These two words are front and center of my weary brain—weary because my whirlwind decision to embark on a new adventure has resulted in a whirlwind unloading of 95% of my possessions (you would be surprised how painful letting go of a coffee maker can be); and front and center because . . . well, I'm doing it! I'm moving from Texas to Florida BY MYSELF!
I know. I'm wearing my big girl panties, but it's still a huge deal for me.
To help christen my journey into a new life, my sister is flying out from Phoenix to take to the highways with me on a girls' road trip. Austin to Ocala, baby! The last time we hit the pavement together was Spring Break 1976 and our destination was Rocky Point, Mexico. Si, amigos. El Baja. That trip was memorable for the many things that qualified as "shit you can't make up," and I'm torn between wishing for an uneventful, leisurely trip this time or one so fantastic that I won't need to make shit up. I even bought a groovy digital camera to record anything outrageous—just for you guys. Frankly, I'll be disappointed if I can't brag about at least something weirderific. Like what if there's an old broad tootling around naked in a red hooptie? And what if she's got a buddy and she's naked too? And they're laughing hysterically and snapping photos of people's shock as they drive by. I mean, if I can talk my sister into it, imagine the looks we'd get! Totally worth the cost of the camera, I'm betting.
I know. Just how juvenile can I get? Well, depends on if I can talk my sister into it or if she leaves me on the side of the road.
So there you have it. When last I blogged, I hinted at big changes on the horizon. Leaving the city I've called home for most of the last 17 years is a leap of faith in my commitment to make my dream a reality. The net promises to appear wherever and however I land so I can concentrate on my writing. What cool stuff is going to manifest in my future? Who will I meet? How will my life be changed?
I know. It's the hap-hap-happiest of horseshit, but it's MY horseshit, and I believe in it.
Wish me Vaya con destiny, people. I'll post some of our journey next week.
Good luck to you!!! Enjoy your new adventure. Happy road trip as well!
ReplyDeleteadventure awaits! rock on, sister!
ReplyDeleteFilled with admiration and curiosity, here. Wow. You go, girlfriend! Keep us posted on whatever it is that awaits you.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and a prayer for safe travel. I'm almost excited for you...no, I am excited for you.
ReplyDeleteWe look at houses online in Ocala a lot...well, "We" meaning my husband Jim does. I'm proud of your ability to let go of the stuff.
Meanwhile, my mind and emotions go back and forth..Nebraska,Florida,Nebraska, Florida...
My Motherinlaw is in Ocala, and 3 sisterinlaws and 2 brother in laws...all people that we cruise with (Cruises...like cruiseships)...anyhoo, blessings.
Three cheers for happy horseshit and a brand new neighbor.
ReplyDeleteI COUNT THE DAYS.
Let me know when the dust settles Frag, so we can hang out and drink mucho Margaritas.
I'm so excited. Austin's loss is DEFINITELY my gain. Welcome to Florida, chica!
XO XO XO XO
Casa Hice
That is HUGE! God bless ya, girlfriend! 'Cause you've just gotta shake things up once in a while. I can hardly wait to see how this story of yours unfolds.
ReplyDeleteWoo-hoo!
You have an adventurous spirit!
ReplyDeleteThrow out all the junk you wish, but please, keep that winning smile :-)
I'll be down that way later this summer to visit my folks. I'll blow the horn as I drive by or something ;-)
that sounds kewl as hell, grrrrl! and a few road trip antics will keep it interesting! wise decision on that camera too...I'll be waiting for that update! travel safe.
ReplyDeleteThis is just so cool. I am glad for you and I know whatever adventures are in your horizon you will be ready and meet them head on. Best wishes on your move and have a blast on the road trip with your sister. Don't get a sunburn while you are standing at the side of the road naked!!
ReplyDeleteSounds very exciting and liberating and crazy and awesome! Enjoy it!!!
ReplyDeleteHave the most fun on the trip. Proud of your bravery and wish you the best.
ReplyDeleteToo many people at dinner the other night, didn't get to say how I support your success and guts. Too busy figuring out how I will visit you in Florida. So much for me and affirmatives!
Road trip - love it! Pictures. Definitely need pictures.
Right On Girl! You should follow your dream. Hope you and Sis have a Thelma & Louise journey. Well maybe minus the ending. But it would be hard to drive off a very big cliff in Fla.
ReplyDeleteOh, such awesomeness! BUT, wait... what happened to the boyfriend? Did I miss something? Are you leaving him behind? WAH?
ReplyDeleteDI
The Blue Ridge Gal
(Did you buy a new bikini to go with the you to Florida cuz you know you are gonna need one)
I guess Fredericksburg is out of the question now! Happy trails, my friend! Vaya con Dios!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Good luck on your new adventure.
ReplyDeleteSounds exciting!
ReplyDeleteI've lived all over England and Wales, but probably never moved as far as you're going to now, so best of luck.
I've been to Florida.
S'nice.
Hey, what an adventure! I'm all for them. Just think of all the excitement ahead of you. Starting with the road trip of course! (How do I link my name to my email address??)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're going for it, but we'll miss you immensely in A-town.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels, my friend.
xoxo
Well, I'm definitely disappointed that you are leaving the state before we got a chance to hook up but wow, how exciting to have such a big change and a new life of your own choosing. so where's the details? How did this opportunity come up and what exactly is the opportunity? give girl.
ReplyDeletePoodle, your excitement makes me smile. I can't wait for details of new life as it unfolds under the sun.
ReplyDeleteyou sound so happy! i love that! all the best to you!
ReplyDeleteFantastic! Lovely! Wonderful! Get naked and have a blast and good luck on your adventure.
ReplyDeleteWow! You are a brave soul! Good luck and have a great journey! For fun quirky tourist attractions to see along the way, visit www.roadsideamerica.com. Type in the town you are driving through, and if there is anything to see, it will show up on the map. Pretty cool!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear and update from you!
I LOVE change. AND road trips. AND moving to new cities. Bon Voyage!
ReplyDeleteGo, girl! Hells to the yeah!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on pulling on those big girl panties..YOU will LOVE Florida! I lived in the panhandle for almost 12 years...loved it! Hollar as your passing through Mississippi Girl... there is a Mickie D's for coffee or cocktails with our names on them :-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. Know how you felt, did the same thing a couple years ago when I left Nor. Calif. for Nashville.
ReplyDeleteHave a great trip and here's to wonderful things at your destination!
Very exciting. Wishing you lots of fun and luck.
ReplyDeleteJust after I met you and now you are going to move. You're such a little thing to be going out on such a big journey! I am glad your sister is going with you. I hope she is not as nuts as you tho or you could really get into trouble.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun meeting you at the wedding. Keep in touch. I'm sure Julie will be missing you a lot.
You've got guts girl!! Good luck with everything. Enjoy the adventure :-)
ReplyDeleteRighteous.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge advocate of throwing caution to the wind and vacating ones comfort zone.
sure you went to lots to get here. Congrats and sail on
ReplyDeleteSounds great. And we need to hear all about it too. Good on you for making such a big move, big and brave.
ReplyDeletesounds like a great adventure! can't wait to hear about the road trip w/ your sister--what fun.
ReplyDeleteWell! I obviously have some catching up to do! Florida??? Did you get a job at the new Harry Potter theme park?
ReplyDeleteGood luck to ya! I know I was scared to death when I moved from Ohio to Georgia ALONE on a bus for 17 1/2 hours! lol
ReplyDeleteIt all sounds too fabulous for words... but I find it difficult to be silent...
ReplyDeleteSoooooo, hope you are having a great time and that your move brings you all you ever dreamed of AND MORE
Happy Traveling and don't forget if you find yourself at I-10 -605 interchange loop... I am less than a 1/2 mile from there for coffee or Soda's ;-)
ReplyDeletewoohoo! chase those dreams...i wish you safe travels and grand adventures...
ReplyDelete"Road Trip, HELL!!!"
ReplyDeleteThis is an ADVENTURE!!!!
~shoes~
YEAH YOU!!!!! Good luck and safe travels.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you.
jj
The road stretches gloriously before you and you're at the wheel. I'm thinking about you .....
ReplyDeleteWhoa! I'm just now reading this! HUGE move!!!! How's it going???
ReplyDeleteWow! How fantastic is this! I am so happy for you...I have been gone for some time and my first visit back here is reading about this wonderful adventure...such courage...and yet it doesn't surprise me. I have so missed visiting you here and God willing I will be back to read you again soon. Blessings to you on this new adventure my friend. I am so proud of you!!! XX Lori
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read more of your journey. Will you be cheering for the FL Gators soon? You know you will.
ReplyDelete