Updates!

I'm not in much of a writing mood today, but I wanted to give you all some updates on what's been going on with me, my travel plans, theALTERNAtraveler's funds, and some more sh- uh, stuff.

If you're wondering why I haven't posted any reviews lately, it's because I …

Tomb Sweeping Day

The company I'm currently working for has a factory in China with whom we converse on a daily basis. Today, we received an email letting us know that they would be closed on April 4th & 5th in honor of Tomb Sweeping Day.

"Tomb Sweeping Day?" you wonder, "What is that?"

Find the Best Fuel Prices in Your Area

Don't let your road tripping dreams die because you're feeling the effects of rising fuel prices! Go to http://www.gasbuddy.com/, then type in your zip code. In no time at all, you'll be ready to fill 'er up while using the least amount of your hard earned greenbacks as possible.

I want to meet "Sam's Pals." Don't you?

I'm almost positive that I've previously written about my desire... no, my need... to visit the Dead Pals of Sam Sanfillippo. If not, I'm about to write about it now; if so, I'm about to write about it again.

Just wanted to give myself a pat on the back...

I forgot to mention that a couple travel sites gave me a nod recently...


Back in December, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/ posted a mini write-up I did about the Black Angel of Iowa City, along with a photo I took of the statue. I was totally flattered and I can't …

ATTN: Aspiring Nomads

I just found an amazing article on www.vagabondish.com about how to work long-term travel into your life with little or no cost out of pocket. This is something I would love to do someday... after I've taken my 25 trips in one year, I think it'd be great to get away, …

St. Patty's Day is not for me.

Once again, I missed the dyeing of the Chicago River for St. Patrick's Day. It happened on Saturday the 15th. Whoops. Since I missed this time-honored tradition, here's a photo I ganked from one of my favorite travel blogs (http://www.debohobo.com/), so we can all just …

Hand me my soapbox. STAT.

<--- That's not me, just to clarify. :)

Vote for my favorite KJ - Rockin' Rick!

I just got this email from my favorite karaoke jockey in the area, Rockin' Rick. Please read it and take a second to vote for him for Suburban Nitelife Magazine's Best of the 'Burbs Contest. If you've never been to his karaoke at Ernie McCann's in North Aurora, make it …

I got a new jobby job!

Updates, updates, updates...

I got a new job! I started yesterday and so far it's going well. I accepted a sales assistant position, so I will no longer have to worry about making a revenue goal each month. Why is this wonderful? Besides the awesome-ness of not …

Finally - a deposit!

I swear that I'm still alive!

Things have been bonkers in my little world lately, hence the lack of posts and trip planning. My monetary state is still bothersome and I'm hoping it will straighten itself out soon. I've been in a position where I am not able to follow my number one financial rule -

Boo. :(

Due to some rather severe financial shortcomings, I was not able to deposit any money into my travel account last Friday. Hopefully my next paycheck will allow me to add more than my usual 10% next week.

In other, and happier, news, I am planning two trips for the …

And the winner is...

Unfortunately, I didn't get many submissions to my first ever photo contest... fortunately, the ones I did get were awesome! Here they are:

Lyndsie & Terry (IL)

Ed Debevic's …

Psychogeography (Yes - it's a new concept to me, too.)

I just read a really interesting article about a new book that's just come out - Psychogeography: Disentangling the Modern Conundrum of Psyche and Place, written by Will Self. It's a collection of essays about walks he's taken all around the world.

Random Travel Fun

Until I get my ass moving and post the Iowa reviews and my latest videos, here are some random travel links to keep you occupied...


It's all in the name - check out all the latest travel gadgets here!
http://www.travelgadgets.org/

Looking for a close and clean restroom? …

Omaha, NE (12/14/07 - 12/15/07)

Omaha, NE

I got a late start on my weekend trip to Omaha and Iowa City, not leaving my home until nearly 2:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon. I decided to make a video diary of the whole trip, which you will find in chronological pieces, inserted between my reviews. …

Money, money!

New account balance! I love watching it grow, don't you?

TOTAL BALANCE: $1555.98
** $90.43 from Donations **

REMAINING TOWARDS GOAL: $8,444.02

Thanks for the donations. I really appreciate it!

Omaha & Iowa City Photos

Here are the photos from Omaha and Iowa City. I am in the process of writing reviews and editing videos, so those will not be posted until tonight or tomorrow.



(Mouse over photos for captions.)

Free Movies at the Historic Paramount Theatre in Aurora!

Every winter, the historic Paramount Theatre in Aurora (23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL 60506) runs a series of free movies on Tuesday nights. This year, they are playing such hits as Jaws, The Godfather, Superman, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. They start on January 8th …