December 2nd, 2008
I didn’t expect to be making this trip again anytime soon, but here I am. I am taking a very similar route to the one that I took out here, except I learned from the last time that you don’t just look at the map and go straight across. Following along an Interstate is a lot easier and less complicated with higher speed limits. I had originally intended to take I-15 up north, to I-70, to I-76 and then to I-80 for the majority of the trip. On Sunday when Heather and I went to the Hollywood Christmas Parade and met up with her friends DeDe and Dave who had just come back from Thanksgiving in Colorado and said they had gotten stuck in a snow storm in Colorado. I thought heading north towards Colorado and the storm may not be the best route.
I left Heather’s apartment in Echo Park this morning around 7:15am, I got up at 6:15am and got ready and did some finishing touches on packing up the car. I drove for about an hour or so before I decided to take my first excursion off of I-15 and see what middle-America had to offer. I got off at this exit that had gas and a place to get a quick meal, but what really enticed me was the sign for a naturey type park at this particular exit. I start following signs for the park, specifically Pilot Rock Conservation Camp. When I finally made it to the entrance, the sign read, ‘California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and California Department of Corrections, Pilot Rock Conservation Camp,’ my first big sight-seeing adventure turned out to be a maximum security prison. I decided that was all I needed to see of this particular penitentiary, after swiftly making a U-Turn; I headed back on my next big adventure.
After my last big adventure I decided to pick my sights more carefully, I played it safe with the Rainbow Basin Natural Area. Popular tourist attraction? Not so much … after driving on a deserted road for about twenty-minutes, Magellan told me to hang a left on a barely marked, completely O-naturale road. Apparently driving 10 MPH on a rocky road, in a non-off roading vehicle takes longer than one might think. After my 30 minute, 2 mile trip, realizing I was the only person around in an area that dauntingly resembled a scene from The Hills Have Eyes I and/or II, I hastily got my picture I came for and ran back to my car.
At this point I was quite interested in seeing civilization so I took myself to a random Outlet mall of the Highway and did a little shopping at the Gap. At this point I called my mother, because she’s a nagger/worrier just to put her mind at ease that my car did not just vanish or explode before departing.
My next stop was a little bit more promising, I got off of an exit off of I-40 heading towards the Calico Ghost Town and stumbled upon a ‘50’s themed diner, I wasn’t super hungry but I felt this was a sign to turn the day around. I had a great little lunch and even bought some peppermint sticks to brighten my day up a little.
I headed on my way up to Calico Ghost Town. After my last two stops, I was hoping there was going to be any form of human life other than my own inhibiting this sight. I came to the gate behind another car; I never realize how bad my ADD is until situations like this arise. I went through the entrance completely disregarding what the Park Ranger said about parking and obliviously followed the car in front of me to some random RV parking in the middle of nowhere. When I realized he notice I was a big tool and followed him I stayed in the RV parking lot for awhile whilst he left to go to the correct parking lot, just to prove I was not really that dense. Once I finally got to the appropriate parking vicinity, I was thankful that there were more tourist than just me and the random stranger I obliviously followed. The Calico Ghost town was a cute little town in the middle of nowhere, California, which use to be a Gold Miners town, while people were still mining that area. Luckily I found out there were no real ghosts; it is just a tiny deserted western town. I spent about an hour there before heading back on my way.
I forgot how tiring it is actually waking up at an early hour, by the time 3pm rolled around I was exhausted but did not want to make this my resting stop for the night so I pulled off into a rest area and tried to nap to rejuvenate myself for the rest of the drive.
I wound up driving for another four hours or so and stopping for the night in Flagstaff, Arizona. This was the last stop of my trip last time, before I hit Los Angeles. The day in total from departure to checking into a hotel which should have taken about six to seven hours straight took me about thirteen hours with the several detours in between.
December 3rd, 2008
Today was a more low-key day. I left about the same time this morning, around 7:30am after I had some breakfast at the hotel, which was interesting. I clearly should not be around people in the morning. Apparently you were suppose to pour milk into the little cereal packages and not take a bowl that was conveniently located right next to the cereal. I was made aware of this when I was being a badass and got yelled at by the waitress/food supervisor. This is one of the many reasons I hate eating around people, especially strangers, because I feel like I am being judged and critiqued. I did not let on that I felt her eyes watching and judging me as I ate my Raisin Bran, Jelly Bagel, and my thimble cup of coffee with way to much milk.
I really have acclimated to the California lifestyle; it was odd for me to adjust having to warm up my car. And who knew it got this cold in Arizona by the way? Finally I was off to day two of my trip and I was super psyched. About thirty minutes into my trip I decided to stop at a Meteor Crater off of I-40. Driving to the crater I was shocked, there were animals like cows and stuff right off of the road with no fence blocking them. I wonder how they knew not to cross; did they have one of those electric collars on that shocked them if they tried to pass?
When I finally got to the Meteor I was the only one there, and I was excited because they say the early bird catches the worm. A car drove up shortly after I did and a man and his son stood behind me as I paid. Let me reiterate that I am not a morning person, so when the man asked me if I was alone it took me a moment to process. I was not sure if he meant it in a ‘I’m going to kill you in a back alley sort of way.’ When I said yes and he said he thought that was so awesome I realized serial killers rarely use that lingo at meteor craters. When we got back to the crater I wound up taking a picture of him and his son for him and we got to talking. They were from rural Georgia and were taking a trip out here for a gun show as well as because his son has never been out west. I tried to contain myself from laughing at the first part, because that is such a southern activity to partake in. He was telling me about some of his travels and his kids, and asked me a few questions as well. Wondered what I was doing way out here. I told him I was driving back to New Jersey, and they thought that was a long drive … I agreed. He told me about a time he stayed up in San Francisco with his gay friend, and became introduced to the Castro section of the city and was shocked. I imagined his town in Georgia, had roughly a thousand people … tops. It was nice to have this entertaining little chat to kick-start my day. At this point after becoming friends with this man and his son, and all the people who worked at the meteor crater I realized I’m an approachable kind of gal.
Back on the road again, I passed this Indian Reservation, Geronimo’s which had petrified work outside and all sorts of Indian artifacts in the store. It took me awhile to decide to stop at this hot spot, by the time I realized I was interested I had to go to the next stop make a U-Turn and look like a big tool. There was wood and stuff there, a whole bunch of Indian ‘artifacts,’ could have been made in China, I’m not really sure … all that matters is that I got a picture of a teepee!
Today I made a few less stops then I did yesterday. Although some of the signs off the highway were very deceiving. I kept getting off because of these signs soliciting attractions like they were right off the highway then it turns out they were about 3 million miles off the road … or 30, but still.
After driving for some time I got off at Sky City, where there happened to be a casino. Many people have the common misconception that if you are Irish you are one of 3 things; a potato eater, a drunk, and lucky. I am only 2 out of the 3, and unfortunately for me luck is not one of them. I decided to try my hand at gambling anyway. I went back and forth between different slot machines; sometimes playing poker other times just the slots. There are strange breeds of people at Casinos in the middle of no were, on a Wednesday afternoon. This man stood behind me for a minute while I was playing a slot, and then finally mustered up a, ‘I thought you won something?!’ Like I apparently missed out on what was going on, or he wanted to fight the machine for me. So I half giggled at the comment to appease him/mock him silently.
I decided to save my last five dollars and get a frappachino, instead of just throwing away my money I could also gain calories and cellulite as well. The fake coffee drink did nothing for me and the tiredness seemed hit me pretty quickly today, I felt like a homeless person or a truck driver sleeping in my car at a rest stop.
I had originally intended to stop in Albuquerque to stretch sight-see a bit, but got distracted by talking to my Aunt and completely missed the city and only realized it about thirty minutes later. So I proceeded to where ever I felt like stopping. I took my customary picture at sunset from where ever I am and headed on my way to Santa Rosa, New Mexico.
December 4th, 2008
What to say about today … the days have been so long that by the end of them I sometime have already forgotten about the beginning. Thank goodness for digital cameras! I got up around the same time this morning and got ready before heading down to the little buffet the hotel served. I have to say La Quinta Hotel was definitely a good time, spacious and nice for the amount I paid for it.
I had to warm up my car for about fifteen minutes seeming it had frost on all the major windows. I definitely do miss that, and the squeaky noise my car makes when it’s cold out and I turn the wheel.
I now headed to Oklahoma through the very northern section of Texas, the only ‘major’ city I hit is Amarillo, and I use the word ‘major’ loosely. I pretty much coasted through the rest of New Mexico, you see one New Mexican attraction you’ve seen ‘em all, I think. I found it humorous when I first entered Texas via I-40, they had a sign that said, ‘Drive friendly, the Texas way,’ then a few yards down a sign saying, ‘don’t mess with Texas!’ I personally think these two signs contradict each other … but maybe that’s just me. Other than that the drive was pretty uneventful until I got to Amarillo. Although I did see a few cows on the side of the road, at a high speed it looked as though one cow was doing something inappropriate to the other. But like I said, I was going at a high speed, so it may have just been milking for all I know.
When I got to Amarillo my first stop was to the Botanical Garden. Apparently it’s odd to tour a garden in the middle of winter in Texas, that’s just how we do in Jersey. When I went to pay for the admission the woman seemed a little shocked, she asked me if I realized it was cold out. I told her I was aware, but shocked that Texas could get so cold … she thought I was slow. The Botanical Garden had a little gift shot all decorated for Christmas; I wound up finding a really great gift for my mom in there. I was so excited I had to tell someone, so I called my aunt to tell her.
After that stop I had a few others I planned on seeing in the area, for-instance the Whisky River which was listed on my Magellan as a tourist attraction, however; brought me to the middle of the highway. Also, this Dinosaur Museum I had looked up that was along my path … when I drove up it looked lame from the outside, so I left.
As odd as it sounds there were a few town signs I wanted to get pictures of. Groom Town, was top on my list … I haven’t been having any luck so I figured perusing that town couldn’t hurt. Shamrock Town was also a drawing point to me and my Irish roots, but unfortunately it turned out to be a lame little town that didn’t even have premium gasoline … I mean really what kind of gas station runs out of gas?
Along the way from Groom Town I came across a huge Cross and a Church in a middle of a field. The sign off the highway said it was the biggest Cross in the Western world. I thought it was big, but I imagined bigger from the hype of the sign, it said I’d be saved, but I am pretty sure I am still a sinner. I finally did find gas in Shamrock Town, when I went in the convenient store the man behind the counter was surprisingly excited to see me … seeming I was a stranger, I found this odd.
I finally pulled into Shawnee, Oklahoma and called around to a few of the hotels in the vicinity to check prices. Being the savvy business person I am I figured if I just kept driving a bit longer I could find a better deal … well, my little bit longer turned into almost 3 hours and a hotel that looked decent enough from the outside but had a bathroom toilet covered in piss … well before I even urinated. I sometimes wondered why I have O.C.D.; it most likely is from moments and situations such as this one.
December 5th, 2008
Today was probably the longest day of my life … it started at 4am because the heat wasn’t working properly so I was going between waking up being freezing or waking up to the loudest radiator I have ever heard. After that combined with someone else’s urine on the toilet seat, a bug in the bathroom and no heat, I decided to just get ready and leave then. I wanted to leave at 4:30am but no one was behind the counter, I waited and waited and even rang a little bell. To kill a few minutes I got breakfast at McDonald’s before coming back and ringing the little bell really loud. I’m pretty sure the guy was sleeping back there, that or getting high, because his eyes were all puffy and bloodshot and he kept rubbing them … now that I say it out loud I’m leaning towards him being high.
About an hour or so later I was exhausted, mostly likely from my sleep deprivation and it being 6am. I pulled over to a rest stop to take a quick nap, along with 10 other truckers. Apparently napping in rest stop isn’t the thing to do … I’m sure it’ll catch on.
Now at 7am, the sun had risen and I had a little more than twenty minutes of sleep, it was great! I was on my way now; I made one attempt to pull off the side of the road to see a lake that was showing up on my Magellan right off the highway. For some reason I had the notion that Arkansas lakes were much better than New Jersey lakes. Those of you who are curious, they are not any better and/or any different than the lakes in New Jersey. This stopped turned out to be purely to stretch my legs, I took a few pictures to put my mind at ease, but it was lame.
I was now on my way to Little Rock, Arkansas. I made it there by 9am, mostly likely because I left well before dawn. I really enjoyed Little Rock; the first place I went to was the Central High School Museum. There was a 1960’s restored gas station across the street, and in the visitor’s center museum was all about the nine African American students attending Central Little Rock High School and other Civil Rights Movements of the time. I spoke with the girl who worked there, she was very informative. She was telling me about the museum and some of the Civil Rights Movement. I probably sounded like a Northern tool, but I asked her if there were any other Civil Rights sights to see in the city. She recommended the Capitol Building, President Clinton Library and the River Market District and I was actually able to hit up all of those sights.
I have to say I enjoyed Little Rock much more than I expected. The Civil Rights Museum across from Central Little Rock High School was the sight I was most eager to see because I have always been interested in Civil Rights; it is a lot different than reading about it in a book or learning about it in high school, versus actually being in the city and school that it happened in. It wasn’t a huge museum but it had quite a few pamphlets, a souvenir portion, pictures, quotes, information to read, and even audio from the 9 African American students who were integrated into the school in the late ‘50’s.
After I left the museum I took a drive over to the new Capitol Building and parked for a few minutes to take picture. They were setting up the outside of the building with holiday themed decorations. I went to drive past the Old Capitol Building to take a few pictures but it turned out to be lame so I drove by.
I went over to the River Market District, I found free street parking pretty immediately which is way better than any Los Angeles or New York parking experience I have ever had. While passing I saw a little diner down the road and figured I’d stop in for a quick bite. It turned out to be a ‘50’s themed restaurant called The Hop Diner, which I loved. The people working there were so friendly; actually everyone in there seemed friendly. When I sat down this couple sitting across from me asked me if I knew of any bars in the area … I guess I look like a friendly party-animal. I told them I wasn’t from the area and really didn’t know my way around.
The Clinton Museum was down the road, so after lunch I went for a little walk. When I went to buy my ticket the man behind the counter asked what he could do for me and I asked for one adult ticket and he asked if I wanted to purchase a student ticket and I said oh no just an adult … I’m not sure why I argued with him when he was trying to give me the bargain price, but apparently that’s how I roll. I’m not particularly political but it was enjoyable to see and not too overwhelming. I went in and saw a twenty-minute video, from the recommendation from my new little buddy the security guard, the movie was narrated by Bill Clinton on his life and term in office. Everyone in museum was exceptionally nice and really curious about my life. The one guard who was no bigger than me and about fifty years my senior just loved me from first sight, he came right over and started chatting with me. He asked where I was from and told me his son lived in Hoboken, New Jersey. The next room I walked in a rent-a-cop was sitting there and just blurted out ‘hi, where ya from?’ I told him I was from North Jersey and he said he had been to New Jersey and New York once, and that he had great Italian food in Little Italy, and I told him I may be biased but I think the New Jersey/New York area has the best food ever, and shockingly he concurred. When I was about to leave the museum to walk back to my car a guy from the museum said they have shuttles that go back and forth into town if I would like a ride. Seeming it was about 2 degrees I took him up on his offer.
After my great afternoon in Little Rock I was on my way to Memphis to stay with my aunt and uncle for a few days. It took me about two hours and fifteen minutes to get into town, arriving at about 3pm. Alan was home earlier in the afternoon but Bonnie was still at work. Alan and I had some tea and talked for a bit, before I headed to the shower to cleanse myself from the last motel stay.
By the time I got out of the shower Bonnie was home and we talked for a bit and then headed downstairs to make dinner. Their friends Jane and Gene game over. Adults are funny. At one point Gene was telling a story about how is finger went cold and numb and his wife said she would have warmed it up for him. Alan started laughing and said, ‘hey my niece is here.’
After Jane and Gene left we went upstairs and watched Numbers before Bonnie passed out and I was close to it. I am grateful to be in a clean environment.
December 6th, 2008
Today was a fun and relaxing day! First off, I got almost eleven hours of sleep this evening which was a refreshing change for once, especially being in a clean environment. Not only did I get that much sleep but no one or nothing woke me up from that sleep, I just naturally got up on my own accord. I’m thinking about asking my parents about putting an addition on to the house for me.
I got ready for the day and had a good breakfast before heading over to Graceland in Memphis. Bonnie and Alan were going to be at a Bar Mitzvah so I was free to wander aimlessly. I got to Graceland around noon and took the tour of the Mansion and grounds only. There was a VIP package that apparently was an arm and a leg and possibly you’re first born child on lay away. Besides the VIP package just included the tour of Elvis’ jets which you see one jet you’ve seen them all.
I got the headset to listen to and a little tour bus drove you across the street from the welcome center to the mansion. Surprisingly you were allowed to take pictures in the house just as long as your flash was off. The house itself was stuck hardcore in the ‘70’s because apparently that’s how Elvis lived. I personally was more impressed with the grounds than the house itself; if he lived another 30-40 years longer and decorated appropriately I think it could have been a really great mansion.
I took an abundant amount of pictures partially because I wanted to remember everything and also because my Uncle from New York is a hardcore Elvis fan and I knew he would be pleased. I also called them from Graceland; I figured he’d get a little kick out of that. When I was on the phone with them I decided to walk to the edge of the property to take a picture of the Christmas decoration but apparently that was an Elvis facility no-no and a ‘security guard’ started yelling for me to come back. I was at Graceland for about two hours before heading back to Bonnie and Alan’s house. I stopped in at a drive-through Starbucks which I think is probably the best thing ever created … does that make me lazy, jury’s still out.
When I got back, Bonnie and Alan just got home from the Bar Mitzvah so Alan and I watched Spiderman 3 which was actually better than I expected. After the movie they got ready to go back to the Bar Mitzvah reception and Alan made me one of his ‘special pizzas’. While they were gone I had dinner and then got bored and decided to go out. I went to this little strip mall in their town which was actually really nice, I walked around the stores until closing. I wound up buying more hand cream than I will ever need in two lifetimes. I guess I’m just to afraid to be mean and say no to Southerner’s, because of the war and all.
After I was done shopping I went for a little drive around Memphis before driving back to Germantown. Bonnie and Alan got home a little bit after I got back, they went to bed and I went up to ‘my wing’ and watched television before hitting the hay.
December 7th, 2008
Another low-key day, which I needed … I woke up around 9:15am and went on the computer before heading down to make myself a nice little breakfast. After breakfast and cleaning up after myself I came back upstairs to get ready. In between shower and hair-straightening I played a little game of pool, I was so horrible I had to surrender a game against myself. After I got ready I sat down in the sun room and read a magazine until Bonnie and Alan came home.
A little while later Alan called and said he would be home in a bit and then we went over to a Panera Bread type restaurant to get some lunch. I never say no to soup in a bread bowl. We had a great conversation about movies and music; I know he’s my relative, if for no other reason than our love for movies and music.
After lunch we came back and watched a Johnny Depp movie, From Hell until Bonnie came home. Afterwards, we went out to see the Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman movie Australia, which was good, a little long, and Titanic-esque, but good. After the movie we went out to dinner and I had a yummy chicken wrap.
Now I am writing in this thrilling journal and watching an enthralling Heather Lockear movie before hitting the hay.
December 8th, 2008
And I was back on the road today; I woke up a little later than usual. I was ready to go by 8am and said goodbye to Bonnie and Alan. When I was bringing my stuff to the car, I wanted to make sure the house alarm was off so I wouldn’t get arrested by the Po-Po. When I went towards their bedroom their door was open but I didn’t see anyone from the living room so I knocked, but out of fear of seeing anything I’d regret, I hastily started walking in the other direction. My aunt spotted me right before I was almost out of view, which scared me half to death, so I asked her if the alarm was off to take my stuff out.
My Magellan decided to take me for a little tour of Germantown, Tennessee. I’m pretty sure it should have only taken me a few minutes to get out of town but instead it took me almost thirty minutes to get to a highway, which the first portion of my drive, I’m pretty sure just took me into one big circle. My Magellan kept saying, ‘left’ … ‘right’ … ‘left’ … right,’ so I decided to yell as loud as possible, ‘pick a direction!’
I stopped to get something to eat a little after I started my drive. I got an egg sandwich from McDonald’s which I wound up not eating because they put about a half of a jar of butter all over it. I’m not a doctor or anything but I’m pretty sure my arteries don’t need to be greased that much.
I love driving on the highway in the South, because you pass signs that said, “if you died today, where would you spend eternity?’ … You just never know, ya know?
When I finally got to Nashville I decided to stop at Belle Meade Plantation, just on the outskirts of Nashville, Tennessee. I thought you needed to buy a ticket to just walk on the grounds, so I went into the visitor center to buy a ticket. It turns out the ticket was for the mansion tour, which is all well and fine if I wasn’t the ONLY ONE on the tour. So the tour guide who was dressed in 1800 attire and I walked around the mansion. He said he didn’t feel the need to tell me the rules, and I told him I’m not really that wild and crazy that he needs to worry.
If it wasn’t a bit awkward at first, being the only person on a guided tour, I thought the mansion was quite interesting. I felt the need to talk and ask questions … seeming nobody else was going to. I thought I asked a few zingers … that may be my opinion.
I was at the plantation for about an hour before heading back to my car. I noticed I had a missed call from my mom so I called her back before I headed out. She was telling me about how Dad got pretty schnazzy with the Christmas decorations.
I drove pretty much straight to Knoxville from Nashville which was about 3 ½ hours away. I stopped once to get gas and to stop at Cracker Barrel, because I was hungry and had never eaten there before, my one Aunt is a big fan … I figured why not. When I went to the hostess stand she asked how many and I told her one, while she was grabbing a menu she asked again, ‘just one?’ and I told her just one … and then she took me to a four-seater table … so the repetitive questions on me being alone was purely for her amusement apparently. When I first sat down, not only am I in the South but a banjo song comes on the radio, to put me even more into hell. I asked the waitress where exactly I might be, I knew I was somewhere between Nashville and Knoxville but other than that I was a bit stumped. I finally finished this huge meal and I headed over to the register to pay and the guy behind the counter took my bill and said something … me being in the oblivion I usually am had no idea what he said so I asked him again and the second time I’m pretty sure I didn’t understand because of his thick southern accent not because of me being in a daze. Third time’s a charm and apparently he was just asking me how my meal was, I told him it was great, signed the bill and sprinted out of Cracker Barrel.
I had about two hours until I reached Knoxville; I filled up my tank and headed on my way. I have been getting my fill of the Across the Universe soundtrack, for a little variety I switched it up to the mix CD I made, and have become fixed on No Doubt’s Sunday Morning and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, sometimes when I think I’m normal, I get into my Rain Man bouts and fixate myself on one song or movie.
I was going to stop at this park overlooking Knoxville that my Magellan told me about but there was unexpected road work that re-routed me, instead of confusing myself even more in the South I just went on my way for about another hour when I hit Morristown, Tennessee.
This Comfort Suites is a good time, warm with clean toilet seats … can’t go wrong in that scenario.
December 9th, 2008
I woke up a little later this morning, 7am, which to me is still an un-Godly hour. I couldn’t control myself with the Comfort Inn’s superior accommodations to sleep in a half an hour, although; shockingly I got off at roughly the same time … I guess I can be light on my feet when I need to be.
My initial plan was to drive to about the northern part of Maryland and stay for the night. Seeming I have been to all these states (Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania) several times I really had no desire to see anything in particular. I stopped once in Virginia to fill up my gas tank and stopped in the Cracker Barrel store. When I got to the gas station, I became super excited when I saw two girls in the car next to me filling up, with New York plates. I controlled myself from making me look like a complete loony, so I just got in my car and went on my way.
I was at the tip of Tennessee, I breezed through pretty quickly; I was in Virginia for a substantial amount of time. Shockingly I was in and out of West Virginia and Maryland in a combined total of about thirty minutes … maybe the truth, maybe a slight exaggeration … I had more important things to do than time myself in each state, like for-instance not killing someone while I was behind the wheel playing stupid mind games. What really did surprise me though is that coming from Tennessee, I hit Virginia before I hit West Virginia … I’m not a geography buff or anything but you’d think coming from West to East I’d hit a western state like WEST Virginia before I’d hit regular Virginia … but I digress.
A few signs that I noticed along the drive today were, 1) Speed limit enforced by aircraft … so if I speed will you shoot me down? This is just another sign of one of the many ways our government thinks we’re dumb and is trying to trick us. I want to be driving in the car with someone, at least once in my life, asking them why they were driving ten miles under the speed limit and have them respond, ‘the aircrafts are watching us!’ The second sign I saw along the said, ‘donate your boat,’ I understand that cars these days are a pretty common thing to have; most family has at least one if not two. However, the number of people I know with a boat are limited, and if some day I was fortunate of getting to the point of being able to afford a wardrobe at the gap, let alone a boat I don’t think I’d be throwing that away to quickly.
After that I stopped once more I believe somewhere in Maryland … or Pennsylvania (does it really make a difference at this point?) because I saw a sign for Dunkin Donuts, seeming I haven’t really eaten much today and this is the first time I have had the opportunity to have Dunkin Donuts in almost a year, I figured eh why not. I got off the highway and punched in Dunkin Donuts on my Magellan and I followed their directions but I was not seeing Dunkin Donuts or a sign for it at least, anyway. After making several circles, and calling Magellan stupid, and several other curse words, I turned around to get back on the highway and it turned out that it was a Dunkin Donuts in the building of a gas station, like no one could have explained that to me prior to my sixteen laps around the same one block. I got a cup of java and I was good to go.
I got to my original destination in Maryland and was super hyped up on coffee, so figured I could go a little farther. Maybe to Lancaster … I’ve never seen the Amish, nor have they ever seen me. By the time I got to the Lancaster area I realized that I still was not too tired of driving yet, it was only around 3:30pm and that I have been to Pennsylvania several times before. I figured the state borders mine, there is no need for me to spent more money on another hotel room. So I breezed right past Pennsylvania.
I made it back to my home in New Jersey around 6:30pm. I had to stop once for gas when I finally got into New Jersey, I was confused for a second when I didn’t have to pump my own gas. I wasn’t sure if I was allowed out of my car while they were pumping, but after a week of driving, I figured it was a risk I was willing to take.
When I got home my Mom was out for a little bit and my Dad was still at work, I figured I’d take the initiative of emptying my entire car, partially to have all that crap out of my car and partially to show them how much I’ve change and how motivated I was. I took the contents of my life out of my car … and left it in there basement, ah how I’ve grown. When Dad finally got home we went to grab some food and then watched Without a Trace. I think they’re super excited to have me back in the nest!
