Thanks!

 

The Trip: The Conclusion

Hello readers. I apologize for the lack of postings over the past few months. I talked with several people that thought something happened because the entries stopped, and others that were bummed that I haven’t posted my final adventures.
I’d like to give you a good reason, but there isn’t one. I’ve been selfish. I haven’t wanted the trip to end, and assumed that if I didn’t make this conclusion, it never would be. I know it sounds silly, but I guess it’s my romanticism with the adventure.
For you readers that didn’t know, I returned at the very end of January and am doing very well. I am currently working as a waiter in Laconia at Patrick’s Pub (please stop in any time and say hello) and am adapting nicely to a steady life again.
I’m currently living at my father’s house in Alton. This has served me well to catch up with family, have a central location to explore and have fun, as well as save some $$$ to pay off the adventure.
Probably the greatest highlight has been the focus on where I want to go and what I want to do. I’m now applying to different schools for employment as well as preparing for my GRE’s to start on my masters degree in secondary science education.
I’ve found that it is easy for me to be motivated. Since my return, I have run into several students and former colleagues. They have expressed interest in the trip as well as if or when I will return. I guess I never noticed the impact I had on those around me, another example of the focus that this experience has given me. I know that I am meant to be a teacher and more importantly, a better teacher.
As for a life beyond work, there has been plenty. When I returned I went for many nature walks, enjoyed our family property in Wolfeboro, and did a lot of carpentry around Dad’s house. I’m using it as a ‘pay-back’ for room and board. He and Juliette say that it isn’t necessary, but I am not one to take a free ride.
Lately I’ve REALLY been enjoying the kayak and fishing. Although there has been little caught, it has been great to get out. The weather here has been amazing. Aside from the occasional day of rain, we have had unseasonably warm and sunny days. I have tried to get out every chance, and as the weather improves more I’ll hit the mountains for some hikes.
As for a social life, I have taken some big steps. The first, is I have started a match.com account. I always looked negatively at internet dating, but now I’m being more open to meeting though the computer. I’d hate to take the approach that ’everybody’s doing it’, but that’s the truth. Nobody in my life knows anybody single, so I’m seeking Ms. Right for myself. Wish me luck, and I’ll keep you posted.
Secondly, to no surprise I have been spending time with friends. I am grateful to have such close friends and loved ones, and have designated much of my free time to them. Whether it’s been fishing off of Alton bridge with Ty, Ryan and Terry, or having a beer and cooking up food with Rodney and Joetta, I genuinely appreciate time with my friends as they were with me in spirit on this trip.
For those of you that I haven’t had a chance to catch up with, be patient. A waiters life is very sporadic, and our schedules are never the same week to week. I’ll be there soon enough to catch up.
Speaking of catching up, enough about what I’ve been doing, I’m sure you are asking ‘What is life like now that I have returned?’. I was warned by several people that there are bouts of depression associated with the return to normalcy.
Upon returning I did notice that things did seem a bit odd. When the adventure was complete, I had a small void. I’ve been told that this is common and very difficult for some to get over considering the magnitude to the trip and accompanying the lack of a steady work schedule. If you ever venture on a trip like this, upon return get busy.
Within a week of returning I spent every spare second doing something. I substitute taught, did carpentry, met up with friends, read books, studied for the GRE’s, and applied for jobs. I found the ‘busy’ therapy kept me away from being depressed. Trust me, when I thought about the adventure those first few weeks, I missed it. But then I would go do something to keep my mind off of it for a while, and then realize how nice it is to be home.
I would be a liar if I said I didn’t think about the trip. I think about it every day. I think about the hilarious times, the scary times, the things I learned, the people I met, and how much fun it was.
Even now as I write this I have about ten entries open as well as my photos. It’s very emotional to reflect upon, and why wouldn’t it be? I took a year of my ‘grown up’ life and gave it a rest. This hiatus was probably the best things that I could have done for myself.
I can say this much, life truly is different now. I have a totally new outlook, and it is solely because of this trip. The petty things in life are now just that. Not much bugs me, or not nearly as much I think. People have told me I look different. I find I wear a smile a heck of a lot more, and I like that.
So here I am at Dover Soul, the place where a lot of this trip was planned in its infant stages. Now, ironically, I’m reflecting post-trip. I’m looking forward to the future. I’m chomping at the bit to bring all of this newly found energy to the classroom. I want to define myself better as an educator and learn more on how to teach.
I want to give back to my friends, family and community for all that it has given me in order to make this happen. Most of all I want to share. I want to share this adventure and my experiences to anyone that is thinking about doing a trip like this. Whether it is cross country, Europe, or even the next state, adventures like this I feel are necessary. I would love to do the empirical comparison of ‘before Al’ and ‘After Al’ to show what a trip like this can do for the mind, body and soul.
In closing, thank you. You, my readers, have been with me through thick and thin. You have watched me go across the country, read my adventure, shared your thoughts through the good and the bad, all the while remaining faithful. You have no idea how much it has meant to me to have you along, even more so now that I am home. If I haven’t met up with you give a call, shoot an e-mail, send a post card, or flash a smoke signal. I would love to catch up, because without you faithful readers this blog would be useless text taking up room in cyber space. Thanks again, be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #33?!?

 

The Trip Day 127: The Adventure Home, Day 3

It is absolutely amazing what is possible when one puts their mind to it. It is 2:30 AM, I have just eaten some celebratory Johnsonville bratwursts, gulped down a couple of beers and am ready for bed. I’m sure you all want the adventure, and I will tell you in due time.
I have to start by saying how good it feels to be back. For some reason, I risked life and limb to drive more time and mileage than any human should do in a 24 hour period. Compounding with my other days of driving, I’m bordering on insanity. But this effort was well worth it.
As I inhale this heart attack in a roll, I can’t help but smile. Even though I am absolutely physically exhausted, I have a surge on energy flowing through me. It’s cold, but I don’t even notice it. Home at last.
Last night ended at a truck stop off of the next exit. It was mammoth. I made sure and pulled into a safe spot under a light post. With all of my valuables in the trunk, I felt relatively safe.
Upon pulling into the parking lot I was immediately flagged down by a pedestrian. A woman walked up to my car and asked me to roll down my window. She looked distressed, so I complied. She stated that she ran out of gas and was wondering if I could spare a few bucks.
Seeing that I had most of my cash (what little there was left) in the trunk, I saw no harm in giving two or three bucks. The old pay it forward theory right.
She thanked me for the money and walked off, then she stopped. I was a little bit curious as to why. Making sure my car doors were locked, I started to put the key back into the ignition. If this woman planned on pulling out a weapon and car jacking me, I was going to make it as difficult as possible.
This is when I was thrown for a loop. She knocked again on my window, I unrolled it a little and asked her what she wanted. She asked if she could sit in the passenger seat and ‘earn’ another twenty. Stupidly I asked her again for clarification. I then realized this was a truck stop hooker. God am I naïve! I politely thanked her for her offer, but declined. When she asked again if I was sure, I was adamant and said to enjoy the couple of bucks for ‘gas’, because that was all she was getting from me.
After she walked off, I made sure and secured as much as possible in the car as well as my pocket knife and Mag light, just in case she and a potential friend returned.
Having a car loaded to the till with camping gear and two bikes on it would be a nice score for anyone who knew the local pawn shop owner close enough. Not on my watch. Which left me with even less sleep than the night before.
I left at 6 AM, just as the morning commuters started to arrive for their java. I filled up on both gas and coffee. My body tingled and was numb. I’m not sure if it was the odd sleeping position, or general sleep depravation, but I had a funk today that hasn’t been present before.
By late morning I felt like a zombie. I was too tired, and too hungry to journey on. This was until I got onto I81. You see, all this time I was going east. When I hit I81 I was now going north. WOW, it was like a bolt of lightning. All of the tiredness dissipated in a fraction of a second.
I called up Rodney and let him know where I was. I told him I was coming home that night and I wanted a celebratory dinner of bratwursts and beer.
He thought I was nuts. Hell, I probably was. If you look on a map, you’ll understand. Seeing that I was still in Tennessee, it seemed outlandish. I told him to get everything, and to let Joetta (his wife) know that I would be on their sofa in the morning. I needed that light at the end of the tunnel, I needed that final push to be home.
I hit the pedal hard. Tennessee became Virginia. Virginia melted away into Maryland. Maryland disappeared in a blink into Pennsylvania. This is when I started to feel it a little.
As I entered into Harrisburg area, the darkness started to fall. From my experiences driving down here before a few times, I was about 6-7 hours from home. It was 6 PM. It would be very easy to stop and get a motel. I could swing in and see Jeremy and Amy. Nope, I remember saying to myself that I know I could do this. I remember saying that the first sign of tiredness at the wheel, I’ll pull over.
I think the Green Machine was listening. That car is amazing. After all of this, the car was running more true than it ever had. For some really weird reason, the gas mileage improved. Don’t ask me how, don’t ask me why, but the car for the remaining four fill ups that day averaged 35 miles per gallon. Seeing that across the country my car went from 32 down to the mid twenties, this was a welcomed event. It also meant less stopping and more driving. And that I did.
Pennsylvania took a small eternity (about 4 hours). New York was quick, about an hour and a half. Then before I knew it, I was in Connecticut. The feeling of being back in New England suppressed all exhaustion.
Connecticut came and went, like all of the other states. And aside from a wrong turn in Hartford, it was uneventful.
I hit the Mass Pike at just past 11:30 PM, which soon became I190 then 290, then 495. I was on my home court now. It amazed me how the car seemed to be driving itself. About four months earlier I was driving down this same road, with butterflies in my stomach about whether or not I made the right decision, and more importantly, what was going to happen. It was truly ironic.
Before I knew it I was on 95. I screamed a “WOOHOO!!” when I crossed into NH. I was less than an hour away. That is when I decided to pass the time keeping myself amused at somebody else’s expense. Hey, what do you expect, I’d driven over 3,400 miles in three days. I needed something to keep me awake.
I picked my victim to be Rodney. He said to give him a call when I was an hour or so away to start the grill, and this would just be too easy to pull off. I called him infuriated and angrily asked him for direction and time estimation from Danbury, CT. When he asked why, I told him I got stopped at a NY State Police DWI checkpoint for a routine stop and they demanded that I unpack the entire car for them to search. I told him that I pleaded with the officer to have a drug dog go through my car, but he insisted on me unpacking every item. In the end, two hours later, the officer refused to help me pack the car back up.
I screamed profanities at the top of my lungs and was so irate that I’m sure any passer by would have heard it in their car.
When Rodney came back with the directions and time I said “Well that’s just *$#@ing great, considering I’m in Hampton!” I laughed and told him to start the grill. He had a few choice words and names to call me, all well deserved, and assured me dinner would be ready for 1:30 AM. Which leaves me to where I am now. Exhausted, but relieved. I can’t wait to see my family tomorrow. I can’t wait to tell the stories to my friends and show them pictures. I’m home, safe, and the adventure is complete. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #33?!?

 

The Trip Day 126: The Adventure Home, Day 2

I remember from both my roommate Nathan and Travel’s With Charley, that when you know the trip is over and you want to be home, everything is irrelevant. Sleep, food, scenery, all become blended into the singularity of the black hole known as the drive.
I left this morning before sunrise. I was in bed for six hours, but probably slept for fifteen minutes. I was eastbound on I40 with the thought of NH in my eyes and heart.
The states that took me weeks to get through now were gone in less than a day. There is very little to report, because of this tunnel vision. I just drove, and drove, and drove.
New Mexico was gone before I knew it. Texas was pretty quick. The only cool story was that I stopped for gas in the Shamrock area and shot the breeze with some locals for a few minutes.
It really reminded me of NH. The same six guys sitting around the same table, telling the same stories and jokes. It was funny to see. Many of these men probably have never left the state. They asked me a ton of questions about my trip and what it was like. I, in turn, sincerely asked them how farming had been and how they fended through the wild fires. It was a great conversation, but after it was over I wanted to be home even more.
I drove through Oklahoma, I don’t remember a thing about it. It’s weird, I don’t even remember the book I was listening to. I was just in my own world.
Before I knew it, the dustbowl was gone and I was in Arkansas. Again, aside from filling up, I noticed nothing. I just kept looking at the mile markers X miles to Little Rock then Y miles to Memphis.
I thought about staying in Memphis with the McKelvy’s, but that only lasted for a second. I know they would love to see me, and I would love to see them. But it was weird. I can’t emphasize the longing feeling of home.
I flew through Memphis and caught only the tail end of the rush hour. I continued onward to Nashville. Under different circumstances, I would have pulled over and waited for the BBQ joints to open, but I continued.
I got all the way to Cookeville, about halfway to Knoxville. I’m ready to collapse. I’ll be heading to a Wal-mart or truck stop tonight, as it is way too late for a motel.
Day 2 was very productive, about 1,100 miles and a couple of time zones are behind me. I have another 1,200 or so to go. I miss you all, and will be home soon. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #32?!?

 

The Trip Day 125: The Adventure Home, Day One

What a freaky day! OK folks, a life lesson to learn here. Whenever you go on a trip, be ready to have Senor Murphy rear his ugly head in the most unusual way. Let me explain.
For starters, my map. I have been using my trusty Rand-McNally map all the way here. I’ve been highlighting every road and highway, regardless if I meant to be there or not. The map has never steered me wrong (if I got lost, it was always my own doing).
So why the hell did I put my faith, and destination expectations in yahoo maps? I think Murphy was the designer, because this route took me to the most remote and the most urban areas possible. It started by steering me into the Mojave area of Cali, where I nearly ran out of gas, and was bent over a barrel for a mere $3.49 per gallon (ouch!).
The trip then took me to Phoenix, or the suburbs of it at least. I realized that yahoo was about as useful as concrete swim fins, and opted to return back to my friends at Rand-McNally. All in all I think I only lost about 100 wasted miles. But that was only the beginning of the oddities for this day.
When I started north on Rt. 17 towards Flagstaff, the local news organization gave a rather optimistic report, a cool morning with partly to mostly cloudy skies in the afternoon. Well it’s ten now, so I’m in pretty good shape, RIIIIGHT!!!!!
By the time I got to Flagstaff the chill in the air was reminiscent of Novembers in New England. The quick bitter cold winds that can only be followed by one thing, nasty precipitation.
As I connected with I40 it started to gently sprinkle, then a bit more, then all out rain. But this wasn’t any rain, oh no, it was far too cold for normal rain. As any New Hampshirite can imagine, it’s the rain that you dread most. The rain that when it hits your windshield, it decides it wants to stay for a while. Yup, freezing rain.
I would rather drive through a blizzard than through freezing rain. It’s even worse when you are in Arizona, where I’m sure freezing rain isn’t nearly as common.
So I had to hit the binders and slow things down for a bit. It’s funny though, none of the other drivers seemed to notice, and kept on going at there usual speeds.
This was until the grinding halt. The first, of many, eighteen wheelers were tipped over on their side. Traffic was at a standstill for nearly three hours.
When we started to move, it looked like the road to Baghdad from Desert Storm (minus the charred remains and such). Both sides of the road were covered with toppled trucks and their precious cargo.
It was still slow going, as traffic was backed up for miles. I’m sure that the clean-up effort will happen for a while.
Things still got weirder. Take in mind that I am determined to get home ASAP, so sleep is a luxury.
It was early evening, when I crossed into New Mexico. The sun was starting to set in a beautiful haze, only slightly visible. Why you ask? More clouds in front of me.
Seeing that I had Albuquerque to get through, I really didn’t want to deal with morning commuters. So I made the decision to trek on. Well those clouds ahead of me unleashed the last thing I could imagine, white out snow conditions. So here I am, in the middle of the state, just outside of Albuquerque, snowbound. “F*#k this!!!” I yelled.
I pushed onward. I’ve lived my entire life in NH, and I’ll be damned if snow will scare me now. Slowly the snow subsided to flurries, then scattered, and before I knew it I was in Albuquerque and just rain.
However it was getting late, but I refused to give in. I made my calls home to give a status report and let them know I was OK. After repeated warnings from both of my parents, I opted to assure them I would be off the road soon.
At about 10 I stopped for gas in Santa Rosa, about two thirds the way across the state. I was initially planning on driving until midnight, then I thought ‘I can either drive until I am useless, then need tons of sleep. Or get a hotel room here, some food, and a good nights sleep.’ I heard my parents voice echo, and I knew that was the right decision.
So here I am, warm and comfortable in a Econo Lodge. My belly is full of some Mickey D’s food, and I am now reflecting on my good fortune. It would be way too easy to complain and moan about all of the horrible weather and misfortunes of today, but I am too grateful to be alive.
Things could be way worse. I’ll be content to watch Meet the Focker’s tonight on HBO and wake tomorrow refreshed and be ready for whatever this adventure has to toss at me. I hope all is well, wish me luck, keep me in your thoughts and of course…….Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #31?!?

 

The Trip Day 124: Proper Preparation Prevents Pretty Poor Performance

Today was a buzz and a blur. One thing is certain, I’m as ready to go as I can possibly be. The morning started a bit later than usual. I really didn’t sleep very much last night, and I wanted to be sure and get rest of some sort (even if it meant tossing and turning).
After Leigh and Darin’s departure to work I was now left to do my packing. I can honestly say that I don’t know how I have survived this long with a car packed this full. I remember exactly how things were oriented, but it was more like reverse Jenga. Instead of undoing the stack to keep it together, I had to remember how to put it together without collapsing on me into total chaos.
After several hours of placing and moving (and squishing) my pack mule known as the Green Machine was ready for it’s return voyage.
But even though the Green Machine was ready, I was far from there mentally. I know I am leaving, but I already miss Leigh and Darin. That’s why I was glad to have our last supper together.
We headed over to In and Out for the trademark Animal burger. After my greasy and yummy fill we headed back and hung out for a few more hours. The final bottle of Two Buck Chuck didn’t stand a chance.
By 9, I was ready for bed. Not that I really wanted to go, but I had to. LA traffic starts early, and I want to be a step ahead of them, so 4 AM is my departure time.
So I said my heartfelt good byes and bid them goodnight.
It feels weird. On so many levels my brain is churning and buzzing. My trip is about to be over, and reality will soon be here. I’ll have to become a grown up again and do the grown up things that go along with it like go to work, pay bills, dream of vacations and long for opportunities like this to happen again.
It isn’t depressing, more like sobering. I do miss home, and I also miss being a grown up. And let’s face it, every journey has to end. I’m glad to be able to have had it. Now it’s time to rest, then go home. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #30?!?

 

The Trip Day 123: A Heartfelt Good Bye to Sin City

We all awoke in much better shape this morning. I enjoyed a cup of coffee before we headed downstairs. Originally we planned on breakfast, but an odd thing happened, I started winning! For about two hours I rode a Wheel of Fortune machine like Seabiscuit.
The bells were ringing and the lights were flashing. Call it birthday luck or whatever, but I won half of my money back that I spent this weekend! Now to some this may not be a win, but looking back at my casino track record if I leave with a dollar, it’s a reason to celebrate.
Considering my good fortune, I cashed in my accrued points from my guest card and took everyone out for brunch.
After our meal, Mom and Kay had to get to the airport. So we said our good-byes and waved as they drove off in a fuzzy cab (which is extremely odd).
We then realized we had enough time for one more event to complete our calendar of events. At the Bellagio, there was an impressionist exhibit on loan from the MFA that had to be seen.
Considering that Leigh and I had been to the MFA before, we had seen the pictures. But never organized in this way. They actually organized them to sequence the transition from early works of the impressionist movement to the post modern work. It was really cool.
To have Leigh and Daring there made it all the more energetic. They both are passionate about art and really enjoyed this exhibit and the emotions brought about by the varying works and genre’s.
After leaving the Bellagio, we were ready to hit the road. After a jaunt to the airport, we moved quickly through security and awaited boarding. The cool part was I met a celebrity.
I am a huge fan of Mythbuster’s. If you haven’t seen it, it’s on the Discovery Channel and two men (Adam and Jamie) test different myths and urban legends to see if they hold any truth.
Well Jamie was sitting there at his gate in his trademark beret. Not wanting to be a prodding and overly zealous fan, I politely walked up to him and asked him if he was Jamie. When he replied yes, I simply thanked him for having a great show and to keep up the good work.
Knowing that he probably gets tackled everywhere he goes, I’m sure he was relieved to realize I wasn’t a psycho.
All I have to say is he is a really polite and stand up guy. We had a brief conversation, and I sat down at my gate. As soon as I walked off, a crowd enveloped him and cameras were snapping. I guess celebrity life has its ups and downs.
The flight back to John Wayne was smooth and fast. The plane was way under booked and I had two seats to myself. A nice return trip all in all.
I had to make a decision tonight though. Should I leave tomorrow night or wait until Wednesday morning? Seeing the weekend that I just had, it makes a lot more sense to get a good nights sleep and be more prepared for an early departure. Also, I can enjoy my last bottle of two buck chuck, winners all around.
So here is the summary of my 30th Birthday Weekend. It was everything I could have wanted and more.
When I initially planned it, I hoped to get this monster trip with dozens of people all tearing up the streets of Vegas leaving no casino unturned and no drink full.
I envisioned all of my friends from back home catching up on old times and laughing until the sun came up. Which at that time I could go to bed for an hour, get up and do it again.
So how can spending your 30th birthday with your mom, sister, her boyfriend, and a family friend compare? There was one unified goal for all in our entourage, giving me the best birthday possible. I am grateful to say, they pulled it off.
I had my drunken night whooping it up until the wee hours of the AM, I ate until I nearly popped, I saw 2 shows, some amazing art, and spent time with my family, something that everyone should cherish.
I know this probably makes little sense to most of you readers who can recall the many crazy nights we all had partying, I guess the 30 somethings are setting in sooner than expected.
But think about it, would my friends want to see an impressionist gallery? Some might. Would everyone like a Vegas show? Probably not. How about actually being there for my birthday? I suppose all would be present, but would their intent be to celebrate that, or an open invitation to go gambling? I wouldn’t blame somebody if they would rather be somewhere else other than my birthday.
But the above wasn’t the case. Everybody that made it to my weekend had my interests in check and did a great job to make them possible. A big thanks goes out to Mom and Kay for the surprise and all that you gave me with both gifts and fun while I was out there. And an even bigger thanks goes out to Leigh and Darin for making this possible. I know this cost a fortune to pull off, and I won’t ever forget it. Just wait until you turn 40 Leigh (which is a long time for planning), I’m calling it now. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #29?!?

 

The Trip Day 122: The Many Sides of Vegas

SO now that you know how my evening ended (or morning began), let me explain the final product. I awoke feeling as if someone was trying to inflate a basketball in my skull.
To put it mildly, I was hurting. Let this be a lesson, if your speech is severely slurred at 3 AM, this is a sign and the last thing you should do is drink more alcohol (especially shots).
After several rallying attempts, I managed to shower, change and go to the buffet. Although I knew I had to eat, every bite felt as if I was eating sticks and rocks. But at least misery loves company, Darin looked to be my equal. The only difference was he had a pocket full of cash.
After breakfast we all went our separate ways. I made my morning donation to the casino, and quickly headed upstairs to catch up in the rest and football departments.
To Uncle Dave, I’m sorry for the Bronco’s loss. They really looked horrible. Even with the bad calls, the Steeler’s defense really shut them down.
At the end of the game, Leigh called me and we headed out for a neat treat. We went to the Wynn casino to see Steve Wynn’s personal art collection. It was amazing! He owns Renior’s, Monet’s, Picasso’s, and a Vermeer (his final published work).
Probably the most interesting was the gift from Andy Worhol, 3 portraits of Wynn all done with different paint schemes.
After we got back from the art visit we had to get ready for yet another element of the Vegas experience, a show. The first show was the ‘Siren’ at TI.
It was musical/striptease in which two pirate ships battle around you. The plot was about as thick as air, but the pyrotechnics were something else. Also, the scantily clad women pirates made up for the lack of sustainence.
The next adventure took us to Alladin’s casino where Darin and Leigh spoiled us with tickets to V, the “Ultimate Variety Show”.
The show was everything it hailed to be. It was composed of dancers, comedians, magicians, illusionist, acrobats, and even a sketch comedian. All of which were up and coming in the entertainment community. The show in itself was about two hours and seemed to pass like a blink.
After the show, we had dinner in one of the casinos restaurants and headed back for TI. Seeing that this was the eve of my birth I felt obligated to reach the milestone of 30, and stay up until midnight.
I was joined by Kay at the slot machines where I continued to donate more and more cash to the house. I guess it makes up for all the food I ate in the buffet. Well midnight came and went, and I am proud to say I made it to thirty. As I indicated in my previous e-mails, it doesn’t seem any different or special than any other year (in age). However, I will never forget this day, as I got to spend it with some great company having an even better time Las Vegas. Be well and be safe….

Kay and Mom Wishing for Good Luck

 

Leigh and Darin Upon Arrival

 

The Venetian's Ceiling

 

The Bellagios Fountains

 

The Trip Day 121: Viva Las Vegas!

WOW! That pretty much sums up this day. The places, events, and surprises of the past twenty four hours are a shock to any system (in a good way of course). We were out the door early and in the air by 11 AM. The best part is it was only an hour flight. Heck it took us longer to get a cab. However, our furry cab was well worth the wait (I’ll show the picture later).
We arrived to Treasure Island by 12:30 and I was already in awe. This place is ridiculously huge and even more ornate. Although the name implies that Long John Silver should greet you at the door with a parrot on his shoulder, nothing is further from my assumption.
Upon entering the parking lot, neatly dressed valets and bellhops were quick to offer to take your bags. Just before entering into a large glass façade you are greeted by unique contemporary tribal artwork.
The luxury didn’t stop there. Marble and sandstone floors covered the entryway into this marvel of architecture excellence. There was hardwood and brass on everything that wasn’t covered by stone. I was impressed. It’s funny, the casino itself seemed to blend into the hotel in a way that made even the one cent slot machines look fancy.
We were in our room by one and settled in quickly thereafter. However, there was another surprise before me.
I was in a hurry to get some food consumed before gambling. So I rushed about to get things done and was out the door heading for the elevator. Just as the doors opened for me to board, a familiar face greeted me. After a double take and confused look I was greeted by my mom. She wanted to be there to celebrate my 30th, and not alone. Our family friend Kay also wanted to be there to complete the entourage. It was an awesome and welcomed surprise. I can’t believe they pulled it off!
After our greeting, we all went down for a bite to eat, and then off to the slot machines. At least my gambling is consistent, I lost my daily spending cash in about a half an hour. This was advantageous though. Because it gave us the opportunity to go check out the strip.
To sum Vegas up in my own perspective, it is divided into two parts, Old Vegas and New Vegas. Old Vegas is on Freemont Street and has the famous casinos like Binion’s and the Golden Nugget. New Vegas is the home of the ‘strip’ which is several miles of posh casinos all wanting to be fed money.
Our first stop along the strip was The Venetian. Considering that Leigh and Darin were heading out for a nice dinner alone, Mom, Kay and I took in this place. It was amazing. The paintings on the ceiling as well as the marble statues made you feel as if you were in Rome. It even had a Gondola ride!
As we left the casino, we met up with Leigh and Darin whom were dressed sharply. From there we headed to Caesar’s Palace where Darin started his streak. He bet on a roulette wheel and won!
From there we headed down the strip a bit further to the Bellagio to check out the gardens. They were absolutely amazing. Every three months they change the theme of this giant garden. This one was an oriental design complete with 50’ trees and synchronized fountains. Soon after leaving the garden, Mom and Kay were pretty beat and wanted to call it an evening.
So we bid them goodnight and Leigh, Darin and I headed out front to watch the famous fountain (which was amazing).
Soon after we went further down the strip to Monte Carlo, then worked our way back. Then it hit us like an anvil on the head, O’Shea’s. I’m not quite sure how this casino has survived, but it served it’s purpose.
It is shady, old, run down, and cheap. Everything we were looking for at 1 AM! The drink of choice, $1 PBR drafts. Yes, this place had a certain ambiance that the other casinos lacked, poor people just like me. I had a blast. Even when the heinous hooker hit on me. This woman was beyond ugly. Here’s my theory (not that I endorse or participate in the skin trade), if you are going to peddle your body for cash, don’t wear sweatpants and an 80’s t-shirt. Also, the occasional dentist visit and brush can do wonders to your career (and overall hygiene). Just a suggestion.
So with my hooker incident out of the way, we left O’Shea’s. Overall, I lost and Darin won (ha, the universe was in order). We then went to another Casino/Karaoke bar. By this time names were a blur. After a little bit of dancing and hanging out there we decided it would be best to head back to Treasure Island.
We opted to have a bottle of wine and some Crown Royal shots before bed (not smart!). As a complete review of my day I must say it was an amazing start to an awesome birthday weekend. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #28?!?

 

The Trip Day 120: Thoughts on Thirty

Oh no what’s that around the corner?!? AAAHHHHH it’s thirty! Much like the tributary horror movie scene when a buxom beauty goes willingly to her demise, the premise of becoming thirty is supposed to be equally as dreadful. I, to the contrary, am looking at it as just another day.
I know it may seem cliché considering that is what you are supposed to say to get you through this horrible milestone, but I truly believe it is just that, another day.
I can only attest that my rebellion from the norm is due to my unconventional life right now. You see, at thirty I should be just getting out of the diaper changing stage and becoming more and more content with my mortgage payment.
I should be nestled into a career (not necessarily a job) and paying close attention to my 401K knowing how the booming Chinese economy will either promote or deter from my portfolio.
Nope, instead I am across the country, with no money, and preparing to go to Vegas for one last hoorah with Leigh and Darin to commemorate this day before I say good bye to California (and my twenties).
I am very anxious for all of the above to happen. The birthday is neither here nor there, but the Vegas experience is really exciting. Even more so, I am anxious for this chance to be with Leigh and Darin.
The job clock has finally struck midnight, and I have no prospects for future CA employment. So I must keep to the plan and leave on Tuesday.
So as for tonight, we’re hanging out and getting ready for the next days scramble to the airport. Of course my good old friend two buck chuck is my packing assistant, which make the situation a lot more tolerable. The great part is it’s a fairly early flight. That means more time for gambling!
So as I sit here and type this, I’m a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. I know now that I have this last event with Leigh and Darin. To most people it should hardly be significant, but to me it is.
I’ve been a part of Leigh’s life for the past month and a half and I’ve gotten to know her in a totally different light. Her court, her game, her life. And I must say, she is an amazing woman. More so, I am grateful to know my sister on a higher level because of this trip.
And how could I forget Darin? The two of them compliment each other in such a unique way that makes me nauseous. This, in my opinion, is because Darin is also an amazing and caring person. His creativeness and patience will go a long way in their life together.
Yes it is true that I will miss them very much, but I am trying more and more to focus on the situation at hand, getting the chance to rip it up in the city of sin with said above people.
Vegas is going to be a blast, we reserved a room at Treasure Island and are planning on taking in the entire strip (weather and alcohol providing).
So here goes. The next entry will be one day closer to my 30th and in Vegas. I will celebrate it by blowing what little hard earned cash I have left into a tantalizing machine with spinning reels accompanied by the siren call of beeps and bells which have brought such lore to this dustbowl.
All the while, I’ll be carefree. Carefree of the fact that I am turning thirty, carefree of the fact that I am ending the trip, and carefree of the fact that the visit that aided in the higher understanding of my oldest sister will too end.
I think I’ll be content dropping a few more quarters into the one armed bandit, drink in the other hand of course, and be happy for all that has happened rather than the sorrow of the many defined endings looming in the midst at end of the weekend. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #27?!?

 

The Trip Days 114 – 116: Keep on Keepin’ on…..

That pretty much sums up my attitude at this point. I’ve been working at Panera, and really enjoying my co-workers. Similar to my experience at Target, nearly all of the people behind the counter speak Spanish only. The major difference is their attitude towards me.
At Target I was the minority, and oddly enough, alienated. I didn’t mind it so much knowing that I would be leaving that job in a short time.
In converse though, Panera’s staff has been so nice and patient with the language barrier. In fact, every night they teach me new words, and it has helped out greatly. The dishwasher (nicknamed Pancho) helped me take out the ‘mucho basura’ last night. Through hand motions and pointing he taught me the words for trash, its location, he asked me about my car and taught me four colors. All the while, never speaking English. We both laughed as I ran over and shook the tree and pointed to the leaves when I said ‘Carro” to indicate that my car was green.
The nice thing is I have earned their respect. In a job with little to be had, I make sure and do my best, and help out as much as possible. Case in point, we have stations designated throughout the restaurant. It is divided into the back (dishwashing and bulk food prep), the sandwich station, the dining area, and the cashier section.
As stated previously, I am now a cashier. This job, to my dismay, seems secularly reserved for the white people. One of the nice options is you can get a lot done while you work towards closing. Which is a nice treat considering that upon approval of your station by the manager finishes your shift. So the cashiers are always the first to be dismissed.
However, I don’t feel this is fair, as we have an early jump. But the gringo’s I work with have no problem ducking out as much as an hour before their co-workers. All of my adult co-workers have second and even third jobs, so I stay and help out any station that needs it. Which usually is Pancho or the dining crew.
The amazing thing is they are so grateful for this gesture. Unlike when I was in the dining area and helped out the cashiers, it was more expected (how ironic).
But needless to say, I am happy with my job. I will miss my co-workers very much, as they have opened my eyes to the rich character and strong work ethic that is not mentioned in the stigma that is posed of Mexican labor.
As I indicated, I will miss them. The clock is ticking, and the possibility of gainful (and lucrative) employment is becoming more and more grim. I am now starting to formulate my return plans. Maybe tempting fate will either force something positive to happen to make me stay, or serve its purpose and prepare me for my trek home. Either way, it is beyond my control now.
On a sad note, my condolences go out to the Patriots and their loss on Saturday night. I had to work, and am actually glad that was the case. From all the highlights I have seen, the Patriots beat themselves. What the heck is up with 5 turnovers?
My only consolation is that Indy lost, and that the Pat’s are still below the salary cap for free agents. So I’m hopeful that they will still be competitive next year.
The big question is who do I cheer for now? I like the Steelers, as they are perhaps the biggest underdog, but it would be an emotional band aid if the Bronco’s win, as the Pat’s would have lost to the champs. Hmmmmm…….
On one final note, the Al Sweepstakes remained quiet this week with only one participant. So here are the results and the score:

Mystery Location #16?!?: Hopewell Furnace, PA
Mystery Location #17?!?: Montezuma’s Castle, AZ
Mystery Location #18?!?: The Grand Canyon, AZ
Mystery Location #19?!?: Valley Forge, PA
Mystery Location #20?!?: Memphis, TN
Mystery Location #21?!?: Wupatki Reservation, AZ
Mystery Location #22?!?: Gettysburg, PA
Mystery Location #23?!?: Fredericksburg, VA
Mystery Location #24?!?: Zion Canyon, UT
Mystery Location #25?!?: Lancaster, PA
Mystery Location #26?!?: Museum of Natural History, D.C.


There has been a shift in points, and the results are as follows:

Rodney: 14.5 pts
Mick: 13.5 pts
Mom: 7 pts
Ryan: 2.5 pts
Leigh: 2 pts
Darin: 0.5 pts

Well folks, I have to close here. Leigh and her friend Nancy are taking me out for lunch before I head into Panera-land. In the meantime, be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #26?!?

 

The Trip Days 111 – 114: The Cold Harsh Reality in Sunny CA

Greetings again from your traveling friend in Sunny California. As you can tell by the title, reality is setting in, and the forecast is pretty grim. Over the past week I have put forth one of the strongest work campaigns I have ever held. I have spent nearly all of my free time looking for a job online, in person, and through employment agencies. I made a two week pact, and I’m not giving up for a second on it.
However, results are telling a much different story. The only activity that I have had was my interview at a temp agency.
Upon seeing my resume, they were chomping at the bit to get me a job in sales. When I told them that I was looking to start teaching in the fall, and was more interested in customer service or hospitality I watched their faces drop. They knew, although I was ignorant at the time, that I have little to no hope getting a job in these fields.
I think I now know why. Let’s say you have office job available from Acme Incorporated. It is an entry level position entailing answering a phone and entering data in a computer. You could have two prospect employees (A and B) for the job. Both have the physical and mental ability to do the job.
However, employee A has a high school diploma, and very little experience other than the typical high school job like Mickey D’s or a clothes store. Employee A has never earned more than $7/hour nor worked more than 30 hours per week. Basically employee A has learned to live off of little to no money and is entry level into the working community.
Employee B in comparison, on paper, has had several jobs earning salaries in the middle class range and is probably used to having benefits and all of the other goodies. Employee B also possesses a college degree and has accolades to back them up.
If you are with HR at Acme Inc, who would you hire? More importantly if you are at Appleone Temp Agency, and you like to get paid, who are you going to send over to Acme?
I totally understand why I’m not getting any offers for temp work or anything else outside of the professional community. It siphons, but that’s the reality of it. Regardless of who I am, what I am capable of and willing to do, it all cancels out on paper.
Now I know I should be bitter and shout in the streets “WHY NOT ME!!!!”, but the truth is that fate/chi/karma is rearing its face here.
There is a reason why I didn’t take the jobs in sales. There is a reason why the CDOE isn’t letting the substitute position work out. There is a reason why the NH DOT won’t release my driving records unless I go there in person (preventing me from getting a job as a valet or delivery person).
I’m not sure what is up, but I’m not worried in the least. I have no control over this situation, and I know I have options. It is a nice place to be indeed.
I know some of you are probably asking if I am discouraged about the possibility of not being able to finish the trip.
After much thought and discussion with people who have been to my return trip areas, I have realized that much of the trip would have to be cancelled anyways.
Much of the hiking in Oregon and Washington would still be snowbound in April, and there is NO chance of being able to go through the Road to the Sun in Glacier National, and I’ve been told very little of Yellowstone and Teton National would be open.
I would really miss not being able to visit the Cox family in Big Sky, but that just gives me an excuse to take another vacation in a couple of years. As far as South Dakota is concerned, I’d ideally like to visit the Black Hills and the Badlands on a Harley, not in a car. So again, another possible vacation spot for the future.
Now I know it may seem as if I’m banking on leaving in a week. It’s true, I am really considering it. But I suppose it is better than panicking and being angry at the world due to the hand I was dealt.
And what hand is that really? I’ve been given the opportunity to go on the road, meet so many new people, experience much of what the US has to offer, and most importantly, catch up with my friends and family that I have neglected.
Nope, I guess I really can’t complain about this hand, I ain’t foldin’. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #25?!?

The Trip Days 109 + 110: My official Two Week Notice

Hey everybody. I have done a lot of thinking over the past week or so and have drawn one conclusion. I need to try one last ditch effort to get a job that will pay me some $$ and be flexible enough for me to leave in the spring.
After putting out the mental barometer, I felt that two weeks should be enough time for me to decipher whether or not this plan can work out. So the clock is now ticking, and I have started the job hunt.
So far I have looked into hospital transport, hotel service, customer service and even more food opportunities.
Any other ideas? Based on my strengths I think I need to be interacting with people, so all of the above seem to be a nice fit.
Other than the job hunt, not much else is going on. I’ve been doing a lot of reading, and the occasional jog. All in all, I am feeling very complacent with my current situation and plan.
In the meantime, I hope all of you are surviving the frigid northeast. If anyone is interested in the sweepstakes, the deadline for entries #16 onward will be on Sunday 1/15/06. The race is currently up in the air, so get in now, and trust me, you will stand a chance by the end of this. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #24?!?

 

The Trip Day 108: The Elephant Thinks Like an Ass Sometimes….

Just before I departed on this journey, I had several friends warn me not to let the liberals in California brainwash me when I got here.
For those of you that don’t know me too well, I am registered as an independent, although a conservative one. It’s true, I do tend to lean to the right, however the older I get the more I feel like a libertarian (the less government the better). One thing is for sure, the ‘me‘ of the past had little sympathy for the government established programs which, in turn, blows more of my hard earned cash on taxes.
There is one democratic cause however that I am behind 100%, raising minimum wage.
Let me tell you a story, actually two. The first was about a month ago. Leigh, Darin, and I were having a heated conversation about political ideologies and where our country was going. We were all well informed which made for a good debate.
One topic came up that really infuriated both sides. We talked about raising the minimum wage. They cited the cost of living and the difficulty anybody without a degree would have trying to make ends meet. My argument was that the minimum wage should be treated as a base and an incentive for people to want and try to do better for themselves. I also argued that raising the minimum wage would hurt industries and disrupt the growth of the economy. This was until I realized the impact.
Now that I am working for a lot less money at a food service position, I can see how the minimum wage has an effect on America’s lowest working class.
I would now like to talk about Karina and Gerry, my Panera co-workers. Over the past few days I have had an opportunity to get to know them a little bit better. Gerry and Karina have three children. They are around my age, and both work two jobs. Karina is a factory worker, and Gerry is a welder. Their rent, which isn’t in Irvine, is $1,400 per month. So why do they have to work two full time jobs?
OK, let’s do some math. The national minimum wage is $5.15. California’s is $6.75. For rounding purposes, let’s say they earn $7/hour. That means each of them has a gross weekly income of $280 per 40 hours. The national average income tax is 16% brining each paycheck down to $235. Social security is a flat 7.65% thus bringing it to $214. Then followed by California’s 8.5% income tax, each of them is left with an approximate $192.
That means the two of them make an approximate collective $384 per week. Assuming a 4 week month, this leave them with $1,536 in their pockets. As I said before, their rent is $1,400. Hmm, that doesn’t leave a whole lot for their three kids. Thus the reason why they each need a second job, looming more toward the full time end.
Now my prior rationale would say, if they can’t afford their kids, don’t have them. That is simply not realistic. They had their first child at 16 and waited until 20 for the second and 25 for the third.
Even if they didn’t have any kids, could they really afford to live on minimum wage? Not in California. I guess the thought of what minimum wages purpose and intent have gotten a bit fuzzy over its tenure.
Think about it, if Burger King has 10 people working at any given time raising the minimum wage $2 per hour means they lose $20/hour. Have you been to a fast food place lately? How many extra value meals do they have to sell to compensate that $20? Would they really notice?
My thoughts are, if you give people a little bit more pay they may do a better job, be encouraged to become more successful, get more training or schooling, make more money upon completion, pay more in taxes, thus compensating any loss due to an elevated minimum wage. Even if people don’t pursue further education, at least they wouldn’t have to work a second full time job.
I also foresee that there is the possibility of inflation by raising the minimum wage. But would there be? If you are just raising the minimum wage, there is no reason to raise all other wages by the same percent. Would there be any reason to raise rents and retail prices just because of this small increase? I don’t know I’m neither an economist nor a statistician.
I do know this, I am down in the trenches making very little money with several good, hardworking people. I can sympathize with their cause and their lives. I’m just glad I have the college degrees and the opportunity to seek out better for myself, whereas my co-workers do not. Think about that, whichever side you tend to lean to, and draw you own conclusion. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #23?!?

 

A View for the Ridge of Bommer Canyon

 

The Trip Day 107: My First Adventure Weekend

I realized upon my return to CA from home that I needed to start doing some adventures. This weekend served as a nice beginning.
I awoke at 7 AM to get ready for my first hike of the new year. Leigh brought home a pamphlet earlier this week on the Irvine Open Spaces program which preserves and maintains set areas of Irvine for wildlife conservation.
They were offering a guided 8 mile hike of Bommer Canyon for free. It turns out that this was their first hike of canyon, as it was reclaimated over the past few years, and is slowly being released to the public.
The hike was nice. It weaved its way through the canyon along several ridges. Much of the hike was on fire roads, which meant there was little to twist your ankle on while walking on a wide open space. There were also several nice single track trails that opened up plenty of views of the Pacific.
The hike was over by noon, which led to many more things to do. Darin arrived to become my tour guide. Our objectives were simple, get a haircut (as my hair was now very ‘fro’ like), see some more CA outside of Irvine, and watch the movie Hostel.
I am glad to say all of the above happened, and even more. We first headed out for a bite to eat at an Irish Pub called Muldoon’s. This place was awesome! It is near Fashion Island, and is three bars and an open eatery all rolled into one. The ambiance is very nice, their micro brews were very tasty, and their BBC Burger was absolutely HUGE!
Soon after lunch, we hustled over to see the movie. Hostel, if you didn’t know, is a horror movie about three friends backpacking Europe and staying in hostels. The buzz about the movie was that it went back to the roots of horror movies of the seventies with lots of blood and guts. I can say it really hit that mark.
As for my formal review, if you are a true lover of horror movies, check it out. If you are just looking for a movie to see, pass on this. It is pretty gruesome, and many of the scenes and underlying theme is pretty twisted. All in all, I’m a fan of horror movies, so I liked it. Additionally, Quentin Tarantino was an assistant producer, and you can see his influence from time to time.
After the movie, we headed for Huntington Beach for a haircut. This would give me the opportunity to see more of So-Cal, and also clean up the mop on my head.
If Uncle Dave is reading this, I’ll have to give you the address of this barber. He is a freakishly enthusiastic Bronco’s fan. His shop is a sanctuary devoted to John Elway, and he was quite passionate about Denver.
Darin informed him I was a Pat’s fan. I thought I was going to get my throat slit. He lectured my about how the Bronco’s are going to dominate and that the Pat’s have no chance.
I watch and enjoy the Patriot’s. I read the stats of them, and just look at the scores of the other games. This guy studied all of the NFL. He knew EVERYTHING about each team and their stats. So, considering I was out of my league in team talk combined with the many sharp objects within his reach, I kept my mouth shut.
After my visit with psycho barber, I was pleased to see he didn’t carve a #7 in the back of my head, and more excited to see Huntington Beach.
Darin was a great tour guide. He explained how to get to this area, and where the hot spots were. Unlike Irvine, it turns out Huntington Beach has bars, nightclubs, and a music scene. Combined with the really cool beach, I will visit this place again before my departure.
We returned back to Leigh’s for five. Just in time for the Pat’s kickoff. I enjoyed several cold beers, and the eventual stomping of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Leigh and Darin on the other hand enjoyed a nice night out on the town.
This was well deserved for Leigh, as she has been so busy this week with the return of the students combined with her high ropes course training today.
All in all today was a nice treat for the start of my weekend California adventures. I think next week will bring me away from here though. I anticipate going somewhere for hiking and an overnight camp. I have no clue where, but I am now bitten by the travel bug again, and drooling to escape to the outdoors. I hope all of your weekends were productive (if you wanted them to be). Even if they weren’t productive, I hope you are now well rested. I’m still searching mentally for some guidance. Well at least I got to go outside for a tick. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #22?!?

 

The Trip Day 106: Not much….

Hey folks. I’ve wholeheartedly enjoyed my trip, especially catching up with friends and family. However, I’m wondering if I have officially jumped the shark tank. For those of you not familiar to this expression, it deals with Happy Days.
If you remember, there was an episode when the Fonz jumped a shark tank. Needless to say, it was extremely chessy, and is sparked a downward spiral to the eventual cancellation of the show a year later.
So here I am wondering if the trip has revved up and jumped without me even knowing it. It seems as if there is a sign of my CA demise, in that I am not going to be a substitute teacher and Trader Joe’s didn’t pan out.
Additionally it is difficult to start a friend base as I am leaving in a few months, and Irvine rolls up the streets at 9 PM.
Before you all think I am becoming depressed, trust me I am not. I am just reflecting upon the reality and trying to seek some guidance.
The big question: Should I tough it out, seeing that it is only a couple of months to go or should I head home to begin the bigger plan of my life that I was originally set to start in May?
Both have pro’s and con’s. If I stay, there will eventually be the opportunity to get another job. It’s just a matter of time. Also, I will be able to see much more of California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, South Dakota, and Canada.
The con’s are, there are simply no guarantees. I may not be able to find a job that will pay much. I need to be able to make enough money to afford to live here, as well as bank some cash for the ride home. I need at least a couple thousand to continue onward similar to the way I journeyed out here.
Basically, if I remain here until April and don’t bank some green, I will have to return immediately and start working. This would mean that I wasted the second leg of the trip (as it would not exist).
If I return now, I can be home in four days. I have places to start working and opportunities looming in the midst. Also, I would be able to get on my feet financially earlier rather than later.
Seeing that my goal is to be in my own apartment by then end of the summer, and starting to save money for a house, this option would make some sense.
The con of this move is obvious. This trip has been amazing. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that most people don’t ever have the chance to do, and those that do have the chance often pass on it as it is a huge risk with many intangibles. I am grateful for this experience, and look forward to seeing more of the country.
But the big question is what to do? I’ve been thinking about this all week, and gone round and round to no set direction. Any thoughts? Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #21?!?

 

The Trip Day 105: The Ambiguous Adventures of Al the Teacher

As I stated in the previous entry, today’s adventure took me to the mystical world of the California Department of Education. This adventure would take me to a far away land known as Costa Mesa. Actually it’s the next town over, and it wasn’t a particularly fun ‘adventure’.
Let me digress for a second. In my dealings with NH’s Department of Education I have had many woes. Important info such as credit hours and transcripts have been lost. To compound this, I have had even less luck when calling to clear these things up.
However, aiding their case, when I went to Concord to straighten out these matters, I realized how understaffed they actually were. Although still frustrating, I can sympathize with their situation, and hope that all that I need done will fall into place.
Back to the adventure. As stated in the earlier entries, my intent upon arrival in CA was to become a substitute teacher and work an evening job during the week to make ends meet.
My first attempt in calling the CDOE in early December resulted with being put on hold several times, and very few questions actually being answered. They just pretty much pawned my queries off on the website, and told me to apply for certification.
You see, becoming a substitute teacher in California is about as easy as obtaining a job in the CIA. You have to undergo an application process, interview, take a test known as CBEST, get fingerprinted, have an FBI background check, bring all of your transcripts, and then have an accompanying 3 letters of reference. Some of the above I see as necessary, but much of it I find a bit excessive.
Hearing all of this I was discouraged to become a substitute, as the test is necessary and only given a few times a year. And as luck would have it, the next date wasn’t until February.
I knew there had to be a way around all of these BS bureaucracies. I stated several times in my first call that I was already certified and was curious to find a way to transfer my certificate for CA certification. No dice.
But my second call revealed an employee that was free thinking, willing to listen to her caller, and give correlating answers. She must be new.
She explained that I can apply for CA certification and start teaching immediately, as long as I brought my transcripts, current teaching certification, and $55 to the CDOE. This would make me eligible to substitute teach immediately and that I would be certified upon my passing of the CBEST (within a year of applying). Ah the loophole I needed and it made sense. This was until I actually arrived there.
Upon entering the CDOE, I was disheartened to see the similarities to NH’s DOE, except for the shortage of employees. They seemed to be pleasantly stocked with useless drones known as state employees. Along with myself, there were three other teachers-to-be, all wearing the same downtrodden looks.
When I showed the first employee my materials and explained the situation, she immediately pawned me off on the next. Well that was only after walking around aimlessly for about five minutes with my paperwork.
Both the second and third employees played this same game, and seemed to do it well. I did chuckle at one point, correlating my Target experience of misdirecting customers to the Men’s Footwear to these folks at the CDOE.
Eventually, much to their dismay, I reached my limit and demanded to see someone that could actually help me. Their game was up, and now they had to show their cards. They explained to me that I had to have, get this, all four years of formal reviews and letters from my places of employment proving I was there.
This set me off. I vehemently explained to them that one of their own people told me (prior to my heading home for the holidays) that I only needed my transcripts and certification. I then let them know that it wasn’t possible to get all of the above as it was in NH.
My pleas fell upon deaf ears. After 45 mins of being passed around like currency, I flat out demanded their superior. I told them that I went home for Christmas and could have easily obtained everything I needed if they would have only told them of it.
I finally broke through to them though. They passed my paperwork around again for another half an hour and they came back giving me a pass to apply without the reviews and letters of employment. The just needed a check for $55, and another for $78. Huh?!?
I apparently was misinformed, big surprise. The $55 was a processing fee, and the $78 was for the fingerprinting. Then upon certification I would need to pay another fee, as well as the $50 test. This was quickly becoming an investment with very little return. You see, the results for the background check would be in 3-10 business days (I’m betting the latter), and the interview process would be within another 10 business days. Then I could apply to schools, which that process would probably be another two weeks. All in all, I’m looking at an investment of several hundred dollars, and not being able to sub until mid-February. Considering there is no guarantee of me even obtaining a job, I don’t think this is my best interest.
So if anyone out there is considering a career in substitute teaching in California, quietly walk over to your toolbox, remove a hammer, and smack you big toe with it. Because the pain you feel in your big toe will be much more pleasant than the pain in your butt the CDOE is capable of.
So in closing, I am now out of ideas for a day job. I’m continuing to apply to other restaurants with hopes of something. In the meantime, I’m open to ideas so please apply within. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #20

 

The Trip Days 103 - 104: Giving Back…..

I think I know how Mother Theresa felt, well at least if she was a barista. I finally got to give back to the coffee community as I started at Panera. To be honest, I LOVE this job. The pay is horrible, but my co-workers make it worth all the while. Don’t worry, there will be many more stories about them, I’m sure.
It is rather interesting how this all came about. I was asked to visit with the manager on Tuesday. I was suspect that our conversation would be about me starting in a week, instead he asked me to start that night.
So I showed up, dressed in my required attire of khakis, and polo shirt (white of course), and was ready to go. On the first night I was a runner. Which, is the person that brings the food, and keeps the dining area functioning. I loved the fact that I could interact with the customers, and be extremely busy. The best part was my co-worker Karina. She and her husband Gerry both work there. They took me under their wings, and showed me the ropes in the nicest manner. The evening passed very quickly, and not a soul seemed to hate their job.
On the contrary, they did their job and took pleasure in the benefits. The many sugary treats were a plus. But the funniest part was that they all equally disliked and ignored the manager, Sean.
He is a tool, but my co-workers make it very palatable. At one point Sean was literally screaming at a cashier named Moses to clean something, and Moses simply ignored him and went off sweeping. It wasn’t until a vein was about to explode out of his head that Moses offered assistance. I guess they can’t fire any of us because lets face it, when you’re dragging the bottom for employees, you get just that, the bottom.
At the end of the evening, I left with a few snacks and a fruit cup, all of which would be thrown out otherwise. Additionally, although late, I took home a Wall Street journal and a USA Today. Even if my pay is crap, these additional perks bring me up a few bucks an hour.
I returned home for 10:30 with a smile on my face, and continued to work on a few different books.
The next day brought about the wind of adventure. Seeing that I didn’t have to go to work until 5, it seemed to me that a beautiful day would be wasted if I stayed in.
Before I returned home, I was kept in due to a lack of finance, not that I’m rolling in it now. I just know there is a steady income stream to tap from.
SO I started with the final interview with Trader Joe’s. I really wanted this to work out, but I don’t think it will be the case. When I initially approached them for a job, I requested to be the opener, and to only work weekday shifts. I don’t care if I work eighty hours during the week, Saturday and Sunday will be mine.
For those of you that have known me for a while, you know my habits of weekend work have been there since I was a teenager. Since I was primarily in the retail world, I worked every weekend. Seeing that this may be my only chance to be in the Sunshine State, I am NOT working weekends. Starting this weekend, I want to try a new adventure every week (besides, the blog need some new pics!).
So unfortunately, I think Trader Joe’s is officially off of the list. I’ll be heading to the California Department of Education tomorrow to try to finalize my sub stuff.
Back to my adventure. I decided to follow Leigh and Darin’s advice and check out an interesting place to read, eat and people watch. It is a gigantic outdoor mall in Newport Beach called Fashion Island.
I know it sounds lame, but this place is freakin’ gigantic! I opted to walk around for a bit, get a coffee and spend the afternoon reading by a giant coy pool. Although I hate to admit it, my older sister was right, this was a neat place to read and people watch. The ‘people’ are the absolute upper class of So-Cal. It’s obvious that the plastic surgeons have been doing rather well here (not that I’m complaining).
The thing I got the biggest kick out of was the dogs in the purses. Does it serve as a doggy poop collector as well? Ah yes, everybody is following good old Paris Hilton again. Although I’m not sure if sure if she is the Pied Piper, or the lead lemming?
After reflecting for about an hour on how ridiculous these people were (although very pleasing to the eyes), I needed to head out for night two at Panera.
Sean was gone, and Miguel took his place as manager. I believe all of my co-workers favor Miguel, and I do as well. He is a lot less tool like, and he is one that realizes that we all are doing this job because we have to, not want to. So he in turn, leads us by doing, rather than acting as he is of nobility.
Unfortunately I think my runner days are over. Not that I didn’t do a good job. I guess I’m a cashier now, probably due to the fact that I am white, and non-Hispanic. Not that all of my co-workers do a poor job. They actually are extremely efficient and hard working, but I think management is chasing an image. Oh well, the night passed as quickly as the first, although I was bummed not to be able to talk to people much more than their order.
Again I returned home with a few treats. I was conscious to bring home two more fruit cups this time. I figure the giant strawberry Danish and cookie will cancel out if I have a fruit cup. Yeah that’s it! Kinda like the guy that gets a diet coke with his double super sized extra value meal from Mickey D’s.
Well folks, I have to cruise. I’m a bit tired, and I should go to bed. I’m just wound up pretty tight this evening because I actually am enjoying this crap job. I hope more adventures will come this week, and my work time will be spent equally pleasurable. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #19?!?

 

Mystery Location #18?!?

 

The Trip Days 96 – 102: Back in the OC……

Well folks, I know it’s been a while, but I’m back. I realize the past few entries have been a bit on the sporadic side, and that I really haven’t been the best blogger. But now I’m back in California with a lot more free time and less distraction, like those pesky friends and family. JUST KIDDING!
I REALLY enjoyed this trip home very much, and am looking forward to returning in the spring to be able to spend more time with all of you catching up. For those of you that I didn’t get to see or spend much time with, please understand that I was limited and that I will make sure to see you when I get back.
The return trip was an adventure in itself. We left Manch Vegas 40 minutes late for O’Hare in Chicago. The problem is our connecting flight was only a 45 min layover (giving us a whopping 5 min to get to our plane). In Manch this wouldn’t be a problem, but O’Hare is HUGE!
The flight to O’Hare was about as fun as a do-it–yourself at home vasectomy. There was the obvious tension in the air about not making our flight to Irvine, it was compounded with screaming children. The only two on the plane we seated two seats back, and directly behind us.
When it comes to babies I totally understand, they have no other way to communicate. But the idiots behind us had a toddler and opted to keep their little cherub awake for the entire flight. I know that you want to wear them down so they’ll sleep later, but at what sacrifice?!?
Instead of letting this little bundle of joy go to sleep, they encouraged her to do fun activities like kick my seat, scream, pull Leigh’s hair, and run up and down the aisle. By the end of the flight, I though my eyeballs were going to pop. I’m willing to bet that kid has the entire Bratz doll collection.
I have an idea for air travel, it’s a bit ‘out there’ but follow me for a tick. When you go to church, there’s a cry room. It’s in the back and has a glass wall so people can still see the service accompanied with speakers so they can hear the sermon, all the while, not disturbing the other patrons. The reason why I know this is because I used to show up rather late to church and simply sit there (seeing that it’s in the back, so you can be the first to leave).
So why not have a section in the back of the plane with all the services, just glassed off for parents and their kids? I don’t think it is unfair. Parents usually have a harder time getting kids onto and off of the plane, as they usually have more stuff accomanying their child.
All of the above hinders peoples ability to get onto or off of the plane. I know some of you out there are parents and this either is a BIG insult, or you understand completely. Either way, I think this is the best solution. I sure beats Leigh’s, she thinks you should have to check them as luggage.
So back the return home. We were fortunate that our pilot managed to make up about 15 minutes in the air. But after we landed and were steered into our gate, we only had ten minutes to connect. The flight attendant told us the gate we were to go to, and we hustled our butts there.
To our surprise (and outright rage), the flight attendant told us the wrong gate. We weren’t even in the right terminal! With less than five minutes to get there, so we hauled on over. Needless to say, Leigh is a linebacker when she wants to be.
She blasted through the crowd and managed to clear a path all the way to Gate C17, and just like in the movies, they were closing the door at the gate and on the plane. We screamed to hold the plane, and made it. There was sweat pouring form our bodies and curses in our gasping breath, but we were there.
The upgrade to business class was a real treat, and the four hour flight passed quickly. When we arrived in Irvine, Darin was there to greet us. The best treat was that our luggage made it too! I thought there was no chance of that happening considering it was supposed to be sent to gate B9.
We returned to Mesa Drive absolutely beat. I collapsed into bed at midnight with Maya (Leigh’s cat) and was lulled to sleep by a gentle purr. Apparently she missed us. Just before dozing off I praised whatever higher being is out there that I was able to make it back safe, sound, and with luggage, as I feel there must have been some help out there.
Yesterday was uneventful, as settling in always is. I read for most of the day, did some laundry, and the food shopping. Ironically, even if I did want to do something, it wasn’t an option. We had a freakin’ monsoon! It rained for most of the day, but the winds were hurricane force. A few trees actually blew down across major streets.
Well folks, I guess I close here. I have a lot to do in this week off. I’m firming up my new Panera position and hopefully Trader Joe’s as well. But more importantly I have to start focusing on next year. I’m looking into GRE locations as well as my Chemistry Certification. So I wish you all well in this New Year. I hope your celebrations went well and that you were able to spend time friends and loved ones.
On a closing note, the Al Sweepstakes will have an extension, due to my own negligence. However, in the case of tardy entries, there will be a deduction due to lateness. In the meantime, you know the drill, be well and be safe….