Avery
So, cue May!
Though we haven't chronicled it all that well, we have managed to make it to Canada (twice!), Seattle, and Massachusetts. The drive across the country was long and taxing but we made it more or less in one piece. We are now settling in somewhat for a summer filled with waitressing (and hopefully a few adventures tossed in) before we move on to our next destination and a new apartment!
For now, we truly are living apartment-wise: Marta is staying with her parents, while Audrey and I share a room in a family's house. It portends to be by all accounts an interesting summer.
Seeing as I unfortunately have no camera, I'll have to convince Marta or Audrey to post pictures of our adventures thus far.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
The MAC
Audrey
Since late February I have been working as a volunteer for the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (affectionately known as "MAC") in Spokane. It's no Smithsonian, but it's still interesting--they just opened their centennial exhibit, "100 Stories," a few days before I started.
My job is to stand around for four hours every Wednesday and ask people if they like what they see, and give them more information if they want it (which they never do). I also make MAC buttons for visitors and facilitate the use of the button-maker if visitors want to make their own button.
A favorite with the kids is story #72, which mentions the blizzard of '09 that was apparently big here and allows you to write on the black parts of the wall with a chalkboard marker. Miraculously, the most inappropriate things I've seen on the board are "butts" (courtesy of Marta, actually) and "poop," written in flowing cursive handwriting.
In the back of one of the galleries is a display of clothing from a few different eras in Spokane history--it's probably one of my favorite of the exhibits.
It's weird to think about, but except for Native American history, there's actually nothing in the Spokane area dating back further than 1805 when Lewis and Clark came through the area. Compared to even Boston, Spokane is a little bitty baby city.
My absolute favorite story and accompanying item is an old missile-launch console from the Cold War that was actually in an underground facility somewhere in Spokane. As of a few weeks ago, it even lights up. *_*
Alan the Security Guy tried to get me to press the red button...when I didn't, he went down and pressed it for me to demonstrate the loud noise it makes. I stayed up on the balcony and took a video from a safe distance that is now inexplicably sideways and I'm not sure how to fix it so I won't post it.
Speaking of Alan the Security Guy:
He swears he was smiling behind his hand.
After the first 12 hours of volunteering, he is the only interesting thing left in the gallery (actually, halfway through my first four-hour shift he was the only interesting thing). Arts and culture becomes dull quickly...
We talk about what we've been up to the past week and I tell him about our adventures and plans for travel. Alan grew up here in Spokane area and most of his family still lives in the NW too, so he's a home-grown kinda guy. He fishes and wants to buy a fishing shack with a buddy out on the coast near Seattle.
The exterior of the MAC is almost more interesting than what it houses--multiple sculptures dot the campus, and the outside is deceiving. It may look small, but there are multiple floors underground and the galleries stretch out beneath the lawn and parking lot.
Even if it does get dull once in a while, I'm going to miss the MAC and the people who run it when we roll out of town next month. <3
Since late February I have been working as a volunteer for the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (affectionately known as "MAC") in Spokane. It's no Smithsonian, but it's still interesting--they just opened their centennial exhibit, "100 Stories," a few days before I started.
My job is to stand around for four hours every Wednesday and ask people if they like what they see, and give them more information if they want it (which they never do). I also make MAC buttons for visitors and facilitate the use of the button-maker if visitors want to make their own button.
A favorite with the kids is story #72, which mentions the blizzard of '09 that was apparently big here and allows you to write on the black parts of the wall with a chalkboard marker. Miraculously, the most inappropriate things I've seen on the board are "butts" (courtesy of Marta, actually) and "poop," written in flowing cursive handwriting.
In the back of one of the galleries is a display of clothing from a few different eras in Spokane history--it's probably one of my favorite of the exhibits.
It's weird to think about, but except for Native American history, there's actually nothing in the Spokane area dating back further than 1805 when Lewis and Clark came through the area. Compared to even Boston, Spokane is a little bitty baby city.
My absolute favorite story and accompanying item is an old missile-launch console from the Cold War that was actually in an underground facility somewhere in Spokane. As of a few weeks ago, it even lights up. *_*
Alan the Security Guy tried to get me to press the red button...when I didn't, he went down and pressed it for me to demonstrate the loud noise it makes. I stayed up on the balcony and took a video from a safe distance that is now inexplicably sideways and I'm not sure how to fix it so I won't post it.
Speaking of Alan the Security Guy:
He swears he was smiling behind his hand.
After the first 12 hours of volunteering, he is the only interesting thing left in the gallery (actually, halfway through my first four-hour shift he was the only interesting thing). Arts and culture becomes dull quickly...
We talk about what we've been up to the past week and I tell him about our adventures and plans for travel. Alan grew up here in Spokane area and most of his family still lives in the NW too, so he's a home-grown kinda guy. He fishes and wants to buy a fishing shack with a buddy out on the coast near Seattle.
The exterior of the MAC is almost more interesting than what it houses--multiple sculptures dot the campus, and the outside is deceiving. It may look small, but there are multiple floors underground and the galleries stretch out beneath the lawn and parking lot.
Even if it does get dull once in a while, I'm going to miss the MAC and the people who run it when we roll out of town next month. <3
Friday, March 28, 2014
Routine
Avery
So now that we've all (finally) gotten jobs, we've sort of settled into a routine. Get up, go to work, come home, eat, watch TV, sleep, repeat. Audrey cooks, Marta and I clean up, or we all just scrounge. Marta and I still clean up.
The weather is still schizophrenic, one day sunny and around 60 degrees, then suddenly rainy and 30 the next day. At one point it was hailing, and another, already-formed snowballs were pelting from the sky. It was very strange.
At some point, I hope the weather will be trustworthy enough for us to go on organized adventures, but to date, that has not happened. In the very distant future of April, we have a trip planned but that's sooooo far away!
In the meantime, you can find us either here in our apartment, hiding away from the precipitation and waiting for better days, or at work!
So now that we've all (finally) gotten jobs, we've sort of settled into a routine. Get up, go to work, come home, eat, watch TV, sleep, repeat. Audrey cooks, Marta and I clean up, or we all just scrounge. Marta and I still clean up.
The weather is still schizophrenic, one day sunny and around 60 degrees, then suddenly rainy and 30 the next day. At one point it was hailing, and another, already-formed snowballs were pelting from the sky. It was very strange.
At some point, I hope the weather will be trustworthy enough for us to go on organized adventures, but to date, that has not happened. In the very distant future of April, we have a trip planned but that's sooooo far away!
In the meantime, you can find us either here in our apartment, hiding away from the precipitation and waiting for better days, or at work!
Monday, February 24, 2014
The Hospital
Avery
As a natural homebody and not one for burning gas that I don't have to, I haven't been out that much since we got here. I go to the grocery store, the bank, and out to an interview (in the hopes of curing my terminal case of Unemployed) if I'm lucky enough to get one. About two weeks ago, I managed to land a job babysitting every now and then so I had no excuse but to go out.
I found my way there, found my way to the school and kindergarten to pick the children up, and found my way back. On the way, I found the mall, a movie theater (I think), and several parks.
Audrey and I went out this past weekend for haircuts and we found that and then the bank.
I had an interview for nannying I managed to locate.
Today I had a grand adventure looking for a Carl's Jr. in pursuit of fries.
What do all of these incidents have to do with each other? Their location.
Somehow I always end up back at the hospital. The apartment where I babysit? Across the street from the hospital. The bank? On the road to the hospital from the school. Interview? By the hospital. Carl's Jr? Also right by the hospital (I found it after driving all around the part of town I'm familiar with and took a turn that accidentally took me right back to downtown. Which is where the hospital is).
I have therefore come to the conclusion that all roads lead to the hospital. No matter where you are, no matter where you're headed, you'll end up at Sacred Heart Hospital. Sacred Heart is a beacon drawing you in. It is the center of gravity around which the rest of the city orbits. It draws all of Spokane in to itself.
Despair if you aim to arrive anywhere else. You will always end up at the hospital. No matter what you do, no matter where you go, you cannot escape. Accept it now that this is your unalterable fate.
As a natural homebody and not one for burning gas that I don't have to, I haven't been out that much since we got here. I go to the grocery store, the bank, and out to an interview (in the hopes of curing my terminal case of Unemployed) if I'm lucky enough to get one. About two weeks ago, I managed to land a job babysitting every now and then so I had no excuse but to go out.
I found my way there, found my way to the school and kindergarten to pick the children up, and found my way back. On the way, I found the mall, a movie theater (I think), and several parks.
Audrey and I went out this past weekend for haircuts and we found that and then the bank.
I had an interview for nannying I managed to locate.
Today I had a grand adventure looking for a Carl's Jr. in pursuit of fries.
What do all of these incidents have to do with each other? Their location.
Somehow I always end up back at the hospital. The apartment where I babysit? Across the street from the hospital. The bank? On the road to the hospital from the school. Interview? By the hospital. Carl's Jr? Also right by the hospital (I found it after driving all around the part of town I'm familiar with and took a turn that accidentally took me right back to downtown. Which is where the hospital is).
I have therefore come to the conclusion that all roads lead to the hospital. No matter where you are, no matter where you're headed, you'll end up at Sacred Heart Hospital. Sacred Heart is a beacon drawing you in. It is the center of gravity around which the rest of the city orbits. It draws all of Spokane in to itself.
Despair if you aim to arrive anywhere else. You will always end up at the hospital. No matter what you do, no matter where you go, you cannot escape. Accept it now that this is your unalterable fate.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Winter Wonderland
Marta
So I'll be honest, right now it's way too cold and snowy to do anything super interesting and exciting. The coldest it's gotten so far is -3 degrees, and it got up above freezing for the first time this week. Because of this, the most exciting I've gotten so far is to learn how to pay bills and shop on my own, as well as integrating myself into a new work environment. I transferred to the Staples about 10 minutes from the apartment because none of the other jobs I applied for wanted me, so I'm earning my rent as a register monkey and meeting tons of interesting people when they come through my lines!
Once it gets warmer, though, I have plans. Many plans. There's a park nearby, and it looks like the kind that holds events and concerts. I've gotten lost on purpose a couple times so I can get to know the area, and I'm talking with my coworkers about fun things to do in the area.
I just need it to be above freezing first.
So I'll be honest, right now it's way too cold and snowy to do anything super interesting and exciting. The coldest it's gotten so far is -3 degrees, and it got up above freezing for the first time this week. Because of this, the most exciting I've gotten so far is to learn how to pay bills and shop on my own, as well as integrating myself into a new work environment. I transferred to the Staples about 10 minutes from the apartment because none of the other jobs I applied for wanted me, so I'm earning my rent as a register monkey and meeting tons of interesting people when they come through my lines!
Once it gets warmer, though, I have plans. Many plans. There's a park nearby, and it looks like the kind that holds events and concerts. I've gotten lost on purpose a couple times so I can get to know the area, and I'm talking with my coworkers about fun things to do in the area.
I just need it to be above freezing first.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Spokane First Friday
Audrey
On the first Friday of every month, the art galleries of Spokane keep their doors open late, have wine tastings and free food, and let the public enjoy everything they have to offer for free. The church I've been attending, Spokane Christian Church, just so happens to have a bible study of people around my own age, and last night they were meeting up at one of the art galleries to explore First Friday events. I joined them.
We saw a great deal of art, most of which made sense to none of us, ate crackers and brightly-colored pasta that matched the modern art on the walls, sipped free wine samples, and froze outside as we walked between galleries.
I forgot to take pictures. 'pologies.
On the first Friday of every month, the art galleries of Spokane keep their doors open late, have wine tastings and free food, and let the public enjoy everything they have to offer for free. The church I've been attending, Spokane Christian Church, just so happens to have a bible study of people around my own age, and last night they were meeting up at one of the art galleries to explore First Friday events. I joined them.
We saw a great deal of art, most of which made sense to none of us, ate crackers and brightly-colored pasta that matched the modern art on the walls, sipped free wine samples, and froze outside as we walked between galleries.
I forgot to take pictures. 'pologies.
Friday, January 31, 2014
How much I missed winter after four years in NC
Audrey
The sun peeked out for the first time in well over a week. The snow glittered, the neighborhood looked actually pretty, and I went outside to frolic like a preschooler.
I bundled up in all my New England winter gear, of course--snowpants, boots, thick socks, double-layered LL Bean gloves, the works.
I ate snow, and made a snow angel because the snow wasn't sticky enough to make a snowman.
I wandered around to the hedges between the two apartment buildings and found a lovely cave area tucked away beside the office building.
I crawled in, of course.
And discovered what the view would be like for any dead bodies I need to hide, if dead bodies could see.
Picasa decided to add a falling snow effect to this one and I ain't complaining
We also have train tracks right above our apartment. You get used to it...
The road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
(I also basked in the sun on the carpet like a cat afterwards. Our next destination may have to be sunny.)
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Snow
Audrey
It snowed this week! Luckily the northwest is as used to snow as the northeast, and roads are taken care of quickly. I haven't had any trouble driving except to get my van up our apartment-driveway hill... We're cozied up in the apartment, plenty warm enough, but I'm not looking forward to having to go out in the cold to get to the laundry area. The view from our little back deck:
It snowed this week! Luckily the northwest is as used to snow as the northeast, and roads are taken care of quickly. I haven't had any trouble driving except to get my van up our apartment-driveway hill... We're cozied up in the apartment, plenty warm enough, but I'm not looking forward to having to go out in the cold to get to the laundry area. The view from our little back deck:
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Spokane!
Avery
After many many days of driving for ENDLESS HOURS and after a few close calls (which, spread out over a week, actually don't amount to much), Marta and I have finally arrived in Spokane!
Our stuff is EVERYWHERE in the apartment, and I haven't even emptied out my car yet, we're tired, several hundred dollars poorer due to hotels and soooo many gallons of gas (I'm going to calculate all that later), and kind of overwhelmed with all that's happened, but we're here! And excited! And now I'm going to watch movies because I don't have to get up at six in the morning to drive anywhere.
After many many days of driving for ENDLESS HOURS and after a few close calls (which, spread out over a week, actually don't amount to much), Marta and I have finally arrived in Spokane!
Our stuff is EVERYWHERE in the apartment, and I haven't even emptied out my car yet, we're tired, several hundred dollars poorer due to hotels and soooo many gallons of gas (I'm going to calculate all that later), and kind of overwhelmed with all that's happened, but we're here! And excited! And now I'm going to watch movies because I don't have to get up at six in the morning to drive anywhere.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
THERE NEEDED TO BE--
--A POST FOR TODAY OKAY.
Audrey
They're gonna get here tomorrowwwww. I shall clean and cook and they get to be the husbands and come home to a hot meal.
There are no beds for them. Awkward.
Then we will adventure through Spokane! Soon! I was told by a born-and-raised local that the first Friday of every month is a Big Deal in Spokane and different places have events and free stuff and you can get into all the museums free, so guess what I'm planning for February 7th~
Monday, January 20, 2014
Rocks rocks rocks
Achievement: Seflie At the Grand Canyon - Unlocked!
Yesterday was Tourist Adventure Day, we drove through the Red Rocks of Sedona (which were uh-may-zing) and then stopped at the Grand Canyon (which costs money to get in be warned) so basically yesterday was all about rocks. Lots of rocks. Big rocks. Tall rocks. Short rocks. Small rocks. Absence of rocks (canyon). But they were very cool rocks so it was worth it.
Then we drove past the Hoover dam but some jerk decided to put high walls on the bridge past it so we couldn't see anything.
My first impression of Nevada is that people are terrible drivers. Las Vegas has lots of lights and flashing signs that can be very distracting if you have been driving through empty desert all day.
Today we go into Vegas to party hard! I plan on blowing a WHOLE DOLLAR at the slot machines. I know they say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas but I'll probably write a blog post about it anyways.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Living like adults
Audrey
Today I did a thing.
No but really, last night I picked up a free couch on craigslist, put one end up on the bumper of my van, then lifted the other end to push it in alone. I drove back, unloaded it, rolled it end over end up the stairs, dragged it down the balcony to the apartment, rolled it into the living room, set it up.
Solo couch moving: Maybe like a 1/10 do not recommend.
This morning I went back and fetched a futon that was there but that I couldn't cram into my abused minivan during the first trip. I took some bins and wrapped them up in curtains from college (classy), moved the furniture around, put one of my extra bedspreads over the futon, and laid out a dorm rug.
It's like I can legitimately fool people into thinking I'm an adult now.
Texas through Arizona
Avery
Things I saw today:
Cattle yards
A suggested speed of 70 mph on a curve (Evidence that everything in Texas is flat and straight)
Oil pumps. So many oil pumps. Too many oil pumps.
Two types of windmills. And lots of them.
Really really long trains.
Too much yucca.
Just as many power lines.
Hundreds of miles of empty space, abandoned buildings and settlements, a gas station at least forty miles from any sort of civilization, and...
A truck towing a boat in a place where the nearest water was probably a gazillion miles away.
And at the end of the trip? My very own beloved college roommate MK!
And at the end of the trip? My very own beloved college roommate MK!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Texas
Marta
Things I Learned Today:
Tumbleweeds do exist.
Texas is mostly flat with some hills and lots and lots of scrubby trees.
It also goes on forever.
If you are driving along and you see a big white cloud of something coming towards you, slow down because it's a cloud of gravel and small rocks kicked up by trucks that will assail your car and hopefully not damage anything.
Walkie Talkies sometimes pick up on conversations between strangers which are fun to listen to.
On-ramps are rarely clearly marked, and often have small roads right next to them that are NOT the correct choice.
If the pickup truck parked next to your car at the hotel has a guy in the back of it plucking the feathers off a huge grey bird, don't say anything to them.
It IS possible to get a sunburn in the car.
Things I Learned Today:
Tumbleweeds do exist.
Texas is mostly flat with some hills and lots and lots of scrubby trees.
It also goes on forever.
If you are driving along and you see a big white cloud of something coming towards you, slow down because it's a cloud of gravel and small rocks kicked up by trucks that will assail your car and hopefully not damage anything.
Walkie Talkies sometimes pick up on conversations between strangers which are fun to listen to.
On-ramps are rarely clearly marked, and often have small roads right next to them that are NOT the correct choice.
If the pickup truck parked next to your car at the hotel has a guy in the back of it plucking the feathers off a huge grey bird, don't say anything to them.
It IS possible to get a sunburn in the car.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Asheville to Vicksburg
By The Numbers:
630 Miles Traveled
50 Average temperature in degrees
30 Minutes lost in Atlanta
12 People seen pulled over by police
11 Pictures taken
6 Miles Per Hour my speedometer is off
5 States traveled in
2.98 Lowest gas price
1 Sister seen and hugged
Sunday, January 12, 2014
A Trip Of The Road
Marta
Four thousand five hundred and seventy two miles, give or take a few.
It's an intimidating number, to be sure. But hey, I'm young, I'm independent, and I want to see as much of the world as I can before a career glues me in one place. From Massachusetts, to North Carolina, then all the way to Washington. Avery and I leave from North Carolina on Wednesday morning. Audrey has already driven from California to Washington to move into the apartment before we get there. If all goes according to plan, we'll all be together by the end of the month. For those of you who are interested in this misadventure we are embarking on, you can follow us here. The blog will be updated daily during the road trip, and then weekly once we arrive, each of us taking turns so you can get everyone's fascinating perspective. We'd love comments and questions so feel free to participate!
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