I am, for the most part, an easy going girl. I kind of roll with the punches and figure when things don't go the way I'd like that there has to be some sort of reason; one that will become clearer to me later on. So, when I found out I'd have to go to this wedding in West Virginia by myself I planned an excursion and figured the real reason for this change would become apparent later. It did so today - it's because God loves me.
I don't really know how to describe the wedding I attended today but I will try. I do, however, know for certain that there is no way that my description will do justice to the events as they actually occurred. Nor will I be able to convey just how many times I whispered to myself, "thank you Jesus for making me come to this wedding by myself." Because, like I said, I'm a roll with the punches kind of girl so all of the things that happened I took in stride. Not everyone else was able to do so and I'm afraid Clark Kent would have had problems with today as well. And nothing that happened today upset me but I would have been stressed out if I had to worry about his reaction.
I guess I should start at the beginning and say this was the wedding of my former step-mother. She was married to my father for more than 20 years until my father had an affair and their marriage broke up. I was always close to her and have remained so even after their divorce seven years ago. Today she was marrying a former world champion frisbee player. He's an easy-going, personable, friendly, fun-loving younger man who'd do just about anything to make her happy. In other words the polar opposite of my father. The wedding was set at a small lakeside community in a tiny town in the mountains of West Virginia. My former step-mother is originally from NY and her new hubby is originally from Canada - with family in NY and NJ. She has lived in WV since the late 1970's in a hippie kind of community and I have often called her an "earth biscuit."
Let's just say it's the wedding between the Earth Biscuit Bride (EBB) and the Frisbee Champion Groom (FCG). So, EBB's family is small and mostly from NY and New England and they all came for the wedding. FCG's family is fairly large and from NY, NJ, and Canada and they too came for the wedding. The other guests were from various circles in their lives; the frisbee people, the jugglers, the school people, and the hippies. To say that the dress code varied would be an understatement. There were people dressed comparable to me - I wore a tasteful v-neck Evan Picone purple dress, black stockings, and black Cole Haan heels and appropriate jewelry. Then there were people dressed like they were going to the flea market. One man had on a black wife beater and faded plaid golf pants. And there were several degrees of dress in between the extremes.
Prior to the ceremony there was entertainment on the lawn near the clubhouse. There were dancing bears, jugglers, frisbee tosses, a woman with masks and fans doing a butterfly dance, a couple other dressed up characters, and a couple of musicians. Oh, I almost forgot - there was also a mime! At the start of the ceremony certain guests walked through the arches of paper streams - this you'd had to have seen- and down the aisle to their seats. (I found out after the ceremony that I'd messed up and I was supposed to do this but my brother forgot to tell me.) Anyway, the grandmothers were escorted by ushers as is somewhat traditional. Except for one grandma her usher was the mime. I am not kidding. The mime walked Grandma down the aisle with huge exaggerated steps and made all kinds of jokes along the way. At one point he took a red hankerchief out of his pocket, jumped ahead of slow walking Grandma in the aisle, and pretended he was a matador and she was a bull. That's just one of the things the mime did to Grandma before letting her sit down. FCG's family - some of whom were seated near me didn't think the mime was so funny. Meanwhile, others in the crowd cackled and encouraged him to do more and more things to poor Grandma. I can't say I didn't laugh. Hey, how often do you see a mime at a wedding?
Then came the EBB down the aisle - with her bridesmaids, flower girl, and the woman with the fans in front of her. When EBB and FCG were side by side there was another woman that sang a song. A song that apparently we were all supposed to sing along with the chorus. However, no one ever gave us a program so we did not know this. The minister seemed to be unaware of this - even though she didn't know the words to the chorus - and actually got irritated and chastised everyone for not singing along. The middle portion of the ceremony focused on love and how well-suited EBB and FCG seem for one another. (They are well-suited for one another.) Then the minister asked for the rings. The best man didn't have them. The musicians started to play ominous music - like from an old western. Then the mime stood up in the back and raced towards the front. He acted out a whole scenario, going up to various people and checking to see if they'd stolen the rings, and ended with him finding one of the dancing bears in the clubhouse. Turns out the dancing bear had the rings on a pillow. Cause he was the "ring bear" - get it? Then the ring bear danced up the aisle to the best man.
After the ceremony was over I had to help my sister with her processing of the wedding. She likes FCG fine and is happy with him as her step-father but she thought the wedding was a farce. I mostly listened and offered some big sister advice. I, of course, had been thanking Jesus most of the time that Clark Kent wasn't there. So, I couldn't really fault her for being upset. I just told her maybe she should try and alter her expectations of her mother, otherwise she'd end up disappointed a lot.
The rest of the evening went much like weddings do - I had dinner with a couple of FCG's uncles. Nice gentlemen from NY. We talked NY and baseball. Once they found out I loved baseball too I was in with their family. Then various people tried to set me up with a young groomsman. Ah, one of the "joys" of going to a wedding alone. And, my personal favorite, my brother got drunk. Not only did he get drunk but he then tried to dance when they started calling some contra dances. (I did mention that the wedding was in West Virginia, right?!) So, there were several Canadians and New Yorkers trying to contra dance and that was funny enough but the funniest was my brother.
After a couple of giggles at his expense I went to say goodbye to the happy couple. They were still beaming, positively glowing, at each other. Maybe everyone should start off their married lives with a mime.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
Indianapolis
Not too much excitement happened in Indianapolis. About the only piece of advice I have is don't stay on the east side of town. The I-70 exits between downtown and I-465 are closed. I had heard something about this way back in March and of course forgot about it until I went to go exploring. Needless to say Mapquest and Google didn't take the closures into consideration when giving me directions. Luckily, I know how to read a map and happened to pick one up.
As one might expect I was stuck in traffic. It was a beautiful fall day and I had the windows down and wasn't really paying attention to those around me. However, one man in particular was paying attention to me. He made his way through traffic to me and introduced himself. Yes, I met yet another guy at a traffic light! He was very good looking, polite with a mid-western accent, and very smooth. Although I bid him farewell, he made my day. I venture to think every woman likes to be complimented so skillfully while they are stuck in traffic. I know I do.
I had a nice time exploring but overall I am indifferent to Indianapolis. I'd go back if the occasion arose and I'd never return all with the same amount of enthusiasm. I guess it just didn't inspire any kind of emotion in me. I found it to be a lot like it is on television - the NCAA tourney clips of the city really do it justice.
After seeing all I wanted to see there I started to head towards West Virginia. Which meant I got to see more of Indiana. Lo and behold there was a sign on I-70 East for the "Wilbur Wright Birthplace & Museum." Of course, I stopped. I'll just say that I love aviation and am a huge Wright Bros. fan. I'll also put out there that I have made the trip to Kitty Hawk. I went soon after I moved to North Carolina. I did not expect much from this excursion but wanted to see what they had. First I had to drive off the interstate, following signs for miles, into a "Children of the Corn" setting. I was very happy to finally find Wilbur Wright's Birthplace. There was a lot to see and there was a lot of information about the time period the Wright's lived there but they only lived there for 2 years! They had another building that had a lot on the Wright Brothers flight experiments - Kitty Hawk's is better but it wasn't bad. Overall, it was worth the $4 and the drive to check it out but I kept wondering why they'd bothered. I mean Wilbur Wright only lived there 2 years. Why go to all the effort? Especially when the historic events of his life happened in NC. Maybe it's me.
As one might expect I was stuck in traffic. It was a beautiful fall day and I had the windows down and wasn't really paying attention to those around me. However, one man in particular was paying attention to me. He made his way through traffic to me and introduced himself. Yes, I met yet another guy at a traffic light! He was very good looking, polite with a mid-western accent, and very smooth. Although I bid him farewell, he made my day. I venture to think every woman likes to be complimented so skillfully while they are stuck in traffic. I know I do.
I had a nice time exploring but overall I am indifferent to Indianapolis. I'd go back if the occasion arose and I'd never return all with the same amount of enthusiasm. I guess it just didn't inspire any kind of emotion in me. I found it to be a lot like it is on television - the NCAA tourney clips of the city really do it justice.
After seeing all I wanted to see there I started to head towards West Virginia. Which meant I got to see more of Indiana. Lo and behold there was a sign on I-70 East for the "Wilbur Wright Birthplace & Museum." Of course, I stopped. I'll just say that I love aviation and am a huge Wright Bros. fan. I'll also put out there that I have made the trip to Kitty Hawk. I went soon after I moved to North Carolina. I did not expect much from this excursion but wanted to see what they had. First I had to drive off the interstate, following signs for miles, into a "Children of the Corn" setting. I was very happy to finally find Wilbur Wright's Birthplace. There was a lot to see and there was a lot of information about the time period the Wright's lived there but they only lived there for 2 years! They had another building that had a lot on the Wright Brothers flight experiments - Kitty Hawk's is better but it wasn't bad. Overall, it was worth the $4 and the drive to check it out but I kept wondering why they'd bothered. I mean Wilbur Wright only lived there 2 years. Why go to all the effort? Especially when the historic events of his life happened in NC. Maybe it's me.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky is like some people you encounter, a little rough around the edges but if you take the time to look below the surface what you find is delightfully refreshing. On the surface the town seems a little past it's prime. The buildings are old, mostly worse for the wear, and there doesn't seem to be much of a revitalization effort going on. Added to that it is overcast and dreary today, so I was skeptical to say the least. But, once I started to really look at the town there are several examples of interesting architecture and there seems to be a thriving art scene in these old buildings.
I found this place called Glassworks that really was fascinating. It claims it is the only facility of its kind in the country and it showcases three different types of glass art studios. The studio I found most interesting was in a huge garage where they take molten glass and turn it into blown glass art. I spent a while watching that. Then there was another one that didn't fascinate me as much where they used glass tubes and blow torches. Last was an architectural gallery that showed how glass is incorporated in architecture. I found myself remembering how often I spent time wandering places like this with my college boyfriend. He would have loved to spend hours in this gallery. I found it enjoyable but was done after twenty minutes. Since he's no longer my boyfriend I was free to leave. Yeah, for being older and wiser!
I ate lunch at this interesting cafe - Lynn's Paradise Cafe. I found out about it prior to coming here. It's apparently one of the top places to eat in America. I would concur with that opinion. I had a fried green tomato blt for lunch and just got a derby pie milkshake to go. You see I'm typing this as I sit in Lynn's - they have wifi too. Add to that the interesting decor and the friendly waiter, Alex, and who could ask for anything more. I definitely recommend checking out Lynn's if you find yourself in Louisville.
While I enjoyed both of those places my favorite place in Louisville was the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Talk about a baseball fan's idea of fun. Once again, since I was alone I got to spend as much time as I wanted. The tour guide was funny, the shop guys were amusing, and I got to see all kinds of bats being made.
As you can see I've had a great day but I think the main reason for this is that Louisville is a friendly town. There's no other way to describe it. All the people I've encountered have been incredibly friendly. I think it's an attitude that's contagious, because I met some people from Minnesota and they were catching the friendly fever too.
Well, off to Indy now. Hoping it is as impressive as Louisville.
I found this place called Glassworks that really was fascinating. It claims it is the only facility of its kind in the country and it showcases three different types of glass art studios. The studio I found most interesting was in a huge garage where they take molten glass and turn it into blown glass art. I spent a while watching that. Then there was another one that didn't fascinate me as much where they used glass tubes and blow torches. Last was an architectural gallery that showed how glass is incorporated in architecture. I found myself remembering how often I spent time wandering places like this with my college boyfriend. He would have loved to spend hours in this gallery. I found it enjoyable but was done after twenty minutes. Since he's no longer my boyfriend I was free to leave. Yeah, for being older and wiser!
I ate lunch at this interesting cafe - Lynn's Paradise Cafe. I found out about it prior to coming here. It's apparently one of the top places to eat in America. I would concur with that opinion. I had a fried green tomato blt for lunch and just got a derby pie milkshake to go. You see I'm typing this as I sit in Lynn's - they have wifi too. Add to that the interesting decor and the friendly waiter, Alex, and who could ask for anything more. I definitely recommend checking out Lynn's if you find yourself in Louisville.
While I enjoyed both of those places my favorite place in Louisville was the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Talk about a baseball fan's idea of fun. Once again, since I was alone I got to spend as much time as I wanted. The tour guide was funny, the shop guys were amusing, and I got to see all kinds of bats being made.
As you can see I've had a great day but I think the main reason for this is that Louisville is a friendly town. There's no other way to describe it. All the people I've encountered have been incredibly friendly. I think it's an attitude that's contagious, because I met some people from Minnesota and they were catching the friendly fever too.
Well, off to Indy now. Hoping it is as impressive as Louisville.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Finally, Mountain Goats
Today was just a travel day. I had somethings to take care of in Charlotte before hitting the road and then it was going to take 7.5 hours to get to Louisville if I drove straight through. Which I did not. I had to stop for gas, food, pee breaks, and coffee. I found Tennessee as I always find Tennessee. It's a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there. And, I've already given my opinion on South Carolina, it hasn't changed. That just leaves Kentucky. Seeing it for the first time I was fascinated by the fields with rolling hills and then a couple miles later huge cut sections for the roadway in the side of a mountain. I can't wait to explore more of Kentucky tomorrow.
The only part of today I truly did not enjoy was driving on I-40 in the Smokey Mountains. I am not prone to carsickness, especially if I am driving, but there were a few moments on that stretch of road where it was pretty close. The road winds a lot but that normally doesn't bother me. I lived in the mountains of Virginia for years with no problems. I don't know what was going on today but it's a wonder I made it without hurling. The thing that proved to be a great distraction from my nausea - mountain goats! I'm serious. There were two that came down the side of a shear face and started eating grass on the shoulder of the road. Everyone slowed down to look. It was the one time I did not mind people rubbernecking. I've been trying to see real mountain goats in the wild - not in a zoo - for years. There are several places out west that are supposedly great to see them. I went to those places and didn't see the first one. Today, I'm driving along in Tennessee about to hurl and finally, I see some mountain goats. Go figure.
The only part of today I truly did not enjoy was driving on I-40 in the Smokey Mountains. I am not prone to carsickness, especially if I am driving, but there were a few moments on that stretch of road where it was pretty close. The road winds a lot but that normally doesn't bother me. I lived in the mountains of Virginia for years with no problems. I don't know what was going on today but it's a wonder I made it without hurling. The thing that proved to be a great distraction from my nausea - mountain goats! I'm serious. There were two that came down the side of a shear face and started eating grass on the shoulder of the road. Everyone slowed down to look. It was the one time I did not mind people rubbernecking. I've been trying to see real mountain goats in the wild - not in a zoo - for years. There are several places out west that are supposedly great to see them. I went to those places and didn't see the first one. Today, I'm driving along in Tennessee about to hurl and finally, I see some mountain goats. Go figure.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
On the Road Again
I had a very productive day today. I argued with the phone company. My home phone hasn't been working since I got home from my first adventure. They have yet to fix my problem. I will very soon not have a home phone any longer because I'm going to tell them to disconnect it. No sense paying for something that doesn't work. I cleaned, did laundry, went shopping - found a dress for a wedding (no small feat, there), washed my Suzuki, got the oil changed in it, and planned my next trip.
That's right, starting tomorrow, I'm going back out on the road. I have a wedding I'm going to in West Virginia on Saturday and I mapped out how I could take a scenic route to get there. Here it is in case you'd like to see it too.
View Larger Map
Already figured out the things I'd like to see in both Louisville and Indianapolis. Just have to make sure I find the time to find a wedding gift as well. Looks like it will be a fun time. I'm going to try "couchsurfing" for the first time in Indianapolis, if all goes well. If not, I'll be staying in hotels the whole time. I'll keep everyone posted as to how it works out. So, stay tuned for "Trippin' Two" The Sequel.
That's right, starting tomorrow, I'm going back out on the road. I have a wedding I'm going to in West Virginia on Saturday and I mapped out how I could take a scenic route to get there. Here it is in case you'd like to see it too.
View Larger Map
Already figured out the things I'd like to see in both Louisville and Indianapolis. Just have to make sure I find the time to find a wedding gift as well. Looks like it will be a fun time. I'm going to try "couchsurfing" for the first time in Indianapolis, if all goes well. If not, I'll be staying in hotels the whole time. I'll keep everyone posted as to how it works out. So, stay tuned for "Trippin' Two" The Sequel.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Reflections
Looking back on my trip, as I have the past couple days, I've noticed a few moments stand out more than others. On Friday morning I was in a restaurant on my own, awaiting my breakfast and reading a book. The hostess seated an elderly couple next to me. I could hear their conversation and it made me smile. They were both in their mid-70's and she was quiet, subdued, and proper. While he was jovial, given to bursts of big laughter, and sometimes spoke a little too loudly. He tried to make sure she was comfortable and was genuinely interested in everything she had to say. They were on their first date. He told her about trips he'd been on "back in '65" and she told him about going to similar places. They talked of former spouses and how hard it was to lose them but he tried to keep the conversation moving in a positive direction. When they left it was obvious they'd had a nice time and would probably see each other again.
I realize that I, too, am that optimistic. I believe in love, I believe in making sacrifices to keep it, and I believe in trying to find it even when life has thrown you curves. I also know I'll be more like that gentleman than like that lady when I'm their age. I'm certain my "strong personality" as some would refer to it won't change in time. I'll still be laughing and talking too loudly in public places when I'm 80. But to me the important part of that thought is that I'll be laughing when I'm 80. And, while I can often be quiet, subdued, and proper just as she was I don't think at 80 I'll want to be those things anymore. I think I'll want to live loudly at that stage of my life.
I spoke of this journey as being a way to remind myself of who I am and who I hope to become. When I first set out I thought I'd get on the path to finding myself for sure. In defining - if only to myself - who I am. That's a question we rarely ask ourselves, let alone each other. We often concentrate on what someone does or whom one knows as opposed to who they are. I KNOW who I am now. I've begun to speak to myself with that internal dialogue we all need in order to find our place in the world. Somewhere along the way, over the past couple years, I'd stopped listening to it. But, now I can hear it clearly. I hope I do not lose my way again but I'm confident if I do, I'll find my way back. I am, at my core, an optimist.
I realize that I, too, am that optimistic. I believe in love, I believe in making sacrifices to keep it, and I believe in trying to find it even when life has thrown you curves. I also know I'll be more like that gentleman than like that lady when I'm their age. I'm certain my "strong personality" as some would refer to it won't change in time. I'll still be laughing and talking too loudly in public places when I'm 80. But to me the important part of that thought is that I'll be laughing when I'm 80. And, while I can often be quiet, subdued, and proper just as she was I don't think at 80 I'll want to be those things anymore. I think I'll want to live loudly at that stage of my life.
I spoke of this journey as being a way to remind myself of who I am and who I hope to become. When I first set out I thought I'd get on the path to finding myself for sure. In defining - if only to myself - who I am. That's a question we rarely ask ourselves, let alone each other. We often concentrate on what someone does or whom one knows as opposed to who they are. I KNOW who I am now. I've begun to speak to myself with that internal dialogue we all need in order to find our place in the world. Somewhere along the way, over the past couple years, I'd stopped listening to it. But, now I can hear it clearly. I hope I do not lose my way again but I'm confident if I do, I'll find my way back. I am, at my core, an optimist.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Introspection
I came home yesterday, well technically today, I got in past midnight. I was pretty sure on Thursday that I needed to head home and Friday really cinched it. I needed some medicine I'd left at home and I also discovered that when I'm introspective I'm also insensitive to others. Which is not something I'm proud of but at least I'm aware enough that I realized it.
While the slights I've given to friends and family were all unintentional, I do feel bad about them and am genuinely sorry. All of those have to do with not having any forethought about a situation or with not listening enough when you needed me. Once again, I am sorry for each instance and can't apologize enough. However, the thing I most regret was making a blind man - a stranger to me - feel uncomfortable. Normally, I am sensitive to my surroundings and try to put others at ease. I'm known both professionally and in my family for being able to smooth over a situation. Mostly that's because I pay attention to others and try and put myself in their position. As I've been introspective I seem to have lost that ability - I'm so wrapped up in my own head that these things are not occurring to me.
I'd gone into the Gulf Island National Seashore Welcome Center to look around and maybe buy some postcards. The man behind the counter was dressed in a uniform - I assume a National Park's one - and said hello. I replied in kind and didn't think much of the fact that he seemed more interested in something behind the counter than in me. I looked at everything, found the postcards that I wanted, and made my way back to the counter. At the counter I found another brochure I wanted to look at and I continued browsing. The man asked if I needed help with something. I told him I needed to know the date for something and he got up to find a calendar. After a brief conversation I told him I was "ready to pay for this stuff." He then moved over to the cash register but didn't take my postcards. After a few moments he asked me what I had and I told him. Then the cash register started to speak in a computer voice as he typed in my purchases. I STILL didn't get that the man was blind! When he came back to me to get the money I didn't hold it anywhere near him! He then had to say to me, "Miss?" with such a pained expression that I felt about an inch tall. It dawned on me then. How freaking stupid - or oblivious - could I be? I gave him the money and made sure to take my change in such a way that it didn't drop. But the discomfort he felt was palpable and it was my fault. All of the signs were there - it was obvious looking back - I was just too self-absorbed to notice.
It was then that I was positive I didn't want to be on the road anymore - or really around anyone else for a bit. I have some things I need to sort out in my own head and I don't want to cause any grief to anyone else while I do it.
While the slights I've given to friends and family were all unintentional, I do feel bad about them and am genuinely sorry. All of those have to do with not having any forethought about a situation or with not listening enough when you needed me. Once again, I am sorry for each instance and can't apologize enough. However, the thing I most regret was making a blind man - a stranger to me - feel uncomfortable. Normally, I am sensitive to my surroundings and try to put others at ease. I'm known both professionally and in my family for being able to smooth over a situation. Mostly that's because I pay attention to others and try and put myself in their position. As I've been introspective I seem to have lost that ability - I'm so wrapped up in my own head that these things are not occurring to me.
I'd gone into the Gulf Island National Seashore Welcome Center to look around and maybe buy some postcards. The man behind the counter was dressed in a uniform - I assume a National Park's one - and said hello. I replied in kind and didn't think much of the fact that he seemed more interested in something behind the counter than in me. I looked at everything, found the postcards that I wanted, and made my way back to the counter. At the counter I found another brochure I wanted to look at and I continued browsing. The man asked if I needed help with something. I told him I needed to know the date for something and he got up to find a calendar. After a brief conversation I told him I was "ready to pay for this stuff." He then moved over to the cash register but didn't take my postcards. After a few moments he asked me what I had and I told him. Then the cash register started to speak in a computer voice as he typed in my purchases. I STILL didn't get that the man was blind! When he came back to me to get the money I didn't hold it anywhere near him! He then had to say to me, "Miss?" with such a pained expression that I felt about an inch tall. It dawned on me then. How freaking stupid - or oblivious - could I be? I gave him the money and made sure to take my change in such a way that it didn't drop. But the discomfort he felt was palpable and it was my fault. All of the signs were there - it was obvious looking back - I was just too self-absorbed to notice.
It was then that I was positive I didn't want to be on the road anymore - or really around anyone else for a bit. I have some things I need to sort out in my own head and I don't want to cause any grief to anyone else while I do it.
Friday, September 21, 2007
The Gulf Coast
So, down the Gulf Coast we traveled today - me in my Suzuki and Ed in his Saturn. At first I let Ed lead – for about five minutes - and then I passed him on the highway. We traveled down to Gulfport, Mississippi first. It is the home of Seabees Museum and we stopped there. Talk about a hassle. The museum is on the naval base and I’d forgotten what a pain it is to get on base. Made me remember why I gave up military men. Hehe. The Seabees fight and build. They are the ones that go in and build all of the roadways, bridges, and buildings for military commands. The Seabees in Gulfport also did a lot of the Hurricane Katrina clean up. It was an interesting museum because in addition to all the construction they perform they also have to fight the enemy from time to time. I had heard about it and had planned to go when it didn’t look like Ed was going to come with me down the Gulf Coast. But, it turns out both of Ed’s grandfather’s were Seabees, so he was interested to see the museum as well.
After that, I was hungry and grumpy. So, we went in search of food, which we did not find until we reached Biloxi, Mississippi. It was by pure chance that we found the Biloxi Schooner – a seafood restaurant. I asked about the soft shell crab po-boy and how it was cooked. The waitress said it was good but that I should only get it if I was adventuresome because the shell and all are fried. It is all completely edible but some tourists have a hard time eating it once they see it. The picture is of my po-boy. It was a little odd looking but it tasted good. And it doesn’t look like that anymore cause it’s in my belly. Yum! As we were leaving we discovered that both President George W. Bush and Trent Lott had eaten at the Biloxi Schooner. Their pictures were on the wall. They were very smiley in the pictures – maybe they had the soft-shell crab po-boy for lunch too. Or maybe the pictures were taken before Hurricane Katrina, the Iraq war, and Trent’s other troubles. :-)
One thing we discussed at lunch was how there are still signs of the destruction left by Hurricane Katrina. After two years one would think the area had been rebuilt completely but it hasn’t been. It made me realize that if this is what the area looks like after all of this time it must have been awful before. There is no way what we saw on television could have possibly done justice to the amount of devastation. On the other hand, I’ve also realized that the Gulf Coast is a beautiful place and the images in television and in the movies do not do justice to its beauty. So, maybe this is just a place that cameras can’t adequately capture.
After lunch we tried to decide where to go next. My original plan was to head to Mobile, AL and then on to Montgomery, AL for the night. However, I found my experience in Birmingham so disappointing that I wasn’t looking forward to going to Montgomery and had been toying with the idea of going to Pensacola, FL. My grandmother had recommended Pensacola and I thought I might make that my stop for tonight instead of Montgomery. Ed was toying with the idea of going to a place called Manatee Springs, FL. It is about 8 hours from New Orleans and you can swim in fresh water with numerous manatees. We both continued on down the coast to Mobile, AL and went over a cool bridge, the Cochrane-Africatown USA Bridge. Then we ended up stopping in Pensacola, FL for the night. Not sure what tomorrow will bring. Definitely swimming in the Gulf of Mexico but beyond that who knows.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
New Orleans
Getting ready to leave New Orleans and head down the Gulf Coast. Thought I'd hit the highlights with this post and you can ask me for the back stories in person.
Top Ten Things I Learned In New Orleans:
1. The French Quarter smells largely like stale beer and old vomit.
2. The Gumbo Shop has delicious food and we had a fabulous meal there.
3. It is hard to hold onto a fabulous meal when walking streets that smell like stale beer and old vomit.
4. While I often think of Ed as the friend who reminds me of Napoleon Dynamite he apparently looks to some men in New Orleans like my PIMP!
5. I do not like to drink when I feel I need to have my wits about me and in New Orleans I felt that need. Thus, I did not drink.
6. While I have been looking into new career choices stripping was not one of them. But here in New Orleans, once again Ed, not I, was approached by an establishment that I should go down that path.
7. The cemetery here is no different than an old cemetery anywhere else. Except maybe that odd feeling that you could get mugged at any moment.
8. Our hotel was very nice.
9. Mapquest and Google do not care if you walk or drive through rough neighborhoods.
10. I do not feel the need to return here.
Top Ten Things I Learned In New Orleans:
1. The French Quarter smells largely like stale beer and old vomit.
2. The Gumbo Shop has delicious food and we had a fabulous meal there.
3. It is hard to hold onto a fabulous meal when walking streets that smell like stale beer and old vomit.
4. While I often think of Ed as the friend who reminds me of Napoleon Dynamite he apparently looks to some men in New Orleans like my PIMP!
5. I do not like to drink when I feel I need to have my wits about me and in New Orleans I felt that need. Thus, I did not drink.
6. While I have been looking into new career choices stripping was not one of them. But here in New Orleans, once again Ed, not I, was approached by an establishment that I should go down that path.
7. The cemetery here is no different than an old cemetery anywhere else. Except maybe that odd feeling that you could get mugged at any moment.
8. Our hotel was very nice.
9. Mapquest and Google do not care if you walk or drive through rough neighborhoods.
10. I do not feel the need to return here.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Jackson
Mississippi has the nicest welcome center/ rest area I have ever visited. I stopped shortly after crossing into Mississippi. The building was like a log cabin and it smelled like a Cracker Barrel. They even had workers to answer my questions, give me a map, and a free root beer before I got back on the road. New Jersey could take lessons from these people.
As for Jackson, it is my kind of town. A girl could get into some trouble in a town like this. I definitely think another trip to Jackson with some good friends is in order. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't live here but I could have fun here for a little while. I went to some of the places Jill Connor Brown talks about in the Sweet Potato Queen books. First, I went to Lemuria Books - a very cool independent bookstore. I ended up getting a novella by Eudora Welty. Eudora Welty was a Jackson native in addition to being a Pulitzer prize winner. Then, I went to Hal & Mal's for a shrimp po-boy, as instructed by the Queens in their books. It was delicious! As were the fries. Definitely the best food I've had so far. Hal & Mal's was a fun place and it was easy to see how things could get out of hand there. It was also easy to see how much fun it would be around parade time. Seriously girls, road trip!
Now, I'm sitting in a nice hotel in New Orleans, just having caught up with my friend Ed. He's Ed of impendingslackerdom.blogspot fame in case you want to read all about where he's been this summer. We're planning on going to dinner - someplace where I can get crawfish etouffee - and then going out drinking. We are in New Orleans, after all.
As for Jackson, it is my kind of town. A girl could get into some trouble in a town like this. I definitely think another trip to Jackson with some good friends is in order. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't live here but I could have fun here for a little while. I went to some of the places Jill Connor Brown talks about in the Sweet Potato Queen books. First, I went to Lemuria Books - a very cool independent bookstore. I ended up getting a novella by Eudora Welty. Eudora Welty was a Jackson native in addition to being a Pulitzer prize winner. Then, I went to Hal & Mal's for a shrimp po-boy, as instructed by the Queens in their books. It was delicious! As were the fries. Definitely the best food I've had so far. Hal & Mal's was a fun place and it was easy to see how things could get out of hand there. It was also easy to see how much fun it would be around parade time. Seriously girls, road trip!
Now, I'm sitting in a nice hotel in New Orleans, just having caught up with my friend Ed. He's Ed of impendingslackerdom.blogspot fame in case you want to read all about where he's been this summer. We're planning on going to dinner - someplace where I can get crawfish etouffee - and then going out drinking. We are in New Orleans, after all.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Birmingham
I have left Birmingham in my rearview mirror and am headed to see what Jackson, Mississippi has to offer. I thought I'd share some of what happened in Birmingham today. I got a later start than I had hoped but I'm not on a timetable so it was okay.
First, I went to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. They have a nice layout and it seems like several people use the Gardens as a place to walk for exercise. I tried to see the rose gardens but they were blocked off. I also tried to see the lilies and the irises but I am apparently allergic to something in each of those gardens. That was unpleasant. All the while I kept seeing this man around 55 in a Cubs cap with glasses, a blue shirt, and a camera. Everywhere I went, there he was. I even specifically tried to ditch him and when I turned a corner there he was, taking my picture yet again. That's right I said, "taking my picture." It was creepy and I decided to leave the Botanical Gardens.
Next, I went to Vulcan Park. Vulcan Park was neat. The elevator was broken to get to the observatory deck but there are stairs that you can climb. I was the only one that chose to climb so I had the whole observatory deck to myself. It was kind of cool. The pictures on their website are misleading though, the observatory deck doesn't give nearly the view the website shows.
Then, I went down to the 4th Ave. N District. It is where the Alabama Jazz Museum is, the Civil Rights Institute, and the 16th Street Baptist Church. I wanted to go to the Alabama Jazz Museum most of all but it wasn't where it's website and mapquest said it was. So, I decided to park in a public lot and walk around. All of these things are not that far apart from each other on the map so I figured what could it hurt. I walked several blocks but still couldn't find the Jazz Museum. I did, however, encounter several unfriendly people. I was moved by the 16th St Baptist Church. It was surprising how much history they packed into a small nook. The church is still operational and they have services every Sunday. As I was leaving, I went to go look at Kelly Ingram Park - it was the staging area for many of the 1963 Civil Rights demonstrations and in 1992 was renovated to include statues and markers. That was a mistake.
Kelly Ingram Park is not tourist friendly, and I knew it as soon as I got close, so I kept walking to cross the street and head back towards the car. One man felt the need to express what he thought of me and shouted at me in vivid detail the things he would like to do to me as I waited for the light to change. I have never been so keenly aware of the fact that I am a white woman as I was in that moment. I had come to Birmingham specifically to see the civil rights history for I am thankful that I am free to befriend whomever I choose. But, in that instant I did not wheel around and stare at him and ask, "are you talking to me?" like I have of every other man that has chosen to behave so inappropriately. For all I could think of was with freedom comes choice to choose wisely or to choose unwisely. And I fully supported his right to his freedom so I had to support his choice to behave inappropriately. But at the same time by not asking him to explain himself wasn't I treating him differently solely because of his race?
I waited for the light and I crossed and headed back to the car. All the while wondering what Dr. King would have thought of the Birmingham I was seeing as I walked. The entire area, the boarded up businesses that used to thrive in this historically black district, the men laying about in Kelly Ingram Park, and the deal for stolen property that was going on two spaces over from my car when I got to it - all of it saddened me. And made me realize I don't need to return to Birmingham until I have thicker skin.
First, I went to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. They have a nice layout and it seems like several people use the Gardens as a place to walk for exercise. I tried to see the rose gardens but they were blocked off. I also tried to see the lilies and the irises but I am apparently allergic to something in each of those gardens. That was unpleasant. All the while I kept seeing this man around 55 in a Cubs cap with glasses, a blue shirt, and a camera. Everywhere I went, there he was. I even specifically tried to ditch him and when I turned a corner there he was, taking my picture yet again. That's right I said, "taking my picture." It was creepy and I decided to leave the Botanical Gardens.
Next, I went to Vulcan Park. Vulcan Park was neat. The elevator was broken to get to the observatory deck but there are stairs that you can climb. I was the only one that chose to climb so I had the whole observatory deck to myself. It was kind of cool. The pictures on their website are misleading though, the observatory deck doesn't give nearly the view the website shows.
Then, I went down to the 4th Ave. N District. It is where the Alabama Jazz Museum is, the Civil Rights Institute, and the 16th Street Baptist Church. I wanted to go to the Alabama Jazz Museum most of all but it wasn't where it's website and mapquest said it was. So, I decided to park in a public lot and walk around. All of these things are not that far apart from each other on the map so I figured what could it hurt. I walked several blocks but still couldn't find the Jazz Museum. I did, however, encounter several unfriendly people. I was moved by the 16th St Baptist Church. It was surprising how much history they packed into a small nook. The church is still operational and they have services every Sunday. As I was leaving, I went to go look at Kelly Ingram Park - it was the staging area for many of the 1963 Civil Rights demonstrations and in 1992 was renovated to include statues and markers. That was a mistake.
Kelly Ingram Park is not tourist friendly, and I knew it as soon as I got close, so I kept walking to cross the street and head back towards the car. One man felt the need to express what he thought of me and shouted at me in vivid detail the things he would like to do to me as I waited for the light to change. I have never been so keenly aware of the fact that I am a white woman as I was in that moment. I had come to Birmingham specifically to see the civil rights history for I am thankful that I am free to befriend whomever I choose. But, in that instant I did not wheel around and stare at him and ask, "are you talking to me?" like I have of every other man that has chosen to behave so inappropriately. For all I could think of was with freedom comes choice to choose wisely or to choose unwisely. And I fully supported his right to his freedom so I had to support his choice to behave inappropriately. But at the same time by not asking him to explain himself wasn't I treating him differently solely because of his race?
I waited for the light and I crossed and headed back to the car. All the while wondering what Dr. King would have thought of the Birmingham I was seeing as I walked. The entire area, the boarded up businesses that used to thrive in this historically black district, the men laying about in Kelly Ingram Park, and the deal for stolen property that was going on two spaces over from my car when I got to it - all of it saddened me. And made me realize I don't need to return to Birmingham until I have thicker skin.
Monday, September 17, 2007
One Step
As the old Taoist saying puts it: "A thousand-mile journey starts with one step."
So, in my current thousand-mile journey I took that one step this morning. I awoke at 4:27am - not on purpose mind you. I've been waking up like that at various times in the night for about two weeks now. But today was different, today would be step one and I knew it. You see this journey isn't just about the thousand miles it's also about what I learn about life, and about myself, along the way. But I'm guessing that's what any journey is really about. I thought of all that lay ahead today until I had to get up and go shower. Knowing it was step one I was encouraged and optimistic for the first time in a while as my feet hit the floor.
It has been a LONG day to say the least but not in a disheartening or distressing way. As I write this I have just checked into the La Quinta in Birmingham. It's okay. Not fabulous like the one in Raleigh where I racked up so many points this summer. But, it will do for a night. Since it is late I'm blogging, like promised, so you know I'm still okay. I thought for this post it might be fun to tell you all I realized today - the first day of the journey.
Top Ten Things I Realized On Day One
1. South Carolina has an amazing shortage of palmettos for "the palmetto state." Yet another reason why I find SC intolerable.
2. Krystal Burgers aren't very good. I thought I'd been missing out all these years and stopped to eat there - I wouldn't do it again.
3. It was a good thing no one was in the car with me because I was preoccupied by the varying heights of the barrier wall in SC. It had no pattern to it and didn't make any sense. I tried for miles to figure out the engineering rationale behind this and I know I would have done it even if someone was with me. BUT, anyone else would have assumed I was quiet, preoccupied, etc. because of something to do with them. Made me reflect back on several other moments of obsessive geekdom in my life and how others usually perceive it as having to do with them. Very enlightening to me.
4. I had never driven across a time zone before today. I've always flown. Made me want to drive to California and hit two more.
5. It is fun to turn up the radio to cheesy songs and sing along at the top of your lungs.
6. I do not like grape Laffy Taffy.
7. Nor do I care for green or yellow Swedish fish.
8. I specifically took I-85 through downtown Atlanta to see what it looked like at night and I'm glad I did. It was pretty cool. I am a city girl!
9. Georgia has traffic control sign issues and Alabama has miles of road that ride terribly. And you know what?! The real thing I realized is I can look at all the construction and roadway stuff I want to and there's no one to complain that it doesn't interest them! That thought tickled me. I can't wait to see what I can find tomorrow.
10. Sometimes you need to remind yourself of who you are and who you hope to become.
So, in my current thousand-mile journey I took that one step this morning. I awoke at 4:27am - not on purpose mind you. I've been waking up like that at various times in the night for about two weeks now. But today was different, today would be step one and I knew it. You see this journey isn't just about the thousand miles it's also about what I learn about life, and about myself, along the way. But I'm guessing that's what any journey is really about. I thought of all that lay ahead today until I had to get up and go shower. Knowing it was step one I was encouraged and optimistic for the first time in a while as my feet hit the floor.
It has been a LONG day to say the least but not in a disheartening or distressing way. As I write this I have just checked into the La Quinta in Birmingham. It's okay. Not fabulous like the one in Raleigh where I racked up so many points this summer. But, it will do for a night. Since it is late I'm blogging, like promised, so you know I'm still okay. I thought for this post it might be fun to tell you all I realized today - the first day of the journey.
Top Ten Things I Realized On Day One
1. South Carolina has an amazing shortage of palmettos for "the palmetto state." Yet another reason why I find SC intolerable.
2. Krystal Burgers aren't very good. I thought I'd been missing out all these years and stopped to eat there - I wouldn't do it again.
3. It was a good thing no one was in the car with me because I was preoccupied by the varying heights of the barrier wall in SC. It had no pattern to it and didn't make any sense. I tried for miles to figure out the engineering rationale behind this and I know I would have done it even if someone was with me. BUT, anyone else would have assumed I was quiet, preoccupied, etc. because of something to do with them. Made me reflect back on several other moments of obsessive geekdom in my life and how others usually perceive it as having to do with them. Very enlightening to me.
4. I had never driven across a time zone before today. I've always flown. Made me want to drive to California and hit two more.
5. It is fun to turn up the radio to cheesy songs and sing along at the top of your lungs.
6. I do not like grape Laffy Taffy.
7. Nor do I care for green or yellow Swedish fish.
8. I specifically took I-85 through downtown Atlanta to see what it looked like at night and I'm glad I did. It was pretty cool. I am a city girl!
9. Georgia has traffic control sign issues and Alabama has miles of road that ride terribly. And you know what?! The real thing I realized is I can look at all the construction and roadway stuff I want to and there's no one to complain that it doesn't interest them! That thought tickled me. I can't wait to see what I can find tomorrow.
10. Sometimes you need to remind yourself of who you are and who you hope to become.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Trippin'
I am a big believer in just knowing things. Know what I mean? If you do, you do, if you don't, you don't. So, today when the same freakin' number kept showing up on my caller ID and I finally decided to pick it up and see what in the hell someone in Leesburg, VA might want at 2 in the afternoon. I KNEW that explaining to the woman that said, "buenas tardes" like we were old friends, that she had the wrong number was not how I wanted to spend my afternoon.
What's a girl to do? Well, first you unplug the bleepin' phone. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out, folks. And then you think about how you'd rather spend your "time off" from the rat race of a real job. So, I planned my next week. I'm going to go to three states I've never been before. If you know me, you know I'd love to go cross country but right now the timing's not right. I've already been crossing off states individually for a while now and I've mapped out a way to get three more next week. I also planned how I could see another five before the end of this year but that's a story for another day.
I'll be leaving Monday afternoon. I already have plans Monday morning so I can't leave earlier than that. Here's the link for my trip if you want to follow along at home...
View Larger Map
I have booked places to stay and started to figure out what I want to see in each place and everything in between. It's still a work in progress so any suggestions, please pass them along. I plan on bringing my laptop and checking out places with wifi. I am already searching for coffee shops where I can search the internet, get my caffeine fix, and read my latest book. Although, I'm reading a Carl Hiaasen novel that has made me laugh out loud more than once so it'll either help me make new friends or brand me a weirdo.
I have some great road trip music - I'm loving my new Colbie Caillat - Coco is the name of the album if you'd like to buy it for yourself. The whole thing is great. Of course, will be bringing the ipod. I will just have to swing by the grocery before I go and grab some swedish fish and bottled water and I'll be all set.
What's a girl to do? Well, first you unplug the bleepin' phone. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out, folks. And then you think about how you'd rather spend your "time off" from the rat race of a real job. So, I planned my next week. I'm going to go to three states I've never been before. If you know me, you know I'd love to go cross country but right now the timing's not right. I've already been crossing off states individually for a while now and I've mapped out a way to get three more next week. I also planned how I could see another five before the end of this year but that's a story for another day.
I'll be leaving Monday afternoon. I already have plans Monday morning so I can't leave earlier than that. Here's the link for my trip if you want to follow along at home...
View Larger Map
I have booked places to stay and started to figure out what I want to see in each place and everything in between. It's still a work in progress so any suggestions, please pass them along. I plan on bringing my laptop and checking out places with wifi. I am already searching for coffee shops where I can search the internet, get my caffeine fix, and read my latest book. Although, I'm reading a Carl Hiaasen novel that has made me laugh out loud more than once so it'll either help me make new friends or brand me a weirdo.
I have some great road trip music - I'm loving my new Colbie Caillat - Coco is the name of the album if you'd like to buy it for yourself. The whole thing is great. Of course, will be bringing the ipod. I will just have to swing by the grocery before I go and grab some swedish fish and bottled water and I'll be all set.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Ocean
I think for everyone there is a place that speaks to your soul. For me that place is the ocean. Being on the beach, watching the vast expanse before me, and listening to the waves I realize how small and, yet, how remarkable I am. My soul feels soothed by the water and the waves. I don't get that feeling anywhere else. I've tried on numerous occasions to duplicate it but alas with no success. I meditate and the place I always picture is the beach - the one I'm at today more often than not.
There have been times when I've come close to this feeling and I try to hold onto them. If I am ever at a loss I drift down to the nearest water - be it a lake, a stream, or a creek. I think somehow my soul knows eventually that same water will make it to the ocean. I have also come close to that feeling in church on more than one occasion but more often than not God speaks to me at the ocean and not in a building. I guess that's why I've always been fascinated with religions that have more outdoor settings.
The song on Colbie Caillat's new album Coco has moved me. It's fitting because I've found someone that speaks to my soul when he holds me tight - it's not always a day at the beach but it's the closest thing I've found.
There have been times when I've come close to this feeling and I try to hold onto them. If I am ever at a loss I drift down to the nearest water - be it a lake, a stream, or a creek. I think somehow my soul knows eventually that same water will make it to the ocean. I have also come close to that feeling in church on more than one occasion but more often than not God speaks to me at the ocean and not in a building. I guess that's why I've always been fascinated with religions that have more outdoor settings.
The song on Colbie Caillat's new album Coco has moved me. It's fitting because I've found someone that speaks to my soul when he holds me tight - it's not always a day at the beach but it's the closest thing I've found.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Musings
So, how do you know if you ever want to have children? That's the question I'm contemplating. It's been on my mind a lot lately and it's in the forefront today. I ask myself that question and I always answer the same way, "I'm not sure" or "I don't know." I find myself wondering if I will regret not having children if I don't have them but feel in no rush to do anything about it. And the fact is I'm not getting any younger. I know so many people that say they just had to have a child. So, when will that feeling hit me? And what should I do in the mean time? What happens if it never does hit me and I make choices in my life based on the anticipation that it will? Then what? A life of regret all the same?
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