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Since 2001 or so, sharing stuff

2007 – Driving to NYC

In September of 2007, I not only separated (honorably) from the USAF, I also moved from Colorado Springs out to New York. Technically, I moved to West New York, NJ, but close enough. Definitely a major transition though, upending my life entirely and heading out to a job and city where I pretty much knew no one. Well, I did meet my roommate, Shelly, when I househunted earlier in the month, but I had no idea if we’d connect. Luckily, we did, and those 16 months I lived there were quite amazing. I wrote about this trip in the course of my previous website incarnation here, but here’s all the pictures in a convenient gallery methodology.

Waypoints!

Colorado Springs, CO to Omaha, NE
Omaha, NE to Joliet, IL
Joliet, IL to Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, OH to Philadelphia, PA
Exploring Philadelphia with Jenny
Philadelphia, PA to Atlantic City, NJ
Atlantic City, NJ to West New York, NJ

September 18, 2007 – Colorado Springs, CO to Omaha, NE

As you’ll see in the pictures, there was absolutely nothing to see during this drive. Â Once you left the Denver area, it was FLAT. There’s a long stretch where the highway, I-80, thru Nebraska doesn’t turn at all. I remember though the excitement did come as I got to the eastern half of Nebraska, as that’s when a huge system of storm clouds descended and horrendous rain ensued. Made the last part of the drive ridiculously tense. Luckily I got to my hotel in Omaha and enjoyed a sigh of relief at some diner nearby. Nebraska sucks.

18-Sep-2007 09:30, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

18-Sep-2007 11:17, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

18-Sep-2007 11:25, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

18-Sep-2007 11:28, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

What my view is while driving - dice, GPS, and abso-FUCKING-lutely nothing to see out the window

What my view is while driving - dice, GPS, and abso-FUCKING-lutely nothing to see out the window18-Sep-2007 11:28, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

Welcome to Nebraska, let the boring scenery continue unabated.

Welcome to Nebraska, let the boring scenery continue unabated.18-Sep-2007 13:40, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.0, 15.599mm, 0.001 sec

18-Sep-2007 16:06, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 10.0, 12.523mm, 0.006 sec

I think this bridge showed up in About Schmidt

I think this bridge showed up in About Schmidt18-Sep-2007 16:07, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.002 sec

18-Sep-2007 16:07, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.002 sec

That storm that hit Colorado on Monday - I caught up to it on Tuesday

That storm that hit Colorado on Monday - I caught up to it on Tuesday18-Sep-2007 17:01, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.002 sec

And it was a doozy - it rained for the last 2 hours I was driving to Omaha

And it was a doozy - it rained for the last 2 hours I was driving to Omaha18-Sep-2007 17:08, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec

September 19, 2007 – Omaha, NE to Joliet, IL

The endless march across the country continued this next day along I-80 through America’s Heartland. It’s a bleak place and I am thankful all the time that I live in cities. I am certainly not a rural kind of guy. This wasn’t as long a drive as the previous leg and at the end of it, I was going to get to have dinner with my pal Jeremy. He had left the Springs a few months earlier to head out here so it was a really fantastic chance to catch up with my best friend at the time.

The next day, I was driving through Iowa's wondrous scenery

The next day, I was driving through Iowa's wondrous scenery19-Sep-2007 09:36, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

19-Sep-2007 09:36, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

The view didn't change much except I added a cup of hot chocolate to it

The view didn't change much except I added a cup of hot chocolate to it19-Sep-2007 09:36, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.005 sec

Wow, Iowa wasn't exactly stimulating scenery

Wow, Iowa wasn't exactly stimulating scenery19-Sep-2007 11:34, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

Yay, Iowa rest stops!

Yay, Iowa rest stops!19-Sep-2007 12:15, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

Historic Amana; as good a rest stop as could be hoped for!

Historic Amana; as good a rest stop as could be hoped for!19-Sep-2007 12:16, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

19-Sep-2007 12:18, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.002 sec

Iowa flag19-Sep-2007 12:19, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.0, 15.599mm, 0.002 sec

Catching my fat ass in the reflection - healthy snacks include Peanut Butter M&Ms and a Diet Pepsi

Catching my fat ass in the reflection - healthy snacks include Peanut Butter M&Ms and a Diet Pepsi19-Sep-2007 12:20, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.008 sec

19-Sep-2007 13:39, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.5, 18.776mm, 0.002 sec

19-Sep-2007 13:39, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.5, 18.776mm, 0.002 sec

19-Sep-2007 13:39, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.5, 18.776mm, 0.002 sec

Mississippi River approaches

Mississippi River approaches19-Sep-2007 13:40, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.5, 18.776mm, 0.002 sec

19-Sep-2007 13:40, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.5, 18.776mm, 0.002 sec

Approaching I-680's bridge over the Mississippi River

Approaching I-680's bridge over the Mississippi River19-Sep-2007 13:40, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.002 sec

September 20, 2007 – Joliet, IL to Cleveland, OH

A very uneventful drive, with pretty much nothing to look at. Even when skirting Michigan and being so close to Cedar Point, still nothing to really see. Where I stayed in Cleveland was far away from anything of note, so yeah, it was a big blah. At least the next night I knew I was going to be meeting up with Sgt Jenny!

And then after Joliet's stop, I was on the road again - here's Indiana

And then after Joliet's stop, I was on the road again - here's Indiana20-Sep-2007 09:44, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.002 sec

And Ohio

And Ohio20-Sep-2007 12:35, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 10.487mm, 0.002 sec

And a pic of a Magnum - was I stalking Jeff way the hell out here?

And a pic of a Magnum - was I stalking Jeff way the hell out here?20-Sep-2007 14:25, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.005 sec

September 21, 2007 – Cleveland, OH to Philadelphia, PA

I was reunited with Sgt Jenny! I got to Philly later in the afternoon and after checking into my nice hotel in the city center, we met up for dinner. We first walked around South Street, which is a thing kind of like Melrose (it seemed at the time), then she drove me to an authentic philly cheese steak place where she left me to fend for myself and look like a jackass. I emerged safely, without turning into this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP4UZ3vmQ54

That commercial cracks me the fuck up. We then arranged to meet up again the next day for some more sightseeing before I left for Atlantic City…..

Pennsylvania welcomes ME

Pennsylvania welcomes ME21-Sep-2007 09:38, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.002 sec

As does the suckass rush hour traffic of Philadelphia on a Friday

As does the suckass rush hour traffic of Philadelphia on a Friday21-Sep-2007 15:26, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.01 sec

There is the city o' Philly

There is the city o' Philly21-Sep-2007 15:37, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.2, 9.028mm, 0.002 sec

Total paparazzi shot of Jenny

Total paparazzi shot of Jenny21-Sep-2007 17:10, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 315

21-Sep-2007 17:15, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 165

The total-Philly site of my authentic cheese steak experience

The total-Philly site of my authentic cheese steak experience21-Sep-2007 18:03, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.2 sec, ISO 141

Spooky cemetery in the middle of the city

Spooky cemetery in the middle of the city21-Sep-2007 18:53, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 1 sec, ISO 200

South Street from the pier part of it

South Street from the pier part of it21-Sep-2007 19:16, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.25 sec, ISO 200

Demon Jenny

Demon Jenny21-Sep-2007 19:16, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.8 sec, ISO 200

21-Sep-2007 19:20, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.0, 15.599mm, 0.5 sec, ISO 200

Spooky Sixth Senseish type of street

Spooky Sixth Senseish type of street21-Sep-2007 19:29, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 1 sec, ISO 200

21-Sep-2007 19:33, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.5, 18.776mm, 0.8 sec, ISO 200

21-Sep-2007 19:33, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.5, 18.776mm, 0.4 sec, ISO 400

September 22, 2007 – Sightseeing in Philly with Jenny

The fun continued the next morning! We walked around the main central area where everything is conveniently piled together, from the Liberty Bell, the place where the Constitution was signed, and more. Also did a bus tour where we were nearly killed repeatedly by low-hanging trees. GOOD TIMES!!

Jenny the next day

Jenny the next day22-Sep-2007 08:20, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

After breakfast

After breakfast22-Sep-2007 09:00, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.013 sec

Taking a pic looking towards the Independence hall area

Taking a pic looking towards the Independence hall area22-Sep-2007 09:07, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

There's Independence Hall surrounded by all the rest of Philly

There's Independence Hall surrounded by all the rest of Philly22-Sep-2007 09:09, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.0, 15.599mm, 0.006 sec

Closer

Closer22-Sep-2007 09:13, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

In front of Independence Hall, along with the Marines who were filming one of their commercials at the time

In front of Independence Hall, along with the Marines who were filming one of their commercials at the time22-Sep-2007 09:13, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

Again

Again22-Sep-2007 09:13, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

Marines were there doing something on camera.

Marines were there doing something on camera.22-Sep-2007 09:16, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.01 sec

IH again

IH again22-Sep-2007 09:17, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.006 sec

Me and the Liberty Bell!

Me and the Liberty Bell!22-Sep-2007 09:31, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.01 sec

22-Sep-2007 09:31, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 10.487mm, 0.013 sec

Cool way to locate it with Independence Hall behind it

Cool way to locate it with Independence Hall behind it22-Sep-2007 09:32, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.005 sec

22-Sep-2007 09:32, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

The place where you get your IH tickets - it has a lot of other cool things in there too, including WTF Joe

The place where you get your IH tickets - it has a lot of other cool things in there too, including WTF Joe22-Sep-2007 09:37, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec

Standard Jenny

Standard Jenny22-Sep-2007 09:51, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.01 sec

« Previous | Next »

'Normal' Jenny

'Normal' Jenny22-Sep-2007 09:51, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.01 sec

Me22-Sep-2007 10:02, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

Pointing while waiting for the bus to go

Pointing while waiting for the bus to go22-Sep-2007 10:02, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

There's our Big Bus tour guide

There's our Big Bus tour guide22-Sep-2007 10:06, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

The Philadelphia U.S. Mint, for you coin collectors out there

The Philadelphia U.S. Mint, for you coin collectors out there22-Sep-2007 10:12, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.002 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:14, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.006 sec

The Benjamin Franklin bridge

The Benjamin Franklin bridge22-Sep-2007 10:14, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.006 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:15, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 12.523mm, 0.004 sec

The Betsy Ross House - or is it?

The Betsy Ross House - or is it?22-Sep-2007 10:16, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:19, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.002 sec

Looking towards downtown Philly

Looking towards downtown Philly22-Sep-2007 10:20, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.005 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:21, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 10.487mm, 0.002 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:22, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:23, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.002 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:25, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.01 sec

« Previous | Next »

« Previous | Next »

22-Sep-2007 10:32, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.008 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:32, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.0, 15.599mm, 0.003 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:32, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.0, 15.599mm, 0.008 sec

The Comcast building

The Comcast building22-Sep-2007 10:33, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

This is City Hall, the biggest in the country. William Penn's statue is atop the tower.

This is City Hall, the biggest in the country. William Penn's statue is atop the tower.22-Sep-2007 10:33, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

Skyscrapers and City Hall

Skyscrapers and City Hall22-Sep-2007 10:33, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 10.487mm, 0.003 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:33, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.0, 15.599mm, 0.002 sec

Again

Again22-Sep-2007 10:34, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

Approaching the Museum of Art which also has...

Approaching the Museum of Art which also has...22-Sep-2007 10:46, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.002 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:49, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.017 sec

....the Rocky Steps!!!

....the Rocky Steps!!!22-Sep-2007 10:49, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.5, 18.776mm, 0.008 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:50, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.005 sec

From the Museum Of Art is a boulevard that leads directly back to City hall. Kinda like Philly's Champs Elysees

From the Museum Of Art is a boulevard that leads directly back to City hall. Kinda like Philly's Champs Elysees22-Sep-2007 10:51, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 12.523mm, 0.003 sec

Philadelphia in my head

Philadelphia in my head22-Sep-2007 10:51, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 10.0, 12.523mm, 0.013 sec

Once more with feeling

Once more with feeling22-Sep-2007 10:51, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.006 sec

« Previous | Next »

« Previous | Next »

22-Sep-2007 10:53, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.006 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:54, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.006 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:56, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.006 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:57, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.008 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:58, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

22-Sep-2007 10:59, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.002 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:02, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:03, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.008 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:04, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.005 sec

Jenny and the Case of the Blustery Knotted Hair

Jenny and the Case of the Blustery Knotted Hair22-Sep-2007 11:04, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.005 sec

The Big Bus takes you everywhere. See how far we are from the city now.

The Big Bus takes you everywhere. See how far we are from the city now.22-Sep-2007 11:05, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:05, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.008 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:05, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.5, 18.776mm, 0.004 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:05, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.5, 18.776mm, 0.005 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:05, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.5, 18.776mm, 0.005 sec

« Previous | Next »

« Previous | Next »

At the zoo, you can go up in a tethered hot air balloon for an allegedly awesome view.

At the zoo, you can go up in a tethered hot air balloon for an allegedly awesome view.22-Sep-2007 11:06, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.002 sec

Being on the top of the bus is potentially lethal. The trees are quite low.

Being on the top of the bus is potentially lethal. The trees are quite low.22-Sep-2007 11:06, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.002 sec

Evidenced by Jenny's duck-and-cover

Evidenced by Jenny's duck-and-cover22-Sep-2007 11:09, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

Philly, its highways and its railways

Philly, its highways and its railways22-Sep-2007 11:10, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:10, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:10, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.005 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:12, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:13, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.006 sec

The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute22-Sep-2007 11:14, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 9.0, 10.487mm, 0.005 sec

Currently home to the King Tut exhibit (but it does NOT have the famous mask there - WTF Joe?)

Currently home to the King Tut exhibit (but it does NOT have the famous mask there - WTF Joe?)22-Sep-2007 11:14, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 9.028mm, 0.008 sec

Further along the 'Champs Elysees' and here's a nice fountain

Further along the 'Champs Elysees' and here's a nice fountain22-Sep-2007 11:14, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

There's City Hall

There's City Hall22-Sep-2007 11:15, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.0, 15.599mm, 0.002 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:15, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.002 sec

Again

Again22-Sep-2007 11:18, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

Finally sunnier! And here's one of the oldest hospitals - they used to do surgery in the sunroom on top because it was before electricity.

Finally sunnier! And here's one of the oldest hospitals - they used to do surgery in the sunroom on top because it was before electricity.22-Sep-2007 11:28, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

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22-Sep-2007 11:35, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.006 sec

The Benjamin Franklin Suspension Bridge

The Benjamin Franklin Suspension Bridge22-Sep-2007 11:37, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:37, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:37, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

22-Sep-2007 11:40, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

Independence hall again now that it was time to go inside

Independence hall again now that it was time to go inside22-Sep-2007 11:56, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.002 sec

Inside Independence Hall and where the Constitution was signed

Inside Independence Hall and where the Constitution was signed22-Sep-2007 12:14, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec

In both this room and the next lots of historical stuff happened

In both this room and the next lots of historical stuff happened22-Sep-2007 12:20, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec

22-Sep-2007 12:31, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

Me and the Tower

Me and the Tower22-Sep-2007 12:31, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

22-Sep-2007 12:32, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

Tower and pretty sky

Tower and pretty sky22-Sep-2007 12:32, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.004 sec

22-Sep-2007 12:35, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

Jenny is being cute

Jenny is being cute22-Sep-2007 12:55, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.0, 15.599mm, 0.017 sec

After that, we said goodbye and it was time for me to move on to Atlantic City, which fortunately is not all that far from Philadelphia.

Sept 22, 2007 (continued) – Philadelphia, PA to Atlantic City, NJ

This was such a nice and easy drive! And even better it was towards a casino! I had figured that I didn’t know when I’d next get to Vegas and I’d always wanted to visit Atlantic City. Well, let’s say the itch has been scratched! It’s fine enough as a place, but it’s no Vegas. I was only there for one night and didn’t leave, but it was strange to notice that everything is spread out. I was staying at the (then) Trump Marina which is near absolutely nothing else. So I never saw the Boardwalk or Park Place, but I did get to gamble and that, my friends, is the important thing. It was very nerve-wracking though to realize that I was thisclose to starting the next chapter of my life, as the next day, I was going to be arriving at West New York, NJ and my new home!

Driving on Ben Franklin bridge

Driving on Ben Franklin bridge22-Sep-2007 13:18, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.006 sec

22-Sep-2007 13:18, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.006 sec

Welcome to Atlantic City... always turned on???? WTF Joe? Howza 'bout a STS?

Welcome to Atlantic City... always turned on???? WTF Joe? Howza 'bout a STS?22-Sep-2007 14:12, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.006 sec

My Atlantic City hotel - the Trump Marina Casino Hotel - very nice!

My Atlantic City hotel - the Trump Marina Casino Hotel - very nice!22-Sep-2007 14:17, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.0, 15.599mm, 0.002 sec

22-Sep-2007 21:32, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec

22-Sep-2007 21:33, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec

22-Sep-2007 21:33, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.2 sec

22-Sep-2007 21:33, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec

22-Sep-2007 21:33, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.8 sec

September 23, 2007 – Atlantic City, NJ to West New York, NJ

This drive was a little more interesting as I got my first taste of the shit show that is New Jersey highways and the Turnpike (aka I-95). UGH. As soon as you join the Turnpike, suddenly everything becomes intense. Lots of cryptic exits, highway exits that seemingly make no sense, and just TONS of roads all seemingly going the same direction. I ended up calling my new roommate Shelly as I was getting close as it just got nuts. Of course, to get to West New York, you have to take the I-95 to 495 up to the very last point before you’d enter the Lincoln Tunnel, which is also a very exciting experience. One wrong or missed turn, and you’re going to Manhattan! But I did make it okay (thanks, Garmin!) and was insanely stoked when driving that first time on River Road north towards my new home and you looked east over the Hudson and see the glorious view of Manhattan staring at you. That’s where my life was going to be!!!! I can still remember exactly how excited and how scared I was, not knowing if this was going to be one epic shit show or what. Fortunately, it turned out pretty great, including having a wonderful roommate to live with for the first 16 months there. Shelly really made my NY life truly special and was key to being a support system and encouraging me for getting out there. It was a special period of time and I’ll never forget it.

23-Sep-2007 11:45, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.006 sec

Looking from the kitchen into the living room

Looking from the kitchen into the living room23-Sep-2007 16:09, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 151

The kitchen in the new apartment

The kitchen in the new apartment23-Sep-2007 16:10, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

Looking towards my bathroom from the kitchen

Looking towards my bathroom from the kitchen23-Sep-2007 16:10, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

23-Sep-2007 16:10, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

Looking into my bedroom

Looking into my bedroom23-Sep-2007 16:11, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

My furniture-less bedroom

My furniture-less bedroom23-Sep-2007 16:11, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

The hallway of the 4th floor - looks like a hotel, right?

The hallway of the 4th floor - looks like a hotel, right?23-Sep-2007 16:16, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

My home for the next 16 months

My home for the next 16 months23-Sep-2007 16:18, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec

Very nice place to live, especially having a grocery store downstairs

Very nice place to live, especially having a grocery store downstairs23-Sep-2007 16:29, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec

23-Sep-2007 16:30, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.01 sec

The skyline view from our part of the NJ coastline

The skyline view from our part of the NJ coastline23-Sep-2007 16:32, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.002 sec

23-Sep-2007 16:32, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

I did end up running along this wonderful pathway

I did end up running along this wonderful pathway23-Sep-2007 16:32, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.005 sec

23-Sep-2007 16:32, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.01 sec

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