Great Westward Expansion

Yesterday morning, I woke up with a new brain. My real-world brain died during the night, and in its place was a road trip brain. Restless thing wouldn't let me think about anything but the open road, and certainly not about the 40 minute commute I was about to make to my job in Traverse City from my home in Benzonia. I instantly recognized the writing bug starting to work inside my new brain, and like a maple tree leaking syrup, I slowly but surely started to create something sweet. I knew I would keep a journal (and hopefully a photo journal at that) during our upcoming nomadic adventure, but my brain just can't wait. Instead of waiting until the first driving day, (maybe October 24.. maybe a couple days sooner), I thought I'd provide a little live-action background information. My day-to-day life since graduating from NMU in May of this year has been a whole lot of ten hour workdays and weekends full of outdoor fun. I refuse to complain about this segment of my life, but it has been seriously lacking in novelty and stimulation. I grew up in Traverse City and worked at my dad's market since I can remember, so to return after getting my B.S. in psychology was less than thrilling. Despite the fun and easygoing bunch of coworkers and the always intriguing, often frustrating customer base, boredom began to seep in after only a few weeks. Regular paychecks are, of course, wonderful, but somehow I know that if I don't have this luxury, I will just find ways to avoid spending money. This happens NOW. Bills are paid, car is ready, brain has already switched modes. I can hardly wait to pack my Suby full of camping gear and cooler and hit the road.