road trippin' reflections

It's almost been a month since I returned from my solo cross-country road trip. A month? Already?/That's it? Yes to both :). I reflect on it often- On how empowering it felt to get behind the wheel and drive across unfamiliar states and into unexplored (at least to me) cities. On how exciting it was to see and meet so many old and new friends. On how comforting it was to know that I had still "got it", that I could thrive in a foreign environment. 

I truly believe that you discover new things about yourself in the most unexpected of places. And then, of course, learn more about the world around you. 


Over the past few weeks many have asked me what my favorite place was. It's a question that is actually insane. After so many amazing memories, how could I possibly just choose one place? Then again... there are a few that stand out in my mind. Without this road trippin' adventure of mine, I would've never fully appreciated the beautiful charm of Savannah, Georgia, nor have been as impressed with the magic that is Santa Fe, New Mexico. I wouldn't know for sure that I could easily move to San Francisco nor that Los Angeles really isn't that bad at all. (To comment on the last part of that statement, for as much as I try not to pre-judge anything, I did have preconceived notions about the sprawling city of "superficiality." I can assure you that there's so much more to L.A. than Hollywood, although Hollywood is kind of awesome too.) I couldn't understand how nice it would be to live in Portland, Oregon or Seattle, Washington one day, nor that if "doing college all over again without losing the previous 'Cuse experience" were an option, I would immediately choose Ann Arbor's University of Michigan. And I definitely would not think of Couer d'Alene, Idaho as one of the most naturally gorgeous cities in the United States nor realize that I would happily hop a plane to Madison, Wisconsin simply to feast on the culinary delights that the midwestern city offers (and to kick it with the fabulous Holly).

But I stopped in sixteen more places than just the few I mentioned above, and I appreciated each and every one of them; If not for a complete fascination with the city itself, than for the people that made the stay worthwhile. Because of that, at the beginning of my trip, I decided to make something that would remind of it's entirety. Beyond a homemade collage, each one of the songs below was chosen by one of my hosts or entertainers. Not all of them, unfortunately, since I forgot to ask a few (Caitlin, feel free to add below if you can), but most.

1. You Only Live Once, The Strokes
2. B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast), Rick Ross & Styles P
3. Islands, The xx
4. Let Your Love Grow Tall, Passion Pit
5. Maps, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
6. Whatever It Is, Zac Brown Band
7. The Silken Whip, Afro Celt Sound System
8. All my Friends, LCD Soundsystem
9. On Melancholy Hill, Gorillaz
10. Sexaholic, Be-1
11. The Good Times Are Killing Me, Modest Mouse
12. Stereo Love, Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina
13. Home, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
14. I Second That Emotion, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
15. Love Is All, The Tallest Man On Earth
16. 4th of July (Fireworks), Kelis
17. Whole New Way, Scissor Sisters
18. Stuck Like Glue, Sugarland
19. The Scientist, Coldplay
20. When You Walk In the Room, Fyfe Dangerfield
21. Sweet Disposition, The Temper Trap
22. The Promise, Tracy Chapman
23. Life's a Dream, Built To Spill 

This playlist is invaluable to me now. And I thought I'd share it with you all by the chance that you're looking for some new musical inspiration or jams at the moment. My Road Trip USA friends have some great tastes.

Yesterday morning I listened to my Americana-inspired mix as I got ready for a family brunch. You see, my little brother came home for a quick weekend visit. Since he hasn't been here since August, and he won't be able to make it back for Thanksgiving, it was most definitely a special occasion. 

We prepared a lovely spread of coffee, d.i.y. mimosas, spinach quiche, hummus, green salad, bacon, fruit salad, coffee cake, jellies, cream cheese, salmon, and fresh New York bagels. Talk about the joys of home!

Today it's back to that all-too-familiar grind. In the past 28 days, I've picked up three freelance jobs that will hopefully sustain me into the new year. I've also decided to lend a hand to the wonderful people at PageDaily. For that, I'll be spending two spectacular days a week on the Upper East Side and working my little heart out on some of my favorite topics. And then of course, we have my newfound exercise routine and my refreshed commitment to health, beauty, confidence and contentment. Thank you to those that commented on my vlog, by the way, the discussion really meant a lot to me and I think it was an important one to have. As for the more extended future, like another month from now, I can't tell you where I'll be quite yet, but I will say that I won't be in the same place- not emotionally, mentally, or even physically for that matter ;). The journey continues.

individual bliss

Remember the days when doing things completely on your own was what you strived for? When it was an accomplishment to dress yourself, make your bed, tie your shoes, and button up your coat all by yourself? I do. But somewhere along the way, the concept lost it's appeal. I'm not sure why. 

So, in an attempt to appreciate our self-sufficiency again, we're going to change that! Or rather, I'm going to try to change it for myself, and you can join in too if you wish to do so :). Fulfillment is different for everyone. I get that.

Along Road Trip USA, I met more than a few inspiring people. But I was impacted most by those on their own personal solo journeys. Some of my hosts had moved to new cities for jobs, others for future schooling. As adults (who in children's eyes, have it all figured out) they were slowly learning how to make a new home. They familiarized themselves with their surroundings, made new friends, and dealt with the difficulties of living miles (in a few cases, nearly 3,000) from the majority of their friends and family. It was almost as if they'd sprung themselves into that awkward college freshman situation again, only this time, it was in the real world, and others that they passed were not as eager to hear about where they were living and where they were from. 

Making such a big move like they have is often romanticized, but right now, it still doesn't make it sound any less appealing. It take quite an amazing person to do such a thing. And I like to think I thrive on self-inflicted challenges.

One being pilates. For the past three days, I have been enjoying free classes at Apogee Wellness Center. As they describe themselves on their website, "with unparalleled personalized service, we support your personal path to health with a complete wellness approach that has the power to transform body, mind, and spirit." Hallelujah.

Tonight, I attended their Restorative Yoga class. It was perfect timing. Not only did I need it, it also happened to fall on one of the most well-known of Indian (Hindu, to be exact) festivals, Diwali. Similar to our Thanksgiving, the holiday signifies the renewal of life. In many parts of the world, is regarded as a time to ask for abundance. (FYI: I only know this because my yoga teacher told me all of it). We were told to make our intention to the goddess Lakshmi. We were advised to ask her for any abundance we desired in our lives, while also being grateful for everything that we had already been given, which is, as I was told, more than we even realized.

Gifts: safe public transportation to New York City; project-based work at a renowned beauty magazine; numerous future employment opportunities; a home with a lovely family; a comforting vegan and Vietnamese dinner; ability to do pilates in the first place.

Whenever I have my moments of sadness or spouts of feeling sorry for myself, I have to remember how capable I am as a human being to live the life that I want to live... all. by. myself. You are, too, you know. I hope you never forget it. Let's wrap up with a suggestion in the article, Happier and Healthier: How to Channel Your Inner Optimist, by my new favorite magazine:

One of the most powerful ways to cultivate optimism -- and harness its potential health benefits -- is to practice gratitude exercises. Every night, think about three things that occurred that day for which you are grateful, and also about why they took place. "It will help you see that good things often happen because of something positive you put out into the universe," [author of "Creating Your Best Life", Caroline] Miller says.

Now please, go out and have a glorious weekend! Alone, in a pair, with a group, wherever you are.

an italian meal, revisited

As much as the concept of still living with my parents irks me, it definitely has it's advantages. In addition to the more obvious free rent, my darling father insists on taking us out to eat at least once every two weeks or so. Tough life, huh? Right before I embarked on Road Trip U.S.A., we ventured to Finalmente Trattoria. 

As I admired the beautiful sunset on our ride into Sleepy Hollow, I couldn't fathom the fact that I was really leaving tomorrow, that I was really going to drive all the way across the United States and back, and that I was really going to do it all by myself. I wasn't nervous, per se, but I was definitely anxious.

And yet I put on a face of pure excitement for our family friends. I didn't want to worry them, nor my parents... not yet at least ;). Thankfully, as you know by now, nothing really went wrong. The road trip went better than planned! I stayed safe, healthy, and honestly spent 99.99% of the journey, authentically happy.

[pre-dinner glass of Sangiovese]

Now I'm home again, safe and sound, with fantastic Italian food all around me. As the Jersey Shore so shamelessly exemplified, there is a very strong Italian and Italian-American culture in this region of the United States (although only a small percentage of it can be stereotyped into what they display, I assure you). 

[warm slice of Italian bread with extra virgin olive oil]

I grew up thinking that everyone had a handful of family-owned brick oven pizzerias in their neighborhood and was as familiar with Italian bread, fresh pasta, and prosciutto as they were with macaroni & cheese and chicken nuggets.

[Appetizers: frisée salad and fried calamari]

It was not until I went away to school that I realized not everyone had such a lucky childhood ;). What some others did have, however, was access to some of the best Creole, Mexican, Austrian, Japanese, and Vietnamese in the country, as I quickly discovered on my rides through their home states.

[bottle of organic red for the table]

I didn't fully appreciate the wealth of culture throughout the United States until I experienced it with my own senses. Po-boys and beignets in New Orleans really are all they're cracked up to be, eating Mexican food in southern Texas is a must, Kansas boasts a multitude of eastern European influences, and when visiting, one should be fed accordingly, get sushi in Los Angeles, (just do as I say, you'll understand,) and Vietnamese just may be my new favorite cuisine thanks to tofu-vegetable curry in Portland and pho (pronounced fuh) in Seattle.

[Entrées: fettuccine al forestal and lobster fra diavlo]

Then of course there are the true blue American classics like Southern hush puppies and grits (I recommend North Carolina farmer's markets and any restaurant in Savannah), fried chicken and waffles (it can be found amongst more sophisticated breakfast options at many Oklahoma restaurants), walleye (a river fish native to the northern midwest, I'm partial to South Dakota's offerings), cheese curds (the brainchild of Wisconsin's dairyland), Colorado beer and California wine (no explanation needed.) 

And if you happen to come by my neck of the woods, phenomenal plates like this one. Those many nights ago, I nearly died as I enjoyed the homemade spinach pasta in a pesto oil with haricot verts and garlic. Even just thinking about it...

[Dessert: decaf cappuccino]

Forget fast food, truth is, we really can eat well throughout the United States. Seasonal produce can be found almost everywhere, and for those less than healthy options, well, they  can be attributed to our ridiculously hardworking past of farmers and factory workers. Or, as in the case of Pittsburgh, miners. They inspired the infamous Primanti Brother's sandwiches that consist of a full meal between bread, fries and slaw included. So, the next time I eat out locally, I plan to make the most of the culinary riches surrounding my hometown. Maybe I'll even return to Finalmente Trattoria, a beautiful and delectable restaurant decorated with Baroque, Byzantine, and Venetian accents and intimately lit by Moorish sconces. It's certainly about time.


What fine foods can be found in your area? You know, in case I want to visit ;).

epilogue

Don't value money. "A new study from the University of Liege in Belgium shows that it (money) can...impair our ability to appreciate the simple things."

Get engaged. "Find an absorbing, challenging pastime that allows you to feel some mastery...Research shows that achieving this state...will allow you to function at your fullest and lead to more positive feelings about yourself and life in general."

Do good. "Studies show that those who volunteer report better mental health than those who don't. Volunteering can increase a sense of capability in the world."

Buy experience, not things. "Experiences lead to lasting memories, which can result in satisfaction, meaning and a sold sense of self. Other studies suggest that spending on leisure is smart because activities generate social connections, and strong connections contribute to happiness."


P.S. I also want to get back into sketching and collages since I've certainly collected enough material from my travels. This will be fun, we'll make sure of it :).

do you realize? (syracuse, ny)

When I was a freshman in college, I shared a room with a stranger. She was from New Jersey, a TRF and English double major, and, she would soon become one of my best friends. Down the hall from our room 209, was another soon-to-be best friend. We spent almost our entire year together--the three of us studying in C & I's bedroom, having dinner in the upstairs dining hall, braving the cold in hopes of getting into an open party--and the following summer I went to visit K in her home state of Oklahoma for the first time. K, like many of my friends, was far more knowledgeable about music than I. She introduced me to the Flaming Lips, a band of which we were lucky enough to meet and see in concert during my stay. I've been thinking about one of their songs a lot more lately.

In our English language, "Do you realize?" is simply asking whether or not you understand the given concept or statement. In Spanish, French, and other romantic languages however, the terms "realize" or realizar or réaliser signify not just a mental grasp, but a physical one.

A physical grasp on a concept or statement, what could I ever mean by that

Oh, well, you know, something like: I'm going to take a solo road trip around the United States.

When I had my one and only "oh my gosh, I'm half-way across the country, in an strange city, and all by myself... WTF" breakdown, I touched on how I made the lofty statement above possible. The idea sprung from a GPS Christmas gift and came to be because my original driving companion couldn't join me and because I had spent the past six months (graduation party included) saving up for a post-graduation adventure. I made sure to plan the places I wanted to stop in and seek out people with whom I could stay with. I already knew of friends or family in a few of the destinations; during the summer, I met even more people who were moving back home or to jobs and willing to offer me a couch and/or company. In the end, there were only six cities left, and so I joined CouchSurfing to put myself into contact with wonderful globetrotting strangers who were happy to host me.

Then I had the most incredible experience familiarizing myself with our great country. And even more so meeting at least three new people on a daily basis. By the time I made it Syracuse for homecoming weekend, I couldn't even believe half the things that I'd done nor that had happened to me. And yet, I was thrilled to be in a familiar place, surrounded by some of my favorite people, with the knowledge that I had done it. I did it! With hard work, perseverance, and a fun-loving, easygoing, friendly disposition, I had carried out an aspirational statement and made it my six-week reality. Would it be so bold of me to admit that I'm proud of myself?

I sure hope not, because I am :). Not because I thought I would fail, (oh no, I try my absolute best not to harbor such negative thoughts), but because I had faith in the childhood belief that anything and everything is possible, especially at a time in my life when most people have given up on their ability to choose and do.

With each birthday, we're faced with more responsibilities that bind us to a predictable day-to-day life. Though we're not no longer able to realize our goals, it most definitely becomes more difficult to do so. Still, after 44 days, and nearly 9,000 miles, I have met enough real-life examples that haven proven to me how much we can change and improve our lives at any time. We can take control of how we choose to live. And for those elements that we cannot control, we can surround ourselves with people that matter, be grateful for all that we have, take note of the little thing that make us happy each and every day, and hope for the best.

Now that I'm home and the job search has really begun, these words by The Alchemist, one of my many books on tape, holds a lot more meaning. I hope they can inspire you to realize whatever it is that desire to achieve as well.

"It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting." / "When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too."

P.S. Today was both National Love Your Body Day and the Wear Purple, Show Support, Have Spirit event. I sincerely hope you were able to participate! Each one of us deserves a happy, healthy, and full life.

before & after

These videos were recorded 41 days and 8,506 miles apart, yet all the while in the same car. By chance, I even wore the identical shirt. There aren't words to describe how spectacular Road Trip USA has been, nor how much it has influenced me, but I will attempt to explain everything in the next blog post. If you have any questions regarding my trip, please comment below, otherwise, I'll let PostSecret wrap it up:

the steel city (pittsburgh, pa)

I made it to Pittsburgh by two on Thursday afternoon. It was my second time in Pennsylvania since my first at the very beginning of my trip and knowing this fact weirded me out like none other. Nevertheless, I was excited to see a nearby city that I'd only ever heard about and meet two fabulous bloggers.

I'm not sure from which neighborhood I came, but I do know that I drove into the Central Business District :). Otherwise known as downtown.

The weather was cool with periods of rain and clouds so I gave drove around, slightly lost, on my quest for a café with wi-fi.

Somehow I made my way over to the Strip District. The first thing that stood out to me about Pittsburgh was about how positively industrial it was. Sure, most cities are, and I suppose I was aware of this city's nicknames, but seeing the factories and warehouses really elicited memories of it's blue collar past.

That's not to say, of course, that the areas weren't visually appealing though. Beautiful buildings, like this cathedral, are also scattered throughout. And in the area I was in, so were numerous boutiques and marketplaces.

Eventually, I made my way to 21st Street Coffee & Tea. The somewhat over-priced coffee shop is locally-owned, founded in 2006, and focuses on by-the-cup quality coffee and tea that is directly sourced.

I joyfully settled into an upstairs nook with my delectable soy latté and got to work.

At some point in between there, I had to use the restroom. Normally I don't share such unnecessary details, but I found this "wash your hands" sign so incredibly clever that I couldn't help taking a picture of it, and as such, feel the need to explain where and why. Read it and giggle, please.

Afterwards, I ventured into the Heinz History Center. I spent about three hours there,  although I could've easily spent longer. There was oh so much to learn!

So, I took notes on a few of the more interesting facts. For one, the Lewis & Clark expedition began in Pitt. If you'll notice on the map, their route was very similar to the one I took east, in the opposite direction.

Furthermore, many things began in Pittsburgh, for instance: miner safety precautions, the Jehovah Witnesses movement, the first "human" robot, the World Series, America's Dream Highway (I-76), the first polio vaccine, Dr. Rogers, Heinz ketchup, the Silent Spring, the Big Mac, Mr. Yuck Stickers and Rosie the Riveter (first published on what would become my birthday, May 29, 1943).

Other exhibits looked back at Pittsburgh's cultural pasts with focuses on the Polish, Slovak, Italian, Jewish, Irish, German, and African-American influences.

Randomly, yet all the while interesting, there was also an exhibit on the French-Indian-American War. The written displays were in French, as well as English, so I had fun translating (and quietly reading aloud to practice my accent).

And last but not least, the Sports Museum. It was awesome. According to the exhibit, sports are central to city's identity and Pittsburgh's athletic success has been unmatched. It sounds biased but they did have examples to back it up :).

I suppose there's a reason some call the place, the City of Champions. 

Please also note that although I have little football knowledge, I may have officially became a Steelers fan for the rest of my life. Oops.

Dangerous things like that happen when you go to the Heinz History Center ;).

Like I said though, I really would've stayed longer. I didn't though because of one very special person: Rose. 

Her and I have "known" each other for quite some time in the blogosphere but it was our first time actually meeting. And what a great time it was.

Following a short introduction, we made our way to The Church Brew Works. Another blogger, Susan, was wonderful enough to join us for the bloggie meal too. I wish I would've remembered to take a group picture!

I had a seasonal beer and a Pittsburgh salad with salmon. Usually they come with grilled chicken, but they are always served with fries. It was news to me that you could opt for almost any salad to be topped with french fries in the city of Pittsburgh. Crazy cool and just one of the many things I learned that night. Dining with bloggers, especially local ones, is amazing.

After saying goodbye to Susan, Rose gave me a driving tour of the city that ended atop Mount Washington.

There were such beautiful views of the city! How we got there exactly, I have no idea, but I do know that we made our way through Lawrenceville and Oakland. The latter is where U.Pitt and many other colleges are located. For daylight photos, I suggest looking at Caitlin's visit to her alma mater :).

Then we had a drink at Brillobox, an artsy East Village-like bar, before heading to Belvedere's for their infamous 80's night. I had an absolute blast!

And yet I still woke up early the next morning to say goodbye to Rose, a lovely person, host, and blogging friend, and hit the road. Syracuse was my next and last road trip stop. It was time for homecoming...