Maddie's Song

it has begun. i met up with katherine for breakfast before leaving town. finished my jam job of packing this morning, i still need the urgency. i arrived into madison before i had expected and kinda surprised emily. we went over to her friends house and did bike stuff to get people ready for the riding season. we then went towards the capital with a few remnants of protests ongoing for dinner. the place reminded me of portland, with its farms listed and presented with the description, very refreshing. the last time i was around the capital building, i may have been dressed as a cheerleader, lost all of my group and was without my phone. this time was a bit better. i enjoyed emily as all get out, and love the midwestern expressions i have forgotten. i am reminded how fortunate i am to have such wonderful people surrounding be, ill find some more when i get to minneapolis.
do you think the people fishing in cities are doing it for sport or necessity?

just about on the road

my final day in michigan is here, and i am happy to be moving onward. i am enjoying my time home and have been able to see some old friends. i get to play softball with my sister tonight assuming the rain stops. i can see myself having my parents life and doing what they are doing and not living mine. i have been unloading and unpacking and trying to repack for the next few months and i find myself surrounded by clutter. too much stuff. i probably only use 15% of what i have weekly. i need someone to sort through and toss out my things. i bet i wouldn't know what was missing. maybe when im back in june for a few days ill be able to donate some items. i need to finish packing.
i have nights planned in madison and minneapolis then i will continue through the badlands for some camping. fortunately my car will be a little more comfortable. ill be out in seattle in 8 days!

stright outta dc

my sleep schedule is still a little tweaked from 4 consecutive night shifts. i have been saying goodbye and see you laters for the last 2 days. it has been really nice to see so many people who i depend on and love, but it serves as a stark reminder of what i am giving up. the doubts are endless. i was happy to wake up so early after my going away shindig last night, i was tired of saying goodbyes. i ended up on the road before the neighborhood woke up. i was tearful and emotional leaving the city i have lived in for nearly 3 years. im leaving many friends, many memories, and many things left undone. im certain that a few days on the road will help me. ill be making it to dinner with GJ, brr, kat, and tracie! time to put some miles behind me.

ill be here more

my final stretch at georgetown is here. ill be working 7 of 10 and then unemployed. it is a bit frightening but also exciting. im ready for what i find next. im happy that i am making this leap, and i think my decision will be reinforced once i make it out west. ill be in michigan for easter weekend then striking out on us 2.
i haven't let everyone know at work because i am not wanting to make a production out of it and really don't want to answer the same questions. im realizing that i may have made it into a bigger production by not having it in the open.
since i was last here, was able to sneak away up to boston, michigan for friday fish fry, then chicago on top of my local exploration. ill be posting photos and musings from my journey though.

ab