the end of the year

Since I have been a tad busy getting settled, drving to and from work, moving a few times, traveling to New York, helping some friends, and most importantly chatting with my various housemates, I have not been as good about updating the blog. Prorities.
But I have missed writing my thoughts and feelings and observations in all of this change and adventure. There has been so much to take in- good things and some sad.

The last few weeks in DC/Maryland were hectic. I was trying to pull together an event in three weeks time that I normally spend months planning. I felt immense pressure to pass it off as done as humanly possible. My last day was extended due to that, which I was just fine with. It allowed me time to put all these big changes away for just a little more time. I am exceptional at compartmetalizing. It's how I deal well with crisis. I focus on the issue at hand and fall apart afterward. So the last week was filled with meetings, outings, saying goodbye. I got a little teary but more than anything I was focused on the task at hand. And then came Friday and packaging up my laptop to be sent back. And a lunch with a friend. And it hit me. Literally took my breath away, for just a second. I was leaving a city I'd mastered and learned to love in a year of getting beat-up. I was leaving a job I'd had for almost ten years and one I still liked. I was leaving behind almost my whole career. And I was picking up to move to a new city and start a new job in two days. Whoa. deep breaths.

As I was headed back to the little ladies for one last sleepover at their house and one last night with one of my all-time favorite housemates (no offense to anyone else!), I got so sad. Not because I was scared of the decision I'd made, but sad to leave such a special year behind. In that year, I'd conquered a city. I'd fallen deeply in love with my favorite little people. I'd learned how fast and deep a friendship can grow.I'd learned what I am made of. I really learned how very lucky I am. And I was humbled by the love I have been shown.

Saturday, in Ferd Schulte fashion (meaning really early), I got up and started the adventure. I had one last infusion treatment(because why wouldn't that be the case) and then I hit the road and headed toward the mitten. I had a 9 hour drive through the hills and highways. A mix of good music and time alone --jobless (for 2 days) and homeless. I got home and relished in the large sized bed (I had been sleeping in a 3/4 bed-- short and fat twin bed, really) and got excited that I could sleep in on Sunday. finally. ;)

Sunday I got up and attem- hit up a coffee and bagel place and headed toward Chicago in the rain. My moves tend to have the background of rain, I tak it as a positive sign. Like the planet is cleansing me of the old so I can start fresh and new or something. (wow, that was really hippy dippy! But I'm sticking with it.)

I got to my new temporary home, knocked and was immediately welcomed with squeals of delight from the other side of the door. So cute and perfect.
I unloaded (with the help of my new housemates), got the tour and the favorite books orientation, then had a homecooked dinner. The adults shared tips for getting to the office the next day and we talked about grown up things.
And Monday I started my job.

We'll end the story there for now.


DC friends Goodbye bar crawl.

C and Mags on our "ice cream for breakfast date"

Sammie and Erica



the packed car





the new roomies

 

Random thoughts...

Today, as I left the house to head to one of my last orthodontist appointments ever (!!!). (I am a little excited...rightfully so I think). Anyway, as I was driving with the windows down and the sunroof open with the bright blue sky and puffy clouds in my view, I started to think about freedom. Weird, I know.

But, what is it about driving with the wind blowing your hair and a favorite song on the radio that is so much fun? I mean, it really brings me delight.

It's the same feeling I get when I am riding my bike super fast (well, when I did ride a bike).

And the same feeling of being on a boat with the breeze.

Okay of those the boat wins out for the best since it does involve water and that's just happy. But, all three evoke this sense of child-like joy and I feel so free. Like everything is possible.

Good stuff.

Just a Girl and her car...

I am rethinking the name of this blog lately. It seems all my recent travel adventures are in my car- alone. Maybe rename the blog-- Just a Girl and Her Car? Well, I'll keep thinking on that and will keep you posted. In the meantime, here's the latest update on travel adventures and lesson- learned about living in the Pacific Northwest.

This past weekend, I thought I would take a quick trip to Bend, OR to see my old, dear friends before they go back to their summer home in Juneau, AK. Now, since I am still learning about this neck of the woods, I checked mapquest and saw that I had to drive directly through Portland, OR to get there. I have some great pals in Portland that I definately do not see often enough, so decided to break up the 6 hour drive and make some plans with them for Sunday night and into Monday (for a work date day).

The roadtrip was going well- decent weather (read: not rainy*), good tunes, and the open road. I don't know what it is about driving on an open road listening to amazing music that makes my heart so happy. I stopped for a FOFFEE**, and was delighted to see the things I was going to see once I passed through Portland (up to Portland, it's just a highway, kind of gross and not scenic). As I was approaching the area where the city gives way to trees, small towns, and countryside, the clouds were getting a little darker. And as I drove to higher elevation- the skies opened up a little with some rain and then hail. I was still not deterred- what's a little rain and hail? Really? (remember this whole mountain thing is new to me).

Then some cars were coming westbound with some snow on them- not every car but most of them. The skies were getting a little darker and the mountain that I could kind of see earlier, I could no longer see at all. At this point, there was a little feeling, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Then I passed a place that sold snow tires and chains. And then another, and another one further down the road. So, I got a little nervous and then saw the flashing sign- Chains or Snow Tires REQUIRED 6 miles ahead. Now, as a person new to this whole mountain travel thing I did wonder how important that REALLY was. There was a brief moment of pause thinking I could get through, I know how to drive in snow. Then the voice of reason kicked in and I stopped. I might have snow tires, but I should check just to be sure. I looked and had NO clue, so called the two people I just knew would know (my papa and the dude). Of course, neither picked up. Then I called two others who might know and they didn't pick up either. So, I sucked it up and went into the little store.

The men running the store were clearly annoyed by my stupidity.

Q: Who doesn't check the mountina report before heading down from Seattle? A: A girl who doesn't know there is a mountain between her and her destination (I didn't actually admit that at first.)

Q: What kind of tires do you have? A: Well, two are new. I don't know how to tell if they are snow tires or not.

Q( well, more commandment): Go and look for a little snowflake on the tire. A: OK (I checked and obvs did not have a snowflake or anything other than a serial number on the tires).

Q: What size chains do you need? A: Um, I grew up far from mountains and have lived in AZ for six years. I don't know how this works.

Tweedle Dee (nice counter guy): Let me get out there and see what we can do.

Tweedle Dum (not-so-nice counter guy): She can fiugre it out herself.

Me: Um, okay?

Dee: She's from Arizona, she needs help.

Dum: (rolling his eyes) Fine, but this is the last stupid motorist we are helping today. People should be prepared.

Me: Sir, I hear you and am sorry. My dad would be appalled that I wasn't aware of all this, but I promise next time I will know better and will be prepared or cancel the trip. Honestly, I didn't even know there was a mountain pass involved. I'm sorry.

Well, apparently, the divulgence of the lack of mountain pass knowledge was what he needed to hear because he just started to laugh and was like, "oh honey- we'll get you all set up. Don't you worry".

Really, dude? 5 minutes ago you were ready to throw me out of the store. (I really didn't say that, but wanted to).

They fitted the tires, but didn't have any in stock. Long story short: 4 stores later- no one had the right ones in stock.

By the time the adventure was over an hour at passed and there were at least 2 inches of snow had fallen! (Definately explained all the cars with snow headed westward!) I had to get the hell out of there. So, Portland became Plan B. Thanks to some good friends who work on an impromptu schedule I had an enjoyable evening and an even more enjoyable brunch (My favorite meal!).

So, the lessons learned on this one--

1- Before any trip out of the Seattle area, check for mountains and mountain passes.

2- Like any good Michigander knows--pack for all kinds of weather, even in the springtime!

3- Have a plan B in mind...just in case.

Good thing the next trip is on an airplane.

*Fun Fact (or not so much): I learned last night that of the lasy 90 days, only 20 were partly cloudy and/or fair. Yep, that means 70 days were cloudy, rainy, or stormy. Ugh! I need a reminder of why I live here again. Yikes, that is a lot of rain, cold and wet.

**Foffee is a term my friend's daughter coined when seeing her get an afternoon coffee ready. So afternoons coffees have since been known as "FOFFEE". Really, it's just fun!