The Road Trip Experience: A Recap

After the slightly spazzy post, it's time to tell the tale of my adventures of road tripping. It's kind of hard to blog from a phone, ya know? Still, I had to say something with that little tease. Let's start with a little background.

For all of my life, I've been a very follow the rules type of gal. I don't usually do anything daring, or super adventurous. Let's be honest, every actions I take comes with five thousand thoughts about it beforehand. I am not one who makes rash decisions. So what decision occurred a week ago was a bit out of the ordinary.

I don't know how it came about, but my sister and I were talking about me seeing one of my friend's school. She goes to school on semesters, so our schedules have always clashed. This term, I ended up getting done a week before she did. That's when my sister offered this suggestion:

"Why don't you offer to give her a ride back to Oregon?"

And then I thought, why not? Although it wasn't really for her. It was for me. I've never driven a road trip myself before. It would be something interesting to do. I'd be able to something that wasn't simply "safe".

Teenage rebellion? Sounds like it, but I don't think it was. Besides, don't you have to be a teen for teenage rebellion? The whole thing was more of a being able to do new things like driving far distances. Sure, that sounds like an odd thing to get experience with, but from what I've experience already in my life I think it's a good skill to have.

My mother was convinced I was going to die. She told my sister and dad to say goodbye "Perhaps for the last time." A tad over-dramatic, don't you think? It could have been bad because it was over the pass. Sometime, the pass is pretty snowy. However, on my trip it was completely clear. It was fine.

Total driving time in two days? 14 hours-ish. What was supposed to be apparently a 8 hour and 22 minute trip back home turned out to be cut down by a whole hour. Nice. The trip back was also supposed to commence at 9:00 AM, but that certainly changed when I was wide awake at 5:00 AM. Ended up getting home at 1:15, which was very nice.

As for my short amount of time in Moscow, it was nice. I met my friend's friends from over there, who were all very nice. Saw a very large, very soft dog named Zola. Ate dinner at 9:30 PM (OH GOD SO LATE). Saw the largest collection of the VHS movie Speed. One of her friends had about 250 copies of said movie. Why? Who knows. But it was just a wall of orange. Bizarre.

I didn't see a lot of U of I, but what I saw seemed very nice. My friend suggested that we stay a day, but honestly? I wanted to just get home. Plus, I wanted to get done driving.

Issues arose during the experience, stemming from paying for gas. As in, at first she didn't want to help. For such a long distance, it's going to take gas. I personally think that with offering a ride, I should get help with said gas. From this came the complaint that she didn't have money, despite not having to buy a ticket for the bus. Um, I saw the prices for a bus ticket. Plus, my car gets really good mileage. I only had to fill up twice. My total gas cost was slightly less than half of what a bus ticket was, but after the whole debacle she helped pay for half. If that. She mumbled how "she could have just taken the bus". The thing is, she thinks that I'm rolling in the dough, but I'm not. I'm extremely frugal is all. I didn't offer to give her a ride just because I wanted to do something out of the blue, I thought it would be a nice gesture. You can probably sense that I feel a bit insulted and disrespected.

The thing is, I'm beginning to see more and more of the bad qualities of this friend. And our relationship is beginning to be strained. Honestly, it's beginning to be hard to actually see the friendship. But that's an issue for another day.

'Scuse the little rant, but other than that it was a cool deal. Plus, I came home to find out that I won a blog giveaway from Gingersnaps! I've never won one before, how exciting! I need to email her. It's funny: when I read the name of the winner, because I though, "That blog sounds so familiar... Wait! That's me!"

Welp, I seriously need to go to bed. I am le tired.

What's the last road trip experience you've had?

An Unexpected Trip Back

Here I am, officially home for the holidays!

Ha, well actually I'm not quite done yet. Still, I am currently sitting back in my bed at my parent's house (still my house, I'd like to say) typing this up. Then I'm going back down to school tomorrow morning... only to be back up here Wednesday. What is this madness? Let me explain.

In part of my "getting things together for study abroad" ventures, I needed to get a letter of recommendation from one of my professors at Western. Now, I like asking people for things in person much better than email so I decided that it would be a good idea to drive up to Western, the first time since I'd finished this summer. Her only office hours that I could go to were today. Besides, I was hoping I would be able to run into some friends while on my impromptu visit.
Good thing I did too, because I was able to get a transcript (also needed for the application) while I was over there. The transcript system online? Not good. Another example of liking to do things in person rather than online.

It's funny- even though I've missed WOU, I hadn't missed it as much until I stopped by again. A wave of memories flooded back into my mind, and I saw fun little things that I missed about it. One example was the giant versions of things project that the art students do. They make giant versions of whatever, and the projects decorate the lawn. My favorite that I saw this time was a giant electrical plug!

One of the craziest things I noticed? So many things are different! Alright, not so many things, but mainly the WUC! There's a whole other attachment added to it, and it feels weird!

Before I left, I was able to see one of my friends that goes there. She's as adorable as ever, which may sound weird since she towers over me. But she's just so innocent! Apparently everyone is really busy this year, including her many hours spent in the studio. I guess that makes sense, since most of the people I know over at WOU are upperclassmen. Then again, I've had a kind of busy term. What's the deal with this year? Eh.

By the time I was able to get my recommendation, it was already dark and pouring. Blergh. Not something I really wanted to drive 1.5 hours in. So I decided to just head back to my hometown and stay for the night. It works out nicely due to the fact that my earliest class is at noon tomorrow. Yes...
The only downside? I'm totally going to be pulling a "wear the clothes from the night before look", which sends out a good message.
I wish I had brought running clothes. My parents have a new treadmill, and it would be really nice to do my run indoors for once. Oh well.

I keep on having other ideas about what to write about, but instead lately I've been just talking about what's going on in my life... What a concept, a blog talking about what's going on in said blogger's life! Yeah, I don't know what I'm saying half of the time either.

Definitely feels like I'm on vacation... but still should go to bed before midnight, so I can wake up at nine. Yup.

Where was the last "place of your past" that you visited? How had things changed? Stayed the same?

Road Trip Recap

I can't believe it's already Saturday again. I didn't feel like I was gone for about a week, but here we are.

Now that I'm at my own computer again, I can write posts that have (some) sense in them. Truthfully, while I was on my trip I didn't want to be writing at all, but the whole thing involved a lack of planning. Anywho...

If you've seen any of my gibberish from this week, you might have known my sister, mom and I road tripped it up towards the north. On our first day, we ended up not actually getting to, you know, road trip status. We went to where I pretty much go every weekend, my cousins' house. The reason we ended up staying the night was because we ended up being part of a cleaning spree that happened in my grandma's room while she was away. I don't know if it's age, or collecting tendencies, but if my grandma lived alone she might end up having a house on Hoarders. I found a ton of empty containers, a good amount of toothbrushes... Ridiculous.

Our next stop was in the next state, Washington. As I said, drivers up there be crazy! We talked about how maybe the cops don't care as much about speed laws because they have sales tax, so money distribution with taxes is different. I dunno.

I don't know who out there is from Washington, but we've decided y'all are scrappy. Along with your zippy cars, my mom and sister spotted signs that apparently said "Don't litter, or we will hurt you." Something along those lines.

We were able to stay the night at my aunt's house up there, which was really nice. They live by some pretty nice houses. (Their house is nice too.)

While we were in Washington, we spent a day in Seattle. I've never been to Seattle, (except when I was really young), so it was fantastic. While there, I bought a nice cheese. Then my mom bought me two more, some salami, and a mini baguette. Another nice thing about traveling with family? I think so.

Buying my cheese.  It was called... Manchego? It was from Spain! Delish.

Oh, and a trip up the Space Needle!

Geez, I need to start wearing some color on my lips. And cut my hair. And other stuff.

It's funny how dependent we are on technology. While we were on our trip, we used our phones for directions, looking up places to go, information... until we crossed the border. Once we passed that border, it became: "Would you like to pay a fortune on phone usage?" I think not.

My comment on the people of Vancouver still stands. Obese people do not exist up there, and there are hardly any slightly overweight people. It was a bit intimidating, but at the same time kind of motivating. So if you want to stay thin, go to Vancouver and live there.

Being on a running schedule is kind of weird on vacation because you have to plan around it. There were times that I hated it because I felt like everyone was waiting on me to get my run done to do anything, but I'm glad I did. Running in Washington was extremely hilly, but not a bad run at all. Then there was my run around Stanley Park in Vancouver, which was fantastic. Seriously, if you're a runner and you go up there on vacation, go there. It's about 6 miles, but if you take a wrong turn and keep running on the beach, you can get your 8 miles in like I did. Another nice thing about my Stanley Park run was my sister rented a bike and went along with me. I've been running alone all this time, so it was really nice to have some company.

A lot of this trip involved visiting markets of some kind. They were cool markets!

Good gosh, I love cities. I told my sister to punch me if in the future I don't end up living in a city for at least a year of my life.

I could go on and on, but I should get going. I had to drive the car home from my cousins' house last night, so the mom and sis do not have a way to get home... Yeah.

In other news, today's run was good. 20 miles running, then a 2.8 mile walk/jog back home. Did not plan very well for that. Still, I just wanted to get 20 miles in, and I did. Yes!

What was the last trip you took? Was it with family or friends?

The Way They Drive Up North

The adventure continues up north, and now we are hanging out right outside of Seattle.
The driving habits of other states are strange indeed. In Oregon, it's easy to get pulled over by the cops. Speeding? Don't even think about it. Today, we ended up having a situation none of us ever thought would happen. My mom, first of all likes to speed. She was only going five miles over when she saw a cop. Sure that she was about to be pulled over, she immediately went to the speed limit and moved to the far left lane so the cop could move over. The cop moved into the left lane and said through his speaker:
"Please move over to the next lane unless you are going to pass."
The main point is my mom pretty much got sassed by a cop for going too slow. That's ridiculous for my mother.
It's crazy how many people we saw going ten, twenty miles over the speed limit... and not being pulled over. What is this? Maybe that's just how Washington rolls.
The plans for tomorrow? Not quite sure. The idea is that we're going to explore Seattle, which I am excited for.

What's something that you've found strange while in a different state?

Driving: The Good and The Bad

Let's talk about driving. Okay? Okay.

I know that I'm not a fantastic driver. I also know that I'm not a terrible driver either. If I were to grade myself on my driving, I'd say I'm a B- or a C+. Alright, but not amazing. My turns are way too wide, and I can drift to certain sides. Definitely not perfect.
That doesn't mean I don't have my golden moments though. Which brings me to last night.

After the concert, it was an hour and a half drive back to my cousin's house. We were both exhausted, so we stocked up on the caffeine and headed out into the night.
We finally got to the point where were about 15 minutes from her home. It was out in the country, and the speed was 55. It was dark, and hard to see anything. The road was empty except for our car...

...And suddenly two deer.


Source

This could have ended up me telling you guys a terrible story about how my car was totaled. Or maybe not even being able to tell you, but no. I have skills, and was able to stop the car with plenty of space to spare. Perhaps this isn't a true feat, but I certainly felt proud of myself. After we had let the deer cross and returned home, my cousin replied,
"If that we me, we would have totally hit those."

A bit of an ego boost? You bet. It just helps to reassure me that I might just be an okay driver. Despite what my sister feels whenever we're in the car together.

Before we go, I have a final note on my driving. I have an odd quirk when I'm driving, and that's I blink for basically everything. Everyone I know makes fun of me for it.
Oh, that includes parking spaces. I blink into parking spaces. I swear, my driver's ed teacher told me you should. So I do.

Are you a good driver? What's a weird driving habit you have?

Memories in Every Mile

So I drive my family's minivan, right?
Well, this van has become a special part of me, I suppose. I like driving it, and I don't seem to mind that it's not a cool car. I smile at the sadly duct taped mirror. I revel in the fact that the front seats are heated. I do not question the bizarre burn mark on the back seat, that no one has a clue how it got there. I simply like my ride. I'm not very good at driving little cars because I'm so used to the van. It even has a name, which it received during school this year from one of my friends.

So Penelope, I have only this to say.



What is this thing you call safety while driving?



Nicely done on going 200,000 miles. May we drive 200,000 more. Or at least for awhile longer.

Other than that, today consisted of going to school, running, and working. Yep. And that's pretty much the idea behind tomorrow, except no running and less work. Dang, I need to make lunch and study up... bah.

What makes your car/bike/mode of transportation special?

Hairdos and Apartments

I keep on thinking it's Sunday. Hm.

One thing I forgot to mention yesterday?

I have bangs now!

I pretty much did the complete opposite of what I was planning to do, and got more hair to mess with. However, I ran with the bangs today and they didn't really bother me. I just look like a goof with my hair all pulled back.

In today's news, I did quite a bit of driving. Oof, I do not enjoy driving. Still, I like the convenience.
Also, I have a place to live next year! I signed the renter's agreement, and I think it's just time to plan how I'm going to decorate.

That's all I've got for the evening! Have a nice night!
Do you, or have you ever had bangs? What are your tips for working with bangs?

Busy Days, Wicked, Car Troubles Return, and Letting My Cake Boss Show

I can't believe that it's already so late in the day. What can I say? It's been a pretty busy day.
Actually, I feel like I haven't gotten a chance to look at my usual blogs! I don't know why it's been so go go go, but it has.
For instance, as soon as I was done with all of my classes yesterday, I drove back on home and got ready for the evening ahead. Last night, as I said before I went with my family to the show Wicked. The whole reason we got to go had to do with my mom being an alumn, and there was a whole night with dinner.

The show was very fun! After seeing it, it felt like I was in on some big inside joke. Things flew around, there was some wonderful singing... It was just a fun production!

After the show, a not so fun thing happened to occur. Remember how I was talking about the putt-putting of the good old van? Well, I hadn't taken it in because every time I mentioned it, my mother would say, "Wait to get it done! Your dad can fix it!" Um... After the show, it decided to break down. Currently, it be in the shop, but it thankfully will be back in full swing by Tuesday.

Today was a day full of cooking and getting ready for tomorrow. Usually Easter doesn't become a very big thing at my house, just the simply Easter baskets and dinner. Tomorrow however we're doing brunch with some friends in the morning, and having a bunch of our family members coming over for dinner. The candy has become like rabbits (ha) and multiplied. The food in the house has grown. Fridges that were once empty are now filled with goodies to be cooked up tomorrow. Madness.
One of the last minute things that was made? This little beauty:

Yes, I'm letting my Cake Boss show. Aw yeah.

Hopefully after this weekend, there shall be more time to talk about all of the stuff happening in life like interesting and exciting things!

Have you ever let your Cake Boss show? (As in, what's the most interesting looking treat you've ever made?)

Snow and Concerts

This be a post from my phone since I dont know if I will be back to a computer before midnight. Editing will commence later.
So the reason there was so much yelling last night was actually due to snow. Yup, snow has begun fallling quite early this year. I personally want it to snow when driving is not happening. I have to drive tomorrow twice, and it's not looking nice. (Well truthfully it isn't very bad. I just get a bit worried, you know?)

You know the turkey trot? The person who I was going to run it with decided to bail last minute. What crap is that? She was getting me all pumped up for it, and then last minute bails? Geez, it just makes me a bit annoyed. I ended up just doing some running on my own. Eh.

Tonight I drove down to Corvallis for a benefit concert for a friend's senior project. The concert was enjoyable, but I was exhausted. Lately I've been really tired... could it be sickness? Hopefully not. Also at the concert I saw quite a few people from high school. This feels kind of strange, you know? People feel like they've changed, but I feel like I've changed more than them... Does that make sense?

Time for sleep!

Have y'all experienced snow yet?