My 'Little' Bro

I leave for 2 weeks and come home to an engaged little brother! How did that happen? Wasn't it just yesterday we were running around barefoot, making forts, demanding other kids on the hill get off our property, arguing and fighting constantly?! His existence up until how has been trauma-filled, or hospital-filled. Are those days over? Has he officially covered that bridge into manhood?

Awhile back, I warned him that he was not allowed to marry before me. Like a typical little brother, he didn't listen. I thought I wouldn't be able to handle that kind of pressure or 'backwards' order of things. But after seeing him, them, I realized I couldn't demand that from him. He hasn't crashed his truck in like 10 months. He hasn't been to the hospital in about that long and there have been no major accidents/incidents to report. With that kind of a track record in recent months, something must be right. They say that a man needs a woman to settle him down, force him to mature and take responsibility. I believe it and see it in him. He has a sparkle about him that I have never seen before. His happiness level is at an all-time high. And I'm pretty sure he has money in his bank account! He is ready for this new step and I know I have trained him to be able to handle anything that a female throws his way!

Now, if I hear one more person say anything along the lines of: 'Well, your younger brother is getting married before you, when is it going to be your turn??' or 'How do you feel about being a single big sister?' or 'Don't worry, your time will come soon!' I think I may just punch them in the throat. Censor your thoughts people. You're not gonna win any awards for being Captain Obvious. And I certainly don't want any charity, sympathy or encouragement. Clearly I am in no rush to make a wrong decision. This big sister has the gumption to handle the situation and can't wait for what the future brings!

Roadtrip in Rewind

My grand adventure has come to an end. I set out with the hopes of seeing new places, meeting new people, and opening up my eyes to something other than my little Santa Cruz bubble. All these hopes were realized and even exceeded.

Arizona. Utah. Colorado. Nebraska. Iowa. Minnesota. Wisconsin. There is surprising beauty and excitement in these out-of-the-way states. We visited friends. We made new friends. Grand Canyon. Monument National Park. The Million Dollar Highway. The Garden of the Gods. Seven Falls, Colorado Springs. Rocky Mountain National Park. College World Series, Omaha. The Great Mall of America. Laughs and more laughs. Comments like: 'What the heck is that?' 'How do people live all the way out here? Where do they get their food?' 'Um, this little town is so adorable!' 'This little area looks like (insert a place we've been to)'

Often times, when embarking on a trip of any kind, I experience and enjoy the destination but am always subconsciously comparing it to home. And usually, nothing ever comes close! But I wanted this trip to be different, no comparing; just experience and enjoy. It turns out, that with that sort of a mindset, there are actually a lot of really amazing places out there! Living exclusively in such a coastal paradise creates a lofty and somewhat arrogant outlook, because not everyone gets the privilege of enjoying such beauty and every other place just seems to be lacking. I have known this about myself and wanted to shed that perception by appreciating what other cities have to offer. Yes, maybe there is no ocean in the middle of the country, and maybe there is no coastal fog to cool off a heat spell in July, but maybe the people aren't pretentious and maybe there is actually a job market and affordable housing in landlocked states!

This will always be home to me, but there is life outside of California! It is important to have a place that is 'home' and no matter where you happen to be living, home holds a prominent place in your memory and your sense of self. I am thankful for the sense of home I have and all the components that make this place so special to me! But middle America, much more than it's given credit for!

Arizona

Wind, wind and more wind! End of day 3, done. All three of those days have been filled with sights and fun in Arizona. Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, and friends. Arizona has such drastic changes in scenery in a short amount of time. Red rocks. Canyons. Mountains. Valleys. Lots for the eyes to see. It has exceeded my previous thought and expectation. Turns out, Arizona isn't just a flat, hot, dry desert! The wind though.

We drove around looking for a camp site today and finally found a pretty nice one with many amenities, in Monument National park, on the border of Utah and Arizona. Spectacular views of natural 'monuments' made out of stone jetting up out of the sand. Massive, imposing, awe-inspiring art work. We are nestled under large red stone cliffs. Setting up a tent, in the sand, in the wind, tough. We are hopeful the tent won't fly away tonight.

On to Colorado tomorrow. It's only going to get better and more beautiful from here on out!

Road Trip!!

Being that I am Kramer, I am off. Off on a grand adventure. When a friend asks me to accompany her on a road trip from Arizona to Minnesota, I gave a 'sure!' response without any hesitation. Why not? I have no job. I have no children or family. I have no responsibilities, well minimal responsibilities. Aren't these sort of trips what you're supposed to do when you are a young twenty-something, in between careers?? I mean, what do I have to lose? Nothing. And to be gained? Well, a once in a lifetime view of our great country! I love and am so thankful that these opportunities are presented to me, and even better, that I am able to take them up! Gosh, how do people survive with full-time jobs and full-time kids??

The plan. Well, there is none really. We have camping gear, hot weather clothes, an ice-chest, a short list of desirable destinations, and a comprehensive list of Guy Fieri's Diners, Dives and Drive-ins. Other than that, we will just let the road lead us where it may. Oh, you want to pull over at that funky gift shop? Ok. You want to stop and jump in that lake? Sounds refreshing! Food? I could go for some food. I've always wanted to see the Grand Canyon! Family in Arizona. A friend in Boulder. Friends in Omaha. A laid-back recipe for the perfect trip.

How long will I be gone? When am I coming home? Good question. I have no idea! The real kicker that makes this road-trip as carefree and spontaneous as possible, is that I do not have a return flight home! Yup, that's right. Whenever I feel like coming home, from where ever we are, I'll just jump on a plane. Who knows, maybe I won't come home?

Look out America, here we come!!