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Days 77 and 78: I am so very thankful…

Posted in Alone, Country, Home, Road trip on November 25, 2010| Leave a Comment »

I’m spending Thanksgiving in Florida with my older brother Steve and his family. (Nick flew to London to be with Alivia and her family.) Unfortunately, my dad and Maggie had to go to Massachusetts for a family emergency, so they can’t join us, but are certainly here in spirit – as are all our family and friends. Day 77 was spent getting ready for Thanksgiving (Day 78): shopping (including buying a TV over the phone from my other brother, Jake – our own version of Black Friday), baking, doing holiday crafts and generally playing catch-up with Steve, Kelli and the boys. It’s so nice to have so many homes that I feel so comfortable in! It’s just one of the many, many things I am so very thankful for…let me share a few more:

The most supportive, loving family and friends on earth. The fact that I can travel completely around the country and the majority of the time be welcomed into people’s homes is incredible. I am so blessed. Thank you all.
Having my own home that can put a roof over the heads of my family and friends whenever they need it (even when I’m not there). I may not love my house but I know how lucky I am to have it and how much it has helped others.
This incredible opportunity to explore our beautiful country. I never dreamt I’d have the chance to do this, and still can’t believe it. And I’m also thankful for the courage and confidence to do it alone. I know that comes not only from all of my parents, but my son, too.
My girlfriends who’ve taken parts of this physical trip with me, but practically all of the emotional journey, by phone, text and e-mail. Thank you for being with me through all the crazy highs and tragic lows, understanding me as I blubber through the tears, reminding me where home is and what’s really important. And for pointing out that the man I thought was Rhett is really Ashley and it’s time to move on. (I’m trying – honestly.)
All my parents for supporting me and (deep down) understanding my need to go on this journey, even if they don’t always agree with every aspect of it, and worry every mile I drive.
My three fabulous god-daughters, all my nephews, little cousins and friends’ children – all the little ones who make each day an adventure when seen through their eyes! And that we’ll soon have more loved ones, thanks to several of my family and friends who are expecting babies this coming year. They are miracles to be cherished. I can’t wait!
I am most thankful every single day that God knew exactly what I needed nearly 20 years ago when he gave me smiley Nicholas George. He is the best thing that ever happened to me. And every day he makes me smile, challenges me and encourages me to push myself. I’m so proud of the man you’re becoming, Nicko, and love you with all my heart.

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Day 76: Florida, the loooooooooongest state …

Posted in Country, Home, Planning, Road trip on November 24, 2010| 2 Comments »

Eight hours (not counting stops for gas, food and stretching), 580 miles. All in one state – and I didn’t even drive all the way to the bottom! I really need to remind myself to download another audio book before the next epic drive commences. I have practically every word of every current country song down pat – and practiced several 80s tunes, too (you never forget the words to those – even the ones you hate).

I considered stopping and exploring some of the state parks along the way (Dan recommended some good ones), but my sister-in-law Kelli called and informed me that Hudson and Holden (my nephews) were anxiously awaiting my arrival and would stay up until I got there. I simply couldn’t elongate the journey any more. I didn’t want to torture poor Kelli by having them up too late!

So I had lots of thinking and planning time. I’ve now pretty much reached the east coast, which essentially is home. And for the most part the states there are somewhat easily accessible (at least in comparison to the rest of the country). But I don’t want to just cut the road trip short, beeline it up the coast and bring the trip to an abrupt end. I’ve already done the Miami to Massachusetts 24-hour straight drive when I flew down a few years ago to drive back with Alicia when she was moving home. And that is not a fun non-stop trip. (Never mind the fact that I’m doing it alone.) So even if I don’t dawdle and sight see much, there are still many people I want to visit before I call the trip complete.

I admit I’m eager to get home. I want to get ready for the holidays, and am especially looking forward to our baking and decorating day with all the family/friend kids. (Nick still puts the first ornament on the tree but pretty much stops there, so a few years ago I started having my god-daughters over to decorate it for me and the tradition has grown from there. This year it’s all out holiday decorating and baking with all the kids who want to join in!) And I also know it’s going to continue to get colder the later in the year it gets and the further north I drive.

So I think I’ll just make one last amendment to the itinerary. I’ll proceed as planned as far as Gram’s and Aunt Robin’s in West Virginia, but will go straight home from there. (That also allows me to bring the cat mom wants from West Virginia to Massachusetts. I’m not happy about it, but know it’s the right thing to do.) So it’s just Philadelphia and New York that I’ll skip and I’ll make sure to do them this spring or summer. And actually, I already did New York, so it’s really only Philly I’ll miss.

After determining that, I felt somewhat accomplished and went back to my singing. (I’m sorry, but there’s really no need to play Martika’s Toy Soldiers more than once every few days. It wasn’t even that big of a hit in the 80s.) I also amused myself by watching the scenery – Tara will be happy I saw more cows, but sorry I didn’t have time to stop for pictures – and by reading the billboards. I laughed out loud at the Cafe Risque (‘We Bare All’) signs for the 24-hour adult toy store. Tara and I are always saying we need 24-hour malls, restaurants and gyms, but hadn’t thought of that one. And it’s right next to the ‘Boots and Guns’ store. Wonder if that’s 24/7 too? Of course sprinkled between these are the ‘Prayer Works’ signs and the anti-abortion ads. (Did you know a baby’s heart is beating 18 days after conception? The things you learn from billboards.) By the way, if you’re looking for a field, there are 146 acres available in central Florida. Simply visit www.buymyfield.com. You only get one guess where I learned that…

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Day 75: Blue water, sky, herring and angels!

Posted in Country, Road trip on November 23, 2010| Leave a Comment »

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Talk about easing myself back into the road trip! Day 75 was one of the most relaxing, peaceful days yet. After sleeping in a bit, we (well, I should say Dan) packed a cooler and we drove down to the water. We launched his little boat into Escambia Bay and took it to White Island (he called it Fantasy Island, but I didn’t see any little men jumping around screaming ‘de plane, de plane’) in Bayou Grande.

The little island reminded me of the small deserted islands my dad and Maggie used to take me and my brother to when we were young. Beautiful white sand, clear blue water, patches of palm trees and shells galore. It also reminded me of the time my 11 year-old brother took me out in the row boat and threatened to leave me off at a buoy in the middle of the ocean. When I told Dan that he said he could call my brother and offer to finish the job for him, but I told him that he is also the same brother that called that morning to yell at me for going to a strange guy’s house and warned to be careful. I guess I’ve grown on him…

We set off to explore our little island and made numerous friends along the way: Harry, the blue herring, Pedro the pelican, Sandy the sandpiper (and gang), Winnie the (plastic) horse and Frank the pink flamingo. Oh, wait, Frank is at Dan’s house, as now is Winnie. We left the rest peacefully in their natural habitat. I admit I did take a few shells, though, but only ones that no creatures were using as homes.

The island quiet was shattered by a sudden thunder: out of nowhere, some of the Blue Angels appeared! They’re the awesome Navy planes that do incredible flight shows. I forgot they’re based in Pensacola. We saw a few different ones fly by. It was great – seeing them is always a thrill.

After a brief siesta on the warm sand, we finished our tour of the island and set off for a ride around the bay. We lucked out as we got back to the boat landing just as the rain began – then drove right toward a rainbow. I wanted to go find the pot of gold, but Dan assured me it’s not in Pensacola. We did see a bunch of money that night, though: it was hanging all over the ceiling at McGuire’s Irish Pub, where we had an incredible dinner. A definite must-stop if you’re ever in Pensacola. Go hungry!

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