California

Vacation flashback: LA to Phoenix road trip

- Mel

road trip from LA to Phoenix

On road trips, I usually drive. One, because I get extremely car sick; two, because I generally hate being a passenger (thanks anxiety!). I don’t know if it was the car or the scenery or my general well-being, but I didn’t not get motion sickness on the entire trip around Southern California and Arizona. I also never got to drive our awesome rental car. Alas, not driving provided me the opportunity to really take in my surroundings. These were taken during the final leg of our adventure — driving from Los Angeles to Phoenix to visit my siblings for a couple days before heading back home.

Just… beautiful.

Also, that bottom picture with our shadows? Totally getting it framed.

Vacation flashback: Joshua Tree National Park

- Mel

joshua tree

During our California trip, we made plans to drive from Los Angeles to Phoenix to visit my siblings for a couple days — and my new niece (squee!). It wasn’t that long of a drive, all things considered, and we’d just fly back from Phoenix. On our route was Joshua Tree National Park. When will we ever be on that section of road again? Likely, never. So we detoured into the park. It resulted in a three-hour detour (half of which was to get OUT of the park. Lesson learned.).

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most wonderful places that I’ve ever seen on this planet. And another thing? The forest is quiet. One of those eerie quiets: a cleansing, big-sigh-out-and-breathe-it-in quiets. It doesn’t even echo. And it was beautiful and breathtaking and expansive (and there was no cell coverage). If you ever get the chance, it’s something you just HAVE to experience for yourself.

Take the detour.

National Food Truck Date Day: your Valentine’s Day replacement

- Mel

So, with the trip to California and all, this post is a little bit late to spread awareness of a date that happened a week ago, but it’s still something I wanted to share.

My blogger-friend Jeanna of 50 Food Truck Dates {you should add her blog to your reader!} wants to change the negative perception of Valentine’s Day being all about going broke and being bored (or bummed for those who feel left out because they don’t have a “love” worthy of celebrating the holiday).

From Jeanna: There’s a lot of bemoaning about needing to “prove” your love one contrite day a year, and a lot of sulking and sad feelings if you don’t have someone to line your stairway with rose petals, stand outside your window with a boombox, or cook you dinner, naked, in an Italian David statue apron… So I thought to myself – why not motivate everyone to change this negative Valentine’s Day sentiment around?

I was definitely on board! The boyfriend and I didn’t have any big plans this year because of our big vacation the week prior (not that we really celebrate it any other year either, plus it was a practice night for me). While we were out west we found a food truck to celebrate our love of corn dogs, tater tots… well, and each other. Together forever in mustard and viking ketchup dipping sauces. I am, however, bummed that I didn’t get a picture of us TOGETHER. Just me and my corn dog in the passenger seat.

30-something hungry belly approved!

We selected the Viking Truck, which was parked outside of The Bruery in Southern California. The brewery tasting room was PACKED — we just stopped by for a mini-tasting and maybe to purchase a few bottles before continuing our road trip to Phoenix. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay long enough to endure the crowds, but having a food truck in the lot made up for that disappointment with all kinds of food-sized AWESOME. Also, did I mention corn dogs and TATER TOTS?!

I kept my corn dog traditional (the Viking Dog), but loaded up the tots — the Vikings called them Dragon Eggs. Yep, that’s some seriously delicious bean chili spread all over (which I had to eat IN THE CAR. Good thing it was a rental. Heh.) Boyfriend had the naked tots (easier to eat while driving) and one of their bratwursts (I think it was the Odin).

I love the idea of National Food Truck Date Day as a replacement to Valentine’s Day because, let’s face it, I’m a cheap date — a cheap, HUNGRY beast of a date. Just the same, the boyfriend & I love to try new restaurants, especially while traveling. Pittsburgh doesn’t have a large food truck scene — it’s just now starting to gain momentum, but unfortunately, vendors still face apprehension from government and restaurant owners — so being able to take advantage while on vacation just adds to the experience.

Do you have a favorite food truck in your city? Would you celebrate National Food Truck Date Day (next year) in lieu of Valentine’s Day?

Every 30-something needs… a vacation.

- Mel

I’m back!

This past week’s adventures took us through Southern California and Arizona. CHILLY California. COLD Arizona. By plane, and then by rental car. At least there wasn’t snow? But seriously, who would’ve thought we would need an ice scraper in Phoenix?!

Sure, it was chilly and beautiful and a little hard on my body… But this vacation was a success!

The main reason for the trip was for roller derby (it’s the beginning of our travel season; and this, being our “big” trip of the year). I SKATED BANKED TRACK! SUCH a thrill. The secondary reason: well, I’ve never been to San Diego or LA, so we flew out a couple days early to explore and stayed a day later (to take a road trip to do #3). Thirdly: to visit with my siblings and meet my new niece! One of my favorite parts of the trip was all of us sitting on the bed face timing with my Dad in Ohio.

Why you need a vacation too:
Whether it’s a trip around the world or a staycation in your hometown, each and every one of us 30-somethings needs some time off: to decompress, de-stress… enjoy life’s simple pleasures again without the constant checking of email and internet (wish somebody would have told the boyfriend *tsk tsk*), and hey, maybe reconnect with a loved one (for me, it was to connect with my teammates AND family). Some other reasons we use to vacation: you might need time away from the kids (or other family). Or could benefit professionally from a writing retreat. Or desperately need a girls only weekend.

A vacation — hey, even a long holiday weekend break — is something that changes up our daily patterns and responsibilities — all while helping our minds and bodies recharge.

Now that I’m back (and relaxed and recharged… and IcyHot-ed all over from three games in three days), I’ll be sure to share some highlights of my trip in upcoming posts.

More reading:
{The Science Behind Vacations} – from IBT
{7 Ways to Beat the Winter Blahs} – from yours truly, via All Women Stalk
{Why Your Brain Needs a Vacation} – from CNN Health