Lucky You(s)

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Travel

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The past few weeks have been moving slowly at first and now faster than one can imagine.  We love Mike Lee the new owner of our precious Academy (PAMA) and have spent lots of time and energy assisting him in getting the new place spiffy and ready for the official public Open House celebration and Rick has continued to instruct through January. Yes, the business was sold in December but days have been filled with settling up the business and tax matters, organizing our personal matters to take place in our absence, and finally packing for a jaunt starting out in a foreign country.  The new PAMA is settling in and my family and myself are getting ready to set out.

We are setting off this Sunday (to parts disclosed on my next blog – bye-bye snow!).  With all of the lead-time before our outward journey began we have graciously received an outpouring of love and well wishes for our future endeavors.   Truly – the Love You Make is Equal to the Love You Take. We have had a few, very few people say Well Must Be Nice guised in a statement of “Lucky You” – no well wishes added.

This journey has very little to do with Luck but lots to do about the choices that we make in life and the courage to follow through on those choices. Now this is where the peaceful warrior and the hero come into play as the great Joseph Campbell would say. A hero is not just someone who saves someone’s life nor is a warrior a person that runs around fighting all the time. A hero is someone who goes beyond where others may go to bring something back for the good of others as well as for themselves, but the hero needs the warrior to keep up this tough journey whatever it may be. Now, people may say so what is so tough about taking time off and traveling.  If it wasn’t in one sense tough and different from what most people as a family would do, then many more people would do it.

There is a commercial on HGTV it says… “You don’t have to be rich to move to Hawaii you just have to want it”.  And that’s what it is really about, if you want it badly enough you will find a way. Rick began his hero’s journey way back when he was 18 and determined against all odds to learn the art of Bruce Lee, a story to be shared at a later date. Overcoming many, many obstacles and ups and downs he persevered.  Because of that determination thousands of students have benefited over the years.   That is the mindset of the peaceful warrior, and a hero’s journey. Another quote that we love is “This is your world shape it or someone else will” by Gary Lew.  Lucky?  Well, we very well may hit the lottery but no such luck yet.  Blessed?  Hell yes!  Rick, 20 years my senior began working at the age of 13, I began at the age of 15 and we both have been completely self-sufficient our whole adult lives.  Our strong will served and will continue to serve us well.

As those who are business owners know, in a service-based industry and something you are passionate about, your heart and soul are poured into every crevasse. These adventures we are about to partake in are not only about “fun” but to allow us the freedom that owning a business did not provide.  The freedom from everyday life, to open our minds and explore ourselves on a deeper level and truly understand what shifts we need and want to make in ourselves and how to contribute to the world in a larger way.  There are even parts of our journey that will allow us to assist and work with others along the way.

So to all those reading, thank you for the well wishes and love.  Wishing you all your own internal and external explorations and the courage to live and dream on a grand scale.  Also, for the “Lucky You(s)” I wish you love and even more valor because feelings of jealousy are no more than a mask for fear.

It is fitting that the Open House for PAMA at the new location will be this Saturday, February 1st, and we leave early in the AM on Sunday.  Both are setting out on their paths.

Bags Packed!
Bags Packed!

“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”  – Buddha

Coloring Beyond the Lines

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Life Lessons, Travel, US Travel

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Honestly, it is not effortless for me to watch as the crayon unabashedly entwines and encircles the page, using the word strays would be a huge understatement.  It has been a genuine conscious effort on my part, as a Type A personality, to fight the urge to correct, interject, direct, or even model what society considers a flawless coloring sheet.  You know – seamless completion, limited white space, and of course appropriate colors for each space, although in this age pink hair is applicable. My daughter is almost 3 ½ and her pages have looked the same for years now and she loves it and with great fervor and zest she creates her masterpiece.  Now, we are not these types of coddling parents that say how you should not hurt the child’s feelings or make them feel un-special.  Simply put, we refuse to narrow her possibilities.

This blog will not be taken up to alternatively boast about our daughter’s heighted intellect and other benchmarked accomplishments, all of which quantitatively mean a minuet amount in the long run.   The connection between this topic and our current life premise is distinct.  One motive of why we have chosen our path is to be an exemplar on living beyond the lines and how, by doing so, our child is learning skills infinitely more valuable than staying inside the black ink creating secondhand art.

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Opening her horizons and ours this week we went on another brief jaunt to NYC.   Our application is awaiting the creation of the Amazing Race +1, which not only includes a couple but also a child.  (Although, by the looks of some families in airports that might be considered child abuse.)  Nonetheless, we are golden and ready to collect our $1 Million.  Train, taxi, subway, and bus plus riding on mom’s back as we hoof it through the streets all within the first 6 hours.  All smiles and belting out her own original songs about New York.  Ah, unique art in its purest form – a child’s voice!

Honoring the Past and Embracing the Future

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty

As I was about to pull out of 14 Farber Road to attend the first PAMA classes at the new location, I started to tear up.  Those tears were quickly replaced with a chuckle as our daughter, also a Beatles fan, began humming the oh so fitting tune… What goes on in your heart, what goes on in your mind.

The Green Room
The After

To provide some perspective, I left my parents house when I was 17, this week I departed 14 Farber Road for the last time just short of 16 of my adult years.  Comparable to when I moved out of my parents’ house I don’t have reservations that it was the proper decision but a piece of my heart, rightfully so, is subject to be tugged by those memories.

The Gold Room

Looking back, the events and emotions that took place within those walls will far greater exceed the physical necessity for the building but, after all, I literally grew up in that martial arts haven.  Like many who have joined Princeton Academy of Martial Arts (PAMA) over the years, I entered naïvely having never explored the deeper depths of my soul.  Martial Arts, if practiced in a mindful, spiritual practice will chew up your ego and spit you out.  That is why many people could not handle the intensity of Sifu Rick and the training.  I am a strong-willed person and back in the day he made me cry several times (not in public mind you).  Although I came back, many times I saw others leave and not return because the training can mirror back to you deep fears and shatter images one has and cannot bear to scrutinize.  But for me, after going through some personal life trials, it was time to be real with myself.

The Weight Room

The importance of Martial Arts, on the deeper level as it is trained at PAMA, is about truly examining and knowing yourself, not your enemies or perceived enemies.  Martial arts took on a significant role my life, being drawn closer to it while many internal transformations took place that prompted me to change my world.  PAMA was my sanctuary and many times I found refuge within those walls, especially when I felt that the outside world could not comprehend what revolutions were going on within.

The Art Gallery

Through the years, I have been blessed with many close friendships and lots of love from my fellow training partners, instructors, and my students.  Many memorable people, to many to mention, have stood with me as I experienced blood and sweat, broken bones and lifted spirits.  I thank each of them for their support, camaraderie, and laughs.  Of course fate and our love for Martial Arts brought Rick and I together many years ago and ironically, together made the choice to sell the business and take the next step of our journey elsewhere.

The Pro-Shop

If someone had asked me 16 years ago, where I thought martial arts could lead me I would have never been able to imagine my place in the world today as a Martial Artist and a Warrior.   I am enthralled that I found martial arts and ecstatic that I found myself.  As our new journey now truly begins, we welcome it with arms wide open and with the Warriors’ approach saying “YES!” to life and the path ahead.

STAY TUNED!

Getting Lost in NYC

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Travel, US Travel

Quickly and uneventfully the turn style clicked me thru.  In an instant the little one and I were on one side and Rick now trapped back on the other.  An empty subway card, hoards of people, and massive recharge lines for Metro Cards.  Normally a battle plan could be put into place, not on this day or time, forget it no time.  Grand Central Station, the night before the night before Christmas, the beginning of rush hour.  Holding a three-year old incommunicado in the bowels of NYC waiting for the site of Rick come shooting through the turn style.   Good thing we are strategist, keen and attentive trackers………

Rick and I made a decision many years ago to forgo the material torment of Christmas for the experiential.  Each festive holiday season we transplant ourselves on a jaunt to enjoy each other’s company somewhat removed.  When we became parents we kept our pledge to remain devoted to preserving our love for holiday travel.  Our cherished tradition continued these past three years traveling to Cali, NYC, and Asheville, NC as a threesome.  The difference these most current years has been that, to avoid traffic and crowds, we actually traveled home ON Christmas Day.  Sounds crazy but the airports are desolate and the roads are stark, in addition, those who are coerced into representing the commercial sector are actually warm and the holiday spirit exudes, maybe from drinking eggnog on the job or the double time pay

Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours!

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Our decision thisyear was to go away, yet again, to New York City but the difference this year, that we decided to return home on Christmas Eve.  Ironically and contradictory to this coming year where we will spend time everywhere but.  So New York City for the holidays?  The masses, the chaos!  Well, yes, at some of the touristy stops but the city itself is a living entity that can absorb you immediately.   You can get lost in the feeling of its magnitude while at the same time feel the intimacy of it.  

Overall, as we have encountered for past frequent trips, New Yorkers are very friendly and there is always such a grander sense of community.   People are very aware of each other physically as well as energetically.  Maybe it is because people live in such a close proximity to each other and must interact so often?  Whatever the reason the culture, the diversity, and the people make NY such a memorable place, one that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world. Everywhere we went this trip people spoke directly to and even more often smiled and commented to us as well as our little one.  This does not happen nearly as much in the greater Princeton Area.

Some sights and stops were planned – a trip to the Parker Meridian to see the City Harvest Gingerbread Competition.  A fundraiser for the city’s hungry men, women, and children.  Unexpected moments of the 70 degree and sunny weather our first day included, the Green Market on the Upper West side equipped with a pop up Opera company that stopped playing some refined classical holiday favorites to share Rudolf with us so we could sing along and an organic baker that gifted a gingerbread girl to our girl.  The hit of the jaunt?  An excursion to the Swedish Cottage in Central Park for a marionette show – the Three Bears Holiday Bash.  Such an intimate event where we sat on benches and the crowd sang along and interacted to this unique event.  In the dark, one row ahead, and I don’t think our child turned around once unprompted to see if we were still there.  Transfixed by the magic and mystery!

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One day was took a short subway to the MTA museum to see the miniature train that they have set up for the season, something so simple and quaint in an unexpected place, great for a rainy afternoon.  And well, yes, we did lose each other on the subway that crowded day at Grand Central and have to  rendezvous at our hotel.  No worries, when I got onto the overflowing subway carrying an almost 40 lbs body on my hip immediately a gentleman rose to let me sit.  The city always seems to welcome us back – Lost but not alone.

Merry Christmas to All!
Christmas in NYC

Watching the Wheels Go Round and Round

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Martial Arts

   I wish I could say that now that the business has been sold we are relaxing with nothing to do and nowhere to be.  That day will come soon enough.  In the meantime, still purging and organizing some final things for storage and the very time consuming task of transitioning various accounts to the new owner as well as changing contact info on others.  Have you ever had your wallet stolen or lost better yet, gotten divorced?  Then you have a small idea of what work goes into setting your accounts in order.   Most like to think that the online age has allowed us the freedom to supersede human interaction but, in reality, with numerous passwords and accounts it is exponentially more tiresome.

Fond farewell!
Fond farewell!

We did take time to have an intimate gathering of our closest people to bid a farewell to 14 Faber Road.  You can tell by the picture Rick and I are torn up.  Actually, it was a night of laughs and shared memories. Rick took time late in the evening to explain some of the history of the rooms and artwork that has adorned the walls for so many years. Both of us have such fond memories, with Rick spending almost ½ his life there and myself starting when I was a nieve 23 year old.  We have grown and transformed into the people that we have become both individually and as a couple.  It has not only been a location but an anchor for our spirits to reside and feel safe to express ourselves through movement, meditation, training, and teaching.

PAMA has been the first and only place in NJ to host a long list of incredible instructors, Guro Dan Inosanto, Ajarn Chai Sirisute, Diony Canete, all the Machado brothers, and a list of now deceased masters –  Pak Herman Suwanda, Punon Guro Edgar Sulite,  Sifu Larry Hartsell,  Pendekar Paul DeThouars, to name just a few. These were not just typical seminars but, in every case, involved long hours of private lessons with Rick including lots of sweat, bloody hands from Kali stroking, injured backs & body parts, and so much more. PAMA has not just been about the base level of martial arts but, also, the spiritual philosophical path with several wonderful guides and mentors such as our close friend Khempo Tenzin Darje Rinpoche, and Shamans of Peru as well as Chi Gung instructors.

Ilaria has literally grown up with PAMA as her home, her first trip being when she was a mere 2 weeks old.  She knows Uncle Mikey bought PAMA and she has visited the new PAMA but, we are awaiting the visceral response and protests when we lock the doors one last time.  Although, maybe, that is just projection of our own fears leaving the building behind.  Interesting though, she has grown up understanding non-attachment more then anyone I know.  Especially, as a child, she freely gives up clothes and toys that are no longer suited for her age or size.   Once when I lost a piece of jewelry I was very attached to she said, “It is OK mommy, things come and things go”.  At that point I had to stop grinding my teeth and let it go.  NOTE:  If you are a parent you must get the book Pete the Cat and his Groovy Buttons.

Big girl bikes – helmets required!
Doe a Deer a female Deer!
Winter PAMA Wonderland!
In the interim, as always, we make a conscious choice to spend quality, unfiltered time with Ilaria.  We had a bit of snow the other day but, at Club PAMA, it makes no matter.  On the day of the storm, Ilaria and I spent an hour riding our bikes in the 2000 sq. ft. “green room” for fun and fitness.  Of course, then she needed to ride on the children’s bike seat on the back of mine to reenact the Sound of Music.    In typical snow day fashion, the quintessential activity consisted of Rick making an authentic hand rolled snowman.  Too bad Max is no longer an employee, Rick could have had him prep the pieces like in a cooking show and Rick could have been just the finisher for the glory!  I joke of course. Rick would never deny Ilaria the experience or have a handy craft with his name/stamp on it that was not his own work.  Rick forever the artist and craftsman!

Selling the Baby

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Martial Arts
    When Rick and I first spoke of selling Princeton Academy of Martial Arts (PAMA) there were many thoughts about how do you really sell your baby.  The one that Rick birthed and raised for almost 27 years and I have known and loved for almost 16 years and have adopted.  These many years Rick has crafted EVERY detail of the Academy just so.  The attention to detail, care, and love he has poured into creating this Martial Arts Mecca, growing it from a mere seed to a World Renowned Institution.  All this was done purely for love of the Martial Arts and a passion for how the Martial Arts process can transform an individual. As other personal business owners know, we eat, sleep, and breathe PAMA.  Just like a child it was given lots of love and care.  If we sold it to someone just for a big payout, I can imagine us waking to nightmares just as one would if your daughter marries a deviant.  Whhooo, glad that has not been the case.
    I still remember the look on Mike Lee’s face when I approached him about his interest in taking over PAMA.  First it took him quite a few days to process that Rick and I would be moving on, after all, for years he has been my Chinese brother/training partner and Rick’s dedicated student for 20 years.   When I say that the three of us are close – He has traveled with us all over the world – Peru, Switzerland (2x), Sweden (5x), Paris (2x), Belgium (2x), not to mention all of the US trips, the thousand upon thousand hours of training, meals, drinks, and many, many laughs. Mike had a picture of us in his wedding slideshow as his Italian family.  We even spent Thanksgiving together this year!
The Signing
The Signing
    The closing went smoothly because leading up to it there was no infighting or no harsh negotiations between Rick, Mike, and their lawyers.  During the past few weeks before the transition Rick and I keep giving Mike additional things to help him and Rick has even decided to loan some of his more exclusive artwork to the new Princeton Academy.  Mike wants to become a successful entrepreneur and professional Martial Artist and we want nothing but success for him and for the future of PAMA.  Most closing, I imagine, are harsh, clear chop, and hand over the keys.  We are and will always be willing advisors for Mike, his extended family here for support and encouragement.
Obligatory handshake picture
Obligatory handshake picture
    Mike is moving the Academy to the new location in a few weeks and we are co-habitating 14 Farber Road but we are more then used to hanging together in close quarters.   That’s what family is about, someone who will treat your baby with the same care and intention. 

Deconstructing a Lifetime One Weapon at a Time

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Embracing Uncertainty, Martial Arts

This week presented the challenge of compressing 5800 sq. ft. academy/second home and almost 27 years into a modest 10×15 storage unit.  I liken it to the natural birth of our 9lb 2oz baby.  While the later culminated with embracing a gleaming cherub, the former not nearly as attractive, both seem to have defied the possible and given a great sense of triumph.  Although we premeditated well ahead of time the contracting of these past few weeks, the forethought did not make it any less agonizing.

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The arduous process of sorting through administration has a way of pulling you out of the emotional and into the rational.  There is no sentimentality in sorting through ancient receipts and maturing paperwork.  Although, I will say that the stacks of paper set for destruction and shredding gave a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.  Just like a home, one seems to expand into the space, and we sure did at PAMA.  I have been known to be zealous when it comes to shedding and giving away unnecessary items.  There is a certain sense of bliss in that it for me.   (Anyone need any picture frames?)

As you can tell from the video, the collections and collections of martial arts weaponry (all of which are NOT included here), personal equipment, books, and memorabilia are immense.  I am thankful that we all share the same enthusiasm for the Martial Arts so the collections will continue to be appreciated.  After moving everything into storage our daughter’s only protest was that she wanted her wooden dummy back!

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For Rick, I applaud him for his poise and grace as we undressed the walls of his numerous certificates, honors, and magazine articles.  All of which must have given him pause, as it did me, to deconstruct a lifetime of accomplishment and dedication. Stripping not just the physical but also, the attachment that is held in all of the honors and titles that he rightfully earned through years of sweat and determination.  I admired one last time the wall of his honored instructors/teachers and stood in awe at the boxes and boxes of private lessons and seminars videos that he has retained as well as his massive amounts of personal notebooks.

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Interestingly, as we delicately packed the moving truck with collectables, weapons, historical martial arts periodicals and photographic memories one would anticipate sadness but there was lots of laughter and our hearts were light.  It is freeing in a way to know that the “stuff” is just material items and really does not define us.

In closing, I would like to quote one of Ricks all time favorite artists Paul McCartney from one of his solo albums.  It is very fitting for Rick at this time.

“It’s the same me that stands here now

When I think that all this stuff

Can make a life that’s pretty hard to take it in, that was me”

Love and Knife Disarms

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Martial Arts

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Current and past students came from far and wide to reunite and live the experience one last time as a master, Guro Rick taught his last seminar as owner of Princeton Academy of Martial Arts.  It was an excellent seminar, as all of us have become accustomed to as students of Rick.   Taking advantage of the unseasonably beautiful weather, the attendees worked through various knife work drills outside in the sunshine.  Later in the afternoon things progressed inside the Academy with knife disarms, tie-ups, and Rick guiding people to brainstorm their disarms issues, using it as learning experience for the students.  The last elements covered were Kali/Silat entries and takedowns.  There was much information shared but Rick’s intention, which he made clear, was to give the attendees something that they could take home, practice, and progress with.

The mood of the day was uplifting and high energy, one could feel the electricity about the room.  The mood was blithe with over 50 attendees, many of which could not help reminisce throughout the day.   And yes, at the closing there were some eyes welling.  As I perused the group, watched Rick teach during the seminar, and spoke at closing to the group, it was difficult not to get teary and get choked up.

I believe that many others feel just as I do.  It has been nothing more than magical.  For almost 27 years Rick has made PAMA a place of solitude.  Within a group one is truly alone with oneself while training.  Uniting the mind and body daily, because no one can help, as you are getting punched and kicked or the weapon being wielded towards you.  You must be in that moment with yourself, feeling the life surge through the physical body as your human instincts kick in.  Not that of maiming or harming another but, that of self-preservation and preservation of life.  More and more in this world there are very few places where we can truly feel, understand being alive and in control of that life right down to our core.  And sometime even shaking within that core from the sheer bliss, release, and relief.

Living and breathing the warrior’s path even till his departure; Guro Rick over the years has shared not just the physical parts of the arts but analyzing and discussing the details of the human psyche.   Altering students not just in the flesh, but also in the dark corners that most people do not want to explore.   No one is truly losing Rick as an instructor, every time people train they will be able to hear his voice and visualize the motions and hopefully, more importantly, live through his guidance as courageous warriors.

He is not leaving martial arts completely nor will he be leaving his students floundering.  They will be taken care of carefully by the new Sifu Mike Lee and Lao Si Mike Wolhfert and the rest of the assistant instructors.  This blog was created as a meeting point for us to all to remain together on this journey.  I imagine that Rick and I will continue to talk about Martial Arts daily as we do now and continue to train but, I do look forward to what genius may come out of this transformative process.

Move Over Willy Nelson

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Travel, US Travel

On the Road Again… That was the theme of our recent exploration of California.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXe1jtS7k28

The original estimates notwithstanding, here is a glance at the actuals:

10 Nights

8 Hotels (Including a pre-trip Newark Airport hotel)

20 Stops (Meaning a meal, coffee, or sleeping)

And a whopping 1123-Miles when we dropped of the rental car

A Visual
A Visual

So why the healthy jaunt through Cali?  It was a multi-faceted excursion and very practical (in theory only).  We wanted to catch up with some old friends while simultaneously cramming in every part of California we could possibly explore for future inhabitance.  This petite window helped us to rule out some parts of California for future living.   SEE RESULTS LATER IN THE BLOG

We are exploring California intently because there are many things about the state itself that we appreciate.  As a resident of the state, Bill Maher summed up many great points via his “New Rule” method.  Beside those points the weather and alternative public charter school funding and support are both sizeable pluses.

Every day 1 of traveling amazingly our daughter goes to sleep at 8:00 PM, even during travels into a different time zones.  This trip was no exception.  Over the years several people have asked if that is when we, the adults, turn down. Oh no, no, no.  Our secret hide-away, especially in warm climate or in this case not so warm, is always a room with a balcony or when not outrageous, a suite. In Cali this time of the year, balconies consisted of layers, a scarf, and one night, a very strong contact high.  A friend with 2 children once suggested always get a hotel room with a big closet and make it a special treat with lots of pillows and blankets to tuck her in but I would feel too guilty and besides 3 in a king size bed is not bad. After one early rising, I did do something I promised as a parent I would not do.  The unthinkable, a bribe of a gluten-free cupcake or treat that day if she went back to sleep and it worked like a charm (OK, more than once).  Alright, so it was a win-win and in California these are easy to come by.

Checklist of the abundant accomplishments this excursion included:

  • Trip to see amazing healer in Fullerton.   Ancient Chinese secret – our lips are sealed!
  • Watched the remarkable Alberto Villoldo PhD speak to his organization, The Four Winds Society, and reuniting Alumni from his classes.  The consummate orator Alberto never disappoints.  Also got to sit with him and his partner Marcella and reconnect with some other people that we have met through the organization.
  • Bruce Lipton lecture – WOW!  Simply astounding.  Oh just a little epigenetics and cellular biology defining the molecular pathways connecting the mind and body.
  • Time spent with the Drunken Taoist, Daniele Bolelli a favorite Italian Martial Artist of ours.  Daniele, an author, was originally introduced to us when he wrote the Martial Arts book On the Warrior’s Path.  It was great to catch up and have our daughters meet for the first time.
  • Santa Barbara – Lovely, lots of elements that we enjoyed.  Along with other spots in Ventura County we appreciate it for the Arts, Culture, and greenery.
  • Monterey Bay– This was just a stopping point for us on our trek.  Great vistas but wow the pier restaurant hawkers were bordering on belligerent!  Sorry we don’t want your chowder sample or to eat at your tourist trap.  We did however as you can see from our last blog Enter the Travel Guru enjoy some tasty authentic Brittany-style crepes on the pier at the Crepes of Brittany.

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Here is where things start to get blurry.  Onwards towards the Bay Area, the rest of our trip, which was supposed to be more investigative, was somewhat transformed into touring time.  We could tell right away that it did not feel right for us permanently.  Berkeley, which was supposed to be 2 days, we changed just to a lunch, too concrete jungle.  Petaluma – nice but obviously very San Fran suburbish.  Wine Country – Beautiful but touristy. Los Gatos – Nice to visit but can you say Stepford Wives?  We did manage to squeeze in a visit with my artist friend Tara de la Garza and family but bummed that it did not line up for a visit to my author friend E.V. Anderson.  By the end we realized that we were way to ambitious but got the information we were looking for.

Although we love travel and seeing new places switching hotels that many times is crazy and unadvisable unless running from the law or driving cross country on a deadline.  Contrasting hotels in other countries, most American hotel breakfasts include a personal hell filled with over-processed, high-carb foods so that is a pass for us and we head out early.  Our plans for big travels include renting places for a few weeks to a month and ah yes, breakfast sitting in our PJs.

With that many miles logged we could not help but play a healthy game of cat and mouse.  Not with the police, mind you, but our old foe the GPS.

  1. In park, set the destination and receive the arrival time.
  2. Finito.  Arrive at that time.

This technology is incredible and must be far more developed then we can comprehend.  No matter how fast our pace the arrival time never seems to get any nearer.  During the infrequent moments when it does, we are destined to encounter a speed trap thus requiring a bit more time be consumed.  Is the technology really that high tech or maybe, just maybe, we are monitored even more then we realize and the Matrix already knows our speed habits?  Our profile definitely fits the compulsive and competitive lead foots so we are categorize and triumphed over on every occasion.   Ok, one time we won by 5 minutes but that small trophy was not very gratifying for blowing 85 in a 55 plus all of the additional energy spent praying to the police gods promising to be good if they turn a blind eye once again.

Without further ado onto the results…

For us, Southern California.  We will see in the end but in contention nonetheless.

Tuckered out we returned to New Jersey with no traffic tickets and our gained wisdom of the 3rd largest state only to get catapulted right into the tumultuous packing Rick’s personal effects from PAMA and the taking apart our home.  It is daunting and exhilarating all at once, collapsing and deconstructing not only the physical but also the Egos attached to it all.  We are making progress on all accounts and in the mist of it all my ever resilient partner is planning out his seminar for this Saturday, his last as owner of PAMA 😦 🙂

Next blog:

-About the “Last Lecture” seminar

Enter the Travel Guru

by Living Wherever We Are, posted in Travel, US Travel
Fitting sign from our recent trip!
Fitting sign from our present excursion!

How did we decide to become sojourners?  Some background:

Rick and I do not make take grand decisions lightly.  We have been contemplating a move for quite sometime.  How long?  Believe it or not since 2008.  We think BIG.  Places we have examined in detail and even house hunted and bid on houses including as near as Hopewell, NJ and as far away as Chile, Southern Sweden, Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica, Ojai CA, Sedona AZ, and Asheville NC.  Other visits and research include but not limited to Boulder CO, Brattleboro VT, and Great Barrington MA.   All great places but in all cases things did not seem to click or materialize for us as they should, so the search continues………

Comments and suggestions welcomed!  PS we are of Mediterranean decent, moderate climate preferred 🙂 

Our Search
Our Search

We began this process and intention as a couple and continued when our 2 became 3 with more fervor.  We feel even more of a desire for a community with creative like-minded people, nature, sustainability, art, and culture.  How can we continue the search with a 3-year-old in tow?  Easily when the origin of her name is Happy Woman/Bringer of Joy.  For those of you who know her, she is without a doubt just that and one hell of a seasoned traveler already.  Starting at 3 months she has already racked up frequent flyer miles going to Europe 3X, Central America 3x, the Caribbean 1X, crisscrossing the US 13X by plane not to mention long car rides up the East Coast.  The apple doesn’t fall far from the trees.

As I write this we are mid-trip driving up the coast of Cali.  OK, READY?  You may get tired just from reading this……… 10 days, 12+ stops, 6 hotels, 816+ driving miles (+ local miles) and lots of investigating and examining for a possible future location for our family after our sabbatical.  Very ambitious for just two adults let alone with a little one and she does not watch TV so the car rides are creative.

Crepe connoisseur Monterey Bay
Crepe connoisseur Monterey Bay

It has been a lesson for us from our little buddha. In anticipation of our trips around the world Rick and I are being schooled with some great travel wisdom that will truly come in handy.

  1. Why not wear your favorite clothes over and over?  Favorites over function, if you find them after rifling in the suitcase it doesn’t matter if they are worn and possibly with stains.  You need much less than you think.  Leave the rest home and this will make the packing very light.
  2. In adverse situation with controversy between travel companions just be quiet.   Testy when our blood sugar drops?  Simply said, “Mom and Dad stop talking to each other.”  Done, problem solved – Ferme la bouche!
  3. No matter where you are the place where you sleep is “Home”.  As in – after dinner 3-hour time difference and you are kept awake in anticipation of the 1-hour Fall Back daylight savings time change, “I am really tired, I really want to go home —- I want to go to the hotel.”  Ah embracing the blog namesake.
Fitting Quote found on LA wall!
Fitting Quote found on LA wall!

– Saving the Cali trip details for the next blog but here is a teaser:  It involves world-renowned authors and friends Daniele Bolelli and Alberto Villoldo as well as  Bruce Lipton.