Random Neuron Firings

Consider this post a consolidation of various to-do's and scattered thoughts I've had this month. 

Upcoming Trips

I can't wait to visit my sister in January. I'm still unsure exactly what kind of mischief we'll be getting into, but it's sure to be good. And, if my timing is bad enough, I might get to drive in the snow. In the van. The van with the questionable breaks and mis-matched tires and bad power steering. Yeah.

In March, I'm heading out to White Springs to go camping with my mother (and a few other relatives; haven't gotten all of the RSVP's yet). Hiking, horseback riding, kayaking and fun baked potatoes will ensue.

But before all of that, I will be taking off on a day trip of my very own to center myself after this busy holiday season.

And now for something completely different!

CAR - shopping/wish list

• Honda Fit (2011 Taffetta White Sport w/ Nav)
• Add tint (35/20, nine windows plus visor band - approx. $300)
• Window visors, Mugen ($$$)
• Interior LED's (dome and hatch, $30)
• Fabric to protect seats from dogs
• USB extension cord
• Reflectix/blackout cut to fit windows
• Curtain
• 2" hi-density foam bedding plus custom mattress pad and fabric cover
• Various bins
• Seat-hanging organizer (hello, LL Bean! $20-40)
• Crockette (12 volt)
• Ceramic traveler's cups w/ lids (Costco)
• Camp pillow 
• Beatrush Underpanel
• And just for fun - Decepticon emblems :P

Closing thoughts:

Although I recently experienced a minor monetary setback in my $3000 climb to make a down payment on my Fit, I am still overwhelmingly optimistic that I will have it by mid-April. Keep your fingers crossed!

Fit.

I know I said that I'd give my 'van-decision' some time. However, there comes a time when something simply feels right, and the Fit... fits. 2011 Tafetta White Honda Fit Sport with Navigation, here I come. 

Now... just wait 'til you see what I end up doing with it.

Money and Music.

Today I crafted a cute little "thermometer-style" graph dedicated to saving a total of $3,000. I have only a minor percentage of the funds saved up, but with my current income, recent personal cutbacks and the future sale of a few of my possessions, the goal should not be out of reach for long. I am quite optimistic about my goal; it is something *just* challenging enough for me to achieve in regards to my current financial situation.

On an entirely unrelated note, I cannot stop listening to Aserejé by Las Ketchup. Talk about a catchy tune. I dare you to not play it at least twice in a row. It's #1 out of the top 10 on my playlist right now:

1. Aserejé - Las Ketchup

2. The Wild Hunt - The Tallest Man on Earth

3. Kinderly - Mediaeval Baebes

4. Let It Snow - John Legend

5. You And I - Michael Bublé

6. Dog Days Are Over - Florence and The Machine

7. Somebody To Love - Queen

8. How You Like Me Now - The Heavy

9. Not Even The Trees - Hootie & The Blowfish

10. Lucy Meets Mr. Tumnus - Harry Gregson-Williams (Narnia Score)

Thinkin' and hikin'

Duchess on the trail, early December

I expected to feel and experience many things when I first bought my van. Unfortunately, I did not expect to come to loathe it. It's like adoring a person, only to find later on in the relationship that all of the tiny quirks they have turn out to be major irritations. It is a recent and surprising development in my van conversion. Is it normal? I don't know. I do know that I have since begun saving money aggressively, whether it is for a down payment on a different vehicle or an extra batch of funds for the remainder of the conversion, I don't know.

I do know that the decision will not be made in haste. I'll amass my funds, think about it, sleep on it, research vehicles, and think some more.

Then -- and only when I am sure -- will I act.

There. It's off my chest.

I haven't only been hating on my van lately; I've done a bit of hiking as well. On my birthday I headed out with my mother; we hit the Florida Trail in Jupiter. Here are some photos:

Auto graveyard, complete with crosses. 

Cypress Creek Bridge

Florida gets foliage when the rest of the country gets snow

There were wild oranges (or reasonable facsimile) abound.

My favorite part of the hike.

Ghost of Christmas Past

I desperately wish to shout it from the roof tops; fear stills and quiets me.

Baby, it's cold outside

I've been loving the Marmot Helium sleeping bag as of late. So cozy that I actually slept in 'til 11AM. ELEVEN O CLOCK. Whaaaa? I swear, it felt like 8. Who messed with my clocks!?

I have a feeling...

...that this is going to turn into a photo-blog. A phlog, if you will. Some of my favorite shots from this year:

Peanut, looking spry.

Mongolian Wild Ass with her filly.

Heart-shaped rock set in a bed of moss, FDR State Park.

An infant's grave in Georgia.

One of my all-time favorites - taken on a hike on the Appalachian Trail.

Reuben. I had him for about ten days. He's a therapy dog now.

Taken on a very cold January morning at a local wildlife refuge.