tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11902709767405234282024-02-19T22:32:58.024-08:00gonzogramSarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-7739341440988981442010-08-29T23:53:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:54:02.771-08:00The Blind Leading the Blind: How Not to Make an Omelet<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">My boyfriend, John, is always looking to me for cooking help. He knows a good amount but he assumes I know more, which I am very realistically modest about. I know what I know and I do have some sort of instinct for eyeballing measurements and the basic techniques needed for baking, because that is my specialty. I am definitely NOT an expert chef. I have a limited menu that I cook on rotation that I enjoy. The great thing about John is that he was very eager to learn and even jumps at the opportunity to chop onions for example. I wish I knew more about cooking so that I could be a better teacher but what ends up happening is what happened today on our leisurely Sunday morning, we decided to make omelets. This is what we did:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>How To Not Make an Omelet:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><span style="text-decoration: underline; ">Ingredients:</span></p><ul style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 0px; "><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">1 dozen eggs</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">Shredded cheese</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">Olive oil</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">milk</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">Spray butter</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">1 green pepper</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">1 red pepper</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">1 yellow pepper</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">1 orange pepper</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">1 onion</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">1 small tomato</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">4 small Portobello mushrooms</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">some spinach</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">1 avocado</li></ul><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><span style="text-decoration: underline; ">The Process</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We chopped and diced the peppers, onion, and tomato. We ended up only using about ¼ of each pepper. We put a small pan on the stove at a high heat and poured some olive oil on it as it warmed. We occasionally stirred it as it cooked.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We put 12 eggs in a bowl with some milk and mixed it up to a good consistency. We put a larger pan on the stove and greased the pan with some spray butter we found in my refrigerator that my mom must have bought. Now we were ready for the magic.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We poured half of our eggs in the larger pan so that it covered the whole circular area. We then threw a bunch of shredded cheese on the whole thing. We grabbed a handful of spinach and put it on half of the omelet. More cheese then we put our cooked peppers, onions and tomatoes on it. We sliced our avocado in half and put some slices on it. Again all this is only on half of the surface. We eyeballed to see if the eggs we cooked. Then, the side without the veggies on it, we scrapped and folded itself onto the other side of our omelet. And there you have it…</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0402.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-258" title="IMG_0402" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0402.jpg?w=660&h=553" alt="" width="660" height="553" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; text-align: left; ">As you can see, it’s way too stuffed. We decided for our second omelet we would roughly do the same thing just with less veggies on the inside. It was better…</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0403.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-259" title="IMG_0403" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0403.jpg?w=660&h=553" alt="" width="660" height="553" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I should mention that I’ve never made an omelet before. I’ve watched other people do it and just kind of faked my way through this whole experience, relying on common sense and intuition. Ultimately we concluded we used too many eggs and too many vegetables. However the whole thing was delicious but we both couldn’t finish our monster omelets. Success, we were full and satisfied with our meal.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">After we cleaned the kitchen in my apartment we headed to John’s house to start a garden in the backyard. This is another situation where I might have a little more experience than John. John’s old roommate, Clifford, use to have a large vegetable garden, a small herb garden and an organic compost pile in their backyard. However Clifford moved out and his garden died and over grew. John really wanted to start fresh and get in the habit of growing some of his own food. Once we walked out into the backyard we realized we probably won’t get to gardening today. Today we were going to be clearing out the weeds and mowing the grass. Thankfully it wasn’t grossly hot and it was mostly cloudy day. I found some gloves and begun to clear out some weeds in the small garden by hand while John searched for a lawn mowed then wrestled with figuring out how to work the weed whacker. I found the place Clifford had his old compost pile and straighten up the edging. I got tired fast and it felt like we weren’t accomplishing anything.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I went over to help with the weed whacker situation. He was having trouble finding a long enough extension cord. Together we covered more ground and took care of the problem. (Go Team John and Sarah!) Well we just gave up on getting the weed whacker to reach the back garden. (yay?) We took turns using it around the patio, touching up the small garden and fence edge and clearing a path to get to the recycling and garbage cans. (Go Team Go!) I also started straightening up the patio. It was getting late in the afternoon and we wore the weed whacker wire down to nothing. We figured we needed to make a trip to Home Depot for more supplies. We showed up to the complex only to realize how utterly dehydrated we both were. We called it a day and took a nap.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Now that we have a better idea of what we’re up against, we will be much more prepared for the backyard next weekend.</p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-10686807135422411112010-08-23T23:52:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:52:58.394-08:00First Day of School<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">It’s that time of year – back to school! The smell of newly sharpened pencils, the sound of freshly cracked books, the colorful array of new clothes on children coming back for another year of education is an exciting experience not only for students but also spectators. I always get a little nostalgic when school starts again. I loved school. How can you not? I mean sure, the people sometimes sucked and the food was awful and many of the assignments were bull shit but every new year was a chance to start over again. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/6335_1174884223244_1562223754_441221_2549331_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-447" title="6335_1174884223244_1562223754_441221_2549331_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/6335_1174884223244_1562223754_441221_2549331_n.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>I miss the mind-set that anything could happen and I can do anything. That hopeful innocence gets lost over time. I still feel like I can do anything but it’s different. (that’s my niece, Madeline, in the picture on her first day of Kindergarten 2009 )</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">In Austin regular schools start today while the Universities and Colleges start on Wednesday. The whole city had been subdued in the summer and now is a hustle and bustle of activity and people. The blinking yellow light of the school zone I was biking through caught me by surprise today. College students clutter central Austin, jay-walking and generally being obnoxious. I’m starting to feel very bitter-sweet about the whole experience. On one hand, I feel an incredible warmth for all the hopeful grade schoolers and on the other hand, I’m very annoyed and feel rather cold towards the party-hungry college kids. Does this mean I’m getting old?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I recently got a teaching/mentoring job at a High School. I will be heading an after-school film club at Travis High School. I’m really excited but a little nervous. I was a relatively good high schooler. I wanted to learn; I wanted to be there. Will my kids? What if they don’t like me? They don’t have to show up because it’s an after school program, so what if they don’t? Do I have what it takes to inspire and teach?! When I think about my favorite teachers, they were always the ones who didn’t take any shit from anyone – student, faculty or administration – they were the rebel teachers.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/first-day-of-school.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-574" title="first-day-of-school" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/first-day-of-school.jpg?w=240&h=300" alt="" width="240" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>I worry about the state of education, especially in Texas. It seems like the state would rather spend money on roads and parks than the future leaders, our prosperity. I feel like every political topic can all come back to education. <em>Hey you Tea Partier, You hate paying taxes – you don’t want your tax dollars to pay for some “lazy” person’s wellfare, Well maybe if we had a stronger school system then, we could possibly have a technological, medical, and industrial growth then we would have a stronger economy and we wouldn’t have as many people mooching off a social system that is made for dire conditions.</em> That’s probably an over generalized example. How about: <em>Hey you Pro-Lifer (that ultimately mixes up personal preference and the government’s control over your body), maybe instead of protests and bombing Planned Parenthood, maybe you could use that money to help educate young people on how to have safe sexual practice so that they don’t have to accidentlly get knocked up and get an abortion OR have the baby, not be able to provide for it, get on wellfare, work a bad minimum wage job, leave the child unsupervised, the kid grows up turns to drug and violence and ultimately ends up robbing YOU, Pro-Lifer with your VW Jetta</em>! Wow I should stop. I’m getting worked up. BUT my point is, most problems start with kids and can be fixed with proper education.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I know my teaching job doesn’t start for another couple of weeks, and I am not a student anymore but I have an impulse to go get a new outfit and lay it out on my desk chair for Wednesday’s day at work, to organize my backpack and make sure my pencils are all sharpen.</p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-77764339586569410072010-08-18T23:50:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:51:38.417-08:00Welcome [Centers]!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">On our road trip we realized that State Welcome Centers are helpful things and decided to try and stop at as many as we could. Here is the Best of Welcome Centers. . .</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Louisiana:</p><div id="attachment_350" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 520px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/36814_10150238443950483_716225482_14059243_7883567_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="size-full wp-image-350 " title="36814_10150238443950483_716225482_14059243_7883567_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/36814_10150238443950483_716225482_14059243_7883567_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a><p class="wp-caption-text" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center; ">Welcome to Louisiana</p></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center; "></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0022.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-353" title="IMG_0022" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0022.jpg?w=510&h=680" alt="" width="510" height="680" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/36814_10150238443950483_716225482_14059243_7883567_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "></a><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0027.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-351" title="IMG_0027" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0027.jpg?w=510&h=680" alt="" width="510" height="680" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_00281.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-352" title="IMG_0028" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_00281.jpg?w=510&h=680" alt="" width="510" height="680" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/46009_10150238444845483_716225482_14059252_4028885_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-354" title="46009_10150238444845483_716225482_14059252_4028885_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/46009_10150238444845483_716225482_14059252_4028885_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Misssissippi:</p><div id="attachment_355" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 520px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0089.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="size-full wp-image-355" title="IMG_0089" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0089.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a><p class="wp-caption-text" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center; ">Welcome to Mississippi</p></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center; "></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Tennessee:</p><div id="attachment_356" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 520px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/41332_10100301269635110_7933661_63997594_6549889_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="size-full wp-image-356" title="41332_10100301269635110_7933661_63997594_6549889_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/41332_10100301269635110_7933661_63997594_6549889_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a><p class="wp-caption-text" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center; ">Tennessee Welcome You</p></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center; "></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/40444_10100301269680020_7933661_63997598_6146417_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-357" title="40444_10100301269680020_7933661_63997598_6146417_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/40444_10100301269680020_7933661_63997598_6146417_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0095.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-358" title="IMG_0095" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0095.jpg?w=510&h=680" alt="" width="510" height="680" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/40399_10100301269829720_7933661_63997605_7867814_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-359" title="40399_10100301269829720_7933661_63997605_7867814_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/40399_10100301269829720_7933661_63997605_7867814_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0100.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-360" title="IMG_0100" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0100.jpg?w=510&h=680" alt="" width="510" height="680" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/40632_10100301269864650_7933661_63997607_3889178_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-361" title="40632_10100301269864650_7933661_63997607_3889178_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/40632_10100301269864650_7933661_63997607_3889178_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Virginia:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0200.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-362" title="IMG_0200" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0200.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0201.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-363" title="IMG_0201" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0201.jpg?w=510&h=680" alt="" width="510" height="680" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Maryland:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/33511_10100301273387590_7933661_63997721_5504761_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-364" title="33511_10100301273387590_7933661_63997721_5504761_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/33511_10100301273387590_7933661_63997721_5504761_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/41341_10150238479555483_716225482_14060341_4682678_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-365" title="41341_10150238479555483_716225482_14060341_4682678_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/41341_10150238479555483_716225482_14060341_4682678_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/41051_10150238479625483_716225482_14060347_6727139_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-366" title="41051_10150238479625483_716225482_14060347_6727139_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/41051_10150238479625483_716225482_14060347_6727139_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0268.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-367" title="IMG_0268" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0268.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Pennsylvania:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0272.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-368" title="IMG_0272" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/img_0272.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">New Jersey:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/45888_10150238488845483_716225482_14060579_4078457_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-369" title="45888_10150238488845483_716225482_14060579_4078457_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/45888_10150238488845483_716225482_14060579_4078457_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/welcome-to-ny-yellow-brown.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">and New York:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/nysign2.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "></a></p></span><p></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/nysign2.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "></a></p>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-67120365467065711492010-08-17T11:48:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:48:37.181-08:00Eating Across America<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">As Amy and I went through our photos from the road trip, we came across a good amount of pictures where I’m eating, or drinking or had just eaten. I guess food inspires us to take pictures. I thought it was funny, so here you have it, me eating across America…</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/39969_10100301267394600_7933661_63997504_7352986_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-304" title="39969_10100301267394600_7933661_63997504_7352986_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/39969_10100301267394600_7933661_63997504_7352986_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>At Little Bigs in Houston eating a slider.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/46035_10100301267893600_7933661_63997525_7564221_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-305" title="46035_10100301267893600_7933661_63997525_7564221_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/46035_10100301267893600_7933661_63997525_7564221_n.jpg?w=510&h=680" alt="" width="510" height="680" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Eating fried chicken in the car somewhere in Louisiana.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/36828_10100300448296080_7923388_63969222_696746_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-306" title="36828_10100300448296080_7923388_63969222_696746_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/36828_10100300448296080_7923388_63969222_696746_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Drinking a <em><em>piña colada </em></em>on Bourbon Street.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/40983_10100301272728910_7933661_63997695_2296671_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-312" title="40983_10100301272728910_7933661_63997695_2296671_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/40983_10100301272728910_7933661_63997695_2296671_n.jpg?w=510&h=680" alt="" width="510" height="680" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Rocket Pop by the Reflecting Pool in DC</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/45398_10150252840380643_772095642_14090306_935376_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-309" title="45398_10150252840380643_772095642_14090306_935376_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/45398_10150252840380643_772095642_14090306_935376_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Chinese food in China Town in Washington DC.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/40533_10100301273677010_7933661_63997731_4811710_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-307" title="40533_10100301273677010_7933661_63997731_4811710_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/40533_10100301273677010_7933661_63997731_4811710_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Philly Cheese Stake in Philadephia…</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/44554_10100301274774810_7933661_63997777_3822645_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-308" title="44554_10100301274774810_7933661_63997777_3822645_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/44554_10100301274774810_7933661_63997777_3822645_n.jpg?w=510&h=382" alt="" width="510" height="382" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>And Eating a Pinini in a New York City deli</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Yep. I like food.</p><div align="center" class="adcode" style="padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; "></div></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-69947415191087492782010-08-16T23:59:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:47:17.925-08:00Things I’ve learned while at camp (in no particular order):<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">The summer 2010 I did something that I will probably never get to do again, I went to camp, an all boys camp at that, at the ripe old age of 25. Part of me wished that I had gone there under the guise of a sociological study of human behavior, specially males in their gender programming as done through camp. I feel like I could have written and some sort of great thesis paper or dissertation on this that would eventually one day get published. Maybe I would title it <em>What Boys Do When [They Think] Girls Aren’t Around: Male Gender Programing and Behavior at Summer Camp. </em>But alas I was not their for social science purposes and I did not collect any solid data or conduct any real surveys. I did observe many things that I thought I would share with you.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Before I get into it I did also learned a lot about myself this summer when it comes to my prejudgments of country living and people I fondly use to refer to as “townies”, people from small towns. I went completely outside myself even though I was very uncomfortable at first and I came out a better person for it.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Boys like to dance.</strong> Oh yes ladies, the boys at camp love to get down. Every cabin clean up, cookie line, rest period, commissary, and shower-time the boys would dance to whatever music we played. It was amazingly hilarious. I ended up making two dance montage videos featuring just the campers and counselors dancing. However there is a small decrease in the dancers starting with the 11-13 year olds.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Boys love pop music</strong>. This mostly refers to the younger campers but I have never heard more pop music in my life than I did at camp. All summer long I heard <em>Party in the USA</em> by Miley Cyrus and <em>Tik Tok</em> by Ke$ha and <em>Poker Face</em> by Lady Gaga etc.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Boys will do things without any consideration for anyone around them but themselves.</strong>Granted, the camp that I’m not allowed to mention, does try make the boys more independent and self reliant. However a lot of these boys could just be called selfish.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Boys love ‘MERICA! </strong>Seriously I’ve never been around so many people with such extreme patriotism and national pride. Some of the campers asked me one day which country I was from. I didn’t know where this was going so I answered. They seemed surprised that I was from America because “[I] don’t say the pledge [of allegiance]” in the morning. I was taken back. I explained that being an American gives me the freedom to choose to actually say the pledge of allegiance but that I do love my country and give it my respect. I am always quiet and respectful during the whole flag raising. This didn’t satisfy them because they ended up calling me a “terrorist”.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><span style="text-align: center; display: block; "><object width="510" height="317" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; "></object></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I feel like many of the boys actually felt like this song. Fuck Yeah!</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Texas Two-Step.</strong> Every Saturday night all the counselors and basically the whole town of Kerville, Ingram and Hunt go to this rodeo and country-music club called, Criders. I was very reluctant to go to this club since I’m not really a fan of country music but my friend, Kevin, convinced me to go and it was actually fun. Some of the guys even took the time to teach me how to Texas Two Step. It was fun. I genuinely looked forward to going on Saturday and drinking the $2 Bud Lite Lime.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Friendship is probably one of the most important things there is. period. </strong><strong><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/38938_10150223470925403_589340402_13959806_4237940_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-264" title="38938_10150223470925403_589340402_13959806_4237940_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/38938_10150223470925403_589340402_13959806_4237940_n.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></strong>I thought a lot about the nature of friendship this summer. What makes two people come together and become friends – shared interests and likes? proximity to one another? The campers that liked camp were the ones that made friends and the campers that didn’t like camp and tired to run away were usually the ones that had a harder time. Personally, I had a lot more fun once I made friends too. It’s hard being a loner when everyone around you is having fun. I really appreciate of people like Kevin (in picture with a silly mustache I convinced him was a good idea), Ashley, Katharine, Andrew, Francesco, Kile, etc. Thanks for accepting me in the camp family.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><em><strong>Summer Nights</strong></em><strong> from </strong><em><strong>Grease</strong></em><strong> has a whole new meaning</strong>. At camp people hook up and have relationships. I was guilty of this myself. Let’s look…<br /><em><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/1280552855.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-271" title="1280552855" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/1280552855.jpg?w=300&h=184" alt="" width="300" height="184" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></em><em>[him] Summer lovin’ had me a blas</em>t (Yeah It was actually fun)<br /><em>Summer lovin’ happened so fast</em>(meh I dunno)<br /><em>[him] I met a girl crazy for me</em> (I was not crazy for him. He was all right)<br /><em>Met a boy cute as can be</em> (he was cute)<br /><em>[Both] Summer days driftin’ away, to uh-oh those summer nights </em>(meh)<br /><em>Uh Well-a well-a well-a huh Tell me more, tell me more, Did you get very far?</em> (umm yeah)<br /><em>Tell me more, tell me more, Like does he have a car?</em> (actually he had a truck)<br /><em>Uh-huh uh-huh uh-huh uh-huh<br /><span style="font-style: normal; "><em>[him] She swam by me, she got a cramp</em> (whatever, I don’t cramp up when I swim but we did go swimming together)<br /><em>He ran by me, got my suit damp </em>(again not applicable)<br />[<em>him] I saved her life, she nearly drowned</em> (now this is a funny inside joke but he actually almost drowned the camp nurse BUT later saved a campers life)<br /><em>He showed off, splashing around</em> (he was kind of a show off but it’s cool)<br /><em>[Both] Summer sun, something’s begun, but uh-oh those summer nights</em> (meh)<br /><em>Uh well-a well-a well-a huh Tell me more, tell me more, Was it love at first sight?</em> (no. I noticed him. But once I heard him talk I hated him)<br /><em>Tell me more, tell me more, Did she put up a fight? </em>(we fought all the time)<br /><em>Uh-huh-uh-huh-uh-huh-uh-huh<br /><span style="font-style: normal; "><em>[him] Took her bowling in the arcade </em>(we did play games in an arcade and we sort of went bowling)<br /><em>We went strolling, drank lemonade </em>(n/a but there was lemonade in the dining hall which I’m sure we drank at some point)<br /><em>[him]We made out under the dock</em> (not at the dock, no)<br /><em>We stayed out ’till ten o’clock</em> (it was actually more like 1:30am and then he was done for the night)<br /><em>[Both] <strong>Summer fling, don’t mean a thing</strong>, but uh-oh those summer nights</em> (this I mostly agree with)</span></em></span></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; ">Other people’s summer flings ended tragically in real heart ache and sadnes</span></em></span></em><span style="font-style: normal; "><span style="font-style: normal; ">s</span></span><span style="font-style: normal; "><span style="font-style: normal; ">. </span></span><em><em><em>Thankfully mine had an understanding from the beginning.</em> </em></em><span style="font-style: normal; "><span style="font-style: normal; ">Al</span></span><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; ">most all the unattached girls at camp had a guy or two. It was all interesting. Those first couple weeks were probably more telling than I realize. I wish I could go back in time and watch it.<br /></span></em></span></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><strong>It’s pretty easy to ride a horse.</strong> I don’t know what all the fuss is about, it was really easy to ride a horse. Granted my horse did all the work but seriously piece. of. cake. I’m probably exaggerating but I kind of felt like I could handle myself on a horse but I felt bad about it. This animal could obviously crush and kill me at any moment, why on earth did it allow people to tame him.</span></em></span></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><strong>“One day at camp is like two weeks in real life.” </strong>There is a <a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">This American Life</a> episode about camp which I heard awhile back and decided to relistened to it while I was at camp and it took on a whole new meaning. I understood what all the fuss is about. There really is a difference between </span></em></span><span style="font-style: normal; "><span style="font-style: normal; ">regular people</span></span></em><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "> and </span></em></span><span style="font-style: normal; "><span style="font-style: normal; ">camp people.</span></span></em><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "> If you’ve never really been to a summer camp then you don’t understand the weird inside jokes, the traditions and the deep friendships. Even though I’ve only known these people (my camp friends) for 2 months, I care about them and would totally back them up. “One day at camp is like two weeks in real life” is a quote from that TAL episode and it is completely true. Camp is a bubble in a time warp. The outside world only exists when the mail comes. I had no idea what was happening with the BP oil spill or anything really because I was at camp. I maybe got like 10 minutes on the internet each day, if that. All that was important was what was going on at camp, the people and drama.</span></em></span></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><strong>The Stats (Inside Jokes):</strong><br /></span></em></span></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><strong>Favorite Summer Drink:</strong> Ice water from dining hall, Bud Lime from Criders, Jam Jar Wine with Ashley and the girls.</span></em></span></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><strong>Favorite Summer Food:</strong> Guacamole from dining hall, </span></em></span></em>Chili’s Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers ® with mashed potatoes and broccoli</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><em><span style="font-style: normal; "><strong>Favorite Summer Snack: </strong>Ice cream Snicker bars, Orange Dreamsicles, </span></em></span></em><strong></strong>Cascadian Farms Organic Vanilla Chip Granola Bars®</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Favorite Summer Activity: </strong>Swimming in the Guadalupe River then laying on the dock and letting the sun dry me while I listen to my ipod and watch the kidos play</p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-22046539686472009782010-08-16T23:44:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:45:20.691-08:00home<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Day 11 of the Young & Stupid, YES! Road Trip:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Unfortunately Amy had to be at work later tonight so we left Houston in hopes to get back to Austin with a enough time for her to relax before her shift. Originally we thought we could make it all the way last night but it was better that we didn’t. The drive from Houston was comically short in <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0404.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-646" title="IMG_0404" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0404.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>comparison to what we had been doing, we were averaging like 300 miles a day but still longer than we wanted. Other than being complete exhausted, I was feeling good about being home. I went away this summer to get away from my life, to find something new and I did. Even though last summer on Jessica’s and my west coast road trip our goal was to have a life epiphany, it didn’t necessarily happen. However this summer, without even trying I think I had one. I feel like my head is clear. I’m feeling confident that I”m going to do what’s right for me. I’m going to work hard. Also on top of everything I have a new fondness for Texas and everything Texan, including me. My whole life I haven’t really been proud to be from Texas. I even taught myself to not say<em> y’all</em>. But after this summer in small-town Texas and then traveling across the country, I realize that Texas isn’t that bad at all. It’s actually pretty great.</p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-40233719017359151982010-08-15T23:43:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:44:27.031-08:00More of the South: Sumter to Sara(h)land to Houston<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "><div class="post_content_wrapper" style="float: right; width: 510px; padding-top: 50px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 50px; padding-left: 15px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><div class="post_content" style="line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0375.jpg" style="color: rgb(226, 65, 91); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-638" title="IMG_0375" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0375.jpg?w=225&h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(56, 161, 229); border-right-color: rgb(56, 161, 229); border-bottom-color: rgb(56, 161, 229); border-left-color: rgb(56, 161, 229); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(156, 209, 225); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a><strong>Day 10 of ‘merica Road Trip:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I don’t want to say too much about all this because it will probably bore you. We drove and drove and drove through the eastern-southern part of the United States. We took 378 to Colombia then hit I-20 through Atlanta and Birmingham where we hit 59 so that we could hit I-12 which would become I-10 in Baton Rouge which would take us all the way to Houston.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0377.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-639" title="IMG_0377" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0377.jpg?w=270&h=203" alt="" width="270" height="203" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>The only thing worth mentioning about this leg of the trip is that my dad told us over and over and over that we’d have <em>perfect weather the whole way home. Hot and sunny. Shouldn’t be a problem.</em> And you know what, it rained for 3 states straight. Mississippi had the worse rain. <em>So much for the Weather Channel.</em> Thank goodness for This American Life podcasts on my ipod to take our minds off the crazy rain that hit us from all sides. The deadly rain did take our minds off being sad from the trip being over but we were both very pensive. We reflected about everything we saw and did.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Amy was not looking forward to going back home while I was looking forward to getting my life back. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0376.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-640" title="IMG_0376" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0376.jpg?w=270&h=203" alt="" width="270" height="203" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>After being at camp all summer then going on a cross-country road trip, I was ready to start over and do things the way I want to do things. I was going to get another job and make things work in Austin or I was going to leave. I now know more cities I would like or could to live in: New Orleans, Philadelphia, New York City, maybe Nashville, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Ausitn. We when get to Houston we crash out on the beds. <strong></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong><a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/2010/09/young-stupid-yes-have-fun-pt-13.html" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Read Amy’s post</a><br /></strong></p><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 10px; "></div></div></div><dl class="post_meta" style="float: left; display: inline; width: 120px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 35px; padding-left: 15px; margin-top: 34px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; text-align: right; line-height: 17px; "></dl></span></div>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-72068366242082871252010-08-14T23:42:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:42:55.680-08:00From the center of the universe to no-mans-land<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Day 9 of the Young & Stupid, YES! Road Trip:</strong><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0367.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-623" title="IMG_0367" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0367.jpg?w=180&h=240" alt="" width="180" height="240" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Another night of no sleep and we were about to drive for 12+ hours. What.A.Mistake. I got everyone up for one final time. We were all sluggish, half because we were tired and half because it was over. We quickly packed and headed down to the car to load it up. The boys were going to catch a bus to Vermont to go stay with one of Sam’s friends. It was all happening very fast.<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0368.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-624" title="IMG_0368" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0368.jpg?w=180&h=240" alt="" width="180" height="240" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>They left us before we were even done packing the car. I gave them long hugs because I didn’t know when I would see my foreign brothers again. They were leaving. We were leaving. Amy and I had sort of took care of them and I wanted to know that they were going to be okay. I told them to call if something went wrong. Franco made some joke that made me smile. I felt like crying. Sam seemed to have been holding back his emotions. He was very short with the good bye. Amy and I were both sad.<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0369.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-625" title="IMG_0369" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0369.jpg?w=240&h=180" alt="" width="240" height="180" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We got on the road. Amy and I both maybe got 3 hours of sleep. Our plan was to take I95 all the way to South Carolina and then cut over to Sumter. After we got out of the city, we hit up a convenience store for gas and caffeine, Lots of caffeine. We took turns driving about every 2 hours. We were both so so so tired. I started playing some of my episodes of This American Life I had put on my ipod for this occasion. I was glad Amy liked it. She drifted in and out of consciousness while I drove and I did the same when she drove.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/40050_10100301328981180_7933661_63999333_2382208_n1.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-628" title="40050_10100301328981180_7933661_63999333_2382208_n1" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/40050_10100301328981180_7933661_63999333_2382208_n1.jpg?w=198&h=270" alt="" width="198" height="270" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Somewhere in Virgina we hit traffic, stand-still traffic. It was amazing because there wasn’t even a service road to turn off to to try and avoid it. We put the car in park for awhile and traded places again. We ended up talking to the car next to us that said it was beach traffic but according to our road maps, the Virgina Beach was like 4 hours away. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/40952_10100301328876390_7933661_63999328_7706978_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-629" title="40952_10100301328876390_7933661_63999328_7706978_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/40952_10100301328876390_7933661_63999328_7706978_n.jpg?w=243&h=183" alt="" width="243" height="183" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We went a little crazy in traffic. Thankfully we had gas. Once we started to move a little and see some civilization we got the fuck off I-95. We lost about 2-3 on our trip. We ate Chili’s and complained about I-95 and Virgina. We kept saying “What the fuck” over and over.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">With our tummy’s full we got back on the road. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/45233_10100301329021100_7933661_63999335_6223554_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-634" title="45233_10100301329021100_7933661_63999335_6223554_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/45233_10100301329021100_7933661_63999335_6223554_n.jpg?w=270&h=203" alt="" width="270" height="203" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>The landscape from Virginia all the way through to South Carolina all looked the same. Trees and road. Amy and I continued to take turns driving every couple of hours. My brother, Andy, my sister-in-law, Marsha, and my dad were expecting Amy and I to be in South Carolina for dinner around 7 or 8. I had been calling my dad all day updating him on the traffic situation and I told him not to wait for us and to just eat without us. He insisted that they wait for some reason. We didn’t actually get there until about 10:30. Andy was a little cranky from being hungry. Amy and were a little sick from being in the car and were thankful for another home-cooked meal. While I caught up with Marsha, my dad talked Amy’s ear off. We ended up crashing about midnight or so, hoping to be refueled for the next day, the longer day of driving.</p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-17069643275676788812010-08-13T23:40:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:41:25.508-08:00The (big) Apple of my Eye<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Day 8 of ‘merica Road Trip:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Oh New York City, if I had more talent I would write and perform a song about you in front of everyone. We woke up ready for another great day. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0333.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-613" title="IMG_0333" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0333.jpg?w=225&h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>I was happy to get out of a king-sized bed that all four of us slept in. I ended up crashing on the floor for part of the night. As we got ready, we all started to realize, this was also our last day together. We had to make it count. All our traveling brought us here. We went down the street to a little deli and had a lunch-flavored breakfast and headed to Time Square. Since the boys had never been here, but Amy and I both had, it actually for the first time felt like we were in control of what we were going to do for the day. The closer we got to Time Square the more we were bombarded with people stopping us to offer us stuff. I made the mistake of making eye-contact with one of them and got roped into a conversation. He wanted to “give us the opportunity” to see this great comedy show, happening later tonight – <em>It was going to be awesome and it would only cost us $10 per person</em>. This sounded fine but then I got more information: it turns out it’s $10 per person plus a 2 drink minimum (the catch). I playfully asked how much the average drinks were and he said, “oh only $8-12.” <em>(Only?</em>) When Amy and the boys heard that they started to walk away. I explained to the guy that it wasn’t worth it. He was really asking us to spend $30 per person which was ridiculous. He made some crack about that this wasn’t Texas and that we weren’t going to find another deal like that. He also started teasing Amy because she said something like “Sorry I can’t commit” and he said, ” is that why you don’t have a <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0334.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-615" title="IMG_0334" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0334.jpg?w=225&h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>boyfriend” This was the last we saw of this man.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Time Square has changed since the last time I was here (summer of 2007). They seemed to have closed off a couple of the streets and built these bleachers. It’s more of a pedestrian area now. They also built a big color statue of the famous photo<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-J_Day_in_Times_Square" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "> V-Day in Time Square</a> (trust me you’ve seen this photo). It was all very bizarre. Also we had been telling the boys all about Virgin Records in Time Square, which we discovered had closed. I was a little conflicted: change is good and all but I miss the way Time Square use to be. I wanted to show the boys the New York that I know and loved. We didn’t have a ton of time. While the boys were in awe of the size of the buildings, the amounts of people, and the wonderful aromas of street vendors, Amy and I shopped in H&M. I love H&M and don’t understand why they can’t just build one in Texas. We did our thing and I have no idea what the boys were doing. When we finished shopping, we found that the boys had made a friend, a friend trying to sell them tickets to a comedy show. Louis is actually really cool to talk to and his comedy show will only cost us $5 per person with a 2 drink minimum where drinks cost about $5 plus <a href="http://www.judahfriedlander.com/home2.htm" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Judah Freidlander</a> was going to be doing stand up. We decide to to do it because we didn’t have any other real plans.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We were all getting a little tired but wanted to keep on truckin’ so we head to Central Park. We manage ourselves through the subway crowds to get to the park. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0343.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-616" title="IMG_0343" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0343.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>I know how much Sam loves John Lennon so we went to Imagine and Strawberry Fields. It had been a few years since I had been there but I still knew where it was. We could have easily spend a couple of days just wandering around the park and checking out the site but again we were on a time crunch. We parked ourselves on a bench at Imagine and watched some mediocre musicians play. I was focused on some NYU film crew illegally filmming people. We walked along The Lake passing Cherry Hill towards Bethesda Fountain where there some street performers and a man making giant bubbles. Amy’s and my friend Allen, who had just recently moved to NYC was planning on meeting us so we walked back down to the more southern part of the park, down The Mall with cool statues, towards The Pond. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0351.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-617" title="IMG_0351" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0351.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We all laid in the grass as we waited for him, half falling asleep. When he got there we caught up. He told us all about his experiences in New York. Allen does film too. We actually graduated together. It was good to see he was doing pretty well for himself working and living in Williamsburg. Should I move to New York City?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We all headed back to the hotel to clean up for dinner. We were taking the boys to Little Italy for dinner. As a weird turn of events we actually bumped into the Hungarian dishwashers from camp. It was really strange. I didn’t stop and talk to long, mostly because I was starving and really just wanted to eat. Little Italy was busting with things to do. There were all times of shops and merchants. Amy and I bought raffle tickets from some Catholic nuns for a chance to win $2500. I even bought some blessed rosaries from them as souvenirs to give. Finding a restaurant was some what of a challenge. Sam didn’t want to spend any money, I was just impatient to eat anywhere, Amy wanted some place good, on top of the fact that every Italian host to each other restaurants was begging for our business.<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0358.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-618" title="IMG_0358" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0358.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>The food was good but right after we had sat down I wished we had gone to the other place. It was a lovely meal.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Allen left us and we tried to find out way to the comedy club. We ended up calling Louis a couple of times because we were a little lost in an area we didn’t want to be lost in. The club was small but quaint. I felt like it was an authentic comedy club and not one that you’d see on Comedy Central. It wasn’t super crowded but full enough of people that we had to sit in the back. Sitting in the back is good at a comedy club because then you don’t have to be apart of the act. There was a table of girls in the front who every comedian used for material. They were from Jersey and in town because one of them was celebrating her 22 birthday or something. Judah Freidlander didn’t show up but the other comedians were hilarious so we hardly cared.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0366.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-619" title="IMG_0366" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0366.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We stayed our later than I wanted. We stumbled our way back to the hotel. If this trip were a movie, this would be the climax of the trip but it didn’t feel like it. Yes we had fun but it didn’t feel epic. We had lots of laughs and smiles but really was this it? One of my favorite things about New York City is that I feel at any moment anything can happen. It’s unpredictably beautiful and complex. Even at 2am as we walked through the Village hoping for a subway station there were a good amount of people out to ask for help.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/2010/09/young-stupid-yes-have-fun-pt-11-in-new.html" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Amy’s Blog</a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/2010/09/young-stupid-yes-have-fun-pt-12-new.html" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">and more</a></p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-63854800804793305412010-08-12T23:39:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:40:11.554-08:00Philly to Jersey to NYC<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Day 7 of the Young & Stupid, YES! Road Trip:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We woke up at Terrence’s parents’ house, which apparently is in New Jersey and not Pennsylvania, feeling refreshed. Well, Sam had a rough night of puking and was a little bit hung over. Actually he had blown chunks in Amy’s Styrofoam longhorn cooler that we had to inevitably throw away. Terrence flew back to Austin before we had woken up so we didn’t want to stay too long. After we hung out with Terrence’s mom, we packed up the car and headed out to check out Philly’s tourist mustsees.<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0275.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-578" title="IMG_0275" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0275.jpg?w=225&h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">It was a nice day, maybe like 80 or 90 something but not too hot and cloudy. We headed in town towards the The Liberty Bell. Navigating through Philadelphia in the day light was a little easier. We did get a little lost in Camden which apparently is a bad neighborhood but we found our way. In the sunlight I noticed that the Ben Franklin/676 Bridge is actually really nice looking. Driving over it, I fantasized about how it would be to bike over it. I miss my bike. We found the Liberty Bell at Market and 6th but parked a couple blocks down at Washington Square park. As the boys and I were feeding the meter (we only had enough for a little over an hour) Amy managed to shut the car door on her boob. It was pretty funny, not that I take pleasure in her pain. I<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0277.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-580" title="IMG_0277" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0277.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>‘m sure it hurt, I’m just not sure how something like that actually happens.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We went to the Liberty Bell park which I was a little disappointed to know that it’s in a museum that you have to wait in line to go see. The boys really wanted get some food, specifically Philly Cheese Stakes, but Amy and I wanted to just see the bell. While we were talking about all this, one of Amy’s dad’s best friends walks by and stops Amy. It was delightfully strange coincidence for them to see each other. She shot the shit with him and his wife and then we went to check out the Liberty Bell. The line was long. The boys weren’t back from their Philly Cheese Stake stand by the time we got in there. It was a cute museum. I was disappointed to read the actual history of the Liberty Bell. See the boys have been asking Amy, who has a minor in history, and me all about American history while we’ve been on this trip. I thought the Liberty Bell got it’s crack after it’s first ring which became symbolic. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0283.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-581" title="IMG_0283" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0283.jpg?w=225&h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Amy thought it was something else, like it was hurt in a battle or something but I think she agreed with me about it broke on the first ring. While in the museum we discover that it broke gradually over time and they kept repairing it. LAME. It was very crowded but we still wanted our Liberty Bell picture, which proved harder than I thought. People were constantly walking in front of each other’s shots. We finally catch up with the boys who were stuffing their faces with Cheese Stakes. We headed back to the park to continue eating and relax a little. It was the best Cheese Stake I’ve ever had and I don’t even like Cheese Stakes. Unfortunately, we were a minute or two late for the meter and got a $30 ticket! The worst part was we were right there the whole time. Philadelphia was not treating Amy well.</p><div id="attachment_583" class="wp-caption alignright" style="float: right; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; width: 310px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0276.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="size-medium wp-image-583" title="IMG_0276" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0276.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a><p class="wp-caption-text" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center; ">Amy flicks off Philadelphia</p></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">The last thing we had to do before we left the City of Brotherly Love, The Rocky Steps. Franco is actually a semi-professional boxer in Manchester, England, and LOVES the Rocky movies. The steps are actually apart of the<a href="http://www.philamuseum.org/" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Philadelphia Museum of Art</a> which I wish we would have actually gone and seen. We all ran up them. The boys were in bliss. They loved loved loved it. After sneaking into the museum for a quick restroom pit stop and a brief combing of the gift shop for postcards, we got back in the car and got on the road.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We were close to our final destination. So close. Our spirits were high. It was my turn to drive and everyone took this opportunity to take a nap. While the boys were nodding off, I end up getting lost in some small town, Bristol. Being lost wakes everyone up and then the ridiculousness began.<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0306.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-585" title="IMG_0306" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0306.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a> Amy and Franco had a fight in the car. It’s hard to describe, other than Franco pushed Amy’s seat forward so that she couldn’t move and then rubbed his gross feet all over her. It begins to drizzle and after losing an hour or so of time, we get back in route, Amy drives, taking the New Jersey Turnpike (aka I-95) all the way up to Route 3 in Northern Jersey. Amy’s Polish Grandmother, who lives in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutherford,_NJ" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Rutherford</a>, was expecting us for dinner.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">When we get there, we are exhausted. Thankfully Amy’s amazing grandmother and uncle had made us a wonderful homemade meal, a vegetable stir fry with rice – YUM. At dinner we recapped what had happened, and what we’d seen. Amy’s grandmother told us some stories about Amy as a kid. They were very warm towards us and wanted us to stay the night but we declined. After dinner, Amy and I took a cat nap on the bed in the office. I couldn’t tell you what the boys were doing during this because I was so tired I was dead to the world. I’m sure they entertained Amy’s uncle with their stories of foreign lands. We wake up after about 45 minutes of sleep and get going to the Big Apple.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">As we get closer to the city, the boys and myself were pressed against the windows staring at all the lights. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0317.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-586" title="IMG_0317" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0317.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>I start texting people for advice on things to do and places to go in NYC. My friend Ariel who was an actress in NYC and lived in Harlem overwhelmed my phone with options and advice. Thanks Ariel. We had vague plans to stay with a friend but After our friend didn’t answer his phone, Amy got us a hotel room off 28th and 7th Ave. Amy’s friend Steven met us at the hotel because we were going out!</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Steven went to high school with Amy and had moved to New York a while back. He was a great tour guide and drinking buddy. He took us to a bar that really I don’t know how to describe. It was just a bar. We drank and laughed. Some man tried to pick me up while I was playing the the juke box. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0324.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-587" title="IMG_0324" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0324.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>I gave him some silly bands and flirted but not enough to give him the idea that he could get any where with me. We drank until closing which was 4am then stumbled back to our hotel. We said our goodbyes to Steven. You will be missed.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/2010/08/young-stupid-yes-have-fun-pt-8-philly.html" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Amy’s Philly post</a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/2010/09/young-stupid-yes-have-fun-pt-9-touch-of.html" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Amy’s New Jersey post</a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/2010/09/young-stupid-yes-have-fun-pt-10-new.html" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Amy’s New york post</a></p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-13316968507066001402010-08-11T23:36:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:37:16.684-08:00Are we there yet?!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Day 6 of ‘merica Road Trip:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Another early morning (roughly 7am): I got everyone up and out so that we wouldn’t be late. We were all exhausted, when we finally got settled and into bed it was close to 3am. We were planning on meeting our friend from camp, (Nurse) Angie in Washington DC for lunch and I didn’t want to be late. We were checked out, moderately fed and on the road a little after 8am. In our quick haste we left my pillow in the hotel. I mourned the loss of it for an hour of the ride out-of-town. Everyone slept while I tried to stay awake and not drive us off a cliff. I got us into DC and didn’t really know where to go exactly. None of us had ever been to our Nation’s capital before. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/41154_10100301272130110_7933661_63997676_432404_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-440" title="41154_10100301272130110_7933661_63997676_432404_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/41154_10100301272130110_7933661_63997676_432404_n.jpg?w=225&h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Angie was on a train coming our way and was waiting for us to decided where to meet. We drove around in circles for a while, mostly because we didn’t know where to go but also because we couldn’t find parking. We ended up parking somewhere near the National Agricultural building or something and we walked towards the national malls, I think that’s what they call it. All of DC’s stereotypical landmarks are in one area. Is that a coincidence or not — is it because tourists are lazy and don’t like to travel around to get their fix?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We went to the Washington Monument first. We were not the only tourists in DC trying to see our capital’s spots. I couldn’t help but think of that moment in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Lisa_Goes_to_Washington" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">The Simpsons, Lisa Goes to Washington</a> [3.02] when Marge sees the Washington Monument and giggles and Homer says, “Oh Marge, grow up!” It was huge. I didn’t expect it to be so big. I wasn’t surprised that we weren’t going to be able to make the tour. Apparently people line up at 7am just to get tickets to be able to go on the tour. We headed down to the reflecting pool towards the Lincoln Memorial. We meandered around the World War II Memorial on the way, slowing down in the heat. Not only was it hot but it was tremendously humid. Walking down the reflecting pool we thought about the famous scene in Forrest Gump where Jenny runs in the reflecting pool as Forrest is giving a speech. We dared each other to go in and cool off but we didn’t feel like getting arrested. I was surprised by all the locals walking their dogs and babies in strollers as if it just a normal thing. They weren’t phased by the great historical memorials they were jogging past. It was just another day for them. The Lincoln Memorial was more crowded than the others.<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/46103_10100300502841770_7923388_63970738_2003694_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-442" title="46103_10100300502841770_7923388_63970738_2003694_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/46103_10100300502841770_7923388_63970738_2003694_n.jpg?w=225&h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">When we made our way to the top and weaved our way to the front, I couldn’t help but be in awe. Even though I have mixed feelings about America, I am still very interested in its history. Lincoln was bigger than I expected. It was very crowded and hot. I wanted to have a quiet moment of contemplation with Honest Abe. It’s tradition to ask him a question but I didn’t know what to ask him. I had traveled more than 1500 miles and in all that time I had forgotten to think up a good question to ask. I couldn’t really stress about it because it was impossible to think while I was boiling in my own skin. I tried to show Abe my love while Amy had a bone to pick with ol’ Abe: the day before the trip a Lincoln biography fell on her foot and busted her toe. She had plans to kick him in the foot but couldn’t because of his size and the barrier around the bottom of the statue. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0223.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-450" title="IMG_0223" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0223.jpg?w=225&h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>This (see pic on left) was her revenge. We walked around the memorial some more, reading the walls when we just had to get out of there. We were walking down the steps trying to plan our next move when my phone rings and as I went to answer it, knowing it would probably be Angie, I slipped and fell backwards on my butt, falling down some 3-6 steps on the front steps of the Lincoln Memorial in front of some 200 strangers. Everyone stared at me but no one helped me up. I think some Asian teenagers took pictures of, probably under the impression that all Americans are clumsy. Sam, Franco, Amy and I were all hysterically laughing.<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/46048_10150238475010483_716225482_14060191_3295646_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-453" title="46048_10150238475010483_716225482_14060191_3295646_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/46048_10150238475010483_716225482_14060191_3295646_n.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a> It probably wasn’t even that funny but we just kept laughing. I wish I could have seen it. (see pic to right)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Angie was going to meet us back at the Washington Memorial then we were all going to go get some lunch…somewhere. We got there before she did and played the human <em>Where’s Waldo</em> to see who could find her first. Amy had met Angie briefly during our camp summer holiday break because Angie spent one night in Austin. Franco saw her first and just starting yelling at the top of his lungs “NURSE ANGIE! NURSE ANGIE” and waving uncontrollably to get her attention. She smiled and laughed. We all exchanged pleasantries and headed back to the car in search of food.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">DC is a beautiful place with beautiful old buildings that seem very symmetrical. The only obvious sucky thing about DC is that there isn’t any parking. We stopped looking for places to eat and mostly concentrated on finding another parking spot. We actually found one next to a park (success). Sam, Franco and I hopped out to save the spot while Amy and Angie drove around and bought to parking pass. And just as they were back around to pull into the spot this man starts backing into it. Now, I have to say, I was hot and hungry and determined to not lose this spot, thus I had the three of us standing in it. This man starts yelling at me to move and I start yelling back that he’d have to run me over if he wanted this spot. He kept backing up and I kept standing. This must have been an interesting scene to see because people started stopping and coming over to see the commotion. Eventually the boys grabbed me because Amy didn’t want to deal with this ridiculous man, who barely spoken English.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0236.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-464" title="IMG_0236" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0236.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We ended up parking at some Commerce Building garage where the security guards took our IDs and check our trunk. We were starving so we ate at the food court, stuffing ourselves with Middle Eastern food. After we were all energized we headed out to see things. See the thing is with DC is no one new what they wanted to see. Thankfully Angie helped us figure out good sites so we headed to the White House. We were in the back of the White House but it was funny because Amy and Sam said it was the front. Angie and I tried to tell them it was the back but they were sure it was the front. Once we walked to the front it was obvious to everyone. I just love it when I’m right.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We thought it best to go to the Smithsonian and check out all it had to offer. Boy, I had no idea that the Smithsonian was so big. It is basically a collection of museums all smashed together. It is obvious why it’s the ultimate field-trip destination. We strolled through mammals and considered our options. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0246.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-466" title="IMG_0246" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0246.jpg?w=225&h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Angie or Amy, I can’t remember, wanted to see the hope diamond so we headed upstairs to the Geology exhibit. All five of us lose each other in this exhibit. It was quite funny because once one of us would find another we would then split up again to find the others only to repeat over and over. I felt like we were in that exhibit for over an hour. Once we regrouped we went downstairs to the children’s area where we played with all the interactive science exhibits. I really wanted a copy of the constitution so we checked out the gift shop which is just as large and elaborate as some exhibit halls. I got my copy of the constitution and Angie, Amy and I waited for the boys for awhile. Apparently Sam bought personalized dogtags with his music Pen name, Sammy Jay, or something. Amy and I later laughed about this because Sam was constantly worried about money and hated spending money on food, but apparently personalized dogtags were a necessity.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">The cute man at the gift shop recommended that we eat dinner in Chinatown so we walked some 12 blocks uphill towards Chinatown. This was not my first Chinatown. I have been to the Chinatown in New York City and San Francisco and I’m starting to see a lot of the same things in each of these Chinatowns. They all have the same cheesy Asian gift shops and restaurants. We couldn’t decide which Chinese restaurant to ate at. Amy and I were leaning towards one that apparently was too expensive for the boys, but I mostly mean Sam, so we ate at this questionable little place that actually smelled like poo. The food was so so. I guess the price was right. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0259.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-468" title="IMG_0259" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0259.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>It was a nice dinner of everyone teasing me since I kept dropping food on my shirt. I had to even go to the restroom to try and get out all the food stains.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We had one quick stop at Starbucks so Amy could get another mug for her collection and then we parted ways with Angie. She was a lovely addition to our crazy travel group. We were really glad to have another person that could make decisions and settle disputes. I wondered if I’d ever get to see her again. Slowly, I have gotten more and more distance from my camp friends, my camp family. Angie, you will be missed. Thanks for hanging out with us. Thanks for being there at camp all summer.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We got back to the car after some debate on where we parked. We were in need of gas which was impossible to find in downtown DC. We ended up getting somewhat lost on the east side of town but we found a gas station. Somehow we found I95 and headed towards Philadelphia. I felt like it was a quick trip traveling through three (?) states peppered with many toll booths. In Delaware some bitchy toll booth lady freaked out because she thought Franco was trying to take a picture of her. She said she got out license plate number and that she would prosecute if she found her picture online. We spent the rest of the trip making fun of Delaware and declaring it the worst state ever. I think “Fuck you Delaware” was said a lot. I think a lot of that was Amy’s frustration with the drivers. I drifted in and out of consciousness and after a little bit of time so did the boys, leaving Amy brewing, by herself, about where we were going and bad drivers. I woke up once I realized we were in Philadelphia and lost. Amy was not in high spirits. We had made plans to meet up with Amy’s friend from work, Terrence, who was in town visiting his parents and friends. He was going to let us stay with him. Terrence told us to meet him at some bar that we had a little trouble finding. We circled the downtown Philadelphia for about an hour. Philadelphia is definitely a place I could see myself in. The boys slept the whole time but I was awake and being the navigator. We found the bar at about 1am. We meet up with Terrence and his friends and we hung out. We tried a couple of bars but settled on the first one which was half diner. Everyone decided to postgame at someone’s house so we went there and continued to drink and do what young people our age do. We didn’t make it to Terrence’s parents’ house until about 4am.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Another productive day.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/2010/08/young-stupid-yes-have-fun-pt-6.html" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Amy’s Washington DC post</a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/2010/08/young-stupid-yes-have-fun-pt-7.html" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Amy’s Delaware Post</a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/2010/08/young-stupid-yes-have-fun-pt-8-philly.html" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Amy’s Philadelphia post.</a></p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-62661856007333617752010-08-10T23:34:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:35:39.778-08:00Nashville to Lexington<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Day 5 of the Young & Stupid, YES! Road Trip:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0165.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-415" title="IMG_0165" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0165.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Another beautiful day that this country provided our travel. We woke up and got ready for Nashville. Now Amy had been to Nashville before because it was where her sister either got married or had the bachelorette party or both, (I honestly can’t remember, I know there was a flood involved, but that doesn’t make me a bad friend) so she acted as our travel guide. I was surprised by how beautiful Nashville was – I thought it would be a bunch of barefoot hicks with guitars in wood shacks but it actually looks surprisingly like Austin. Nashville, the Country Music Capital, and Austin, the Live Music Capital, both have clean downtowns with modern architecture but seem to have very normal neighborhoods outside of downtown where people’s kids could play in the front yard.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We were on a mission: cowboy boots! Now you have to understand that Sam and Franco were trying to experience all that ‘Merica had to offer this summer. At camp, everyone had cowboy boots except the foreign boys (I had to borrow some to go horseback riding) because it was a camp founded on horseback riding and being an cowboy. Sam and Franco wanted a pair of real cowboy boots. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0170.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-418" title="IMG_0170" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0170.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Amy came to the rescue and took us to Boot ‘n More on Broadway where if you ‘buy 1 pair [you] get 2 free’! We each got a pair of boots, actually Franco got two, and Sam also got a cowboy hat that he wore all the time. The store cuts you a deal so that you aren’t missing out on their special. Still high off the leather boot fumes we decided to go a couple doors down to see Hatch Show Print, which began churning out posters in 1879 and basically is a famous graphic design and print shop. Trust me if you are an American that has been alive in the last 100 years, you’ve seen their stuff. I contemplated buying some of their posters so that I could hang them up in my apartment when I got home but I didn’t think they posters could last the trip. We didn’t actually have that much room in the car. I settled on a Hatch Show Print t-shirt and a key chain that I gave to Amy to replace the one I lost in Houston.<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/40465_10150238466995483_716225482_14059985_2353990_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-428" title="40465_10150238466995483_716225482_14059985_2353990_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/40465_10150238466995483_716225482_14059985_2353990_n.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We went next door to a charming old soda shop / sweet shop that also served lunch food. We indulged in some sandwich/soup/salad combos and discussed what are plans were for the rest of the day. The boys were dead set on going to the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum, Amy was leading and I was just along for the ride.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We needed to make a quick stop at a bank. The boys still hadn’t been able to cash their pay checks from camp. We figured out that the boys could just write their checks over to Amy and then Amy could cash them. Thankfully the cute redhead bank girl make this easy while the crazy woman in Houston, days early, seemed to make us think it was impossible. Finally the financial burden was lifted and we all felt free. We went to the Country Music Hall of Fame and did the museum thing. I’m not a big country music fan but I enjoyed it. I use to hate country music because it reminded me of small-town, ignorant, racist, sexist, hill-billies but now, because of my summer at camp in small-town Texas, it reminds me of the simple pleasure in life that are easily enjoyed while living in the country. I enjoyed looking at all the old pictures and memorabilia. As we were leaving Nashville everything got dark and it started to pour. This was not good. We had 11 hours to drive to DC and it was around 4pm.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I drove us out of town and into the mountains. It was beautiful. The shower let up just as the sun was setting around the mountains. The road was windy but it was kind of exciting. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/40203_10100300502128200_7923388_63970700_2472095_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-429" title="40203_10100300502128200_7923388_63970700_2472095_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/40203_10100300502128200_7923388_63970700_2472095_n.jpg?w=225&h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Once we hit Virginia we stopped to play around at the Welcome Center, one of our favorite road trip past times. Half way through the night Amy and I switched and she drove. While the boys dozed in and out of consciousness, Amy and I began to lose our minds from the driving. This peaked around 12am when we decided that we were not going to be able to make it to DC. Amy hated driving at night on these windy roads in the mountains so we pulled off the interstate, following signs for hotels that seemed to not exists. We later found out we were in Lexington, Virginia. There was a strange fog and the rural roads looked awesomely creepy. Amy mentioned that she was scared of ghosts so I came up with elaborate tales of the civil war ghosts that haunted this area that could and probably would show up and try to get us more lost. It was mostly the delirium of driving 8 hours in a row but Amy was getting freaked out. We saw a sign for Stonewall Jackson’s house but we were failing on finding some place to stay. Finally we saw signs of life and after checking with a couple of hotels we settled on one. Well there was no turning back, we just travel more than half way to New York City.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Wanna read <a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/2010/08/young-stupid-yes-have-fun-pt-4.html" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Amy’s version of Nashville</a></p><div align="center" class="adcode" style="padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; "></div></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-82787189742815610612010-08-09T23:33:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:34:15.834-08:00A Big Hunk O’ the South<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Day 4 of ‘merica Road Trip:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We got up early and reluctantly left New Orleans. It was such an amazing place, our favorite so far. We swung by the Super Dome on the way out to get the appropriate sites checked off the foreign boys list of things to see. Another beautiful sunny day: We took loop 610 to I10 West so that we could hit I-55 North that would take us to Memphis. We hit the Mississippi border but decided to opt out of seeing the Welcome Center. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0092.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-382" title="IMG_0092" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0092.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We let Francesco drive since we wouldn’t be going into any major cities for in a while. Somewhere in Jackson we got pulled over, Mississippi because Franco “took too long to change lanes with his signals on” and the police officer was “worried” Franco was falling asleep at the wheel or something. Now this cop had the thickest accent I have ever heard, I was struggling to understand him. He looked at Amy’s and Franco’s IDs for a really long time, asked all of us stupid questions like “do you have any drugs?” and “have any of you ever been arrested” and then let us go. Mississippi sucks. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0091.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-383" title="IMG_0091" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0091.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We stopped in Grenada to eat some food, get some gas and change drivers. The boys were amazed by the way everyone talked. We stood out a little but thankfully we wouldn’t be in this stupid state for much longer.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We were happy to be in Tennessee. We stopped at the Welcome Center and played around a little. The Welcome Center had this amazingly random structure that reminded me more of playground equipment than a memorial. We stretched our legs and got some tour brochures with coupons Graceland and info about cheap hotels but not for too long since we were basically in Memphis and excited to see Graceland. Originally when the boys and I were planning the trip I asked them what were their top things to see and places to go and both had Graceland in their top three choices. Sam is a musician and thus is a music fanatic. Honestly, it was not one of my top choices of places to go but I was curious and later, glad we saw it. As we drove in the city it started to drizzle a little. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0113-copy.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-392" title="IMG_0113 - Copy" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0113-copy.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We played what Elvis Presley songs we had to get pumped up.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Graceland was very lively which we discovered was because it was Elvis Week. Apparently Elvis Week is a big deal in Memphis, it’s when the rest of the country’s Elvis lovers and aficionado pack up their trailers and head over to Graceland to get their Elvis fix. Sam and Franco are apparently big Elvis fans. They were giddy with this piece of Americana in front of them. The thing people don’t seem to mention about Graceland is that it costs a lot of money. There are different museums and tours but most of them cost like $50 a person minimally. Paying for information about Elvis’s life when Amy has internet on her phone with Wikipedia didn’t seem like it was a good use of our hard-earned money. We walked around and checked out the landmarks, the Lisa Marie plane, the mansion, etc. Interesting fact about the mansion: it’s tradition to write on the outside of the wall. There was a big crowd of people writing on the wall near the entrance of his mansion. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0109.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-393" title="IMG_0109" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0109.jpg?w=112&h=150" alt="" width="112" height="150" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We almost walked up to the mansion thinking it was okay but were stopped by a loud and overly aggressive security lady. We popped our heads in some gift shops and listened to some Elvis impersonators do his songs on a sad little stage in the parking lot. There are so many Elvis impersonators I began to have a difficulty recognizing real pictures of Elvis because every image of him looks fake. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0123-copy.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-397" title="IMG_0123 - Copy" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0123-copy.jpg?w=150&h=112" alt="" width="150" height="112" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We headed over to the Heartbreak Hotel, partially for the kitschy touristy value but also so Amy could buy stamps. It was an Elvis fanatic’s dream, very cheesy with a heart-shaped pool with a tile crack down the middle. The gift shop was out of stamps and sent us to this trailer in the parking lot that was yet another Elvis gift shop. Amy got her stamps and the kind old woman working the counter gave us advice on where to go in Memphis.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We took I-55 into the downtown area. The gift shop woman told us to head towards Beale street and that’s what we were going to do. The drizzle had been constant while we were experiencing Graceland but as we drove into Memphis a beautiful thing happened all at once:<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0126-copy.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-396" title="IMG_0126 - Copy" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0126-copy.jpg?w=225&h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>the rain stopped, the clouds opened, that song Walking in Memphis came on the radio just as we saw famous Memphis-Arkansas I-40 bridge. I made Amy open up the moon-roof so I could get a shoot of this strange road-trip miracle but it didn’t come out the way I had hoped. We parked on 2nd and Peabody and walked around a bit. The gift shop woman told us to take the Main Street trolley because it only costs a dollar it functions as a delightful way to see a lot of the downtown area. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0131.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-398" title="IMG_0131" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0131.jpg?w=112&h=150" alt="" width="112" height="150" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>This was great advice. The whole trip probably took a little over 30 minutes but it was fun. Downtown Memphis is very clean. You can tell at one point it was very industrial but over time had become more commercial. I wondered what it looked like before the Recession because there were a good amount of abandon old factories and buildings. We finished our ride and we saunter down Beale Street in search of some good ol’ Memphis barbecue. We were torn between two places but settled on one over the other because it seemed to be a little cheaper. In retrospect I wish we would have gone to the other place since the place we decided on specializes in BBQ pork (I don’t eat pork) and we experienced the worst service ever. We were in there for over 2 hours! They only had one guy waiting on the whole restaurant. Amy and I kept daring each other to start waiting tables but we were afraid they might actually hire us and we still had a lot of driving a head of us. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0145-copy.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-401" title="IMG_0145 - Copy" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0145-copy.jpg?w=112&h=150" alt="" width="112" height="150" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>The food was alright I guess, nothing to write home about, nothing like our meals in New Orleans. If we had more time we would have stayed and watched some local live music. Beale Street reminded me a lot of Austin’s 6th Street, lots of bars, restaurants, and live music.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Before we left town we had to go see the famous Sun Studio. My friend, Mike’s grandparents use to own the building and lease it to Sun Studio back in the day or so he tells me. It was a beautiful little studio. It was closed to we creeped around peeking into the windows and taking pictures.<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0161-copy.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-405" title="IMG_0161 - Copy" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0161-copy.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a> It was weird to think about all the music history that had been recorded right here at Sun Studio like Howlin’ Wolf, Little Milton, B.B. King Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis. This was another landmark that excited the boys.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We had to get on the road if we were going to make it to Nashville at a decent time. The sun was setting as we were at Sun Studio. I drove us out of town on I-40 into the darkness. I wish I could tell you what the landscaped looked like but again it was way too dark. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/44541_10100301270862650_7933661_63997640_558193_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-406" title="44541_10100301270862650_7933661_63997640_558193_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/44541_10100301270862650_7933661_63997640_558193_n.jpg?w=223&h=300" alt="" width="223" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We stopped somewhere between Memphis and Nashville for gas and sustenance, by that I mean doughnuts and soda (yum). I was losing some of my travel mojo and thus not being as fun. When we finally got to Nashville I went to sleep while the others drank and played around. Because of our budget and the randomness of finding a hotel kind of late at night, we had to compromise on our accommodations and settle on one king-sized bed for all four of us to sleep in. Thankfully I got to sleep on one of the edges. We had another big day coming up and the long driving was starting to get to me.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/2010/08/young-stupid-yes-have-fun-pt-3-memphis.html" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">For Amy’s Blog</a></p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-39459879319454178192010-08-08T23:31:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:32:00.417-08:00Crescent City<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Day 3 of the Young & Stupid, YES! Road Trip:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">After a night of drinking in New Orleans, I was surprised how effortless it was getting up. I say that, but I mostly speak for myself. In the last several years I have learned my limit and conditioned my body to not completely punish me for my nightly activities. I acted as the alarm clock for everyone which at first they resented me for but later were thankful for, or at least I hope. We had made plans to meet up with Amy’s friends for lunch at some place in the French Quarter. It was a beautiful day, very sunny with few clouds. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0045.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-337" title="IMG_0045" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0045.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We struggled to find it at first because we couldn’t find the street. We knew we were looking for some place called the Green Goddess on Bienville and Exchange Pl but we couldn’t find Exchange Pl. It turns out the at Exchange Pl is an ally of sorts which is why we had overlooked it. Boy was it hot. We didn’t mind too much about the heat, and sat outside to enjoy the city’s quaint atmosphere. We met Amanda and Laura, another one of Amy’s old friends, who was visiting Amanda from Chicago. We were extremely delighted by the food. It was the best food we could ever imagine. I ordered this amazing salad with salmon and avocado and some sort of cheese. Amy had this french toast stuffed with fig and goat cheese. Marvelous. I can’t really describe how good it was. It was just exactly what we needed. We parted way from Amanda and Laura with the promise that we’d see them later. We were off to explore New Orleans!</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">There’s so much to see, we weren’t sure where to start. We were suppose to meet up with a camp friend, Andrew, a Louisiana naive who had promised to take us to a off-the-beaten-path Voodoo Queen, but we never got<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0058.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-376" title="IMG_0058" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0058.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>a hold of him. We walked around the French quarter with eyes wide open. We took Chartres Str. towards Jackson Square and we dipped into a used bookstore to look at postcards. I picked up a gently loved travel book about Louisiana and Amy got some interesting used postcards.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Jackson Square was hoppin’ and full of a colorful array people, artists, performers and tourists, like us. We gawked at the art in amazement. I was definitely considering getting my tarot cards read from some lady for $30 but didn’t because 1.) that’s kind of a lot of money for something so silly 2.) I know how to read tarot cards and would probably be an ass about it if she read a card differently than I would and 3.) we had better things to do. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0051.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-339" title="IMG_0051" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0051.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We walked along the square on St. Peter’s Street towards the water to see the Mighty Mississippi, which is the largest river system in North America. It was all right I guess. I’m only kidding. The foreign boys were super excited by it and we were too. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_00531.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-345" title="IMG_0053" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_00531.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t what I expected. The color of the water was a sort of brownish grey; I thought it would be bluer. We wondered if it was always this color or if this was part of the afterglow of the BP Oil Spill or if this was all [Hurricane] Katrina’s fault or even just years of muck. I was briefly reminded of<em>Adventures of Huckleberry Finn</em>with Huck and Jim on the river and amused myself at the parallels between the book and our real life adventure. Were Amy and I struggling with the life’s expectations for us while Sam and Francesco just looking for something better? Maybe I need to read the book again, I’m not sure if I’m remembering it right. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0057.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-346" title="IMG_0057" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0057.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We continued wandering around the square. We knew that it was our duty as tourists to eat beignets and drink coffee at Cafe Du Monde so we ate beignets but it was way too hot for coffee. We weren’t sure where to go from there but my map showed there was a French Market with a farmers’ market and a flea market, not to far from the square so we headed there. The market seemed to be an open collection of shops, anything from bags, purses, dresses, sunglasses, jewelry, t-shirts, anything really. We wandered without real direction.<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0060.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-378" title="IMG_0060" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0060.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a> We saw a Jazz Heritage Museum and decided to see what it was all about. As we went in a concert going on, some sort of jazz student showcase. It was a celebration of Satchmo, aka Louis Armstrong. We listened and absorbed the unique experience we felt like we had stumbled across. We headed back towards the hustle and bustle of the market only to stop and Amy got Sweet Tea Vodka and lemonade which we all of course shared. We stopped and watched another jazz band more , zydeco than big band, play music. It was delightful. John called and laughed when I answered the phone because “that is the most stereotypical sound I could have imagined from you in New Orleans.”</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We continued to walk around the market, listening to all the live music, window shopping and tasting any free samples that were offered to us. Amy and the boys got some alligator sausage. It was actually really good despite my initial prejudgments. We were all getting a little tired so we decided to head back to the hotel to unwind, recharge and get cleaned for dinner.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0072.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-379" title="IMG_0072" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0072.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Amy’s friend, Amanda, had recommended a great place for dinner, The Gumbo Shop. The food was to die for. We all shared each others food, assorted seafood, gumbo, jambalaya, Cajun pasta and red beans & rice among other Cajun delicacies. We felt spoiled by a city that we loved. My favorite Louisiana-born person, Mike, had recommended that we head over to Frenchmen Street for some local flavor. We went by Amanda’s place, who has a darling duplex, and convinced Amanda and Laura to come out with us to<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0079.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-380" title="IMG_0079" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0079.jpg?w=225&h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Frenchmen’s Street. We ended up a bar where a blues bands was playing. I bought a round of shots for everyone and the band was flirting with Amy and asked her to go around and get tips for them. It was a good time.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">For Amy’s side of the story go to <a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/2010/08/young-stupid-yes-have-fun-pt-2-new.html" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">her blog</a></p><div align="center" class="adcode" style="padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; "></div></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-12302158102808071282010-08-07T23:29:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:30:38.084-08:00From Banks to Bourbon Street<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Day 2 The Young & Stupid? YES. Have Fun! Road Trip!:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Good grief, I can’t believe the camp gave us checks that are impossible to cash. The camp uses some small podunk middle-of-nowhere bank that check cashing places don’t trust and thus Sam and Francesco haven’t been able to cash their paychecks. We spent our morning in Houston driving around for several hours, not always in the best sides of Houston, trying to cash their checks. My bank wouldn’t let me deposit them into my account and then give them cash because I didn’t have that amount of money in my account. Basically my bank said they would cash the checks after my pay check cleared. Long story short the boys didn’t have any money until early next week and neither did I. We were now Amy’s bitches.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Thankfully our morning was splendid before all this because Amy’s dad made us breakfast, migas. YUM! It was such a thrill having real food again. We had made rough plans to meet up with one of our friends from camp, Drew, while we were in Houston. Before we saw Drew we gathered supplies for our trip which meant going to one of the worst places on earth, Walmart.<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0002.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-291" title="IMG_0002" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0002.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>It made sense to start our ‘merican road trip there but it’s usually best to avoid the whole place. Despite my personal politics I did shop at Walmart this summer while I was at camp. Because our off hours were at late hours and because HEB closes early in Kerrville, Walmart was really the only choice I had. I ended buying a digital camera since I had forgotten mine while the boys spent what felt like all day shopping for god knows what, sandals? a cell phone? Amy and I really wanted to get the hell out there since it was Walmart (see Amy’s Walmart face) and we were excited to actually leave Houston before dark.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We met up with Drew at Hermann Park where we ate “the world’s best” sliders at <a href="http://www.littlebigshouston.com/" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Little Bigs</a>. Hermann Park is a cute area where I imagine schools come for field trips. The Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Garden are all there in the medical district of southwest-central Houston, inside loop 610. We walked around for a bit. Stuck our feet in the water and watched the ducks. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0013.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-292" title="IMG_0013" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0013.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>I wanted to feed the ducks but didn’t have any bread so I gave them what I had, Wintergreen Altoids. I’m sure the ducts are fine despite Amy’s worries that they are dead now; I’m sure they just have nicer breath now because of me. Our other friend from camp, Ryan Fountain, was apparently have a bbq at his house so we went over there just to say hi. Amy and I were both getting antsy at this point because we wanted to leave town and get to New Orleans so that we could go out that night. Amy’s friend, Amanda, was having people at her house that night and we were looking forward to going. Ryan had just bought a house in the Heights of Houston, which is in the Northwest-central corner of the 610 loop. No offense to Ryan but I did not expect his house to be so nice.<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0019.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-330" title="IMG_0019" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0019.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a> I figured it would be a post-college bachelor pad which would include a crappy posters and beer cans. However his house was great, organized and well thought out. Ryan said he bought it from a gay couple who were both artists with a big social life which apparently explains why they have two urinals on the outside of the house in the backyard. We hung out for a bit and reluctantly left around 5, despite Ryan enticing us with food and beer to stay the night.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We took I10 out of Houston towards New Orleans. Our energy levels waxed and waned with the landscapes and the setting sun. Once we hit the Louisiana border we got out at the Welcome Center. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0028.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-331" title="IMG_0028" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_0028.jpg?w=225&h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>It really did feel like a completely different place than Texas, swampy. We stretched our legs, ran from the giant bugs, met some real ‘Merican bikers and were on our way. Once it got dark, I began to get antsy. I ended up playing a game on my phone, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diner_Dash" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Diner Dash 2</a> which helped pass the time, until I introduced it to Sam who then played it for awhile.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We got to New Orleans at 10 or 11. We were too late for Amanda’s party so we went straight to our hotel. Through AAA guides and the minimal internet Amy can get on her phone, we found a great place near Tulane, just minutes from Bourbon Street. It looked a little rough at first but the friendly staff, clean atmosphere and roomy rooms made up for the stretchy pre judgements we all had. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_00311.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-332" title="IMG_0031" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/img_00311.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We quickly got in our party clothes and went out to the notorious Bourbon Street. The rest of the night is a little of a blur. What I never realized was that in New Orleans you can drink on the street, out in the open, which really does make for a fun time. We walked around drinking, piña coladas I think, just taking it all in. We went into a few places checked out the music and dancing. At some point we got these grenade things that were tall and really after that, if this were a movie, there would be a scene missing, then more dancing and I dunno, I think we made it safely back to the hotel around 5am.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">For <a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/2010/08/young-stupid-yes-have-fun-pt-1.html" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Amy’s Blog – Houston</a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/2010/08/young-stupid-yes-have-fun-pt-2-new.html" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Amy’s Blog – New Orleans</a></p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-46643886958967308122010-08-06T23:28:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:28:37.262-08:00So Long<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Day 1 of ‘merica Road Trip:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">The last day of Dream Kamp was a long day indeed. Everyone’s emotions were high in a bittersweet way. On one hand after 2 action-packed months we would all be going home to what we all jokingly called, the <em>Real World</em>, <em>Reality</em> or Real Life, as if camp life wasn’t real and we were all on some magical vacation. One of the camp slogans is even “Life is good, camp is better”. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/44803_10150252839190643_772095642_14090195_2278188_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-288" title="44803_10150252839190643_772095642_14090195_2278188_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/44803_10150252839190643_772095642_14090195_2278188_n.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="" width="300" height="200" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>On the other hand, we had all grown so custom to the daily life that camp offers, grown so use to each other, that we were sad to leave our summer home. Francesco, Sam and I would be starting our cross-country road trip once we left camp, which we were all very excited about. It was really all we could think about for the last couple of days. We would walk past each other and just say “Road Trip.” and the other person would echo it with more excitement “Road Trip!”</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Before breakfast I ran up the hill to move the Jeep, that I was using all summer, closer to our cabins so it would be easier to load the car and get going later. Unfortunately it was dead and wouldn’t start. I found out that when I let Francesco park it a week before that he left the radio and lights on after he turned off the car. Silly foreigner. Thankfully the camp is full of mechanics and car parts. I put Francesco in charge of fixing it while I got ready for my class.<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/40501_10150252838535643_772095642_14090166_3525418_n2.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-286" title="40501_10150252838535643_772095642_14090166_3525418_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/40501_10150252838535643_772095642_14090166_3525418_n2.jpg?w=300&h=199" alt="" width="300" height="199" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a> My morning class was a little more lackluster than all the previous classes. They got half way through the Wacky Riddle Adventure Challenge and then once we got to the water part of the activity they asked if they could just stay there so we did. They did spend their time next to the water trying to decipher the code and finger out the riddle.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center; "><em>***What has roads but no cars, forests but no trees, rivers but no water, cities but no buildings?***</em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">After lunch I was running around like a crazy person, packing, cleaning the cottage and saying my goodbyes. Because some people had to leave earlier than others and me and my boys were still around, we got roped into the afternoon water activity. It was fun getting to play with the campers one last time. Will they even remember me? My boss informed me that we had had a miscommunication about the way I labeled all my video files during regular camp and that he needed me to relabel all of them before I left. I was stressing. I told Amy we would be on the road by 5pm, in Austin by 7pm, in Houston by 10pm and it was getting late. I finally get done with my files, get my evaluation and pay check, the car packed and it’s after 7pm.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/40509_10150252839105643_772095642_14090188_1159245_n.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-287" title="40509_10150252839105643_772095642_14090188_1159245_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/40509_10150252839105643_772095642_14090188_1159245_n.jpg?w=300&h=199" alt="" width="300" height="199" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>We zoomed through the hill country of Texas talking about camp and all the people and memories that didn’t seem distant until we left the gate of camp. Was it all really over? Did it really happen? In the beginning of camp I thought it would never end but once I got more accustomed to everything the whole experience zipped by. I ended up loving camp and I’m really thankful that I took a chance on the experience. I met some amazing some people, some not, and did some awesome things like zip-line across the Guadalupe River, horseback ride, SCUBA dive, rock climb and etc.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I love the drive from Hunt to Austin on TX 27, TX 39, through Fredricksburg onto TX 16, then to 290. You get to pass all the good Texas vineyards. If I had had more time I would have loved to snap some great shots or those quaint Texas antilandmarks. After this summer I’m starting to appreciate small-town Texas a lot more.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">We got into Austin some time in the 9 o’clock hour and met up with Amy. I quickly de-packed and packed a smaller bag for the trip and got on the road to Houston around 10 something. 290 East was a breeze because of the time of night. I dozed in the backseat while the boys talked Amy’s ears off about camp even though she didn’t know the people they were talking about or the quirks and traditions they were mentioning. She eagerly listened and was genuinely excited to know what we did all summer. We rolled into Amy’s parents house, in Kingwood which is northeast corner of Houston, around 1am. I feels like we spent most of the day driving but I know that today was nothing compared to what lies ahead.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Tomorrow we will be in New Orleans. It’s my first time in New Orleans. I think when I was a kid we drove through New Orleans on our way to Orlando/Disney World but I really don’t remember much of that drive other than being nauseous and listening to Andy’s Walkman listening to the Transformers soundtrack. Stan Bush’s “You’ve got <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COYRxf13tIg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">the touch</a>, You’ve got the power” echoed through my head for 1200 miles. I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans because of the music history and the food. And on this road trip we’re using good ol’ maps. No GPS for us.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">By the way the answer is<strong> a map</strong>, A map <em>has roads but no cars, forests but no trees, rivers but no water, cities but no buildings. </em>And on this road trip we’re using good ol’ maps. No GPS for us.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Amy writes a great travel blog, make sure you check it out <a href="http://pluckytourist.blogspot.com/" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">here.</a></p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-53807709852002710472010-08-05T23:23:00.001-07:002011-02-13T23:24:26.327-08:00The Young & Stupid? YES. Have Fun! Road Trip<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I have been working at a camp all summer where I have become close to several people. Yes, that’s right, I actually made friends. Two of my new friends, Sam and Francesco, needed a ride to New York City and wanted to see America, or what the counselors’ at camp call it ‘Merica, so we all decided to drive up to New York together. It actually wasn’t that simple: Francesco convinced me to go on this road trip and really I was very reluctant at first. Now I don’t have a car and did not want to have to drive back from New York by myself, but thankfully my friend, Amy, wanted to come. Once Amy was on board I felt a little more at ease.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">When we were still in the planning stage, I was talking to my dad about it. My dad really likes road trips, he hates planes. I thought it would be fun to get some road trip advice and for him to get AAA to send me some maps because I don’t use GPS’s. Our conversation went something like this:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">DAD “So do you have any money for this trip”<br />SARAH “umm sorta but no”<br />DAD “Who’s car are you taking?”<br />SARAH “not sure. We’ll figure it out,”<br />DAD “So basically you’re young and stupid?”<br />SARAH “yes”<br />DAD “Have Fun!”</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">THUS this trip will be called The Young & Stupid? YES. Have Fun! Road Trip!!!</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I won’t be writing a blog for this trip. Not enough time and I don’t want to bring a laptop. I might bring a journal and jot some things down but no promises.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">If you have any advice or have a place to let us stay, please let me know.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Austin,%20TX&daddr=Houston,%20TX%20to:New%20Orleans,%20LA%20to:Memphis,%20TN%20to:Nashville,%20TN%20to:Lexington,%20VA%20to:Washington,%20DC%20to:Philadelphia,%20PA%20to:New%20York,%20NY%20to:Sumter,%20SC%20to:Austin,%20TX&hl=en&geocode=FRHXzQEdK48s-ikvA8ygmbVEhjF61WnUS0abXQ;FUQlxgEd6pFQ-ikBhY1ItLhAhjE7BWXz3gINyg;FbI5yQEd5KGh-illghGyVKQghjG00yJe6FsG2w;Fd5WGAIdLPah-ilFl0PqHn7VhzH-thpgFfOT0Q;FQLZJwIdRcbT-ik9kOsTMuxkiDGg2umh0Lk_fQ;FdWJQAIdgMxD-ynlpbBX0MhMiDFgAIPi1IEY6A;FQh-UQIdsoRo-ylb5PZa3sa3iTEqXYjUIkVSwg;Fc-fYQIdcxeF-ynrS7XU2LfGiTHBWD6M2BT1iQ;FXFAbQIdK8KW-yk7CD_TpU_CiTFi_nfhBo8LyA;FbOVBQIdIxY2-ynFUk8DuWj_iDEuYN6tHqdx8w;FRHXzQEdK48s-ikvA8ygmbVEhjF61WnUS0abXQ&mra=ls&sll=33.870416,-87.802734&sspn=44.628534,93.076172&ie=UTF8&source=embed&ll=35.245619,-85.869141&spn=25.020154,37.353516&z=4&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Austin,%20TX&daddr=Houston,%20TX%20to:New%20Orleans,%20LA%20to:Memphis,%20TN%20to:Nashville,%20TN%20to:Lexington,%20VA%20to:Washington,%20DC%20to:Philadelphia,%20PA%20to:New%20York,%20NY%20to:Sumter,%20SC%20to:Austin,%20TX&hl=en&geocode=FRHXzQEdK48s-ikvA8ygmbVEhjF61WnUS0abXQ;FUQlxgEd6pFQ-ikBhY1ItLhAhjE7BWXz3gINyg;FbI5yQEd5KGh-illghGyVKQghjG00yJe6FsG2w;Fd5WGAIdLPah-ilFl0PqHn7VhzH-thpgFfOT0Q;FQLZJwIdRcbT-ik9kOsTMuxkiDGg2umh0Lk_fQ;FdWJQAIdgMxD-ynlpbBX0MhMiDFgAIPi1IEY6A;FQh-UQIdsoRo-ylb5PZa3sa3iTEqXYjUIkVSwg;Fc-fYQIdcxeF-ynrS7XU2LfGiTHBWD6M2BT1iQ;FXFAbQIdK8KW-yk7CD_TpU_CiTFi_nfhBo8LyA;FbOVBQIdIxY2-ynFUk8DuWj_iDEuYN6tHqdx8w;FRHXzQEdK48s-ikvA8ygmbVEhjF61WnUS0abXQ&mra=ls&sll=33.870416,-87.802734&sspn=44.628534,93.076172&ie=UTF8&source=embed&ll=35.245619,-85.869141&spn=25.020154,37.353516&z=4&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-align: left; ">View Larger Map</a></small></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Our rough Itinerary:</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Fri 08/06/10 (day 1) – Destination Houston / Kingwood</strong><br />Leave Hunt, TX at 5:00 pm<br />Arrive in Austin, TX at 7:00 pm<br />Meet up with Amy<br />Leave Austin at 8:00 pm<br />Arrive in Houston at 10:00 pm<br />Meet up with Drew? Ryan?<br />Stay with Amy’s parents</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Sat 08/07/10 (day 2) – Destination New Orleans</strong><br />Leave Houston at 10:00 am<br />Meet up with Drew? Ryan?<br />Arrive in New Orleans 3:00 pm<br />Meet up with Andrew?<br />Stay with Amy’s Friend?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Sun 08/08/10 (day 3) – New Orleans</strong><br />Meet up with Andrew?<br />Voo Doo Queen?<br />Have fun!<br />Stay with Amy’s Friend?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Mon 08/08/10 (day 4) – Destination Memphis and Nashville</strong><br />Leave New Orleans at 7:00 am<br />Arrive at Memphis at 1:00 pm<br />Graceland<br />Leave Memphis at 7:00 pm<br />Arrive in Nashville 10:00 pm<br />Hotel?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Tues 08/09/10 (day 5) – Destination Washington DC</strong><br />Leave Nashville at 1:00 pm<br />Arrive in Washington DC at 11:00pm<br />Stay with Angie? Hotel?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Wed 08/11/10 (day 6) – Destination Washington, Philadelphia</strong><br />Leave Washington DC at 7:00pm<br />Arrive in Philadelphia 9:00pm<br />Hostel? Hotel?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Thu 08/12/10 (day 7) – Destination New York City</strong><br />Leave Philadelphia at 12:00 pm<br />Arrive in New York City 3:00 pm<br />Meet up with Alan?<br />Stay with Amy’s grandparents?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Fri 08/13/10 (day 8 ) – Destination Sumter, SC</strong><br />Leave New York City 10:00 am<br />Arrive in Sumter 11:00pm<br />Stay with Sarah’s brother</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Sat 08/14/10 (day 9) – Destination Austin (Home)</strong><br />Leave Sumter at 12:00 pm</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>Sun 08/15/10 (day 10) – Austin (home)</strong><br />Arrive in Austin at 4:00 am</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/39842_10150229130695483_716225482_13782311_4381666_n1.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-269" title="39842_10150229130695483_716225482_13782311_4381666_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/39842_10150229130695483_716225482_13782311_4381666_n1.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">That’s me dancing while driving… because I’m excited.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I’m really excited. Hopefully this will turn into one of those trips I tell my kids about when they aren’t really listening to me.</p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-49056852463363991412010-07-02T23:20:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:21:07.130-08:00home for the holiday<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Well I made it through my first term of camp alive but only just barely. We get a four day break between terms so that we, and I’m sure they, may celebrate Independence Day in peace. It’s strange being home, in my apartment, on my computer but it’s also nice. I’m not even sure where to begin, I’m overloaded with thoughts and experiences that I’m battling myself on whether I should even mention them here.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Camp is good. Being the videographer is bitter sweet. I get a lot of freedom and flexibility but I don’t have a cabin like the other counselors so I’m not making a lot of connections with the kids. The kids are awesome, well, I should say that awesome kids are awesome and the others and just ok. I have noticed that these rich, privileged kids have a hard time picking up after themselves, but I guess they’ve never had to. That’s not fair of me to say, most kids don’t like throwing their trash away or cleaning up the table at meal time. Some of the boys instantly picked me as one of their favorites and I was very thankful for this. One of these boys that I just mentioned, traded with 6 people so that he could get a movie ticket <a href="http://www.sillybandznow.com/" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Silly Band</a> so that he could give me.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/6a011571ec93fe970b0133ed613c75970b-500pi1.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-138" title="6a011571ec93fe970b0133ed613c75970b-500pi" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/6a011571ec93fe970b0133ed613c75970b-500pi1.jpg?w=122&h=150" alt="" width="122" height="150" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Small side rant: </strong>Silly Bandz are probably the greatest thing ever when it comes to kids. If you don’t know, Silly Bandz are rubber bands that are colorful and shaped like interesting things, like animals or space ships etc. Kids love Silly Bandz! They love trading and collecting them. If a kid was ever super homesick or crying because he fell down or whatever, all we had to do was get him talking about his Silly Bandz and BAM no more tears! It was actually really amazing. The best thing about Silly Bandz is that they are so cheap. You can get like 20 for a dollar. but I digress…</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">My days at camp are spent shooting footage, uploading said footage and then editing footage (see picture) into some sort of highlight video for the kids and parents to see themselves and their kids having fun at camp. Every day I try to spend a little bit of time doing something fun like swimming or rock climbing. I have officially shot my first gun, technically it was a rifle, AND I’ve shot my first bow and arrow. I haven’t been on a horse yet but I do have work to do.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-117" title="27875_10100244403859580_7923388_61861632_8346043_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/27875_10100244403859580_7923388_61861632_8346043_n.jpg?w=300&h=203" alt="" width="300" height="203" style="float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">It’s not all fun and games. My boss put a lot of pressure on me without being completely direct. He wants me to be creative and produce more videos (which I have already produced twice as many videos as any other past videographers) but he either doesn’t like my ideas or he’s vague about what he wants. Basically he has an idea in mind and it’s like he wants me to guess what that is. Also picking the music for the videos can be tricky. The requirements for the song are pretty intuitive for these kinds of things: they have to be all age appropriate (no drugs, alcohol, sex or profanity). They have to be kind of high energy / fun. They should be semi related to camp, summer, having fun etc. I’m not allowed to use any hip hop or rap because parents don’t like that (I wanted to use some Jurassic Five and I got shut down). I want the songs to be songs that the kids probably haven’t heard before but that they will hear after camp, but my boss wants something catchy or familiar to the kids. Oh and apparently they have to be “boy” songs so no lady singers (I’m sure Heartless Bastards or the Sounds could pass but I never tried). A lot of my free time is spent on finding the perfect song for the videos. It’s all pretty ridiculous.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">One of my favorite parts about camp was that I got to be the night time DJ on our radio station. The camp had a small radio tower that broadcast to our a camp and to the small town the camp resides in. It was mostly used for announcements and bugles but since every cabin was required to have a radio on, we played music throughout the day. From 9-10pm it was shower time. The staff used this time to go to all the cabins and make sure the kids were well taken care of which left our radio station unattended. Because I was in the office at night, usually uploading video, my boss told me I could use the night time time slott. I was told to play fun stuff from 9-9:30 but then start winding it down after that. I probably put too much thought into the songs I chose and the order I decided to play them in but it was fun. After my first night one of the campers said I sounded awkward so I adopted the name DJ Awkward Sarah. Everyone agreed it was the best name for me. My friend, Tobbe, would tease me saying that I sounded like a DJ on NPR or that I sounded like one of the ladies from Delicious Dish on SNL.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><span style="text-align: center; display: block; "><object width="510" height="317" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; "></object></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I like NPR, especially <a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">This American Life</a> and Delicious Dish is hilarious (see above video) so I wasn’t insulted. But he kept teasing me so one night I put on my best chessy radio voice I could muster and said something like “ALL RIGHT campers, tonight I have a special request from Tobbe who has been begging me to play this songs because it is his favorite song in the world. So when you see him tomorrow make sure you let him know that you heard me play his favorite song. Here we go, It’s Raining Men for Adam Tobbe.” and then of course I played It’s Raining Men. I tried to put more energy behind my radio voice while still staying true to my college radio, NPR voice. I normally would take requests and shout outs from the boys which usually consisted of Ke$sha or Lady Gaga or Katy Perry or Zac Brown Band. Usually at 20 minutes past the hour I would play a special “girl” song and give a shout out to all the girls at camp, all 13 of us or whatever. The girls seemed to like this. After a long day of work, I genuinely looked forward to this hour, where I got to DJ and write letters to my friends at home.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I’m not going to lie though, I do stick out at camp. Hardly anyone (I’m mostly I’m talking the counselors here) is from Austin and being from Austin apparently makes me a liberal city girl, which apparently is a bad thing. I’ve been called various things, from both counselors and campers, from <em>hippie, hipster, liberal, foreigner, terrorist, lesbo, dyke, vegan</em>, to <em>vegetarian</em>. Sometimes I get called a combination of all “hey you <em>hippie terrorist vegan lesbo liberal</em>! [laughing and high fiving]” <em>Hippie</em> comes from me being from Austin and my general consideration for nature and living things. <em>Terrorist </em>comes from the fact that I will not say the Pledge of Allegiance in the morning. This is also why some of the kids thought I was foreign.<em>Vegetarian/vegan</em> comes from the fact that I complain about the poor quality in the vegetable selection on top of the fact that I sometimes encourage the kids I sit with to try the vegetables on the table. <em>Lesbo</em> is because I lectured some of the boys about how they shouldn’t use the word “gay” as an insult for each other or in a derogatory way at all. It’s all very silly. It doesn’t really bother me at all since I don’t take any of their jabs as insults. I think the camp needs someone like me to bring new ideas in and to question the traditions.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Despite the playful name calling, I think I’m pretty well liked. Nobody hates me and slowly, I think, they are all accepting me as their own. I did experience a severe culture shock that first week. I was constantly asking myself, “why am I here?” Those first couple days I was shocked by some of the things I heard people (the counselors) say. For example, there was one black counselor, who closely resembles Usher in that he’s got a good body and is very attractive and he knows it. Some of the other counselors weren’t a fan of [let's just call him] Usher which I thought was because he was cocky. However I heard a couple of them say one day “Man, someone should just lynch that nigger!” (Note that I am quoting someone and would not ever use this kind of language or spread this kind of hate) I was shocked and disgusted and wanted to leave then and there. Who were these people that were about to be the leaders of these campers?! I didn’t think these people were still out in the world saying and thinking things like this but I guess I’ve just been ignorant to what goes on in small town America.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/0.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-135" title="0" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/0.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Over time I realized that they were prejudice against everyone that wasn’t exactly like them: blacks, latinos, asians, jews, women, and even the gingers (thank you South Park). I learned to bite my tongue and keep my “liberal agenda” to myself. There was no way I was going to change the way these counselors felt about anything. I did however talk to the campers about if I saw them mistreating one another and open up a dialogue. To them it all came down to “It’s just fun.” It’s just fun to make fun of the jewish kid or the one vegetarian kid or the five <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ginger%20kids" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">ginger kids</a>. okay… I, of course, am a <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Day+Walker" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">day walker</a>, not a ginger, especially since I have a spanish last name but to everyone at camp, I’m a ginger, not that there is anything wrong with that. The campers would joke that I didn’t have a soul or would not want to touch something I’ve touched. I’m really not use to this kind of behavior. Again though, I should point out that it was really the other counselors who would egg this on.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Again, I had fun at camp. Please don’t get the wrong idea about the whole experience. I’m glad people tease me and try to push my buttons. In their own way, it means they like me. I would be more worried if they ignored me. And I’ve made real friends. I have a camp best friend, a best girlfriend, a crush, a mistake, a friend I constantly try to one-up, and so many other characters. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/35879_521442156418_283700565_1254348_6056315_n1.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-146" title="35879_521442156418_283700565_1254348_6056315_n" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/35879_521442156418_283700565_1254348_6056315_n1.jpg?w=225&h=300" alt="" width="225" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Some of the foreign counselors didn’t have anywhere to go for the fourth of July holiday so I invited them to stay with me. Right now I have two Englishmen, and one South African staying with me and tomorrow the New Zealander will join our house of awkward sleeping arrangements.It’s been super fun having them here. We went walking around today, site seeing. Hopefully they’ve been having a good time. The weather hasn’t been ideal. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my nation’s independence than by hanging out with some of my new international friends. It might sound funny coming from me but the fourth of July is my favorite holiday. It’s a secular holiday that celebrates our freedoms to have fun and is centered around being outside with your friends and family. PLUS there are fireworks which I love.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I’m actually looking forward to going back to camp for the second term. I think it will be much better because now I know what to expect and I won’t be such an outsiders. I’m happy to be home but I’m anxious to be getting back. I’m not ready for my life to start back up in Austin. One of the reason I went to camp was to get away from all of it and to clear my head and my head is not cleared yet.</p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-51732016460604372192010-06-06T23:18:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:19:14.229-08:00the others<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Okay so it hasn’t even been a week at camp but I feel pretty out of place. It’s not bad, just different. I’m sure it will get better. I’ve made friends and all that and it’s fun. I’m getting use to things. I just thought I would check in and tell you all about this interesting eye-opening things that happened today:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">So apparently every Sunday, the camp holds religious services. I told my boss that I would not like to participate in these religious activities but he told me I had to which I pointed out was against my constitutional rights and he said “You don’t have any constitutional rights in here. It’s part of your contract.” He did tell me that there was an alternative, non-religious service and that I would probably feel comfortable with them. SO me and my buddy, Kevin, went to the Others. The Others was an interesting collection of camp misfits which included two of the foreigners and handful of awkward kids all led my Darryl, an Usher wannabe.<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/usher-tameka-foster-divorce1.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-653" title="usher-tameka-foster-divorce1" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/usher-tameka-foster-divorce1.jpg?w=300&h=300" alt="" width="300" height="300" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a> Darryl was suppose to tell the story of Jonah and the Whale without religion. He did not take this task very seriously. In his interpretation, Jonas was Steve and God was Mike. Basically Mike asks Steve to do something but Steve doesn’t and then gets eaten by a Whale only to call Mike on his cell phone for help. “And the moral of the story is to just do what people tell you and don’t be a pussy.” Darryl said smugly. I had so many problems with this. There were children present. I raised my hand “What if Mike is asking you to do something you don’t think is right? What if Mike is asking you to do something like drugs?!” He interrupts me, “you should just do it.” The other dude-bros all laugh. I was so frustrated. I go off on a rant for the kids sake about how you should always question others and just not be scared to do what you think is right. After a bunch of ridicule Darryl gets control of the group and follows his lesson plan and asks everyone what their afraid of. One kid says roller-coasters, another spiders. Then one boy, maybe 7 years old raises his hand and says “I’m scared of dying.” There was silence. Then all the kids smiles fall and they all chime in with, “I’m scared of Dying too”, “Me too!” Darryl and the other counselors realize that this is a moment to step up. We all tell them that everyone is scared of dying but you have to do your best not to focus on that and just do your best to live a good life and not waste a moment. The mood lightened a little and Darryl and the other dude-bros end up kicking me out of the group saying that I was disruptive. The kids thought it was funny so I didn’t mind.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I couldn’t get it out of my mind about what the kids said about being scared of dying. I never realized I had so much in common with a seven year-old, especially a 7 year-old overly-privileged boy (remember this is a really nice camp that costs thousands and thousands of dollars). In the last year I had been thinking more about my own mortality than any other time in my life. I would get panicky about it. If our lives were parallel to that of a plant or flower then right now I’m at the peak bloom but eventually I’m going to start to wither. But hearing this, from such a small child, a sprout, made me buck up. It was useless for me to stress about dying when there is so much living to do. Even though I originally didn’t want to go to the “religious services” I’m glad I did because I got something I needed out of it.</p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-31932722444477349632010-05-28T23:09:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:11:46.390-08:00camp for camp appeal<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Summer is an interesting time. The increase in temperature seems to push people to an anxious state where they to do fun, new, exciting and sometimes, stupid things. I decided to spend my summer working at an all boys summer camp working as the camp videographer. My newly signed contract prohibits me from actually mentioning the name of the camp but trust me, it’s a nice camp. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/camp_nowhere1.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-657" title="camp_nowhere1" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/camp_nowhere1.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="" width="300" height="200" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>They tell me it’s the nicest all boys camp in Texas. Why anyone would send their kids to a single-sex camp is beyond me. I thought camp was a place of first loves and first kisses. Now I know what you’re thinking,<em>why are you working at an <strong>all boys</strong> camp</em>, well I will tell you: Money. Boredom. Curiosity. The camp is going to pay me more than my normal jobs would. There is nothing else going on this summer. And seriously, I’ve never done the camp thing so it might actually be fun. I might as well experience something like this while I still can. I won’t be the only girl there. Apparently there are 7 other girls working at the camp doing various things and our cottage has air conditioning and blinds on the windows (my new boss told me this like 10 times so apparently it’s important to note).</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">My new boss reassures me it’s a normal boys camp that does “boy things”. When I asked what kind of boy things he replied “Boy things like horseback riding and archery” . <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/dd_wet.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-656" title="dd_wet" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/dd_wet.jpg?w=300&h=201" alt="" width="300" height="201" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Oh because girls don’t like horseback riding or archery. He went on to explain to me that they don’t do Arts and Crafts because that’s what girls do, [at this camp] they do <em>Nature Crafts</em>. For example in<em> Nature Crafts</em>, the boys might make a house out of Popsicle sticks, similar to Arts and Crafts, but then place the newly made houses at the bottom of a hill then proceed to throw rocks at the houses to see who’s house can survive an avalanche. I apparently have a lot to learn. I wonder how many times someone is going to say to me this summer, “oh boys will be boys”.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Needless to say, I’m a little nervous because I’ve never really been to camp and I’m 25 years old. Apparently I will be one of the oldest counselors there. I will be completely out of my element. I’ve never been on a horse, though I rode a camel once at the San Anton<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/wet_hot_american_summer-112.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-129" title="wet_hot_american_summer-112" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/wet_hot_american_summer-112.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>io Zoo, I’ve never shot a gun before, I’ve never shot a bow and arrow, I actually like arts and crafts and I vote democrat and sometimes third party. When I was a kid I begged my mom to send me to camp but instead we went on family vacations, similar to National Lampoon’s vacations, complete with wackiness that I will save for another post. At the time I thought it was completely lame but looking back, I’m glad my parents insisted on keeping us all together and seeing the country. Really camp is pretty lame and cheesy from what I can tell. Are they going to make us hold hands and sing around a camp fire?!</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">All I know about camp is what I’ve learned from television and movies. I feel like camp will be a cross between <em>Wet Hot American Summer</em>, <em>Camp Nowhere</em>, <em>Heavy Weights</em>, <em>Friday the 13th</em>,<em>Parent Trap</em> and <em>Salute Your Shorts</em>. Now I’ve never seen <em>Little Darlings</em> but I hear it’s worth seeing as far as camp movies goes (I added it to my Netflix que). I can only assume that at camp there will be a collection of misfits that comes together and unites over some sort of competition, hatred for our parents and/or to humiliate the head of the camp. All these movies do have one unifying message, at camp, you make lasting friendships. I hope this is true. I can never have too many friends.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I’m actually hoping for the cheesiest, kitschiest, typically lamest camp experience possible. Thankfully whenever it gets too much for me, I’m sure I’ll be able to hide behind a camera or say I have to go edit. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/the_simpsons_4f11.png" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="size-medium wp-image-130 alignleft" title="The_Simpsons_4F11" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/the_simpsons_4f11.png?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>It can’t be an accident that <strong>camp</strong> (a supervised program for children and/or teenagers conducted during the summer months in some countries) and <em><strong>camp </strong></em>(an aesthetic sensibility wherein something is appealing because of its bad taste and ironic value) are the same word. Whenever I think about something having camp value I can’t help but think about the episode of <em>The Simpsons</em> (Homer Phobia) when John Waters guest stars as John, the gay guy, where he explains to Homer what camp is:</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><strong>John:</strong> It’s camp! The tragically ludicrous? The ludicrously tragic?<br /><strong>Homer:</strong> Oh, yeah! Like when a clown dies.<br /><strong>John:</strong> Well, sort of.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Camp is definitely campy. I wonder if there will be a campy summer camp love interest. Maybe we’ll hold hands by the water when no is looking, while our feet dangle off the dock. I’m so embarrassed and excited for this fantasy.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Of all the movies and tv shows about camp, I’d like to think this one is the least absurd and thus closest to the reality of camp but who knows — I guess I will after this summer. Enjoy the opening credits to Canada’s own <em>Salute Your Shorts</em>!</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><span style="text-align: center; display: block; "><object width="510" height="317" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; "></object></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Well wish me luck. I leave on Tuesday and won’t be back until August.</p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/picture2-2.png" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "></a></p></span><p></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/picture2-2.png" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "></a></p>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-92130045652300113782010-04-27T23:08:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:08:47.531-08:00entitlement<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">(I’m sure I am not alone in feeling this way) My biggest pet peeve is when people feel entitled to do as they please without any regard for anyone else. <em>Oh you think you’re more deserving of some particular reward or benefit — oh you think you are better than that guy over there?</em>From cutting in lines to taking way more than their share to just straight up being rude. My sister has a theory that we are raising a society of children to be selfish. She and I argued about this a bit. I said selfishness is appropriate when you are in your young adulthood (16-28) as you are trying to find yourself. I don’t think we all need to be completely egotistic but we should be looking out for ourselves because if we choose to procreate then we need to be able to support not only ourselves but our progeny. She was less sympathetic. However she was offering problems without solutions. How do we teach children to not become Ass holes? When our society and culture focus on the importance of property, ownership, and pride, praising confidence and competition, how do you teach compassion, selflessness and consideration?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Jessica, my sister, will be the first to tell you that I was a bratty kid. Actually, I’m sure my two older brothers and her would all race to be the first to say that. Granted, somewhere down the line I lost that mentality or at least, I would like to think I did. Eventually it all caught up with me and looking back I’m not always happy with the memory of myself. I’m not going to beat myself up too much about it because there is no use stressing about the past that you can do nothing about. However, I try to use the past as a learning place. What happened to me? Do I still carry an overwhelming sense of entitlement that someone else is ranting about on their blog?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I’ve been producing a short film which has 15 child actors. Needless to say, there has been a lot of energy on set. I took one morning off and left the set to the other producer so that I could recoup. When I came to set later that day, the other producer had informed me that some of the kids have found our snack stash and proceeded to take all the fruit snacks. I was appalled. They ended up taking something like 80 fruit snacks. Granted the snacks were there for them to eat during the production. We want them to feel comfortable. However, those snacks were for the cast AND crew. I didn’t understand why any kid would go through a bunch of cabinets and drawers and finally find some hidden snacks and take them. We were trying to ration them for the entire week. AND they had just had lunch and there were already snacks out. I ended up giving a mother-of-a-speech about respect and courtesy and what it means to steal something. I doubt I made it through to any of 15. The guilty ones lied to my face about it and the guilty by association ones gave up the guilty ones like it was nothing. *SIgh* Now I’m probably going to have to tell their mothers that their sons are sociopaths.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I was driving downtown the other day and as I pulled up to the light I noticed something very strange: I was surrounded on all sides by Lexuses. They varied by regular Lexus Sedans to a convertible to a couple “luxury utility” vehicles (which don’t even get me going on that name, you know because here is the luxury in utility). I looked further and saw a Hummer. Before I go on I should back track. I don’t own a car. I’m not against them or anything, on the contrary, I like cars and see a purpose in them. I even use to be a pizza delivery girl for a major pizza company. Five years ago some jack ass hit me because he was changing cds while he was driving. He destroyed my car, some of the muscle/tissue in my shoulders and my booming career as a pizza delivery girl. Since, I have been car-less. I currently share a car with my mom who lives in San Antonio. It’s a modest 2006 Ford Escort with four cylinders, automatic locks, a tape player in a dirty grayish-brown color. I bike, ride the bus and get rides from my friends. I have a simple life but I’m happy. When I see all these people surrounding me with their flaunted ridiculous wealth, it can get disgusting. I want to think that Mr. Johnson in the car over works really hard and saved and saved for his Lexus SC10. But is that 60k+ car necessary?</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">It is known that Gandhi gave to his grandson Arun Gandhi some life lessons before he was assassinated. He wrote it on a piece of paper.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">The 7 blunders of the world:</p><ul style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 0px; "><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">Wealth without work</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">Pleasure without conscience</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">Knowledge without character</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">Commerce without morality</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">Science without humanity</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">Worship without sacrifice</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 18px; line-height: 19px; zoom: 1; background-image: url(http://s0.wp.com/wp-content/themes/pub/monochrome/img/bullet1.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: 3px 7px; ">Politics without principle</li></ul><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I fully believe in this. It all comes down to everyone’s shit sinks. No one is any better than anyone else. I don’t care if you have a PhD in Omniscience, you are going to die just like that junkie in the ally behind the liquor store. Historically, mostly all cultures on earth have created different kinds of cast systems to categorize people, most of the time valuing some higher than others. Why do humans have this tendency? I can’t wrap my mind around it.</p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 10px; "></div></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-62779163624989828702010-04-20T23:59:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:07:49.171-08:00if it pleases and sparkles<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Lately I’ve been busy. That’s an understatement. I’m not going to sit here and tell you all the things that I’ve been busy with, you’ll just have to take my word for it. I’ve been so busy that the idea of making a list to help myself get organized is overwhelming. Everyone always suggests to me that making a list is the best way to stay on top of things but it has never worked for me. I hate making time for lists; I hate keeping track of my list. I have a tendency to lose things like lists. There’s a great South Park episode, <a href="http://www.southparkstudios.com/guide/1114" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">The List</a>,<a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/sp_1114_07_v6.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-125" title="sp_1114_07_v6" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/sp_1114_07_v6.jpg?w=200&h=150" alt="" width="200" height="150" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 15px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>that comes to mind where all the girls in the class decide to make a list and rank the boys in the class from cutest to ugliest because obviously girls like to make lists. Kyle gets ranked last and Stan goes to Wendy to investigate. Wendy brings Stan to the Girls’ List Making meeting. This is the charm to the episode because we get to see the girls in this bizarre, almost court-like meeting where they vote and make lists on arbitrary things. When they take votes, they ask “Does this sparkle with everyone?” A yes vote is “sunshine”. Great episode but really I don’t relate to it as a girl. I’m not that girl that likes list or shoes really. I digress.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I’ve been so busy that my dreamworld and reality are indistinguishable because I’m working in both. It feels like I’m not even sleeping. It’s the worst. Have you ever made a spreadsheet in your sleep only to wake up and go to your computer and realize all the work you just did on it was in your dream? I love sleep but I haven’t been getting too much of it lately.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I’ve been so busy that I’ve had a mini panic attack the other day. I stopped it before it got bad. I have only had four panic attacks in my life and all within a period of time when I was working three jobs and taking 18 hours (6 classes) in school. My roommate at the time and now best friend coached me through the whole ordeal and showed me how to manage the episodes. She was surprisingly good at this which I chalk up to the fact that she’s been doing yoga since she was a toddler. <a href="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/sp_1114_12_v6.jpg" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-126" title="sp_1114_12_v6" src="http://gonzography.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/sp_1114_12_v6.jpg?w=300&h=225" alt="" width="300" height="225" style="border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; float: right; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; margin-bottom: 15px; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); max-width: 98%; height: auto !important; margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 15px; display: inline; background-position: initial initial; " /></a>Panic Attacks are probably the scariest thing that I’ve ever encountered. I begin to think of life and death. One day I am going to die and I won’t be able to do anything about it. It could be tomorrow when I’m on my bike or in a hundred years in my bed. There would be no way to get this data but I bet more people than we would like to believe regret their choices right before they die.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I’ve always thought that I work well under stress. Queen of Procrastination for the purpose of grandeur. But what if I’m a masochist who just loves the torture of stress? According to the<a href="http://www.stress.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">American Institute of Stress</a><em> “Stress is difficult for scientists to define because it is a subjective sensation associated with varied symptoms that differ for each of us. In addition, stress is not always a synonym for distress…Increased stress increases productivity – up to a point, after which things rapidly deteriorate, and that level also differs for each of us. It’s much like the stress or tension on a violin string. Not enough produces a dull raspy sound and too much an irritating screech or snaps the string – but just the correct degree of stress creates a beautiful tone.” </em>So some stress is good but too much is bad. Maybe I’m more distressed and less stressed.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">The funny thing about all this is, I shouldn’t even be sitting here writing all this. Doing this, is preventing me from getting real work done. But I needed a distraction if only for a moment which you can barely call this since I’m only thinking about everything I should be doing. I have a constant problem where I’m joggling so many things that every moment of my day is valuable. If I’m doing one thing, I’m disappointing a bunch of other people by not doing their thing. Sometimes when I’m alone in the car I scream as loud as I can. It feels good.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">Thankfully I have people that love and care about me enough to make me laugh and make me dinner when I’m too preoccupied to cook or eat. Mostly that’s what gets me through hard times, the thought that it won’t be like this forever and that I have a small army support system. Also the thought that in a couple weeks I will be significantly less busy due to one of my jobs not being able to keep me around in the summer, keeps me going.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I’m sure you’ve seen this video but I thought I would drop it in. It’s really frickin’ cool and I love the song. It’s a great thing to end on when I don’t have a good ending.<br /><span style="text-align: center; display: block; "><object width="510" height="317" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; "></object></span></p><div align="center" class="adcode" style="padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; "></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; "><br /></p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-27708359282724482332010-04-16T23:02:00.000-07:002011-02-13T23:03:26.542-08:00Back in Action<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 19px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I’ve come back to world of blogs after ignoring their existence and importance for some time. Recently I’ve made myself a website (<a href="http://www.gonzography.com/" style="color: rgb(32, 137, 204); text-decoration: underline; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">www.gonzography.com</a>) and have been trying to market myself as a <em>professional</em>. Apparently you (creative, artistic, craft-type people) are suppose to have a strong online presence if you want to be taken seriously. I was told by a real film producer that when people apply to work on her sets she get an abundance of qualified people. She ends up Googling everyone’s name and usually hires the people who come up in her search. I think that can be flawed because some people have very common names. I know a Kevin Smith, John Moore, Jim Henson, and Julia Bond and if you Google any of their names you won’t be able to find them. Just for fun, try Googling Sarah Gonzalez. You will get Sarah Gonzalez’s lyrics to “Why did you Leave me”, some Latin American soccer star, a New York City Council Member <em>Sara</em> M. <em>Gonzalez</em> and some random other people’s blogs, myspaces, facebooks and twitter (actually mine). I’m trying best I can to come up on my Google search but I won’t be surprised if I’m never number one on my search. I’m trying to come up for Gonzography which I think is more reasonable.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I often get overwhelmed with the whole idea of adulthood and professionalism. Owning things, paying bills, being responsible is fine and all but it’s not something I feel attached to in any way. Who made all these rules? Granted, it’s kind of fun in a narcissistic way but why would anyone outside my family care what I have to say about anything. I do have a lot of information about things that some people might find useful but I’m sure someone else online has that same information. I feel like we’re all putting these ideas out in the digital abyss but I wonder if anyone actual does anything productive with these thoughts. Are we all just doing and making things just so someone online can validate that we did it? Is someone’s value really measured by their online presence? Just thinking about this makes me want to delete my whole online existence but then I wouldn’t be a “professional”.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I have a theory about age: It seems to me one of the most distinguishable characteristics of children is their ability to be open minded and eager to learn. Even if a child is certain of one thing, you can easily correct him/her and they take it and move on. “what’s this?”, “why is it like that?”, “what does this do?” If you’ve ever spent any amount of time with a kid you’ll probably be bombarded with questions. It’s pretty refreshing actually. Age is based not actually on years alive on earth but of the ability to open one’s self to knowledge. As kids get older, they want to seem older so they begin to fake knowing more than they actually know because of the assumption that adults “know everything”. This is the problem. Listen up kiddos, here’s a secret your parents may not want you to know: Adults don’t know everything. There is no way that any one person can have all the answers. Even if you can collect all the information in the world it wouldn’t last more than a second because every pasting moment, new things develop and history grows. However, there are many people that I’ve come across that are unteachable because they refuse to learn. I know a 50 something year old that falls in this category. She comes off as very old, even crotchety. She won’t accept any new information that me or anyone really, offers. On the flip side, I knew an 80 something year old that was very vivacious. He was thirsty for knowledge and experiences. He was eager to find answers, travel and explore new cultures. He had the spirit of child. The one thing to keep in mind is that the older someone is, does mean that that person has experienced more that someone younger, but it doesn’t mean it is better or worse that younger.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 24px; ">I’m 25 and not really sure what I’m suppose to do. I’m not special in this way. Everyone I know that’s my age seems to be somewhat lost. Jobs, relationships, insurance, houses, cars, babies, travel, service: not really sure which one should be a priority or which direction I should point. I’m open to everything and ready for anything but somehow that’s still not settling.</p></span>Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-35916968952288811582009-08-27T10:41:00.000-07:002009-08-28T17:36:47.659-07:00The long and winding road....It's been a long trip home. Jess, Hol and I left San Diego at about 1PM in the afternoon on Tuesday and Jessica and I arrived in San Antonio at like 11AM on Wednesday. That's about a day of just driving. We took I-8 to I-10 the whole way. Somewhere in there we dropped Hol off, Casa Grande, AZ I think. I did the long driving. I drove from Tucson to San Antonio from about 8PM to 11AM (with an hour and a half break for sanity purposes). One of the reasons Jess and I did this was because everyone said we couldn't. So hear me now family: if you doubt us we will just work harder to prove you wrong. It's strange how much spite has motivated actions in my life.<br /><br />When I was a kid, I had a GameBoy. I don't remember exactly which game it was, Zelda I think, but there was a game where when you looked at the map of your journey, it would be just a shaded block if you hadn't been there yet (or unlocked it). If you had been there it would be a more detailed map. My entire geographical life has felt like this map: I know there is a place under that shaded square but I can't really imagine what it unless I've actually been there and made sense of it on my own. This trip has filled in most of the Pacific Coast for me except I had already been to LA so that wasn't a new square.<br /><br />Everyone keeps asking me the same things: <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Did you have fun?</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Yes of course. I had a blast. I wouldn't give it up for anything. I learned a lot about the world around me and about myself. This trip was exactly what I needed. I feel an overwhelming sense of clarity. Jessica and I are closer for it too. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Are you glad I'm home?</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Yes. All good things must come to an end so that we can appreciate them. It is nice to sleep in my own bed again with my cat, Brodie. I get to go back to work on Friday and next week and I get to search for another job. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Did you and Jessica fight? </span>Well we had one outburst on the way to San Diego but I'm not a morning person and wasn't feeling well and feel bad about it. Everything worked out for the best though. Things were said that needed to be said. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> Were you glad that Hol came?</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> I wouldn't change our trip. Having a third did liven things up and I did enjoy his company. Hol is family but that being said he and I know how to provoke each other. At times it got tense but I'm glad it all happened. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">What was my favorite place? </span>I have to say that I think the Redwoods touched me the most. The beauty of it all consumed me. It was a place where pictures didn't do it justice. Not only was it visually beautiful but the sounds and smells are something I haven't found elsewhere. All of Northern California is amazing. Napa Valley was super beautiful and fun to visit. My favorite city might have been Seattle but mostly because I got to see and hang out with Michelle. I feel like I could easily live in Portland. I could see how San Diego is the happiest city in America (there was some survey somewhere that said San Diego, Austin, and I think some place random like Ashville are the cities where the people are the most content). So basically all of it was my favorite.<br /><br />In my high school we were constantly told to <span style="font-style: italic;">Reflect</span>. Our senior moto was even "<span style="font-style: italic;">reflect this</span>!" After every big project or paper or test or trip, we were given the assignment of writing a <span style="font-style: italic;">reflection</span> of how we felt about said project, paper, test or trip. As high schoolers we constantly rolled our eyes at this but I'm glad we did it. Those <span style="font-style: italic;">reflections</span> are artifacts of how I felt about whatever in that specific time. That's how I feel about this blog. As I was writing it, I groaned and just wanted to get through it but now, I'm glad I have it to look at and remember. This trip helped remind me how loved I am and how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends. Thank you.<br /><br />Thanks to all who read this and kept up with my journey. My brother, Andy, got a little annoyed with Jessica and I because he thought we were bragging on our blog. I hope no one thinks that is what we were doing because that is the furthest from it. We just wanted to connect with everyone and embrace the technology given to us. I stayed up late writing every night just so my friends and family got know what we were going through. I couldn't bring much back from my trip other than a smile and an empty wallet but I did manage to send out some postcards while I was traveling. To those of you who got a postcard or two or eight, please return the favor when you got out in the world. I have a wonderful collection of postcards and would like to continue it.<br /><br />I feel like it's been such a long trip but in retrospect it has just been two weeks. Jessica and Dad leave tomorrow to head up the East Coast back to Boston. I'll be here reading her blog, traveling with her. I hope you do the same.<br /><br />Thanks again all.Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190270976740523428.post-2322816882211687572009-08-25T10:19:00.000-07:002009-08-25T10:37:49.399-07:00Lions, Tigers, and TURTLES, Oh My!Yesterday was our last full day on the west coast. Where did the time go. We arrived in San Diego in the early afternoon and headed straight to the San Diego Zoo. It was everything I heard it would be. The funny thing is, I've only really been to the San Antonio Zoo and of course now the San Diego Zoo so my zoo standards are probably pretty high since both are acclaimed. (I have been to the Austin "Zoo" which is actually an animal sanctuary so I'm not counting it) I think all zoos should be big like the San Antonio and San Diego zoos. It wasn't very crowed and the weather was perfect. We did spend a good 15-30 minutes watching the polar bear get her toy stuck under a rock and then try to get it out. Jessica has the moral was that if you keep trying at something you will eventually succeed. I'm not sure if that was an accurate moral to take from the situation since the bear kept using the same method and failing, but whatever. When I go to a zoo I want to see cats. The tigers were disappointing because they were sleeping but we got to watch the lions eat. We spent a lot of time with the monkeys. Hol now wants a monkey as a bet.<br /><br />After the zoo we headed towards a beach. Since Dad had suggested that we go to La Jolla that is where we went. It was a beautiful beach. The water wasn't even that cold but we didn't suit up and go swim. We watched the surfer boys succeed and fail and then walked along the beach. Jessica finally got her pacific west coast sunset. We even ate our dinner at the Ale House which had a rooftop view of the ocean sunset. Our evening was still open. Our waitress suggested that we go to this bar, Miller's, that races turtles at night. This was a no brainer, we were going to go a bar and watch people race turtles. It was really cool but we had caught the last race of the night. It was kind of a fratty frat frat-kind of bar after the turtle race was over but Jess and Hol were pretty satisfied with the mason jars of beer they served.<br /><br />Today we are headed home. We are dropping off Hol in Phoenix and then headed to Los Cruces. We have a lot of driving today, at least I've done it before and I know it's going to be super pretty. I'm a little sad it's almost all over but I might also be a little relieved too.Sarah Gonzographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420737066314955039noreply@blogger.com1