Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory

7 Travel Tips

 Yesterday, I took a day trip to Fort Wayne by myself to get away and have some photography fun. I used to be wary about traveling or going places by myself. But I am never going back! It turned out to be a very exciting and rewarding adventure that taught me a few things. So here are some tips for the budget travelers who want to get away from home without going too far away.

             1.  Always, and I mean ALWAYS, have the directions written down as well as in your gps. I cannot stress this enough. I lost my gps signal at least 10 times in the short hour and thirty minute trip. Maps confuse me to no end. I’d end up in Michigan if I tried to read a map. I was able to figure out what exits to take and which direction to turn because I had them written down and in my cup holder.

2.       

          2. Write down the DISTANCES between each turn and exit. Pay attention to the time on your clock when making these changes. It will save you stress and time if you do so. It is much easier to know that in 15miles you need to exit off of IN 24. And that it was 11:24am when you started. This way, if the gps signal is lost, you aren’t frantically searching the road for exit signs.

             3. Always have a parking plan before you go. I always forget that bigger cities require you to park in parking garages. Or that some garages are a good 20minute walk away from your destination. Luckily there was a parking garage right across from the building I was heading to. Also check to see if you can get free parking! I went to the botanical gardens and was surprised to learn that my parking fee was waived.

            4. Know where you want to eat. I spent a good 20 minutes aimlessly driving around trying to decide what I wanted to eat. Not only did it waste time and gas, but I ended up giving up and settling for fast food.

            5. Have your phone charged and pack extra chargers. You never know when you might need to make an emergency call or make a quick google maps search.

          6. Have fun and explore! Look for free events, parks, and museum dates before going. Are you a student? Call ahead and see what places offer good student discounts. My next trip will be planned out a little better so I have more time to walk around and explore. See as much as you can before you leave. You never know when you will be there again.

            7.   And most importantly, stay safe! Always travel in the day light. Never walk around at night alone. I got followed by a creepy old man and cat called by boys and men everywhere I went. I’m not used to that kind of treatment. I live in a much smaller town. It was quite an uncomfortable experience. If you feel threatened, find a safe place indoors to wait. If they follow you inside, don’t be afraid to let the staff know. Keep your safety in mind. 

Nail Technician

After the disaster that was my college education, I have decided to take a break from my bachelor's degree to pursue a license in the Cosmetology field as a Nail Technician.

I feel as though after the issue with my credits, I need a break to figure out what I really want to do as a bachelor's degree. I hated the degree program I was in, but stuck with it because I was a year away from graduating. However, circumstances have me now at a Sophomore level. I might as well take the time to figure out what I truly want to do before continuing my education.

Instead of just working full-time, I have decided to pursue a license as a Nail Technician as it is something I have always been interested in doing. I start on June 29th after I finish my enrollment application and pay the $50 application fee. I can't wait to start!

More to come later about Nail Technician school as I progress through the process.

Typewriter Tuesday

"Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your talent.
Be what nature intended you for, and you will succeed."
-Sydney Smith-

 

Thrifty Finds

Smith & Corona Silent typewriter

It was made in 1950, not the 1960s as I had thought. To know that I have a working typewriter from 65 years ago, amazes me. I bought this item for $19.96. On etsy, it is up for sale for $105! Now that is what I call a bargain buy! Some of the keys do stick, but I am hoping that I can eventually figure out how to fix it.

It took me 10 tries and stained hands, pants, and cell phone to figure out where the ribbon went through the vibrator. However, it is quite easy to change and fix once you know where to place it.


I might just go on a collecting spree of typewriters now!

She's an odd tan/grey/brown color with dark green keys, but I've never seen anything more beautiful than her. 

Do any of you writers, readers, or general bloggers have a typewriter? 

Typewriters and Love

Today a special package came in the mail from amazon!

The ribbon spools for my new to me, old to the world, typewriter!

It is a Smith Corona- most likely made in the 1960s. The best part is that after struggling to get the ribbon threaded into the typewritier, it still works!

And all for a whopping $30 after tax (including both writer and ribbon). I looked online and a typewriter the same as mine was selling for over $100. I'm pretty proud! So I thought it might be fun to do some sort of vintage finds blog posts every now and then? I'll think about it and post more on my typewriter and other things if I decide to go through with it.

Naturally, I had to write my boyfriend a letter to add to my letter collection from me to him.
Long distance relationships are hard, so I find it easier to write him often. Even if he doesn't get the letters until I see him next. I will be attempting to get his station address in Oki so I can send letters again. I used to send my letters when he was in Afghan, but after he returned we stuck to facebook letters instead.

However, recently I have learned that he kept every letter I ever wrote him. So I want more of my letters in his possession as silly as it sounds. I miss writing about books to him and giving my thoughts and feelings about his favorite books. I miss telling him everything. I find it hard to speak my mind and my feelings, but to write it all down and clear the air? It makes me feel so much better and often brings us closer together.

Writing letters to him is also an excuse to waste paper on practicing typing on this typewriter.

I may have started a new collection of typewriters. This could get dangerous. Hopefully my boyfriend won't mind too much! He already has to deal with all of my bookshelves of books and journals. Not to mention my photographs from photo shoots and the fact that I want to buy a record player.. I just love old things and the written word! I can't help it.

I haven't been able to read much lately, so I am just giving a little writing update about my typewriter. Who knows, maybe I will turn this into more of a full-blog and not just reviews?

Summer break is mostly here and I will have two days worth of free time on my hands.