Sun Moon Stars Girl

The Windy City

Leg 2 - Sandusky, OH - IN - Chicago, IL - stop in Bloomington, IL

Kris and I left Cedar Point pretty early and headed out to Chicago, through Indiana. We took Judy's suggestion to ride the Double Decker bus tour of the city. Our first and only stop off the tour was for lunch at this famous resturant called The Berghoff. It was pretty good - if you like German food (which I don't usually).

I can't even recall half the things we saw - thank goodness Kris took a lot of pictures. I didn't know much of Chicago's history, and learned quite a bit from our tour guides. After the tour we went up in to the Sears Tower Skydeck. My ears popped 5 times on the way up and back down! We got a bunch of great pictures of the view from the top, read a little more of the history written on the inner wall, and made our way back down.

Our last stop before we left the city was for some popcorn - Garrett's gourmet popcorn. Walking down Jackson Street we came across the sign for the Illinois Historic Route 66. It marks the very end, or very beginning for us, of the road. : )

Chicago rush hour is nothing like Boston or NYC/NJ traffic. People gave each other two car lengths of space, and it didn't take us much time to get out of the city. Rushing a little to try to catch "The Amazing Race," we reserved a hotel in Bloomington, IL that had high-speed internet (since we'd had some problems getting a connection in OH). Unfortunately when we got to the hotel even though it was only 9pm (Central Time!) we had missed it. The stupid Republican National Convention coverage was on instead - and we'd missed the earlier showing. Someone email me and tell me what happened!!!

If I'd known it was going to be on early (and that we would miss it!) I would have pushed for a night in Springfield, IL instead. However, I'm glad we had the extra time to futz around and use the internet.

Cedar Point Roller Coaster Snobs

Day 2 - just a day at Cedar Point

We spent the day at Cedar Point - home of the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster, at 120mph and 420 ft. The whole day was coaster-filled. We waited to buy our tickets until we saw the sun in the morning, but were able to get them at a decent discount (only a $1 more than AAA would have been) from our hotel. Also, since we were staying at a hotel in the Cedar Point Resorts group, we were allowed to get into the park an hour early, and ride on two coasters right away. Those coasters were Millenium Force (the second highest coaster in the park at 300-something feet tall) - which we decided not to go on as our first ride - and Raptor, which is only 137 ft, and a "ride below the track" ride, much like Batman the Ride in Six Flags Great Adcenture (NJ).

That was a good starter, but not impressive, since we'd been on such a similar coaster already. The next ride we went to was Mantis, the stand-up coaster. Definately a different experience. Kris may have commented on the fact that it's not so much "boy-friendly." It was still early, and we were right next to Millenium Force. I don't know how I convinced him to, but I got Kris to go on it. He was a nervous wreck waiting on line, but I remained calm. Got on, and tightened those straps and harnesses as tightly as possible. Going up I got nervous, but it was a very quick ascent to the top. I opened my eyes about a quarter of the way down, and screamed a little. After that, it was again not that impresssive. Honestly, I am becoming such a roller coaster snob. Superman at Six Flags New England only has a 225 foot drop, but is actually a better coaster. It has more "whooptee" up and downs. It also goes underground twice, as opposed to the three kinda silly tunnels that Millenium had.

We worked our way through the park, and took on the Cedar Creek Mine Train. Yeah, it's a good warm-up metal coaster, your classsic "runaway mine car" type. Small, old, but still pretty good. Next was Mean Streak, interesting because it was a wooden coaster with a steel track. A much nicer ride than most wooden coasters I've been on, but it wasn't a true wooden coaster. The Gemini was only running one of the two dueling tracks, somewhat disappointing, but we still enjoyed it. It was again a wooden coaster with a steel track.

Lunch was our next stop, as we spectated the Top Thrill Dragster. We needed a break, so we headed for the Himalaya and the Matterhorn, followed by the Sky Ride, to the Space Spiral, which gave us a great view of the entire park (see postcard #4). After this we rode the 12-E, I mean, the Diaster Transport. It's an indoor in-the-dark coaster. I liked it, but Kris didn't. Woo, the 12-E!

We locked our items away and rode the Wicked Twister - twice. It was great, even though it was a go-forwards and backwards coaster. It was so nice and smooth because it's linear induction. We wound our way aroung, went on the Calypso and the Classic Cadallac Cars (Kris has a BUNCH of these pictures) before we hit up the Blue Streak - the only real wooden coaster in the park. I somehow then convinced Kris to ride the Top Thrill Dragster (which we called the "Top Fun" and "Top Speed" for the rest of the day). We were both nervous, but it was great. My ears popped at the top, and I saw the completely straight drop down. We did it! The biggest, baddest coaster!

Kris didn't want to go on the Magnum XL-200, so I went by myself. I found a guy with his friends who was the odd man out, and grabbed the seat next to him. It's only 200-something (like Superman), but it wasn't as good as Superman, for the same reasons I said before. Kris rode the Raptor once more without me, and then we rode a kiddie coaster called Wild Cat - actually one of the better coasters in the park. We finished off with another ride on the Mantis, and an Elephant Ear.

I'll have to quote Kris on the corkscrew before I sign off: "It's just like the one at Canobe Lake Park. Lemme Guess: Up the lift hill into the first drop. Into da'loop. Up and around to the right, then into the corkscrew. One... Two... Back into the station."

Got back to the hotel and spent some time soaking in the hot tub. It was so nice to get massaged, and just relax in the hot water. Time for bed - again.

Time to leave...

Leg One - Scotch Plains, NJ - Dillsberg, PA - Sandusky, OH

We have arrived in Ohio. It is now 11:30 pm, and we're about to settle down for a good winter's nap...er, I mean, a good night's rest. We didn't go to sleep last night until around 1 AM, and I know neither one of us could sleep past about quarter of 6 this morning (I didn't sleep well and was up at 5). I was nervous and excited, the same feeling I've had for the past week or so, but multiplied a hundred more times. It's the same nervous feeling I get everytime I have to take a test the next morning - I'm well-prepared, but it's still a stressful thing.

We started off this morning packing the car. It took a little while longer than I wanted, but we were off to breakfast at the Scotchwood Diner by 7:20. We said our last goodbyes to our parents and Laura and Kalan by 8:30 and left for PA. We were siked when we were able to use the EZ-Pass in PA, and enjoyed the scenic rolling hills.

Kris and I made it to our first stop in Dillsburg, PA by 11. We met up with some friends of his from the Subaru Club, named Chris and Christine. It was definately weird saying one name and having all three other people respond. They have a really nice house, and it was awesome to meet another NASIOC person that Kris had talked about so much.

Kris took over the driving as we meandered our way up to the northwestern part of Pennsylvannia. I have never seen anything like the highway construction we saw along the way. It seemed as though the highway had been built and abandoned, but what we figured out was that it's all still in the process of being built - they have you drive on it as much as possible, but then detour you around what's not ready. And it's been like this for a long time, because our GPS was right on track with all the "detours."

Once we got up to I-80 I passed out for a short period of time, but then re-awoke. We took a quick stop to refuel and relieve ourselves, and I took over driving. It poured as we made our way through Ohio. But we found our hotel and were eating dinner by 9 PM.

I'm excited for a nice day at Cedar Point tomorrow. The map isn't as informative as I would like it to be, but I love roller coasters, and I know there's plenty to see here. More to come on that tomorrow.

Sleepy....

"It's not goodbye - it's 'til we meet again."

The Going Away Party

Yup, that was today. It was so nice, but really sad to see everyone today. I have a huge lump in my throat right now, and I know I'm going to be really teary when we leave after breakfast tomorrow. But for now...

I'm laughing about Kris's accidental mess up. But enough of that. I had a good time at the party. I wanted to thank everyone for the gifts we recieved, it wasn't anything we expected at all. And this is a thank you, not just for today, but for everything because we've had several "going away get-togethers/parties."

But like the title said, "It's not goodbye, it's 'til we meet again."

Leaving Las Apartment

Well, this morning we packed up Apsley Street. My landlord was a little surprised when I stopped by to drop off the keys. "Oh. You're done already?" I guess he thought we were going to be leaving much later in the day. I really liked the apartment. It was definately small, but all I really needed for myself (and I enjoyed living alone in it). The commute to work was so short, and the rent couldn't be beat - especially with the tenant-at-will month-to-month agreement.

We packed up both the Neon and the Malibu - I couldn't believe we fit it mostly. I felt bad we just couldn't get Kris's old toaster oven in. Hopefully someone will see it behind the dumpster and take it. We also had to stop by work so I could drop off those keys before we left for NJ.

Goodbye Massachusetts.

We got to NJ in the afternoon. Even though we were exhausted, we unpacked both cars and started some laundry. We brought things in to return to my family, and started to reorganize for our trip. It's definately weird seeing my queen-sized bed in my childhood bedroom, but a whole lot more comfortable than the twin, sofabed, or air mattress. Exactly what we'll need for a good night's rest after a long plane ride back across the country.

Two days to go...

Last Day of Work

Today was my last official day of work (I have to bring my keys back tomorrow before we leave). It was a little sad saying goodbye to everyone, but I know it is time for me to move on.

Looking back I remember telling people it was my "dream job." And although there were definately ups and downs (like the rest of life), it really was my dream job. I was able to continue in the field I got my undergraduate degree in (Molecular Biology) doing research, which is exactly what I wanted to do after Clark and before I pursued an advanced degree. I also was happy that I was encouraged to use my job as a stepping stone for graduate school.

I had a nice time when we went out to lunch on Monday, and the party afterwards. I also had a great last couple of days, and an overall enjoyable time in the past three years. Thank you to everyone for all your help and friendship. I look forward to meeting up again.

Fixing the Olympics

I don't know if anyone else caught the gymnastics craziness last night. I couldn't believe what kept happening. How many gymnasts can get the exact same score? Especially when each gymnast has a different routine, or performs differently during each event?

I feel bad for Paul Hamm, both because of the controversy over his Olympic All-Around gold, and for the uproar that happened just before his high bar routine last night. This whole thing seemed a little silly, but if the Korean protest was more to help make scoring in gymnastics a little more fair, I wish it had actually helped things. Instead, judges were removed and replaced, and instead of fixing the scoring, the scoring seemed more fixed.

I actually feel bad for all the gymnasts - they work so hard, training, practicing, competing, only to have ridiculous things like the start value of their routine changed, and unfair scoring take place. Last night was the first time I truly felt like the results had been fixed prior to an Olympic event. I only hope that enough other people were made to feel that way too, and something will be done to change the situation.

Tonight we're watching "The Amazing Race" instead.

Olympics

I love the Olympics. No, I am obsessed with the Olympics. I'll admit for these summer games I haven't been as crazy with watching them as I was for the last winter events. But here I am sitting in front of the television watching women's diving qualifications as I'm blogging.

I was so crazy during the games in Salt Lake that I would race home from work, turn on MSNBC and watch whatever they were showing. Later on I would switch between the three NBC channels to catch everything from hockey games to speed skating to skiing to ice dancing (which I still don't understand) but my most favorite - curling! I know - of all things, why the heck curling??? I don't know, I just got obsessed with it - and I know a lot of other people did too. Don't ask me to explain it though, I am unsure of all the rules. I got that it was like shuffleboard on ice, but really my favorite part was hearing the guy yell, "Hard! Hard!" It wasn't for the reason you're thinking, so don't go there.

Anyway, like I said, I haven't been able to catch as much of the games this time round as we were pretty busy last weekend, but I'm still watching along. I love the men's gymnastics - what could be better than buff men in tight pants? Note of caution: mute the tv when they are interviewed...because they will either sound like little boys, or like they have just inhaled a massive amount of helium. I also like the synchronized events - swimming and diving - women's gymnastics, kayaking, and some of the track and field events - like long jump, high jump, shotput, and javelin. I have never understood the rhythmic gymnastics, and I was looking forward to the trampoline but tonight's broadcast was actually quite disappointing.

I also love the gear. During the Salt Lake games I wanted the beret the US team wore, but I didn't like that it had the city name and year. It was too weird to me to get it when I finally found it that summer. Wear something in the winter of 2003 that says 2002? No - no.

Above is a picture of a similar beret made for this Olympics, and a visor with the USA laurel wreath icon. Last winter, right before Christmas I was browing through the ROOTS catalog and found the Salt Lake beret. Wow, it was still on sale. I still wasn't excited about the year and city on it. I looked around a little more and found somethng even better. It was the beret - but with no date, and no city. I'm pretty sure it says ROOTS, and probably USA, (not sure because it's been packed away for several months now) but all it had on it was the laurel wreath. I really liked it not just because is the 2004 US Athens icon, but it's an overall symbol for the Olympics.

I shall conclude by saying that I will be disappointed that we are so busy this weekend with moving and watching Rally Deutchland, and that I will miss the closing ceremonies because we will be on the road to California. Maybe if we stay a hotel the first night we'll be able to catch part of them. : )

Party weekend! Whoo!

Kris and I went to a wedding on Saturday for his and his brother's high school friend Eric. I'd met Eric earlier this year, and he invited Kris and I. Originally I didn't think we'd be able to make it (we'd planned on being in NJ, but things have been crazy, and our plans changed), but we could, and it was cool that we could go. It was nice to see Korey again too, since he can't make it to our going away party - the very last get-together we have planned.

We also got to go to a suprise party for my friend Tina (my duet partner from our last belly dancing recital) which I didn't think we'd be able to go to either. I'm really glad we got to see everyone we did there besides Tina, and we've made plans to go out to dinner before Kris and I leave for CA.

Lastly we headed over to the Iggpartment to catch Rally Finland. One of the Subaru guys was in Finland for the rally (his wife surprised him with the trip in a similar way to my surprise for Kris with the trip to Rally Mexico) so we were looking for him. He didn't end up on the Speed Channel coverage like Kris did when we were in Mexico. ;p

Peasentry

"You are....Rather Dashing....a peasent wearing short pants..." - Yeah, I could repeat the whole thing for you, but I'm not going to.

Kris and I just finished an exciting evening filled with Peasent's Quest - the newest game from the Homestarrunner site. It's a cute little (albeit at times frustrating) RPG involving Trogdor and the village and peasents he burninates. Kris had taken quite a while to get a screen map (Nintendo Power style) and spoiler walkthrough set up. We worked together to play the game on our own respective computers to get a detailed guide for maximum point-scoring.

I'm not going to say anything to ruin the game for anyone who wants to play it, but I will say that it was quite sarcastic at times. Also, a huge tip is to read things after "looking" at each screen. You should be able to figure out what needs to be done - like I said it's frustrating - but possible. Most things should end up being fairly obvious once you figure them out, and the only thing I will actually say is that we found the baby to be one of the most useful items in the game.

If you need help go here for Kris's walkthrough and map.

I haven't had this much fun since I last played Maniac Mansion on my very old NES...

Good luck Peaseanties!!!

Gas Prices

Something I forgot to comment on earlier that I was rather disappointed about this weekend - the still outrageous gas prices. In Maine, prices seemed average for New England and Maine - a little high, but I think they jacked up the prices due to the rally. The last time I got gas was last Thursday, for $1.82. Usually in NJ the gas prices are a good $0.10 cheaper than up here, and I was disappointed when I stopped first to pay $1.83/gallon, then the second fill-up for $1.81. At least they weren't higher than up in MA, and it was less than $20 to fill my tank both times, but I'm still disappointed that the prices weren't much lower than here!

I can't wait to pay for gas in California...

Doctors and Motorcycles in NJ

To continue our busy traveling weekend, we drove from Maine to NJ on Sunday. I had a few doctors' appointments to take care of before I leave for school in CA, and I was pleased to accomplish part of this during the past couple days. We were also able to take a portion of the remaining items from my apartment to my parents' house so we won't have to worry about it all in our last few days here.

I also got to see Ray, and take a ride on his new motorcycle which I didn't know he hed aquired. We went to Van Gogh's Ear, this cool little tea room nearby. On the way home Laura took a ride on the bike. I'd been a little apprehensive about riding on the highway, and my fears were peaked when a crazy almost ran them off the road. This riced out Civic blew by us at a good 110 mph. Kris had the good sense to flash the lights and beep, but it was only a split second before they raced by. We called 911, and reported their plate number (it was a miracle we were able to get it when they stopped at a 7-11), but that was all we could do. I felt really bad my sister had to deal with that on her very first motorcycle trip, but she wasn't shaken at all.

On the way back up today, we stopped at my aunt and uncle's house. We had a quick dip in their pool when the rain finally cleared up, a nice italian dinner, and made it back to MA in time to watch "The Amazing Race."