This is Night #3 of my cross-country journey!
I totally lied about not putting up pictures as you’ll see below. I realized I’d not get to these in a long time if I don’t do them tonight. So if you checked this site out earlier well, my bad.
The drive across has been fairly uneventful. Uneventful because there is absolutely nothing to see between Colorado and Ohio. Truly. There’s absolutely nothing but flatlands and corn fields and then occasionally a little river or something is crossed. And lots of ridiculous truckers. Lots. But I’m here safely so I can’t complain.
Not much to report on though so this’ll be a relatively short post. I did get to hang out with Jeremy yesterday and that was a lot of fun. In Joliet, Illinois, Harrah’s has a pretty cool casino and I actually mean that. They have really upscale restaurants and a their casino, while small, at least has craps and other games you don’t see at places like Indian casinos. What I was shocked about was that the casino had $10 Minimums!!!! WTF?! This is Illinois! But anyways, it was awesome to be able to talk with Jeremy and just realize how much I’ve missed having him around. I’m trying my best now to convince him how cool New York would be. I think that’s a possibility in a year or so. How much fun would that be?
So today is boring day in Cleveland and tomorrow I’ll finally get to see the infamous Jenny Jennertons in Philadelphia. I must be ready for anything. She’s insane. In a good way, but still.
And then after that, it’s Atlantic City time and you KNOW I’ll be getting my gambling on.
And for those who are looking for the massive amount of pictures that do exist, I’m sorry but I haven’t gotten to them just yet. Patience, patience. Such a liar, I am!
14 Sep 2007 – Dinner at AI

Gotta love TeppanYaki style Japanese food
14-Sep-2007 19:31, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 192

14-Sep-2007 19:36, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

Erin, Eric and KD
14-Sep-2007 19:36, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

14-Sep-2007 19:36, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

Me and KD
14-Sep-2007 19:36, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

Jeff is REALLY hungry
14-Sep-2007 19:37, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141
One of the Hobie Farewell events was the group having a bbq at Susan’s house and then fun afterwards. Originally I thought I’d pop for a limo and kind of recreate what my 30th birthday was like, but then I began to think, nah, why do that again? So the night became all about rollerskating and pimping… uh, I mean rollerskating and bowling. It was awesome.
15 Sep 2007 – Bowling Goodness

Lauren and Tom ready for hearty family fun
15-Sep-2007 19:37, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.0, 15.599mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 168

The smallest and cutest dog ever: Linda
15-Sep-2007 19:40, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.0, 15.599mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

Bowling alley nirvana - it was Rock'n Bowl Night
15-Sep-2007 22:22, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 1 sec, ISO 141

Tom fixin to bowl
15-Sep-2007 22:24, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

15-Sep-2007 22:24, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

15-Sep-2007 22:25, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

15-Sep-2007 22:25, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

Jeff, Susan, and Eric
15-Sep-2007 22:26, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

Look at me - I'm a winner... at least that first game
15-Sep-2007 22:26, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

KD and Erin right before making out... okay, just kidding
15-Sep-2007 22:27, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

15-Sep-2007 22:27, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

Weird white glow on these pics - feels kinda retro film camera-ish
15-Sep-2007 22:29, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.2, 9.028mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

Continuing the retro vibe
15-Sep-2007 22:29, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.2, 9.028mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

Me and KD
15-Sep-2007 22:30, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.2, 9.028mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Tom is NOT amused
15-Sep-2007 22:30, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 9.028mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Lauren knocks em dead
15-Sep-2007 22:31, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.2, 9.028mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 315

The crowd goes... indifferent
15-Sep-2007 22:31, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 9.028mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

15-Sep-2007 22:31, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 315

Me rocking the first game
15-Sep-2007 23:19, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

15-Sep-2007 23:19, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 315

Eric and KD
15-Sep-2007 23:20, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Patented Pointing Shot
15-Sep-2007 23:20, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

15-Sep-2007 23:23, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

15-Sep-2007 23:24, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

15-Sep-2007 23:24, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

15-Sep-2007 23:24, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

KD, demure-like
15-Sep-2007 23:39, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Erin, not so demure-like
15-Sep-2007 23:41, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Eric, the possible winner of game 2 (not sure who actually won)
15-Sep-2007 23:42, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Hobie, indifferent
15-Sep-2007 23:43, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Big smile Erin
15-Sep-2007 23:43, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Eric Gone Wild
15-Sep-2007 23:43, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

15-Sep-2007 23:46, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 315

15-Sep-2007 23:47, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

15-Sep-2007 23:47, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 1 sec, ISO 200

Erin turned demonic
15-Sep-2007 23:47, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 1 sec, ISO 200

I didn't pop the collar - I was made to do it
15-Sep-2007 23:51, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

The popped collars was catching on like fire
15-Sep-2007 23:51, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

16-Sep-2007 00:01, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.5, 18.776mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

16-Sep-2007 00:01, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.5, 18.776mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

16-Sep-2007 00:02, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 315

High Five!
16-Sep-2007 00:03, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

16-Sep-2007 00:03, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 12.523mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

Groovin' to the beat
16-Sep-2007 00:03, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233
It wasn’t all fun and games though. The last two days I was in the Springs involved a LOT of cleaning up of the house. In fact, it took two days for me and Susan to get it done. And without Susan’s help, I’d probably still be there. She totally rocks and I am totally unworthy of her awesomeness. Below are some pictures from cleaning fun. Don’t be dissuaded by the pics of me sitting on my ass. It was a total random shot that does NOT illustrate how hard I was working!
16 Sep 2007 – Cleaning House

My kitchen slash office slash before Susan rocked it
16-Sep-2007 16:00, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 145

My dining room slash bedroom slash office
16-Sep-2007 16:00, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Living room empty but not carpet cleaned... yet
16-Sep-2007 16:00, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 141

Don't let Susan's expression fool you - she was LOVING this
16-Sep-2007 16:01, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec

I'm totally a critical part of the process
16-Sep-2007 16:01, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

Seriously
16-Sep-2007 16:01, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

Here's me using the Rug Doctor
16-Sep-2007 16:25, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

I could totally be a sticker on the side of that damn thing
16-Sep-2007 16:25, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 141

16-Sep-2007 16:27, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 104

16-Sep-2007 16:27, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec
So my last night in town, my friends and I went to my ultimate favorite place to eat: Outback. I was sad to realize that this was it. As I’ve already written earlier, it is tough to leave such great friends. So what better way to make yourself feel better than to take lots of fun pictures!?
17 Sep 2007 – Last Night at the Outback

This rainstorm left a gateway rainbow behind - little did I know I'd catch up to the storm the next day
17-Sep-2007 17:56, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.005 sec

17-Sep-2007 17:56, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.005 sec

17-Sep-2007 17:56, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.005 sec

Eric and KD
17-Sep-2007 19:44, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200

17-Sep-2007 19:44, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 1 sec, ISO 400

17-Sep-2007 19:45, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 233

17-Sep-2007 19:45, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 1 sec, ISO 800

Last total group shot
17-Sep-2007 19:46, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200

Jeff just doesn't know what KD will say next
17-Sep-2007 19:51, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 12.523mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Same as Eric
17-Sep-2007 19:51, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

KD
17-Sep-2007 19:52, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 10.487mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Melissa returned!
17-Sep-2007 19:52, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 10.487mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

KD and Melissa
17-Sep-2007 19:53, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 10.487mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Susan and her new hair length - I like it
17-Sep-2007 19:54, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.5, 18.776mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Me and my mentee, Melissa
17-Sep-2007 19:55, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.0, 15.599mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Once again
17-Sep-2007 19:55, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.0, 15.599mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Erin and Me
17-Sep-2007 19:59, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200

Me and Jeff
17-Sep-2007 19:59, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 12.523mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200

17-Sep-2007 19:59, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 12.523mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200

Me and Susan
17-Sep-2007 20:00, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 12.523mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200

17-Sep-2007 20:00, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 12.523mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200

Me and Eric
17-Sep-2007 20:00, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200

Me headlocked by KD
17-Sep-2007 20:01, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 3.5, 10.487mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200

We should totally own a bank or something
17-Sep-2007 20:01, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200

Me and KD (notice my facial hair - it's starting to drive me crazy so I think I'm going to be shaving it soon)
17-Sep-2007 20:05, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Me messing with Erin - notice her smiling face
17-Sep-2007 20:05, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233

Now she's composed again
17-Sep-2007 20:05, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 233
And finally, here are some pics from my drive so far to Cleveland. I’m retarded though, and didn’t bring my camera when me and Jeremy hung out. So stupid. So all you get are scenery shots. Enjoy. (2014 Note: Â I’ve also put these in their own page in my Travelogue section)
18-20 Sep 2007 – Colorado Springs to Cleveland

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
18-Sep-2007 11:28, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

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
18-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
18-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
18-Sep-2007 17:08, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.017 sec

The next day, I was driving through Iowa's wondrous scenery
19-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
19-Sep-2007 09:36, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.005 sec

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

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!
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 flag
19-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
19-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
19-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
19-Sep-2007 13:40, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.002 sec

The Mississippi River - crossing this meant I'm on the East Side
19-Sep-2007 13:40, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

Bridge
19-Sep-2007 13:40, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

19-Sep-2007 13:40, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 2.8, 7.7mm, 0.003 sec

Welcome to Illinois
19-Sep-2007 13:41, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 4.9, 23.1mm, 0.003 sec

Kinda cool abandoned barn picture taken while driving at 75mph
19-Sep-2007 14:53, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.006 sec

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

And Ohio
20-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?
20-Sep-2007 14:25, Canon Canon PowerShot SD900, 8.0, 7.7mm, 0.005 sec