After headed out a little later then expected I headed out to Peoria, AZ!!! When I got there I headed straight to the M's stadium which was pitch black and empy! After sitting for about 5 minutes in the parking lot, I was approached by 2 of Peoria's finest who questioned why I was there and what I was up too! I told them that I was there to see the M's and that I had no idea where to stay! After some clearances, they were very friendly and told me where to stay the cheapest! I really appreciate their comradrie, and eventually settled down in a room that was cheapest but LET IT BE KNOWN that in PEORIA, there is no such thing as CHEAP!!!
After settling down in my room, I knew that despite it being St. Patty's Day that I SIMPLY couldn't give it my all (Or GREEN) and that was where I decided to stay in and sip on my 30th B-Day present which was "Wine In A Box" from some of my BFF's which despite its respect was very good and I thoroughly enjoyed my 'green' wine! BTW...I used this time to catch up on photos and blogs but unfortunately this would be the start of a VERY frustrating time trying to upload photos/videos/blogs!!!
I was trying to meet up with my fellow brother Jamison who was in town interviewing for Grad School and though it didn't work out, it still managed to be a killer evening! I hope we get a chance to meet up again Jamison! You are an amazing Professional and a Great Brother!
Next day, I set out to see the "CUBBIES" who despite my LOVE for the BOSTON RED SOX who some question, I will state my allegiance this way!... One Half of my Family was born or raised in Boston, Ma and the other half was from New Jersey!!! I've always LOVED the RED SOX and thoroughly believe in REDSOX Nation though I respect all others for competitive and professional play! My DREAM is to SEE the CUBBIES in a REGULAR season game in the next MONTH or so, so I can KNOCK it off my BUCKET LIST... If anyone can make this happen? I will do my best to make it up to you in any way I can!
The Cubbies/Giants game was a good one and immediately afterward I headed to SURPRISE, AZ where I would then see the Mariners play a lil' spring ball and rock some serious baseballs into the "Green" stuff!!! It was a full day of baseball and I couldn't have asked for anything more! In about two days, I was able to travel around Arizona and make the most of my time while I was there! My only REGRET was that I wasn't able to meet up with some of those GREAT and AMAZING chapters that we have down SOUTH! No Matter What!!!... I Professionally LUV you guys and know that you will remain strong and it is my hope that I might be able to revisit you guys on my way back if given the opportunity!
After a full day of BASEBALL I had to head to New Mexico to try and jump start my job searching and although it didn't happen as quickly as I would have hoped... NM was an amazing drive! I hit some amazing scenic routes along with a sunset that could rival many!!! I was so tired that as soon as i got into town, the MACK was OUT!!!
Sincerely,
Matthew Allen
Sunday, March 22, 2009
On To Santa Barbara And My Older Brother!!!
After spending some amazing quality time with my Sister Lauren and her entire family, I was off again to Santa Barbara, CA about an hour South from Lompoc to visit with my older Brother Chris! The drive down Hwy 101 was amazing and the days sunshine never failed to show itself and all that it could offer!
When I arrived in town I pulled up to my Brother's apartment and received the biggest "BEAR HUG" known to man! You see the Allen's are 'World Famous' for their quote, unquote..."Professional LUV" and it all started many years ago with "Bear Hugs" from the bro! I don't get to see my brother much these days, usually every few years so these times are especially important to me!
We decided to take a stroll down "State" street and go down to the Wharf! Every time I go to Santa Barbara, I have to visit the Wharf and eat seafood on the pier! They have some amazing places to have Ri-Donk-Ulous delicacies or just "Darn-Good" local seafood! I ended up having local crab which can vary in quality and style depending on the season but it sure was good! We even got to witness a gray whale that had stumbled into harbor a few days ago and wouldn't leave for unknown reasons! The whale was laying low apparently, perhaps on a bit of a road trip much like myself! I wondered (very briefly) if it too was unemployed or had been given the pink slip from "THE MAN!!!" Just kidding, looking back, it appears that this was the best thing that could have happened under the circumstances! Sometimes...When life throws you a Curve Ball... "You just let it fly and let life unfold as it may! Maybe it hits you and you get a free base, maybe you swing and miss and learn not to chase it next time or maybe you muster all of your inner strength and swing-batta-batta-swing and turn it into a "GRAND SALAMI" as our beloved Mariners Announcer who also happens to be in Cooperstown used to say!!!
Anyways, long story short! Seeing the whale and not having to go on a whaling expedition and paying up the "WAZZU" to have a chance at seeing one...Was rather intriguing and a gift from above! Thank you Whale, you made quite an impression on myself and everyone else lucky enough to witness your presence!
After this, we walked back up State Street and bought some souvenirs! I'm starting a shot glass collection for major stops along my way in this trip! If I was a tad bit smarter, I would have started a collection years ago but alas, I have always been an intermittent shot glass collector! My biggest item in souvenir collecting has always seemed to be t-shirts! If you truly know me, you know that I am rather easily amused and that "clever-phrase" t-shirts also burst my bubble and get me rolling on the floor!
After some serious souvenir collecting; remember to ask me about my T-SHIRTS later... We decided to stop by the Sportsman which is a very well known bar in down town Santa Barbara! I'm a big fan of little holes-in-the-wall that have jukeboxes, pool tables, and dart boards! For the first time ever I challenged my brother to billiards and though I came out on top! Every single game came down to the 8-Ball! This was the best way to spend some quality time with a brother I never see but love more than I can ever begin to try to explain! Awesomeness!
After a brief time we walked back to my brother's place and cleaned up before heading to Goleta, CA and meeting up with more family! We decided to go to the E-BAR, now I must admit after visiting with my good friend Jocelyn who manages the E-Bar in a very upscale mall in Walnut Creek, CA, I first thought we were talking a little meal at a Nordstroms, which I have done many times and had amazing snacks and meals and drinks thanks to Jocelyn and other friends of mine over the years! It turned out that this is a nickname though for the "Elephant Bar" which they have in several places in California! The Elephant Bar is a great restaurant with lots of different choices when it comes to ethnicity of food and the atmosphere is amazing too! We dined and dined and dined and then had a Ri-Donk-Ulous dessert that capped off an amazing day with family I hadn't seen in years!
After dinner, we retired to my "REAL" brother's place and plugged in his XBox! I haven't played in some time so we rocked some original "BURNOUT" which is one of my favorite original driving games! Chris had been practicing but I still knew how to represent, cause believe it or not, video games are often like riding a bicycle! We stayed up WAY later then we should have and had another amazing bonding experience! I wouldn't take change it for the world! Chris is an amazing brother and I can't wait to see where life takes us in the years to come!!!
After a long evening (and a decent amount of sleeping in!) I headed off to Arizona in the hopes of meeting up with some brothers if I was lucky enough on timing and especially some "SPRING BALL" with the Mariners that I had always wanted to do but never had the opportunity! My hopes were high, My heart was full and my life was lucky! I couldn't ask for anything more! (Besides A Job!!! ;)
Stay Tuned, for some other amazing things, experiences, and drama (very little) that you would or perhaps would not expect! Thanks for following along whether you actually join my blog or not but stay tuned, cause I have some very INTERESTING Pictures to come if I am ever able to download them, Videos that will leave your "Sides Hurting" and more blogs to help you "HOPEFULLY" understand where I am coming from and the "PASSION" I live as long as I can with!
Till Next Time When There Will Be A Return Of The Mack...
Much Professional Luv,
Matthew
When I arrived in town I pulled up to my Brother's apartment and received the biggest "BEAR HUG" known to man! You see the Allen's are 'World Famous' for their quote, unquote..."Professional LUV" and it all started many years ago with "Bear Hugs" from the bro! I don't get to see my brother much these days, usually every few years so these times are especially important to me!
We decided to take a stroll down "State" street and go down to the Wharf! Every time I go to Santa Barbara, I have to visit the Wharf and eat seafood on the pier! They have some amazing places to have Ri-Donk-Ulous delicacies or just "Darn-Good" local seafood! I ended up having local crab which can vary in quality and style depending on the season but it sure was good! We even got to witness a gray whale that had stumbled into harbor a few days ago and wouldn't leave for unknown reasons! The whale was laying low apparently, perhaps on a bit of a road trip much like myself! I wondered (very briefly) if it too was unemployed or had been given the pink slip from "THE MAN!!!" Just kidding, looking back, it appears that this was the best thing that could have happened under the circumstances! Sometimes...When life throws you a Curve Ball... "You just let it fly and let life unfold as it may! Maybe it hits you and you get a free base, maybe you swing and miss and learn not to chase it next time or maybe you muster all of your inner strength and swing-batta-batta-swing and turn it into a "GRAND SALAMI" as our beloved Mariners Announcer who also happens to be in Cooperstown used to say!!!
Anyways, long story short! Seeing the whale and not having to go on a whaling expedition and paying up the "WAZZU" to have a chance at seeing one...Was rather intriguing and a gift from above! Thank you Whale, you made quite an impression on myself and everyone else lucky enough to witness your presence!
After this, we walked back up State Street and bought some souvenirs! I'm starting a shot glass collection for major stops along my way in this trip! If I was a tad bit smarter, I would have started a collection years ago but alas, I have always been an intermittent shot glass collector! My biggest item in souvenir collecting has always seemed to be t-shirts! If you truly know me, you know that I am rather easily amused and that "clever-phrase" t-shirts also burst my bubble and get me rolling on the floor!
After some serious souvenir collecting; remember to ask me about my T-SHIRTS later... We decided to stop by the Sportsman which is a very well known bar in down town Santa Barbara! I'm a big fan of little holes-in-the-wall that have jukeboxes, pool tables, and dart boards! For the first time ever I challenged my brother to billiards and though I came out on top! Every single game came down to the 8-Ball! This was the best way to spend some quality time with a brother I never see but love more than I can ever begin to try to explain! Awesomeness!
After a brief time we walked back to my brother's place and cleaned up before heading to Goleta, CA and meeting up with more family! We decided to go to the E-BAR, now I must admit after visiting with my good friend Jocelyn who manages the E-Bar in a very upscale mall in Walnut Creek, CA, I first thought we were talking a little meal at a Nordstroms, which I have done many times and had amazing snacks and meals and drinks thanks to Jocelyn and other friends of mine over the years! It turned out that this is a nickname though for the "Elephant Bar" which they have in several places in California! The Elephant Bar is a great restaurant with lots of different choices when it comes to ethnicity of food and the atmosphere is amazing too! We dined and dined and dined and then had a Ri-Donk-Ulous dessert that capped off an amazing day with family I hadn't seen in years!
After dinner, we retired to my "REAL" brother's place and plugged in his XBox! I haven't played in some time so we rocked some original "BURNOUT" which is one of my favorite original driving games! Chris had been practicing but I still knew how to represent, cause believe it or not, video games are often like riding a bicycle! We stayed up WAY later then we should have and had another amazing bonding experience! I wouldn't take change it for the world! Chris is an amazing brother and I can't wait to see where life takes us in the years to come!!!
After a long evening (and a decent amount of sleeping in!) I headed off to Arizona in the hopes of meeting up with some brothers if I was lucky enough on timing and especially some "SPRING BALL" with the Mariners that I had always wanted to do but never had the opportunity! My hopes were high, My heart was full and my life was lucky! I couldn't ask for anything more! (Besides A Job!!! ;)
Stay Tuned, for some other amazing things, experiences, and drama (very little) that you would or perhaps would not expect! Thanks for following along whether you actually join my blog or not but stay tuned, cause I have some very INTERESTING Pictures to come if I am ever able to download them, Videos that will leave your "Sides Hurting" and more blogs to help you "HOPEFULLY" understand where I am coming from and the "PASSION" I live as long as I can with!
Till Next Time When There Will Be A Return Of The Mack...
Much Professional Luv,
Matthew
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Next Stop, Lompoc, CA To See My Sister and Family
I'm back!!!
So since my days in San Francisco with Jocelyn and Natalie, I headed out again and drove South to Lompoc, CA and my older Sister Lauren and her family! I hadn't seen them since my dad's 70th birthday extravaganza back in July and I had yet to visit them in Cali since they moved there 5 years ago!
When I arrived, I was amazed at their beautiful brand new home that they purchased! It sits in a quiet community in Lompoc and the backyard looks out on a wildlife sanctuary with lots of vegetation and different species including my arch enemy... RACCOONS! But that's a story for another time!!! Lets just say I have been previously harassed by that same species multiple times including a skiing trip to Whistler years ago!!! Luckily I did not have any additional encounters!!!
While in Lompoc I noticed a sign at the local Lompoc Airport that advertised SKY-DIVING!!! After talking with my sister who has witnessed them falling from the sky from her backyard, I decided to do some additional research. A short phone call later and I was set to jump two days later at 9:00am in the morning! I have been wanting to do this for the past 10 years but never went through with it! This was my shot and to do it with my own family present and on a trip such as this, made it too impossible to pass up! I almost didn't get the chance because the fog and winds in Lompoc were horrible the day before I was to take the plunge and they had to cancel most of that days jumps! However after waking early Sunday morning and discovering a bright blue sky and no visible fog, I knew this would be my day and that it was meant to happen! We arrived at the airport where I "LITERALLY" signed my life, unborn children and soul away in the case of an 'unfortunate' accident, which was a little off-putting but this is customary if you want to do something that human beings aren't typically capable of doing on their own!!!
After a brief 15 minute video and instructions from the staff, I was ready to go! I "SUITED UP" ~ Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother) and set off in a very stripped-down single engine plane with just enough room for the pilot, my Tandem-Jump partner, My Videographer Jumper and myself!!! Upon take off I could immediately see the beauty that is the California coastline! It was gorgeous, blue skies, green lush ground below us and a coastline where I could see all of the beautiful sand and beaches that only California could call its own! I could see islands in the distance and even the missile silos at the local Air Force base there in Lompoc!
Upon reaching 13,000 feet, we prepped for launch and before I knew it, I was sitting on the ledge of the open door of the plane with my feet curled under the carriage of the plane and my videographer hanging on the outside of the plane positioning himself to get the shot of me exiting the plane! Before I could take a deep breathe, we were off, somersaulting in the air about 3 times before beginning what would be about 60 seconds of free fall before my chute would open! My first thought during the free fall stage was sheer "WTF" followed by a slight disorientation and then began what I could only explain as a fit of "screaming like a little school girl" as I hurdled toward the earth at over 120 mph! After my "screaming" fit, I then leveled off and became a little bit more level-headed and thats when the fun began! The view was amazing and my videographer also then came up alongside us to film my trip! After lots of poses and hand signals, high fives, peace signs, and thumbs up, we then pulled our parachute and went from over 120mph to about 10mph in the matter of a second or two!
My guide then handed the reigns over to me and it was here where I then took control of the parachute and was doing some twists and turns almost like a roller coaster in its motion! After about 5-6 minutes it was time to land and I pulled it off with out a hitch! Coming in fast at first, then slowing and landing butt first in the soft ground of the Landing Area! After "Dropping-Butt" I did a short follow up interview and sank to the ground in sheer thankfulness that I could greet it so softly and without incident!
What an experience! The staff and instructors were amazing and they did a really great job documenting my jump and putting it to music in a video! I chose U2's Beautiful Day to document the flight up and then Tom Petty's Learning to Fly for the journey down! I would recommend this experience to anyone and everyone! It is definitely a risk, but for me it was well worth it and now I can cross it off my life's "bucket list!"
Besides sky-diving, we also hit up Universal Studios with my Sister and Nieces! I had been once before but was barely able to hit a few of the many attractions, rides and shows that were available! This time, we made a plan and stuck to it and did every single thing that Universal Studios had to offer! It was an amazing time and bonding experience with my family and I am oh-so-thankful to my sister for this birthday gift!
After all of these activities and very little sleep over the course of the weekend, my Brother-in-law and oldest Niece returned from trips of their own and we spent the last day of my time in Lompoc sharing stories and catching up! This was the perfect way start my trip off with a bang and I can't wait for the next chapter!
Important Notables From This Part Of The Trip:
1. Lompoc, CA is known as the "City Of Arts And Flowers!" It is a very artistic community with lots of local talent and exhibits, etc!
2. There is a city in California, called "Madonna" though I cannot say if it has anything to actually do with good ol' "MADGE!!!???"
3. Lompoc is the location where they shoot off military equipment as well as public/private sector satellites, etc! The silos are quite a site to be seen, though you can only do so from afar!
So since my days in San Francisco with Jocelyn and Natalie, I headed out again and drove South to Lompoc, CA and my older Sister Lauren and her family! I hadn't seen them since my dad's 70th birthday extravaganza back in July and I had yet to visit them in Cali since they moved there 5 years ago!
When I arrived, I was amazed at their beautiful brand new home that they purchased! It sits in a quiet community in Lompoc and the backyard looks out on a wildlife sanctuary with lots of vegetation and different species including my arch enemy... RACCOONS! But that's a story for another time!!! Lets just say I have been previously harassed by that same species multiple times including a skiing trip to Whistler years ago!!! Luckily I did not have any additional encounters!!!
While in Lompoc I noticed a sign at the local Lompoc Airport that advertised SKY-DIVING!!! After talking with my sister who has witnessed them falling from the sky from her backyard, I decided to do some additional research. A short phone call later and I was set to jump two days later at 9:00am in the morning! I have been wanting to do this for the past 10 years but never went through with it! This was my shot and to do it with my own family present and on a trip such as this, made it too impossible to pass up! I almost didn't get the chance because the fog and winds in Lompoc were horrible the day before I was to take the plunge and they had to cancel most of that days jumps! However after waking early Sunday morning and discovering a bright blue sky and no visible fog, I knew this would be my day and that it was meant to happen! We arrived at the airport where I "LITERALLY" signed my life, unborn children and soul away in the case of an 'unfortunate' accident, which was a little off-putting but this is customary if you want to do something that human beings aren't typically capable of doing on their own!!!
After a brief 15 minute video and instructions from the staff, I was ready to go! I "SUITED UP" ~ Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother) and set off in a very stripped-down single engine plane with just enough room for the pilot, my Tandem-Jump partner, My Videographer Jumper and myself!!! Upon take off I could immediately see the beauty that is the California coastline! It was gorgeous, blue skies, green lush ground below us and a coastline where I could see all of the beautiful sand and beaches that only California could call its own! I could see islands in the distance and even the missile silos at the local Air Force base there in Lompoc!
Upon reaching 13,000 feet, we prepped for launch and before I knew it, I was sitting on the ledge of the open door of the plane with my feet curled under the carriage of the plane and my videographer hanging on the outside of the plane positioning himself to get the shot of me exiting the plane! Before I could take a deep breathe, we were off, somersaulting in the air about 3 times before beginning what would be about 60 seconds of free fall before my chute would open! My first thought during the free fall stage was sheer "WTF" followed by a slight disorientation and then began what I could only explain as a fit of "screaming like a little school girl" as I hurdled toward the earth at over 120 mph! After my "screaming" fit, I then leveled off and became a little bit more level-headed and thats when the fun began! The view was amazing and my videographer also then came up alongside us to film my trip! After lots of poses and hand signals, high fives, peace signs, and thumbs up, we then pulled our parachute and went from over 120mph to about 10mph in the matter of a second or two!
My guide then handed the reigns over to me and it was here where I then took control of the parachute and was doing some twists and turns almost like a roller coaster in its motion! After about 5-6 minutes it was time to land and I pulled it off with out a hitch! Coming in fast at first, then slowing and landing butt first in the soft ground of the Landing Area! After "Dropping-Butt" I did a short follow up interview and sank to the ground in sheer thankfulness that I could greet it so softly and without incident!
What an experience! The staff and instructors were amazing and they did a really great job documenting my jump and putting it to music in a video! I chose U2's Beautiful Day to document the flight up and then Tom Petty's Learning to Fly for the journey down! I would recommend this experience to anyone and everyone! It is definitely a risk, but for me it was well worth it and now I can cross it off my life's "bucket list!"
Besides sky-diving, we also hit up Universal Studios with my Sister and Nieces! I had been once before but was barely able to hit a few of the many attractions, rides and shows that were available! This time, we made a plan and stuck to it and did every single thing that Universal Studios had to offer! It was an amazing time and bonding experience with my family and I am oh-so-thankful to my sister for this birthday gift!
After all of these activities and very little sleep over the course of the weekend, my Brother-in-law and oldest Niece returned from trips of their own and we spent the last day of my time in Lompoc sharing stories and catching up! This was the perfect way start my trip off with a bang and I can't wait for the next chapter!
Important Notables From This Part Of The Trip:
1. Lompoc, CA is known as the "City Of Arts And Flowers!" It is a very artistic community with lots of local talent and exhibits, etc!
2. There is a city in California, called "Madonna" though I cannot say if it has anything to actually do with good ol' "MADGE!!!???"
3. Lompoc is the location where they shoot off military equipment as well as public/private sector satellites, etc! The silos are quite a site to be seen, though you can only do so from afar!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Full Day In San Francisco!!!
So after a full night in Berkeley and eating Cuban food amongst the highlights we decided to spend a full day in San Francisco and do it up right!
The day began with us riding BART (Bay Area Rail Transit) or as Jocelyn so lovingly put it "Bay Area Rides Together!" Whateve!? It is a great system of transport though, much better then anything I've seen in the state of Washington! I really wish we could get something like that up there because it is simply a mess right now and no one can agree on a solution!!! Anyways, I will move on!
We first arrived close to the Financial District of San Fran where we began our massive "3 Person/3 Camera" photo-taking extravaganza that you will all have an opportunity to see on facebook in the coming days! We ventured through China Town, Little Italy as well as the Wharf, Ghiradelli Square and the Castro or gay/lesbian section of town! Each little suburb of San Francisco was amazing with their own unique shops and cafe's/eateries and never before have I experienced a city with so much kindness, pride, and culture! If it wasn't so gosh darn expensive to live there I might have ended my tour right here and settled down!
Along the way we photographed some amazing buildings in San Fran's skyline, of course Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge! It was a beautiful day! We ate, and ate and ate some more!!! At one point we had dessert, then a gourmet cupcake from a specialty bakery, then culminated our sweet teeth with a "SMORES" crepe that was simply to die for and must have come straight from the devil himself! It was then during this Smores crepe extravaganza that we witnessed our first casualty... my camera! Upon going in for the first of what would become many delectable bites of this concoction, I had my camera slip off my lap and fall at just the right angle to smack perfectly against a concrete floor thereby disabling it from turning on! I have yet to get it back to life and will be buying a new one shortly! After a short eulogy we would say good bye later that evening and luckily still download all of the days pics and videos successfully! Good bye old friend, you and the 7,665 photos I took with you over the past few years will be GREATLY MISSED!!! : ( (No joke, that was what the # was when I made my last download!)
Along our trip I made several more observations and discoveries that I would again like to share...
1. Did you know Obama was a "Lefty" I came across a store literally named "Lefty's" which is a retail establishment specifically tailored to those much like MYSELF and the other 10% of this great population that just so happen to be the only ones in "THEIR RIGHT MIND!" Great store, awesome t-shirts and mugs but alas, Yarissa can only hold so much so this normally easily amused and souvenir collecting gentleman had to pass! I was sad!
2. In China town, I discovered that my name spelled phonetically in Chinese characters means: Horse, Luxuriant, Profound, which means that I am a very Luxurious and Profound Horse! I guess that it could be worse... I could have been a Lethargic, Fat, Toad or something! So I'll take it!
3. One thing we didn't do was find the "Painted Ladies" which are the houses featured on the TV series "Full House!" I was really hoping we could find them, so I could go up and ring the doorbell and ask for Stephanie Tanner! I had the biggest crush on her back in the day! I know, I know, some of you are thinking to yourselves... "CUT...IT...OUT!" - Joey Gladstone!!! My Bad!!!
4. In San Francisco there are a ton of bums like many places these days, but I was not turned off as I normally am in these types of situations as they were all polite, kind, willing to offer directions and very genuine in their carrying-on! I have been on the receiving end of some harassment in other cities so might I add that I was very impressed!
5. In Conclusion: I love this city! Whether or not it is the right one for me to stay or live in, I would highly recommend that everyone spend at least a day and hopefully 2 or 3 in this city and fully explore its offerings! Beautiful people, Beautiful culture and a Beautiful city all around! What an experience!
The day began with us riding BART (Bay Area Rail Transit) or as Jocelyn so lovingly put it "Bay Area Rides Together!" Whateve!? It is a great system of transport though, much better then anything I've seen in the state of Washington! I really wish we could get something like that up there because it is simply a mess right now and no one can agree on a solution!!! Anyways, I will move on!
We first arrived close to the Financial District of San Fran where we began our massive "3 Person/3 Camera" photo-taking extravaganza that you will all have an opportunity to see on facebook in the coming days! We ventured through China Town, Little Italy as well as the Wharf, Ghiradelli Square and the Castro or gay/lesbian section of town! Each little suburb of San Francisco was amazing with their own unique shops and cafe's/eateries and never before have I experienced a city with so much kindness, pride, and culture! If it wasn't so gosh darn expensive to live there I might have ended my tour right here and settled down!
Along the way we photographed some amazing buildings in San Fran's skyline, of course Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge! It was a beautiful day! We ate, and ate and ate some more!!! At one point we had dessert, then a gourmet cupcake from a specialty bakery, then culminated our sweet teeth with a "SMORES" crepe that was simply to die for and must have come straight from the devil himself! It was then during this Smores crepe extravaganza that we witnessed our first casualty... my camera! Upon going in for the first of what would become many delectable bites of this concoction, I had my camera slip off my lap and fall at just the right angle to smack perfectly against a concrete floor thereby disabling it from turning on! I have yet to get it back to life and will be buying a new one shortly! After a short eulogy we would say good bye later that evening and luckily still download all of the days pics and videos successfully! Good bye old friend, you and the 7,665 photos I took with you over the past few years will be GREATLY MISSED!!! : ( (No joke, that was what the # was when I made my last download!)
Along our trip I made several more observations and discoveries that I would again like to share...
1. Did you know Obama was a "Lefty" I came across a store literally named "Lefty's" which is a retail establishment specifically tailored to those much like MYSELF and the other 10% of this great population that just so happen to be the only ones in "THEIR RIGHT MIND!" Great store, awesome t-shirts and mugs but alas, Yarissa can only hold so much so this normally easily amused and souvenir collecting gentleman had to pass! I was sad!
2. In China town, I discovered that my name spelled phonetically in Chinese characters means: Horse, Luxuriant, Profound, which means that I am a very Luxurious and Profound Horse! I guess that it could be worse... I could have been a Lethargic, Fat, Toad or something! So I'll take it!
3. One thing we didn't do was find the "Painted Ladies" which are the houses featured on the TV series "Full House!" I was really hoping we could find them, so I could go up and ring the doorbell and ask for Stephanie Tanner! I had the biggest crush on her back in the day! I know, I know, some of you are thinking to yourselves... "CUT...IT...OUT!" - Joey Gladstone!!! My Bad!!!
4. In San Francisco there are a ton of bums like many places these days, but I was not turned off as I normally am in these types of situations as they were all polite, kind, willing to offer directions and very genuine in their carrying-on! I have been on the receiving end of some harassment in other cities so might I add that I was very impressed!
5. In Conclusion: I love this city! Whether or not it is the right one for me to stay or live in, I would highly recommend that everyone spend at least a day and hopefully 2 or 3 in this city and fully explore its offerings! Beautiful people, Beautiful culture and a Beautiful city all around! What an experience!
Day 2 : Time To Walnut Creek/San Fran It Up!!!
... So Day 2 began and I jumped in Yarissa and took off south from Medford, OR headed toward the great city of San Francisco, CA!!! I was extremely excited as I have travelled all around San Francisco previously along Hwy 1 & Hwy 101 but never really got a chance to enter the city before!
I was so looking forward to this adventure that I made "OUTSTANDING" time but along the way made some very interesting observations that I would like to take a moment and share!
1. Never before have I seen so many Semi-Trucks actually passing commuter cars who were already going above the speed limit! Didn't matter if it was a grandpa, a teenager or a soccer mom, those truckers were on a mission! Crazy!
2. Every time I go through to California, they always make you stop at the border and they ask you if you have any fresh fruit on you! I always find this kind of strange because even if you did but said you didn't, they would let you in!? Does this not make sense to any one else!? They were nice though and the border guards brother actually went to WSU and had a track scholarship there so... SMALL WORLD!!!
3. My other favorite thing about heading South to California is when you pass the city of WEED, CA!!! Who in their right mind would name a city this!? Whether its the Drug connotion or the fact that WEEDS are looked upon as nasty, evil, unwanted occupants in one's garden... I just don't get it but still find it HILARIOUS!!!
4. Central California reminds me of the drive to Pullman, WA from Seattle, WA!!! Its lots of hills, with lush vegetation at times but mostly harvest fields!!!
5. Lastly, I wanted to briefly chat about spy planes on major interstate freeways!!! I HATE THEM!!! Now I must first say that I am a law-abiding citizen for the most part and I don't believe in reckless driving or endangerment but come on now! Not only do I have to worry about going 1 mph over the speed limit in a car with no cruise control, out of state plates and a gauge that is placed in the center of the vehicle rather then directly above the steering wheel...BUT...Now I have to worry about planes above me targeting me? Come On Now!!! At several points I was the target of their attention and with their very sophisticated equipment and camera technology I decided to "professionally" let them know that they were #1 in my book!!!
...Now that said, upon arriving in Walnut Creek to visit with fellow brother Jocelyn Thompson and her good friend Natalie, I decided to go and visit them at the fairly "upscale" mall where we then decided to expand "my" horizons and try CUBAN food for the first time! It was fantastic! Not only did I have the Halibut Ceviche, which I first learned about dare I say on "TOP CHEF" as far as a form of cooking, but we also shared an amazing and strong (WAZZU POUR, is what I call this) pitcher of and managed to finish that off and still be of sane mind!!!
After that we went back home, changed and went into downtown Berkeley, CA where we hit a bunch of great dive bars including "THE GRADUATE!" and others!!! Again there was something very cool in the air and it was just a great experience and brought me back to those college years!
After a late night in Berkeley, we returned home and downloaded photos, Facebook'ed, and stayed up late chatting till all hours! Perfect end to an amazing first day in Walnut Creek, CA/San Francisco, CA!!!
I was so looking forward to this adventure that I made "OUTSTANDING" time but along the way made some very interesting observations that I would like to take a moment and share!
1. Never before have I seen so many Semi-Trucks actually passing commuter cars who were already going above the speed limit! Didn't matter if it was a grandpa, a teenager or a soccer mom, those truckers were on a mission! Crazy!
2. Every time I go through to California, they always make you stop at the border and they ask you if you have any fresh fruit on you! I always find this kind of strange because even if you did but said you didn't, they would let you in!? Does this not make sense to any one else!? They were nice though and the border guards brother actually went to WSU and had a track scholarship there so... SMALL WORLD!!!
3. My other favorite thing about heading South to California is when you pass the city of WEED, CA!!! Who in their right mind would name a city this!? Whether its the Drug connotion or the fact that WEEDS are looked upon as nasty, evil, unwanted occupants in one's garden... I just don't get it but still find it HILARIOUS!!!
4. Central California reminds me of the drive to Pullman, WA from Seattle, WA!!! Its lots of hills, with lush vegetation at times but mostly harvest fields!!!
5. Lastly, I wanted to briefly chat about spy planes on major interstate freeways!!! I HATE THEM!!! Now I must first say that I am a law-abiding citizen for the most part and I don't believe in reckless driving or endangerment but come on now! Not only do I have to worry about going 1 mph over the speed limit in a car with no cruise control, out of state plates and a gauge that is placed in the center of the vehicle rather then directly above the steering wheel...BUT...Now I have to worry about planes above me targeting me? Come On Now!!! At several points I was the target of their attention and with their very sophisticated equipment and camera technology I decided to "professionally" let them know that they were #1 in my book!!!
...Now that said, upon arriving in Walnut Creek to visit with fellow brother Jocelyn Thompson and her good friend Natalie, I decided to go and visit them at the fairly "upscale" mall where we then decided to expand "my" horizons and try CUBAN food for the first time! It was fantastic! Not only did I have the Halibut Ceviche, which I first learned about dare I say on "TOP CHEF" as far as a form of cooking, but we also shared an amazing and strong (WAZZU POUR, is what I call this) pitcher of and managed to finish that off and still be of sane mind!!!
After that we went back home, changed and went into downtown Berkeley, CA where we hit a bunch of great dive bars including "THE GRADUATE!" and others!!! Again there was something very cool in the air and it was just a great experience and brought me back to those college years!
After a late night in Berkeley, we returned home and downloaded photos, Facebook'ed, and stayed up late chatting till all hours! Perfect end to an amazing first day in Walnut Creek, CA/San Francisco, CA!!!
Monday, March 9, 2009
30th Birthday & Day Numero Uno Of The Journey
Hey Gang,
So 30 years ago on March 6th, a very amazing thing happened! ME!!! Ok, now that I got that over with... This year marked the Big 3-0 and so I had to do it up right and spend it with some of my most favorite people in the world or at least those who could make it from the Northwest! One of my favorite hot spots to this day is downtown Kirkland by the waterfront! Its so beautiful there and there are so many good haunts with good food, drink and merriment!!! The Time Out is a great hole in the wall where I used to spend a lot of my time in my early 20's so I decided to throw down there! To make a long story short... It was awesome! Besides those who said they would show up and did, I even ran into a friend I helped initially place out at Microsoft who went full time after I recruited her and an old friend of mine that I hadn't seen or even knew was still alive from like 6-8 years prior! As you can see from my Facebook pics, its was truly "RADICAL!" I managed to throw in a night of Guitar Hero/Rockband with some other best friends along with Lunches and Dinners at some of my new and old favorite places like Red Lobster (Don't Judge) and Bone Fish (Try the Coconut Shrimp!)
In fact I was having so much fun extending my 30th Birthday like I have been previously well known to do, that I almost had to postpone the start of my trip! With SNOW still presenting itself in Seattle (Which ALMOST never happens...period!) I had to act quick and get the heck out of dodge before I got stuck again like the last time it snowed and iced over! The Yaris (Her name is: Yarissa...Get it!?) is pretty decent in weather but black ice did it in once before! It wasn't pretty trying to get out of my neighborhood over the holidays and I wasn't going to let that happen again!!!
I headed off in the start of another blizzard but made it out of Seattle with out a scratch! Over the course of the next 7-8 hours I would see it transition from Snow, Rain, Sleet, Sunshine, Snow with Sunshine, Rain with Clear Skies, and a number of other RI-DONK-ULOUS combinations that are unexplainable to or by the skilled Meteorologists but in the NW this is often just another day in the life!
Luckily, I avoided all major traffic jams and rush hours on the way down! Portland is usually a bottle neck but for the first time in recent memory... I flew right through! I enjoyed driving through Oregon as it reminds me of the drive I've done (no joke) at least 40 times between Seattle and Pullman, WA to my Alma Mader, Washington State University! Its so beautiful over there and the drive is great though a little long! On this day, I passed Oregon and Oregon State University and thought of those great chapters and brotherhood down there! I wish I could have had more time and stopped by to "shake some babies, and hold some hands!" but alas my mission outweighed my wants this time around! I still shouted a hearty hello from my car as I passed so if any of you heard something and labeled it as a just another crazy man screaming at the top of his lungs...!?... You were probably right! ;)
Before I continue in my description of this Mack Expedition, I must first include what many of you already know that I am well known for, and that is the Matt Allen disclaimer! All opinions, descriptions, verbiage and jokes to come in this blog are meant to be MODERATELY entertaining, OCCASIONALLY funny and ULTIMATELY something that you could read right before hitting the sack! That said, if you are ever offended, put off or unsure about a post! Please feel free to share with me in private but none of what I write is meant to illicit that! Take everything with a grain of sand, a light chuckle and an "oh goodness" if you must! I love this life, I love this opportunity and I love that I can share it with others! So follow along and see just how PASSIONATE I am about life, love, learning and growing/sharing along the way! "Much Professional LUV" to all of you!
Some Mack Trip Notables To Date...
1. Did you know that Linn County, Oregon is the Grass Seed Capital of the World! I sure didn't, but I was enthralled and must do additional research to fully grasp this fact! ; )
2. Does any one else find it ironic that "Butte Creek, OR" resides very close geographically to "Brownsville, OR" or the fact that something smelled very familiar as I rolled past with my windows down...???...Rather quickly I might add!? Again if you live in either of these areas, do not be offended, it was probably just the day I drove through or something!
3. It isn't until you live in Washington State and then travel elsewhere that you FULLY realize just how expensive GAS is in Washington and how much LESS it is in other parts of the country! My Yaris gets 40mpg, thank goodness! But I must say I love states with less energy taxes!
3. a. Anyone else still get sort of weirded out when you pull up to get GAS in Oregon and someone knocks on your window! I almost had an accident...when the car wasn't even moving! Goodness! ; )
Well that's about all for my first night on this journey! Nothing too crazy yet but I was productive and had a blast and avoided any potential disasters! Hope you enjoyed my rants and I look forward to providing you with more Fouder in the coming days and weeks!
Cheers,
Matt "The Mack" Allen
So 30 years ago on March 6th, a very amazing thing happened! ME!!! Ok, now that I got that over with... This year marked the Big 3-0 and so I had to do it up right and spend it with some of my most favorite people in the world or at least those who could make it from the Northwest! One of my favorite hot spots to this day is downtown Kirkland by the waterfront! Its so beautiful there and there are so many good haunts with good food, drink and merriment!!! The Time Out is a great hole in the wall where I used to spend a lot of my time in my early 20's so I decided to throw down there! To make a long story short... It was awesome! Besides those who said they would show up and did, I even ran into a friend I helped initially place out at Microsoft who went full time after I recruited her and an old friend of mine that I hadn't seen or even knew was still alive from like 6-8 years prior! As you can see from my Facebook pics, its was truly "RADICAL!" I managed to throw in a night of Guitar Hero/Rockband with some other best friends along with Lunches and Dinners at some of my new and old favorite places like Red Lobster (Don't Judge) and Bone Fish (Try the Coconut Shrimp!)
In fact I was having so much fun extending my 30th Birthday like I have been previously well known to do, that I almost had to postpone the start of my trip! With SNOW still presenting itself in Seattle (Which ALMOST never happens...period!) I had to act quick and get the heck out of dodge before I got stuck again like the last time it snowed and iced over! The Yaris (Her name is: Yarissa...Get it!?) is pretty decent in weather but black ice did it in once before! It wasn't pretty trying to get out of my neighborhood over the holidays and I wasn't going to let that happen again!!!
I headed off in the start of another blizzard but made it out of Seattle with out a scratch! Over the course of the next 7-8 hours I would see it transition from Snow, Rain, Sleet, Sunshine, Snow with Sunshine, Rain with Clear Skies, and a number of other RI-DONK-ULOUS combinations that are unexplainable to or by the skilled Meteorologists but in the NW this is often just another day in the life!
Luckily, I avoided all major traffic jams and rush hours on the way down! Portland is usually a bottle neck but for the first time in recent memory... I flew right through! I enjoyed driving through Oregon as it reminds me of the drive I've done (no joke) at least 40 times between Seattle and Pullman, WA to my Alma Mader, Washington State University! Its so beautiful over there and the drive is great though a little long! On this day, I passed Oregon and Oregon State University and thought of those great chapters and brotherhood down there! I wish I could have had more time and stopped by to "shake some babies, and hold some hands!" but alas my mission outweighed my wants this time around! I still shouted a hearty hello from my car as I passed so if any of you heard something and labeled it as a just another crazy man screaming at the top of his lungs...!?... You were probably right! ;)
Before I continue in my description of this Mack Expedition, I must first include what many of you already know that I am well known for, and that is the Matt Allen disclaimer! All opinions, descriptions, verbiage and jokes to come in this blog are meant to be MODERATELY entertaining, OCCASIONALLY funny and ULTIMATELY something that you could read right before hitting the sack! That said, if you are ever offended, put off or unsure about a post! Please feel free to share with me in private but none of what I write is meant to illicit that! Take everything with a grain of sand, a light chuckle and an "oh goodness" if you must! I love this life, I love this opportunity and I love that I can share it with others! So follow along and see just how PASSIONATE I am about life, love, learning and growing/sharing along the way! "Much Professional LUV" to all of you!
Some Mack Trip Notables To Date...
1. Did you know that Linn County, Oregon is the Grass Seed Capital of the World! I sure didn't, but I was enthralled and must do additional research to fully grasp this fact! ; )
2. Does any one else find it ironic that "Butte Creek, OR" resides very close geographically to "Brownsville, OR" or the fact that something smelled very familiar as I rolled past with my windows down...???...Rather quickly I might add!? Again if you live in either of these areas, do not be offended, it was probably just the day I drove through or something!
3. It isn't until you live in Washington State and then travel elsewhere that you FULLY realize just how expensive GAS is in Washington and how much LESS it is in other parts of the country! My Yaris gets 40mpg, thank goodness! But I must say I love states with less energy taxes!
3. a. Anyone else still get sort of weirded out when you pull up to get GAS in Oregon and someone knocks on your window! I almost had an accident...when the car wasn't even moving! Goodness! ; )
Well that's about all for my first night on this journey! Nothing too crazy yet but I was productive and had a blast and avoided any potential disasters! Hope you enjoyed my rants and I look forward to providing you with more Fouder in the coming days and weeks!
Cheers,
Matt "The Mack" Allen
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