Apparently there 's a JetBlue "all-you-can-fly" promotion out there, where for $599 you can fly JetBlue unlimited from 9/8-10/8. That sounds like something that would be perfect timing to someone like me... I'm trying to figure out if that would work, because JetBlue's closest airport is in Chicago and their hubs are in JFK and Long Beach, CA. Winston suggested I should take a flying road trip.
Today two Caucasian Jehovah's witnesses showed up at my door speaking Chinese to me. I guess this is what you get when you stay at home! I admire their effort, but they really missed the boat on my demographic!
I leave Tuesday for my road trip... I've booked my hotels in Pittsburgh and Washington, DC. I used the strategy of staying out in the 'burbs and commuting in. I was able to get hotels in the $60's in the suburbs (Candlewood Suites and Hilton Garden Inn), and I know DC has a great train system. Thanks to my Aunt Nancy for giving me the tip about cheaper hotels on the weekends!
I'm not sure Williamsport will work now that I'm doing DC on the weekend... but it was worth a shot!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Suggestions?
Hard to believe my trip is coming up next week! I've gotten a few great suggestions, but I can't seem to remember all of them. I'm looking for fun places to go in the respective cities I'm going to: things that are really native to the city, college campuses and the one street where everyone goes (every campus has one), maybe fun neighborhoods. I'm less into the bar/going out scene (since I'm going by myself) and more into the fun/quirky places. I'll give you an example of what I'd be looking for if I were going to Madison or Cincinnati:
Madison: Mickie's Dairy Bar (fun breakfast dive), State Street (where all bars/restaurants are)
Milwaukee: Oscar's or Kopps frozen custard, Irishfest/Festa Italiana/any lake festival
Cincinnati: Graeter's ice cream, Skyline chili, Hofbrauhaus/Newport on the Levee, Mount Adams
So I'm looking for suggestions for the following cities:
Madison: Mickie's Dairy Bar (fun breakfast dive), State Street (where all bars/restaurants are)
Milwaukee: Oscar's or Kopps frozen custard, Irishfest/Festa Italiana/any lake festival
Cincinnati: Graeter's ice cream, Skyline chili, Hofbrauhaus/Newport on the Levee, Mount Adams
So I'm looking for suggestions for the following cities:
- Pittsburgh
- Washington, DC
- Baltimore
- Philadelphia
- Atlantic City
Monday, August 10, 2009
Myths about why I'm doing this
I would like to address three myths as to why I'm taking this sabbatical:
Q: Is this paternity leave?
A: NO
Q: Are you writing a book?
A: No, unless you count this blog.
Q: Are you going on a reality TV show?
A: No, I would be the most boring person on the show. I hate "reality" shows and I'd be rolling my eyes at everything and being really bored. Wouldn't even pass the first audition.
Q: Is this paternity leave?
A: NO
Q: Are you writing a book?
A: No, unless you count this blog.
Q: Are you going on a reality TV show?
A: No, I would be the most boring person on the show. I hate "reality" shows and I'd be rolling my eyes at everything and being really bored. Wouldn't even pass the first audition.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Shout out to my co-workers
So today is my last day before starting on my sabbatical... I assume a lot of my co-workers will be checking today since I plan on sending out the link. I figure I'd start by a little FAQ session:
Q: Why are you taking a sabbatical?
A: The short answer is because I can! People I've talked to say I should do it before I get married and have kids. The last time I had a break like this was after summer lab in 2000 and before starting at P&G 2 months later, and I had a blast!
Q: Where are you going?
A: I'm mostly staying in town, but I do have a few trips planned. One is a road trip, where the idea was to follow the Milwaukee Brewers. The only time that worked was when they travel to Pittsburgh on 8/17 and Washington DC afterward. So I've pinned down those two cities, and after that I'm just finding fun stuff to see on Google and going to see them (see the maps to the right).
Q: Why not backpack through Europe?
A: First I think there's a lot of stuff the US has to offer... stuff that's right under our noses but we never stop to see. Since I'm driving, I'll be able to stop anytime I see something interesting. Second, I'm not someone who can camp or do hostels... I need a nice hotel room and a wi-fi connection.
Q: Are you going alone?
A: Yes, for the most part. I do plan on visiting relatives on the east coast
Q: Are you coming back to the same role?
A: Yes, unless I win the lottery.
So there you have it. I plan on posting a good amount as I'm traveling, and maybe even figure out what this Twitter thing is all about. Meanwhile, if you know of something that's really worth seeing or have restaurant recommendations for the places I'm going, PLEASE let me know... word of mouth from former locals or people is the best way to go!
Q: Why are you taking a sabbatical?
A: The short answer is because I can! People I've talked to say I should do it before I get married and have kids. The last time I had a break like this was after summer lab in 2000 and before starting at P&G 2 months later, and I had a blast!
Q: Where are you going?
A: I'm mostly staying in town, but I do have a few trips planned. One is a road trip, where the idea was to follow the Milwaukee Brewers. The only time that worked was when they travel to Pittsburgh on 8/17 and Washington DC afterward. So I've pinned down those two cities, and after that I'm just finding fun stuff to see on Google and going to see them (see the maps to the right).
Q: Why not backpack through Europe?
A: First I think there's a lot of stuff the US has to offer... stuff that's right under our noses but we never stop to see. Since I'm driving, I'll be able to stop anytime I see something interesting. Second, I'm not someone who can camp or do hostels... I need a nice hotel room and a wi-fi connection.
Q: Are you going alone?
A: Yes, for the most part. I do plan on visiting relatives on the east coast
Q: Are you coming back to the same role?
A: Yes, unless I win the lottery.
So there you have it. I plan on posting a good amount as I'm traveling, and maybe even figure out what this Twitter thing is all about. Meanwhile, if you know of something that's really worth seeing or have restaurant recommendations for the places I'm going, PLEASE let me know... word of mouth from former locals or people is the best way to go!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Williamsport, PA - Great timing!
So I was looking at an empty spot in the state of Pennsylvania on Google maps that didn't have pins. I spotted the city of Williamsport, PA and thought it sounded familiar. Just so happens it's the spot of the Little League World Series. So I looked it up, and lo and behold, the LLWS is played the week before Labor Day. Just so happens that's in the middle of road trip week, so I'm going to see about getting tickets to it!
So I've added another pin to the map...
So I've added another pin to the map...
Sunday, July 12, 2009
The 1/3 Life Crisis Road Trip Blog
So plans are in place for my 3 month sabbatical! I'm looking forward to doing about a 2 week road trip where I can stop on a whim and check out stuff. Normally, you're just looking to get home or to a place, but I'm looking forward to being able to stop when I want.
People ask why not take 3 months and backpack through Europe or what not. Well one reason is because I'm someone who needs a nice clean hotel room and shower, so backpacking isn't gonna do it for me. Second, I think the US has a ton to offer that we don't appreciate. Little cultural things that I hope to see on my road trip, like the Hershey Museum and Falling Water.
The basis for the road trip will be two cities: Pittsburgh from 8/17-8/19 and Washington, DC from 8/21-8/23. Why? The Milwaukee Brewers, my baseball team, will be at those parks! After that, it's wherever I feel like going. The fun part is getting on Google maps and looking for stuff along the way (man Pennsylvania is really wide). The top map on the right of this blog shows the places I've found as tentative stops.
So if you have any ideas or suggestions for places to see, and more importantly, local food to eat, please feel free to share! I plan on using roadfood.com a lot!
People ask why not take 3 months and backpack through Europe or what not. Well one reason is because I'm someone who needs a nice clean hotel room and shower, so backpacking isn't gonna do it for me. Second, I think the US has a ton to offer that we don't appreciate. Little cultural things that I hope to see on my road trip, like the Hershey Museum and Falling Water.
The basis for the road trip will be two cities: Pittsburgh from 8/17-8/19 and Washington, DC from 8/21-8/23. Why? The Milwaukee Brewers, my baseball team, will be at those parks! After that, it's wherever I feel like going. The fun part is getting on Google maps and looking for stuff along the way (man Pennsylvania is really wide). The top map on the right of this blog shows the places I've found as tentative stops.
So if you have any ideas or suggestions for places to see, and more importantly, local food to eat, please feel free to share! I plan on using roadfood.com a lot!
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