America, and other stuff

Surprisingly, a lot of people have been asking for me to write the grand finale...so here we go.

First off, I'm truly impressed with the feedback from these stories, and eternally grateful. All of you have been very kind and encouraging, which is awesome. I read a lot, and there is no way I could consider myself in the same league as a published author. Apparently though, I'm in the minority...I've been told to write a book countless times, and actually offered a job as a columnist on a website! It paid very little, so it wasn't worth it...but wow, that was certainly a good feeling. Thanks people! If any of you know a publisher....hook me up!

Back to the real reason for my writing....my trip.

Overall, it was incredible. Beyond belief. Many people question the sanity of travelling alone...personally, I couldn't recommend it more. There are so many aspects of it that people completely miss.

When you travel with someone, you have the comfort of dealing with that person. Problem is, you tend to not deal with anyone else, cuz you don't have to. This isn't always the case, but for shy people (like me), it tends to work out that way.

I understand having friends around though, cuz I've travelled like that too. Some of my most memorable experiences travelling were with someone....Jess, for the first 3 weeks of my Europe trip. He might be an ugly bastard, but London/Ibiza/Scotland/Dublin was incomparable. Especially Ibiza and Scotland...we had sooo much fun there. I wouldn't trade that for anything. And I intend to do it again ASAP, no matter where it is...as soon as Bitch decides his education is less important than seeing the world. : )

But...when travelling alone, you don't have that option. You don't have that ready-made friend to conversate with...you don't have that person to help make decisions with. You HAVE to take that upon yourself. Some people would find that a lil bit scary. Like me, since I'm shy, as mentioned above. Getting past that is a big confidence boost, though.

For anyone out there that doesn't believe in themselves fully and completely...go away on your own. Learning to trust yourself, and your decisions, and your judgement...that's how you determine your self-worth. Paying your bills, going to work...yeah, that's part of life. But thinking on your feet, handling the world minute-to-minute, as opposed to month-to-month....that really defines your character. Man, woman, it don't matter. In my opinion, there's only one person can validate how special you are...and that's yourself. I know how cheesy that sounds, but if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will either.

Travelling by myself gave me that confidence I couldn't get anywhere else. I've struggled with self confidence my whole life, believe me.

I know, I know....shut up Tony Robbins. I'll wrap up the trip now. I just wanted to say this stuff to the people that mock me for not taking a girlfriend, friend, or relative along with me. I wouldn't, even if I could. Parts of a trip punctuated by a friend (Denver, NYC) are great, don't get me wrong. But I discovered the most when I was on my own, without any backup.

I thought about ranking my favourite cities, but I don't think I could. Every place had its own unique charm, and comparing them doesn't do any of them justice. You've read my summary of each. If you like mountains, go to Denver (or close to Denver). You like country music? Definitely go to Nashville. You a working class kinda guy/girl? You'll love Chicago and Pittsburgh. You a city boy/girl? Boston and NYC will keep you goin for weeks.

Number of bars on trip - 21 (I left out the Alaskan bar in Sea-Tac, waiting for my Vancouver connection).

Number of free beers bought for me by kind americans - 21 (plus the 10 dollar margaritas Jeanette bought me in NYC...she's cool like that). She's got nice boobs too. Really nice. Why do I say this? Cuz I want her to call me now that she's home, and the nice boob comment will embarrass her enough to encourage a call to edit this blog. : ) Sorry Gargs!

Number of flights - 7 (on 7 different airlines, Southwest was the best)

Marcella, if you read this....thank you! : ) She's the only person I know that understands how I think, travelling-wise. Have fun in Mexico!

Melissa and Jeff, thank you sooo much for putting up with me. It was awesome having you around....NYC was a lil intimidating, and being around other people definitely helped. Plus, I'm probably the most immature adult I know, so clowning with your kids was super fun. : ) Jeanette....sorry bout the eating joke in a previous blog...you know I love you.

Morgan, you made Denver memorable...despite your bulletin questionnaire where you you said none of your vacations were memorable this year!....I still love you. But come on! Show some love!

Completely different blog, coming up.

Seriousness, take 1. Be warned...I love my sister, and this may be more severe than you expected from me.



I'm at home now. I've been in Victoria for most of the past 3 weeks. Why, you ask? Sorry bout the foreshadowing in previous blogs. Well, my sister Jennifer has cancer.

She wouldn't like me announcing this...but ya know what? I don't feel especially overjoyed by tellin everyone either. I feel it needs to be said, though. Her first chemo treatment almost killed her, since she was allergic to the drug they were administering. She had her first successful treatment (a different drug, obviously) on Dec 18th. She still has her lesbian haircut, since this drug doesn't induce hairloss. Too bad. : ) She's 43 years old.. She has a daughter and a son. Chimene (the cutest lil girl ever) 11, and Brandon (the smartest RuneScape kiddo ever) 10.

I'm not sure what to say beyond this. Is my life really important now? My travels? Fuck no. All I want, or need, or desire...that really pales in comparison to what my sister is dealing with.

I wanna say somethin witty, or mood-lightening...but my literary skills are failing me here. I just want my big sister to be my big sister again, ya know?

This sucked all the charisma outta me. I'll get back to ya ASAP.

Thanks for your support. But my sister could use your positive energy now. Please offer whatever you can to her. Prayers, thoughts, anything. It's much appreciated. I'm not religious, but anything that will keep her here with me and her children is what I want right now.

I know I'm not usually this...emotional. Not even bout my mom or my dad. But, my sister is the only person that ever truly understood me, and I don't ever wanna lose that. .Jenner gets me. And I get her.

No matter what they told you, you're not alone.

I'll be right beside you, forever more.



I'm not fucking about here.