Can you spell: REDNECK!?

I apologize for the delay in posting. But I figure the longer the anticipation, the more appreciated the post! =) So at this point, the grand adventure part of the road trip is finished. I will be updating you on what has happened between Colorado and now.

Stop 1: Cheyenne, Wyoming. This little adventure probably stretched me the most out of any on this trip so far. Definitely out of my comfort zone. Coming from Los Angeles, I am used to a huge diversity. Different skin colors, languages, styles, interactions etc... But here the only different skin color was pale, burnt or tan. The only language variety was if you had a Texas accent or an Alabama accent. The only variety in styles were if you had a black cowboy hat or fancy boots or suspenders with a cell-phone clip. And all the interaction was 100% cowboy.

Needless to say, I was in awe and wasn't sure how to act. And I'm almost positive they can spot a city slicker like me from a mile away. i was wearing flip-flops. and we asked where we could go to "look at the animals." (that got a funny look from this old cowboy who was like, "you wanna look at the animals. like after the rodeo? like a zoo?" haha.)

We had some of the best seats possible. The two people we asked for directions on how to get to our seats were both in awe. And one guy asked to see our tickets for proof because he didn't believe him when we said we were in East Lower. We were second row from the arena. just to the right of the chutes. Perfect view. Misters to keep us cool. mmm delightful.

But it was everything I imagined a rodeo would be like and more.
Epic beyond description.
Breathtaking in its redneck magnificence.


The bull riding was amazing. I do not understand how the human body is able to withstand this...but these guys do it, and thrive on it. Legs flying. Balance precariously maintained. Heads being thrown back and forth. Major whip-lash. And even occasionally they get stomped in the head. We saw a few that got stepped on and almost crushed by the bull. But no one was seriously hurt.

I had these awesome videos to post. But my connection doesn't allow for it. So you'll just have to come visit me. and I'll show them. Pictures will have to do.


Our awesome second-row seats. best part of this pic is the cowboy with the happenin' handlebar mustache behind us. incredible.



One of the many bulls that were ridden




The line up of cowboys above the bull chutes. so cute ;)



One of the ginormous Percherons. his name was Shaq.




Moral of the story: Suzy is short. really short.




Tasha's awesome cowgirl belt buckle.



The ridiculousness of the bucking horse.


Overall, the rodeo was a smashing success. loved it.


incredible sunset on our way out of town.


Next came a grueling 14 hour drive to St. Paul, MN to visit the brother, Sis-in-law and cutest niece EVER. so much fun.


Super cute niece. she loves cucumbers.



brother jim took us out boating. turns out, baby girl loves it. wind was a bit much. but she ended up falling asleep in my arms. *sigh*


Simon got a bit sick while we were there. battery short-circuited. so he went to the doctor. and got a battery transplant. now he's as fit as a....ford...should be. =D



Walked around downtown St. Paul. Jim gave us a tour. we found an arsty piano and played it and sang. It was delightful. slightly out of tune. but delightful none-the-less.



Jim and Kris live right next to this fantastic river that gets all pretty at dusk with reflective lights. Super movie-ish.


We had quite the adventure on Tuesday because Simon was at the doctors and we had to check out of our hotel (a little over a mile away) and get all our bags to J&K's lil loft. And we had the baby. So much fanegaling took place to get us to this point. but that is all the stuff we hauled. with the help of a slightly senile taxi driver who thought all the streets were one-way. (Don't worry, J&K...baby girl was very safe. and even fell asleep).
at this point we were exhausted and still had to drag the stuff up the small stairs and across the inner lobby to the elevator. then from there to their loft. meh.


One more parting shot of this smiley girl. She has the biggest grin and flashes it frequently!

After St. Paul, we did another night drive and arrived in Chicago at about 10:00 am. Checked into our hotel, met the girls' cousin and went to take on the windy city!

First stop was the Museum of Science and Industry (a bit too much science for my taste, and not quite enough industry.) But we saw the amazing Body Worlds Exhibit. For those of you who haven't seen it, i highly recommend it. Definitely gives me more appreciation for intelligent design and our awesome God. No pictures were allowed of that exhibit. So here are some others.


awesome misty wall thing in the futuristic room.


eeeeelectricity!


Then we walked to Navy Pier for a delightful fireworks show. It was breezy, warm and so pleasant. Great way to end the night!



Now I'm here in Central Illinois. Us girls have parted ways. I'm on to the next segment of my journey visiting more family and friends. having a great time. Missing home.

Hopefully I'll get more pictures as time goes on. Thanks for your patience!
love.

Que Magnifico!

This is what we proclaimed as we climbed mountain trails and looked out over beautiful vistas! I have grown up around mountains my whole life, but this was breath-taking. Upon the advice of our hostess, we took this road to a delightful little lake.

After walking around a bit, we decided to be adventurous. Because we are on a road trip. and being adventurous is what one does when on a road trip. So we took this road and wound around these mountain gulch roads until we began to wind our way UP the mountain. We followed some signs to this parking lot with some trails leading off of it. And from there we found a fantastic view of a valley. The clouds provided shadows and sunlight which highlighted crevices and peaks. We sang "How Great Thou Art" because it was a natural response when looking out over God's fantastic creation!

(this pic cannot do the view justice. but that is a little taste of it)


(Me and heather on top of the world!)


(you should know that I jumped up to my place on the rock after pressing the camera timer. that's how awesomely ninja-ish I am.)



(When one does not have a fourth person to take pictures, one gets innovative on how to capture precious moments at the trail head!)


(These are called "Grandelions! Tasha was really enthusiastic about blowing the fuzz and making a wish!)



(On our way down, we found this white fences around this perfect meadow. and we just HAD to document it!)



(It had been storming and so after it cleared, we saw this PERFECT rainbow. SO amazing!)



(At this point you should be jealous. because this is the proof that we are loyal fans of American History. This is where we paid our respects to one of the best rough-riding cowboys of the wild-wild-west. William "Wild Buffalo Bill" Cody. it was epic.)



(This is one of the vistas we found. It was utterly breathtaking to see these rolling mountains that went on forever)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SefM7XZhf4 (this is one of our video documentations)


Anyway, as you can see, Colorado has held some magnificent adventures! We are enjoying each others company and haven't killed each other yet. So that is always a plus.

Next is Wyoming and a pretty happenin' Rodeo! So keep checking for updated blog posts with pictures of that!

We love you all...and honestly, I think none of us realized how grown up we would feel on this trip. So parents...this is for you. All the patience, teaching, love, correction and prayers you've poured into our lives. I don't think any of us would be here right now if not for your love and support of us!

The LORD is [our] keeper;
The LORD is [our] shade on [our] right hand.
The sun will not smite [us] by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The LORD will protect [us] from all evil;
He will keep [our] soul[s].
The LORD will guard [our] going out and [our] coming in
From this time forth and forever.
(psalm 121:5-8)

On the Road Again!

The epic adventure has begun. We are currently at our first stop, Arizona. Now...i don't question God for why he made such a miserably hot place on this earth. I just question why he made people who are crazy enough to live here.

just kidding. it's not that bad. well, sort of. Look at this.



And it's only 10:15 in the morning. RIDICULOUS. Good thing we love the people here a LOT. =)

We are here for a short few days, but we're packing a lot in! Simon is getting a check-up tomorrow just to make sure he's all in working order. And we're just doing a lot of family bonding, fellowshipping, eating, swimming and avoiding the furnace that is the great outdoors!

Honestly, after I got in my truck and drove away from Pasadena, this feeling washed over me. I can't really describe it. But it was one of overwhelming freedom and also the weight of responsibility at being headed across the country. There was also this humble feeling to know that I was at the mercy of my truck, the elements and the hospitality of many people. (I know, I know...I'm at the mercy of God and we are in his hands. But one does tend to feel small when faced with those kinds of things) God has sure opened lots of doors and blessed us immensely to be able to do this.

Here is some documentation of the trip so far:

These are the girls that I'm traveling with! Tasha is on the left and Heather is on the right. They are sisters. It definitely makes for some good times! =)



So the cute little "Huck-Fin" style satchel that I am carrying over my shoulder was a creative gift from good friend Drew. He packed it full of fun little things to make our trip more memorable. Everything from chewing gum to a Frisbee, from a squirt gun to make sure drivers don't fall asleep to a camera tripod. and everything in between. There was even an instructional list on how to make the best usage of all the enclosed goodies.



Here we are. All packed and ready to go. Simon is so handsome, if I do say so myself. Actually...I'm gonna confess something to you. You can think I'm weird if you want to. (most people already do). But those very few of you who know what I'm talking about will appreciate this. The rest of you can shake your head and recommend a good therapist.

Maybe it is because he used to belong to my grandpa. Maybe it is because he's my first vehicle. Maybe it is because he actually has a name. But I have bonded with my truck. we have spent some long hours together...just me and him. I've prayed, cried, laughed, sang, pounded his steering wheel in frustration, practiced what I'll say to people, stared out the window deep in thought. We've experienced life together. I know he is inanimate, but I have bonded with my truck. And those of my friends who know me and Simon know how awesome he is and how much he means to me. They all call him by name and they love riding around in him (at least that's what they tell me).
And when I miss my Grandpa, I just sit in Simon and look around and picture all the places my grandpa went in him. It helps me remember all the great things i love about my Grandpa.
That is why, even though he gets "terrible" gas mileage, and isn't the most suave looking thing in the world...there is no other vehicle I'd rather trek across the United States with.

As we take more pictures and have more stories, I'll update again!

For a parting verse comes to mind that my wonderful Aunt Sue taught me in Sunday School. I think of it everytime I travel.
Mizpah:
"The Lord watch between you and me when we are absent from each other"
[genesis 31:49]

libertad!

So on one specific day that has been significant for around 200 years, the country collectively recognizes freedom. Stores stick out their red, white and blue items. car lots have their "SUMMER SALE! EXPERIENCE THE FREEDOM OF A NEW CAR" sales. there are special deals on soda, chips and hot dogs. road side stands advertise sparklers and other firecrakers.

And all of this celebration is because of freedom. our country's freedom. Now, I'm not going to go into a whole history lesson. And I'm gonna be honest with you. the historical connotations of freedom really only cross my mind when my uncle mentions it before the dinner-time prayer. But hey, I'll take it. I enjoy a nice celebratory holiday just like anyone else.

This year, my 4th of July turned into a 3rd, 4th and 5th of July celebration. Lots of cousins, food, swimming, games of mafia, trampoline games, ping-pong tournaments, finger jello, bean-bag toss, hugs, laughter, singing, water fights, beach trips, store runs and everything else in between.


My adorable cousin Nathan.


All the boy cousins trying to fit on one tube. it worked.



Singing around the piano quite enthusiastically. I think lil' cousin Edie is feeling the Spirit move ;)



Freedom has impacted my life in another significant way. I am now currently jobless. As many of you know, I have been steadily employed by a restaurant for the duration of my college career. And now life is moving on and so am I. After much deliberation with my boss, we decided that it was impossible for me to stay employed and go on my upcoming road-trip. And so my future changed.

*quit job
*go on month-long road trip
*have no responsibilities other than to live, be free and spend my savings wisely
*come home
*look for jobs

and that is all I have planned. and honestly, it feels great.

Anyway, back to being done with work. Honestly, it was bittersweet. I have made some pretty close friends. And while I'm sure I'll stay in touch with some, it is not the same as working along side them. There are also those I won't be seeing again. Being the relationship building kind of girl that I am, this tends to leave me with a deep sense of sadness.

So I was in a sort of denial up until my last day. And my wonderful co-workers surprised me and got me a beautiful cake and flowers and there were hugs and i think a few tears. =)


(they even knew to get red-velvet and not chocolate!)



Me and my girls. My friend Ana draws these cute lil' characters on the white-board at work. It represents us all quite well!


I had a little notebook that I had people write notes in so I could remember them. This is one from one of the cooks. While it was challenging at times to get them to write in it, it is so worth it. I love words, and will cherish this book.

Anyway...I am jobless, living with my parents and about to become a vagabond on the highways and bi-ways of this country. And I couldn't be more excited about that. I'll keep updates coming as I am able!

And as a parting reminder,

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
[galations 5:1]