Driving to Florida and Back

--or Why I'm Giving Up Coffee--

Recently, I drove from my home just north of Boston, all the way to Tampa, Florida. I have family there. I also had heard a rumor that it's generally warmer there than in the Bean. So I hit the road.

The Black Bomber very rarely gets out on the open road. My 1995 Volvo 850 came to me with very few miles and aside from driving from this yoga studio to that one, I haven't added many myself. She's a tank, and a champ, and she loves the open road.

So do I.

Growing up out west, with a long, straight stretch of open road. Driving was always freedom for me...

Until you have to stop every hour or so to use the bathroom or get a fix. There's something about the addiction to coffee itself and the frequent but necessary bathroom breaks that feels anything but freeing.

So after spending 52 hours total in the car in one week, I've decided I'm cutting coffee again.

Photo by Selma60 via Flickr.

Upcoming Travels: Seattle, Montana & NYC

Sometimes you need to pack you bags and hightail it outta town; other times, you have these things planned for sometime. Thanks to some serendipitous pull of the universe, I find myself with a lot of pre-planned travel at a time when I could really use a get the heck out of dodge vacation.

As most of you know, I am an expatriot Oregonian. So I couldn't be happier to be launching my travels next week in the Pacific Northwest. My first port of call? Seattle--although I was looking forward to the soothing rain of this city, it's supposed to get up to 105 degrees. From there I make my way to a very small town in Montana for my pal Angie's wedding. I'm looking forward to the wide open spaces, mountain backdrop and the ease of conversation of the country...

I get back to Boston on the 11th of August and leave for NYC two days later. My client PigSpigot.com is throwing a launch party on August 14th and I'd love to rally the folks from the Boston to NY Australia Day trip of 2008 for the party--@paullyoung @sarahwurrey, can it be done?


Here are the important dates:

• Seattle: July 29-31
• Montana: July 31-August 11
• Boston: August 11-13
• NYC: August 13-17

• PigSpigot Launch Party: Friday, August 14 (client)
  

After August, who knows?!? But I'd love to see you while I'm traveling!