It's a toss up from here -- it's all about being in the right place, at the right time, and knowing the right people.
I'd like to think one of those is already taken care of.
Thanks for the best Last Summer, DPIers!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
"Okay... now go change the world!"
Those were the parting words that Elizabeth left us with as we walked out of the Phipps Mansion and into our undecided (and most likely low-wage-earning) futures.
It's a toss up from here -- it's all about being in the right place, at the right time, and knowing the right people.
I'd like to think one of those is already taken care of.
Thanks for the best Last Summer, DPIers!
It's a toss up from here -- it's all about being in the right place, at the right time, and knowing the right people.
I'd like to think one of those is already taken care of.
Thanks for the best Last Summer, DPIers!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
The Final Countdown
Last weekend in Denver! Ahh! While time may have slowed during our editing workshops, it has definitely picked up speed in the past week. Carl was AMAZING -- not only did I come up with a marketing plan, but I LIKED coming up with a marketing plan, and was genuinely interested in how to go about doing so. Marketing is cool. Carl is cool. A big thumbs up to the past 7 days.
This job thing is still hanging over my head... I swear, if it's not one thing, it's another. Ah, well... I'll see what my offers are... and most likely take the first one, hah.
Our last week is all very profession-oriented -- mock job interviews, pitching book ideas, actual HR people with job offers coming in to interview, and, finally, "graduation." Then our network of publishing folk is re-scattered all over the country, and we wait and see what happens.
But, serious stuff aside, we're trying to accomplish all the Colorado-stuff we can in the next five days. Friday was the much anticipated Little Mermaid (which was incredible, sans the 20 minute improv ending), and today was the DPI-sponsored trips to the Broadmoor and Garden of the Gods. And, while I appreciated all the planning and busing on their part, I was sorely disappointed at the 30 minutes that were allotted for our exploration of the wicked cool rock formations at the Garden. We tried to make the best of it, though, and it wasn't all bad: the setting provided us with the perfect backdrop for Jillian's Next Top Model photo shoot! She's going to apply... she just doesn't know it yet.
Also, some more Mile High Tips and Tricks:
--Spanky's: The Restaurant, on University. Don't do it.
--Nights of Teddy Grahams, Rainbow Chip frosting, and Graham Crackers. Definitely do it.
--How many publishing students does it take to operate an elevator? Depends on how many floors are restricted.
--The Broadmoor may be fancy, but the truffles are NOT worth $2.80.
--Britney Spears is totally nuts. Have you read the article in Ok? Completely off the deep end....
--Warning: Denver is America's capital for single men. Keep that in mind when one of them tries to share an umbrella with you, or lift up your skirt at a Rockies game...
--The Coors Brewery Tour is great -- you learn, and you get three free 8oz samples (including ZIMA!) -- but if you don't have an hour and half to spare, opt for the short tour: a wrist band, and then straight on to the Drinking Lounge!
Kissing Camels @ Garden of the Gods
This job thing is still hanging over my head... I swear, if it's not one thing, it's another. Ah, well... I'll see what my offers are... and most likely take the first one, hah.
Our last week is all very profession-oriented -- mock job interviews, pitching book ideas, actual HR people with job offers coming in to interview, and, finally, "graduation." Then our network of publishing folk is re-scattered all over the country, and we wait and see what happens.
But, serious stuff aside, we're trying to accomplish all the Colorado-stuff we can in the next five days. Friday was the much anticipated Little Mermaid (which was incredible, sans the 20 minute improv ending), and today was the DPI-sponsored trips to the Broadmoor and Garden of the Gods. And, while I appreciated all the planning and busing on their part, I was sorely disappointed at the 30 minutes that were allotted for our exploration of the wicked cool rock formations at the Garden. We tried to make the best of it, though, and it wasn't all bad: the setting provided us with the perfect backdrop for Jillian's Next Top Model photo shoot! She's going to apply... she just doesn't know it yet.
Also, some more Mile High Tips and Tricks:
--Spanky's: The Restaurant, on University. Don't do it.
--Nights of Teddy Grahams, Rainbow Chip frosting, and Graham Crackers. Definitely do it.
--How many publishing students does it take to operate an elevator? Depends on how many floors are restricted.
--The Broadmoor may be fancy, but the truffles are NOT worth $2.80.
--Britney Spears is totally nuts. Have you read the article in Ok? Completely off the deep end....
--Warning: Denver is America's capital for single men. Keep that in mind when one of them tries to share an umbrella with you, or lift up your skirt at a Rockies game...
--The Coors Brewery Tour is great -- you learn, and you get three free 8oz samples (including ZIMA!) -- but if you don't have an hour and half to spare, opt for the short tour: a wrist band, and then straight on to the Drinking Lounge!
Kissing Camels @ Garden of the GodsWednesday, July 25, 2007
Scrabulous will be the death of us...
During the online marketing workshop today our speaker told us of a wonderful Facebook application called Scrabulous. He was a really cool guy (who works at Random House!), but that was not a good idea. Now we're all addicted to it... But other than that, the online marketing workshop was really interesting. I think I finally know how those ad links on Google work now :) I don't think I'm going to go into marketing, but it doesn't hurt to have the knowledge. I also talked to him about blogs and how advertising works for them and how it's becoming more popular. Gosh, I'm such a blog dork...
But it's been a pretty fun filled week, if I do say so myself. Monday night we went to see a showing of The Shining at the Red Rocks Theater. This isn't just any theater, it's a HUGE outdoor theater in the mountains. It holds ten thousand people. And it sold out. It was my first time seeing the movie and I don't think I could have picked a better location. Since it takes place in Colorado, every time they mentioned "Denver," "Colorado," or anything related to either, everyone started cheering. All in all it was a lot of fun and if you're ever in the Denver area, I recommend that you check it out.
We also have a very busy week ahead of us. In addition to class, we are going to a baseball game, the Coors brewery, The Little Mermaid musical, and much more. We'll check in later!
But it's been a pretty fun filled week, if I do say so myself. Monday night we went to see a showing of The Shining at the Red Rocks Theater. This isn't just any theater, it's a HUGE outdoor theater in the mountains. It holds ten thousand people. And it sold out. It was my first time seeing the movie and I don't think I could have picked a better location. Since it takes place in Colorado, every time they mentioned "Denver," "Colorado," or anything related to either, everyone started cheering. All in all it was a lot of fun and if you're ever in the Denver area, I recommend that you check it out.
We also have a very busy week ahead of us. In addition to class, we are going to a baseball game, the Coors brewery, The Little Mermaid musical, and much more. We'll check in later!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
I think hummingbirds are magical.
Us DPI girls are gearing up for a week of marketing! I, for one, am uberly pumped. Carl Lennertz, vice president of marketing at HarperCollins Publishers, is heading up lectures for the week. We had an fruit-and-cheese reception today to have him introduce himself and Joyce, and damn -- what a cool guy. If he were my first boss, I would consider myself all kinds of fortunate. Maybe I'll turn into one of those cutthroat DPI students for the week, pushing myself through the lines and crashing in on Carl's lunch table. Could be fun. I'll report back on how well that works out, hah.
Short notes:
--Ate at the Wazee Supper Club this evening -- delicious! Right on the corner of 15th and Wazee... try the French Onion, you won't regret it.
--Loveland Pass in Breckenridge has a most excellent view. And snow. Slippery, hard snow. Rockin'.
--I have gotten 2 people addicted to The Baby-sitter's Club. I consider that an accomplishment.
--Whistles should not be allowed on public transportation, period.
--In the state of Colorado, it will rain every day. No, seriously.
--Pizza should be available 24 hours a day, and never farther than a block away.
--Parting life advice from Gladys: find yourself a talking canoe.
--Cursing people in crowded bookstores can be dangerous -- always keep your wand high above your head or very low at your side. And don't use it as a microphone. Unless you're singing Total Eclipse of the Heart.
I think that's it...
Oh, yea. We swam in a river.
Short notes:
--Ate at the Wazee Supper Club this evening -- delicious! Right on the corner of 15th and Wazee... try the French Onion, you won't regret it.
--Loveland Pass in Breckenridge has a most excellent view. And snow. Slippery, hard snow. Rockin'.
--I have gotten 2 people addicted to The Baby-sitter's Club. I consider that an accomplishment.
--Whistles should not be allowed on public transportation, period.
--In the state of Colorado, it will rain every day. No, seriously.
--Pizza should be available 24 hours a day, and never farther than a block away.
--Parting life advice from Gladys: find yourself a talking canoe.
--Cursing people in crowded bookstores can be dangerous -- always keep your wand high above your head or very low at your side. And don't use it as a microphone. Unless you're singing Total Eclipse of the Heart.
I think that's it...
Oh, yea. We swam in a river.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Weak and Weary, the Weather is Wet
Greetings and salutations, my Great Lakes patrons. Since I'm rained in at the moment, I thought I'd take time update. Or maybe just express my tribulations (see: expostulations). I don't know; we'll see where this goes.
Maybe it's the 9-5 daily lectures. Maybe it's the fact that my inner forearms are sore (and I didn't even know muscles existed in that part of the body -- oh the wonders of rock climbing). Maybe it's because I'm supposed to be writing 125 word bio, and instead all I wanna do is watch YouTube videos and detox. Maybe it's because I have 10 page editing assignment on the corner of my desk, mocking me. Regardless, it's getting a lot harder to wake up in the morning. All I've craved for the past two days is sleep and mindless activity.
Don't get me wrong -- I love being out here, I love seeing the mountains every morning on my way to class, and I love discussing every aspect of the book day in and day out. I love meeting new people and learning everything I possibly can. But I'm getting anxious. I want a job.
Speaking of which, the immediacy to find a job is starting to hit me. Places I've been looking:
Lerner Publishing, based in Minneapolis, MN
Any and all listings on bookjobs.com
Any and all listings on idealist.org
John Wiley & Sons, based in Somerset/Edison, New Jersey (but they offer my DREAM JOB in Toronto, Ontario!)
I don't think either one of us has mentioned it, but the staff here is unbelievable. We're always encouraged to do better, but also not cut a lot of slack in terms of out-of-class assignments, which, I think, is the greatest way to learn. I will admit that I am a little bias: Gladys, the sassy grandmother-like figure, is always keeping us on our toes and continuously raising the bar ... but really, this woman is remarkable. She knows the business backwards and forwards, moved to Manhattan two days after her college graduation (and has since resided there), and she buys discount Birkenstocks on QVC ... now that's just freakin' cool.
To give you some idea of our editing workshops, here is The Board of Editors, minus Karl:
From left to right: Gladys, Arnold and Elizabeth
And, because I couldn't resist -- Gladys busting a move from the DUPI '05 Photo Gallery:
Okay. End random diatribes. Below, pictures of me and Steph getting ready to climb. Notice that we're both endorsing Michigan State. Pay up, Alumni Association!
Maybe it's the 9-5 daily lectures. Maybe it's the fact that my inner forearms are sore (and I didn't even know muscles existed in that part of the body -- oh the wonders of rock climbing). Maybe it's because I'm supposed to be writing 125 word bio, and instead all I wanna do is watch YouTube videos and detox. Maybe it's because I have 10 page editing assignment on the corner of my desk, mocking me. Regardless, it's getting a lot harder to wake up in the morning. All I've craved for the past two days is sleep and mindless activity.
Don't get me wrong -- I love being out here, I love seeing the mountains every morning on my way to class, and I love discussing every aspect of the book day in and day out. I love meeting new people and learning everything I possibly can. But I'm getting anxious. I want a job.
Speaking of which, the immediacy to find a job is starting to hit me. Places I've been looking:
Lerner Publishing, based in Minneapolis, MN
Any and all listings on bookjobs.com
Any and all listings on idealist.org
John Wiley & Sons, based in Somerset/Edison, New Jersey (but they offer my DREAM JOB in Toronto, Ontario!)
I don't think either one of us has mentioned it, but the staff here is unbelievable. We're always encouraged to do better, but also not cut a lot of slack in terms of out-of-class assignments, which, I think, is the greatest way to learn. I will admit that I am a little bias: Gladys, the sassy grandmother-like figure, is always keeping us on our toes and continuously raising the bar ... but really, this woman is remarkable. She knows the business backwards and forwards, moved to Manhattan two days after her college graduation (and has since resided there), and she buys discount Birkenstocks on QVC ... now that's just freakin' cool.
To give you some idea of our editing workshops, here is The Board of Editors, minus Karl:
From left to right: Gladys, Arnold and Elizabeth
And, because I couldn't resist -- Gladys busting a move from the DUPI '05 Photo Gallery:
Okay. End random diatribes. Below, pictures of me and Steph getting ready to climb. Notice that we're both endorsing Michigan State. Pay up, Alumni Association!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Much Ado About Denver
Tonight we went to a free showing of Shakespere's Much Ado About Nothing in a park right by the 16th Street Mall in LoDo (Lower Downtown) . This wasn't just your run-of-the-mill performance, it was a No Holds Bard production. This means that the entire cast read from scrolls instead of rehearsing and also included the audience in certain parts. It was very informal and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We are going to go see the Hamlet performance sometime this week. Stay tuned for the recap. Here's a pic of our group:
I also tried Noodles and Company for the first time today. Leave it to me to try something new in Denver that I could have anytime in East Lansing. But I did find out that it originated in Boulder, which is a stone's throw from Denver. I'm learning all sorts of new things here:)
Also, Denver has amazing sunsets.
I also tried Noodles and Company for the first time today. Leave it to me to try something new in Denver that I could have anytime in East Lansing. But I did find out that it originated in Boulder, which is a stone's throw from Denver. I'm learning all sorts of new things here:)
Also, Denver has amazing sunsets.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
One time, there was this mountain goat...
Public Service Announcement: Don't go anywhere without an umbrella while in the state of Colorado. It just ain't smart.
In other news, I found the best bar in Denver: The Giggling Grizzly. DPI took it over last night, but we were there early enough to score free baskets of popcorn. Five hours, three vodka pineapples, and one giggly bear later, we made the trek back to The Towers. PSA #2: Lightrails are SLOW at night. Really, really, really slow. And overpopulated with police.
A memento from the bar that's giggle-worthy:
Today we traveled into the mountains. There was a rough encounter with a mountain goat, mild cases of hypothermia, and some homemade ice cream cones -- and, of course, mountains.
Highlights:
In other news, I found the best bar in Denver: The Giggling Grizzly. DPI took it over last night, but we were there early enough to score free baskets of popcorn. Five hours, three vodka pineapples, and one giggly bear later, we made the trek back to The Towers. PSA #2: Lightrails are SLOW at night. Really, really, really slow. And overpopulated with police.
A memento from the bar that's giggle-worthy:
Today we traveled into the mountains. There was a rough encounter with a mountain goat, mild cases of hypothermia, and some homemade ice cream cones -- and, of course, mountains.
Highlights:
Friday, July 13, 2007
Gladys Topkis is my hero.
Not too much to report on the homefront... Still networking, still meeting the cream of the crop in the publishing world, and still confused as to what direction I want to take with my life. The presentation today was on college textbook publishing, which I never even considered going into -- but the field sounds like a fascinating one, and it was the most appealing lecture that I've heard so far.
Aside from the school days and editing workshops and networking picnics... most of our time is spent exploring the city. Tonight was our first night out at the bar, which could've been better planned, seeing as we all haven't slept in days. Thankfully the SoCo girls made an appearance and we got some free tastes.
In sum: the people here are great, and so are the experiences. The only downside is the insane amount of crime that seems to occur both in the city and on campus! In a matter of days, Zoomer got her bike ripped off (she was one of three people who are now without wheels), and another classmate of ours got her car broken into and the ignition tampered with. So if you don't here from us in a couple days ... assume we got mugged for our valuables and are lying in a lightrail station somewhere.
I could really go for some pizza now.
And thus my quest begins.
Happy Thursday to all, and to all a goodnight.
Aside from the school days and editing workshops and networking picnics... most of our time is spent exploring the city. Tonight was our first night out at the bar, which could've been better planned, seeing as we all haven't slept in days. Thankfully the SoCo girls made an appearance and we got some free tastes.
In sum: the people here are great, and so are the experiences. The only downside is the insane amount of crime that seems to occur both in the city and on campus! In a matter of days, Zoomer got her bike ripped off (she was one of three people who are now without wheels), and another classmate of ours got her car broken into and the ignition tampered with. So if you don't here from us in a couple days ... assume we got mugged for our valuables and are lying in a lightrail station somewhere.
I could really go for some pizza now.
And thus my quest begins.
Happy Thursday to all, and to all a goodnight.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Sun, Rain, and Bubble Chairs
Another quick update from the mile high city:
Class was alright today. We got to hear a roundtable discussion on how a book is "born," which was very interesting, especially because it consisted of a bestselling author, an executive editor, and a literary agent. Apparently that doesn't happen too often. The afternoon consisted of a lecture on the economics of publishing. Economics is definitely not my thing, but the information was valuable.
I maintain my stance that Denver has very odd weather. We were about to leave for dinner and we making our way downstairs when we realized that it was raining (really, it was pouring) and it was completely SUNNY:
It stopped raining soon after though and Lisa decided to be all artistic with her camera and snapped a pretty sweet picture of the fitness center tower (yes, the fitness center has a tower, it's crazy):
After dinner, Lisa and I decided to head over to the library to finish/print our homework for tomorrow. Lisa got excited (maybe a little tooooo excited) about the bubble chair in the lobby. She, of course, had to sit in it:
We were also feeling a little PW nostalgia tonight. Especially when Lisa came across pictures of 317 on her camera. Oh, freaky stress cows...
And that is all for now because I have to go do some more reading (big surprise, I know). Until next time.
Class was alright today. We got to hear a roundtable discussion on how a book is "born," which was very interesting, especially because it consisted of a bestselling author, an executive editor, and a literary agent. Apparently that doesn't happen too often. The afternoon consisted of a lecture on the economics of publishing. Economics is definitely not my thing, but the information was valuable.
I maintain my stance that Denver has very odd weather. We were about to leave for dinner and we making our way downstairs when we realized that it was raining (really, it was pouring) and it was completely SUNNY:
It stopped raining soon after though and Lisa decided to be all artistic with her camera and snapped a pretty sweet picture of the fitness center tower (yes, the fitness center has a tower, it's crazy):
After dinner, Lisa and I decided to head over to the library to finish/print our homework for tomorrow. Lisa got excited (maybe a little tooooo excited) about the bubble chair in the lobby. She, of course, had to sit in it:
We were also feeling a little PW nostalgia tonight. Especially when Lisa came across pictures of 317 on her camera. Oh, freaky stress cows...
And that is all for now because I have to go do some more reading (big surprise, I know). Until next time.
Monday, July 9, 2007
"I am a legend in my own mind."
A quick update from the mile high city!
Long long long day today. Networking sucks the life out of you, I'll tell you that much. We met with Larry Kirshbaum, former CEO of Time Warner books -- hilarious, brilliant man. One of the most engaging speakers I've seen in a long time, and very down to earth. I'll never look at pigs in a blanket the same way again...
Also had a lecture from Charlie Spicer, an Exec Editor at St. Martin. His talk gave a great overview of the editing world -- and reinforced my decision to not go into editing, hah.
We went in to LoDo again tonight for a book signing by Stephen Coonts. I haven't read any of his work, but his style of suspenseful thriller sounds like a good beach read. Or maybe I'll just watch the movie Flight of the Intruder and call it good. :)
So, if anyone is visiting Denver in the near future, some excellent places to check out:
--The Tattered Cover bookstore at 16th Street & Wynkoop, across from Union Station. It's independently owned, and absolutely HUGE! The building was formerly the Morey Mercantile Building, and it's four floors of amazing book displays and cushy chairs. I've never seen a bookstore like it.
--Sonoda's Sushi & Seafood on Market St. The avocado rolls were exceptionally tasty, and it's reasonably priced.
Aaaand with that.. it's about time I started getting prepared for tomorrow's lecture: the economics of publishing. We have to bring a calculator to class. Argh.
Peace and love from the 'Ver!
Long long long day today. Networking sucks the life out of you, I'll tell you that much. We met with Larry Kirshbaum, former CEO of Time Warner books -- hilarious, brilliant man. One of the most engaging speakers I've seen in a long time, and very down to earth. I'll never look at pigs in a blanket the same way again...
Also had a lecture from Charlie Spicer, an Exec Editor at St. Martin. His talk gave a great overview of the editing world -- and reinforced my decision to not go into editing, hah.
We went in to LoDo again tonight for a book signing by Stephen Coonts. I haven't read any of his work, but his style of suspenseful thriller sounds like a good beach read. Or maybe I'll just watch the movie Flight of the Intruder and call it good. :)
So, if anyone is visiting Denver in the near future, some excellent places to check out:
--The Tattered Cover bookstore at 16th Street & Wynkoop, across from Union Station. It's independently owned, and absolutely HUGE! The building was formerly the Morey Mercantile Building, and it's four floors of amazing book displays and cushy chairs. I've never seen a bookstore like it.
--Sonoda's Sushi & Seafood on Market St. The avocado rolls were exceptionally tasty, and it's reasonably priced.
Aaaand with that.. it's about time I started getting prepared for tomorrow's lecture: the economics of publishing. We have to bring a calculator to class. Argh.
Peace and love from the 'Ver!
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Greetings from Denver
Well, we made it to Denver in one piece AND we didn't get lost once. Some might say that's a miracle, especially because neither one of us has the best sense of direction. After checking into our dorm (which is pretty sweet, even though we had to bunk the beds... long story), we decided to check out the fitness center, which makes sense, because who would think of sleeping after 18 straight hours of driving? Apparently not us. It was fun though because the pool in the fitness center is amazing.
After our refreshing swim, we came back to the dorm with the intention of passing out. This did not go quite as planned though because we started meeting other people as they arrived at the dorm. And then someone invited us to go downtown for dinner and to the bar. Not being ones to turn down social events, we decided that socializing was more important than sleep. We went to a place in the 16th street mall called the Rock Bottom Brewery with a couple of the girls instead of the whole group though because we kind of got separated. It was deeeelicious.
I got a glorious 12 hour night of sleep, which was much needed after forgoing sleep for some 35+ hours. I'm not sure how long Lisa slept because she was already awake when I got up, but I'm sure it was close.
Today we had orientation and got to meet the leaders of the Institute as well as many of our classmates. It sounds like it will be fun. Intense, but fun.
After official orientation a bunch of us decided that pizza would be wonderful for dinner. We walked around and found this sweet little pizza place called Fuhgetaboutit. We sat outside until it started raining. Which reminds me, Denver has very odd weather. It is hot all day and then storms. Everyday. Well, at least for the whole two days we've been here. But that is also the forecast for the next seven days or so. So we'll see I guess. After dinner a few of us decided to take the Light Rail to downtown for coffee. Here's a picture of the beautiful sunset against the mountains from our vantage point of the Light Rail station (which is conveniently located right across the street form our dorm!):
We found this little coffee shop called Common Grounds, which made me think of good ol' Lansing and the Common Ground festival. The coffee was good, but it closed soon after we got there, so we decided to walk around the city for awhile. We found this cool mast-type thing, which we have yet to figure out what exactly it is:
We also found a river and walked by some really sweet apartments. All in all, it's been a pretty eventful day.
Now I have to sign off and get some sleep because tomorrow is a very busy day. Au revoir!
But I'll leave you with a slightly amusing picture of Miss Lisa trying to devour the leftover white chocolate party mix stuff from the 4th of July that melted while in the car and re-refrigerated once we got here:
After our refreshing swim, we came back to the dorm with the intention of passing out. This did not go quite as planned though because we started meeting other people as they arrived at the dorm. And then someone invited us to go downtown for dinner and to the bar. Not being ones to turn down social events, we decided that socializing was more important than sleep. We went to a place in the 16th street mall called the Rock Bottom Brewery with a couple of the girls instead of the whole group though because we kind of got separated. It was deeeelicious.
I got a glorious 12 hour night of sleep, which was much needed after forgoing sleep for some 35+ hours. I'm not sure how long Lisa slept because she was already awake when I got up, but I'm sure it was close.
Today we had orientation and got to meet the leaders of the Institute as well as many of our classmates. It sounds like it will be fun. Intense, but fun.
After official orientation a bunch of us decided that pizza would be wonderful for dinner. We walked around and found this sweet little pizza place called Fuhgetaboutit. We sat outside until it started raining. Which reminds me, Denver has very odd weather. It is hot all day and then storms. Everyday. Well, at least for the whole two days we've been here. But that is also the forecast for the next seven days or so. So we'll see I guess. After dinner a few of us decided to take the Light Rail to downtown for coffee. Here's a picture of the beautiful sunset against the mountains from our vantage point of the Light Rail station (which is conveniently located right across the street form our dorm!):
We found this little coffee shop called Common Grounds, which made me think of good ol' Lansing and the Common Ground festival. The coffee was good, but it closed soon after we got there, so we decided to walk around the city for awhile. We found this cool mast-type thing, which we have yet to figure out what exactly it is:
We also found a river and walked by some really sweet apartments. All in all, it's been a pretty eventful day.
Now I have to sign off and get some sleep because tomorrow is a very busy day. Au revoir!
But I'll leave you with a slightly amusing picture of Miss Lisa trying to devour the leftover white chocolate party mix stuff from the 4th of July that melted while in the car and re-refrigerated once we got here:
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Bloggings from the Saturn Ion
Day 1
5:07am EST
Just finished belting out some classic Aersosmith, Armageddon style. If you ever need a quick pick-me-up, old Steve will do it. We are 8,118 miles in (no, scratch that – 818 miles – the longer I’m in the car, the worse at math I get), and took our third stop of the trip. Yes, that’s right – third. We are roadtripping fiends. We’re accomplishing all kinds of inhuman feats, including overcoming our somewhat traumatic beginning to this journey – a fender bender that occurred about 100 feet before the on ramp of Lake Lansing road (I like to note at this point in the story that we are now officially part of the “90% of accidents occur within 10 miles of your home” statistic). The collision packed some punch – it wasn’t airbag worthy, but it was enough to shake us both up. Fortunately, we seem to be on luck’s good side, and two things were in our favor: 1) the guy we rear-ended already had a damaged back end, and didn’t mind that we may have added to the already smashed in bumper, and 2) Steph’s car is designed with some kind of magical plastic substance, and didn’t even see a scratch. I already proclaimed that I’m buying this exact model when I get home – dent resistant cars are where it’s at!
So, aside from that minor hiccup, we are well on our way westward (+20 to Lisa for that alliteration (it’s more impressive when you say it aloud)).
To give you some idea of the scenery we’ve been enjoying, here’s the Iowa sunset:
Also, some nice fellows from Ohio decided to initiate a friendly game of chicken … I’m still puzzled as to what the appeal was of the brake-and-accelerate game, but it probably dind’t help that I was encouraging them with ultra cool head nods, enthusiastic waving, and inquisitive stares … regardless, I photographed the lively young men before Steph’s evasive driving maneuvers lost them somewhere in Illinois country. For your viewing pleasure:
Also, the stars are unusually bright in Nebraska.
We just discussed the horrendous thought of having our U of Denver ID pictures taken upon check in. I can’t imagine that eighteen straight hours of driving is gonna make for a great photo op…. I suppose only time will tell.
Until our next time of free, we’re signing out.
Much love from the flatlands of the central time zone.
7:34 am EST
The good news is that we are no longer in the flatlands of the central time zone. Although we may still be in the central time zone (I really have no idea where that changes), the lands of Nebraska are decidedly less flat than those of Iowa. And, much to our delight, Nebraska also has beautiful sunrises:
The upside to Nebraska travel: 75 mph speed limit.
The downside to Nebraska travel: waaaaay more construction than the other states (other than Michigan of course). Also, ridiculous gas prices! Be warned, travelers: we shelled out $3.48 per gallon.
In other news, Lisa has discovered the magic that is the cord that hooks her laptop (and my iPod) to my car and allows her to play music from it on the car stereo. Needless to say we are now immersed in her “summer mix” which includes the creative lyrics of Umbrella by Rhianna and Jay-Z.
We haven’t had any major events since the beginning of the trip, thank goodness. In fact, we are such awesome roadtrippers that we have only stopped four (yes FOUR) times in 13 hours. We would have stopped even less than that, but my pesky car decided that it needed gas and threatened to stop if we did not meet its demands. Thus, we have had to stop more times than we would have liked.
Now we have to concentrate on crossing the Colorado border and then actually finding the University of Denver. It should be interesting to say the least. Until then, signing off from the semi-flatlands of Nebraska.
Edit: upon stopping at McDonald’s for breakfast, we have found out that we are, in fact, in the mountain standard time zone. Lisa’s freaking out about it being 6 am yet again…
Edit on Stephanie's edit: No one should have to experience the 6am hour THREE TIMES in one roadtrip. It's just unpleasant.
5:07am EST
Just finished belting out some classic Aersosmith, Armageddon style. If you ever need a quick pick-me-up, old Steve will do it. We are 8,118 miles in (no, scratch that – 818 miles – the longer I’m in the car, the worse at math I get), and took our third stop of the trip. Yes, that’s right – third. We are roadtripping fiends. We’re accomplishing all kinds of inhuman feats, including overcoming our somewhat traumatic beginning to this journey – a fender bender that occurred about 100 feet before the on ramp of Lake Lansing road (I like to note at this point in the story that we are now officially part of the “90% of accidents occur within 10 miles of your home” statistic). The collision packed some punch – it wasn’t airbag worthy, but it was enough to shake us both up. Fortunately, we seem to be on luck’s good side, and two things were in our favor: 1) the guy we rear-ended already had a damaged back end, and didn’t mind that we may have added to the already smashed in bumper, and 2) Steph’s car is designed with some kind of magical plastic substance, and didn’t even see a scratch. I already proclaimed that I’m buying this exact model when I get home – dent resistant cars are where it’s at!
So, aside from that minor hiccup, we are well on our way westward (+20 to Lisa for that alliteration (it’s more impressive when you say it aloud)).
To give you some idea of the scenery we’ve been enjoying, here’s the Iowa sunset:
Also, some nice fellows from Ohio decided to initiate a friendly game of chicken … I’m still puzzled as to what the appeal was of the brake-and-accelerate game, but it probably dind’t help that I was encouraging them with ultra cool head nods, enthusiastic waving, and inquisitive stares … regardless, I photographed the lively young men before Steph’s evasive driving maneuvers lost them somewhere in Illinois country. For your viewing pleasure:
Also, the stars are unusually bright in Nebraska.
We just discussed the horrendous thought of having our U of Denver ID pictures taken upon check in. I can’t imagine that eighteen straight hours of driving is gonna make for a great photo op…. I suppose only time will tell.
Until our next time of free, we’re signing out.
Much love from the flatlands of the central time zone.
7:34 am EST
The good news is that we are no longer in the flatlands of the central time zone. Although we may still be in the central time zone (I really have no idea where that changes), the lands of Nebraska are decidedly less flat than those of Iowa. And, much to our delight, Nebraska also has beautiful sunrises:
The upside to Nebraska travel: 75 mph speed limit.
The downside to Nebraska travel: waaaaay more construction than the other states (other than Michigan of course). Also, ridiculous gas prices! Be warned, travelers: we shelled out $3.48 per gallon.
In other news, Lisa has discovered the magic that is the cord that hooks her laptop (and my iPod) to my car and allows her to play music from it on the car stereo. Needless to say we are now immersed in her “summer mix” which includes the creative lyrics of Umbrella by Rhianna and Jay-Z.
We haven’t had any major events since the beginning of the trip, thank goodness. In fact, we are such awesome roadtrippers that we have only stopped four (yes FOUR) times in 13 hours. We would have stopped even less than that, but my pesky car decided that it needed gas and threatened to stop if we did not meet its demands. Thus, we have had to stop more times than we would have liked.
Now we have to concentrate on crossing the Colorado border and then actually finding the University of Denver. It should be interesting to say the least. Until then, signing off from the semi-flatlands of Nebraska.
Edit: upon stopping at McDonald’s for breakfast, we have found out that we are, in fact, in the mountain standard time zone. Lisa’s freaking out about it being 6 am yet again…
Edit on Stephanie's edit: No one should have to experience the 6am hour THREE TIMES in one roadtrip. It's just unpleasant.
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