It seems like forever since we made the trip, but in reality it was only 5 weeks ago. Joe flew to Ohio on Christmas Eve and 1 1/2 days later we got on the road. As I said before, we packed my trailblazer to the brim! And, although it was a project getting something out of it, it was nice to have the cooler Corey bought me for Christmas and all the food my mom gave us, including a plate full of cookies!
We had pretty decent weather, except for the snowstorm we ran into when we left (up until Columbus) and again in Idaho. The trip took us a total of 2 1/2 days... we drove through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois during the night. Iowa was the next state, and that seemed like it took all day to drive through! Very boring! Highlights include: windmills, the World's Largest Truckstop, and more windmills. Once we got into South Dakota, the plan was to stop at Mt. Rushmore and drive through the Badlands. Well, I didn't realize (until we got a brochure) that Mt. Rushmore closes after Christmas. (I just looked up when Mt. Rushmore reopens and it says it is open 7 days a week all year round except for Dec. 25th.... Bummer! I guess we could have gone!! I must have read the brochure wrong! It would have been nice to see in the winter.) We did however, get to drive through the Badlands. There wasn't much to see, but it was just nice to get off the highway for awhile. When you're in a car that long, the smallest things will excite you... deer frolicing in the wild, a Porky Pine hanging out on a tree branch...
After South Dakota we drove through part of Wyoming and then Montana. Montana is by far my favorite state to drive through. It is so beautiful! You'll see a couple great Mountain pictures I took through the windsheild. Once we got into Idaho we hit a couple snow storms driving through the mountain passes, but we made it through. Once you cross over the Idaho/Washington boarder, Spokane is only 15-20 minutes away.
So here I am, living in Spokane, Washington. 2200 miles away from the fam. Although it might be awhile, I can't wait to make a trip home. I recently got a job at Starbucks. I'm only working 20 hours a week right now, but I get benefits...if anything it will be a nice 2nd job. I get a free bag of coffee once a week and the great thing about it is I'm saving money by walking to work (it's only a 3 minute walk), but it's funny how walking to work and not relying on a car gives you such a pleasure. New York here I come! just kidding :) So Starbucks is good so far...minus smelling like a coffee bean when I get off work! My plan is to get something part time or even full time at one of the golf clubs in the area, working in the golf shop.
Other than that, nothing else is new... I committed to a 1/2 marathon (13 miles!!!) in May. Not sure what I was thinking, but Joe's sister asked me to do it with her & her friends. I haven't ran in a LoNG time, but it will be good for me...I need to start working out again. I've been trying to go antique shopping on my days off. I really love this cute little shop called the Vintage Rabbit here in town. I've found some cute buys. I traveled to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho yesterday...it was a perfect day...45 degrees, sunny, cute little shops, beautiful scenery...the only thing that was missing was Joe :)
I've including a slide show of our Road Trip. There aren't many pictures, but I hope you enjoy!