopped for pizza, but once I got inside and read the specials I decided on a cup of clam chowder with garlic rolls and a trip to the salad bar. It was sooooo good. Afterwards I walked around town looking in the antique stores. The weather was about 10 to 15 degrees cooler than it is inland so at about 70, it was so nice.
I'm pretty acclimated to the driving here and on the way back to Eugene, I got stuck behind someone from Florida (go figure, lol.) I could tell they had never driven a whindy road before because at every curve the brake lights came on. Thankfully at the next passing lane I was able to get around them but I'm curious as to what they thought as another person from Florida blew past them with no brake lights on. Hehehehe
So tomorrow I'm thinking it's bike riding time. My arms are starting to lose their bronze hue and I need to keep up my arm tan. :)
Today's pictures:
 |
| Today's Special :) |
I'm pretty acclimated to the driving here and on the way back to Eugene, I got stuck behind someone from Florida (go figure, lol.) I could tell they had never driven a whindy road before because at every curve the brake lights came on. Thankfully at the next passing lane I was able to get around them but I'm curious as to what they thought as another person from Florida blew past them with no brake lights on. Hehehehe
So tomorrow I'm thinking it's bike riding time. My arms are starting to lose their bronze hue and I need to keep up my arm tan. :)
Today's pictures:
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Hump Day!
So even though I was up late last night I woke up at about 10 this morning to start the day. I took my receipt back to the mail place and asked if there was anything that could be done. She took down all my info and told me she would call me if she had any information. So far no luck. Dad talked to the post office on his side and they recommended writing a letter to Lost Mail division and including a list of the things that are lost.
After that I took a few things back to Wal-mart and got my oil changed. Then, headed to the mall for that Orange Julius I had been craving. No shopping though. I've been letting that get a little out of hand so I'm trying to wrangle it in. At least until I get a job. :)
I had a pretty substantial thought process going on last night as I was trying to get to sleep but, of course, now I can't even remember what it was. Hopefully I'll remember it and just post it using my phone.
I'm not sure what the plan is for tomorrow but I'm thinking I want pizza. Matt's coming home tonight so maybe if he doesn't have to work I can talk him into going too. He's had the last week off though so he may need to make up that time. Maybe I'll go out to the coast. From what I remember, the clam chowder was mighty tasty. :)
After that I took a few things back to Wal-mart and got my oil changed. Then, headed to the mall for that Orange Julius I had been craving. No shopping though. I've been letting that get a little out of hand so I'm trying to wrangle it in. At least until I get a job. :)
I had a pretty substantial thought process going on last night as I was trying to get to sleep but, of course, now I can't even remember what it was. Hopefully I'll remember it and just post it using my phone.
I'm not sure what the plan is for tomorrow but I'm thinking I want pizza. Matt's coming home tonight so maybe if he doesn't have to work I can talk him into going too. He's had the last week off though so he may need to make up that time. Maybe I'll go out to the coast. From what I remember, the clam chowder was mighty tasty. :)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The smell of Black Berries, warming in the sun...
Fairly productive day today with some bad news. :(
I got up at a good time and went and got my toes and hands done. Nothing like California Nails back home, but it was nice and we'll see if it lasts a long time. Then I came back and loaded up the new bike to take for a spin. I like it. :) It handles nice and was a lot easier to steer and shift than the pink bike. I've been adjusting the seat to get a good fit but I'm probably going to have to invest in a new seat. I tried to switch seats, but they don't fit the other. After my shower I'm just resting easy. I think tomorrow I'm gonna go and get the oil changed in my car and do a little bit of window shopping at the mall. There is an Orange Julius in the mall and that's sounding pretty yummy.
The black berries are ripe and for the picking on the bike trail and it smells so good as you ride by. I didn't stop to pick any today but there have been days where I'll make a quick stop and have a snack. The weather was gorgeous, as usual, and it was a great bike ride.
The bad and upsetting news: I had been collecting things for my family since Las Vegas and sent it to them last week. Well, I'd say the package made it but only 2 items (out of about 12) made it to my parents house. Somewhere along the way the package opened (or was opened) and everything else, got lost I guess....I don't even know. I'm going to the store I shipped it from tomorrow and see what I can do about it but it just makes me want to vomit. The hardest part was that Laura's present, the only thing she's really asked for, was in there too. I had collected postcards from everywhere I went and put them in a photo album for her. Makes me so mad. :(
I got up at a good time and went and got my toes and hands done. Nothing like California Nails back home, but it was nice and we'll see if it lasts a long time. Then I came back and loaded up the new bike to take for a spin. I like it. :) It handles nice and was a lot easier to steer and shift than the pink bike. I've been adjusting the seat to get a good fit but I'm probably going to have to invest in a new seat. I tried to switch seats, but they don't fit the other. After my shower I'm just resting easy. I think tomorrow I'm gonna go and get the oil changed in my car and do a little bit of window shopping at the mall. There is an Orange Julius in the mall and that's sounding pretty yummy.
The black berries are ripe and for the picking on the bike trail and it smells so good as you ride by. I didn't stop to pick any today but there have been days where I'll make a quick stop and have a snack. The weather was gorgeous, as usual, and it was a great bike ride.
The bad and upsetting news: I had been collecting things for my family since Las Vegas and sent it to them last week. Well, I'd say the package made it but only 2 items (out of about 12) made it to my parents house. Somewhere along the way the package opened (or was opened) and everything else, got lost I guess....I don't even know. I'm going to the store I shipped it from tomorrow and see what I can do about it but it just makes me want to vomit. The hardest part was that Laura's present, the only thing she's really asked for, was in there too. I had collected postcards from everywhere I went and put them in a photo album for her. Makes me so mad. :(
Hello, My name is Karen and I am addicted to Craigslist!
So besides the fact that I was pretty much a bum today, I found a few great deals on craigslist!
I should know by now that once I find something, I need to stop looking because I saw another bike today that looks a lot nicer than the one I bought a few weeks ago. I figured, where's the harm in going and taking a look at it, and sure enough, it rode so much nicer on the test drive than my pink one does. Tomorrow I'm going to take it out for a spin just to make sure I really like it and then I'm going to sell the pink bike. I think I already have someone interested so that will be awesome. I also found a head board/foot board and rails set for only $40! If you've ever priced furniture you'd know that that is a good deal. They lived about 15-20 minutes south of town and it was such a beautiful drive in the evening sun. (I'm still amazed that I live here. It's so much different than anywhere else I've lived.) It needs to be patched in a little spot, nothing some wood glue and a good clamp can't fix, and then it's ready to be put together. Right now I just have the headboard leaning against the wall. Gotta get it put together before any 'magic' happens, lol. Just kidding. ;)
I was going to go and get my toes done but the nail place was closed so I'm gonna get up at a decent time tomorrow and go get them done. Then it's off to the bike trails to try out the new bike. I also bought a water bottle to fit into the bike's bottle holder so no more warm water fountains for me. :) Hopefully the weather will be gorgeous like it has been. Eventually I need to figure out a way to mount my camera to the handle bars so I can take a video of the bike paths. Wouldn't that be fun!?! LOL
 | |
| New Headboard! |
I was going to go and get my toes done but the nail place was closed so I'm gonna get up at a decent time tomorrow and go get them done. Then it's off to the bike trails to try out the new bike. I also bought a water bottle to fit into the bike's bottle holder so no more warm water fountains for me. :) Hopefully the weather will be gorgeous like it has been. Eventually I need to figure out a way to mount my camera to the handle bars so I can take a video of the bike paths. Wouldn't that be fun!?! LOL
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Expressways Baby!!
Oh how I love living around expressways again. :) Not since Jacksonville have I been able to get where I'm going in under 10 minutes at 55 miles per hour. I just got back from grocery shopping and I'm going to head out here in a few for dinner. Yes, I realize it kinda defeats the purpose of having gone grocery shopping, but I need to get out of the house. Strange how when you think of the simple life of just coming and going as you please with no job to have to go to, you just don't think that you'd ever get bored. But I'm bored, lol. Good thing I'll have a job next month to keep me entertained.
Yesterday Shaggy and I had planned to go to the Saturday market but he got hung up at the dr's and getting his prescription so I went for a bike ride while he got ready for work. It was such a beautiful day. I'm not sure if you would consider it a farmer's tan or not, but my arms, shoulders and face are getting quite tan since I try to wear a tank top everyday I go biking. I just got some shorts the other day so I'm gonna have to mix it up so I can get my legs tanned. (And now that I think about it as I write, I should just get a lawn chair and I can tan in the backyard.) I rode my normal route for probably about an hour or so and then decided to sit in the park to rest for a bit. As I was sitting there, this guy came up and starting talking to me. Apparently he rides on the weekends and had seen me around. We talked for a good while about Eugene and the area. He asked if I might want to go biking together one day and we exchange phone numbers. He called this morning but I had been up late last night so unfortunately I didn't get the call. It's amazing how things happen when you let go of your life and just experience it instead of trying to control everything. Maybe next weekend we can go for a ride. Shaggy promised me we would make it to the Sat Market this time and if something happens, I'm just gonna go by myself. :)
So right now I'm just chillin' till I head out for dinner. Someone recommended a local restaurant so I'm going to go try it out. It's just around the corner from my house. :)
Yesterday Shaggy and I had planned to go to the Saturday market but he got hung up at the dr's and getting his prescription so I went for a bike ride while he got ready for work. It was such a beautiful day. I'm not sure if you would consider it a farmer's tan or not, but my arms, shoulders and face are getting quite tan since I try to wear a tank top everyday I go biking. I just got some shorts the other day so I'm gonna have to mix it up so I can get my legs tanned. (And now that I think about it as I write, I should just get a lawn chair and I can tan in the backyard.) I rode my normal route for probably about an hour or so and then decided to sit in the park to rest for a bit. As I was sitting there, this guy came up and starting talking to me. Apparently he rides on the weekends and had seen me around. We talked for a good while about Eugene and the area. He asked if I might want to go biking together one day and we exchange phone numbers. He called this morning but I had been up late last night so unfortunately I didn't get the call. It's amazing how things happen when you let go of your life and just experience it instead of trying to control everything. Maybe next weekend we can go for a ride. Shaggy promised me we would make it to the Sat Market this time and if something happens, I'm just gonna go by myself. :)
So right now I'm just chillin' till I head out for dinner. Someone recommended a local restaurant so I'm going to go try it out. It's just around the corner from my house. :)
My house
So dad brought to my attention that I had pics of everything except the outside of my new house. Here ya go! My house. :)
Saturday, August 20, 2011
The Fair :)
The fair!!
It was a lot of fun. Well, as much fun as one person can have at the fair. I didn't ride any rides but I did get to eat an Italian sausage with onions and peppers and it was awesome. I looked for my traditional frozen chocolate covered banana but no such luck. :(
I stayed to listen to Tommy Tutone but I'm thinking he was holding onto "Jenny" until the last song to keep people around because after about 45 minutes I couldn't take it anymore and left. I did snap a couple of pictures of him and got a lot of pictures of the fair rides. And the farm animals. Lots of sheep and goats.
Afterwards I went and picked up a new night stand for my bedroom and now I'm home having a bloody beer. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's beer with Bloody Mary mix. I first thought it sounded gross too but it's actually pretty tasty. I've also had it with clamato and that's pretty tasty too.
There's a market here downtown that happens every Saturday with booths of merchandise that, from what I understand, is all home-made. I think Shaggy and I are going to go check it out tomorrow and if I find anything cool I'll take pics and upload.
PS. The pics of the fair are uploaded on photobucket. :)
It was a lot of fun. Well, as much fun as one person can have at the fair. I didn't ride any rides but I did get to eat an Italian sausage with onions and peppers and it was awesome. I looked for my traditional frozen chocolate covered banana but no such luck. :(
I stayed to listen to Tommy Tutone but I'm thinking he was holding onto "Jenny" until the last song to keep people around because after about 45 minutes I couldn't take it anymore and left. I did snap a couple of pictures of him and got a lot of pictures of the fair rides. And the farm animals. Lots of sheep and goats.
Afterwards I went and picked up a new night stand for my bedroom and now I'm home having a bloody beer. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's beer with Bloody Mary mix. I first thought it sounded gross too but it's actually pretty tasty. I've also had it with clamato and that's pretty tasty too.
There's a market here downtown that happens every Saturday with booths of merchandise that, from what I understand, is all home-made. I think Shaggy and I are going to go check it out tomorrow and if I find anything cool I'll take pics and upload.
PS. The pics of the fair are uploaded on photobucket. :)
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Downtown
Today I drove downtown just to get out of the house and see more of Eugene. I have to say that I am finally learning my way around the city and not relying on my smart phone to get me places. I did a little shopping (Old Navy had some pretty awesome clearance) and just enjoyed the great weather. I found the Cheba Hut, a specialty sub shop, but there was no place to park and I didn't feel like waiting around for an open spot so I kept on going. I can always bike there someday when I get a bike lock.
I found myself near Skinner's Butte so I drove to the top and took some pictures and a short video. It's on facebook if you're interested. :) Then I just came home, ate some dinner and now I'm chillin' on the computer, watching tv.
The fair is tomorrow and the main music attraction is Tommy Tutone. Should be pretty fun. I'm going to take my camera and try and get some good pictures. Not to mention fair food. :)
I found myself near Skinner's Butte so I drove to the top and took some pictures and a short video. It's on facebook if you're interested. :) Then I just came home, ate some dinner and now I'm chillin' on the computer, watching tv.
The fair is tomorrow and the main music attraction is Tommy Tutone. Should be pretty fun. I'm going to take my camera and try and get some good pictures. Not to mention fair food. :)
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The Verdict
Well...everything went very well. I was there for about an hour and a half filling out paperwork and watching introductory videos. He said he was going to recommend me for the position so as of Sept 6 I will more than likely be a working women, Mon- Friday 9-3. :) It's just for the month of September so that's a good little chunk of change I can put towards rent, the cruise or my phone bill which I'm getting behind on (sorry Mom.)
While sitting in the office though, it was clearly obvious by the way my body started going into a slight panic that I do not want to work office work full time. Not unless i absolutely have to. Been there, done that. I'm looking for something more quirky. Something fun. Something shocking! Who knows if I'll find it but I'm going to really look when I get back from the cruise.
Everything is going great here and I can honestly say that I feel no reservations at all about staying here, living here or getting a job here. If I could bottle up the weather and send it back home, I totally would. I have never lived anywhere where I've actually felt guilty for not being outside doing something. Which is why, in a little bit, I'm going to get the heck out of the house!
Oh, I also saw a quote today on the wall of the temp agency that I wanted to share. It made me think.
"Life isn't about finding yourself.
Life is about creating yourself."
If that is the case, then I am creating myself here in Oregon and loving every minute of it. :)
While sitting in the office though, it was clearly obvious by the way my body started going into a slight panic that I do not want to work office work full time. Not unless i absolutely have to. Been there, done that. I'm looking for something more quirky. Something fun. Something shocking! Who knows if I'll find it but I'm going to really look when I get back from the cruise.
Everything is going great here and I can honestly say that I feel no reservations at all about staying here, living here or getting a job here. If I could bottle up the weather and send it back home, I totally would. I have never lived anywhere where I've actually felt guilty for not being outside doing something. Which is why, in a little bit, I'm going to get the heck out of the house!
Oh, I also saw a quote today on the wall of the temp agency that I wanted to share. It made me think.
"Life isn't about finding yourself.
Life is about creating yourself."
If that is the case, then I am creating myself here in Oregon and loving every minute of it. :)
Interview!
I tell ya, you can find just about anything on craigslist these days....roommates, furniture, a job. :)
I have an interview in the morning at a local temp agency looking to fill a position for the month of September. SCORE! He also asked me about my long terms plans, in which I let him know that I would be gone for the first half of October but back looking for work after that. He seemed really receptive and I can't wait for the interview tomorrow. Cross your fingers and toes for me since this would be awesome money in my pocket PLUS it'll give me something to do and hopefully introduce me to new people to hang out with.
Today was a pretty slow day and I feel guilty that I didn't get out and bike ride. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. Instead I stayed in scouring through craigslist and then ran a few errands with the roomies. Watched a couple of movies with Shaggy and now here I am trying to get a good night's sleep before the interview. I'm so glad I decided to pack a nice pair of pants.
I'll log into tomorrow and post how everything went. Wish me luck!
I have an interview in the morning at a local temp agency looking to fill a position for the month of September. SCORE! He also asked me about my long terms plans, in which I let him know that I would be gone for the first half of October but back looking for work after that. He seemed really receptive and I can't wait for the interview tomorrow. Cross your fingers and toes for me since this would be awesome money in my pocket PLUS it'll give me something to do and hopefully introduce me to new people to hang out with.
Today was a pretty slow day and I feel guilty that I didn't get out and bike ride. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. Instead I stayed in scouring through craigslist and then ran a few errands with the roomies. Watched a couple of movies with Shaggy and now here I am trying to get a good night's sleep before the interview. I'm so glad I decided to pack a nice pair of pants.
I'll log into tomorrow and post how everything went. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
New Videos :)
So tonight I got off my lazy butt and loaded all the videos I had yet to upload. They aren't very long but include my journeys after Las Vegas. So just head on over to the ole' youtube page and check'em out. :)
I think I found the perfect temporary job for the month of September, I just need to call them tomorrow and get more details. I didn't make it to downtown today but I'm thinking of heading there tomorrow. There's also the county fair this weekend (I love fair food :)) so I'm probably going to head out there and check that out too. I'll make sure I remember to bring the camera with me.
Well, it's super late and I need to get to bed so that I'm not sleeping in until 2pm. Nighty-night. :)
I think I found the perfect temporary job for the month of September, I just need to call them tomorrow and get more details. I didn't make it to downtown today but I'm thinking of heading there tomorrow. There's also the county fair this weekend (I love fair food :)) so I'm probably going to head out there and check that out too. I'll make sure I remember to bring the camera with me.
Well, it's super late and I need to get to bed so that I'm not sleeping in until 2pm. Nighty-night. :)
Monday, August 15, 2011
Half and Half
Day 3 of bike riding today and man, I'm just waiting for my butt to get used to the bike seat. Needless to say, it's a little sore, lol. And I think I'm getting bike envy. Don't get me wrong, I like my bike. But it was a quick purchase to get me out and riding. I think I might ask for a newer, more 'hip' bike for Christmas. Mine isn't too fancy. It still baffles me on my daily rides that I'm here and livin' the dream. I'm sure people think I'm crazy when I say that after my trip here in May, I dreamt about the bike trails. But it's the best time to think and reflect with the wind in your hair. And I think my arms, at least, are more tanned then they ever were in Florida.
However, during the day....there is only so much shopping one girl can do. I have decided to drive back down to Panama City for the cruise in October (I will be coming back to Oregon with my dog and a few other things) but until then I'm thinking of getting a quick part-time job or volunteering. My days consist of sleeping, eating, biking, shopping (when I need something) and watching tv. I'm sure the roomies are perplexed at what I do all day. Tomorrow I need to get a care package in the mail to the family and I think I might go wander around downtown and see if any kitschy stores down there need some part time help. I gotta find a spot to meet more people and establish fun relationships. :)
I have decided to stay in Oregon until I feel it's time to go. There is still so much to experience, like a Ducks game, traveling to the national forest close by, driving up to Portland or Seattle. And then there's always a trip to the coast. Matt says the camping around here is awesome and this winter I'll be able to try my hand (and leg) at snow skiing! The possibilities are endless. :)
I hope all is well with everyone! :)
However, during the day....there is only so much shopping one girl can do. I have decided to drive back down to Panama City for the cruise in October (I will be coming back to Oregon with my dog and a few other things) but until then I'm thinking of getting a quick part-time job or volunteering. My days consist of sleeping, eating, biking, shopping (when I need something) and watching tv. I'm sure the roomies are perplexed at what I do all day. Tomorrow I need to get a care package in the mail to the family and I think I might go wander around downtown and see if any kitschy stores down there need some part time help. I gotta find a spot to meet more people and establish fun relationships. :)
I have decided to stay in Oregon until I feel it's time to go. There is still so much to experience, like a Ducks game, traveling to the national forest close by, driving up to Portland or Seattle. And then there's always a trip to the coast. Matt says the camping around here is awesome and this winter I'll be able to try my hand (and leg) at snow skiing! The possibilities are endless. :)
I hope all is well with everyone! :)
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Cheesy Eggs and Coffee
What a great day today! :) I got a good night's sleep last night and slept in until about 11 this morning. Ahhhh.... Decided I didn't want to make breakfast, felt like having someone else do it for me so I headed out to Denny's for the make your own grand slam. Mmmmm, I love cheesy eggs. And coffee. :) It was a great breakfast.
The weather was a little overcast and I needed to pick up a few things so I decided to do a little shopping. I've lost a little bit of weight on my trip, due to the exercise, not really snacking and just basically that I have boycotted all fast food. So I headed to Goodwill (there's a superstore just down the street) for some new jeans that aren't falling off me. I found two cute pairs and a purse (it was only 4.99, give me a break ;)) and then headed to the mall. I am absolutely missing my little dog. I looked into having her shipped to me, but mom talked me out of it and I would be devastated if something happened to her on the way here, so I settled for a build-a-bear teddy bear. Which, of course, I named Sasha 2. I may look silly sitting there cuddling a stuffed bear, but it makes me feel a little better about leaving her behind. She's with my parents and I know she's safe. After the mall, which is also right down the road from me :), I headed to Walmart to pick up a few things.
After my shopping excursion I came home just as the roomies were headed out to work. I changed, got the bike out of the garage and away I went. I am going to be super in-shape by the time my cruise in October gets here.
Right now I'm thinking about changing again and heading up to the OG for some soup and possibly a cocktail. I think Matt is working the bar so at least he'll be able to keep me company. :) I hope everyone is great and PLEASE...I am completely safe on the bike trails. There are a ton of people out there riding, jogging and walking too. I just don't take pictures of them because, well, that's just weird. And I'M not a creeper.
The weather was a little overcast and I needed to pick up a few things so I decided to do a little shopping. I've lost a little bit of weight on my trip, due to the exercise, not really snacking and just basically that I have boycotted all fast food. So I headed to Goodwill (there's a superstore just down the street) for some new jeans that aren't falling off me. I found two cute pairs and a purse (it was only 4.99, give me a break ;)) and then headed to the mall. I am absolutely missing my little dog. I looked into having her shipped to me, but mom talked me out of it and I would be devastated if something happened to her on the way here, so I settled for a build-a-bear teddy bear. Which, of course, I named Sasha 2. I may look silly sitting there cuddling a stuffed bear, but it makes me feel a little better about leaving her behind. She's with my parents and I know she's safe. After the mall, which is also right down the road from me :), I headed to Walmart to pick up a few things.
After my shopping excursion I came home just as the roomies were headed out to work. I changed, got the bike out of the garage and away I went. I am going to be super in-shape by the time my cruise in October gets here.
Right now I'm thinking about changing again and heading up to the OG for some soup and possibly a cocktail. I think Matt is working the bar so at least he'll be able to keep me company. :) I hope everyone is great and PLEASE...I am completely safe on the bike trails. There are a ton of people out there riding, jogging and walking too. I just don't take pictures of them because, well, that's just weird. And I'M not a creeper.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Biking!!
Omg! The reason I love it here in Oregon. I went out on the bike today and it was absolutely perfect! I took the camera along and got some really awesome pictures. I definitely need to get a bike rack to put on the back of the car. I'll find the link of bike paths so you can get a good idea of what I've been riding. I could do this everyday, and probably will, lol.
http://www.ltd.org/pdf/EugeneMap.pdf
http://www.ltd.org/pdf/EugeneMap.pdf
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Bike Shopping
After reading over everything that's happened in August I forgot to blog about my bike shopping experience yesterday!
I had had my eye on this pinkish/red looking bike on craigslist but for some reason didn't decide to call about it until yesterday. I talked with a very nice lady and she gave me directions to her house. My roommate Shaggy (aka Michael) was home so I asked if he wanted to go with me for moral support and because even though he doesn't know that much about bikes, he knows more than I do, lol. So we got in my car and trekked across Eugene.
It turns out that the lady's husband refurbishes bikes and that the pink bike (once I saw it in person, it is definitely pink) was once hers and then had been passed on to their daughter. It has almost brand new tires, a comfy seat, comfy handle bars and from what Shaggy could see, had been completely cleaned and reworked. So after my test drive, I bought it! Thankfully it fit in the back of my car (I knew it would) and I brought it home. They were the nicest couple and I think Shaggy and I were there for at least an hour visiting with them. She was very interested in my journey and very enthusiastic about Oregon. They've lived here for 35 years.
Matt, of course, gave me a jokingly hard time about it being pink and in the garage with his bike, lol, but I like it. Even one of their friends that came over last night for the bon fire in the back yard said I made a good purchase. :) So I'm excited to have a bike now and will be a ridin' fool soon.
I had had my eye on this pinkish/red looking bike on craigslist but for some reason didn't decide to call about it until yesterday. I talked with a very nice lady and she gave me directions to her house. My roommate Shaggy (aka Michael) was home so I asked if he wanted to go with me for moral support and because even though he doesn't know that much about bikes, he knows more than I do, lol. So we got in my car and trekked across Eugene.
It turns out that the lady's husband refurbishes bikes and that the pink bike (once I saw it in person, it is definitely pink) was once hers and then had been passed on to their daughter. It has almost brand new tires, a comfy seat, comfy handle bars and from what Shaggy could see, had been completely cleaned and reworked. So after my test drive, I bought it! Thankfully it fit in the back of my car (I knew it would) and I brought it home. They were the nicest couple and I think Shaggy and I were there for at least an hour visiting with them. She was very interested in my journey and very enthusiastic about Oregon. They've lived here for 35 years.
Matt, of course, gave me a jokingly hard time about it being pink and in the garage with his bike, lol, but I like it. Even one of their friends that came over last night for the bon fire in the back yard said I made a good purchase. :) So I'm excited to have a bike now and will be a ridin' fool soon.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Wednesday Already...
Hard to believe that it's been a week already since I pulled into Eugene. If you would have told me I would be sitting in the kitchen of a house with two roommates and a room all to myself, I wouldn't really have known what to think, lol. And at times it perplexes me that everything worked out the way it did. The only explanation I have is that for this point in time, where I am and what I'm doing is meant to be.
I have 21 days to figure out if I want to stay here permanently or if I want to keep going on my journey. And I have no idea what to do. Working it out in my head, while I love everyone back in PC, from a city standpoint, I don't feel like I belong there. I don't feel like my 'place' is there. It seems so strange to think, but I do feel, for the time being, that I am meant to be here. I think the hesitation I feel towards staying, is that I don't know why I'm supposed to be here. And I should probably just let that go and enjoy the stay instead of analyzing it. If things keep revealing themselves like they have, then in 21 days I may not need to make a decision at all. It will already have been made for me.
So I guess my advice to myself is to just stop thinking so much. Let things develop like they should. And get out and enjoy the weather!
Bike ride tomorrow. I need to start learning these bike trails. :)
I have 21 days to figure out if I want to stay here permanently or if I want to keep going on my journey. And I have no idea what to do. Working it out in my head, while I love everyone back in PC, from a city standpoint, I don't feel like I belong there. I don't feel like my 'place' is there. It seems so strange to think, but I do feel, for the time being, that I am meant to be here. I think the hesitation I feel towards staying, is that I don't know why I'm supposed to be here. And I should probably just let that go and enjoy the stay instead of analyzing it. If things keep revealing themselves like they have, then in 21 days I may not need to make a decision at all. It will already have been made for me.
So I guess my advice to myself is to just stop thinking so much. Let things develop like they should. And get out and enjoy the weather!
Bike ride tomorrow. I need to start learning these bike trails. :)
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Pros and Cons
So there really hasn't been much action on my part other than sleeping, watching tv and going out of the house to buy groceries or a few things for my room. I have been doing a lot of thinking though. About where I am, how I got here and what could possibly be next. To be honest with everyone, I'm not sure what I'm going to do right now. I'm split, 50/50, on whether I should stay or go. My feelings towards "Oregon" waiver from wanting him to call me to just wanting to be friends. There are a lot of qualities about him than I like as a person, and I think it would be a lot of fun to just be friends. I'm not really sure I'm ready for that though. Sometimes I feel like I am, and sometimes I don't. Time is the healer and I'm sure in time, I will be able to quell any romantic feelings I still have towards him. I think about that situation a lot. And I'm sad about the way things turned out. But I'm also glad for the person that I have become and for the person that he has become. If, for what ever reason, we had gotten together after my May visit, I don't think I ever would have grown as a person like I feel I have now. (* I feel like this reads wrong so I wanted to fix it. My life was completely different before coming out to Oregon in May. After that experience here I could recognize that I was not the person I wanted to be or felt like I was underneath. Had he and I gotten together based on that visit, and I was the same person I had been, I am pretty confident we would not have worked.*) I mourn for what could have been, but I rejoice in who I am now. That is my current inner struggle.
The pros - this place is awesome. I can be who ever I want to be here. I can make a new start. Make new friends. Learn new things. There is so much to do here. Especially things that are outside. I don't have to worry about humidity here, lol. And I get to sleep with the windows open every night.
The one major con is that I miss my friends and family. I'm going to have to get a skymiles credit card or something b/c I'll be flying back to PC every so often to visit. And I do have skype with a webcam so if you get one too, we can always webchat. :)
Well, I've been on the computer now for a little while and I think I'm gonna go scrounge up some food. Hopefully the roomie remembered to bring home some leftovers from work (they both work at Olive Garden) and I'll try to remember to take pictures of the house and get them posted up too. :)
The pros - this place is awesome. I can be who ever I want to be here. I can make a new start. Make new friends. Learn new things. There is so much to do here. Especially things that are outside. I don't have to worry about humidity here, lol. And I get to sleep with the windows open every night.
The one major con is that I miss my friends and family. I'm going to have to get a skymiles credit card or something b/c I'll be flying back to PC every so often to visit. And I do have skype with a webcam so if you get one too, we can always webchat. :)
Well, I've been on the computer now for a little while and I think I'm gonna go scrounge up some food. Hopefully the roomie remembered to bring home some leftovers from work (they both work at Olive Garden) and I'll try to remember to take pictures of the house and get them posted up too. :)
Monday, August 8, 2011
Much Better....
I felt better today. I'm not sure if it was just because I was so tired and exhausted yesterday or because now I'm falling into more of a regular, ordinary routine. Sleeping on my new bed last night was AWESOME and much needed. I'm pretty sure I got more than 12 hours of sleep. Which probably explains why I'm up so late tonight, lol. It's like 3am in Panama City time. So I'm sure that everyone who reads the blog will think that I forgot.
Today I woke up and was extremely hungry and needed coffee so I headed out to IHOP for some pancakes. They were so yum. Afterwards I came back to the house because Matt at I were set to meet up with a lady selling her bike. It was a nice bike, but it was mountain and had some pretty hard core tires. Matt took it for a test drive too and suggested I wait. So, I did. :) I'm going to look through craigslist again tomorrow and see what I can find. I'm also thinking of heading out to the Goodwill or somewhere to pick up a cheap night stand and lamp as all I have in my room now is a bed.
We came back to the house and a couple of their friends were hanging out so it was a pretty chill day. The guys left for work and I just sat on the couch watching tv. When Matt got home we ran out to go grocery shopping and I bought some food for the house. All in all it was a very normal, ordinary day.
I still can't get over how awesome the weather is here and I can't wait to get a bike and start enjoying all the bike trails. Hopefully soon, just keep your fingers crossed for me. :)
Today I woke up and was extremely hungry and needed coffee so I headed out to IHOP for some pancakes. They were so yum. Afterwards I came back to the house because Matt at I were set to meet up with a lady selling her bike. It was a nice bike, but it was mountain and had some pretty hard core tires. Matt took it for a test drive too and suggested I wait. So, I did. :) I'm going to look through craigslist again tomorrow and see what I can find. I'm also thinking of heading out to the Goodwill or somewhere to pick up a cheap night stand and lamp as all I have in my room now is a bed.
We came back to the house and a couple of their friends were hanging out so it was a pretty chill day. The guys left for work and I just sat on the couch watching tv. When Matt got home we ran out to go grocery shopping and I bought some food for the house. All in all it was a very normal, ordinary day.
I still can't get over how awesome the weather is here and I can't wait to get a bike and start enjoying all the bike trails. Hopefully soon, just keep your fingers crossed for me. :)
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Saturday
Productive day today. :)
I went out today and bought a bed. It's nice and I'm so excited to be sleeping on it tonight. I stayed up late with the roomies last night and didn't get to bed until 2am. That mixed with everything that's been going on and I'm exhausted. Going to look at a bike tomorrow so I'll be able to get some biking in soon too.
The weather has been gorgeous and I'm so glad I cut my hair before going on my trip because now I can drive with the windows down in the car and not worry about long hair getting everywhere. I did a lot of driving around the city today and sat again at the park in the middle of town. I wish I could bring all my friends and family up here to share in the experience. :)
I'm still processing everything that's been happening and trying to figure out what I'm going to do and where I'm going to go from here. Like I've been trying to say, I'm figuring things out as I go along.
Well, my eye lids are really heavy, I think I may go take a nap. I'll update you more later.
I went out today and bought a bed. It's nice and I'm so excited to be sleeping on it tonight. I stayed up late with the roomies last night and didn't get to bed until 2am. That mixed with everything that's been going on and I'm exhausted. Going to look at a bike tomorrow so I'll be able to get some biking in soon too.
The weather has been gorgeous and I'm so glad I cut my hair before going on my trip because now I can drive with the windows down in the car and not worry about long hair getting everywhere. I did a lot of driving around the city today and sat again at the park in the middle of town. I wish I could bring all my friends and family up here to share in the experience. :)
I'm still processing everything that's been happening and trying to figure out what I'm going to do and where I'm going to go from here. Like I've been trying to say, I'm figuring things out as I go along.
Well, my eye lids are really heavy, I think I may go take a nap. I'll update you more later.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Be Calm
Wow....
So I never realized I would receive the backlash that I have because of where I find myself. I was going to do a video to address everyone's questions and concerns, but I just need a little time to cool down I guess. I realize that no matter how many times I try and explain myself, people are just not going to understand so I'm going to stop trying.
Here's what you need to know:
I AM HAPPY! I am stable. I am safe. I have my own room. I DO NOT have to sleep in a Motel 6 tonight (Thank GOD!) And I'm just living life and taking it easy.
Yes, I miss my family. Yes, I miss my friends. But if I did everything everyone else wanted me to do....I would be miserable.
So...take this particular blog for what you will. Every decision that I make is for me. My happiness and my well-being. If you don't like it or want to question my actions, then look the other way.
So I never realized I would receive the backlash that I have because of where I find myself. I was going to do a video to address everyone's questions and concerns, but I just need a little time to cool down I guess. I realize that no matter how many times I try and explain myself, people are just not going to understand so I'm going to stop trying.
Here's what you need to know:
I AM HAPPY! I am stable. I am safe. I have my own room. I DO NOT have to sleep in a Motel 6 tonight (Thank GOD!) And I'm just living life and taking it easy.
Yes, I miss my family. Yes, I miss my friends. But if I did everything everyone else wanted me to do....I would be miserable.
So...take this particular blog for what you will. Every decision that I make is for me. My happiness and my well-being. If you don't like it or want to question my actions, then look the other way.
Untitled
Couldn't really think of a snazzy title for tonight's blog. I have lots more to expand on in addition to the brief little blog I posted from my phone earlier for those die-hard readers. ;)
I said that in the beginning of my blog that if I found a place I liked, I would stay. Well, I love it here. After lunch today I went and spent time in the park. I actually got a little sun too. My shoulders are a nice shade of pink. :) As I sat there taking in everything about my life and my journey so far, I realized that I didn't want to leave. And then I thought, well, what's making you? Yes, "Oregon" is here. And I'm sure that's what most of the response from my decision is going to be. But why should I leave a place that I like, just because of 1 person. It's a big city. I don't have to cross his path if I don't want to. He's made it perfectly clear he wants nothing from me, and while I would love to have him as a friend, I think for him it's still too soon.
Last night, for fun, I looked through craigslist for rooms to rent, furniture, jobs, etc. and I found a really promising 'room for rent' listing. Well, today I emailed him, heard back and went and checked out the house/room. The house was awesome, the room....well, it's a room, lol....with lots of closet space. And the roomie? Well, I really liked him. He was talkative, nice, informative. I think he and I will get along really well. I'm going to call him tomorrow and tell him I'll take it. From there, I'm bed hunting, lol.
So, what that means for you, my dear blog readers, is that while the journey isn't ending...it is pausing here in Eugene Oregon. I will still continue to take pictures, videos and blog so that you'll still have tabs on me and what kind of shenanigans I'm up to. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to learning about a new city and making great new friends. So please don't worry about me. I am doing great and I feel fantastic!
I said that in the beginning of my blog that if I found a place I liked, I would stay. Well, I love it here. After lunch today I went and spent time in the park. I actually got a little sun too. My shoulders are a nice shade of pink. :) As I sat there taking in everything about my life and my journey so far, I realized that I didn't want to leave. And then I thought, well, what's making you? Yes, "Oregon" is here. And I'm sure that's what most of the response from my decision is going to be. But why should I leave a place that I like, just because of 1 person. It's a big city. I don't have to cross his path if I don't want to. He's made it perfectly clear he wants nothing from me, and while I would love to have him as a friend, I think for him it's still too soon.
Last night, for fun, I looked through craigslist for rooms to rent, furniture, jobs, etc. and I found a really promising 'room for rent' listing. Well, today I emailed him, heard back and went and checked out the house/room. The house was awesome, the room....well, it's a room, lol....with lots of closet space. And the roomie? Well, I really liked him. He was talkative, nice, informative. I think he and I will get along really well. I'm going to call him tomorrow and tell him I'll take it. From there, I'm bed hunting, lol.
So, what that means for you, my dear blog readers, is that while the journey isn't ending...it is pausing here in Eugene Oregon. I will still continue to take pictures, videos and blog so that you'll still have tabs on me and what kind of shenanigans I'm up to. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to learning about a new city and making great new friends. So please don't worry about me. I am doing great and I feel fantastic!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Eugene Oregon
Boy oh boy...I didn't realize that my blog/Facebook following was getting so antsy for more! I've been a little pre-occupied with living life and wasn't ready to post it for all the world to see.
I arrived yesterday at Eugene Oregon, home of my inspiration the person Oregon and while I was hoping to right the wrongs of the past...I burnt a bridge that he does not want to rebuild. We had a great lunch and he let me say the things I needed to. I will be honest...I am sad. I miss him and will miss him but it's out of my hands now and I can't change it.
The weather here is gorgeous so I'm am making my way to the huge park in the middle of town and I'm going to lay out in the sun on the real grass. I'm thinking of staying here one more night at a motel 6 then heading out. My previous plan was to go to Seattle but that may change. It depends on how I feel.
I'll be sure to take my camera to the park and get lots of pictures. :)
Monday, August 1, 2011
I will be ok...
Hmmm, how do I write about my day without worrying anyone? I'd first like to say that I'm ok. I have just had a lot on my mind and a conversation that I could have done without last night. No, I'm not going to go into details, but it was harsh and not really want I wanted to hear. Even though I believe it can be made right, only time will tell. All I really am asking for is a chance to say my piece and then go from there. It's hard, lol, because I realize now that I can't make this so much a journal of my thoughts anymore. There are lots of readers wanting to know where I am and what I'm doing and my real thoughts and feelings pertain to people to who read this as well. I want to write a sentence, but then I remember that they may get the wrong idea. So I erase it. I think I need to move to my original formula and keep out the emotional stuff. I'm dealing with it, and I will be ok. That is my mantra on this trip. :)
Last night I found a hotel at Half Moon Bay on Route 1 in California b/c the hostel that I had wanted was sold out for that night. I LOVED driving route 1. I thought that it might get a little old after a while, but honestly, driving I-10 is what gets old. I woke up this morning to get on the road and headed into San Fransisco. I knew it was going to be too early to check into the hostel so I drove downtown and ended up at the Golden Gate Bridge. It was really overcast but I managed to snap a few pictures. After that trip, I made it to the hostel and already had the nagging feeling that I didn't want to stay there. There was absolutely no parking and as I was talking to the asst. about canceling, the owner of the hostel (she was on the phone and asked to talk to me) told me that I could have her space on the street. The only catch was that I had to move my car by 6am for the street sweepers. I got some keys but since the rooms weren't ready, I couldn't move anything in. So I headed back downtown to the Fisherman's Wharf. I found a place to park and walked the wharf and did the Aquarium on the Bay. Alcatrez was a bust. I asked about tickets and they were sold out until the 15th. I wasn't going to stay for that long. So after I drove around downtown, got on the scariest street known to people who drive stick shifts (seriously, I was sweating my a$$ off) and saw the bridge, I was really itching for the road. So...I left San Fran. I went back to the hostel, gave her back the keys, got in the car and left. Right now I am staying in the Sonoma Creek Inn and will be driving the Sonoma Wineries in the morning before I head on.
That is where I am and what I've learned is:
After 2 weeks, I am starting to get tired of sight-seeing. I think that's why I was so over San Fransisco. That is one destination that you go to for a week with someone and just stay and take taxi cabs everywhere. I enjoyed the small towns, like Carlsbad and Roswell. They're more fun to visit and wander around because the parking isn't outrageous and it's ok if you're by yourself. Wandering the caverns alone was awesome. Walking around the wharf alone surrounded by families just made me feel more alone. I'm looking forward to recharging here in the wine country and also heading on to the redwoods. I've also learned that I'm not pre-purchasing hostels or hotel rooms anymore, just so that another 'san fran' doesn't happen again. I feel better just winging it and seeing what happens. That's what I wanted to do anyway and I'm limiting myself to pre-planning my route. Seattle will probably be the next largest city I head to before I end up going east.
Well, I'm exhausted so I'm gonna head to bed. Send a hug my way and I'll be sure to let you know how the wineries are. :)
Last night I found a hotel at Half Moon Bay on Route 1 in California b/c the hostel that I had wanted was sold out for that night. I LOVED driving route 1. I thought that it might get a little old after a while, but honestly, driving I-10 is what gets old. I woke up this morning to get on the road and headed into San Fransisco. I knew it was going to be too early to check into the hostel so I drove downtown and ended up at the Golden Gate Bridge. It was really overcast but I managed to snap a few pictures. After that trip, I made it to the hostel and already had the nagging feeling that I didn't want to stay there. There was absolutely no parking and as I was talking to the asst. about canceling, the owner of the hostel (she was on the phone and asked to talk to me) told me that I could have her space on the street. The only catch was that I had to move my car by 6am for the street sweepers. I got some keys but since the rooms weren't ready, I couldn't move anything in. So I headed back downtown to the Fisherman's Wharf. I found a place to park and walked the wharf and did the Aquarium on the Bay. Alcatrez was a bust. I asked about tickets and they were sold out until the 15th. I wasn't going to stay for that long. So after I drove around downtown, got on the scariest street known to people who drive stick shifts (seriously, I was sweating my a$$ off) and saw the bridge, I was really itching for the road. So...I left San Fran. I went back to the hostel, gave her back the keys, got in the car and left. Right now I am staying in the Sonoma Creek Inn and will be driving the Sonoma Wineries in the morning before I head on.
That is where I am and what I've learned is:
After 2 weeks, I am starting to get tired of sight-seeing. I think that's why I was so over San Fransisco. That is one destination that you go to for a week with someone and just stay and take taxi cabs everywhere. I enjoyed the small towns, like Carlsbad and Roswell. They're more fun to visit and wander around because the parking isn't outrageous and it's ok if you're by yourself. Wandering the caverns alone was awesome. Walking around the wharf alone surrounded by families just made me feel more alone. I'm looking forward to recharging here in the wine country and also heading on to the redwoods. I've also learned that I'm not pre-purchasing hostels or hotel rooms anymore, just so that another 'san fran' doesn't happen again. I feel better just winging it and seeing what happens. That's what I wanted to do anyway and I'm limiting myself to pre-planning my route. Seattle will probably be the next largest city I head to before I end up going east.
Well, I'm exhausted so I'm gonna head to bed. Send a hug my way and I'll be sure to let you know how the wineries are. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)