The Time of My Life
You would think since I'm such a detail-oriented, Type A, classic overachiever, I would relish the opportunity to plan such a grand road trip. I'll admit, I do love putting names, addresses and phone numbers into a spreadsheet, pushing multi-colored pins into the map I've posted at home, and neurotically listing mileage, travel dates and things to do. What I don't like is the possibility that this whole trip could come crashing down if I can't get the funds together or if something major happens with my car or if Jenna and I get thrown in jail for any number of questionable, under the influence acts (KNOCK ON WOOD everyone!).
As with any other thought process, the "what if"s are poisoning my ability to see the big picture. There are two reasons for this trip: first, to check out potential MFA programs/schools and their locations; second, just to do it. I know so many people who have said to me, "I planned a trip out west once...It never happened." I know gas prices are through the roof and taking an SUV across country is not the most economical idea, but I refuse to regret this. I have a great travel buddy--Jenna--and will pick up her mate and his brother (from Leeds) in Oregon as well. [Jenna and I recently embarked on a one-week, music influenced tour of Canada for "spring break." As if Ohio wasn't cold enough, we set out to Toronto and Montreal to check out the music scene. The trip went swimmingly. Jenna's a top notch navigator and I--the neurotic road tripper, unwilling to relinquish control of my car--prefer to just drive without having to worry about directions. We're a good team.]
Let's not forget the family and homies I will visit along the way: Lily, Lesley, Pinkelman, Topher & Emily, the Lydeckers, and Coop. I've never been afraid to travel--in fact, I relish the opportunity--but, it seems that since I've been stuck in Bowling Green, anyone west of Chicago seems to have fallen off the edge of the planet. Now, instead of bitching and moaning, I'll just go to them. I can't wait to sit on my ass for 35 days, the country a blur in my side mirrors, smelly and wrinkled, surviving on granola and sight-seeing, experiencing what I expect to be the time of my life.
As with any other thought process, the "what if"s are poisoning my ability to see the big picture. There are two reasons for this trip: first, to check out potential MFA programs/schools and their locations; second, just to do it. I know so many people who have said to me, "I planned a trip out west once...It never happened." I know gas prices are through the roof and taking an SUV across country is not the most economical idea, but I refuse to regret this. I have a great travel buddy--Jenna--and will pick up her mate and his brother (from Leeds) in Oregon as well. [Jenna and I recently embarked on a one-week, music influenced tour of Canada for "spring break." As if Ohio wasn't cold enough, we set out to Toronto and Montreal to check out the music scene. The trip went swimmingly. Jenna's a top notch navigator and I--the neurotic road tripper, unwilling to relinquish control of my car--prefer to just drive without having to worry about directions. We're a good team.]
Let's not forget the family and homies I will visit along the way: Lily, Lesley, Pinkelman, Topher & Emily, the Lydeckers, and Coop. I've never been afraid to travel--in fact, I relish the opportunity--but, it seems that since I've been stuck in Bowling Green, anyone west of Chicago seems to have fallen off the edge of the planet. Now, instead of bitching and moaning, I'll just go to them. I can't wait to sit on my ass for 35 days, the country a blur in my side mirrors, smelly and wrinkled, surviving on granola and sight-seeing, experiencing what I expect to be the time of my life.
posted by Chelsea at 11:25 AM
1 Comments:
Chelsea,
I am so excited for you! You rock girl!
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