Words to live by

"Wherever you are, at whatever age, you're only a thought away from changing you life."

Hello Again

Well, I had no idea it would take me this long to get back on here and check in. My goal along the whole trip was to share some things I learned, touch on some highlights, and reminisce. I still plan on doing that but first let me fill you in on my life as of now...

I got home and immediately hit the job searching. My mom was almost disappointed that I wanted a job so quickly because she needed me for cookies (she takes time off each year and our kitchen becomes Santa's cookie factory) but I was hell bent on getting a job. Within 5 days of looking I snagged one in Princeton which is only about 25min from my house. Good pay, good hours, weekends off (WHAT?!?!)! Turns out that the dad is the Commissioner of Transportation for the State of New Jersey and he works for the Governor of NJ...let's just say this is a dream job for my current situation.

I was on a trial basis for the first two weeks but on my 3rd day they asked if I was willing to sign on full time. HELL YES! So long story short, I found an amazing job only days after my amazing trip. Now originally I had every intention of moving back to Orlando in March. Funny how plans never work out. I have been with the job for six weeks now and if I stick with it for a year then I can be virtually debt free. No car loan, credit cards, trip loan, and NO school loans. Now this is only if I really buckle down and do it. But I figure what is a year? So this year is officially my "Super Awesome get out of Debt Year" <<Thank you Tj>> and so far so good. Thanks to my car being in the shop twice in December I am already a bit behind but I don't think it will slow me down too much. My goal now is to hopefully get back into my career field by 2013.

I have a lot to look forward to this year like Nicole's wedding in July and my sister graduating high school (I'm so old!) and getting out of debt would just be the cherry on top! Now let's see if I can live at home for a year...it's already killing me! At least Louie and my dad are on better terms. My mom and I joke that when I move he will want Louie to stay. That's just not happening!

So lets get back to my trip:
My trip earned a lot of names along the way...

1. The double take (Uncle Dave)
2. The scenic route to the other side of my driveway (Chris Kraehenbuehl)
3. My flight across the US (Aunt Carla)

But the best name for it was MINE! This trip was 100% mine. It took me to places I have always wanted to go to and never dreamed of going while allowing me to do it at my own pace. I got to dictate what I did and when I did it. Talk about freedom.

All the states I covered along the way (plus Montana haha)

 What I learned:

• People in San Francisco talk to themselves
• SeaWorld San Diego is on government property
• Cheese goes on everything in WI including green beans
• Michigan is NORTH
• My Mazda hates hills
• Have cash at all times (TOLLS!)
• The PCH isn't all it's cracked up to be
• Indiana isn't as boring as Kansas
• LA and I won't meet again
• Everything in TX is bigger
• Atlanta has too much traffic
• Need to avoid "spaghetti" in Ft. Worth, TX
• Idaho has lava fields
• I am capable of doing anything!
• Kansas is just as flat and boring as I was warned (and WINDY!)

Travel Tips I want to share:

1. Electronics in a cooler (wont get stolen or over heated)
2. Don't leave things in your back seat
3. Insurance company should be on speed dial
4. Call ahead!
5. Make a plan A, B, C & D just for good measures
6. Don't skip things
7. Take pictures
8. Learn a new skill
9. Phone GPS's suck...so avoid
10. Gum keeps you awake
11. Don't sweat the small stuff

Highlights:

• Favorite City: San Francisco, CA
• Least Favorite City: Los Angeles, CA
• Least Favorite State: Kansas
• Favorite State: Wisconsin/Texas/Florida
• Total Tolls: $117.75
• Cheapest Gas Paid and Seen: $2.99 (IN)
• Most Expensive Gas Paid: $3.94 (OR)
• Most Expensive Gas Seen: $4.79 (CA)
• Rain Days: 2 (NO complaints there!)

Would I do it again? HELL YES

Would I change anything? Nope.

Have you had your ADVENTURE today?!