12 Things You'll Learn While Traveling on Route 66

1. Single lane bridges DO exist, and your heart will beat faster than normal when you drive across one.

The feeling that someone from the other side might “run the red light” and drive on the bridge at the same time as you, HEAD ON, can be a bit much to handle! Especially when the bridge goes from a concrete structure to a metal frame. Not to mention it’s approaching dusk. But once you make it across that “long, stretch,” you’ll feel as if you can conquer anything in this world. Including driving across the country on Route 66! #OldChainOfRocksBridge

 

2. Diner food really isn’t that great, but the service and milkshakes will make up for it!

Maybe it’s the fact that no one should ever order a big, juicy chiliburger. Or that the chicken and fries are sprinkled one too many times with salt and pepper. But the milkshake will definitely make up for it! Also, the friendliness of the waitress will put the cherry on top of your Route 66 diner experience. #Route66Diner

3. Sleeping in the car isn’t half bad!

When you’re on a $500 (or less) budget, you’ll find ways to make the trip cheaper. Hotel rooms add up, so if you travel in a van or SUV, pack at least 10 blankets and a half-dozen pillows to make your very own “blanket bed” in the back of the vehicle! It’s actually pretty comfy, and will save you a couple bucks. Just be sure to pull over in a well-lit rest area. Or Walmart. It’s legal to park overnight at Walmart. #BlanketBed

 

 4. But sometimes it’s okay to splurge and spend $66 to stay in a wigwam.

When you’re traveling on Route 66, there are so many unique places to stay. One being the “Wigwam Motel.” So yes, split the cost with your travel buddy and stay somewhere out of the ordinary! You won’t regret it. (Especially if that’s how you’re bringing in the New Year.) #WigwamMotel

 

5. Bring a notebook to scribble down things you want to do!

When you’re traveling on Route 66, there’s a plethora of attractions to see and places to visit. You may want to do a little research before you leave (that’s how I knew how to bring 4 cans of spray paint I had at home for Cadillac Ranch). Or, have your travel buddy look up some things when you’re on the road (I used Pinterest to find the majority of things we did). It may be helpful to break up each “big stop” (Ex: St. Louis to Tulsa), and write down things you’re interested in doing in between the two cities. Please note: You don’t have to have it all figured out when you leave! It’s okay to change things around. When you’re headed West, I might encourage writing down some nice rest areas or things you may want to see on the way back. For instance, some things we wanted to check out had to wait until going back home because it was dark out on the way there. This will (1) prevent your from driving hundreds of miles before the next rest area (if you’re sleeping at one), and (2) serve a reminder of things you can do on the way home! Because after all, this trip isn’t over when you head East. You’re just getting started! #HandyDandyNotebook

6. Spray painting in a white coat isn’t a wise idea. Or with your glasses on.

And here’s why:

Don’t worry. The paint will come off your glasses. The white coat on the other hand… #CadillacRanch

7. If you “run” into a cactus, it will prick you through the two layers of pants you have on.

You know those cacti that you can buy at Lowe’s? Well, you’re missing out on the real deal. Because when you’re climbing the Sandia Mountains in the desert, and you run into a cactus, it’s more painful than you attempting to “prick” your finger on a Lowe’s cactus. A half-dozen pricks will get stuck not only in your jeans, but your leggings and skin! It will hurt so bad that you will have to hide behind a rock in the mountains to individually pull each prick from your skin before you move forward on your journey. #SandiaPeakCactus

8. When your “Low Pressure Light” comes on and one of your tires won’t take any air, it might be because the valve is frozen.

I’m just saving you the trouble of going to an Auto Body shop, and two men telling you more about your car than you know. And a $10 tip, because although “air is free,” the kindness of others is worth passing along an Alexander Hamilton. #LowTirePressureProbs

9. When you’re in Mountain Time on New Years Eve, don’t expect to watch the ball drop with the millions of people in New York City.

Or hear Taylor Swift’s performance, until 2 hours later. Because your TV channel will cut to local news until it’s 11:30PM (your time) and will THEN play a re-run of the “live” ball dropping. You’ll hear the 10-9-8…countdown but the ball actually falling will be cut from the picture. But it’s okay, because you were able to enjoy an “extra” 2 hours of 2014 before bringing in the New Year! #BallDropOnNewYearsEve

 

10. When you get this text from a friend, you’ll start watching the weather more carefully.

I may have checked the weather the Sunday before we left, and saw that there was a 90% chance of snow at the Grand Canyon (our “last” stop on this road trip). But the weather always changes. And it takes the adventure out of things if you plan too much or overthink things. But when your friend texts you a photo of the Grand Canyon’s Instagram update, your Grandparents message you on Facebook and tell you to turn around, and you discover that part of Route I-40 is closed (the  route that we needed to get to the National Park) because there’s 12 inches on snow in Flagstaff, you’ll reconsider what your “last” stop is before turning around and heading East on Route 66. #SafeTravels

11. The 5 Most Important Things to Pack:
Comfy clothes, toothbrush, phone charger(s), throat spray and a mini-tripod stand

(1) Comfy clothes – You’re going to be in a car for 72% of your trip. You have no one to impress. You want to be comfortable! So bring lots of sweatpants, sweatshirts, gloves, hats and a coat if it’s winter, and don’t forget your tennis shoes!

(2) Toothbrush – Yes, it’s okay to brush your teeth in the bathroom of a rest area. If you’re not showering for 1-2 days at a time, it’s essential to at least brush your teeth!

(3) Phone Charger(s) – Your phone is useful for a lot of things: GPS, attraction looker up (yes, I just made that word up), a flashlight, communicator, camera, etc. You’ll want to keep it charged.

(4) Sore Throat Spray – If you have even a 10% inkling that you may feel under the weather before you leave, grab a bottle of throat spray. 2-3 sprays every time your throat feels like it’s going to close up does wonders. Trust me.

(5) Mini-Tripod Stand – Ever wonder how we took some of our “together” photos? Not once did we ask someone to take a photo for us. Bring a mini-tripod stand, and use a wireless remote or download a self-timer app on your phone. Set your phone on the tripod, and snap away!

#TheEssentials

12. Even though the speed limit is 75 mph, you’ll find that most people rarely go over it.

It’s refreshing to know that parts of this world don’t have a “rush hour” or a “hustle and bustle” kind-of mindset. On Route 66, you just kind of mosey across the country. When you stop somewhere, people ask you where you’re from and where you’re going. They are TRULY curious! They get as just excited about your travels as you are. Traveling on Route 66 is not about any sort of destination, and that’s the best part. You can drive for 3 hours, and then pull off on the side of the road and find something to do. It breaks the journey up into small parts. Before you know it, you’ve traveled 1,520 miles in three days. You’ve been in 8 states and have gone further West than you’ve ever been in your life. And that’s what will make this trip, the most incredible adventure you’ve ever taken. #Route66RoadTrip

Don't Sweat the "Burnt" Stuff!

“Ask yourself this question: ‘Will this matter a year from now?’”

— Richard Carlson

If the answer is "No," then simply don't let it bother you. 

I know! Sometimes it can be a lot harder, said, than done. But...if you follow this simple life advice, you'll slowly wind up becoming a happier person without even realizing it! 

Perfect Example:
Last Tuesday, my roommate came home rather "late" from work, with her brand new "do" (she got her 'hair did' after work and oh does it look fabulous on her!). Anyways, before I get too off topic, she mentioned earlier that morning that we should make spaghetti for dinner. She had all the ingredients for the pasta. And I was going to the store after work, and had planned to pick up a head of lettuce so we could have fresh salads with our meals. 

Well, she ended up getting home after 8PM, and I actually didn't do my grocery shopping until later that night because I had a MASSIVE headache at the office (which I rarely get), so I came home early from work and tried to sleep it off. 

By the time we were both home at the same time, one thing was for certain, we were not making spaghetti. Which was completely fine! I ate some cottage cheese and an apple with peanut butter for my din din, since it was already so late. And she was making her famous "cheese and rice" dish to snack on. 

I distinctly remember her saying, "I should be a professional rice cooker. I make this so much, I could basically live off it!" And until 10 minutes later...that statement held pretty accurate.

We were chatting at the dining room table, when we smelled something burning. She went to check on her rice. And before we knew it, the smoke alarm started going off.  (Our neighbors HAVE GOT to have grown accustomed to that noise, and probably think we will NEVER make good house wives.) Needless to say, the wrong burner got turned on and she actually was cooking my leftover eggs that were in another the pan from that morning. Not only were the eggs fried, but so was my brand new Paula Dean skillet that I spent $100+ on (for the set) a few months back.

My initial thought: "THIS IS WHY WE CAN'T HAVE NICE THINGS!" But I didn't have to say it; she actually said it for me. Hahah. Before I lost my cool, I took a good 15 seconds to think about what had just happened as I grabbed the sponge and started to scrub the pan with soap and warm water (which doesn't really help, if you were wondering!). 

My after thought: It's really not a big deal. Worst comes to worst, I can get a new pan! Me yelling at her won't change the fact that the pan is a tad crispy. The only thing it's going to do is put bad vibes throughout the room. 

So guess what? I let it go! And how good did it feel.

I still use the pan. It still works! (Except when I make omelets...or it might just be the cook...because my omelets look more like scrambled eggs than a stuffed egg, haha). And now, my brown tinted pan, has a story behind it. All the better!

Next time you want to raise your voice, next time you get angry at a situation, simply take 15 seconds to yourself. Ask yourself the question... "Will this matter a year from now?"

If the answer is no, take advice from the famous Frozen song and just, let it go! You'll be happier because of it, and so will your friends and family that surround you. 

Oh, Happy Day! 

Full Circle

“Sometimes, life brings you full circle to a place you’ve been before, just to show you how much you’ve grown.”

Rewind to last Tuesday, when I sent this email:

This Tuesday, I was back at Ball State. In the SAME event planning class. Sharing my story. 

Ben and I got lunch before class. As we were catching up, he told me his class this semester is super smart but a fairly quiet bunch; it might be hard to get them talking. My immediate thought: Challenge Accepted. 

The night before, I created my "presentation" so there was a lot of interaction in it. I wanted to make it a "chat" where I would talk WITH the class, not TO the class. I had several questions planted in my Powerpoint, and I even brought "goodies" to hand out to people who were engaging in the conversation. It was my mission to connect with the students!

Class started and before I knew it, I was standing in front of 40 students. It then hit me, I'm no longer a student. Here I am, on the other side of the table. Sharing my story. And oh, what an amazing experience it was!

The students weren't hidden behind their laptops or cell phones.
Their heads weren't down or buried in a book.
They were actually listening to me.
Answering my questions.
Asking questions. 
Engaging. 

As I wrapped up my presentation, I shared with the class: You never know who you are going to meet. Get involved. Immerse yourself in this world. Make connections. Because these experiences, will eventually lead to opportunities down the road. 

Since Tuesday, I've received emails from 6 students inquiring about part-time positions with Qtego. They also reassured me that going back to Ball State was definitely worth my time and theirs!

"With you being from BSU, and knowing you were sitting in our seats just two years ago, I found it exciting and easier to relate to you. Your presentation was very intriguing to me."

"As you mentioned today, any experience we can get is super important."

"Thank you so much for taking the time to come and talk with us.  I had no idea that a company like this existed, and it got me really excited."

Going back to Ball State meant more to me than words can even explain. Connecting with students, and giving them a little direction, much like Kimberly did for me 2 years ago. That's what this is all about! It's amazing how life has a way of coming full circle. In that moment, I realized how much I've grown, in just two short years. 

You Do You!

I earned two college degrees last May when I walked across the stage and turned the tassel on my cap from right to left. 

One was in public relations. The other, in life.

You know, one thing they don’t tell you at freshman orientation is that you’re going to learn way more out of the classroom, than in the classroom. 

Sure, I learned all about the AP Stylebook. How there’s no such thing as the “first” annual. The word “towards” is nonexistent. And if you’re going to say there were “over” 5,000 people at Dill Street last Friday night, you ought to change “over” to “more than.” 

I learned that in a crisis situation, you have less than 60 minutes to make an initial response to said “disaster” and you better not wait any longer than 24 hours to notify your publics. And by golly, please refrain from using the phrase “no comment” in your press conference, because it will look like you’re up to no good.

But THE most important thing I learned in college wasn’t in the classroom. It was in the residence hall. You see, I joined Hall Council my freshman year. I was “that girl” that made fliers with pictures of herself and a clever saying “NOone say NO to Ashley NOga" to capture people's attention. I plastered those bad boys anywhere and everywhere. Up and down the hallways, in the bathroom stalls, throughout the elevators (that only went to the 6th floor) and even in the stairwells!

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I'd have to say, my design skills have come a long way since September 2010.

Although super cheesy, the fliers must have worked their magic, because I was elected Publicity Chair for the Brayton/Clevenger Hall Council. The position led to a plethora of opportunities that I am forever grateful for and experiences that I will never forget. But the best thing that came from it were the people. One of those people being Mollie. Some may have called Mollie a hall director, others an advisor or their boss, but to me she was my mentor, role model and friend.

Mollie had one distinct phrase, that anyone who knows her, would be able to shout:

“You do you.”

Those three words.

Those eight characters.

That’s the most important thing I learned in college.  

I learned you have to “do you” because no one is going to do it for you. College is when you are in it for you and yourself only. Your parents aren’t going to check to see if you’re back in your room before midnight (which is something I had to reassure the high school kids I gave campus tours to that would never happen). There is no curfew in college. You make your own choices, your own decisions and live by your own rules. Because you are simply responsible for you. 

And that’s what brings me to this blog. I know in Journ 169, (the “internship class” if you will), we were told to consider starting a professional blog/website so future employers could see the skillsets we posses. So they could get a better feel for who we are outside of our résumé. And I tried that. But it never worked out. Why? Because I wasn’t doing me. I was doing what someone told me would be a good idea. My heart and soul wasn’t in it, there was no passion. I was putting on a mask of who I SHOULD be. Which is something, you should never, ever do.

But now, four years later, this blog. This is totally me. I’ve been dreaming up some pretty big projects, and I knew a blog would be the perfect place to bring everything together. A friend who inspires me from many miles away once told me her favorite quote, 

“If you are working on something you truly care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.”

— Steve Jobs

This time, I'm not being pushed. This is me, doing me!

What are you doing? Are you, doing you?