Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vacation. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
I Need A Vacation....
If you know me, you are probably asking, "why would you need a vacation?" I will admit it; my school work is not particularly hard. I don't have a job either. Lately I have just been feeling so trapped in my own life. I know it sounds crazy but it's true. I need to get away and breathe. I don't care where I go. I just need to leave.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Message in a Bottle....
This morning while swimming in the ocean, Chelsea and I found a bottle floating in the waves. We quickly swam to it and grabbed it out of the water before anyone else. Rushing to shore, we were stoked to have a message in a bottle.
We showed Amber what we found, and we tried to open the bottle but we couldn't. So, we traveled back to the condo where we chiseled away at the seal with a chef's knife. Eventually we were able to get the bottle open, but we weren't able to get the message out. It ended up that we had to break the bottle with a hammer that Amber had brought on our trip.
Once we had broken the bottle, we pulled out the piece of paper inside and read the names of the people who had sent it. They were from Louisiana and on vacation in Gulf Shores. So obviously it didn't make it far. On the back of the piece of it paper it said, "Send more beer. We are out." I cracked up. It was the best message in a bottle ever! There was also a phone number on the back. We plan on calling them tomorrow. We would have called them today, but we wanted to give them at least one day to hope that their message made it really far along the coastline. It was so exciting to find the bottle. I can't wait to call the people tomorrow!
We showed Amber what we found, and we tried to open the bottle but we couldn't. So, we traveled back to the condo where we chiseled away at the seal with a chef's knife. Eventually we were able to get the bottle open, but we weren't able to get the message out. It ended up that we had to break the bottle with a hammer that Amber had brought on our trip.
Once we had broken the bottle, we pulled out the piece of paper inside and read the names of the people who had sent it. They were from Louisiana and on vacation in Gulf Shores. So obviously it didn't make it far. On the back of the piece of it paper it said, "Send more beer. We are out." I cracked up. It was the best message in a bottle ever! There was also a phone number on the back. We plan on calling them tomorrow. We would have called them today, but we wanted to give them at least one day to hope that their message made it really far along the coastline. It was so exciting to find the bottle. I can't wait to call the people tomorrow!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Hanging Out at The Hangout
When I go out for a night on the town in Springfield, I can expect a extremely crowded club with creepy guys and dirty dancing. Tonight I had a chance to experience a different kind of evening out. This evening we decided that we were going to eat supper at The Hangout. We had heard that it was really cool, and they had live music so it was sure to be a blast.
Around eight o'clock we decided we were hungry and left for The Hangout. When we got there, there were quite a few people. We gave them our name and took our buzzer to wait our turn to eat. We explored the gift shop, then we decided to go outside to see the live music and all they had. It was amazing! There was a stage where the band played with a giant television screen above it that was showing the Olympics. There was a dance floor, a beach area for kids to play in, a fire pit, several tables in the sand, and many bars. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.
We were just standing there when the band exited the stage and the DJ started to play music. The first song that came on was the Cha-Cha Slide. We were so excited that we practically ran to the dance floor to do the dance. Doing the Cha-Cha with complete strangers was a blast. Everyone was having fun, both young and old.
After the song was over, we were walking away when the Cupid Shuffle came one. Naturally I insisted we had to participate, so we went back to the dance floor. We had so much fun, not as much fun as the drunk guy dancing on the table was having, but we were having fun.
Afterward, Crank That came on and we watched as many people attempted to "Superman that ho" It was hilarious to watch. When the song ended, we looked at our cell phones and saw it was past nine o'clock. We were starving. We went to the people to ask how much longer it would be, and she told us we had been paged several times. Oops! I guess we were just having too much fun dancing.
Needless to say, we were seated shortly after at a picnic table outside facing the stage. After ordering and waiting about ten minutes, we were able to enjoy our delicious meal and good music. We are looking forward to going back tomorrow. It was so fun there. I am sure tomorrow will be a blast, and who knows, maybe I will dance on a table! : )
Around eight o'clock we decided we were hungry and left for The Hangout. When we got there, there were quite a few people. We gave them our name and took our buzzer to wait our turn to eat. We explored the gift shop, then we decided to go outside to see the live music and all they had. It was amazing! There was a stage where the band played with a giant television screen above it that was showing the Olympics. There was a dance floor, a beach area for kids to play in, a fire pit, several tables in the sand, and many bars. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.
We were just standing there when the band exited the stage and the DJ started to play music. The first song that came on was the Cha-Cha Slide. We were so excited that we practically ran to the dance floor to do the dance. Doing the Cha-Cha with complete strangers was a blast. Everyone was having fun, both young and old.
After the song was over, we were walking away when the Cupid Shuffle came one. Naturally I insisted we had to participate, so we went back to the dance floor. We had so much fun, not as much fun as the drunk guy dancing on the table was having, but we were having fun.
Afterward, Crank That came on and we watched as many people attempted to "Superman that ho" It was hilarious to watch. When the song ended, we looked at our cell phones and saw it was past nine o'clock. We were starving. We went to the people to ask how much longer it would be, and she told us we had been paged several times. Oops! I guess we were just having too much fun dancing.
Needless to say, we were seated shortly after at a picnic table outside facing the stage. After ordering and waiting about ten minutes, we were able to enjoy our delicious meal and good music. We are looking forward to going back tomorrow. It was so fun there. I am sure tomorrow will be a blast, and who knows, maybe I will dance on a table! : )
The Pink Pony Pub
While on our way to Gulf Shores, I was texting one of my former teachers. She said for us to stay away from The Pink Pony Pub in Gulf Shores. Naturally we were intrigued, and we Googled it as soon as we arrived at the condo. We we anxious to go find it, but we didn't actually have a chance to begin our search until late this afternoon.
We started out our search with great confidence, after all, we did have a GPS. We weren't looking to go in the pub, but we knew we definitely had to take a picture in front of it. So under the authority of Caroline (we named the GPS) we were off.
Traveling down the roads of Gulf Shores, we took all the turns Caroline told us to take, that is until I accidentally turned one street too early. Luckily Caroline is a GPS, and she could calculate the unexpected turn into our journey. Following her directions we traveled in a square which we thought would lead us right to the pub. But then as we found ourselves continuing driving, we noticed we were passing all of the same spots in the square again. Caroline took us around the square twice! Then when we did finally arrive at the destination, it turned out to be a light pole and some trees. There was no Pink Pony Pub to be found. Caroline had definitely let us down this time.
Chelsea called her mom and had her Google the address for the pub, after explaining why we were even going in the first place. She gave us the address, we entered it into Caroline, and we were off. We traveled down a whole new set of streets, traveling for about ten minutes when we noticed we were very close to our apartment. It turns out the address we got was on the road right beside our condo, and it led to a pink house but not a pink pub. We were disappointed, but we were bent on finding the place.
So after that whole ordeal, we went ahead and went to our condo where I Googled the pub and sure enough, the address was for the house right beside us. After some more in depth searching, I found a new address and decided to try it out. After driving about three miles, we found that we had pretty much passed the pub while on our search. It was just hidden behind another place.
We were so excited that we found it, but unfortunately I missed the turn because we didn't find it until I was already past it. So I turned around and on the way back I was getting ready to turn in at the stoplight, but I realized it was a one way street and I couldn't turn. Once again, I drove past the pub. After turning around again, I came back and turned into a parking lot I was sure would get us there, but alas, no, it just got us to hotel parking.
After that, I turned back out onto the road and tried the next turn off. It turned out the parking lot was close by the pub, but it did not lead to The Pink Pony. So I exited out of the parking lot and decided to try one other road. When I turned, I immediately noticed that the road led to the public beach access and you had to pay for a permit to park there. I turned around and exited another parking lot yet again.
Upon driving by the pub, I noticed that the permit parking road was the one I needed to be on, but it was not worth it just for a picture. I was angry by then, and I just decided to keep driving down the highway to see what I could see. Amber asked how far I was going to drive before I turned back to head toward the condo and replied by saying that I was going to keep driving until I was no longer angry. Obviously this took awhile, because before we knew it, we were in Florida. It was probably only about thirty minutes away from our condo, but just thinking I had driven in anger until I had crossed a state line made me crack up.
Since I was feeling better, I turned around and we went back to our condo. Overall it was a fun memory I know I will never forget. We are going back tomorrow to get our picture, so I guess I can handle that.
We started out our search with great confidence, after all, we did have a GPS. We weren't looking to go in the pub, but we knew we definitely had to take a picture in front of it. So under the authority of Caroline (we named the GPS) we were off.
Traveling down the roads of Gulf Shores, we took all the turns Caroline told us to take, that is until I accidentally turned one street too early. Luckily Caroline is a GPS, and she could calculate the unexpected turn into our journey. Following her directions we traveled in a square which we thought would lead us right to the pub. But then as we found ourselves continuing driving, we noticed we were passing all of the same spots in the square again. Caroline took us around the square twice! Then when we did finally arrive at the destination, it turned out to be a light pole and some trees. There was no Pink Pony Pub to be found. Caroline had definitely let us down this time.
Chelsea called her mom and had her Google the address for the pub, after explaining why we were even going in the first place. She gave us the address, we entered it into Caroline, and we were off. We traveled down a whole new set of streets, traveling for about ten minutes when we noticed we were very close to our apartment. It turns out the address we got was on the road right beside our condo, and it led to a pink house but not a pink pub. We were disappointed, but we were bent on finding the place.
So after that whole ordeal, we went ahead and went to our condo where I Googled the pub and sure enough, the address was for the house right beside us. After some more in depth searching, I found a new address and decided to try it out. After driving about three miles, we found that we had pretty much passed the pub while on our search. It was just hidden behind another place.
We were so excited that we found it, but unfortunately I missed the turn because we didn't find it until I was already past it. So I turned around and on the way back I was getting ready to turn in at the stoplight, but I realized it was a one way street and I couldn't turn. Once again, I drove past the pub. After turning around again, I came back and turned into a parking lot I was sure would get us there, but alas, no, it just got us to hotel parking.
After that, I turned back out onto the road and tried the next turn off. It turned out the parking lot was close by the pub, but it did not lead to The Pink Pony. So I exited out of the parking lot and decided to try one other road. When I turned, I immediately noticed that the road led to the public beach access and you had to pay for a permit to park there. I turned around and exited another parking lot yet again.
Upon driving by the pub, I noticed that the permit parking road was the one I needed to be on, but it was not worth it just for a picture. I was angry by then, and I just decided to keep driving down the highway to see what I could see. Amber asked how far I was going to drive before I turned back to head toward the condo and replied by saying that I was going to keep driving until I was no longer angry. Obviously this took awhile, because before we knew it, we were in Florida. It was probably only about thirty minutes away from our condo, but just thinking I had driven in anger until I had crossed a state line made me crack up.
Since I was feeling better, I turned around and we went back to our condo. Overall it was a fun memory I know I will never forget. We are going back tomorrow to get our picture, so I guess I can handle that.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Fight the Waves? Or Retreat to the Shore?
Amber, Chelsea, and I arrived in Gulf Shores around three thirty this afternoon. Ever since then I have been taking in all that it has to offer me. I am so happy to be here. Traveling to Gulf Shores has given me a chance to escape the everyday routine of my life, and I can finally get a chance to just breathe and think. The moon reflecting on the ocean is so beautiful right now. I could live like this forever.
Today when we arrived at our condo which is located across the street from the beach, I demanded that we go walk on the beach. After settling in, we crossed the street and surveyed the ocean. Immediately I wanted to jump in the water, but seeing as I was fully clothed, I couldn't just jump in. I asked if we could come back later on around sunset and they agreed.
A couple hours later, we were back on the beach and ready to swim. During those two hours, we visited a surf shop where I bought a boogie board to play with. Upon arriving at the beach, I immediately dove in and started to try to ride the waves. Chelsea also ventured out with me while Amber stayed by the shore. I ran out full speed with my boogie board attached to my wrist, ready to take on any waves.
I haven't been to the beach for nine years, so obviously I couldn't remember everything about it, and one of those things was the fact that the waves are so strong. Paddling out on my boogie board and occassionally jumping waves as I tried to walk, I fought for every bit of ground. It seemed like for every four feet I traveled away from the shore, the waves carried me back five. But I was determined to make it.
As I fought with every ounce of strength I had, I couldn't help but think how similar to life my water situation was. In life we fight so hard to make it, yet every time we feel we are making progress, something happens that throws us back. After that happens, we are left with a choice. Do we just give up and head back to shore, or instead, do we keep fighting for every inch of ground we gain hoping to eventually reach our goal? As for me, I fought my way out. It took a long time to reach my destination, and I got many bumps and bruises along the way, but I reached my goal. I definitely enjoyed my time in the ocean today and I can't wait to do it tomorrow.
Today when we arrived at our condo which is located across the street from the beach, I demanded that we go walk on the beach. After settling in, we crossed the street and surveyed the ocean. Immediately I wanted to jump in the water, but seeing as I was fully clothed, I couldn't just jump in. I asked if we could come back later on around sunset and they agreed.
A couple hours later, we were back on the beach and ready to swim. During those two hours, we visited a surf shop where I bought a boogie board to play with. Upon arriving at the beach, I immediately dove in and started to try to ride the waves. Chelsea also ventured out with me while Amber stayed by the shore. I ran out full speed with my boogie board attached to my wrist, ready to take on any waves.
I haven't been to the beach for nine years, so obviously I couldn't remember everything about it, and one of those things was the fact that the waves are so strong. Paddling out on my boogie board and occassionally jumping waves as I tried to walk, I fought for every bit of ground. It seemed like for every four feet I traveled away from the shore, the waves carried me back five. But I was determined to make it.
As I fought with every ounce of strength I had, I couldn't help but think how similar to life my water situation was. In life we fight so hard to make it, yet every time we feel we are making progress, something happens that throws us back. After that happens, we are left with a choice. Do we just give up and head back to shore, or instead, do we keep fighting for every inch of ground we gain hoping to eventually reach our goal? As for me, I fought my way out. It took a long time to reach my destination, and I got many bumps and bruises along the way, but I reached my goal. I definitely enjoyed my time in the ocean today and I can't wait to do it tomorrow.
Getting up at 3am sucked, but it was soooooooo worth it.
This morning at 3am my alarm clock went off after a mere three hours of sleep. I forced myself to get out of bed, regretting the decision to leave Willow Springs at 4 in the morning to head to Gulf Shores. After a ten hour boring car ride, we arrived safely to our destination. Seeing the ocean for the first time in nine years made the sleep deprivation and boredom all worth it. I love this chance to get away from my life. I love this chance to write, and not have to worry about the stresses of everyday life. I am looking forward to what this trip has in store for me. I am sure it will be full of memories I will never forget.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The Talk
When reading the title of this post, you might think that I mean the talk about the birds and the bees. But alas, it was not that talk. I actually had that talk a long time ago, and it was very awkward. Maybe I will write about it someday, but for now let me focus on a different type of talk. This evening I went to my friend Amber's house who is going with me to Gulf Shores. While I was there we ate giant bowls of Honey Bunches of Oats and watched American Gladiators on DVR. We were just laughing and having a good time, when Amber's mom walks in. She then tells us to pause the television and that it is time we have a talk.
I frantically tried to think if I had done anything that I could be in trouble for. When I couldn't think of anything, I just sat there puzzled waiting for her mom to begin. She said that we needed to talk about our trip to Gulf Shores and a few rules she had for us. I was relieved to hear that I wasn't in trouble. Relaxing a bit in my chair I listened as she gave us the rules.
-No smelling perfume. (It might be drugged)
-Bring baseball bats to ward off any potential attackers.
- No sex.
-No drinking.
-No drugs. (This includes tobacco products.)
-You are not allowed to go anywhere on your own. (This includes the bathroom)
-Call often to check in. (Preferably every hour)
-No talking to strangers.
-Do not get in cars with strangers.
-Do not swim too far out.
-Use the walkie-talkies she will provide.
After hearing the rules and going back to our show, I reviewed them in my mind. I thought to myself that I should be able to follow all of them while on vacation.....ok, most of them. Smelling perfume can be quiet tempting. ; )
I frantically tried to think if I had done anything that I could be in trouble for. When I couldn't think of anything, I just sat there puzzled waiting for her mom to begin. She said that we needed to talk about our trip to Gulf Shores and a few rules she had for us. I was relieved to hear that I wasn't in trouble. Relaxing a bit in my chair I listened as she gave us the rules.
-No smelling perfume. (It might be drugged)
-Bring baseball bats to ward off any potential attackers.
- No sex.
-No drinking.
-No drugs. (This includes tobacco products.)
-You are not allowed to go anywhere on your own. (This includes the bathroom)
-Call often to check in. (Preferably every hour)
-No talking to strangers.
-Do not get in cars with strangers.
-Do not swim too far out.
-Use the walkie-talkies she will provide.
After hearing the rules and going back to our show, I reviewed them in my mind. I thought to myself that I should be able to follow all of them while on vacation.....ok, most of them. Smelling perfume can be quiet tempting. ; )
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