How does an introvert who craves alone time yet has a very public interaction job handle life on the road you ask? Yeah, I'm still figuring that part out everyday of my adventure.
Things I've learned throughout my trip:
When traveling with groups, go with the flow.
My office is full of pretty strong personalities and the majority of the people I work with are women. Put them all in a mini-van going around a city few have been to and don't know where to go and the best thing to do it just go with the flow. I really enjoy being the laid back one and having only two objectives in Chicago... hot dog and pizza. I got those two things without having to push and so I was a happy little clam.
When in someone else's wedding remember that it's someone else's wedding.
I was in a stunning wedding on June 12th and was constantly reminded that it isn't MY wedding (not to say it wasn't perfect) but it just reminded me that though I was friends with the people in the wedding, we have different takes on things. Again, go with the flow and let it be. Their timeline, events and practices are for them and not you. Good lesson learned.
When your boss tells you you're going to Arizona in the summer, remember it's a desert.
Prescott and Phoenix Arizona are DRY and HOT. Couple that with running around with high school students all day and even the biggest extrovert is bound to be zapped. I wish I would have known how dry it would be out here. My poor nose is screaming at me all day "WHY IS IT SO DRY!?!?" and my poor skin is loving the sun's rays, but hating the lack of San Diego moisture.
When walking around Scottsdale, AZ, make sure you have your best outfit, makeup, hair and brand names at the ready at all times.
I was walking around Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale and have never felt SO out of place in my life. Let me paint a picture for you readers. I have just spent the last week at camp. So my attire consists of jeans, flat, closed toe shoes and a PLNU tshirt with my hair in a curly ponytail and minimal makeup on. Got that? Ok so then I go walking around Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale and am not only slapped in the face by the heat at 8pm but the fact that it seems like EVERYONE just walked off the runway for a high fashion photoshoot or off the magazine pages. Perfect hair, makeup, HIGH heals, name brands slapped across every stitch of fabric, designer bags (the bigger the better) for purses... you get what I mean. I was ignored at EVERY store, even Forever 21!! Awesome. Welcome to Scottsdale. I thought Orange County was shallow and sad.
When you're in high school, you will love you church camp boyfriend FOREVER... or at least until the last day of camp.
When I was at high school camp this past week, I watched relationships bud into full on soap operas within hours. It all starts with a simple high five, to a hug to a "whoops is that YOUR hand?!" to sitting next to each other at evening service to "OH EM GEE YOU WERE STARING AT MY BEST FRIEND!!" to "of course I'll love you always!" to "sniff last day at camp" and then tearful waves as the van drives off leaving the other in the dust. Cracks me up!
A lesson for you male hotel clerks...
Just because a female is checking into a hotel all by herself does NOT mean she's single and welcomes your comments about wanting to take her out to show her the nightlife and that you'd be willing to put her sunscreen on. Please, grow up. Thanks!
It doesn't matter how old you are, when you're away from those you love for a while, it's ok to be homesick.
I really do love my job and have always wanted to travel for work and not be stuck at a desk all day, but I never factored in the fact I really crave my alone time with those I love. Just being in the same room, not talking and watching a movie, or working on things on our respective computers is some of the best time ever. I can't wait to get back to that in a couple of days. Just hearing voices over the phone doesn't do it for me. I need that personal interaction and can't wait to get it again.
All in all it's been a good trip so far and can't wait to get home and get back into my routine of San Diego living.
Until next time...
It doesn't matter how old you are, when you're away from those you love for a while, it's ok to be homesick.
I really do love my job and have always wanted to travel for work and not be stuck at a desk all day, but I never factored in the fact I really crave my alone time with those I love. Just being in the same room, not talking and watching a movie, or working on things on our respective computers is some of the best time ever. I can't wait to get back to that in a couple of days. Just hearing voices over the phone doesn't do it for me. I need that personal interaction and can't wait to get it again.
All in all it's been a good trip so far and can't wait to get home and get back into my routine of San Diego living.
Until next time...
