Off We Go..

Day 1 - Southeast Extravaganza

Hello all!

I was inspired by a client of mine to blog my travels.  I thought this would be a fun, efficient way to share with all of you, while practicing my writing.  So let’s do it!

I made it to Tennessee, my first stop in my Southeast Extravaganza.  The drive… 10.5 hours.  After some consideration I decided to knock it out in a day.  Got up early and was in my car at a prompt 6:07 AM.  Said my goodbyes and seized the day.

I love taking breaks. Anyone who’s seen me in an office setting knows I have to do chair yoga every 45 minutes or so.  It’s tough on my body to stay in one position for too long.  I decided to take a break in St. Louis.  Two of my clients spend a lot of time there and gave me a couple of suggestions.

1.      St. Louis Forrest Park

So beautiful and huge!  It’s connected to a science city, art museum, and I believe the zoo.  I only saw a fraction of the grounds.  Parked by a small boat dock, walked along the water, and took the stairs up to the visitor center. 

A few deep lunges for my hips. 😊  it felt great.  Movement and direct sunlight gave me the boost of energy I needed.

2.    World Chess Hall of Fame

The drive was only eight minutes from the park.  Downtown was a cute area, similar to Ward Pkwy for those of you in Kansas City.  Parking was a bit trickier.  I had the opportunity to parallel park… but was cutting it close with the tight yards and brick homes.  The owner came out and said she was expecting a delivery.  Super nice about it.  So I drove up around the corner.  I’m never upset about getting more steps in.

The museum was so neat.  I loved it.  Outside is a huge wooden King piece that welcomes you to this quaint house-like museum.  Admissions are free, donations encouraged.

I was expecting something more historical, but I was pleasantly surprised by the artistry.  There were so many unique chess sets.  I enjoyed looking at all of them and reading the descriptions.  It was cool to read an artist’s interpretation of the game related to their art.

There was even a fashion component, where the designer created different looks for the queen archetypes, which made my heart so happy.  A few of you know I’ve done extensive studying on feminine archetypes.  I was bouncing inside coming across my favorite things: fashion, art and strategy. 

Wrapped up the museum with a Starbucks next door.  Took my gift card (thanks Sabrina!) and bought a finger food lunch.  A “protein plate” to continue moving.  I spent a total of one hour and 10 minutes in St. Louis.  It was perfect.

Back on the highway.  Originally, I planned to do another stop in Nashville.  But with the traffic, periodic stops, and phone calls I kept on keeping on. My drive comprised of music, podcasts and chats on the phone. 

Last summer I created a fitness series at a local park outside. 

I met a lot of people, including two women who were missionaries.  We had a great conversation and exchanged contact info. 

We spoke the last leg of the drive. I was able to kill about an hour and a half discussing our understanding of the human experience and existential nature we’re all connected to.  Loved it.

On the way to Tennessee, I hit bumper to bumper traffic across the Kentucky border.  I’m brining this up because it’s in a town called Paducah.  The first time I did this drive was January 2018 and there was an epic snowstorm.  I got snowed in Paducah for 2 nights.  I don’t know what it is about this town (there’s nothing there as far as I know), but it seems to slow me down whenever I’m in route.  Not sure if it’s me or the town but heads up if you’re traveling East on Hwy I-24 for a few hundred miles.

Before the sunset, I made it to Tennessee.  This is stop one and my first house sitting gig!  For those of you who don’t know, the crux of this trip is based on Trusted House sitters.  This is an extremely affordable way to travel.  I compare it to an Airbnb.  There are accounts who need sitters, and accounts who would like to sit.  It is a work-trade scenario.  In exchange for watching someone’s animal and house, you get to stay there “free” of charge.  You’re free to explore a new city around any duties you have with the animal.  There is a yearly membership fee, so there is a cost to join.  But it does come with a background check and insurance, and within a one-month duration, I booked 3 homes.  Three nights at a hotel would cost more than the annual membership fee.  So, it’s money well spent and I already got my return simply from my weekend in Tennessee.

The first home!  A lovely lady named Julie.  She is a retired schoolteacher and avid tennis player.  She needed assistance with her pup Buddy and cat Mele.  They are my first stop, and I was greeted with a warm welcome by everyone.

Julie kindly accommodated me the night before she left.  Very friendly, I had my own room and bathroom, she invited me to use her groceries, and encouraged me to explore the local area.  I made some food, took a shower and got a great night sleep.