Top 10 List Part I: On the Way Home

Well, I am packing for my much anticipated backpacking trip, and I am realizing that really I haven't taken a vacation since the summer before my senior year of college! I mean, I go home for a few days at Christmas every year, and I went to Chicago last year for a long weekend, and every now and then I get a week away for business... but really this is the FIRST real vacation I have had in forever! And how am I spending it? hiking 9 miles a day in ridiculously high altitudes in the wilderness of California with 30 pounds strapped to my back. what did I get myself into?! :)

So, as I prepare to drive home to Philly in preparation to fly out with my Dad on Sunday, I've decided I need to get excited. So, I am going to remember my roots tonight and make my list of the things I hate about Hampton Roads:

1) WORST DRIVERS EVER! they think leaving a safe amount of room in front of you means there's a space for them to move over (no blinker of course), they turn right on red in front of you (on high speed roads) without blinking an eye, and they have NO clue who turns first on green lights!

2) REDNECK CENTRAL-- I'm talking jacked up trucks covered in mud, NASCAR tees, beer guts, goatees, mullets, and beer hats. EVERYWHERE! too much!

3) people here have NO idea what important things in life are: Tastykakes, Cinnabons, scrapple, Jax, Yuengling, etc.

4) they eat foods I've never heard of: chitlins, hush puppies, okra, "greens"... HUH?!

5) SUMMER TOURIST SEASON-- can't go to the oceanfront! thank god for Navy friends who will take you on base to go to the beach :) and man, all the damn traffic!!!

6) It is the home of my JOB which can only mean stress and hard work. Philly means visiting friends and family & relaaaaxing

7) no Macy's, no Container Store, no Sephora! need I say more?!

8) no perfect radio stations. just a bunch that are okay, but if you want any variety, you have to flip around ALL day

9) no professional sports! and no really rowdy drunk screaming fans! what fun are sports the civil and good sportsmanship way?!

10) it's a freaking 6 hour drive to get home! And Delaware cops hate me!!!! :)

Well, with that said, it's almost time to get on the road again, so I'm out. and by the way, this list was tongue in cheek-- I really like living here! So, when I get back, you'll get Top 10 List part 2 with an opposite theme... if I return alive and am happy about it anyway!

So, wish me luck! I'm off til next Wednesday, and I'll be in the wilderness for most of that time, so who knows what'll happen. Hope you all have a good couple of weeks!!!