A Man, A Jeep, No Real Plan

Amazing Stories and Adventures

Broke Down

The Whirlwind That is My Life

by

Hello all! It’s been a few weeks and for that… I’m not going to apologize. I’ve had a crap ton going on.

I returned to Bloomington and had a week and a half to get my affairs in order to be on tour till May. This included taking possession of my new house, moving out of my condo, getting the condo “renter ready”, starting the renovation of the new house… it was hectic to say the least. Nothing got done, but everything got started and steered in the right direction so other people could finish it after I left.

Some of the highlights of that process included a massive trip to Lowe’s.

A trailer that kept trying to kill me.

 

And addressing my issues with hoarding building materials.

 

Also, of course to add to all of it, Jeff is a dick. Jeff, my trusty steed for my summer adventures, my ride or die partner in crime… blew a head gasket… So Jeff is currently parked on the farm and will be remaining there until I get back to Indiana.

It was an overall adventure and it hurt my soul to leave so soon, but on July 15th I left Bloomington and headed to start my new position at Feld Entertainment as a Production Manager. In all likelihood it’ll be 10 months or more before I’m home again, but that is part of the adventure. My first stop is 84 days straight in Palmetto, FL.

 

That’s right guys, I traded my kilt for slacks and a button up. I am now being paid to be the adult supervision. Apparently the fact that I was on a road trip with no destination during my interview process didn’t tip them off that adulting is not my strong suit.

But don’t worry, they have now figured out that I am descending into the world of being an adult kicking and screaming like the toddler I truly am. I don’t know exactly what tipped them off, but it may have been the fact that I am referring to my cubical as a cell and am refusing to use it, or the fact that I am spending what used to be my smoke breaks wondering around the facility killing zombies… The transition to being an adult may not be going as smooth as some would like. Haha

All of that aside, I really am loving this job. We are currently 2 weeks into the electrics build of my show and all of the other departments will be joining us here at Feld Studios this week. We have 2 weeks of building/training, then we’ll spend a week putting it all together, follow that up with a month of rehearsals and then we open on October 12th in Tampa.

I know that I just glazed over a really long period of time there guys, but I can’t really talk about projects that aren’t open yet. But trust me when I say we’re excited about several of the projects going on around here.

I promise once the show is open and the tour has begun I’ll have more adventures to share with you guys, but until then, why don’t you go have an adventure of your own?

Do you want to be emailed every time I post something new? sign up for email notifications here:

Day 10: I got the bear

by

“Some days you get the bear, other days the bear gets you.” This saying is one of my father’s favorites. Well today started by my getting a phone call from the company I have been interviewing with and they officially made me an offer. I’ll announce who it is once all the paperwork is signed, but any day that starts off like that is going to be a good day in my book.

I started my day of doing touristy things off with Ride The Duck Tours. If you’re in Seattle, definitely check them out first. The guides are hilarious and doing a tour in an amphibious vehicle is just cool. Unfortunately I had already checked out most of the place they drove by/ recommended, so seriously do them first.

Next up I checked out the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit… this thing is seriously cool. I spent hours playing in there and I would gladly go again. How the hell did I not know about this place long ago? I mean this is not my first time in Seattle…

My next adventure for the day was actually a bucket list item that isn’t part of the scavenger hunt. I have never had a hot shave before, and there was an old school barber shop next to the tattoo shop… and I had time to kill… so we got a shave!

As I was walking out of the barber shop I got a phone call from the guys at Tru Line Frame and Wheel. They finished up with Jeff 2 days early! That’s right, I was fearing it’d be Friday, but here we are on Wednesday and they are complete! I told them my situation and not only did they go above and beyond on the scope of the project, but they got me back to my adventures two days earlier than anticipated. Granted they did find some other issues that I am going to have to get addressed before I head home, but I will be back to the adventure in the morning!

Before I could go pick Jeff up though I had a Tattoo appointment. I Got Fernweh done in white ink on my left collarbone. Fernweh has no direct English translation. It describes a wanderlust so intense that you feel physically ill. I don’t do well sitting in one place for more than a few weeks. I get bored, I get into trouble, and then I usually get a little depressed if I don’t keep moving. Fernweh describes the longing I have to travel very very accurately. The tattoo is a white ink so it’ll look like a scar against my pale skin, but will pop when I have a tan from my travels. That way when I am home, it’ll always be there, I’ll know it’s there and those who know me will know it’s there. However when I am traveling, the sun will darken my skin and the tattoo will pop out, the world will see it, and they will know why I am traveling.

After my tattoo appointment I took Alanna and Steven (my friends who are graciously hosting me for my prolonged stay in Seattle) Out for dinner to both thank them and celebrate.

I was celebrating that today, I got the bear. I got offered a full time position as management with a theatrical company. I checked something off my bucket list. I got a new tattoo that I feel very strongly about. I got Jeff back days early. And most importantly, I have friends who don’t even bat an eye when I show up on their door step looking for a place to crash. Today I definitely got the bear!

Daily Scavenger Hunt score: 0

Total score to date: 14

Do you want to be emailed every time I post something new? sign up for email notifications here:

Day 9: The universe speaks loudly

by

I started today by Dropping Jeff off at Tru Line Frame and Wheel. They were recommended by another shop and they are my last hope of not being stuck here over the weekend waiting on the place that has committed to going down the rabbit hole (when they can work me in).

The guys behind the counter all sounded super sympathetic to my plight, and custom suspension jobs are kinda their thing. So I left Jeff with the specialists and off I went.

My first stop was Capitol Hill. It was recommended to me by several locals yesterday and it was close to the shop that was checking out Jeff. So I got myself a green tea, forwent the oatmeal, and began to walk around. It was your normal combination of restaurants and miscellaneous little shops. Nothing was really open, but it was still nice.

That’s when I walked past a Tattoo shop and suddenly felt the urge. I am over due for a tattoo… but I really can’t care for one while camping, and I know what I want, but the location on my body isn’t set in stone…

I Then walked past a second shop… Then a third…. then a Psychic who was sitting on the street asked me if I was considering anything life changing… ok universe message received, but I still don’t have the ability to properly care for an open wound while camping. So I got the hell out of that neighborhood.

I hopped an Uber and headed down to the piers to explore. There were lots of boat tours, restaurants, an aquarium, and one pier that had basically been turned into a carnival.

I declined to do the aquarium today (saving it for a rainy day), and I declined to ride the Ferris wheel at the carnival, but I did enjoy a long walk through their arcade. I even let the fortune machine tell me that I am going to be rich sometime soon. So there’s that. Haha

As I was walking to my next destination I got a phone call from the mechanic. They are willing to fix Jeff, but they want to take the repair well beyond my original intent. I really don’t want to spend that kind of money, but if rebuilding the suspension from the frame down is the only way they will do it, and they can get me on the road sooner rather than later… Jeff and I will be back on the road on Friday. Which means I do have time to do a tattoo…

But first was the underground tour of Pioneer Square. The daytime, “family friendly version” was fun. It focused on the engineering of the city, corruption of the early city government, and exploding toilets. It is well worth the time, but they also have a 21 and over tour in the evenings, but more on that later.

My next stop was to a little cafe that served Sushi Burritos. It was delicious, and while I have had sushi before, I’ve never had it in burrito form. So I am counting it as a new food and scoring a point.

Wandering around Seattle resulted in two realizations. They really like Totem Poles, and they have sculptures everywhere.

The pioneer district also has a national park museum about the Klondike Gold rush. Yes I am counting that for another point.

Did I mention that they really like their sculptures around here? The Sculpture Park bear Pike Place Market is beautiful. Lots of open green space littered with art. I loved it.

Speaking of Art, my next stop was to a Tattoo shop. I have an appointment for tomorrow afternoon. I am not 100% on the location yet, but I will be getting fernweh tattooed somewhere. Fernweh has no English translation, but it describes a wanderlust so intense that you feel physically ill. The universe spoke and I am answering.

The next thing I did was I went back to the underground tour for their nightly 21 and over tour. It reminded all of us on the tour of Drunk History. It covered the exact same route, but only about 10% of the information was the same. This tour focused on whores, drugs, and more whores. It also came with a complementary adult beverage of your choice. It was my kind of tour. Haha

Post tour I return back to where I am staying here in Seattle. I’d like to take a moment to discuss my “roommate”. He is furry, not too bright, and always sleeps like he has had a little too much catnip. He also likes to sit and stare at me while I sleep. I think it’s a dominance thing, but if I suddenly disappear, the above creature killed me in my sleep.

Daily Scavenger Hunt score: 2

– 1 point for the sushi burrito

– 1 point for the national park’s museum.

Total score to date: 14

Do you want to be emailed every time I post something new? sign up for email notifications here:

Day 8: Even Old Hippies Need Love

by

Well the day started by dropping Jeff off with Taskar. I arrived right as they were opening up the shop and Taskar himself greeted me. Taskar was a large man who exuded confidence, warmness, and just a bit of the good ole boy vibe. His thick Russian accent only added to the confidence I had in him. I explained my issues as well as my time restraints and his only response was “key?”. He told me that getting the parts could take a few days, but he personally was undertaking the mission of getting Jeff back to road trip status.

So I hopped in an uber and off I went to adventure in Seattle. I headed down to Pikes Place Market.

One of the first things I noticed is that the sticker vandal is still following me. That being said there were stickers all over the city, so I think it just must be a thing around here.

My first stop was the original Starbucks. Yes I decided to forgo my usual green tea and oatmeal for Starbucks this morning, but when in Rome…

After getting my breakfast I spent the next few hours exploring the market. This place is a labyrinth of stalls. The street level is set up like a farmers market. Lots of fresh fish, produce, baked goods, and a few small artists stalls. This part of the market was alive and vibrant at 8:45 in the morning. The lower two levels though were not. They were set up more like a mall. Lots of small stores that didn’t open until 11. Most of these shops were artists and dealers of various collectibles.

As I was walking around the lower levels of the market I got a phone call from the lovely young lady who was behind the desk at Taskar’s. They had found all of the parts and we’re going to do the work today! I could pick it up after 4pm. To say I was thrilled would be an understatement. I mean I thought I might be stuck in Seattle for days and they found the parts and bumped me up in line to get me back on my trip. Taskar was living up to his reputation.

At any rate, after browsing the market I decided to head towards Utilikilt. Their shop was only a few blocks away, and I was in desperate need of a spare kilt or two.

As I walked I ran across an older homeless gentleman with a sign that read, “Even old Hippies need love”. I immediately felt a connection to this guy. I mean my old Jeep needed a little love that I thought I would have trouble finding and I found it. So I passed my good fortune on and give the guy a twenty, because being old is no reason to not get a little love from the world. I really wish I had gotten a picture with him though…

Well I made it to Utilikilt. I spent about an hour browsing and chatting with the clerk. He was fascinated by my adventures and is actually thinking about getting an old Jeep. I of course encouraged this idea. I also sent the store some photos of me in my kilt on various adventures for them to put into their slide show. Who knows, maybe they will like my adventures enough to give me a plug on their Facebook… maybe not, but a guy can hope.

If not, oh-well, I still walked out of there with a new kilt, a 2 inch leather belt, and another kilt on order that will be getting shipped home when it’s done. A successful trip to say the least.

I then headed back to the market. There was an artist there by the name of Dave Ryan who wasn’t open on my first lap, but he does this great blend of pop culture paintings and prints that I just had to get one. I arrived right as he was returning from a coffee run or something similar. We started chatting and by the end of our conversation I was the proud owner of three paintings and he was looking up amanajeepnorealplan.com. The paintings I bought are amazing. One was a police officer giving a land speeder a parking ticket on Tatooine, one was the Tardis in the middle of a forest, and the last one was Captain Picard shrugging. He has work for sale on Etsy if you want to check him out. Dave Ryan POP Art

As I was walking out I was approached by a group of kids. They were doing a scavenger hunt and one of their items was a man in a kilt. They asked if they could take a picture of me, and I told them only if I could have one with them as well. I handed their chaperone one of my business cards and told him I was on a scavenger hunt of my own. I may be taking this whole shameless promotion thing pretty seriously. Haha

Next up I headed towards the Space Needle. I however had no intentions of going up in it. It’s a great view and I highly recommend it, I’ve just done it a few times before and if I am going to be wasting money, I would rather do it on things I haven’t done before. Like the Museum of Pop, also known as MoPop.

MoPop is amazing guys. They currently have exhibits on Nirvana, Jimmy Hendrix, Video game developers, Horror films, Sci-fi films, Fantasy films, Marvel Comics, and one of the largest video walls I’ve seen playing music videos. This place was amazing.

Unfortunately while I was enjoying MoPop, Taskar called. They were not going to be able to fix Jeff. Apparently a previous owner had welded the shocks on instead of bolting them, and Taskar doesn’t deal with welding. Also one of the bolts on the spring was going to have to be cut off, so he decided to put it all back together and send me on my way. I was devastated.

Here I am, over 2000 miles from home, trying to basically live out of my jeep and it’s in bad enough shape that a shop is declining to service it. A good shop like Taskars at that. There was a brief moment when I thought my adventures with Jeff might be coming to an end.

That’s when I reached out to Andy. Andy is a friend of a friend who helped me find Taskar. I told him the situation and he asked around and found a shop that was willing to go down the rabbit hole and fix jeff. Only catch is that they can’t start work till Friday… They told me to swing by so they can take a peek and make sure they can help me out.

So I went and picked up the jeep from Taskar. He was visibly unhappy that he couldn’t help me out. He refused to let me pay him for his time, and gave me a discount when I asked about buying just the parts. Taskar May not have been able to help me, but he did go above and beyond as far as I am concerned. So if you ever are in Seattle and looking for a mechanic, he is an excellent choice.

So I took the jeep to the next shop. The guy crawled under looked around and confirmed that they could do the work, but it’ll be Friday before they can start. I told him that I was going to check around to see if anyone can get me in sooner, but that I was thrilled to know someone was willing to take care of me and my old Jeep no matter what.

I spent the rest of the evening looking up shops to try tomorrow and hanging out with the friends I am staying with. Actually to be 100% honest 2 of the 3 of us were passed out in the living room by 8pm… it’s been a long day. Now to get some rest, and see what Seattle has in store for me tomorrow!

Daily Scavenger Hunt score: 0

Total score to date: 12 Do you want to be emailed every time I post something new? sign up for email notifications here:

Day 2. Well that was embarrassing.

by

Well my morning started around 5am. Not because I wanted to be up that early, but because that’s when the gentleman who empties the trash at the rest stop set off his car alarm… I was not amused, but I chose to see it as a blessing in disguise my destination for the day was about 550 miles away and I needed to find somewhere to stop around 10am CST for a phone interview. So, I got out my stove and boiled enough water for my green tea and oatmeal. Once I finished I hit the road.

About 4 hours into my drive, as I am still crossing the flattish part of South Dakota, a little old lady cut me off, slam on her brakes and caused both me and the RV in the left lane to slam on our brakes and almost collide into each other.

Both the RV and I decided to pull off at the next exit to check our pants… well he checked his pants and I confirmed that my kilt was still cleanish. The driver and I both pulled into the gas station and spent about 15 minutes commiserating before parting ways. He went back to the highway, I went to a quiet part of the parking lot to have my phone interview.

By the way, can my lawyer friends please look into how stiff the fine is for defacing trash cans with stickers to your blog? Asking for a friend….

So, as I drive across South Dakota it was like someone flipped a switch and suddenly there were hills. I rolled into the Badlands and cell coverage became spotty. My Spotify stopped working and I was forced to listen to my iTunes… so of course this is when I get a phone call telling me the interview went well and they would like me to have a Skype interview with the big boss tomorrow. I think I managed to make arrangements via phone and email, but coverage was real spotty… In fact the only thing more spotty than my phone coverage was my rear suspension… I don’t think I have broken anything, but when I hit a moderate to decent sized bump on the highway I hear the sound of tires hitting and rubbing the wheel well. Maybe I just have too much stuff in the jeep. I shall make eating double rations a priority… you know to lighten the load…

Speaking of lightening the load, Jeff decided to do his part. As I was sitting in line to pay for parking at Mount Rushmore I started to smell antifreeze… I looked down and my temp gauge was still good. Well as I moved up in line, I started to see the steam and watch the gauge go up… The good news was that there was no leak, it was just boiling over. The bad news, the thermostat failed.

So of course I went and saw the monument while waiting for things to cool down. I have to say, Mount Rushmore was just as underwhelming as I remember it being. I took a stroll around the museum and took the obligatory selfie, but I wasted no time getting back to Jeff.

I pulled off the bad thermostat and then filled him with 6 liters of water to get me on my way. I then headed to Crazy Horse Monument.

This place is amazing, and it’s not even done yet. The monument it’s self is exponentially bigger than Mount Rushmore. Not to mention the fact that the museum at Crazy Horse is a hell of a lot more educational and in my opinion culturally significant than the one at Mount Rushmore. They are 12 miles apart physically, but eons metaphorically. Also the video at Crazy Horse will hit you right in the feels… so if you are going to check out the dead white guys at the tourist trap that is Mount Rushmore, drive the extra 12 miles and actually be impressed.

Speaking of being impressive, I went straight to the parts store and picked up a new thermostat as well as antifreeze. I did the installation right there in front of the parts store and then headed west until I found a suitable campground.

I wasted no time getting water boiling as I set up the rest of camp (my hammock). Once it was up and the water was boiling I poured the water into my Mountain House backpacker meal. Tonight was lasagna and it was amazing.

Full disclosure back when I was trying to get other people to find this trip, I wrote to Mountain House and they gave me code for 30% off. I then promptly accidentally deleted the email with said code and had to pay full price… But maybe if I plug them hard enough they will give me free meals next time? Maybe? Probably not, but I am still gonna try.

So to review the day, an old lady tried to kill me, I nailed a phone interview, someone deface a trash can with one of my stickers (ok more than one trashcan in multiple states), I then had to explain my phone cutting in and out as I talked to an HR specialist, my Jeep shot steam and antifreeze all over the line for parking at Mount Rushmore, and I am shamelessly plugging a product that I didn’t actually get at a discounted price. Well, that is a bit embarrassing, but man has today been an adventure!

Daily Scavenger Hunt score: 4

– 1 point for accruing 1000 miles

– 1 point for selfie in front of Mount Rushmore

– 1 point for selfie in front of Crazy Horse Monument

– 1 point for fixing jeep (replacing thermostat) in a parking lot

Total score to date: 6

Do you want to be emailed every time I post something new? sign up for email notifications here: