Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Road Trip Photo Dump!

Roxy and Afro getting some treats
I can't tell you how amazing it was to get my kitties from the boarding place. Etta, Roxy and Afro absolutely showered me with love. Roxy sat on my lap almost the whole trip. Joan and Kanye took a bit longer to warm up.
Yakima 
It's so funny, once you leave Seattle, there is so much open space in Washington. It doesn't even feel like you're in the same state. The funniest thing I noticed was in Seattle it's nothing but Bernie signs, and in Yakima I saw sooooooo many Trump signs. It was terrifying. I told Derek that we needed to avoid any pit stops in Trump county!
Here are some pictures of the road trip. It was about twelve hours, give or take. The cats were so amazing. After all they've been through, they really handled the trip like professionals. We drove through Washington, some of Oregon, Idaho and then Utah. Fun fact, in Oregon it's illegal for anyone to pump their own gas. Isn't that so weird? I would have loved Oregon back when I drove. I always loathed pumping gas. the smell. the sounds, having to stand out there when it's cold. Yuk. There were parts of Oregon, and especially Idaho that really reminded me of the desert. Like I felt like I was in Arizona or something.
Afro in my new place!
Utah also has that dry look and feel. And it is definitely the hottest place I've ever been to. Like if you stand in the sun for more than ten minutes, you are a burnt piece of vegan leather. It's beautiful in it's own way, just very different from the vibrant lush green of Seattle. There are mountains everywhere you look. It feels like you can reach out and touch them. I've been trying to get a good picture when I'm out walking, but the sun keeps ruining my shots. I'll keep practicing.
My apartment is on a quiet little dead end street. Directly behind me is an elementary school. My kitties are going to have fun watching kids play! I live in a pretty residential neighborhood, and it definitely feels safe. I've met all of my neighbors, and they all seem pretty nice.
As I mentioned, yesterday I took a bus for the first time, and made it out alive. Today I am looking for a job, a bank, and Sprouts market. The grocery that is closest to me is the worst grocery ever. I am definitely living in a food desert. But, the awesome news is that there is a Sprouts market downtown somewhere, and I am pretty close to downtown. I've never been to a Sprouts before, but from what I understand they are a mecca for all things bulk bin. I will also be applying for a job there, because it's close to my home, and discount!
I have to say the one thing I am most struggling with is grief. I am so happy to have my kitties back. but I would be lying if I didn't say there is a void. We are incomplete. And I feel that loss so strongly. I worry about the others, I wonder if they're okay, are they lonely? It's a wound that will always be there.
I don't want to end on a sad note, today I am going to conquer the world, and make sure this never ever happens to us again.
I'll be back tomorrow with kitty and apartment pictures. The pace is pretty much empty, but hey, it's a home! And of course my kitchen has the most stuff of any of the rooms! Ha ha!


19 comments:

  1. Glad to hear you are getting settled in! Good luck on the job prospects! Give those kitties lots of love.

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    1. Thanks! I have been giving my kitties soooo much love, they probably feel smothered!!

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  2. Big hug to you. Good luck with the job search. The Sprouts place sounds good. We don't seem to have bulk bin places in England anymore, not seen one for years but we did spot one in Wales last year. Don't forget to email me you address x

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    1. Thanks!I love bulk bins so much, it's such a money saver, and also a cheap way to try new things. I will E mail you my address this afternoon!

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  3. Your new place sounds really nice, especially having mountains all around! Good luck today! :)

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    1. Thank you! I've been taking pictures every time I go out job hunting, so I plan on showing those when I get it right.

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  4. Good to hear that you have settled in a nice place. I'm sure that vegans who are living where there aren't so many vegan stores and restaurants will really enjoy your blog. You have such creativity with your recipes. Good luck with the job search and finding stores that fit your needs.

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    1. Thanks! I hope to start feeling more settled soon so I can get back in the kitchen!

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  5. I'm so glad that you got there safe and that you are getting settled in!! I'm really excited for you and sending you positive vibes for your job hunt!

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    1. Thanks! I definitely need all the positive vibes I can get!

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  6. Glad you arrived safely. I'm sure the other members of your family are loved very much and are making some lucky humans very happy - how could they not? You did the best you could by them. Good luck in your job hunt! :)

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    1. I'm sure they're making their humans extremely happy. I just hope they're happy, and I just miss them. Thanks for the luck, I definitely need it!

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  7. Congratulations on making it and good luck in the new place and with the job search!

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    1. Thanks, I need all the luck I can get. And once I find a kob, it's important that I not get lost on the way! Ha ha!

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  8. Good luck with your job search!

    It is illegal to pump your own gas in NJ so when I lived with my Mom one summer in Southern Utah, I had to call a friend to ask how to pump my own gas. I felt pretty stupid XD

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    1. That's so funny! I read online that it's only illegal in Oregon and New Jersey. I wonder if those two states had a lot of gas explosions at some point??

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  9. Congrats on the new place! I have been to SLC once. I remember going in July and it was like 118 degrees and that was at 8pm! Also back in 1997 but still LOL. I stayed near Logan, UT near the Idaho line for about a week or week and a half. Neat area!

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    1. It's soooooo hot here! But it is so beautiful, and honestly the people here are so nice, like maybe nicer than anywhere else I've lived!

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  10. Sprouts sounds like a great place to seek out!
    I hope you settle in well. Good luck on the job hunt!
    I am catching up on blog posts from the last couple of days, so will no doubt be seeing your next post in my feed in a very short time. ;)
    That is strange about not being allowed to put petrol in your car in Oregon. Do you just have to sit there and wait for someone to come? What if there are many cars? Hmmmm....

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