I forgot that I did detail my trip whilst I was in Portland. That means a little less catching up to do. But I have a lot to say, I'm sure.
First of all, thank you to my wonderful hosts. The trip would have been less memorable without you! And more expensive as far as housing goes. ;)
After a whirlwind trip, it's nice to be home. I have to work in a few hours, but hopefully it will all come back to me. It's strange to have been gone for an entire month. It flew by, but really, vacations always do, right? I can really get used to this whole not-working thing. Need me a sugar daddy. ;)
When I get more time, I will go further into my trip. But right now I need to eat, upload some pictures, maybe do some laundry. Or at least just eat. ;) Priorities!
Thanks again to my lovely friends and family who put me up and put up with me during this month of travel! XOXO
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
1/2 cities done but not 1/2 over
So I am currently traveling on my U.S. National tour and having a great time. I'm pretty sure I could get used to this lifestyle of not actually having to work. I guess I just either need to find the perfect job or a sugar daddy. Hmmm.
So far, I've been to Denver, Boston and am now in Portland. I've been enjoying the chance to revisit old friends and am doing pretty good on my goal to just enjoy every moment. The only "moment" so far that I haven't enjoyed was the six hour trip from JFK to Portland. Considering I have the opposite tomorrow night, that will have to be remedied. Although I'm not sure how, since the primary problem was my inability to fall asleep. Shucky darns. Especially because tomorrow's will be an overnight flight. Ugh. It was actually worse than my 13 hour flights that I've taken to South America and India because the food on those flights was free. On JetBlue, you have to fork over 6 bucks for a "meal". I don't think they're even hot meals. And that still doesn't solve the problem of not being able to sleep. But enough complaining! I AM having a wonderful time.
I started traveling on the 8th and it is currently the 19th. I won't be done traveling until the 6th and even then, I'll have a friend in the next town over, visiting from Argentina, so I will be a bit more traveling to see her. Although going to the next city over hardly seems worth the title "traveling".
What am I enjoying? Well I already mentioned the idea of not working, and the fun of seeing friends from college and before. And I can't really stress those two things enough. One can't fully understand how great it is until you actually have the opportunity to do so.
In Portland, hanging with my friend CS, it's like we are on a long weekend break in college but with no homework or jobs to do, and of course, no other college companions (maybe they went home over break). But it's wonderful to just be able to exist and float from one activity to another. I'm not really demanding when it comes to sightseeing. I'd much rather relax.
However I can't help but see some of the creative things around me and think "I need to be doing that". Obviously I'm taking photographs and trying to be a bit artsy about them, but there are other tasks that I usually do that aren't being done during my vacation. As you noticed from a few posts past, I was also big into scanning my 35mm photographs and transcribing my journal entries. That's my bit of creativity that I've undertaken while I'm not able to work on film-type things. It may be a cop-out on not being active in my film community, but it's also two aspects or projects in my life that have been categorized in the "I really should get around to that sometime" zone. But I figure, why not now? It's almost like a way to figure out how I got here and appreciate my development as a person before I can move forward into other creative areas. It's almost as if I need to take stock before I can begin moving forward. You have to do inventory every once in a while, and age 25 seems like a pretty good time for that.
I've recently decided that transcribing the journals takes too long and I'm better off just scanning them as photographs and letting the handwriting speak for me as well. And that seems to be the start of a novel of my life or biography of sorts. I'm sure people would love the chance to read another's journals. And I'm banking on that, so to speak.
So enough about my 'creativity' and more about my travels. I think it's interesting to be able to travel in the manner I'm doing. By the end of my trip, I will have, and actually already have, spent time in every U.S. time zone. Which do I like best? Silly question! Or is it? Can one actually prefer a time zone? I guess the two in the middle (ie Central and Mountain) because we aren't the first and we're not the last.
What are my impressions of the cities I've visited?
Denver doesn't seem too foreign from my life in the midwest. I didn't get a lot of time there since I was mostly in the outskirts and only one night in the actual city. But I like it. I guess the familiarity helps. I've been there before, three years ago (and maybe previously?) but the familiarity to which I refer would have to be the midwestern feel. I'm not sure if I am actually spot on with that one, because obviously Colorado and Nebraska birth two different types of stereotypes: granola vs farmers. But of course, as stereotypes, both fall flat in comparison to the truth. I am not a farmer. But my brother is! First generation though. Organic, so it doesn't fit into the stereotype. And the friends I visited in Colorado were not granola hippies by any standards. One, MH, was technically a CO native and the other was an implant from Neb. I traveled as a car passenger in Colorado and didn't have to try to maneuver public transport, so I can't speak to that.
Boston was a whole 'nother ball game. All I did was take public transport. And I have to admit, there's something fun about that. Of course I think that because I only ever take public transport when I'm on vacation/traveling. I wouldn't call it romantic because I'm not demented, but going underground and seeing the cave-like tunnels just thrills me, like we're spelunking or something. And as a people watcher, it's fun to see the different types of people on the T. And how you should try to avoid eye contact, but sometimes can't. I was also tickled when I was leaving Boston that there was a blind man (poorly) singing "I Only Have Eyes For You" in the Government Center stop. An exercise in comedy/irony to be sure.
In Boston, I guess one could easily feel clausterphobic. Especially when I come from Nebraska, home of the open plains, even in the city, where the only tall buildings are downtown. I suppose that could be the same for Boston, but everything is packed together and even the short buildings have history that is lacking in the Midwest. Oh and there is a LOT of walking being done in Boston, something rarely done in Nebraska unless one is drunk and in downtown Lincoln. Downtown Omaha too maybe I guess. But there are hills in Boston that one won't find in Nebraska and that's even more killer than the wide open spaces would be for walking. So I'll pretend that I got nice legs and glutes out of the walking thing in Boston. I also came away with some books. And I already finished one. It's kind of weird that I bought books because I never buy books at home unless I've thoroughly researched it and even then, they come from the library or maaaybe the internet if I think it's worth the purchase. I think I purchased books in Boston/Brookline for a couple reasons. One, they looked good. Two, they are less expensive than many clothing stores. and Three, I actually have time to read while I'm traveling, rather than the self-created guilt at home. Not that I don't read at home because I have read a bit more lately, but more so the guilt that I should be spending time with family or working on my projects. So books and movies get placed to the side quite often anymore. Which is fine. I would like to read more than movie watch because one seems to be a heightened sense of intellect, but that's coming from a film studies major? For shame! But I used to have such a voracious appetite for reading, so it's good to have the chance to do that again, and not for school purposes, but really, what's stopping me from writing a good term paper? ;) I can get essays published if I wanted! Dangit! But will I? Who knows? I would have to use my brain again!
Now, I'm currently in Portland and it's pretty relaxed here. It's also pretty spread out and reminds me of Nebraska. For whatever reason, the downtown area doesn't seem to frighten me. The buildings aren't so tall I guess. But it's nothing like downtown Boston. Kind of odd, I suppose to admit to being frightened of downtown anyway. I wasn't so much frightened of downtown Boston, it's just that it was so expansive. And Portland has a large downtown too I suppose, but it seems to have more trendy/fun shops. And perhaps downtown Boston eased me in to downtown Portland. The biggest difference probably being that I was in downtown Boston during the week and it's the weekend in Portland. I'm sure that has a great bit to do with it.
Two days ago, my friend CS took me to Mirror Lake near Mt. Hood and we had a smashing good hike in which I took lots of pictures and the majority turned out okay and some were bloody brilliant. But my favorite was the ground squirrels at the top who have, over the course of dealing with many hikers, learned that one must pose for the camera in order to get food. True models, no? They were a little eager though and several times I feared for my face. But that's why the Yellowstone park rangers always tell you NOT to feed the wildlife, and I suppose this includes ground squirrels, no matter how chunky and cute and lovable they look.
On our way down the trail, we got rained on because, hello, this is Oregon, but that didn't put a damper on the fun. CS is used to rain and I like it too. Even when my brain thinks it sounds like hot oil on the stove, when it's really just raining outside the open window. No, I'm not blonde, but yes I was born blonde.
A point that was mentioned was the subconscious reason for visiting friends (and family) in six different U.S. cities. Obviously, the prominent reasons are to visit my loved ones in their current habitats AND to add some more pins to my world map, and just be able to enjoy taking 1/12th of my year on vacation. I'm told by many females that it's great that I am taking the chance to do this now. This irks me. People assume that I will no longer have the opportunity to do this after a certain point. Why? Because they operate under the assumption that I will want to get married and have kids and maybe a steady job. Well 2 out of 3 aren't bad. Or one. Or none. Out of all of them, the steady job would be the best, but only under the right conditions of course... one of them being the allowance or necessity for travel. My dream job is getting "paid to travel and create". Simple, right? It's pretty open, I'd say, so hopefully the possibility of it coming true is open and highly likely. Marriage would be okay I suppose much later down the line. Ten years or so? And children? I have nephews thank you very much and they are easily borrowed if I want to have a blast without the constant responsibility of child-rearing. My nephews have been wonderfully reared and are great kids to be around. And they can teach me, so I'm not worried about adding to the world population. I have enough on my hands trying to figure out how to foster my population of one. And that seems like it can entertain me for the rest of my days. Especially when so many parents tell me how great it is that I have the chance to do so now. Um, thanks but I have the chance to do it for always. I'll take that chance and stay a full time aunt happily.
So, are there subconscious reasons for traveling as I am? Besides getting away from the hum drum of regular jobs and seeing how great it would be to be free from regular jobs, and finding ways to spend my money that I usually save like none other, I guess one could assume I am previewing life in the other cities in order to find a place to move. But I don't really know if that is the case. It would make more sense to call it research for my writing, honestly. Understanding life in other cities. If I was really interested in moving, I probably would have either done that already or scheduled interviews in all these cities. But I suppose in a way, I am exploring these cities to find if one aligns with my view of life. So far, fashion wise, people try to hard to be hipster and that's not my style anywhere. Especially when I'm traveling with a limited amount of luggage.
But being able to travel gives me time to ask my friends questions about life and whatever pops into my head. Some of the recurring questions have been: "What is your favorite and least favorite thing about this city?" And "If you had to be on a reality competition show, what would it be?" So, you can go ahead answer those questions.
For me, my favorite thing about my town is that it's easy to live there. My least favorite is that it's difficult to live artistically (but I suppose that's a ongoing problem for artists, no matter locale). And I would want to be on America's Next Top Model, but I only have a couple more years for them to bring back the short req before I get "too old". Fingers crossed. I suppose I don't know much about modeling and I would have to admit that I understand it's not as easy as posing and trying to look pretty. To me, I see that some of those models aren't standard pretty, but instead a little weird looking. I think I look weird, so I could do it ;) When I say weird, I do mean I have a pretty good self-esteem this far in the game. It took a while to be okay with my looks. We all can't look spot on all the time, but it's gotten much easier to accept that. Especially when I have people who love me. I always tell my friends I wouldn't hang out with them if they were ugly because I'm shallow. I assume the same is true for them, so I must be "not ugly". =D Sure, my inner character helps, but yeah.
So, this is a long-A entry that doesn't tell anyone much about anything travel wise. But that's me. Don't expect an expert in anything, except me. I'm basically an expert in that, but there are others who are well-versed. I keep them around for fun. =D
I guess I should wrap up the idea of 'searching for my next city'. I'm not opposed to moving out of Nebraska, about as much as I'm not opposed to staying there. I've learned to be happy where I am and that's very easy when I have my family around. There was a moment in which, a few months ago, I was applying for a job a couple states away that would have paid me very very very well. The idea of leaving my family was sad, but I just crossed my fingers and prayed/hoped for the best. And apparently the best was to stay put in Nebrasky because I didnt' get the job. I know many people would encourage me to move a bigger city so I can let my creativity out and get paid for it, but I think that I need to prove to myself that I can do that first in a city where the price of living is so low. I will move if and when someone pays me to move. I guess after this trip, I will just have a better understanding of life in other cities, therefore making it easier to wrap my head around what a city is like when/if that chance comes about. So, I'm just content to be where I'm at because I'm still working on maxing out my abilities. Once I learn to balance that in a small town, you can be sure I'll be confident at my ability to do that in a larger city. I have to take it one step at a time and learn to enjoy all of it. I would say, I'm doing okay. It's not the destination, but the journey! Peace!
So far, I've been to Denver, Boston and am now in Portland. I've been enjoying the chance to revisit old friends and am doing pretty good on my goal to just enjoy every moment. The only "moment" so far that I haven't enjoyed was the six hour trip from JFK to Portland. Considering I have the opposite tomorrow night, that will have to be remedied. Although I'm not sure how, since the primary problem was my inability to fall asleep. Shucky darns. Especially because tomorrow's will be an overnight flight. Ugh. It was actually worse than my 13 hour flights that I've taken to South America and India because the food on those flights was free. On JetBlue, you have to fork over 6 bucks for a "meal". I don't think they're even hot meals. And that still doesn't solve the problem of not being able to sleep. But enough complaining! I AM having a wonderful time.
I started traveling on the 8th and it is currently the 19th. I won't be done traveling until the 6th and even then, I'll have a friend in the next town over, visiting from Argentina, so I will be a bit more traveling to see her. Although going to the next city over hardly seems worth the title "traveling".
What am I enjoying? Well I already mentioned the idea of not working, and the fun of seeing friends from college and before. And I can't really stress those two things enough. One can't fully understand how great it is until you actually have the opportunity to do so.
In Portland, hanging with my friend CS, it's like we are on a long weekend break in college but with no homework or jobs to do, and of course, no other college companions (maybe they went home over break). But it's wonderful to just be able to exist and float from one activity to another. I'm not really demanding when it comes to sightseeing. I'd much rather relax.
However I can't help but see some of the creative things around me and think "I need to be doing that". Obviously I'm taking photographs and trying to be a bit artsy about them, but there are other tasks that I usually do that aren't being done during my vacation. As you noticed from a few posts past, I was also big into scanning my 35mm photographs and transcribing my journal entries. That's my bit of creativity that I've undertaken while I'm not able to work on film-type things. It may be a cop-out on not being active in my film community, but it's also two aspects or projects in my life that have been categorized in the "I really should get around to that sometime" zone. But I figure, why not now? It's almost like a way to figure out how I got here and appreciate my development as a person before I can move forward into other creative areas. It's almost as if I need to take stock before I can begin moving forward. You have to do inventory every once in a while, and age 25 seems like a pretty good time for that.
I've recently decided that transcribing the journals takes too long and I'm better off just scanning them as photographs and letting the handwriting speak for me as well. And that seems to be the start of a novel of my life or biography of sorts. I'm sure people would love the chance to read another's journals. And I'm banking on that, so to speak.
So enough about my 'creativity' and more about my travels. I think it's interesting to be able to travel in the manner I'm doing. By the end of my trip, I will have, and actually already have, spent time in every U.S. time zone. Which do I like best? Silly question! Or is it? Can one actually prefer a time zone? I guess the two in the middle (ie Central and Mountain) because we aren't the first and we're not the last.
What are my impressions of the cities I've visited?
Denver doesn't seem too foreign from my life in the midwest. I didn't get a lot of time there since I was mostly in the outskirts and only one night in the actual city. But I like it. I guess the familiarity helps. I've been there before, three years ago (and maybe previously?) but the familiarity to which I refer would have to be the midwestern feel. I'm not sure if I am actually spot on with that one, because obviously Colorado and Nebraska birth two different types of stereotypes: granola vs farmers. But of course, as stereotypes, both fall flat in comparison to the truth. I am not a farmer. But my brother is! First generation though. Organic, so it doesn't fit into the stereotype. And the friends I visited in Colorado were not granola hippies by any standards. One, MH, was technically a CO native and the other was an implant from Neb. I traveled as a car passenger in Colorado and didn't have to try to maneuver public transport, so I can't speak to that.
Boston was a whole 'nother ball game. All I did was take public transport. And I have to admit, there's something fun about that. Of course I think that because I only ever take public transport when I'm on vacation/traveling. I wouldn't call it romantic because I'm not demented, but going underground and seeing the cave-like tunnels just thrills me, like we're spelunking or something. And as a people watcher, it's fun to see the different types of people on the T. And how you should try to avoid eye contact, but sometimes can't. I was also tickled when I was leaving Boston that there was a blind man (poorly) singing "I Only Have Eyes For You" in the Government Center stop. An exercise in comedy/irony to be sure.
In Boston, I guess one could easily feel clausterphobic. Especially when I come from Nebraska, home of the open plains, even in the city, where the only tall buildings are downtown. I suppose that could be the same for Boston, but everything is packed together and even the short buildings have history that is lacking in the Midwest. Oh and there is a LOT of walking being done in Boston, something rarely done in Nebraska unless one is drunk and in downtown Lincoln. Downtown Omaha too maybe I guess. But there are hills in Boston that one won't find in Nebraska and that's even more killer than the wide open spaces would be for walking. So I'll pretend that I got nice legs and glutes out of the walking thing in Boston. I also came away with some books. And I already finished one. It's kind of weird that I bought books because I never buy books at home unless I've thoroughly researched it and even then, they come from the library or maaaybe the internet if I think it's worth the purchase. I think I purchased books in Boston/Brookline for a couple reasons. One, they looked good. Two, they are less expensive than many clothing stores. and Three, I actually have time to read while I'm traveling, rather than the self-created guilt at home. Not that I don't read at home because I have read a bit more lately, but more so the guilt that I should be spending time with family or working on my projects. So books and movies get placed to the side quite often anymore. Which is fine. I would like to read more than movie watch because one seems to be a heightened sense of intellect, but that's coming from a film studies major? For shame! But I used to have such a voracious appetite for reading, so it's good to have the chance to do that again, and not for school purposes, but really, what's stopping me from writing a good term paper? ;) I can get essays published if I wanted! Dangit! But will I? Who knows? I would have to use my brain again!
Now, I'm currently in Portland and it's pretty relaxed here. It's also pretty spread out and reminds me of Nebraska. For whatever reason, the downtown area doesn't seem to frighten me. The buildings aren't so tall I guess. But it's nothing like downtown Boston. Kind of odd, I suppose to admit to being frightened of downtown anyway. I wasn't so much frightened of downtown Boston, it's just that it was so expansive. And Portland has a large downtown too I suppose, but it seems to have more trendy/fun shops. And perhaps downtown Boston eased me in to downtown Portland. The biggest difference probably being that I was in downtown Boston during the week and it's the weekend in Portland. I'm sure that has a great bit to do with it.
Two days ago, my friend CS took me to Mirror Lake near Mt. Hood and we had a smashing good hike in which I took lots of pictures and the majority turned out okay and some were bloody brilliant. But my favorite was the ground squirrels at the top who have, over the course of dealing with many hikers, learned that one must pose for the camera in order to get food. True models, no? They were a little eager though and several times I feared for my face. But that's why the Yellowstone park rangers always tell you NOT to feed the wildlife, and I suppose this includes ground squirrels, no matter how chunky and cute and lovable they look.
On our way down the trail, we got rained on because, hello, this is Oregon, but that didn't put a damper on the fun. CS is used to rain and I like it too. Even when my brain thinks it sounds like hot oil on the stove, when it's really just raining outside the open window. No, I'm not blonde, but yes I was born blonde.
A point that was mentioned was the subconscious reason for visiting friends (and family) in six different U.S. cities. Obviously, the prominent reasons are to visit my loved ones in their current habitats AND to add some more pins to my world map, and just be able to enjoy taking 1/12th of my year on vacation. I'm told by many females that it's great that I am taking the chance to do this now. This irks me. People assume that I will no longer have the opportunity to do this after a certain point. Why? Because they operate under the assumption that I will want to get married and have kids and maybe a steady job. Well 2 out of 3 aren't bad. Or one. Or none. Out of all of them, the steady job would be the best, but only under the right conditions of course... one of them being the allowance or necessity for travel. My dream job is getting "paid to travel and create". Simple, right? It's pretty open, I'd say, so hopefully the possibility of it coming true is open and highly likely. Marriage would be okay I suppose much later down the line. Ten years or so? And children? I have nephews thank you very much and they are easily borrowed if I want to have a blast without the constant responsibility of child-rearing. My nephews have been wonderfully reared and are great kids to be around. And they can teach me, so I'm not worried about adding to the world population. I have enough on my hands trying to figure out how to foster my population of one. And that seems like it can entertain me for the rest of my days. Especially when so many parents tell me how great it is that I have the chance to do so now. Um, thanks but I have the chance to do it for always. I'll take that chance and stay a full time aunt happily.
So, are there subconscious reasons for traveling as I am? Besides getting away from the hum drum of regular jobs and seeing how great it would be to be free from regular jobs, and finding ways to spend my money that I usually save like none other, I guess one could assume I am previewing life in the other cities in order to find a place to move. But I don't really know if that is the case. It would make more sense to call it research for my writing, honestly. Understanding life in other cities. If I was really interested in moving, I probably would have either done that already or scheduled interviews in all these cities. But I suppose in a way, I am exploring these cities to find if one aligns with my view of life. So far, fashion wise, people try to hard to be hipster and that's not my style anywhere. Especially when I'm traveling with a limited amount of luggage.
But being able to travel gives me time to ask my friends questions about life and whatever pops into my head. Some of the recurring questions have been: "What is your favorite and least favorite thing about this city?" And "If you had to be on a reality competition show, what would it be?" So, you can go ahead answer those questions.
For me, my favorite thing about my town is that it's easy to live there. My least favorite is that it's difficult to live artistically (but I suppose that's a ongoing problem for artists, no matter locale). And I would want to be on America's Next Top Model, but I only have a couple more years for them to bring back the short req before I get "too old". Fingers crossed. I suppose I don't know much about modeling and I would have to admit that I understand it's not as easy as posing and trying to look pretty. To me, I see that some of those models aren't standard pretty, but instead a little weird looking. I think I look weird, so I could do it ;) When I say weird, I do mean I have a pretty good self-esteem this far in the game. It took a while to be okay with my looks. We all can't look spot on all the time, but it's gotten much easier to accept that. Especially when I have people who love me. I always tell my friends I wouldn't hang out with them if they were ugly because I'm shallow. I assume the same is true for them, so I must be "not ugly". =D Sure, my inner character helps, but yeah.
So, this is a long-A entry that doesn't tell anyone much about anything travel wise. But that's me. Don't expect an expert in anything, except me. I'm basically an expert in that, but there are others who are well-versed. I keep them around for fun. =D
I guess I should wrap up the idea of 'searching for my next city'. I'm not opposed to moving out of Nebraska, about as much as I'm not opposed to staying there. I've learned to be happy where I am and that's very easy when I have my family around. There was a moment in which, a few months ago, I was applying for a job a couple states away that would have paid me very very very well. The idea of leaving my family was sad, but I just crossed my fingers and prayed/hoped for the best. And apparently the best was to stay put in Nebrasky because I didnt' get the job. I know many people would encourage me to move a bigger city so I can let my creativity out and get paid for it, but I think that I need to prove to myself that I can do that first in a city where the price of living is so low. I will move if and when someone pays me to move. I guess after this trip, I will just have a better understanding of life in other cities, therefore making it easier to wrap my head around what a city is like when/if that chance comes about. So, I'm just content to be where I'm at because I'm still working on maxing out my abilities. Once I learn to balance that in a small town, you can be sure I'll be confident at my ability to do that in a larger city. I have to take it one step at a time and learn to enjoy all of it. I would say, I'm doing okay. It's not the destination, but the journey! Peace!
Monday, August 23, 2010
SUCCESS!!!
Well, I'll be traveling from my (undisclosed) hometown to Denver, Boston, Portland, Raleigh, San Fran, Miami, Denver and back home. I'm not gonna tell ya the dates, and I'm not telling you nothing! Till I get back! Whenever that is! ;)
Peace!
Peace!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Travel News!
We interrupt the 2 month hiatus in European memories to alert you the Pack and Write Princess' upcoming trip! Thanks to JetBlue's awesome travel deal, I will be traveling for a month! I get to book tomorrow (but will try at 11 pm tonight). I just have 13 flights to book. No biggie! Cross your fingers for me!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
PICTURES!!!
Okay, I decided that not only should you be entertained by my journal account of the trip, but you should be privy to the pictures too! And let me tell you, scanning all 186 of them was a trip in itself!
Times certainly have changed with the advent of the digital age. My trip to Europe in 2002 used 8 rolls of film and yielded 186 pics (actually the negatives show a few are missing!). My trip to India in 2009? About 979 photos. Approximately.
Here's what I found from going through these pictures tonight (I think it took 4 hours...I watched "The Proposal" and "Goonies" in Spanish while I scanned. They are completely different movies in Spanish, believe you me!) Eight percent of my pictures taken in Europe were merely to take pictures of cute boys. Yes, my 17 year old-self wanted to capture the truly important things on my trip. And my 25 year old self will share a few pics that corresponded to last entry. Recap of last entry: Hot German flight attendants (male), the Colosseum and the Forum.
Oh, look. Didn't even make it out of Chicago before I started man-hunting. [rolls eyes]
Okay, he's a little boy-faced, but still.
I don't care who you are. He's hot. I wonder where he is now! ;)
View from the room of me, Citizen B and Fabio ;)
Ze Colosseum! Albert, our awesome tour guide, is the dude w/ sunglasses. He spoke like 5 or 6 languages!
Hey, look. More boys! I really wanted an example of European tight pants ;) Rawr!
The Colosseum needed some support. Proof that I've always been goofy. (And plan to always be, thank you very much!)
Inside the Colosseum
Natural Spring near the Forum, you know, where Caesar was backstabbed. I'm pretty sure the blood is no longer in the water ;) I mean, uh, poor Caesar. Et tu, Brute? Jerk.
I think these are the steps on which Caesar was murdered. Citizen B can confirm or deny this.
A view of the area. Bet it looked pretty awesome back in the day :) All them Roman dudes in togas and stuff. Yeah.
I believe this was the Forum where all the important Senate-like meetings were held. Citizen B, fact check?
The wolf that suckled Romulus and Remus. Remus was killed by Romulus (good ol' sibling rivalry) and Rome was named after Romulus. Hmmm, my siblings better watch out! ;) Just keeeedding!
Wedding Cake/City Hall, right, B?
There I am at the window to our bachelorette pad, probably wondering how long before a cute Carabinieri comes to arrest me! ;)
So, what do you guys think so far? Remember the next entry will detail my first kiss stolen from me by Tom Cruise... Stay tuned! Peace!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Memories from Europe in 2002!
Forget my musings on my future.... let's look at my past! I have a very special treat for you readers (all two of you? Come on kids! Comment! Let me know you're there!!)
My task for the last month or so has been to transcribe my journals. Juicy stuff to be sure. I currently have arrived to a section written in 2002 which details my FIRST expatriot adventure! In 2002, I took a trip to Europe (Italy and France) with some people from my high school and took my journal with me. I have only transcribed a few days into the trip, and I'm willing to share it on the interwebs.
Prepare yourselves! So begin the musings of a 17 year old female wanderlust!:
My task for the last month or so has been to transcribe my journals. Juicy stuff to be sure. I currently have arrived to a section written in 2002 which details my FIRST expatriot adventure! In 2002, I took a trip to Europe (Italy and France) with some people from my high school and took my journal with me. I have only transcribed a few days into the trip, and I'm willing to share it on the interwebs.
Prepare yourselves! So begin the musings of a 17 year old female wanderlust!:
Thur. June 6, 2002Well, kids, I hope you enjoyed that look into my journal from 8 years ago! Ha cha cha! Leave me a comment on the blog and let me know what you thought. Next entry details MY FIRST KISS! Bow chicka wow wow! Oh man, I'm not sure I should be posting this. Oh, well! Gotta keep my readers entertained, right?! ;) Peace out!
3:52 p.m. approx
I thought I'd write before we change time zones. Chicago was aight.
Right now, we're on a huge German plane and I'm listening to a hot German guy sing. Before it was No Doubt w/ Hey Baby. I was rockin' out. Now it's No Angels. There are some super HOT German fight attendents on this plane. Now there is a dude speaking German on the plane intercom. I can't understand a word.
Okay now he's in English. This plane is freakin' huge. It's like the ones on T.V. and in the movies. 4 in the middle 3 on each side. The radio stations are rockin.
Peace out for now.
Fri June 7, 2002
12:57 a.m. Germantime.
Aif Saldin is a German singer dude to check out.
Dinner is soon. The music has started repeating. See you later, I guess
8:53 a.m.
I'm in a whole 'nother country. It's freakin' weird. Germany's airport is so different from Chicago. For one, they only have coffee, little sandwiches + chocolate. Not like in America where you turn around and see twenty thousand MickeyD's.
Also, it's quiet and doesn't have sales tax.
I took pics of the hot flight attendents. My favorite part of the ride was the music you can plug into.
Anyway, I'm gonna get back to educating myself by reading the papers I've picked up.
-D
12:58 a.m.
I've come to the conclusion that Italy is beautiful and so are her men!!!
André busdriver Aledrexia - some lady, Albert - tour guide. All A's.
I nodded on and off on the plane from Frankfurt to here. Looking out the plane was breathtaking. Everything is so old and grand. I love the red shingled rooves. The fields are so quaint. The hills are so weird. I like this place a lot. We're heading to the hotel now, which will be nice.
Knowing Spanish helps with Italian. The buildings and architecture are freakishly cool.
Rome is the eternal city.
4 Levels. 1) Antique - Forum - Col
2) Constantine leaves -> Medeival Rome 1000 yrs.
3) Pope Baroque - Basilica -> St. Petersburg
4) Mussolini
There's a horse in someone's yard. I've seen a dance club, a ferris wheel, a hot guy on a motorcycle. Girls in flowing skirts, parasol pine trees, tiny cars.
It blows my mind to be in a whole other country. I wanna move here.
A wall by Marcus Aurelius - 25 miles longs.
There's so much to see + do.
The Roman bathhouses.
For traffic, it seems, anything goes.
St. John the latterine.
The Pope is in this town.
graffiti problem.
It's kinda wet: ppl w/ umbrellas.
gotta go w/ suitcases.
9:24 p.m.
Well, today has been a very interesting day. We saw the Colleseum, the Forum and ate @ La Mimosa.
It's really weird to think that I was within feet of where Caesar as killed! We crossed the street and didn't die.
The Italians must have a death wish judging from how they drive! I would hate to take driver's Ed. here, although I guess it prepares you for anything. Their motto is 'No Fear,' cuz they really aren't afraid!
It's really weird to be in a different country. We're so used to people bowing down to Americans. Yet, here they are, with their Italian flags flying high, not bending to the Americans, as well they shouldn't.
But it would be nice if we could get off our high horses and see our neighbors in the world.
I want to fit in here, and not look like an American, but it's hard when you're with a tour group. Oh well.
I better get to bed. Had a big Italian-style dinner and need some Z's!
-D
Thursday, June 17, 2010
leaning towards an answer
I'm not certain, but getting a MFA in Creative Writing seems like something I might need to do. My parents suggested that I determine what my career goals are and how a Masters would assist me in obtaining these goals. Well, my goal of getting paid to travel and be creative? A little vague, yes. But I can't help but believe that this extra certificate/education/time to write would give me more credibility in the writing field. Duh?
Besides natural talent/writing abilities, as it stands now, I am unqualified to write for large magazines that would put up my expenses for travel. Why? I'm not actively writing and have no portfolio (well not much of one). Even if I begin to write, to whom will I turn to get criticism? Family members don't count and I'm only available to attend a writing group but twice a month. Sure, I could TRY to be self-taught, but I'm not THAT egotistical. As my life currently is, I rarely have my evenings in solitude anymore. Sure, I get free time in swells and it could change, and Yes, my life will be crazy if I have to work to pay my way through grad school, meaning that this "free time" I speak of is nothing more than a figurative unicorn.
What would I get if I was accepted into the Masters program? A lot of time reading and writing. A lot of much-needed criticism on my writing. Contacts with very well-educated and well-connected people. Support for my sometimes underestimated and under-used intelligence. A timeline. Getting back into the groove of being an intelligent woman. And I can't help but daydream about my possible adventures with friends that might possibly be in L-town. (I've all but ruled out the Uni in my town b/c the website is terribly unprofessional-looking and not detailed enough for the investment I might be making).
What if I don't even try? Well, considering the application isn't due until January and the classes wouldn't start for more than a year from now.... I still have time to change my mind a few times. And truly, I can be 40 and decide to get my Masters. It's never too late.
I'm trying not to put any undo pressure on myself, but having an idea of my destination helps to know how I'll get there. If I were to somehow be free of rent payments for the next year, I could pay for a good chunk of the schooling myself (maybe half?). But then, that begs the question, where would I live? I have a few places in mind. None gives me the happiness and solitude that living on my own does, that's for darn sure. But we all need to sacrifice no?
I'm going to hold off on making decisions of course. Because sometimes the Universe has it's own way of working things out better than our measly selves can plan. So I'll continue to be creative and try to use my time to the best of my abilities.
Besides natural talent/writing abilities, as it stands now, I am unqualified to write for large magazines that would put up my expenses for travel. Why? I'm not actively writing and have no portfolio (well not much of one). Even if I begin to write, to whom will I turn to get criticism? Family members don't count and I'm only available to attend a writing group but twice a month. Sure, I could TRY to be self-taught, but I'm not THAT egotistical. As my life currently is, I rarely have my evenings in solitude anymore. Sure, I get free time in swells and it could change, and Yes, my life will be crazy if I have to work to pay my way through grad school, meaning that this "free time" I speak of is nothing more than a figurative unicorn.
What would I get if I was accepted into the Masters program? A lot of time reading and writing. A lot of much-needed criticism on my writing. Contacts with very well-educated and well-connected people. Support for my sometimes underestimated and under-used intelligence. A timeline. Getting back into the groove of being an intelligent woman. And I can't help but daydream about my possible adventures with friends that might possibly be in L-town. (I've all but ruled out the Uni in my town b/c the website is terribly unprofessional-looking and not detailed enough for the investment I might be making).
What if I don't even try? Well, considering the application isn't due until January and the classes wouldn't start for more than a year from now.... I still have time to change my mind a few times. And truly, I can be 40 and decide to get my Masters. It's never too late.
I'm trying not to put any undo pressure on myself, but having an idea of my destination helps to know how I'll get there. If I were to somehow be free of rent payments for the next year, I could pay for a good chunk of the schooling myself (maybe half?). But then, that begs the question, where would I live? I have a few places in mind. None gives me the happiness and solitude that living on my own does, that's for darn sure. But we all need to sacrifice no?
I'm going to hold off on making decisions of course. Because sometimes the Universe has it's own way of working things out better than our measly selves can plan. So I'll continue to be creative and try to use my time to the best of my abilities.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
And so it begins...
I hope you aren't scared off right away by my corny blog name. Tell me you get it. Pack and Write. Black and White. A world colored in .... okay, now you are groaning. But if you already know me, you're familiar with this type of humor. If you don't know me, well buckle up.
Things you need to know:
I have reached that point now where I am beginning to think my talents are being squandered. And it makes me look to that little piece of pie in sky that I said I'd never in a million years touch: Grad School. Oh. Boy.
Here's the thing. School was fun while it lasted but I was sooooo happy to be out. Three years later, I've had some really cool experiences: working on big-name movies, small movies, dancing for an Indian wedding in New Delhi, working on my scriptwriting, hanging out with well-known people etc. etc. I'm sure there are other cool things I can't remember, not due to any substances, but due to my own poor memory. Hence, being a writer.... If I write it down, it will jog my memory later.
So I am now looking at Grad School as a possible avenue. I won't say I've exhausted every other option and I won't say I have the money for school. But I will say I have the desire to write and be critiqued so that I can get much better.
I look back on my 60 page Honors Undergrad Thesis and think, "Man, I was smart!" I want to be able to say, "Man, I AM smart!" I want to be able to feel as if I am using my brain muscles and that I will allow myself more opportunities by jumping into the pool of school.
But there is a lot to consider. Cue another bullet list:
Oh, I'll accept donations too ;)
There you have it. An incredibly talented (and humble) gal with an incredibly difficult decision ahead of her. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And who knows where the winds of chance and time will take me? Waiting for the next (all expenses paid) adventure!
Peace!
-D
Things you need to know:
- I'm a sassy female. Mid 20's. Midwest.
- I've been to 5 countries outside of the U.S. and one of those was a Spanish speaking country in which I lived/studied/traveled for 5 months.
- I graduated with a BA in Film Studies and a minor in Spanish in 2007.
- I've spent the past three years doing regular jobs when I wasn't on film sets. Yes, I'm fancy pants. ;)
- I'm looking to get paid to travel and be creative.
I have reached that point now where I am beginning to think my talents are being squandered. And it makes me look to that little piece of pie in sky that I said I'd never in a million years touch: Grad School. Oh. Boy.
Here's the thing. School was fun while it lasted but I was sooooo happy to be out. Three years later, I've had some really cool experiences: working on big-name movies, small movies, dancing for an Indian wedding in New Delhi, working on my scriptwriting, hanging out with well-known people etc. etc. I'm sure there are other cool things I can't remember, not due to any substances, but due to my own poor memory. Hence, being a writer.... If I write it down, it will jog my memory later.
So I am now looking at Grad School as a possible avenue. I won't say I've exhausted every other option and I won't say I have the money for school. But I will say I have the desire to write and be critiqued so that I can get much better.
I look back on my 60 page Honors Undergrad Thesis and think, "Man, I was smart!" I want to be able to say, "Man, I AM smart!" I want to be able to feel as if I am using my brain muscles and that I will allow myself more opportunities by jumping into the pool of school.
But there is a lot to consider. Cue another bullet list:
- What is my career goal?
- How will getting a MFA in English (Creative Writing?) help me?
- Where will I get the money for this?
- Will I use the program at the Uni in town or at my Undergrad?
- How will I make money? (How many hours can I work while I take classes?)
- Where will I live?
- Am I really ready to commit 2 (3?) years to a Masters? (I would honestly love to have a PhD if only to be a "Doctor" ;) But was advised by a friend currenly on that track, PhD is more for people who want to teach... I don't think that's where my passion lies.)
- More questions that make my head explode.
Oh, I'll accept donations too ;)
There you have it. An incredibly talented (and humble) gal with an incredibly difficult decision ahead of her. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And who knows where the winds of chance and time will take me? Waiting for the next (all expenses paid) adventure!
Peace!
-D
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