A Short Journey to Savannah - Day Four

The fourth day of our journey could best be described as a race to the finish. We were sick of driving and wanted very much to be in what would soon be called 'our town.' We left Montgomery with the truck rumblin' and ramblin'. I didn't quite feel well so Chelsea took the wheel and we were located about an hour outside of Georgia. It didn't take long before we crossed that state line and Georgia was on our mind. Along our way we stopped at a peach orchard where Chelsea's mom picked up some peach ice cream and I of course tried a bacon cheeseburger. Just past the orchard was a big accident in which a logging truck lost his logs. They had tumbled all over the road and we were stuck in the middle of nowhere for about thirty minutes. I was fearing of the truck dying but it did ok. On the road, I contacted the landlords and we arranged for us to get the keys to our new house! We were both excited to finally get to see it.

Around four, we reached our town. We headed to the house and got to see it. It is quite nice and I am excited to be able to start moving in. Right now it is an empty palette to start throwing stuff in. We meet our landlords and they seemed quite nice. I think we both got very lucky on our rental property. We did have our first visitor also today. On the right side of the house and outside we saw a huge spider. It had a two foot long web extending from the side of our house to a huge oak tree on the side of our yard. It is disgusting. As for the house, Chelsea is absolutely in love with it. I am happy she is happy, but right now the house is not quite like a home. I know it will get there when we get settled.
After a bit of checking out the house and meeting the neighbor, we left the house for dinner. The neighbor is a man best described as a hater of t-shirts but should invest in one. He sits on his porch and watches the day go by. Nice enough and good to have around to keep an eye on the neighborhood.

For dinner we met up with Nicki and Jim for a burger at B & D Burger. It was great because they were able to let us bring the dog. It was also great to meet up with the Hansens before they left for Greenbay on Friday. And I can never past down a good burger joint. I would have to say that this is a recommendation on my part. They have about 15 different types of burgers to soothe any one's choice of toppings. Even Chelsea's dad got a rendition of what we called a 'pizza burger' that he used to create when he was younger. While I am not as adventurous and there was no cheesy bacon cheeseburger they were able to get me a bacon cheeseburger, my favorite. Chelsea also pointed out to me that they have a kid's meal area that doubles as the starving student section for cheaper meals for the hungry students everywhere. We went to bed on quite a full stomach. Good night and well eats.

A Short Journey to Savannah - Day Three

After loading all our stuff back in the truck, we left Shrieveport and were off to different lands. The dialect had definitely changed around here. As DeeDee might say its a little bit like hillbilly. I knew we were in the right direction. The Ice Tea had changed also. Fearful of this new drink I have stayed far away from it. The liquid sugar concoction they try to pass off as ice tea is a ploy of some sort...I'm sure of it. We were to drive until the people of the land spoke something different. This drive was alot better then the drab and boring Texas. We would refer to the rest of the trip as, 'at least we aren't in Texas' part. No offense to those Texans out there, I'm just saying. We were trying to make it to Columbus, GA. The drive had different ideas.

We stopped just over the Mississippi for a rest and I got to see the grand river first hand. I think I have seen it before, but I can't remember. The welcome center was by far the best one I've ever seen and even offered us free soda. I passed on the offer but it was still cool. Around this point my truck decided it was beginning to have enough of this trip. I would consider its demeanor as a low rumble and uncomfortable shake, unnatural for any american made automobile - or any car for that matter. It was not wanting anymore of this long drive and I wanted it to cross three more states. This rumble however was only to be had at low speeds and on the highway it performed like a throughbred, that is if it were a horse. It would be a concern for the rest of the trip if we possibly would not make it. Our only choice would be to press on and just hope. Mississippi also greeted us with a strong rainstorm that slowed us down a bit. It was a little frightening for moments when visibility became zero on the highway. After our little set back we ended our day in Montgomery, AL. We were about an hour off our mark but we were tired and I was worried. Chelsea and I were able to pick up some Carraba's for dinner which was very tasty and calmed my nerves a bit. This is probably the night I was unnerved the most and I didn't get much sleep. Until the next day, good night.

A Short Journey to Savannah - Day Two

Our morning began with yawns and half opened eye lids. I would have to say that it wasn't the most pleasant of sleeping arrangements and I think Chelsea would agree with me. The Culpeppers have four kids, two girls and two boys. For sleeping arrangements, Chelsea and I got to sleep on the girl's two twin beds. The dog, she had her little travel bed, the bigger one is on its way to Savannah with the pod people. Even though they were small, the Culpeppers were quite nice to allow us to use their house for the night and I thank them. I don't know them as much as Chelsea and her parents do, and its great to have help along the way, they took me in with kindness and welcome. A quick stop at the golden arches and then we were off - to the most farmland I have ever seen. I question if this is the dreaded drive made infamous by stories of the Texas landscape. I later found out that it was. We are close to Weatherford, TX and that means lunch and everyone knows how I feel about that. Until next time...




I would have to say lunch was quite tasty. We stopped at a wonderful BBQ place and I was able to get a delicious pulled pork sandwich. A small highlight on the dull drive of Texas. I am trying to tell you of some great story that happened along the way, but really there is nothing. Texas is big...that's all I got. We ended day two in Shreveport, LA. We stayed at La Quinta and I have to say I am impressed with their hotel chain. For dinner, we ventured out to find some dinner, but we weren't all that hungry. Chelsea's parents had dined at a catfish restaurant down the street which they enjoyed. We went out walking trying to find something...if anything that catches our fancy. We came across a restaurant called "Becca's" that offered a variety of different menu items. Such entrees included: catfish, craw fish, frog legs, or fried gator. Not my cup of tea. As Chelsea says, "Welcome to the South!"
We walked back to the room with no dinner and not really minding it. We were able to get some internet in the room and the adventure outdoors stopped after that. Good night in the bayou.

A Short Journey to Savannah - Day One, Part 2

So my post got cut off last time so let me finish it...

The end of day one concluded with our final stop in Odessa, TX. We stopped at the Culpeppers house, a family friend and Chelsea's old neighbors. They allowed us to stay with them for the night. Lola again had the excitement in which she didn't play friendly with their dog. Let's just say that Lola has no idea of size and she has no concern of it. Snapping at a rottweiler shows that she can take on any adversary. It could have been the Persian army but she doesn't care. After being separated and confined to the upstairs, little girl's room, Lola was to go to sleep. The Culpeppers house was pretty nice and out in the middle of Texas. It was kind of creepy that they lived on Sleepy Hollow Dr. I kept lookout for the horseman but alas he was nowhere to be found on this sleepy Texas night. By the time we got there, Chelsea and I were worn out and ready for bed. It was the end of day one and we had driven through three states. Our sights would be set on crossing the great expanse of Texas. But until then, we slept.

A Short Journey to Savannah - Day One

A day starts all a buzz as we take to the road and head out to the rest of our lives. I'd say we are the worst at goodbyes, but we tried our best. It's hard leaving everything you've had behind. I think my mom took it the worst. A weak point in our usual strong demeanor. In the parking lot of Burger King, we leave Tucson behind and set sail for Savannah. Chelsea's parents are on lead and for the next four days a yellow VW bug is our main view. While we all wish that our travels are without incident and over as fast as possible; nothing ever goes as planned. Although I have to say that seeing the Arizona landscape is quite fascinating. We drive past downtown Tucson and next time I visit, I-10 better be complete. I know it won't, but here's to wishful thinking. Goodbye Tucson - Hello never never land.

Although most of the drive is without character, I did enjoy the drive through Texas Canyon. Ironically, it's in Arizona, but the smooth and unique rocks look beautiful among the nothingness of a vast, and endless highway. Lola has been quite a good puppy. Always the perfect passenger on any trip. She did have a little excitement of her own. Perhaps it was Lordsburg or maybe somewhere else. I am writing from memory so its kind of a blur. Well at one of our stops, Lola found out the annoyance of stepping in gum. She was alright though, no harm done. Personally, I think it gave her a snack for the rest of the day. But that dog is a mess to be made.

The Last Siesta Under These Stars

It is unbelieveable to say that tonight is my last night as a resident of Tucson, AZ. So many years living in this blazing valley and yet they all seem to have past by in a blur. I suppose I am not really good at goodbyes. The rooms are empty and my voice is the only thing echoing off my empty walls. Not really my walls anymore...I was really just borrowing them until someone else came along. Its still hard to say goodbye. Last look at the view, for a while anyway. I believe in my heart I will see everyone again and I know if I don't it, it won't be by my accord. I've learned I've made alot of great friends and now I suppose its time to make some more. Tomorrow morning we leave and I will be driving four days across country with no such experience on my back. I say so long, Tucson. I found my map to the Georgia coast and even if I come home empty handed; I will still my stories, battle scars, and memories. Like the Ataris say, 'Life is only as good as the memories we make.' Its time now to capture these moments in a grain of sand and remember for our lives. I say thank you for all the fiestas and siestas, the food and the drinks, the friends and the family, and the blur in between. I am excited for my school days and projects. It's time to find out what its like to be grown up, though hopefully never act too grown up. The road is calling my name and my blooding is boiling with excitement. But I never want to say goodbye. It's getting late and I know my days ahead of me so I guess I'll say good night.

A prelude to a grand adventure

Movie to see: Stand by Me

Place to eat: Friday's



After the long waiting game of many months, the time is frighteningly close. Everything is packed up and already on its way to Georgia. I can't thank our friends and family enough. It was a day of sweat dripping and guns blazing. Andrea helped us all day moving and we used her 'guns' in full force. Of course Taylor may have lifted a box or two for good measure. And without our parent's help, I don't think we could ever make it. We packed up so much stuff in one day that I can't even believe it, looking back at it. Great friends and good family are very hard to come by and we are both thankful for having it all.

I have to say that personally, this is a little overwhelming, leaving that is. I have never left Arizona before and I have to say that it is hard leaving everything you leave behind. Not specific stuff, but people. I never really thought that I have left a mark on anyone or anything. I knew it would be hard leaving family (haven't done that yet, so still dreading it) and I figured it would be hard leaving Taylor and Andrea (basically family without the blood connection so they kind of have to miss us). But I guess I've always thought I have been someone in the background, just letting things pass me by. And I think in the past week I have seen that a lot of people care about me and Chelsea and really want us to go far. And it has also made me realize that I really care for these people also. Work has been, well, work until it's time to say goodbye and you find out that those people you have shared your life with won't be there the next day. These are people that I have shared countless laughs, joys, hundred of lunches, and even troubles with. They have helped me grow and in return I hope I have shared some secrets also. I can never thank Richard, Judith, Kerrie, DeeDee, Mary, Dan, Jenna, Megann, Dennis, King Leonidas, Robert, Roland, Ben, and Laura (if I missed anyone, I blame the cheesy bacon cheese burger for all faults, but you know I thank you too) enough for the knowledge they have brought to me as a person and designer. I want to thank everyone for just, well, a wonderful time. Everyone has given us just a grand farewell and makes me want to make you proud. I have created this blog as a conduit to our lives as we try and explore whatever we can. I really want to have fun and share what we find. Now I just have to convince Chelsea to help me post on here too! I want to invite everyone to share in our experiences and keep in touch. You might have a movie review here or a food critic there because that's what I do. And also don't be surprised if I just cut to some obscure movie quote - "I'm a wild, and rabid squirrel!"