So here I am....unemployed. The pictures above are a small glimpse of my first week. I became a bartender at Caps Tavern, got a pedicure with my mom and built a granite bench with John and my dad. Not bad for someone who is no longer getting a paycheck every week.
In the beginning it was supposed to be Leslie and I, together, about to embark upon this adventure. I was going to quit my job, she was going to take a leave of absence and we were going to travel cross country this month. She wanted to take Lennie’s Saab, which I quickly talked her out of, and convinced her that we should drive in a vehicle that could actually make the trip. We decided that we would camp as often as possible and spend most of our time in the western part of the country.
Due to some unexpected, (but wonderful) news for Leslie, here it is September 7, 2008 and I quit my job, am about to travel for 2 ½ weeks …mostly by plane….staying mainly in hotels…..and unfortunately for me, without Leslie.
The plans to take this trip began in the weeks and months following September 8, 2007. It became very clear to me how many things in my life I kept saying ”oh, I’m going to do that someday”….and had yet to do. At the top of my list were to move back to Maine and travel cross country. I recently accomplished the first (although it took two weekends to do) and am out to accomplish, at least in part, the second. My itinerary, as it currently stands, appears below.
Some have said I am crazy to quit my job without another one officially lined up, but I say it’s a Mann family tradition and one that should continue to live on! I can’t explain why I felt so strongly about taking this trip this year; just like I can’t explain so many things that have happened the past year (including how many times the alarm to the Saab has gone off for no reason)! Perhaps I feel so strongly about this trip because of how many memories I have reflected on this past year involving my brother. Lennie taught me many things by the way he lived his life.......not to pass up opportunities when they are presented, to make your own way instead of waiting for someone else to make it for you, to appreciate moments and not necessarily the big ones….but the everyday moments – ones spent with family, friends, doing things you love, laughing until you cry and most importantly taking time to appreciate how truly lucky and blessed you are.
Due to some unexpected, (but wonderful) news for Leslie, here it is September 7, 2008 and I quit my job, am about to travel for 2 ½ weeks …mostly by plane….staying mainly in hotels…..and unfortunately for me, without Leslie.
The plans to take this trip began in the weeks and months following September 8, 2007. It became very clear to me how many things in my life I kept saying ”oh, I’m going to do that someday”….and had yet to do. At the top of my list were to move back to Maine and travel cross country. I recently accomplished the first (although it took two weekends to do) and am out to accomplish, at least in part, the second. My itinerary, as it currently stands, appears below.
Some have said I am crazy to quit my job without another one officially lined up, but I say it’s a Mann family tradition and one that should continue to live on! I can’t explain why I felt so strongly about taking this trip this year; just like I can’t explain so many things that have happened the past year (including how many times the alarm to the Saab has gone off for no reason)! Perhaps I feel so strongly about this trip because of how many memories I have reflected on this past year involving my brother. Lennie taught me many things by the way he lived his life.......not to pass up opportunities when they are presented, to make your own way instead of waiting for someone else to make it for you, to appreciate moments and not necessarily the big ones….but the everyday moments – ones spent with family, friends, doing things you love, laughing until you cry and most importantly taking time to appreciate how truly lucky and blessed you are.
I will blog about my travels and adventures daily. Feel free to read along, comment, or just send money for gas, food and lodging!
Wed, Sep 10, 2008
Departs 6:00am, Arrives 11:24am
Northwest Airlines 3578 / 211
Portland, ME to Seattle, WA
Travel through the states of Washington, Idaho, Wyoming and South Dakota during the next 10 days
Sat, Sep 20, 2008
Departs 9:51am, Arrives 1:03pm
United Airlines 6736 / 2284
Rapid City, SD to Phoenix, AZ
Stay at http://www.villa-mirage.com/ during this week
Sat, Sep 27, 2008
Departs 12:35pm, Arrives 10:45pm
Northwest Airlines 122 / 2846
Phoenix, AZ to Portland, ME
5 comments:
Ohh I'm so excited to be the first to comment!!! As your sister I am very proud of you to take this big trip solo!!! I know you will have many laughs and make many friends....and might I add, Lennie is proud of you too! :)
Wow, I am so excited for you!!! I know you will have a wonderful trip with many humerous tales to tell...I wait eagerly to hear them, either back in Ma or as you know, my little spot in Waterboro Me.....or even the fabulous Springvale DC (I hope not)...lol..
I look forward to reading about your journey. Have fun, have drinkies and of coarse feel free to pay Lynn, Sue J and myself back with a drunk dial call at any hour.
Lots of love and best wishes, talk soon...
Always,
Steph
I know you will have a wonderful time on your trip! Can't wait for all of the stories and to see all of the pictures I am sure you will take! Have a few drinks for me!
love-nikki :)
Happy trails to you, dear Chrissy, until we meet again....
Love and hugs,
Peggy
I'm sure you are going to have a blast! Work is WAAAAYYYY overrated anyways. Make sure that you drink a local beer in every place you go.
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