Day by day...

We can easily manage if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it.  But the load will be too heavy for us if we carry yesterday's burden over again today, and then add the burden of the morrow before we are required to bear it.  ~John Newton

It’s been a short break between the blogs due to some crazy work schedule and getting things around and getting settled.  I went with a good friend of mine to go and get things at Wal-Mart to finish the set up of the apartment. I made a few big purchases while I was there. I bought a new vacuum that I assembled myself… I’m handy what can I say? I also bought a new bike. It was on sale and its pretty and red. I now can move about more freely and get to more places. It’s a big deal to the Sacramento Area to have a bike. Being so bike friendly, I am now able to go all the way through midtown and opens so many more doors for me while I wait to get the car in October.

Which brings me to my next topic. October. I am going to be making a long distance road trip from Kendallville, IN to Sacramento, CA.  I could have just made a straight shot and it would only take two days, but… I want this to be about an adventure and excitement on the way. I want to see places that so many people have always talked about. I already booked my plane ticket home and will be flying into FWA at 9:30PM September 30^th. I plan on spending Friday filling out paperwork and getting things done to finalize the trip and see my family and make it down to Indy as well.  Saturday, I will be attending the Apple Fest and experience the nostalgia of Apple Fest. It will be nice break from life to set back to one of my happiest moments growing up, and well as anyone who attends can tell you, the food is pretty awesome as well.

Sunday morning I am going to begin my journey West… The first Stop is more symbolic of the journey ahead and always something that I wanted to do. So I will be driving south to the St. Louis Archway… “The Gateway to the West.” After a tour and riding up to the top and taking some picture and even a video on the way if I am feeling ambitious, I will depart St. Louis and head to Omaha, NE to spend the night. This is the longest part of my journey and also the latest expected arrival to the hotel that I have selected. I am going to play tourist this entire trip. I was always afraid to really be a tourist in Hawaii, so this is my chance and I will ham it up!

The next morning I will be leaving Omaha to head to Mt. Rushmore. It will be a short picture stop and look at the mountain and continuing my journey to Billings, MT. I will spend the night there and depart the following day to get to Old Faithful and Yellowstone National Park. I want to walk around and take picture and see some wildlife and roaming animals before departing for Salt Lake City that night. That will be the third stop on my Trip. I am hoping to see the Olympic Park and maybe see some local sites before calling it a night.

I will depart for Mesa Verde that morning and plan on doing a few stops and looking at the buildings and taking a driving tour through the park and short 30 minute hike. I have looked over all the places that I am going and have allotted a certain time for myself and always over estimating the times to make sure that I stay on schedule. Its like I am taking an appetizer sampler approach to the trip. All of theses places to just get a taste and if I like one I would revisit them again.

From Mesa Verde, I am planning on crossing through 4 Corners and of course going to take a picture of myself in 4 States at once... then head to the Grand Canyon. I am staying the night just out side of the Grand Canyon so that in the morning I can make it there early. I also have been getting some advice to go to Sonoma so I might have to do that before I leave and head for the Hoover Dam, and Las Vegas. I have plenty of time built into this day to give me the flexibility to see other things as well. After I decide its off to Vegas for the night…

 I am excited to see the lights and the fountains and soak up Las Vegas. I am not sure where I will be going or what to do, but I think I might go see a show or just walk around and take pictures and see this place. I have a feeling that with the shinny lights and the noises, I will be in sensory overload. That being said I am going to allow myself $40 to gamble and when it’s gone, it’s gone. A few slots and then its off to bed for this one.

When I leave Vegas, I have a few options… I can do a long trip and go from San Diego and north, or I can see the Hollywood Sign, though the traffic does not really sound appealing, I might just make a straight line home. The options are all open and I will play the last day by ear.

So besides the Road trip planning and getting the apartment setup, things are going pretty well. Work is well work and that has been stable. I have made a lot of great friends with my co-workers and well as it provided me an outlet and something to focus on. I am doing pretty well mentally; I am now at point where it’s more of a monthly session. It’s still always great to have the option and to use it as just a check in to keep things going. I would lie if I said I don’t get a moment or two of heartache but it’s that pushing and driving force in me. It burns but it lights the fire to do great things.

Last night was a great night as well. I was tired and could have easily just gone to sleep instead of going out, but it was great. I got to hang out with some friends I haven’t seen I in couple of weeks and it was nice to people watch and dance and have a good time. It was nice too when I was walking home, people were still out and having a good time and I got invited to a party and then had some crazy conversations with people. It was a wonderful feeling and I remember thinking in my head… I like Sacramento. I enjoy this and how great some people here can be. Yeah there will be the times when paths are crossed but I already know that I can be mature and it won’t faze me. So I guess… welcome home to Sacramento.