I'm the Pop and Loch ness Monster

God, I miss writing. I got jittery in Maine without my computer, I wonder if there is an AA for the internet? I just finished reading "A million little pieces", which of course is a partial-sham rehab recovery memoir by James Frey. Oprah called him out on national television, which was pretty amusing. I wanted to read the book anyways, and formulate my own opinion. Seriously, he never claimed it to be nonfiction, and if anything...it was entertaining, even though it seemed repetitive in spots. There was a part in the book where he rips his toenail off (Grossly captivating!), but you can still connect to him in this sick satisfying way. We are all addicted to something, be it facebook/myspace/our own faces/music/dancing/attention/sex/drugs/beer/school, some are just more socially acceptable than others. I guess what I am trying to say, is go read it. Even if you think you are perfect you can connect with this idea of James, and maybe fight your own demons.

Maine was not what I wanted it to be. How do you describe 10 days visiting your inspiration to become a doctor wasting away in an urine colored hospital that smelled of about-to die? I haven't seen many of my faimly members since I was a freshman in high school, so it was a big surprise seeing my cousins old and independent. I was still on crutches, so all of my outside activities were cancelled, including the perfect opportunity to rip Old Orchard Beach on Apple's surf board. (Apple is my uncle's friend that owns Surf 6, right on the Pier). The gigantic thunderstorm closed down the beaches, so I didn't have to pout for long.

The weather is surreal. When I think of utopia, it's 70 degrees with a 10 on the humidity index, mountains behind me with a beach in the front. This is my Maine, how I will remember it, and how I hope to see it in the future. Enter the Serenity Prayer (ironically present in both books I just read, Slaughterhouse-5 and the Frey novel), I am slowly learning my levels of familial love.

Also, to those I left behind in Florida reading this, I miss your faces terribly. You learn a lot about yourself spending a month away from everyone, not to mention who cares for you in return. (Hint: e-mail me your locations so I can shower you with surprises.)

I'll write on Chi-town later, to which I owe nothing but adoration. 6 Days until I float across the pond...(!)

Calling All Skeletons!

"ALL ABOARD!"
If you were ever wondered whether or not the conductors actually jump off of trains and yell this...I can speak from a recent experience, yes they do. It was 8:10 in the morning and I was on my way to Philadelphia, city of Brotherly Love, and current outskirt to my aunt and uncle's abode located in the "mountains" of Allentown.
My first recommendation is a soft pretzel, no mustard necessary. Walking off of the 6-hour train ride (and no, they don't feed you), it was the initial aroma that took over my nostrils. I found my uncle in his red Hawaiian shirt (God I love my family!), and took off into Amish-land.
I get really giddy when I lose cell phone reception. It's like a consistent game I play, because I seem to be the happiest when I am completely out of touch. But then I miss my friends, it's a Catch-22.
I really enjoyed vi sting my Aunt Laura and Uncle B, especially now that their only daughter Megan is getting older we got to talk and do things. Also they own two HUGE dogs, a 125 pound St. Bernard named Trixie and a 150 pound Newfoundland named Padme (yes...Star Wars...sigh). If you know me, you know I LOVE dogs, so I got my fill of drool and dog hair while I was away from Sadie. (Sadie is my Golden Retriever, a mere 70 pounds).
I haven't seen my Dad's sister since high school graduation, so the week with them was fun and knowledgeable. I got to catch up with the ghosts on my Papa's side and look at embarrassing pictures of my Dad, all in the serene mountain living environment my Aunt's home provides.
I got to tour the historical district of Philly, Bethlehem, and Allentown. I HATE history, but I love going to see where things happen. To go into the church where they held the Liberty Bell, well that's a thousand times more entertaining than reading a book on it. This could just be me....
I did my usual raiding the espresso bars and bookstores, as well as the cutest art school that beholds the casting of Da Vinci's anatomically correct bronze sculpture of a horse. Laura and I ate at this AMAZING sushi bar, and then hiked around the area near the house...you forget what deer look like living in Gainesville, but when they just leap out from trees Bambi is not the first image that crosses your mind. Just putting that out there....
Well, I need to be up early to pack as I am heading off for Maine around 4 in the morning Sunday, with my wrecked ankle...I will post more soon!
Ciao!