Travel/Bucketlist

Did I just road trip across country again?! Yep…Willie Nelson style

5 days and 4 states later, I am at my destination of Lancaster, CA. This is my home for the next three months as I fulfill another 13 week assignment. In 5 days I drove through 4 states, saw amazing mountains, deserts, and beaches. There was a lot of IPod shuffle going on and Podcasts for days. Let me tell you, it’s amazing some of the songs I had on my IPod I was totally unaware of. Anyways, my pit stops were no name New Mexico, Tucson, and San Diego. I have been wanting to come to California for a long time now to work, however, in my profession you need a license in each state you work in and let’s just say that Cali was quite the process. But all is good now and I’m here! The opportunity that came up couldn’t have worked out any better. I was able to get a position near one of the cities I wanted to experience (Los Angeles) and am grateful and blessed to be able to stay with family friends right near my job! All things happen for a reason people, I truly am a believer in that concept. So now I yet again am able to experience the California and LA culture, but back to the purpose of this blog, the road trip.

Believe it or not, the 1500 miles it took to get here didn’t seem that long. I had beautiful scenery along the way and even got to spend a few days with a new great friend in San Diego. I have never been even remotely west in my life besides Dallas, TX. The mountains through New Mexico as well as Arizona were breath taking. Also, driving by myself I had a lot of time to reflect and think. I thought about many things on my trip. I came to the conclusion that my life right now is the complete opposite it’s been for the past 28 years. For example, Abby a year ago: Scared, never took chances, boring, non adventurous, wanted to stay in the safe/comfort zone at all times, non social, depressed and letting each day go by without “living.” Abby today: The complete and utter opposite of each and every term I just described me as previously. I’m out to live life and jump at new opportunities, meet amazing people, and have a hell of a good time doing it. Many may ask, “why did you change so much, what happened?” It’s funny because I thought at the time, the thing that happened to me was the worst thing in the world and my life was over, turned out to be the best thing that could have ever happened. I won’t go into detail, but as I was lying on my couch for who knows how many days in a row from depression, I simply made a decision that I didn’t want that life anymore. I didn’t want to be depressed. I made a decision to get up, get going, start my life over, and never look back. Not looking back has led me to amazing new experiences, amazing new opportunities, amazing new friends, and an amazing life. Not everyday is perfect, I will be honest. However, I still believe I have an amazing life now, even if it’s not all great ALL the time. The days that aren’t great I forget about and move on to the next. Each day I get to experience is a great day in my book, good or not so good.

Sorry about my ramble, I got a little off topic there. Back to the point of this blog, my road trip. FYI, the Prius was the best investment ever….Just saying that if you are traveling across country every few months, getting 48 mpg is a huge money saver. Anyways, the pics at the top are ones I took along the way. Some of them yes I was driving, which probably isn’t the smartest thing to do, but hell I had to get some pictures somehow! I promise I was extremely careful and I didn’t text and drive:) Good night my awesome people, and stay with me on this journey in Cali. I have a good feeling about it….As always, live awesome.

Abby

What happens in Vegas

Ahhhh Vegas….The city that never sleeps…Very true. I stayed up until 5 am the entire weekend when typical me would have been fighting to keep my eyes open at 10 o’clock. They honestly pump that place full of oxygen allowing you to stay up extra late to spend and lose money. I am by no means a “clubber” or whatever you call it, but somehow couldn’t turn down the VIP table along with free drinks all night that were offered to the girls and I. I danced my ass off for 5 hours straight with a group of 30 something wall street/investment banker men on their annual “live it up” weekend away from their girlfriends/wives. It’s true, you really can get married in like a second if you want. I wisely chose not to. The casinos were amazing, as well as the lights, people, and night life in general. As far as money goes, I think I pretty much broke even, and that was thanks to finding a $100 bill on the ground at the casino. The reason I was visiting Vegas was to attend the 2013 Mr. Olympia Expo so I didn’t check out any shows, but I’m saving that for next time. The weekend was crazy! It was unreal to see so many muscles, six pack abs, and spray tanned individuals. The expo was one of a kind, and I actually had to go buy another suitcase to put all the supplements, samples, shaker bottles, and t-shirts I received.

I did not get to experience any shows, but I will be back. I met lots of new people, and finally got to meet a few Facebook friends I have literally known for like 3 years but never met in person. The girls I met were amazing, and I now have lifelong friends. I didn’t get to go to any shows only being there a few days, but definitely next time. Trust me, there will be a next time. In case you’re wondering, yes I saw plenty of Elvis impersonators as well as other “characters.” If you have never been to Vegas I would highly recommend at least once in your life trying to get there. I will warn you that you will need to plan a second trip because there is too much there to see and do. You possibly can’t do it all at once. So start planning YOUR Vegas vacation, and possibly a second or third….As always, live awesome!
Abby

So much to do, so little time!

These next few weeks are going to be crazy for me! I get to knock out a few bucket list items as well as start yet ANOTHER journey! I couldn’t be more excited! I leave in a few days to fly to Las Vegas and attend the 2013 Olympia Weekend/Expo. For those that don’t know what that is, you probably live under a rock, just kidding, but really, it’s the Olympics of bodybuilding. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love the sport so this is an exciting thing for me! I’ve always wanted to go experience the Olympia weekend, plus, I’ve never been to Vegas so it’s a win win! I will fly to Vegas and back to Dallas late Sunday night, pack Monday, then head on my new adventure to California! I accepted a travel assignment there about a week ago. Northern Los Angeles is where I’m headed. It was a place I had in mind I wanted to go work for an assignment. I somehow keep getting blessed with exact places I want to experience. I’m so excited to start new in Cali, and I feel like I will fit in well there. I have enjoyed my time in Texas, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like my “style” is more California. Dallas has been good, but it’s just too industrial for me. I want to do outdoor adventures, go to beaches, hike, surf, you get the point. When you live somewhere that is basically just sky scrapers and business suits the only place I can hike around here is the top floor of the Omni hotel. Now who knows, I may get to California and hate it (doubtful), but it could happen. It doesn’t scare me. Try and fail means way more to me then regret. Living awesome is about stepping out of your comfort zone to find out what life has to offer you. Quit being scared and just do it. I love the fact of trying something new all the time. Why not try new things step into the unknown? That’s where you find the things you want in life. I’m not sure where my place is at in this world, but it’s about the journey and not the destination…Let the journey “resume.” As always, live awesome.

Abby

1.15 Billion Dollars of pure Awesome…..Jerrasicpark aka AT&T Stadium

Last night I decided to do one of the top things I’ve had on my bucket list for years. Being a die hard Dallas Cowboys fan (don’t judge me) I’ve always wanted to go to a home football game. When I took a contract in Dallas I knew that if I did NOTHING else while I was here, I had to go to a game, and that I did. Now, I don’t care if you are or are not a Dallas Cowboys fan, if you ever have the chance to visit the stadium, take it. In one word. Unbelievable. From the 2,100 inch HD screen, to the site specific artwork, and the various live music throughout the venue, there is much more to see than just the action on the field. Mr. Jerry Jones outdid himself I must say. The venue is like a damn amusement park. An all out party! I”ve never been to any sporting event where each level has a live band playing the ENTIRE game. Not to mention the fans who paid to not even have a seat at the game but a “standing room only” party pass. Truly one for the record books. Here are some of the pics I took before my phone died last night.

I’ve decided that whenever I complete an item on my bucket list, I’m going to share it, review it, and blog about it. I will try to have an exciting life and exciting things to write about, I promise. 😉 Maybe I should do things other people have on their bucket list, you know, in case they never get the chance I can do it for you…sort of kidding but not really. Now there’s an idea! Hmm..may have to ponder on that idea for awhile.

As always, live awesome.

Abby

Living Awesome Project

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Travel/Bucketlist