Too cool

So this may be a topic that I have discussed at great length before. In fact, I guarantee it is because it tends to be a big part of the story that is my life. Sometimes it can just sick to be the "cool girl." What? Huh? Really? In my case this is so wrongly true. Okay, so obviously this has everything to do with boys and nothing to do with friends, work and fun times traveling. Because of course in those times I beyond friggin rock because, let's get real here, who doesn't just love having the cool, fun chica around right? Need I mention I tend to bring major fun times to the bar scene too? Haha, now I am bordering on bragging so let's ge back to the topic at hand. "The cool girl" syndrome, as I have decided to call it, is lame, lame, lame. Bottom line, if I am so cool that you can't imagine life without me by your side, I make you smile, I make you laugh, blah, blah, blah - what the frick is your damn problem bro? I mean, really? Obviously I am not perfection people, I have been known to rock a freak out session or two. You can't blame a girl and let's face it, I would be a freak of nature not to have a wacked out emotion from time to time. Gotta say though, lately there has been a certain somethin', someone, whatever, that has me erked a bit. I am getting the same old "your so cool" speech (which believe me, doesn't totally suck to hear) but I fear that I may get sucked back into the same story were I end up frustrated and only a friend. What's so wrong with just going with the flow and when it feels right just take it? Oh, who knows? I don't want to totally geek out on the situation because it is what it is. I guess I will have to continue my mission in life to have fun, love life and just roll with the punches so to speak. I mean, it wouldn't be cool if I didn't right? :)

Yo Yo Yo.....

Been in Tucson, Arizona for a good week now and every time that I even begin to think that I am figuring these people out, I meet a 'Mario' of sorts. Today I am rockin' it out at the cheese tent in a sketch part of town, you know, just doing my thing and up comes a little old man guido named Mario. It was either that or Vinny eh? Not only is Mario (yo) wearing a white wife beater, warm-ups, sneaks and fanny pack, he also happens to be sporting a shiny gold New York Yankees medallion. Aw, hell yeah. Did I forget to mention that this flashy 75 year young man hails from the great hood of The Bronx? Not only did he tell me I was a healthy girl (insert the boob grab motion here) he talked about how he still gets the ladies (bow chicka wow wow) and works out every day. That's what I am talkin' bout yo! Oh man, been rocking the accent ever since we met this guy. I just can't help myself. In fact, listening to some Pittsburgh accents online right now thanks to Tyler. I am dyin' right now, you all have to Google CSI Pittsburgh. Alright, gotta jam out because I need more wine after this more than thrilling day :)

Cacti, wine and cheese

I have arrived! The first stop on the cheese tour has rolled into Tucson, Arizona ready to rock. Although upon arrival I have begun to question my real maturity level, mainly due to the fact that I laugh at cacti, I still smile and point up in the air when a plane goes overhead (yay for me we are staying next door to the U.S Air Force base!) and I have had conversations with certain someones that have me questioning my emotional maturity levels at times. Too funny I am, really. On the other hand, I make up for it with my consistently stocked wine selection, dinner making abilities for the whole crew (and one lunch packed for a crew member so far) and my need to make sure nobody is hungry, thirsty or lacking in basic necessities like aspirin. Ask me how much I care about their needs 3 months into this tour. I may be telling everyone to bite me and walk to the Walmart or Denny's if they need anything.

Basically our days consist of driving to stores, rolling out our killer little buses, popping a tent and telling people how much our cheese is the best ever and having them munch on the goodness. After that's done we cruise back to the hotel, decompress, drink wine, eat dinner, work out (okay, done this once so far but it's only the first week) and then get cozy in our king size beds and sleep. Not too shabby. Looking forward to our day off on Tuesday cause we are going hiking up in the mountains. Thanks to the local news channel this morning I am now armed with the knowledge that jeans are best to wear when hiking here due to the massive amount of rattle snakes. Umm...sweet.

I now must go see who wants to grab some tacos with me. Found a fabulous taco shack down the street that is on the corner of Mexico and Gangster Avenues :)

On the road again...

I am officially beyond proud of myself. After many years of traveling about, I think I have mastered the art of the packing job. I am shocked that with my first shot at a packing list and my first attempt at a "mock-pack" everything fit! For once I have no ridiculous emotional attachment to that stupid sweater I never wear, but may need of course, or that one skirt that wouldn't go with anything but I just love too much to part with. Now believe me, I am nowhere close to being able to pack just one pair of shoes or roll around like a smelly hippie with dreadlocks and one dingy white button up with brown cordoroy pants. I still need me some comfort clothes of sorts. Like my jewelry and every bra that I own. Of course I overpack on the undies too. You just never know, and dirty undies are so far from okay.

So with one bag (one!) and a carry-on, I am venturing off to spend the next 11 months on the road representing one of the best Oregon brands ever - Tillamook Cheese people! Hopefully the constant access to incredible cheese will not increase the size of my already bootilicious figure - I may have packed well but have no space for XXL size clothing by any means. I did pack my workout clothes, and unlike previous trips I didn't take them out last minute to make space for another dress and pair of heels. I feel so grown-up :)

Adios Portland, Oregon! See you in November!