Blogs from DeKalb, Illinois, United States, North America
Three days, nine hours
Published: September 14th 2011North America » United States » Illinois » DeKalb
September 14th 2011
Getting closer and closer - time to leave the corn and explore the world! ... read more
September 8th 2011
Almost ready to go. Clothes are at the seamstress being altered, all necessary purchases made, suitcases out and ready to be packed.... read more
July 30th 2009
So, it is Tuesday afternoon and a day and a half away from starting on the motorcyle ride. I get a text message, saying “it is bad weather in Minnesota, it being to cold (60’s) and rain”. Not conducive to good riding. I believe we are going south towards Missouri. Oh well, I will adjust to the new route. My plan is to break off from the group and head to Sturgis, South Dakota when the distance becomes too far east. I have to start to pack and put everything I need in some kind of order. Rain suit in a side bag, First Aid kit handy, flashlight for sure it’s handier. Pack a bike bag and then an extra for the tour pack and make sure the helmet is with me Wednesday stayed busy all ... read more
O Hare Airport please, and step on it
Published: February 5th 2009North America » United States » Illinois » DeKalb
December 27th 2008
So dark and early in the morning I woke up to face the long lines, sreaming children, the travelers fighting with over stuffed baggage and just general confusion. I would say stupid but that is not the right word. The morning in was uneventfull, there were no protesters standing outside the door yelling at me to leave America and go back to Europe. Infact it was just foggy and warm. Infact the snow was melting and causing consern for flooding. The only downfall to warm weather is that the roads break up into masive potholes. I know that my Dad started having fun with driving around the breakups in the road. Then at the airport, it was the typical good bye and have a good time, email when you have the chance. And they were off, ... read more
December 26th 2008
Well today is my last day here at the hell hole that is my childhood home. Some people say that it is nice to be home, others say that once you leave you can never go back. For me, there is nothing here for me, other than family; not even old friends. Sure there are my old high school friends, Todd, Andy and Nick; but they have moved on with there lives as well. Home for me still is Munich Germany. This town that has a warming effect on my spirit and heart,,,Oh how I long-for this city and the life I lived so happly there. This city started out as my haven from Italy and the Army. It was in this town that I could be free from the social restraints that existed in my ... read more
October 14th 2008
Had a nice month or so in DeKalb just chilling out and relaxing after/before all the traveling. Stayed at the farm most of the time. Went to Milwaukee and Williams Bay to see family a few times. Helped with some dialect work for the stage coach production of ‘Christmas Carol’ that mom is doing costumes for. I also spent a good deal of time at Bill Choes Taekwondo studio. Got my yellow belt and met some really lovely people. It was a very loving and family oriented environment. It was good to get moving again and so much more rewarding then going to the gym and running in place for an hour. Between visiting with family, and Taekwondo classes I finally managed to sort through all or my things that had accumulated between the two ... read more
Apple-picking and the Pumpkin Patch
Published: November 25th 2008North America » United States » Illinois » DeKalb
October 12th 2008
I have never gone apple-picking before. So when my friend, Sarah, invited us to go with her family to a pick-your-own-apple farm, I instantly agreed. Perfect timing! My sister is in town! Destination: Jonamac Orchard in a little village called Malta Taking off from around Rosemont, it took just 30 minutes when we started to feel distant from civilization. We passed by Roselle, then started seeing nothing but vast, dry corn fields -- dry because it's almost the end of summer, just a heartbeat away from fall. Apple cafeteria Amidst scurrying kids (and their parents), we found our way to the cafeteria. There were more than a dozen types of apples on display! But of course, we went there to pick the apples ourselves from the trees, so we paid $9 for an empty bag that ... read more
August 8th 2008
That was the common reaction to my telling friends and family of my new adventure. Actually, that was my reaction, too. So when did this all start? Well, it all started around July 22nd when I was looking for a local job and submitted my resume on Monster.com. I hadn’t gotten any replies on my resume from any local schools in DeKalb or back in Peoria. The frustration was getting to me, so I decided why not? Well, I got one hit on my resume on the first day, and it was from Footprints, a recruiting company out of Canada. I went to their website, dreamed a little bit, and thought, “Yeah right,” and that was about the end of it. Well, curiosity got the best of me and by Friday, the 25th, I decided, “What ... read more
I'm a eastcoast midwesterner
Published: June 9th 2008North America » United States » Illinois » DeKalb
May 28th 2008
Had some emotional good byes in Philly. Then drove the 12ft truck off to DeKalb. Must say I'm really impressed I didn't hit anything driving the big yellow monster through the tiny historical streets of Philadelphia. Made it to DeKalb safe and sound. Been relaxing at the farm mostly. Had BBQ with the family for memorial day. When I'm not packing, unpacking, or repacking boxes, I've been trying to bone up on my 'pirates of the carribean' knowledge (the theme of the camp in Italy), with the assistance of the new kittens who like to climb on face unless of course there is a book I'm reading - in which case they would prefer to fall asleep in it. Been trying to get everything else in order out here before I jet off again. Got my ... read more
Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.
Published: December 15th 2007North America » United States » Illinois » DeKalb
December 15th 2007
In the words of the great philosopher Mitch Hedburg, "I wanna hang a map of the world in my house. Then I'm gonna put pins into all the locations that I've traveled to. But first, I'm gonna have to travel to the top two corners of the map so it won't fall down." In three weeks from today, I'll be living in Bogota Colombia. I know for some of you, just reading that sentence causes you to worry about my safety, question my judgement and miss my friendship. As I've said repeatedly, I'm only going to be gone for five months. That time will fly by! I'll be back before your even realize I've gone. But I do want to take a couple minutes and outline why I feel the need to take this journey. Quite ... read more
