morning meditation on lake superior

What am I supposed to chase now?

I spent 5-1/2 years trying to catch this thing! Now that I have it, what am I supposed to do with it?? I'm completely freaked out.  

finding mr. right,... on match?

ON-LINE DATING ON-THE-ROAD!

I am incredibly happy and love my independence. Being single definitely has its perks, but I definitely wouldn't mind being "coupled" again someday. I'm certainly in no hurry, and I believe that is evident in the fact that I quit my job and set out on a cross country adventure alone with my dog. I am temporarily homeless and living in a camper, which looks more like a pimped out dog kennel. I do eventually want to meet that perfect guy. He's rugged, passionate, ambitious and adventurous. Do you know him? He's a man's man, but likes women. haha OMG I crack myself up. Anyway, I couldn't sit around and wait for him. I needed to LIVE my life and do things for me that I'd been putting off. I'll meet him some day and when I do, I'll never look back and "wish" there were things in my life I'd done, because I'm doing them. AMEN!

So I got to thinking, it couldn't hurt to go online and see who's "out there" (literally, across the country). I've been on Match before and as long as you don't take it too seriously, it's quite entertaining and who knows you could actually meet someone. Sure you might have to "block" the occasional stalker, but thankfully it's an option.

It's been a couple of weeks and I've chatted with some pretty cool guys online, albeit both from NYC so that doesn't help me right now. Regardless, it's still refreshing to chat with nice guys on here so you never know!

Here's a note to men out there that may want to give online dating a shot. Online dating doesn't carry the stigma it once did a decade ago, so why not give it a shot. I just look at it as expanding your dating pool. I know I'm speaking for all women when I say this,... keep your initial email short, sweet and clean! No weirdo comments about "spooning" or wanting to be someone's "chocolate lover"! YOU WILL BE BLOCKED! (and yes, someone did reference wanting to be my chocolate lover.

Below is an example of what to say in your introductory email to a girl, and the other is what you NOT to say. 

OK men, listen up –

This is an example of a normal, cool email...

"How is your trip going? What part of Ca. are you going to? I live in Denver, but am in the process of moving next week to Sacramento, actually it's 20 miles outside of Sac. in the foothills. But anyway, if I hear back from you great if not have a good trip."

This is a nice, normal man. I don't think we'd have cute babies but that's besides the point, at least he was normal.

This is an example of what NOT to say... this is only an excerpt, the entire email was at least a page.

"And, finally, I'm very sensual. My dream date ends with cooking someone special breakfast _ my 'huevos moltulenos'...and I love playing spoons. 

Seriously, did this guy really write this to me and think I would respond. You don't talk about being "sensual",  "breakfast" and was he actually referencing the game of spoons or "spooning"?? EK! Either way, this entire email made me dry heave.  

Oh, and here's one more bit of advice. READ the girl's profile before you send your email!!! C'mon people. Keep in mind I am completely honest in my profile and say that I quit my job and I'm traveling across the country.

Clearly this man did not read my profile. I think he just copy and pasted an email to me...

Great pics and profile. Sooo you showed up as my "perfect match" yesterday which I'm pretty sure is a good thing? :) And after reading your profile, I thought we did indeed have some things in common.... Haha... Sooooo, here's to hoping you like the tall, witty, confidant, loves to laugh and tries to stay in shape type :). Let me know if you're interested in chatting or grabbing a drink after work one night."

Hey smart guy, how can I grab a drink after work one night when I don't have a job or live in NYC? Read Read Read. Girls appreciate that, I swear. He's definitely what I call a copy and paste bandit. He's the guy that's all about volume so he types the same email and copies it into a zillion emails. 

I have so so so many more awesome and scary emails archived! lol

good morning from lake superior!

Waterfront accommodations for only $20 per night!

I think I could top Rachel Ray with her "dining" on $40 per day show. I can do that INCLUDING accommodations! haha I'm still in Munising, nestled into a beautiful spot right on Lake Superior. I love it here so much so I'm staying another night! It's so peaceful I don't want to leave, so I'm not! 

Heading out to see the Pictured Rocks today, by boat cruise. The cruise boat goes about 37 miles and I don't think I can possibly kayak that far and I can't bring my good camera in a kayak!

View of the sunset from my teardrop!

men are from mars, women are from venus

I'm sitting in my camper playing on my computer when along comes another couple for a "tour" of my teardrop. I could easily overhear their conversation as they were approaching...

wife: "honey, she looks like she's busy maybe we shouldn't bother her"
husband: "nah, it's fine, I'm sure people are bothering her all day to see her camper" 

Listen to your wife!! my camper is way too popular!

I guess my "bear" sign is not a deterrent!

munising | lake superior

Good Morning from Munising on Lake Superior in Michigan's UP!

I finally made it up to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, one of the biggest attractions in the UP. It's best to view the area by boat, so I'll be kayaking or taking a boat cruise... depends on the weather! I'll keep you posted!! Time to go make my coffee! 

tahquamenon falls campground

The folks I met in Paradise, MI (Tahquamenon Falls Campground) will be in my heart forever -- even if the "blueberry festival" had no blueberries!?

Mike and Annette, I hope there's a spot on the lawn for my teardrop! I will be visiting sooner than later! I think you said you were on five acres? That will work just perfect! (haha) Mike & John: I'll give you fair warning so you can make your FABULOUS brisket again! Mike and John were on "meat" shifts every few hours throughout the night. These men are serious about their meat and it showed! The brisket was amazing! Kim and Lea: we miss you already! Annette: I have a feeling we'll be going to India someday. You're an incredibly special person and I'm so glad I we met! Even if it was through a bathroom stall!

Chris, Vic, Mary & Simon: I love you guys. Chris, especially you! Thank you so much for being you. I appreciate your generous heart so much, and I will DEFINITELY make it to see Gwen Frostic's shop next year!! Thank you so much for my new stationary! 

Doug & Theresa: my first friends at camp! You guys are simply terrific people. You "get it" and I hope a little rubbed off. :) Thanks for inviting me to breakfast and helping me with my camper questions!! 

Ten minutes after meeting Annette, she gave me a "camper-warming" present! Annette couldn't believe I didn't have "party lights" for my camper yet, so she gave me a set of her radically retro "leg lamp" lights (from the Christmas Story)! Btw, I should mention, Mike and Annette have an awesome Airstream trailer! We had so much fun together!  

Here's a picture of my new "party lights"!! 

my new camp-inn tear drop is sooo popular!

I need to start charging for tours!!!  I thought it was hard keeping up with Lulu's celebrity status on the road, well that's nothing!!! The camper should have it's own show!! Here's my new sign that I put up when I want some quiet time! haha Not sure if it will work.  We'll see!! 

This picture is a hilarious contradiction... mean grizzly sign w/ a super cute little chihuahua in the door!

New and improved camping!

oswald bear ranch

Lulu meets a baby black bear!!