My Cross Country Adventure 2005-06

Thanks!

2006-04-27T15:28:00.000-04:00

The Trip: The Conclusion

2006-04-27T15:05:00.000-04:00

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?!?

2006-04-27T15:04:00.000-04:00

The Trip Day 127: The Adventure Home, Day 3

2006-04-27T14:57:00.000-04:00

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?!?

2006-04-27T14:56:00.000-04:00

The Trip Day 126: The Adventure Home, Day 2

2006-04-27T14:50:00.000-04:00

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?!?

2006-04-27T14:49:00.000-04:00

The Trip Day 125: The Adventure Home, Day One

2006-04-27T14:44:00.000-04:00

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?!?

2006-04-27T14:43:00.000-04:00

The Trip Day 124: Proper Preparation Prevents Pretty Poor Performance

2006-04-27T14:40:00.001-04:00

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?!?

2006-04-27T14:40:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-27T14:32:00.000-04:00

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?!?

2006-04-27T14:31:00.000-04:00

The Trip Day 122: The Many Sides of Vegas

2006-04-27T14:23:00.000-04:00

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

2006-04-27T14:22:00.000-04:00

Leigh and Darin Upon Arrival

2006-04-27T14:20:00.000-04:00

The Venetian's Ceiling

2006-04-27T14:19:00.000-04:00

The Bellagios Fountains

2006-04-27T14:16:00.000-04:00

The Trip Day 121: Viva Las Vegas!

2006-04-27T14:09:00.000-04:00

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?!?

2006-04-27T14:08:00.000-04:00

The Trip Day 120: Thoughts on Thirty

2006-04-27T13:54:00.000-04:00

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?!?

2006-01-16T15:08:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-16T15:03:00.000-05:00

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?!?

2006-01-13T15:38:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-13T15:31:00.000-05:00

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?!?

2006-01-10T16:23:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-10T16:19:00.000-05:00

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?!?

2006-01-08T22:54:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-08T22:53:00.000-05:00

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?!?

2006-01-08T22:51:00.000-05:00

A View for the Ridge of Bommer Canyon

2006-01-08T22:49:00.000-05:00

The Trip Day 107: My First Adventure Weekend

2006-01-08T22:48:00.000-05:00

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?!?

2006-01-08T22:46:00.000-05:00

The Trip Day 106: Not much….

2006-01-08T22:41:00.000-05:00

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?!?

2006-01-08T22:38:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-08T22:35:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-05T16:48:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-05T16:46:00.000-05:00

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?!?

2006-01-03T14:03:00.000-05:00

Mystery Location #18?!?

2006-01-03T14:01:00.000-05:00

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

2006-01-03T13:32:00.000-05:00

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….

Mystery Location #17?!?\

2005-12-28T11:34:00.000-05:00

The Trip Days 89 – 95: My Blog, the Middle Child……

2005-12-28T11:29:00.000-05:00

Being a middle child, I can sympathize with you readers out there. You feel neglected and overlooked. You wonder ‘What did I do?’, ‘How come Al doesn’t pay attention to us anymore?’, ‘We’ve always been here, how come he has left us?!?’.
Please don’t be angry, you’ve just been the middle child in my life. It’s not that I didn’t care or think about the blog, it’s just that “other” things came up. It occurred to me last night, and all of a sudden I felt as if I had left all of you at soccer practice in the driving rain and freezing cold.
The problem is, I can’t take all of you out for a hot cup of cocoa with extra marshmallows to ease the pain. I can only say I’ll try to keep you up to date a little bit better over the remaining few days of this return-home adventure.
So what have I been up to? Quite a bit. The day after my previous entry I headed to my Dad’s house in Alton to remain until Christmas Eve. It was so nice to see Dad, Gabby, and Julliette. Additionally, Dad has a couple of foster kids, Debbie and Amy, who did an unbelievable job in getting the house ready for our Christmas feast.
While at Dad’s, I did get a great opportunity to escape and do one of my favorite winter activities, ice fishing. My friends Les and Ty had the afternoon off, so we scooted up to a pond in Wolfeboro (I won’t tell you the name b/c of the fish we caught).
Most people don’t understand why ice fishing is fun. How can it be worth it to stand around a hole in the ice waiting for a little flag to flip up, the whole time freezing your butt off? Well I can tell you there are two reasons why ice fishing is fun, friends and beer. Ice fishing is a time when friends can catch up, have a few drinks, and possibly catch a fish. In our case, Ty became the lucky fisherman, when he pulled a rainbow trout up. Unfortunately, the only other action was a few wind flags. But hey, at least we didn’t get skunked.
Christmas Eve was a great time. My family’s tradition is to have a feast at Dad’s, spend time together there, then return to Mom’s before Santa shows up. This year’s Christmas Eve was very special to me this year. Dad had me cook some of the meal, which has never happened before. My Dad is a great cook, and I have inherited (at least to some degree) the ability to cook as well.
Dad made his traditional prime rib, I in turn, cooked a pork tenderloin. This was without a doubt the biggest tenderloin I have ever seen, nearing 7 lbs! After applying a southwestern meat rub, I accompanied it with a Pico de Gallo, which followed with high praise. I was also happy to hear the remaining pork and topping made awesome leftovers the next day. I think I made the cut and secured a position for next year on the cooking team.
As Christmas day arrived, it became apparent that we were all nice this year (or maybe Santa didn’t catch me being naughty) because our tree was stocked full of presents. Madyson was so psyched! She managed to stay in bed until 5:30ish, but as all of you probably did at the age of five, was overcome by the lure of the treasure under the tree.
Around 8, the remaining troops showed up, and we spent the rest of the day opening presents, eating, and laughing. This was one of the best Christmas’ I can remember. This trip has taught me so much. One of the most significant is to really make the most of the time with your family, as they won’t be there forever.
The day after Christmas was kept in tradition as well. We always go to our family friend Kay’s for our second Christmas. One of the highlights of Kay’s is the food. Kay is an awesome cook, and if you are smart, you fast from Christmas dinner until Kay’s. Otherwise you’d kick yourself for sure.
What was also nice, was the celebration. Kay is extremely close to our family, and it is unfortunate that we only get to see each other a handful of times every year. With dinner out of the way, our presents exchange and Yankee swap came and went. I do have to say thank you VERY much to you Kay for the gift. It is very special to me, and I look forward to having it in my classroom upon my return to teaching, as I feel it is inspirational to me and any other person that sees it and knows the story.
Upon return to Mom’s, I opted to head over to my friend Rodney’s to do some computer work and watch the Pat’s game. Unfortunately no computer work got done, and I was left with a category four hangover. But at least the Pat’s won!
Yesterday was pretty useless. I read for a bit, then headed back to Dover Soul to do some blogging. But as you can see I neglected you all again. I ran into some friends and ended up talking into the night, leaving my poor blog alone crying by itself.
Seeing that I caught my computer sniffing glue this morning, I figured it was a plea for attention and a sign of a problem. So I got up extra early to write this entry to all of you. Even though it doesn’t really make it better, I can say I’ll work on not neglecting you in the future. So in the meantime, I’ll hope this will end my computer’s glue sniffing issue, and that you all will be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #16?!?

2005-12-28T11:27:00.000-05:00

The Trip Days 86, 87, + 88: Home Sweet Home

2005-12-28T11:23:00.000-05:00

I must first apologize to all of you seasoned blog veterans for my negligence. I have had a few obstacles to overcome through these first few days. For starters, I have been so busy catching up with friends and especially family. Second, I’ve been without internet access. I’m currently at Dover Soul, which has served me well in the past and is a very nice Panera substitute.
My arrival home to Mom’s was great. We stayed up until the wee hours of the morning talking about the trip and all of my experiences. In turn, I learned of all of the big happenings and to-do’s with my home state.
The next day was an unbelievable treat. Chickie had all of us over for an extra yummy brunch complete with the famous spinach balls and waffles.
The afternoon started with a fun game of Cranium and concluded with a much needed snow shoe through Jeremy’s back yard. This was a treat indeed to get outside for a workout, especially considering the gorging that I did.
Yes, I am happy to be home and into the routine of my NH life. I realize now how much I truly belong here. But as you all know NH will have to wait for a tick, as I need to complete the second leg of the trip.
I’ll probably post infrequently for the remainder of the trip, as I am unsure of my plans (other than leaving on the 1st). So in the meantime I hope all of you stay sane in the hustle and bustle before the arrival of Jolly Old St. Nick. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #15?!?

2005-12-21T10:15:00.000-05:00

Mystery Location #14?!?

2005-12-21T10:05:00.000-05:00

The Trip Day 85: Anticipation of my Return

2005-12-21T09:51:00.000-05:00

I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t wait to get home. I’m currently in Atlanta waiting for my connecting flight to Manch Vegas. The more I sit and think, the more anxious I become.
I know it must seem silly, but I feel like a kid at Christmas (what a coincidence!). I keep tapping my feet, looking around constantly hoping that the seconds will click away a little bit faster since I want to return so badly. But I’m sure my powers of time modulation are just not strong enough.
So instead, of continuing my clock watching obsession, I decided to blog. Unfortunately this entry will not reach you until tomorrow, due to the fact that it is $7.95/day for a connection, and I just can’t justify it.
I am really not sure what to expect when I return home, other than a lot of cold(er) weather. I think I have really changed, grown, and defined myself. But will I seem different? In my own eyes, I don’t think so. All of you will have to be the judge of that.
So here are my plans, I’m staying with my Mom in Gonic for the first couple of days. This will allow me to be able to catch up and do some shopping. By midweek I should be at my Dad’s in Alton and remain there until Christmas Eve. After that my only plans are to have Christmas at my Mom’s with my sisters (and of course Madyson and Memere), and New Years Eve with Rodney and his family. Everything in between is totally up in the air.
However, if you want to hang out, you’ll probably have to pick me up. Since I’m flying into NH I was only allowed three pieces of luggage, and the Green Machine couldn’t be checked. I would really love to see all of you this season, so even if you can’t pick me up, give me a call and I can see what we can do.
On a side note, I was very happy to see the Pats stomp the Bucs 28 – 0. Needless to say, I’ve missed a lot of the Patriots this season. I’ve managed to watch six games, but it really seems as if Belichick has lit a fire under them lately. It was a nice welcome indeed to come off of the plane and be able to watch the fourth quarter.
Well I suppose I should close here, the New York game is starting, and I think it will help the time to pass. I can’t wait to get home, and look forward to seeing all of you. In the meantime, you know the drill, be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #13?!?

2005-12-15T19:07:00.000-05:00

The Trip Day 84: The Target Light is Dwindling

2005-12-15T18:55:00.001-05:00

Here I am on my last day off before my final day at Target. I’ve reflected on the good and bad. In the long haul, after much soul searching, I can say I’m taking one special thing with me at my departure, a paycheck.
Yeah that’s about it. I wish there was the bonding between my co-workers and myself, but it didn’t happen. For the most part, they boned me pretty bad over the past few days. Not that I really care, it has allowed me to do my Zen-world thinking in peace for as long as I need. So all in all, I look forward to tomorrow night at 10 PM when I leave Target’s doors forever (at least as an employee).
On a funny side note, I did get a talkin’ to last night. In my haste to get onto the sales floor, I left my name tag with my lunch in the break room. Just after my shift started the manager passed me stocking shelves and conjoined with the other stocking folk for a “team huddle”. After they broke she quickly approached me about my failure to wear my badge.
I thought this was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. I felt like I was back in High School again. One clique had to meet, and admonish another. I know I should have felt bad about not being invited to the team huddle (they actually call it that too), but I’m even more grateful not being one of the Target “Cool Kids”. I actually felt pretty rebellious considering that my failure to wear a name badge was even a topic in a discussion, let alone a team huddle.
What was even more ironic (or moronic) is that she stopped me in the hall during my lunch break to ask me if I had my name badge on. I showed her my badge of honor, and strode past without a word. Later on in the break, she approached me yet again, this time to have a “one on one” discussion.
If I didn’t have to return the Harry Potter book back to Leigh, I probably would have bludgeoned myself unconscious with it to avoid yet another interaction with this fruitcake.
She pretended to actually care about our earlier discussion, and decided to ask me a few questions about my history. I told her that I just arrived from New Hampshire, that I did a cross country trip, that I’m an engineer and Chemistry/Physics teacher by trait, and that I’m planning on leaving this job in the near future.
She was awestruck. I honestly threw her a curveball, all being true though. Her only reply was “Wow, I didn’t know!” Well how could you, you were too focused on my lack of name badge. She asked me to bring in pictures from the trip and of my family. I gave her a cold stare and went back to my book. I’d say I find her about as useful as a sack of rocks, but I would hate to insult rocks.
But after dinner I lightened the mood by composing a list of useless children’s Christmas Presents. After stocking for the past two weeks, I have seen what’s hot and what’s not for the 2005 season. More importantly, I have seen (regardless of the wow factor) the biggest waste of your hard earned cash. Unless your child is threatening absolute mutiny, avoid these presents as if they had Ebola.

#5: Sponge Bob Squarepants Ripped Pants Doll: Now if Steve Gundrum is reading this, I know you love Sponge Bob, but this is really useless (probably all the more reason to have it in your Physics Classroom). This doll is fixed to a plastic stage where he sings a song about ripping his pants for about ten seconds, then bends over and rips his back seam. Then makes another few sounds, and shuts off. You can’t pick him up, or run around with him. He just stands on the stage. I can see why a kid would want it, its funny, but only the first few times you see it. If you buy it for your kid, they will open it by eight, and be bored with it by noon.
I’ve got an idea, if you still want it, give me the thirty dollars. I’ll exchange the bills for a sack of pennies, and proceed to beat some sense into you with it.

#4: Roller Shoes: I know that Ethan from the previous entry irritated the heck out of me with his roller shoes, but that isn’t why I don’t like them. We are facing a serious epidemic in America’s youth. They are as plump as Thanksgiving turkeys, and giving them the opportunity to simply roll from point A to B won’t solve a thing. Also, they don’t make them in adult sizes. Why should kids be allowed to have all of the fun?!?

#3: Fisher Price ‘My First ATM Machine': What the hell is that! Why would a kid really want this? Fisher Price better find a good proctologist to locate their head, because rumor has it that next year’s blockbuster gift is ‘Baby’s first tax audit’.

#2: Bratz Dolls: I have ZERO sympathy to anybody that buys their little girl this doll based solely on the name. If you put it out there that it is OK to have a bad attitude, party, wear make-up, and make out, to any child (recommended ages 5 and up), you are setting yourself up for a lot of headaches in the long run.
I had to laugh out loud when a little girl punched, not slapped, but punched, her dad in the mouth after he went to take a Bratz scooter out of her hand. He laughed and said “Boy this is really her huh!” and LET HER KEEP THE SCOOTER!!!!! Buddy, when she is fourteen, six months pregnant, and on the verge of rehab, trace your footsteps back, think real hard and say “Boy that’s really her huh”

And the number one useless children's gift this season.....
(Insert drum roll here)

#1: Boggle: I don’t know what it is, I just don’t like boggle…..

Well folks, there’s my list of useless Christmas stuff, I would have more out there from other departments, but I only work toys. If you can think of any other useless gifts please submit them, and I will give the item credit in the next few letters. I am sorry about not getting this one out sooner to save you from an accidental poor decision, but my research took longer than expected.
In closing, I wish you all the best in your remaining holiday shopping endeavors. I hope you get the best of parking spots, the highest of discounts, and are still sane when Santa comes to town. I miss you all. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #12?!?

2005-12-15T18:55:00.000-05:00

The Trip Days 82 + 83: Bah Humbug to you Young Ethan, Bah Humbug….

2005-12-15T18:39:00.000-05:00

Disclaimer #1: If you are planning on reading this, have a snack and beverage with you (I recommend a Panera coffee), because this one is a long one.

Disclaimer #2: Please don’t read this with children present, as I would feel very bad. There is nothing horrible, explicit or perverse. You will understand later on.

Working at Target has allowed me to think, a lot. Seeing that I am always working alone, doing a rather mundane job, I get a lot of time to ponder. Yeah, there are quite a few customers that ask me questions, but even the answers are becoming more and more systematic. Once I get into my little Zen world, the force fields go up, and very little seems to pry me away.
Compounding with the “people watching” that goes along with the job, I have had many interesting thoughts and debates over society, people, and its being. Just the other night, I had an awesome theory regarding our society’s family value system, based solely on the necessity of a two-income earning household. The mental chapters ranged from the outrageous increase in real estate cost over the past half century to latchkey children and the effects.
I had about twenty different topics ready to research and discuss. I was so excited about my theory that I told Leigh and Darin about it the next day. I’m telling you folks, my dissertation was half written before I even applied to grad school!
Then Leigh ruined it all. Stupid Leigh and all of her stupid reading said she read two books (which were probably stupid compared to mine) about this very subject.
However, she did put a band aid on my wounded pride boo-boo by way of a plate of pancakes and real maple syrup (OK maybe she really isn’t stupid). But it did leave me with a reason to think, it’s healthy for the brain and it can even lead you to a plate of tasty pancakes. So think is what I do now while I am at work. Which brings me back to the title, and young Ethan.
I was stocking last night searching for something to really think about. Topics can’t be forced, they just have to happen. So I attempted to visualize a movie that I really enjoyed, so I opted for “Kill Bill”. I was all the way up to the part where she is getting out of the hospital and heading for Buck’s truck, when I was nearly run over by a little boy dressed in all black, hence forth my introduction to Ethan.
He was a boy of average size and build around eight (I can only presume), racing along with his roller shoes. For those of you that have no clue what I am talking about, they are shoes that have a single wheel mounted in the heel so kids can simply raise their toes, push off, and roll along. How this company hasn’t closed their doors due to lawsuits is beyond me. I wonder how many kids have been sent down the stairs on their heads because they did a double take on the stairs and engaged the roller wheel.
I’m digressing, I know (damn ADD!!!). Well Ethan came flying along and nearly ran over me while I was stocking. No apologies, no oops, he just kept going on his merry way. His mother and little sister were about ten feet away watching the whole incident. Considering she didn’t say a word to him about it, I concluded that she and Ethan regarded shelf stockers about as high as I do lawyers. I didn’t feel too bad though, Ethan also ran into several carriages and even an elderly couple. I guess this family just disregards everybody.
So where am I going with this? Like I said, this will take a tick, so have a sip of Panera coffee, and proceed. Here is today’s history lesson. We all know the history of Christmas. I need not discuss that, but what about Jolly Old Santa? We all probably know him as St. Nick, which is short for St. Nicholas. The history dates backs as far as 280 AD where St. Nicholas was born near modern day Turkey.
He later became a monk, and his accomplishments include giving to the poor, and saving three sisters by way of marrying them off secretly, thus preventing their father from selling them off into slavery or prostitution. Hence, he was given the name St. Nicholas, the protector of children and sailors.
His legacy was further expanded, even after Protestant Reformation, throughout all of Europe, Russia and even America. His celebratory day, December 6th. Hmmm, that’s awfully close to Christmas isn’t it? I’m not sure when exactly it happened (some say it was the due to the poem ‘Twas the night before Christmas’) but the joining of St. Nicholas Day and Christmas became one. My bet is the ‘Ye Olde Hallmark Company’ and their marketing department had a lot to do with it.
So now we have the Birth of Christ, and the celebration of St. Nicholas all wrapped into one convenient little day. Additionally, all of the modern traditions of Christmas correlate with St. Nicholas Day. It was claimed that the Dutch started the tradition that for December 6th parents would make big purchases and claim that St. Nicholas left them for good boys and girls. I’m sure some rather genius parent wanted a way to maintain a peaceful household, even for just a short time, so they dangled Jolly old St. Nick in front of their screaming cherub.
The whole stocking-on-the-mantle thing was brought about also by his entrance into the house through the chimney. Along with the milk and cookies. It actually used to be cake though. Ye Olde Nestle Tollhouse Company probably put and end to the cake part.
So, Al, where the hell are you going with this? Well get another cup of hearty Panera coffee and read on. As I was nearly trampled by Ethan, I thought about the true meaning of Christmas. Not far after my start of Christmas thinking, I could hear Ethan’s Mom yelling for him because they were getting ready to leave. Ethan refused, he actually yelled at his mother and demanded that she come, look, and buy him the new Nerf Gun. She demanded that he come to her side immediately, he again refused, this time telling her to shut up. I thought ‘Who the hell did this little bastard think he is’, assuming that Mom would come flying up in a monstrous rage and smack the crap out of him.
Thinking back to my own childhood, my mother would stopped the problem at me bumping into the shelf stocker. That was rude, and a sincere apology would be necessary to the employee. The colliding with the elderly couple would have probably earned me a good long lecture. And forget about the ‘shut up’. I would have had to write the longest essay in history about respect.
Needless to say I was far from an angel, and my Mom has nearly a novel of the essays I have had to write. By the way, if any of my little weebles are reading this, you have my mother to thank for the essay portion of your punishments and detentions.
Either way, none of the above behaviors committed by Ethan would be tolerated in most civil societies and families, and more so near Christmas.
As Ethan’s Mom casually strode past, I noticed that her carriage was full of toys. Toys for Christmas. This is an all too common trend I have seen this year, bring your kids Christmas shopping with you.
I was saddened, but I needed to watch. They argued and bantered back and forth about him getting the new gun. In the end, Ethan rolled past me, smiling away, with his new Nerf Gun, and even an extra set of darts. His mother said he couldn’t get the darts, but both Ethan and I knew better.
I say Bah Humbug to Ethan for one reason, he has absolutely no Christmas spirit. What’s worse is that his little sister, sitting in the carriage, also witnessing the whole shebang. She doesn’t have a chance. How sad.
I went back to my youth, take a moment for yourself and go back if you want, it’s really a warming experience. I remember laying in bed nearing midnight all fidgety. I remember sneaking across the hall and talking to my sisters about what was going to happen. They usually convinced me to give up hope and that I would be lucky to get coal. Usually about that time, Dad would come flying out of nowhere and demand our return to bed or otherwise Santa would know, and not stop.
I would of course return, not wanting to risk it (especially with my behaviors track record, I was REAL close to coal…I knew it). Then, usually at 4 AM, one of us would wake up and scamper downstairs to check out the treasures under the tree. It wouldn’t take long before all of us kids were up, and arguing with whispered voices over who got the most presents, thus proving whom Santa liked the most.
Usually about 6 AM, Mom and Dad gave in to our pleading and rose from their beds, exhausted, to let us start to open our presents.
Even though we didn’t have much growing up, Christmas was always a spirited time for us where we would be happy as a family. Happy in celebration, happy to eat, happy to have one another. Heck, I even behaved on Christmas (or at least tried). Before I go on, thank you Mom and Dad, with all of my heart, for instilling this tradition in me. Also, I’m sorry we didn’t let you sleep in, I know you understand.
So knowing that I had great Christmas experiences, why do I care about Ethan’s? Ethan has been robbed, robbed of his youth. His imagination and passion for this holiday, and probably all of the other experience of being a kid, are long gone. But why? When did it happen? It’s so sad to see. Kids these days are becoming adults way to early, just for our own convenience.
So wait a minute Al, how can you have the Christmas spirit, you know the truth? Ah, I knew that one was coming. I am very fortunate to have Madyson and Gabby in my life. They are my niece and little sister, both five years old. I can watch their experience with Christmas, and be with them in spirit, knowing fully I was their age once, and went through the same experience.
I look forward to the future, when I can be in Mom and Dad’s shoes and my wife and I will be ass-dragging exhausted at 4 AM when the innocent whisper of ‘Mom, Dad, can we open our presents?’ is in my ear.
Then I’ll put on my best pajamas, go downstairs, and look amazed at all of the presents Santa left my children. I will sit back with my coffee (probably not Panera) and know full well that I will let my kids be kids for as long possible. It would break my heart to take that from them. It really is too bad for Ethan. I hope he realizes this before he becomes a parent. Christmas isn’t necessarily about presents, at least not to me. It’s about family and celebration. It’s about the love of one another, and being grateful that in a scary world, you have somebody that will always be by your side to protect and care for you. I look forward to going home for Christmas, as I probably have the spirit in me more than it has been in the past umpteen years.
I know this has gotten on way longer than anyone could have anticipated. But you read the disclaimers, so I don’t feel bad. I just hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I did to write it. In the hustle and bustle of this chaotic season, take the time to reflect on what Christmas means to you, and try to make it happen. It really will feel good, even if it means getting up at 4 AM. Be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #11?!?

2005-12-12T22:09:00.000-05:00

Mystery Location #10?!?

2005-12-12T22:06:00.000-05:00

The Trip Days 79, 80 + 81: Settling in to Head Out?!?

2005-12-12T21:14:00.000-05:00

Wow, that title hit me like a ton of bricks. I didn’t even think, I just typed it, which usually means it is the most true of any statement I could ponder.
Right now I’ve settled into a nice routine in my life. I greet the day around 7:30 to Leigh pounding on my door to do our ab workout followed by a quick breakfast, then read until Target Time. So far I have read four books in less than two weeks.
This schedule has been nice indeed. No need to rush, no need to be stressed. I leave around 1 to head for Target, and before I know it, I’m back at home again.
So who was surprised to see that? I really can’t complain about Target. I’ve decided to look at it like a prison sentence. I know that I will be released, I just have to do my time. I also concluded that my complaining really didn’t seem to help the time to pass.
Also, I’ve now been confronted by three sets of “Guests” for sending them to Men’s Footwear. Although I realize these people are pretty pathetic for not getting my obvious disregard for their interests, they do get a gold star for persistence.
So now I opt to send them to their desired destination, which has led to many nice conversations upon their return, which in retrospect, helps the time to pass more quickly. Don’t get me wrong, the job still sucks, but it is at least more tolerable.
The title comes into play here. Just as I am getting settled into a routine in my life and my job, I am leaving. On Saturday I will be heading back to NH for my two week hiatus. Additionally, just as I settled into the routine and expectations of Target, I’m heading out for a new position. You see folks, I’m giving back to an organization that has given me so much. Have you figured it out yet? Oh yeah! You’re looking at a Panera associate! I just finished Planet Bread, Panera’s training course.
In all actuality it should be named bread porn. Needless to say, they are quite passionate about their bread. The nice part was they actually TRAIN you in this orientation. They give you a manual of all of the policies and say read it.
That is all that I heard about as far as harassment was concerned. The rest of the time was spent talking about the history, policy, and products involved with Panera bread. Then we actually toured the facility and even made a loaf of bread. WOW, they really zanged when everyone else zinged. All in all, it took about two hours.
Even though some areas were a bit disturbing (the bread porn part), the fact that they were to the point, and trained you on what you will do everyday was very nice. Besides, they gave samples of all of the yummy breads for us to eat, as well as giving me a free coffee. I don’t know why they don’t have my picture up on the wall for the greatest cheapskate in Panera history. Hey, at least they gave me a job.
I did have to crack up when they had a video on and one manager said “There are no rocket scientists that work here” and I thought to myself, how about a physics teacher? Considering nearly all of the employees are from Mexico and are under the age of twenty, I think I might be the round peg trying to fit into the square hole. But it’s only going to be a couple of months, and if anything, it will help me with my Spanish.
Well folks, I think I am going to close here, but before I do I’ll update you on the ever so exciting “Al Sweepstakes”. There has been a lot of jockeying of positions, and you should be up to date.
For starters, here are the locations:

Mystery Location #5: Harper’s Ferry, WV
Mystery Location #6: The Bloody Lane of Anteitam Battlefield, VA
Mystery Location #7: Petrified Forest National Park, AZ
Mystery Location #8: Cottonwood Canyon Rd, UT
Mystery Location #9: Wright Brothers Museum in Kitty Hawk, NC

An as indicated before, the points race has become very heated. Second through fourth have become very close, and are within striking distance of one another. The point tallies go as follows:

Rodney: 7.5 pts
Mick: 4.5 pts
Mom: 3 pts
Ryan: 2.5 pts
Leigh: 2 pts
Darin: 0.5 pts

Well folks this is very exciting. If some of you have become discouraged due to lacking in points, remember if you don’t play you can’t win. Also take in mind that this contest will be going on until April when I leave for the second leg, so there will be plenty more opportunities to make up some ground.
In the meantime, I’ll be getting ready for my return home this weekend. I look forward to catching up with any and all of you. Just let me know when and where, and I’ll do my best to make it. In the meantime I miss you all very much and, be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #9?!?

2005-12-09T14:16:00.000-05:00

The Trip Day 77: Find the Good and Praise it….

2005-12-09T14:08:00.000-05:00

A long time ago I was told the above statement when I was at the end of my mental leash. It was back in college, I had broken up with my girlfriend, work was horrible (I was at 3 different jobs), my classes were very tough, and my home life was in turmoil (due to my own actions, not my family’s).
Well this advice was given to me in a heated argument. I’m not going to say who said it, but I know that they are reading this. I want you to know it did impact me, and I try to look for the good in any situation.
So here it is. I have been reading my blog entries and laughing to myself at the humor in the reading, but I also noticed a hint of negativity. If you sense that I hate the job, you’re 100% right, but there are positives. I have leveled them down to the top 5:

5) The customers: Even though some are a pain in the ass, I still like helping people. If I can’t help them, it is equally enjoyable sending them to Men’s Footwear.

4) The Schedule: I have been able to do so much with having my mornings off. I’ve been able to read, interview, blog, and workout without being stressed for time. Also it has given me the freedom to conjure up fun lists like this.

3) The timeframe: C’mon lets face it, two weeks isn’t that long….

2) The Workout: I think I walk a freakin' marathon every night between the stockroom and shelves. I really think I’m in better shape.

And #1……….

1) TELEMUNDO!!!

So there it is, my top five reasons to go to work tonight. Additionally I’m working on my Spanish for the last night. So far, Leigh, Darin and I have come up with several witty phrases to confuse my coworkers. My favorite yet is, while stocking, look around for an items location and say ”My black cat has put a fiery cheese burrito in my underpants, where is the milk?” (I apologize I didn’t write it down in Spanish for you readers). Later on after Telemundo time and as I leave the break room, stop and say “Feliz Sacapunta” = Merry pencil sharpener to all of my co-workers. The tough part will be keeping a straight face as I do it. I can’t even sit at the kitchen table without doubling over in laughter. Heck, I’m laughing right now in Panera as I type this.
Yeah, we all have been having a great time with this work adventure. Additionally I went to a really cool shop last night. It is called “Hi Times”. Before you think I was buying a hookah, it is a wine and spirits place. It actually has a really cool environment with literally thousands of wines ranging from a few dollars to a few thousand. I was a little bit bummed to not see my two buck chuck there. I guess they don’t share my same tastes.
Leigh and Darin both bought several different types ranging from all of the worlds regions, but the best part was the wine tasting. Every night the staff puts out 8 different bottles of wine for people to sample. The nice part is it is the honor system. I’m an honest person, and I took honest samples for myself. However, my samples were a bit larger than most, nearing a half full glass. Well I wanted to be sure and exercise my full opinion of the wine.
We stayed until they closed the sample bar down. All in all I think I had 5 samples which would have ended up being $3.75. They only charge $0.75/sample!! Seeing that both Leigh and Darin were buying wine, the cashier dismissed out sample slips. Hey free wine, works for me! That’s cheaper that two buck chuck!!
Anyways folks, I have to jet. I’m hoping to read for an hour or so before I return back to the plaza to visit Target. I just wanted to clear the air of my excess negativity. I’m sure some of you were waiving your fists in the air because of my whining (seeing that I have been on vacation for two months), but know that it really was in a humorous context even if it didn’t come off that way. Anyways, I hope all is great with all of you. I know many of you are currently in your first Northeaster, please drive slowly. I want to see you at Christmas in one piece. So be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #8?!?

2005-12-08T15:38:00.000-05:00

The Trip Day 76: My day off…..

2005-12-08T15:29:00.000-05:00

I know it seems weird for me to be enjoying a day off, as I have spent several months on vacation, but it is nice. I’m currently at Panera, enjoying a bottomless cup of coffee and really soaking up the day. I am getting anxious to explore this area, but due to a severe lack of moola, I’m spending my day off doing really frugal things like coffee, catching up on the blog, and reading.
I’m finding a lot of pleasure out of the reading part. I just finished Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. I haven’t read any of the books prior to this. It took a little over a day, which for me to sit still for that long is amazing. The book was a nice read, and I anticipate starting the second book this afternoon. Hopefully I can be through the series by the time I leave for home.
Target gets a mixed review after last night. It began on a high note. I was sent to toys to stock alone, and I continued to play my Men’s Footwear game, then it hit the fan. A couple asked me where the candle holders were, I directed them to the usual, but they came back. DAMN!!!
I then sent them back to the a few isles before men’s footwear, assuming they would get the hint of my ineptitude. But nooooo, they returned again, this time very disgruntled. Fortunately for me we have sconces near there, so I just played stupid and said that was what I thought they were talking about. With the jig up, I directed them to the pharmacy, and quickly beat feet for the backroom.
Upon arrival in the backroom I was greeted by Carlos the shift leader. He was there to inform me that I made a mistake on my schedule. Please notice the “I” there. He informed me that I misread it and I was supposed to stay until 9:45. I then informed him the schedule, made by the training manager, was in my pocket and it clearly said 9. He then knew he was trapped in a lie and said that he meant scheduling made a mistake and that I was supposed to stay until 9:45 and that he was going to call me when his shift started. I then informed him that our shifts started at the same time and that it would be pointless to call me on my cell, since both of us would already be at work.
I slowly watched the mouse wheel turn in his head. This was probably the toughest logic he has ever had to work with. His reply to my address of the situation was to say that I am to stay until 9:45.
OK, no problem, if you need me to stay, simply ask. Don’t accuse me of not reading my schedule or that management screwed up. It just infuriated me that he was outright lying to me. That action made me decide that I am doing way too much. I’ll stock the same amount, just take and extra 45 minutes to do it. This really is the opposite my usual attitude and work ethic, but like I said, I simply don’t care about this job.
My attitude was further dampened when I went on break and Telemundo wasn’t on. Instead Oprah was. Not that I mind Oprah, I think she is an amazing woman with her accomplishments and billions of dollars. It was just that the woman in the break room was bantering constantly about how useless men were and that nothing good can come of them.
Even though I was sitting obviously visible at the table in front of her, she persisted. I’m pretty sure she was waiting for me to say something, as the comments grew more caustic as the show went on. Apparently she didn’t pay attention to the training videos, as my work place wasn’t friendly.
To be honest, I felt sorry for her. When I turned around to leave, she was crying. It was obvious that she was the victim of some sort of violent incident. Even still, I was pretty irate to be classified as a woman beater in her eyes just because I have a penis. Hopefully she’ll find help, otherwise they may make her watch the training videos again.
I finished up around ten and went home. I wanted to leave the entry last night, but my computer puked on me in the parking lot. Big time sorry goes out to Rodney for having to hear my tirade while I was on my break seeking computer advice. If you are reading this, the computer is AOK. I guess the threats of a foot through the LCD did the trick.
Things at home continue to go great. Leigh, Darin, and I all get along very well. I’m sure that all of my family any friends are in awe at the fact that I haven’t been kicked out yet, but trust me, I’m on my best-super-wicked-good behavior. Besides, they are both a lot of fun.
Well folks, I realize I am all over the place in this one, so I’ll close in a couple of lines. As you can see, there are a few new locations for the sweepstakes. I wanted to be sure and add some challenge to the masses. In the meantime, I’ll continue to look for the positive in my Target situation. Maybe Telemundo will be on. Anyways, be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #7?!?

2005-12-08T14:41:00.000-05:00

Mystery Location #6?!?

2005-12-08T14:39:00.000-05:00

Ah, my shiny new badge of honor.....

2005-12-08T14:35:00.000-05:00

The Trip Days 73, 74, and 75: My Target Adventure Begins….

2005-12-08T14:27:00.000-05:00

So here I am on day three of my new working endeavor. All in all it has been quite the experience over the past few days. For the most part, work is tolerable. The difficulty of the job is fairly low. There are no stocking quotas, you just have to look busy and make sure that the customer’s questions are answered.
This particular area came to great difficulty to me. I’m very personable, however, I am ill informed. You see, Target’s innate genius of ultra politically correct brainwashing forgets to institute one major lesson into its training program, store-floor orientation. Hmm….who would think that is important? Not me, I just stock shelves and answer a billion questions about where merchandise is.
The best part was when they handed me a scanning gun and told me to go stock. Oops, they forgot to show the bonus video on how to use this tool which must be after the proper terminology of a sensitive work environment.
So here I was on my first night, with a scanning gun in hand and screaming customers demanding that I know everything. Not that I can really blame them, Target prides themselves on customer service, not associate intelligence. So I quickly grew frustrated figuring that the boss was going to come over and rip my New Associate name badge declaring that I was a disgrace to the Red Shirt.
It was then that I realized something, none of the associates were moving particularly fast. More importantly, none of them gave a particular care about their job or their effort. It was at that time that it hit me, I’m leaving in two weeks, I’m working harder than anyone else on my staff stocking faster and more neatly, and I actually care about what I’m doing.
Why? If this organization really gave two squats about me, they would have trained me. I’m just their mindless drone putting out thousands of dollars worth of toys and house wares so they can earn a buck. Ah, this warm epiphany was one that I have never felt before. I honestly didn’t give a care.
I did my job slightly better than everyone else, shame on me. I watched several seasoned veterans who really knew how to pull this ‘look busy’ philosophy off. I hope to be as wise as them upon my leaving.
My 9 PM shift ended and I headed home to see Leigh and Darin were waiting to see if my misery was as high as expected. It was to a degree, but my enlightening helped to lighten my heart.
My second day there started out with a nice surprise. Since I did so well stocking toys, the shift leader decided to have me work alone stocking the same section (instead having three others like I did the night before). Wow, just when I thought Target couldn’t do anything more stupid, they topped themselves. Not only was I ill trained and alone, I had all of one days experience in the busiest section of the store. Oh well that’s what I get for doing a good job.
So I decided to have fun with it. I started on my first cart when the question barrage began. I decided not to call upon the front desk as I had the night before. You see, customer service eventually got sick of me calling and asking for locations, that they got snippy with me.
No I had a much better solution. I decided to send each customer with a question to men’s footwear on the other side of the store. “I’m looking for nails?” “Oh, head to the back of the store on the end wall.” “I can’t find the stationary.” “Oh it’s real easy, back corner against the wall”. If they asked for men’s footwear, off to the pharmacy with you. Needless to say, I’m sure the associate in Men’s footwear is probably hating the bastard that sent them all the disgruntled traffic, but screw em.
I was very much enjoying this little game, and to my surprise nobody returned to scream at me. If they did, I would just show them the new associate nametag and say I made a mistake with a great big smile.
This brings me to my next joy, the customers. I’ve had a lot of fun talking to some of these people. I’ve shared my adventures, many left filled with amazement. Some are very perplexed that somebody like me is working there. Ah we share the same query.
Some of the customers don’t seem to have the same Christmas cheer though. I had to laugh at a woman that started yelling at me because I had no clue what she was talking about when she demanded that I tell her where the toy that she “saw on TV and the kids really liked it because they could sing along.” I showed her the karaoke machines, and kids educational DVD’s but I was the idiot for not knowing the exact brand. Oops, my bad, I sorry I wasn’t there to see the commercial, I was too busy staring at my shiny new red name badge.
The funniest experience thus far has been my associates. The majority of them are from Mexico and speak both English and Spanish. They very conveniently only speak Spanish when a customer approaches them, which gives me more opportunity to flood men’s footwear.
They also LOVE Telemundo and Omnivision. These are the Spanish channels. Every time I have gone on break, I have had to watch them. Since I don’t know Spanish, it has been a bit odd. Darin suggested that I try to imagine what the conversation is and make it up as I go along. I nearly laughed myself off of my chair as I tried to imagine a conversation on a soap opera in Spanish. For those of you that haven’t seen these stations before, check them out late at night, they are the cheesiest that I have ever seen, and imagining a conversation made it all the more interesting.
All in all, this experience has had its ups and downs. I do think I am on the right path however by taking on the ‘Don’t care’ attitude. Not that I recommend it for anybody, especially for a career. But as a crap job to give you some holiday bucks, have a ball.
Well folks I have to get ready. The dryer just called out to me for attention. I’m late to begin my Target day. Red shirt, check, Khakis, check, Lunch, you betcha, Nametag, yup, attitude, you bet your ass. Be well and be safe….

Check out what the security camera caught at 3AM!

2005-12-04T20:50:00.000-05:00

I really need to get him back on the road!

2005-12-04T20:49:00.000-05:00

When confronted, he threatened violence

2005-12-04T20:48:00.000-05:00

The Trip Day 72: My Last Sunday of Freedom (for now)

2005-12-04T20:41:00.000-05:00

Yeah boys and girls it’s finally here, my last day off before my return to the grind [blech!!]. Oh well, I knew that this day would come. So I’ll put out my red shirt and khakis as well as my shiny new name tag. I can’t forget the “Fast, Fun, and Friendly” ensemble is never complete without a smile and positive attitude. Did I mention that I only have 72 more hours to work there?
All of us at Mesa Dr have been having a lot of fun with this. Darin and I came to the conclusion that I shouldn’t seek any higher level position than I have now. We all agree it is admirable to stick with the original plan, but it is admittedly funny that a man with 3 college degrees is seeking least intellectual jobs possible.
I can’t wait to find a job when I can say “Do you want fries with that?” Only then will I have reached my employment utopia. I really don’t think that is going to happen though. I’m sending out for my transcripts so I can substitute teach when I get back.
The positive side is that it will probably take me at least two or three days to figure out the stockroom, and then at least another day or so to figure out the store floor itself. So all in all I don’t think there will be any room for boredom for my Target experience.
Please don’t think I am bitter or resentful about this. I am so glad to have a job and be able to get caught up. I’m grateful to be staying in California and I have been truly blessed on this trip. It’s time to be a grown up again (at least for a 72 hours).
On a more important note, I’m sure all of you are wondering what’s up with the Al Sweepstakes, well here are the answers first:

Mystery Location #1: Luray Caverns, VA
Mystery Location #2: Minute Maid Field in Houston, TX
Mystery Location #3: National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, TN
Mystery Location #4: Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, TN

The point totals are as follows:
Mick 0.5 pts.
Darin 0.5 pts.
Mom 1 pt.
Leigh 2 pts.
Ryan 2.5 pts.
Rodney 3 pts.

Now I’m sure some of you are screaming like a Democrat in the 2000 election due to the 0.5 points, but here is my judgment:
For Darin and Mick, they guessed only once and were incorrect. The teacher in me does not want to discourage them from participating. Considering I don’t have any smiley face stickers that say “You’re Special!”, my next best was to grant them with a half point to get them on the board.
Ryan got two correct, but his answer for the Ornamental Metal Museum had me rolling on the floor laughing. If you haven’t seen it, click on the comment below the picture and read, you’ll understand what I mean. Additionally, since nobody got it right, the creative answers always deserve partial credit. So if you don’t know what’s correct, write something quirky. If nobody gets the right answer, maybe you’ll get a slice of the point pie.
So that’s about it from me for now. I have to go to work tomorrow at 1-9PM, so the next entry probably won’t happen until Tuesday morning. So wish me luck, and in turn I will wish you to be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #5?!?

2005-12-04T19:49:00.000-05:00

The Trip Days 70 + 71: The Big Boy Pants are Officially on….

2005-12-03T21:51:00.000-05:00

No folks, this isn’t a description of my new waistline due to my Thanksgiving gorging. I decided to do some real thinking in regards to my employment situation, and came to one clear solution. I’m sticking with my original plan, and returning eastward in April.
Granted, this decision did not come easily to me. There were so many factors, most of which may seem fickle to you readers.
For starters, I’ve only been here for two weeks. I really don’t know what life is like. How can I honestly deliver a life altering verdict when I know very little of its impact.
Case in point, So Cal life is expensive. Studio apartments START at $1,000/ month. Most 2 bedrooms hover around $2,000. Also, food, gas, utilities, and the oh-so-important lifestyle are outrageous. BMW’s, Jags, Mercedes, Lexus, Infinity’s, and H2’s are standard issue. Even if I did hit it big, I don’t think I could do the “Keep up with the Joneses” mentality here because it is simply never ending.
Now some of the advice I have received was to try it, and that I’m young enough to experience the sales life and move on if I want to.
The fact is that I’ve done a bit too much of this in the past. I taught, went into sales, taught again, and left on this trip. I’ve experienced many career paths, had good and bad times, done a great job at each and moved on. It really is time for me to stick with one.
I’ve decided on teaching. (I can hear all of my former colleagues going “About damn time!!!”). I was a very good teacher, and I enjoyed it more than anything else I have ever done. It has become more and more apparent on this trip when I hear from my former weebles. Not to pat myself on the back, but I had an impact on their lives.
The truth is that there is a shortage of good teachers, and a surplus of salesman. I can jump on board and do what’s easy and make some cash, or I can do what’s right and make this world a better place.
I’ve been blinded by the cash and used this as an excuse for too long. I’m using the “shit or get off the pot” mentality now to solve this dilemma, to a degree (or by seeking one out).
The educator’s pay scales become quite different based on the amount of schooling you have, so here’s the plan. When I was in Utah I thought of a plan to get my masters and eventually my doctorate over an 8 year period. This would be some more $ and options in the long haul, as well as me being able to continue to do what I love.
The best part would be that I could do my schooling on my districts bill while I was teaching. Even though it would be a tremendous sacrifice of myself on time, it would be well worth it.
I ran it by Dad and Mom and they both thought it was a good idea. They also pointed out how it would be a lot of work (Man, parents really are smart!). I think I’m ready. So please forward any ideas for a plan of attack including some programs that are available at night as well as what it takes if you have gone through it before.
So I started the “sacrifice” part of this endeavor today. I swallowed my pride and took a job. Long ago, Leigh told me that you can do any adventure that you want, but you have to be willing to do whatever (legal) job to make ends meet. It’s kind of a catch 22 life threw at me for having such a fun time on the road.
I had my orientation at Target. I hate this job already. I’m counting the days until I can quit, which is pretty bad. I was a bit turned off when I had to watch 3 hours of politically correct videos about how the term “handicapped” is only one shade higher than calling somebody a “useless cripple”.
It was followed by a word association game of then and now terminology. I’m from the education field which is pretty PC, but I horribly failed Target’s quiz. I’m sorry to sound heartless, but our world has gotten way too soft.
The sexual and verbal harassment videos cracked me up the most. When a guy on the video was practically crying when a co-worker said he had a nice pair of pants on, I almost went through the roof. Let these pansies work for the Jimmy Woodman at New England Furniture for a week or two.
When you have somebody shouting at the top of their lungs calling you, your co-workers, and your mother every name in the book for a half an hour straight, then you have harassment.
I was still able to do my job. I earned a paycheck. I don’t have any permanent emotional damage or collapse into the fetal position crying every time I see a sofa for sale. What’s the big deal?
But this drivel was drummed up by lawyers that I find about as useful as raw sewage. Wait a minute, raw sewage can be used as fill and fertilizer for cattle feed. Looks like sewage just took the lead!
Needless to say, I’m bitter for exchanging my morning for five hours of “training”. What makes it even more useless is that they know I’m quitting in less than a month, but I guess the scum sucking lawyers just couldn’t justify their slimy existence if everybody didn’t check their brains and common sense at the door.
I don’t want to sound as if I am an ogre of hatred, bigotry, and chauvinism. Nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, why can’t we just keep the policies in a handbook, say read the thing, and exercise common sense. I’m pretty sure that I don’t need a video to show me that it isn’t OK to slap Jane on the ass and tell her good job while telling a racist joke in the company lounge.
If people honestly need to be taught this, they need to be taken out of the gene pool, because they are peeing in it. Just send me the memo when the policy changes instead of hosting a one day seminar. Be sure and use the proper cover sheet though, that’s a whole other issue.

Who’s coming with me?????

Sorry about that. I’m just looking forward to the end of my nine work days at Target before I leave for NH. Any good ideas for my quitting night? I was thinking about showing up in a khaki colored Speedo with a red golf shirt. Technically they didn’t say a thing about Speedos in the companies dress policy, just khaki and red. Ah, the loophole the lawyers didn’t find. I’m sure it wouldn’t be pretty (in more ways than one), so I’ll stick with the old one week notice. Normally it would be two, but I’m only going to be there for two, so I thought it would be a bit discouraging to give my resignation at the orientation.
I noticed this one has gotten out of control in length, so I’ll close here. I’ll be posting another entry and contest picture tomorrow while watching the Pats game on the computer. In the meantime, please get your remaining sweepstakes entries in. I’ll be tallying up the points tomorrow for the week’s progress. So until then, be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #4?!?

2005-12-03T18:24:00.000-05:00

The Trip Days 68 + 69: Options: The Blessing and Curse of my Adult Life

2005-12-01T18:43:00.000-05:00

OK my little weebles, who remembers hearing Mr. Poirier say “Life is full of options….” This would usually come after you screwed up. At that time I would proceed to lecture you on what you did and how to make the right decision, or be ready for the consequences. Well I am here to say my life is full of options, and I am honestly confused.
I’ve been interviewing left and right for positions in the greater Irvine area. Initially I planned on getting a job to pay the bills, maybe make a little coin, and return in the spring. I followed through with this option. I have interviewed and been offered jobs within the food industry at cafes, restaurants, and even catering services. All of which would make me enough money to get by.
By the way, on an off subject note, we need to get a Trader Joes in NH!!!!! These places are the best. They have a wide variety of very fresh produce and meats as well as organic food. Their prices are very good, and their wine selection can’t be beat. I actually bought a Sauvignon Blanc for $1.99, and it didn’t cause me to go blind! They have this special, I was told, with independent wineries. I’m not complaining, it made a great table wine.
Anyways, back to the dilemma (damn ADD!!). The opportunities for “get by” jobs are out there en mass. There are also a butt load of sales jobs too. I interviewed today for another outside sales job that seems very promising. If offered, there is a potential for some serious money, more than the pharmaceutical position.
I am sure I am being tested, but am I???? Needless to say, the past couple of days have been a bit stressful. As these opportunities start to unfold, I will be forced to choose a path, as the sales positions have a lot of commitment attached to them. All in all, I miss the simplicity of the trip and the adventures that went along with it. But I knew it couldn’t last, and that I would have to return to adulthood. Bummer…..
The problem here goes back to the old expression “Shit or get off the pot”. Well I’m feeling mentally constipated. Does anyone have a brain laxative? Please send me your thoughts, as I really value each of you that are out there with me in spirit. I’m sure the fiber of my being will keep me regular in my thoughts. Enough, I know…..
So all in all I am doing great. I’m heading out for a hike tonight with Leigh and some friends. Maybe the night sky will lend itself to some soul searching. In the meantime, be well and be safe….

Mystery Location #3?!?

2005-12-01T18:02:00.000-05:00

The Al’s Sweepstakes Revision #1

2005-12-01T17:32:00.000-05:00

Hey all of you contestants out there. I would first like to thank all of you for playing the first round of the Al Sweepstakes!!! I realized a flaw in the contest though. I noticed that some recipients nearly immediately replied, whereas others took a day.
It then occurred to me that some people have computers at home and work, and others do not.
In all fairness, not to eliminate those that do not have all day access, I would like to amend the game. I will be posting between 3 and 7 mystery pictures per week. At the end of the week, I will post the correct answers and the number of points all recipients received for their efforts. For accuracy purposes, I have created a MS Excel spreadsheet with a pie chart (I am such a geek!)
I know it seems unfair to change the rules in the middle of the game, but I think this will make it fairer to the populous. If there are any major problems with this rule, let me know, and I’ll adjust. Take in mind that this contest is in its infant stage and we can make it any way we like.
Also, any thoughts on a prize for second and third? I don’t have anything to give away, but I was thinking about giving the winner Beaker for 6 months, second gets him for 1 month, and third for a weekend. I know this may get complicated, but it could be an incentive for a well traveled Beaker and future contests. Your thoughts?

Mystery Picture #2?!?

2005-12-01T16:53:00.000-05:00

The Trip Days 66 + 67: Job Hunting is WORK!!!!!

2005-11-29T20:42:00.000-05:00

Hey folks. I am here in Panera absolutely beat. Over the past two days I have been out straight trying to find gainful employment. So far I have interviewed at Aqua Resource Group, Target, Mervyn’s, Pet Smart, Culver Careers, Pro Data Imaging, Fed Ex, Trader Joe’s, and Panera.
Tomorrow I will be going on my second interview to Fed Ex for a driver position, then a second interview with Pet Smart, and finally Corner Café and Bakery. Additionally I have the possibility of a pharmaceutical sales position interview in the distance future. Which brings me to my next point, I’m not sure what I will do if I get that opportunity. If it happens (which is a long shot), I will be making near six figures. This is over three times what I was making as a teacher.
For those of you that don’t know, I left teaching four years ago to become a pharmaceutical sale representative, to no success. I only had two interviews over the two years of searching. Here I am now in California with a possibility of this happening. I just don’t know what to do?!?
I’m sure that everything will work out in the long run, and that I should just enjoy the ride. But the trip would definitely change if this job does become a reality.
In the meantime, I have some more immediate decisions to make. I was offered jobs with Target, Mervyn’s, Panera, and Corner Café. Target can’t have me start for two weeks because of background checks and urine tests. When I pointed out that this is a seasonal position, they acknowledged that it didn’t make any sense, but that’s corporate America. Mervyn’s offered, but the pay is minimum wage. Panera is looking for me to be full time through the holidays, which would be great, except for the fact I’m leaving in a few weeks for my return home. Corner Café wants me to run their catering line, which sounds like an interesting possibility. Each has their own pro and con. But ultimately, I am just looking for work for the next two weeks for x-mas money. Any thoughts???? Well folks I have to jet. I’m currently on cup three at Panera with no food in my belly. So I’ll be heading back to Mesa Dr. for some food and reading. Please offer any insight, as I feel that being on the outside looking in is a nice place to be sometimes. In the meantime, I hope all is great with your return to the grind. Be well and be safe….

The Al Sweepstakes!!!!

2005-11-29T20:09:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody. I was just reminiscing the trip by way of the many pictures I took. I then realized that I really don't have any cool adventures planned in the near future. Thus it bceame apparent that the blog doesn't have any umph without pictures. So I decided to start the Al Sweepstakes.
Do you want personal recognition? How about an imaginary gold star? You MAY even win a prize!!! Here's how it works, I'm going to post a mystery picture from my trip after every entry until I get back on the road full time. The first contestant to submit the correct picture location to my e-mail account or blog comment section will get public recognition on the following entry and 1 point. At the end of the trip, the person with the most points will win a prize.

"So what is it Al?!? I'm peeing my pants with excitement!!!"

The prize will be a well traveled companion for the period of 1 year. No it's not me, I'll be broke when I get back. Nope, if you win, Beaker will be yours as a respective travel companion. He doesn't eat much, and is fairly knowledgeable on the National Parks and Civil War battlefields.
During your year with Beaker it will be expected that you take him on at least one weeks worth of vacations, in which you must have a good time, send me a post card, and pictures proving your traveling experience.
If you win and fail to take Beaker on vacation, he will format your hard drive, steal all of you right shoes, destroy your cars cup holder, and train the toaster to viscously attack you in indescribable ways just before inserting your morning bagel.
No really, I want to have fun with this. Besides, it could become a really cool tradition for our future adventurers. So if you choose to do this, e-mail me at either my gmail or hotmail account. Good Luck, and remember, if you don't play you can't win!!!!

Mystery Location #1....Good Luck!

2005-11-29T20:07:00.000-05:00

The Trip Day 64 and 65: Our Exciting Thanksgiving Adventure Comes to a Close

2005-11-27T18:32:00.000-05:00

I hate good byes. Nobody really likes them, unless it is a jackass boss who gets caught in tax evasion, or a telemarketer who just interrupted dinner. But when it is family, especially ones that have been so gracious, good byes aren’t something I enjoy.
Our first set of good byes happened at breakfast. Cousin Michelle and Curtis met us for a great meal. We returned to the country kitchen where I had Huevos Rancheros for the first time. Needless to say the place is two for two in the great breakfast department!
After our great start, Leigh and I spent the day sight seeing. I showed her the St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino. She was really impressed by the giant fountain and the majestic views. Considering my travel coffer, I didn’t gamble. Oh well, there’s always Vegas in a month or so.
We returned around noonish and realized the trip home was going to be a long drive (as we had done it a few days earlier) and opted for respective naps. Mine was while watching the Florida vs. Florida State game. Poor Bobby Bowden!
Around 5, people started arriving to see us off. These guys are genuinely good natured. The fact that they welcomed us into their Thanksgiving is one thing, but to take the time to stop by, give us hugs, and wish us luck and safety really means something to me. I can’t speak highly enough about all of my family in New Mexico (and the rest of you all around the states too). It just gave me a warm fuzzy feeling that they did so much for me over my two visits, even though they had never met me. Thank you again, so very much.
The drive back to Irvine couldn’t happen without two more goals being checked off. The first was to say good bye to Daniel, because he was at work, which conveniently went along with goal 2, a cherry lime-aid from Sonic. We stopped in for about a half an hour to say good bye and stuffed our faces with some drive in munchies. Ah to hell with good eating, this is Thanksgiving weekend!!!!!
With that out of the way, we were on the road by 6 heading for Cali! The ride itself went fairly well. But I am a firm believer Senor Murphy is hidden someplace in my car and frequents as my co-pilot. Because somewhere west of Tucson, he reared his ugly head.
As Leigh was driving, I awoke to a low fuel gauge. Knowing that Leigh is a very responsible person, I figured she had a plan to stop somewhere soon, and she did. Unfortunately, the service was closed for the night. This experience is one I know all to well on this journey. This led to the only tense moment of our adventure.
The next service was either 17 miles down the road we tuned off of (which would leave us with no gas to make it back it the in-town gas station wasn’t open), to try to make it back 28 miles to the last service (which we both believed was closed), or venture on to the next stop along the interstate 20 miles away. After much mental debating in my own mind, I opted for option 3, although knowing that there was a VERY good chance we would be broken down on a dark interstate in the middle of the night, a perfect accident scenario.
I hated to be a prick, but I pretty much politely demanded that I would drive it. Trust me, it wasn’t chauvinism. I have had to limp that car in on empty many times, and I knew how to finesse a couple of extra miles out of it.
Needless to say, we cut it close. I have a 10.5 gallon tank with a 1 gallon reserve. I added 11.465 gallons to the car! I roughly figure we had about 0.6 miles left under optimum conditions.
After our fill up, tensions now out the window, I resumed pilot and Leigh assumed head napper. I made it into California, but I realized I was starting to swerve for a bit. Leigh was more than willing to drive, and we made it back for 5 AM this morning. After a 4 hour nap, I resumed my job hunt to where I am now, Panera of course! It’s about 3:30 and I’m trying to figure out the best jobs for me for the next few weeks.
If you know of any saints or beings to pray or sacrifice small woodland creatures to for me to get a job, please do so. Not that I don’t have opportunity, I just lack direction. Although I don’t think I should be too critical of myself, I haven’t even been here for a week, most of which I was in New Mexico!
Anyways, I hope all was great with your respective Thanksgivings. I’ll be posting my job hunting adventures soon and treating this blog as my journal. Although it probably won’t be too entertaining to read for you guys, it will serve as my own. So I apologize in advance for any boring entries that you are forced to read. In the meantime, I’ll try to keep them as exciting as possibly as long as you will try be well and be safe….

The Trip Day 63: Laying Low in Alamogordo

2005-11-27T17:43:00.000-05:00

I’m still full! I ate so much that I wasn’t really too hungry this morning, but I still made breakfast for Leigh and Aunt Ro. If I couldn’t help with dinner, I wanted to at least make something with the leftovers. The omelets were good, and we were now ready to start our day.
Leigh and I opted to get caught up on our respective communications. For Leigh it was postcards, for me the blog. What better place than Plateau Espresso! We arrived around noon and stayed until 4:30. Needless to say, my ADD did not allow me to fully catch up, as I was distracted with reading about the news events and e-mails.
We returned to Aunt Ro’s with the intent of taking the Zack and Elizabeth (Nicolle and Damon’s kids) to see the new Harry Potter movie. All of us piled into Aunt Ro’s car and headed for the mall.
Now I must confess, I love Aunt Ro’s car. It is a Cadillac, which I have never driven before. I felt like Tony Soprano or something. I kept waiting to see if I had to go whack somebody and make some concrete diving shoes, No such dice though.
The movie was great. Its reviews are very accurate about the quality and action. Additionally, it was accurate about the darker side of this film. If you have children that are easily scared, this one is probably a nightmare installer, so exercise discretion.
After the movie was over, we returned to Aunt Ro’s where Nicolle and Damon were waiting for their children’s safe return. I am happy to say we complied, both were returned in their original condition without any missing parts. We can be responsible when we have to.
With thanks yous and good nights out of the way, they all returned home, and we headed for the living room to keep with the Poirier-Pelletier tradition of staying up way too late shooting the breeze. I only made it to 1 whereas Leigh and Aunt Ro were up until 3ish! Tomorrow will be our last day in New Mexico. We both have to get back. Leigh has obligations to Sara, and I need to continue my job hunt. I’ll let you know how things turned out in the next entry. In the meantime, be well and be safe….

The Trip Day 62: Back in New Mexico for Turkey Day!

2005-11-27T17:15:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody! For starters, Happy Thanksgiving. I’m thankful for so much. I’ve been blessed with great friends and family, all of which I miss very much. So here’s how our journey to Aunt Ro’s played out.
We left around 9 PM, drove the Green Machine like mad for 12.5 hours, and arrived at 10 AM. WOW!!! The trip went well, although we were both pretty beat upon arrival.
Aunt Ro just about jumped out of her skin with joy to see us. I have to say the feelings were mutual. My New Mexico family is so cool, and if I can’t be back home, this was a great substitute.
We shot the breeze for a couple of hours, but my head was way too heavy. Seeing that the dinner wasn’t until 2, I opted to take a nap.
I awoke at 1:30 to Michelle and Curtis stopping in. Soon after Nicolle, Damon and the kids were over. We all caught up, and then prepared for our feast when another treat arrived. I have never met my Cousin Kim’s son Daniel. I’ve heard so much about him through the years, now I could meet him. What a good kid! He reminded me of my students. I had to pry for a bit and ask him about his plans after graduation. I am very happy and proud to say he is opting to serve his country as a Marine. I’ll have to keep up with him along this amazing journey he is about to embark upon.
Dinner was too good! By this I mean I ate so much that I hurt. Helping after helping left me on the sofa groaning in pain. I really think I am part Labrador retriever. I remember when my old lab Alex used to find his way into the bag of dog food, he would gorge himself until he was sick. I wasn’t too far behind.
With the meal and the ultra yummy deserts out of the way, we all relaxed and played Pictionary. Even though we guys put up our best effort, we still lost 20-18. Oh well, we had a blast playing and laughing.
Around 9:30 everybody headed home, I was off to bed very soon after. Between the triptophin and the 12 hour drive, I was ready for some real sleep.
Tomorrow should be pretty relaxed. I’ll be off to the Plateau Espresso to catch up on e-mails as well as the responses for my new job hunts. In the meantime, enjoy your full bellies, be thankful for all of your good fortune, be well and be safe….

The Trip Day 62: How can anybody be unemployed here?!?

2005-11-27T16:56:00.000-05:00

California seems to embody the American philosophy of “The land of opportunity.”, because I am astounded with all of the opportunities that have been thrown at me in less than 36 hours. I’ll explain.
My morning began a bit later. I had to bring Sara to the train station for 11, so I took it easy and wrote a game plan for some job hunting. I dressed in my new duds, and did myself up as sharp as I could.
My final plan was determined to look for a local retail job for the next few weeks to make some money off of the overflowing seasonal jobs for the Christmas season. I went to Albertson’s and Target first. I then stopped off at several restaurants and picked up applications. Everywhere I went, help was wanted. So hopefully I’ll be working soon. The most interesting was when I stopped off at Pet Co. It turns out that my 13 years of retail experience can land me a job in management, hmmm.
I also needed to prepare for my interview. So by noon I opted to shift gears for interview preparing and online job hunting at guess where, I’ll give you one try? Yup, I was back at Panera, but this was the one on the other side of town! Jesus, do these things breed like bunnies?!? It seems as if there is either a Panera or Starbucks on every corner, not that I’m really complaining.
After I went online, I realized that there were a few more opportunities presenting themselves. I called on a few replied resume inquiries to secure two more interview. It was nice to know I had options when I went into the interview at 4.
I arrived at Aqua Resource Group at 3:30. It was a beautiful facility full of enthusiastic and young staff. However, I’m not sure if this job is for me. It’s a cold calling inside sales position for a marketing company. Although I feel I could be successful, it made me feel dirty to think that I would be calling (and probably being told off) for around 100 calls a day.
Additionally the position was basically straight commission. True feast or famine. It reminded me of the movie Boiler Room. Even though I was offered a job, I think I will respectfully decline. Again, I have so many opportunities on my plate.
I ventured home this evening to a really cool surprise. You see, Aunt Ro wanted us to come out for Thanksgiving. Leigh initially thought it would be too much to pull off. For starters, its 13 hours of driving each way, and Leigh needed to be home to pick up Sara at the train station for Sunday afternoon. It seems that Leigh’s adventure side settled in, because by 9 PM we were on the road for NM. I’ll let you know how the adventure went in the next entry. In the meantime, have a great Thanksgiving. Eat too much, reminisce about old times with family, laugh way too loud, and enjoy. I know I will. Be well and be safe….

The Trip Day 61: I’m not in Kansas anymore…Irvine is flippin’ HUGE!!!!!

2005-11-27T16:47:00.000-05:00

Now I am a small town country boy at heart. Most of the places I have visited have been relatively small. Even when I went to Baltimore and Nashville, they didn’t seem to be that big. I have been told that Irvine isn’t that big, in relations to other surrounding areas, but to me it is. Additionally, unlike the area I am from, their idea of the suburbs such as Irvine, have population over 200,000 people and blend into one another invisibly. I discovered this during my first day of California living.
I started the day with a run. Seeing that hiking wasn’t going to help me keep in shape, I need another outlet. This place is very “in-shape” accommodating. They have specific bike and jogging lanes on just about every street. I originally intended on a 3 mile run. But due to my navigation skills, it became a 5 or 6 mile butt kicker. Oh well, at least I know a few more streets now.
After some breakfast and a needed shower I was ready to see the town. I drove around for a couple of hours trying to avoid 73 South (it’s a toll road). By 9 I found my way to the promise land of Panera. This is only about 1.5 miles away from Leigh’s!!!!
I opted to update my sales resume and try to find a job. I sent it out to about 100 places online. But 2 PM, a mere 16 hours after arriving in Irvine, I had an interview scheduled for 4 PM tomorrow at Aqua Resource Group for an inside sales position. Damn I’m good! Even after getting in my car at 4, I got another call to interview for another position on Monday.
I then headed out to buy some clothes for my interview. Something tells me Carhart and flannel just won’t cut it. I headed about 15 minutes north to Costa Mesa, another town of equal size and confusion for me. I luckily found a Marshalls and Payless just off of the exit. A little over $100 later I had a shirt, tie, new shoes, faboo socks, and a pair of slacks. I will be so dapper for my interview!
I was scared to hop onto the ill famed 73S, but I managed to travel onto the one section that has no tolls. My daily adventure outside was now complete.
I arrived back at Leigh’s around 6. Sara and I talked for a bit while Leigh dropped Darin off at the airport. With a quick dinner I headed for the sofa for some reading and relaxing, while Leigh and Sara went out.
Tomorrow will be another busy day job hunting. Hopefully more interviews will pan out, as my travel coffer is nearing E. Wish me luck, and I in turn will wish you to be well and be safe….

Leigh and Darin, everbody all at once, AWWW!

2005-11-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

The Trip Day 60: Feelin’ Fine on So Cal Wine!

2005-11-27T15:28:00.000-05:00

Hey folks! I’m currently at Leigh’s in Irvine after an extremely busy day. I’ll be sure and break it down, and try to keep it short. No guarantees though, because it saw so much and had fun doing it.
The day started early for me. I didn’t have a particularly good sleep last night. It turns out that this area of California has a more drastic change in temps than all others I have witnessed so far. It was in the 60’s when I went to bed, and the upper 20’s when I awoke. Needless the say, my 20 degree bag got quite a workout.
With my early thawing process out of the way, I grabbed a hot cup of java on the road and was now ready to see Temecula. It then hit me, I would probably be labled with a problem if I started drinking at 9 AM. So I needed to find something to do, I opted to explore.
It was then that I found a café to plop myself into and send along my entries. Apparently Wi-Fi for this area is “Old Technology” as the wait staff pointed out. It turns out that everybody has these new Verizon Cards that access from just about everywhere for $59/month. I figured she was full of it, and decided to head to another café. Nope, same deal, everybody had their little cards. I panicked to see if there was a Panera, no dice! Temecula got a big strike on preventing my internet frugality.
The good news was it took me until about 11 to discover all of this, which is REALLY close to noon, thus excusable if I wanted to start my sampling.
Temecula is southern California’s primary wine country. It is based along one street called Rancho California. Along this road about thirty wineries have their vineyards as well as restaurants and sampling rooms. Being on my tight budget, I said the hell with the restaurants and vineyards tours, I wanted to drink some wine! To the sampling rooms I went.
Wine sampling is a cool experience. It costs anywhere from free (which is rare) to $45. I opted to stay below $10 per sampling, which was at my first stop at Stuart Cellars. The ways that a sampling works is you pick 5 wines from their menu and they give you a two ounce sample of each. The nice thing is if you don’t like the type you are drinking, two ounces isn’t much to “pound”. I am glad to say all of the wines were very good here.
The conversation was as well. I talked with the bartender for a bit, then with a nice couple from Houston. It turns out that they are National Parks enthusiasts like me, originally from Colorado. We talked and laughed about our different and similar adventures and the love/hate relationship with driving across Texas.
From there I headed to several other wineries, most of which I do not remember their names (probably due to over sampling!) But I had a great time and learned much from each of the bartenders.
For those of you wine junkies out there like me, So Cal wine will be VERY good next year due to its rainy winter last year, so keep your eyes and wine cellars open to stock up. I thought the bartender had a crystal ball when he said the 2006 wines are going to be fantastic. You see the grapes are picked, processed, and bottled in 2005, but they don’t get released until 2006. It made a lot more sense to me after.
At about three, I was starting to realize that it wasn’t a good idea for me to do too many more samplings. It was also apparent that the Inns and B&B’s weren’t too reasonable for my budget. So I headed out for more affordable areas, more importantly, to cross off another item on my mental list, to dip my feet in the Pacific Ocean.
I said heartfelt good byes to Temecula and its yummy grape fermented products and hit the road for Oceanside. I figured this town must have an awesome beach due to its name alone. I was so right.
The drive there took me less than an hour. I parked just as the sun was setting, which is a treat on any ocean. Just as I was getting ready to step into the water, my phone rang. Jeremy Gates, my friend whom I stayed with in Pennsylvania for the first part of the trip, was on the line. I thought about how appropriate it was to have one of my close friends be there to witness me stepping my feet into the Pacific for the first time in my life. It’s a lot colder that I thought, but so worth it.
My smile quickly grew from ear to ear. I then mentally screamed “I did it!!! I made it!!! I officially crossed ocean to ocean by myself!!!!!” Not too many people can say that they have done such a thing, which is not the reason why I did it. I did this trip for me, and have zero regrets in my decision to do so. Well, my feet were growing numb after about five minutes, so I opted to sit in the sand and watch the complete sunset. It was reminiscent of Virginia Beach, and Okracoke, and Big Bend, and Death Valley, and all of the other sunsets I had seen. I was pretty happy with myself and my accomplishment. But now I needed to find some place to stay.
It turns out that even off season motels are expensive near this beach. The cheapest I could find was $49. With Irvine only an hour away, I rolled the dice to see if Leigh would have me.
When I originally planned the trip I would be there just after Thanksgiving, then it became for Thanksgiving, and finally now, four days before Thanksgiving, unannounced on a Monday night. You see, I was kind of intruding. One of Leigh’s friends was visiting from Colorado, and was departing for her family’s home on Wednesday. Fortunately for me, Leigh could sense the desperation in my voice, and said I could come early. I’ll have to be on double secret probation and my best behaviors for this one.
I arrived around 7:30 to the college to a very welcoming Leigh. She had picked my up hummus and veggies, and her new beau Darin picked up some steaks for a double bonus.
Darin arrived about an hour after I did, which gave Leigh and I enough time to catch up and for her to tell me a little bit about Darin. He is a really good guy. He and Leigh are a good match, and better yet, he works for Quicksilver (a surf and snowboard company). I’m planning on trying out some surfing while I am here, and he will probably be a good resource for locations of beaches and cheap equipment rental stores.
We all talked and laughed well into the night. Sara, Leigh’s friend, arrived around ten. We all had the best time catching up and laughing. Needless to say, Darin wasn’t freaked out at all at out wacky and boisterous humor. I’m pretty sure he’ll have fun at our dysfunctional family gatherings. With all of this in taken in, I needed some sleep. Tomorrow I’ll have to straighten out a few loose ends and start job hunting. In the meantime, I hope everything is going great in New England or wherever this blog finds it’s readers. Be well and be safe….

The Fountain at Bailey Winery (notice the vineyard in the background)

2005-11-27T15:25:00.000-05:00

The view of Oceanside!

2005-11-27T15:23:00.000-05:00

My first visit to the Pacific Ocean

2005-11-27T15:22:00.000-05:00

The Trip Day 59: Finding an Oasis in the Desert

2005-11-25T18:38:00.000-05:00

What a day! I awoke at 6 AM to take it all in. You see, in the desert, the sun really sneaks up on you. By 5:30 you can see fairly clearly, by 6 it is total daylight. I packed up camp by 6:30 and was ready to start my day. I said good-bye to the Marine and his family and made sure to again reinforce my gratitude of his service as well as the heads up for the DOD school.
I planned to start my day with a 3 mile loop trail hike near the campground called Mastodon Loop. It was nice to start out before 7, as it was nice and cool.
The walk itself was moderate. In the early stages of the hike, you pass an enormous group of palm trees that shelter a small water source that the original settlers and miners used for both water and gold processing.
As the trip took me further into the canyon, I was now able to see the intense rock formations the park is known for. I stopped several times to take pictures of tall, short, jagged, smooth, and colorful formations.
The Mastodon Peak itself gave a panoramic view of one of the mountain ranges that delineates the park. I snapped a few more pictures and headed on my way to the trails close.
From there I headed out of the park to head to another trail in the park, but between the two entrances. It’s pretty confusing to explain how it worked, it just did. The trail was called 49 Palms and it was amazing! It starts out by winding uphill for about a 300 foot elevation change over a half a mile, not too bad. It then weaved along a ridge to show a view of the city and Marine Base on its border.
The trail then begins its descent. This was the part that was most rigorous. The elevation changes about 350 feet again over a half a mile, but this time the walk is very jagged. If you ever come to the park, make sure you have good hiking boots with ankle support for this one. I could imagine twisting an ankle very easily on this trail.
The end of the hike brought me to the 49 Palms oasis. Its description is within its name. There are 49 palm trees ranging in size from 18” in diameter to several feet. The actual oasis is one of the largest in the park. Its waters were surprisingly clear and the photo opportunities were endless.
The walk back was nice. I ran into a hiking group on the way out that were from Palm Springs. This elderly group was a hoot! Not only did they have the courage to hike every month, they had a ball doing it! I shot the breeze with many of them as I walked with the different sects of the group.
I then had a very odd occurrence. I ran into Arthur and Natalie. When I was in Zion heading to the Emerald Pool Trail, a guy yelled, “I don’t believe it, what’s up!” I had no clue who he was, and as I approached, he realized he mistook me for somebody else. Innocent enough of a mistake, I moved on. I ran into he and his girlfriend several times again during the day. Each time we saw each other, we would say “Hey don’t I know you.” jokingly, and move on.
Now here I was several days and hundreds of miles away on my descent and low and behold, the two of them were coming up the trail. I stopped and said “Hey, don’t I know you.” And their jaws dropped. I thought it was a very funny coincidence, and it turns out we were in the same campground and loop the night before. If I would have only continued onward after shooting the breeze with the Marine, I would have walked right into their camp.
We talked for a bit, this time more in depth. It turned out Arthur is from New York and Natalie is from Chicago. They both worked seasonal employment and were now on a several week getaway. Good for them, I thought. I love to see adventurers that share my same spirit. I made sure end gave them my e-mail and blog address and encouraged them to keep in touch.
I then decided to leave the park. Even though I didn’t see and hike all that I wanted, I thought a return during my tenure would be a nice treat. That and knowing there will be some weekends Leigh will want me out of the house so she can have time with her new beau Darin. I can’t say that I would blame her.
If you look at Temecula on the map, and its orientation to Joshua tree, it is only an hour or so drive. However the night before, in conversation with the Marine, he pointed out that I would love the ride through Jillian near Escondido. Although it would mean about another 150 miles on top of the 60, he said it would be well worth it.
Boy was he right. The drive down Rt. 89 near Palm Springs was kinda blah. I did find the windmill fields very cool though. It wasn’t long before I was at the Salton Sea and taking a left towards Jillian.
Now this area of California is very interesting. It starts out as a very arid and desert like. I passed many sand rails and dirt bikes racing along the roads. I was overwhelmed by the sheer size and lengths some of these dirt tracks stretched. But this scene quickly changed.
Have you ever seen those car commercials when a sporty convertible weaves its way along a mountain road showing off its horsepower and handling? The road to Jillian was one of those roads. Second and third gears got a lot of work, and no, I didn’t show off the ponies the Green Machine has under the hood.
Just at twilight, I found myself in a small, but very pretty, town. I stopped and stretched my legs with a stroll about town. It turned out to be Jillian! I shot the breeze for about an hour with some local patrons. This really seems to be the town that California forgot to change. I hope I can convince Leigh to come back next week for their tree lighting ceremony and further sight seeing.
With it now getting dark, I really needed to get heading for Temecula, and more importantly, a place to stay. I drove for about an hour to Cleveland National Forest, just outside of Temecula, and set up camp.
I’ll be sure and give my full report on this park in the next post. In the meantime, be well and be safe….

A Mastodon's view from its peak

2005-11-25T18:10:00.000-05:00

The view of 29 Palms from the hike

2005-11-25T18:08:00.000-05:00

The Oasis up close

2005-11-25T18:06:00.000-05:00

The Trip Day 58: Time to Play Catch Up in Barstow.

2005-11-25T17:52:00.000-05:00

Hey folks! Today wasn’t a particularly exciting day, but one that was very necessary. I needed to play catch up. You’ll notice that the blog entries posted before this were all sent roughly at the same time. That was because of lack of internet access in the desert. Who knew Death Valley didn’t have Wi-Fi?!? Also lagging behind was my postcard writing, e-mailing, and laundry.
The day started with breakfast. Normally this isn’t such a big deal, but today it was one of the most memorable in my life. Due to my single celled visitors, I have been forced to fast. It was recommended to 12 hours, I did about 30 to be on the safe side. Needless to say, although cautious, I still gorged myself full. I am glad to say the test paid off and I am feeling better.
The remaining part of the morning was spent doing the chores listed above, although I really can’t call postcard writing a chore, because I enjoy it very much. By the way, most of you will be receiving a bulk package of my adventures in paper form over the past month. All in all, these obligations took me until about noon. Now I was ready to venture onward.
Barstow is at the junction of I 15 and I 40. Unfortunately I had to backtrack east about 50 miles to catch the highway south to the town of 29 Pines. The drive took about 3 hours altogether. For a little bit of it, I was on the original Rt. 66. I really don’t think they have upgraded or repaired the road since Kerouac took in when he wrote his book. My new struts got quite a workout!
I arrived at the park roughly at 3:30. This National Park is different than most. It is a desert park, but its highlights are the large rock formations that form. They aren’t like the hoodoos of Bryce. They are more like large boulders stacked upon each other. They were pretty neat to see from a nature lovers and a physics point of view.
Since arriving late, I opted to find a campground then explore after getting set up. Well it turns out people in California like this park very much too. All of the campgrounds from the west entrance were full. This meant that I now had to drive 50 miles to the Cottonwood Campground near the southern end of the park. I arrived with very little time and space to spare. I was fortunate to get a spot that had a tremendous amount of room and the convenience of the parks facilities within walking distance.
I set-up camp just after sunset. It was nice to be settled in and comfortable. I planned my day and its hikes, and then opted to explore the crowds. I wandered from loop to loop saying my hellos and good evenings. I eventually stopped and had a great conversation with a Marine visiting the park with his two sons. Our talk regarded to the War in Iraq and his service to the country, in which I thanked him for sincerely. It was odd though. When I thanked him for his service, he looked at me like I had three heads. I guess that doesn’t happen very often, which is such a shame.
Anyways, it turns out he is at the twenty year mark in a year and he wants to get into teaching. We talked for a bit about my experiences. I inquired about what they do with the kids on bases overseas. He then told me about the DOD schools. This did bring about some interest. I would definitely be able to see the world, but I’m not sure about the career/educational advancement.
I departed from their campfire around 8 and headed back. After reading and stargazing until about 10:30 I was ready for some sleep. Don’t worry, I didn’t go and thank any lucky stars today to tempt fate.
Tomorrow I’ll be exploring the Park and its entirety. I’m hoping to get in 6 trails and stay again tomorrow night. I’ll keep you posted as things play out. In the meantime, as always be well and be safe….

The Trip Day 57: Isn’t Irony Ironic!

2005-11-19T14:54:00.000-05:00

To my little weebles out there, if you are more than a thousand miles from home, don’t tempt fate! Last night I was present to one of the prettiest nights of my life. The moon was out nearly full, and the stars seemed to fill the sky in a way hidden to me before. It was at that time that I reflected about how this trip has been so good to me. I was thankful at the fact that I have visited and met with some amazing people, I have been blessed with great health, and finally a car that has run tried and true without folly. Well at least one of those is still present at the end of the day, isn’t irony ironic.
I awoke at 6 AM slightly chilled. I quickly packed up camp and hit the road, ready to await the sun to start its day. When I came to the campground the evening before, I stopped to watch the sun set along the sand dunes near Satan’s Cornfield. It was nice, but I knew that the sunrise would be a lot more revealing. I was so right.
The colors started out as a dull brown. As soon as the sun’s light struck them, they seemed to explode in orange and red. I watched for about 45 minutes. My only regret, not getting out on the dunes to sit, as I saw a few people already upon them. But I had more important stuff to do, like get on the road.
Well this was until a sharp jagged rock decided to slice my passenger front tire open. What’s ironic is that ;
A: I was just reminiscing the night before about how I have had no car trouble
B: I never have had a blowout in my life
C: My first blowout had to happen in the middle of one of the most extreme environments, Death Valley. Pretty funny huh!
Well that really didn’t bum me out too much. These things happen. Due to the convenience of the spares location, I proceeded to unpack the car. While there I figured why not make breakfast, today’s treat, soup and coffee.
This brought about ironic incident #2 (figuratively and literally speaking). You see, I have been drinking several gallons of water that I conveniently filled from National Park drinking water spigots over the past few days rather than buying it. I believe I have been blessed today by our friend Giardia. For those of you that don’t know, it is a water borne single celled organism that loves to live and breed in our intestines. Needless to say, the repair of the flat tire was the least of my worries when it felt as if a barrel of thumbtacks was working its way through my lower GI. I need not go into any further detail.
I eventually hobbled the Green Machine out of the park on the donut. Those small tires serve just about no function other than to piss me off when I feel like the guy from the movie Alien giving birth. A 45 MPH top speed just doesn’t cut it for me. OK Henry Ford (or whatever descendant wears his name) charge me an extra fifty bucks next time I buy a car so I don’t have to be passed by freakin farm tractors the next time I get a flat. Not only am I embarrassed for having a pseudo tire on my car, now I have to go slower than a horse drawn carriage. That compounding with all of the other problems led for a rather frustrating ride to get my car fixed at a Wal-Mart just over the Nevada border.
I looked vehemently to find a silver lining to this day. Well other than the fact my car made it and I was alive, although in pain, I seemed to be at a loss.
My glowing moment arrived upon my picking up of the car. I met the nicest person. His name is Mike, and he and his wife are inspirational to me. They, as a young couple, are going to college for business law. So here was a Joe Schmoe mechanic in my eyes that I totally prejudged. He told me of his classes, again irony crept in. He is currently taking chemistry. For his hospitality and general kindness, I extended any help I could offer in his passing of the class. He, in turn, wanted my e-mail address to find out about the world outside of Nevada. Isn’t irony ironic?
Well folks, I’m currently in Barstow instead of Joshua Tree, I’m drinking Gatorade on a Friday night instead of a cold beer, and I’m spending way too much money on a motel instead of being in a frugal campground. However, I'm still smiling through all of this due to the absolutely amazing adventure I am having instead of being back home doing the same old grind. Isn’t irony ironic? I miss you all! Be well and be safe….

Good morning sand dunes!

2005-11-19T14:53:00.000-05:00

The hobbling Green Machine, poor little feller.

2005-11-19T14:52:00.001-05:00

WHY DID I TEMPT FATE!!!!!!!

2005-11-19T14:52:00.000-05:00

The Trip Day 56: Damn that’s a fine Dam!

2005-11-19T14:46:00.000-05:00

I awoke this morning in anticipation, first to get the heck out of the dump I was in, and second to see what the world had in store for me. After a quick shower, I was gone by 6:45. Now I assumed the dam’s visitor center opened at 8. I also figured I would be able to take some pictures and be on the first tour.
Well I didn’t take into account that the dam is divided with Arizona on the east bank and Nevada on the west. Duh!!! Two different time zones! I was two hours early instead of one. I really have to get used to this whole time zone thing.
Well I still snapped some pictures and decided to get some breakfast. A police officer pointed out that I could get a good cheap breakfast at the Hacienda. I’m learning that in Vegas, Good + Cheap = Casino! Can you believe that you can gamble at 7 AM! I enjoyed breakfast, and was good to only lose $5 in the slot machines. I didn’t feel too bad considering I probably ate $20 worth of food.
Well now stuffed to the till, I was ready to walk off some of the meal on the tour. This was very much worth seeing. It starts with a presenter who explains, with pictures on a giant digital screen, the plans, construction, and purpose of the Hoover Dam.
I was surprised and impressed with so much. For starters, what is its purpose? I always thought it was to produce and provide electricity for Vegas and California. EEEEEHH! I’m sorry, that’s the wrong answer Al. The correct would be for flood control and irrigation.
The creation of the dam was to make a reservoir, Lake Mead, for farmers in seven states to pull water from. Additionally it would provide protection in Southern California’s fertile farming region from flood. Pretty neat huh! The electricity is just a nice benefit from the lake. The presenter says that it is very rare that all of the generators are on because it would be a tremendous waste of water.
The tour then moved underground. With my group, we went down about a thousand feet to the bottom where we were able to see the generators. These things are huge! If all are online, they can generate enough juice for 1.3 million homes.
From there we headed back up the elevators to the overlook. It was amazing to be able to see the high power lines, canyon detail, and panoramic view of the entire dam.
It is absolutely breathtaking to see this engineering marvel. It is over 700 feet in height, and over 640 feet thick at its base! Life was definitely tough in building this. As we learned about at the next stop, the memorials.
The first was of the dam’s unveiling. They were two giant bronze angel-like figures. There was also a plaque commemorating those that gave their lives for the project. All in all 96 men died from beginning to end. Horrible by today’s standards, but in the 1930’s when the country was poor in The Great Depression, work wasn’t fair or good.
The last stop was a view and tutorial of the impact that the dam has had both environmentally and electrically. This presentation hasn’t changed since the sixties when it was made, and wasn’t overly enlightening.
The visit as a whole was very much well worth it. Even if you aren’t a geek like me, you can appreciate the sheer size and beauty of this sight. And hey, there’s gambling within ten minutes, how bad can it be.
My trip ended tonight at Death Valley. It was a long ride. Most of it reminded me of Texas. I looked around the car to no avail for a rubber band and brick so I could nap in the backseat while the car drove itself.
I arrived at the North Eastern entrance called Scotty’s Junction at about 3. Now I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived. I figured it would be a desolate salt flat. Oh contraire mon amie! The term Death Valley comes from the original 1849ers that came through here and lost only one of their own.
For the most part, there is a ton of life. More importantly, views galore. I drove throughout the northern area of the park taking pictures of the formations, buttes, and mesas. I was really impressed with the craters. These were like the Sunset crater in the sense that they were collapsed volcanoes.
I arrived at Emigrant Campground just before dark. I stopped en route to watch the sunset, it was too pretty to resist.
Emigrant is a free campground, a rarity in the National Parks system. It has flush toilets and is very accessible. It also has ground that is about as soft as granite! I bent 4 out of 6 tent spikes and eventually used rocks on the ties as a substitute. Oh well, spikes are cheap.
Anyways, I’m getting ready to write a few postcards, something I have seriously neglected to do this week. The moon is out. It’s amazing how beautiful the night sky is here. There are no lights to interfere with nature’s beauty, which is quite nice indeed.
Tomorrow I’ll be investigating the rest of the park south of here. I’ll visit the lowest part in the US and then exit near Shoshone to head for Joshua Tree National Park. I’ll probably be there for the entire weekend before I head to Temecula, the So Cal’s renowned wine country, mmmmm yummy! Anyways, these postcards aren’t writing themselves. Be well and be safe….

A view of Lake Mead, the reservior of the west

2005-11-19T14:45:00.000-05:00

DAM!!!!!!

2005-11-19T14:43:00.000-05:00

From this height, you could really hock a loogey on someone! Eew!

2005-11-19T14:42:00.000-05:00