Day One: Trash On The Dash

Entry for Jan 5th. Boston-New York

I had not realized what my possessions were really saying about me until I tried to pack everything I owned and move them all out of a city I had grown some roots in. Fireworks that weren't ever set off, CD's that never got a single listening, clothing that I had only for remote contingencies, wires that had never been connected to anything. A lot of unused potential. Or "You are a huge fucking packrat and you need to shed some excess shit from your life." Goddamnit, how am I going to fit this box into my already low-riding 1984 Toyota Corolla named Longshot? I feared that either the tires would rub out and pop under the pressure of the car's weighty cab, or it would break in half after hitting one of those Connecticut road disagreements. I was more horrified at the prospect of driving half a car so my shoulders were a little tense for most of the drive.

I had to leave some shit behind, and this was after I had already rented a TRUCK to take most of my shit away. A truckload and a carload, and a few castaway items that will sit in damp storage. So be it, I'll be back, and it will necessitate a car rental.

The first thing I did before I even got a mile from my former residence was to stop for coffee. I had so much shit packed into my car that I needed to leave it unlocked. So on this leg of the trip, I have to leave my car in full view from wherever I stop because my car doesn't have the original driver's side front door, it's a replacement, and I cannot unlock this door with the car key I have. This necessitates me entering my locked car through the passenger's side door, every time it is fully locked. But since there was so much shit in the car, not only did I have to leave it unlocked, but the only place to put an rubbish I acquired from stops was on the dashboard. Starbucks cup with ice, sitting on the dash. Since dinner plans were adjusted, I made a sad stop for my first food at a drivethru KFC. I feel gross today. Starbucks cup now has company because Dr. Pepper KFC cup has come to visit. Also chicken bones was there. Spork stopped in to say hi as well.

The initial phase of the cross-country plan was to go visit friends in Rochester and grab dinner in Northampton on the way, but the plans, in a bizarrely fortunate way, crumbled and it became apparent that I'd better get home with my stuff asap, and give my car a better chance to remain whole. so you want to know more about the plan, you say... VAT EES ZE PASSVORD?!?

As of now here is the itenerary:

NY (home) and NYC (pops)
Philly
DC
Asheville
??? Some dump in Georgia?
Ft Lauderdale-Here is where I'll stop for a month to produce some pedicash from a few weeks of warm weather riding. Except it was 44 degrees there yesterday. Thanks, thanks a lot, Global Warming. I'll be here until about the 10th of Feb when I depart for...
Some dump in the FL panhandle (huhuh)
New Orleans-Mardi Gras Feb 12-16th
Houston
Austin-to work South by Southwest Music and Film festival-three prospects for jobs down there, "chauffeurs license" pending
Dallas
Norman, OK
Lubbock, TX
Denver/Boulder/Ft. Collins/Aspen/Breckenridge
A nap somewhere in the Utah desert
Vegas, baby.
LA.

Statistics:

I left my old place weighing 170.4 lbs.

Fun new place I discovered on this portion of the trip?

Vernon, CT. It's 3 miles away from a Wendy's, and has a KFC.

Person(s) of this leg of the trip: Amanda-former roommate in my first month of NYC (2005), friend since 14 years of age, had a few welcome home for now drinks with her and the dude Phil from Orange County Choppers. Plans to faux-marry in Vegas in development. Also Mom. Mom rules.

Drinks had: 5. Yeungling, Jameson shot, Yeungling, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Brooklyn Lager

Gas: One 5 gallon fill from half tank in CT $15

Miles: 225

Song: Bob Seger, Turn the Page (It came on the radio three times on separate stations)

Next stop Philly via NYC. Stand Clear of the Closing Doors, Please.