travel more

I went to Florida and visited my dad for the first time. I also rode on an airplane for the first time in my life.

Both experiences were wonderful and I plan on doing it again this year.

I can’t believe I waited so long to soar in the air.

I love the the sun set

Yesterday I went to Yardley, PA to do a wedding gig.

I rode the NJ Transit to Trenton, NJ. The ride was peaceful and I felt like I was traveling to a far away place. I was able to ride, read and eat in peace.

I watched towns like Edison, Elizabeth and Linden pass by.

This was a pleasant experience that I hope to have again soon.

I joined several hotel and airline frequent flyer/ stay clubs. I also joined Amtrak and updated my Greyhound card.

There are many ways for me to earn miles with my daily purchases and some even give you points for joining.

I set up an online account to build travel money this year. I have $25-$50 transfered to this account monthly.

I have three weeks of vacation to use this year plus personal and regular holidays.

My dad is having surgery in the next two weeks in Florida.

He doesn’t have anyone to be there for him. I am going to try and get a ticket to take care of him for a few days. I know it’s a one day type of surgery but I feel I need to be there.

This will be my first time on a plane. I am scared but I have to go. It’s a 3hr plane ride or a 10 hr bus trip.

I am a country girl at heart. I grew up in Virginia and this weekend went there to visit my grandpa for his birthday.

I had an excellent time and I was able to see parts of his town I hadn’t seen before. A lot has changed but the good parts still remained the same.

I realize that I really love to travel. During my bus ride I met a woman who told me about her travels west. She said every woman needs to take a journey alone just because she can. She needs to have courage to travel along, trust in her own instincts and faith in experiencing new things.

I did this trip by myself and I had a good time. I ate at my first Southern diner. Since I have lap band surgery I could only eat eggs, a spoon full of grits and a slice of tomato. It was the best breakfast I had in a while. The people were so friendly it made me never want to return to the city.

I realize how simple some people live their lives. How saying hello and good morning to a people along your path is not a crazy thing.

Sitting in my seat on the bus I had people from over the country in one 52 passenger bus. Different cultures, different languages, different stories all doing the same thing: moving forward to a new destination.

I use to be scared to travel places along but as I grow older I find freedom in it.

My husband and I went to Union City, NJ yesterday for a doctor appointment. It was beautiful. It’s a lot different than the other cities in New Jersey. There were beautiful and color buildings and homes and I notice they have an over abundance of parks. There are big trees on every block.

We walked about a bit before my next appointment and sat in the park. We watched squirrels and pigeons play in the park. We saw kids cutting school and enjoying a beautiful (but cold) Fall Day.

My goals are to travel to the following places between now and December 2006:

Florida
Vermont
Conneticut
Maine
Canada
Pennsylvania
Delaware
Maryland
New Mexico
Mexico
The Bahamas
Las Vegas

I have been collecting information about all my destinations and the most cost effective means of traveling to them. I am saving money each month to go towards my travels.

I read a great book called “Tales of a Female Nomad” by Rita Golden Gelman. It’s the story of a woman who devotes her life to traveling and learning new cultures. It is a well written book with a lot of advice and tips. You can visit her website for more information: http://www.ritagoldengelman.com/

(P.S. The public library carries the book! )

Rita’s tales are inspiring. She gives you a first person look into her travels that make you feel like you are backpacking along side her. Her book also shows how she simplified her life to finally live.

One good resource I gained from the book is US Servas Organization. This international organization host exchanges between travelers and members to help build the bridge between cultures. There is no exchange of money but membership to the organization is required.

For a better description and membership information please visit the following link: http://www.usServas.org/

Right now I work at a job where I have at least 25 days off each year. We have half day Fridays in the summer so that adds up to three days weekends.

I’ve decided for 2006 I am going to work my holidays, vacation days and personal days to my advantage. Alot of three day weekends and extended holidays.

I have decided that in 2006 I will document my travels on film whether it be on my camera or video camera.

I want remember my life and the things I see from here on in.