Maricopa, AZ 7/25/2021
Well I haven’t updated my progress in a while, because life keeps right on ticking along at a rapid pace no matter how much I just want to sit and write. I have made great progress on my book, I am all the way to Indiana now, and I have the chapter on NYC done, that I think will be good to find the right editor for the whole book. I have been looking around but haven’t hit on anyone I have a good vibe with, so if you know someone who likes or is interested in doing memoir style editing and is willing to offer a reasonable price for one, rather long, chapter to see if we mesh well to work on the rest of my book, send them my way! In the meantime here is a fun video my iPhone put together of my full day in New York City!
Well I haven’t updated my progress in a while, because life keeps right on ticking along at a rapid pace no matter how much I just want to sit and write. I have made great progress on my book, I am all the way to Indiana now, and I have the chapter on NYC done, that I think will be good to find the right editor for the whole book. I have been looking around but haven’t hit on anyone I have a good vibe with, so if you know someone who likes or is interested in doing memoir style editing and is willing to offer a reasonable price for one, rather long, chapter to see if we mesh well to work on the rest of my book, send them my way! In the meantime here is a fun video my iPhone put together of my full day in New York City!
Maricopa, AZ 5/18/2021
So, here is a vast majority of the treasures I have collected along this journey. Some were purchased by me, but most were gifts that folks made for me, wanted to give the kids, had waiting in a room set up in anticipation of my visit, or things found along the adventure. Prior to getting on the road a little over six weeks ago I made a few pledges to myself, as I wanted to ensure I was embracing all that this odyssey would present. And now I have a few new pledges to myself and you; I will write and publish this book, I will set up a book tour on the value for value concept, and I won't let this experience go to waste.
I'm sore, a little grumpy, decompressing, and haven't even busted into all the digital and handwritten journals I wrote along the way. And I am super grateful that my nephew only wants a double batch of my (really Danette's) Spinach dip for his graduation party Friday, because I don't think I have a cake in me. So, hang in there with me, I have no intentions of challenging Newton's laws of motion... I may have a bit of friction slowing my roll, but I am an unstoppable force.
So, here is a vast majority of the treasures I have collected along this journey. Some were purchased by me, but most were gifts that folks made for me, wanted to give the kids, had waiting in a room set up in anticipation of my visit, or things found along the adventure. Prior to getting on the road a little over six weeks ago I made a few pledges to myself, as I wanted to ensure I was embracing all that this odyssey would present. And now I have a few new pledges to myself and you; I will write and publish this book, I will set up a book tour on the value for value concept, and I won't let this experience go to waste.
I'm sore, a little grumpy, decompressing, and haven't even busted into all the digital and handwritten journals I wrote along the way. And I am super grateful that my nephew only wants a double batch of my (really Danette's) Spinach dip for his graduation party Friday, because I don't think I have a cake in me. So, hang in there with me, I have no intentions of challenging Newton's laws of motion... I may have a bit of friction slowing my roll, but I am an unstoppable force.
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San Jose, CA 5/11/2021
It’s hard to believe that this adventure is already wrapping up. As the old saying goes; time flies when you are having the time of your life! And it ain’t wrong, the past couple of weeks have been packed to the gills.
Driving to Colorado I stopped at the center of the US, and met some fellow travelers headed home to CA from MA, they told me about the video that Bruce Springsteen had filmed there, definitely something I will look up when I am home next week. Beside that and the quaint town of Wamego, where the Wizard of Oz museum is, Kansas is BORING to drive through, nothing as far as the eye could see for hours. But, I did get plenty of podcast and book listening in.
After stopping in to catch a karaoke show with Crystal in Colorado Springs, I headed up to ID to visit the Newells, where I was greeted with a colorful chalk welcome sign, margaritas, and a tour of their lovely home. In the morning my niece, Felicia, and I did a little roadside attraction hunting while we explored downtown Boise, walking off our breakfast through Freak Alley.
I was awestruck on the drive to WA, the greenery, contrasted by the bluest of skies punctuated with white clouds and snow topped mountains was breath taking. The only thing better than that was visiting with Dannette in Moxee, touring Yakima, meeting Sherry, and getting to see how hops is grown. I swung through Seattle exploring a bit for the day before having dinner with my niece, Javonna. Then, I took my first car ferry to Vashon Island where I did NOT sleep in a Teepee, but I did get to take a walk in a “Secret Garden” and found a tranquil pond where some quiet self reflective time was rejuvenating.
Headed to OR was another ferry ride off the south side of the island, followed by more gorgeous scenery, road construction (the one thing that EVERY state seems to have in common right now,) and a little bit of a scare with the car, which just turned out to just be a loose battery cable so I made it to the Garewals only about two hours behind schedule. It was inspiring as Emma & Jimmie showed me all the work they have already done to their new house, as well as sharing the plans for the two story garage that they will be breaking ground on in the next couple weeks. Emma played hooky from work to take me on a Goonies day which was an absolutely awesome time! It has been really fun to have folks to share this adventure with along the way.
On the way into CA, I detoured to Bend, OR and made a point to check out the last Blockbuster on the planet. Then I stopped in for an overnight visit with Sue & Tyler in Sacramento, which was a fun time as they are getting ready to take a road trip to Pennsylvania this summer, and they were excited about the App I have been using along the way for my attraction hunting. Sue made scrapple, a breakfast meat akin to Spam (only better,) and packed me a lunch as I got on the road to San Jose.
There are a couple more adventures and visits with folks before I get home on Sunday, which is good, because I am not ready for this to be over. Talk to y’all at the end of the road!
It’s hard to believe that this adventure is already wrapping up. As the old saying goes; time flies when you are having the time of your life! And it ain’t wrong, the past couple of weeks have been packed to the gills.
Driving to Colorado I stopped at the center of the US, and met some fellow travelers headed home to CA from MA, they told me about the video that Bruce Springsteen had filmed there, definitely something I will look up when I am home next week. Beside that and the quaint town of Wamego, where the Wizard of Oz museum is, Kansas is BORING to drive through, nothing as far as the eye could see for hours. But, I did get plenty of podcast and book listening in.
After stopping in to catch a karaoke show with Crystal in Colorado Springs, I headed up to ID to visit the Newells, where I was greeted with a colorful chalk welcome sign, margaritas, and a tour of their lovely home. In the morning my niece, Felicia, and I did a little roadside attraction hunting while we explored downtown Boise, walking off our breakfast through Freak Alley.
I was awestruck on the drive to WA, the greenery, contrasted by the bluest of skies punctuated with white clouds and snow topped mountains was breath taking. The only thing better than that was visiting with Dannette in Moxee, touring Yakima, meeting Sherry, and getting to see how hops is grown. I swung through Seattle exploring a bit for the day before having dinner with my niece, Javonna. Then, I took my first car ferry to Vashon Island where I did NOT sleep in a Teepee, but I did get to take a walk in a “Secret Garden” and found a tranquil pond where some quiet self reflective time was rejuvenating.
Headed to OR was another ferry ride off the south side of the island, followed by more gorgeous scenery, road construction (the one thing that EVERY state seems to have in common right now,) and a little bit of a scare with the car, which just turned out to just be a loose battery cable so I made it to the Garewals only about two hours behind schedule. It was inspiring as Emma & Jimmie showed me all the work they have already done to their new house, as well as sharing the plans for the two story garage that they will be breaking ground on in the next couple weeks. Emma played hooky from work to take me on a Goonies day which was an absolutely awesome time! It has been really fun to have folks to share this adventure with along the way.
On the way into CA, I detoured to Bend, OR and made a point to check out the last Blockbuster on the planet. Then I stopped in for an overnight visit with Sue & Tyler in Sacramento, which was a fun time as they are getting ready to take a road trip to Pennsylvania this summer, and they were excited about the App I have been using along the way for my attraction hunting. Sue made scrapple, a breakfast meat akin to Spam (only better,) and packed me a lunch as I got on the road to San Jose.
There are a couple more adventures and visits with folks before I get home on Sunday, which is good, because I am not ready for this to be over. Talk to y’all at the end of the road!
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Belleville, KS 4/30/2021
So, I thought that when I got to the second half of the trip it might slow down a bit as I visit folks, but that has not been the case thus far. So I am sneaking in an update, while I have second.
Exploring Indiana with Ray, was a lot of fun especially as he had not really seen much of it since he moved there five years ago. There was a failed attempt at finding one of the “Before I die…” walls but we ended up finding a neat little brewery in Lafayette and capped off the adventure enjoying a nice walk around Monument Circle in Indianapolis.
Then the race was on to get to Madison before the exhibit my aunt’s work was showing in closed for the week. I made it with very little time to spare, but I am so glad I did, I had never seen my Aunt Bobbe’s artwork on display before. The dinner, conversation, and tour around capital square were beyond memorable.
Chicago was next up, I’ve been there many times, there was definitely a lot less folks out and about and I drove in and out of town without the speed limit dipping below 50mph (that never has happened in my previous visits.) The Chicago No Agenda producers did not disappoint, and even though I arrived a bit late to the Meet-Up; the interactions, laughs, fun stories, and cool folks were plentiful.
Heading down to Peoria, I was reminded again how much I love the Midwest, it just feels like “home” to me when I am there. Stopping at Route 66 towns like Dwight & Pontiac was a lot of fun and the four hour conversation with Shannon at Avanti’s was fantastic! I didn’t explore too much on my way out of town, but I did hunt the Richard Pryor statue down, did you know he was from Peoria?
Onward to Dad and Sandi in Merriam Woods, MO where the views are spectacular but you don’t want to take a wrong turn unless you have a 4WD vehicle, because the roads are real rough! It was a nice visit, and I was really glad they joined my adventure a bit and traveled with me down to Arkansas to see Juliana, meet her family, and see their dream of a 100% self sustaining farm in progress.
The crazy weather seems to be tracking me along the way since day three in Texas, and I haven’t been able to give it the slip this past week either. But, that’s okay the thunder, lightening, tornado warnings, chaotic winds, and torrential downpour haven’t slowed me down too much. Next up Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon!
Catch up with y’all down the road!
So, I thought that when I got to the second half of the trip it might slow down a bit as I visit folks, but that has not been the case thus far. So I am sneaking in an update, while I have second.
Exploring Indiana with Ray, was a lot of fun especially as he had not really seen much of it since he moved there five years ago. There was a failed attempt at finding one of the “Before I die…” walls but we ended up finding a neat little brewery in Lafayette and capped off the adventure enjoying a nice walk around Monument Circle in Indianapolis.
Then the race was on to get to Madison before the exhibit my aunt’s work was showing in closed for the week. I made it with very little time to spare, but I am so glad I did, I had never seen my Aunt Bobbe’s artwork on display before. The dinner, conversation, and tour around capital square were beyond memorable.
Chicago was next up, I’ve been there many times, there was definitely a lot less folks out and about and I drove in and out of town without the speed limit dipping below 50mph (that never has happened in my previous visits.) The Chicago No Agenda producers did not disappoint, and even though I arrived a bit late to the Meet-Up; the interactions, laughs, fun stories, and cool folks were plentiful.
Heading down to Peoria, I was reminded again how much I love the Midwest, it just feels like “home” to me when I am there. Stopping at Route 66 towns like Dwight & Pontiac was a lot of fun and the four hour conversation with Shannon at Avanti’s was fantastic! I didn’t explore too much on my way out of town, but I did hunt the Richard Pryor statue down, did you know he was from Peoria?
Onward to Dad and Sandi in Merriam Woods, MO where the views are spectacular but you don’t want to take a wrong turn unless you have a 4WD vehicle, because the roads are real rough! It was a nice visit, and I was really glad they joined my adventure a bit and traveled with me down to Arkansas to see Juliana, meet her family, and see their dream of a 100% self sustaining farm in progress.
The crazy weather seems to be tracking me along the way since day three in Texas, and I haven’t been able to give it the slip this past week either. But, that’s okay the thunder, lightening, tornado warnings, chaotic winds, and torrential downpour haven’t slowed me down too much. Next up Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington and Oregon!
Catch up with y’all down the road!
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Mentor, Oh 4/21/2021
So, I ended up cutting DC out of the trip for a few reasons, but mostly because I was hemming and hawing about it, so I decided I was just going to save it for another time. Instead, I took a few days heading up through Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania on my way to NYC.
There were lots of cools things to see along the way, I found a town called Shartlesville, PA where many of the homes up on a hill, have spectacular views, with a one street downtown lined with flags commemorating their local heroes. I visited two different distilleries, a brewery that was inside a gutted out old-time single screen theater, saw several artistic “love” signs, and experienced my first gravity hill where my car rolled backwards up a hill while it was in neutral which was pretty wild. I also attended a second No Agenda Meet-up were again the conversations were great, and I enjoyed meeting some really interesting folks.
Getting into NYC was exciting, frightening, and definitely set off a small anxiety/panic attack, but I got over it pretty quickly once I got checked into the smallest hotel room I’ve ever stayed in and had a quick beer that I had gotten from the Box Office Brewery. I packed a lot into the day and half I was there, and I am not sure how soon I will go back, but I do know I will never drive into NYC again! :)
It snowed here last night so I woke up to a fresh layer of powder covering everything, but hopping it melts before I get on the road in a couple hours. The next leg will include seeing a lot of folks like my aunt, my dad, and a couple of longtime friends I haven’t seen in years!
I’ll talk to y’all again soon!
So, I ended up cutting DC out of the trip for a few reasons, but mostly because I was hemming and hawing about it, so I decided I was just going to save it for another time. Instead, I took a few days heading up through Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania on my way to NYC.
There were lots of cools things to see along the way, I found a town called Shartlesville, PA where many of the homes up on a hill, have spectacular views, with a one street downtown lined with flags commemorating their local heroes. I visited two different distilleries, a brewery that was inside a gutted out old-time single screen theater, saw several artistic “love” signs, and experienced my first gravity hill where my car rolled backwards up a hill while it was in neutral which was pretty wild. I also attended a second No Agenda Meet-up were again the conversations were great, and I enjoyed meeting some really interesting folks.
Getting into NYC was exciting, frightening, and definitely set off a small anxiety/panic attack, but I got over it pretty quickly once I got checked into the smallest hotel room I’ve ever stayed in and had a quick beer that I had gotten from the Box Office Brewery. I packed a lot into the day and half I was there, and I am not sure how soon I will go back, but I do know I will never drive into NYC again! :)
It snowed here last night so I woke up to a fresh layer of powder covering everything, but hopping it melts before I get on the road in a couple hours. The next leg will include seeing a lot of folks like my aunt, my dad, and a couple of longtime friends I haven’t seen in years!
I’ll talk to y’all again soon!
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Gatlinburg, TN 4/14/2021
So this first week plus has rolled by pretty fast, I have been to New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, and am currently sitting in the cutest tourist town I’ve seen in quite some time Gatlinburg, TN. There has been a couple minor bumps along the way, but the experience so far has been undeniably fantastic. In Albuquerque I dropped in to the “Breaking Bad” memorabilia shop, also called the “The Candy Lady” that was a in Old town, which I wish I had planned more time to explore. Texas has some cool little towns I passed through most notable was Snyder (downtown looked like it was straight out of a move set in the 50’s) and Abilene, both places I will visit again in the future. I spent an incredible day in New Orleans just vibing with the city, and had my first experience staying in a youth Hostel where I met and got to chat with a lot of different and very interesting folks. The drive through Mississippi and Georgia were beautiful and in Tuscaloosa I happened upon a Veterans memorial park, which I hadn’t even planned on going to, but glad I did, it was a wonderfully respectful and moving honor to the folks who have died fighting for and protecting our country. In South Carolina I got to meet hang out a bit with some other producers of the No Agenda show, I wished I had more ears, because there were so many great conversations happening. After visiting America’s first museum in Charleston, driving around town (another place that is on the visit again list), and going to see the the, now closed and gated, hospital where I was born; I headed to spend an evening visiting with my Grandpa. Charlotte’s downtown area reminded me a bit of San Jose, but I did find a few interesting art pieces including Disco Chicken, The Writers Desk, and Metalmorphosis. I have been writing in more detail along the way, and have a ton of pretty cool stories already. The next leg includes DC, Pennsylvania, and New York! I will post more pictures at some point, but for now I really like these two quotes. Talk to y’all again soon!
So this first week plus has rolled by pretty fast, I have been to New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, and am currently sitting in the cutest tourist town I’ve seen in quite some time Gatlinburg, TN. There has been a couple minor bumps along the way, but the experience so far has been undeniably fantastic. In Albuquerque I dropped in to the “Breaking Bad” memorabilia shop, also called the “The Candy Lady” that was a in Old town, which I wish I had planned more time to explore. Texas has some cool little towns I passed through most notable was Snyder (downtown looked like it was straight out of a move set in the 50’s) and Abilene, both places I will visit again in the future. I spent an incredible day in New Orleans just vibing with the city, and had my first experience staying in a youth Hostel where I met and got to chat with a lot of different and very interesting folks. The drive through Mississippi and Georgia were beautiful and in Tuscaloosa I happened upon a Veterans memorial park, which I hadn’t even planned on going to, but glad I did, it was a wonderfully respectful and moving honor to the folks who have died fighting for and protecting our country. In South Carolina I got to meet hang out a bit with some other producers of the No Agenda show, I wished I had more ears, because there were so many great conversations happening. After visiting America’s first museum in Charleston, driving around town (another place that is on the visit again list), and going to see the the, now closed and gated, hospital where I was born; I headed to spend an evening visiting with my Grandpa. Charlotte’s downtown area reminded me a bit of San Jose, but I did find a few interesting art pieces including Disco Chicken, The Writers Desk, and Metalmorphosis. I have been writing in more detail along the way, and have a ton of pretty cool stories already. The next leg includes DC, Pennsylvania, and New York! I will post more pictures at some point, but for now I really like these two quotes. Talk to y’all again soon!
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So, it's the day before I set off on my adventure and I have to admit, I am feeling some kind of way (www.sunisaysso.com/sro <wink> for those of you who haven't heard my take on that. ) Everything is ready to go; the car is as packed as it can be before tomorrow, my binder is all set up, the final check list is sitting right beside me and, it doesn't feel real that I am about to do this. I am not sure what I am feeling more: excitement, apprehension, nervous, antici...........pation, elation, courageous, hopeful... the list probably could go on for quite a while if I keep using vocabulary.com to look up feeling words. I've felt this before, this surreal feeling, it has happened lots of times in the past, I think it is the complete conglomeration of all my emotions that I feel when I step into the unknown. One small step for Suni, one huge who-knows-what for the rest of her life.... (don't worry, I am coming home kids.... <wink>)
So, I will keep the itinerary below updated, and will note the date it was last updated. I am planning to do a check-in like this on this page once a week, and I should be able to hold up to that, but not sure of a specific time/day, but I will update my social media pages too so you'll know! I know there are lots of folks praying for me, sending me positive vibes, worrying a bit about me, and wishing me good "on the road" karma, and I am grateful for it all!
Keep your head up! Talk to y'all soon!
4/4/2021 Maricopa, AZ
So, I will keep the itinerary below updated, and will note the date it was last updated. I am planning to do a check-in like this on this page once a week, and I should be able to hold up to that, but not sure of a specific time/day, but I will update my social media pages too so you'll know! I know there are lots of folks praying for me, sending me positive vibes, worrying a bit about me, and wishing me good "on the road" karma, and I am grateful for it all!
Keep your head up! Talk to y'all soon!
4/4/2021 Maricopa, AZ
So, I am doing something that I am very excited about. Starting April 5th, I am taking a solo cross country road trip that will last about six weeks. I am going to see a whole bunch of places I have never been to, including where I was born, AND get to visit with some folks I haven’t seen in forever, some as long as fifteen years. You can check out my current tentative schedule and route (below), which I will keep updated if things change. If I am in your neck of the woods and you would like to meet up, posses a couch I can crash on, have a favorite dish you have been looking for an excuse to cook, or wouldn’t mind me doing a quick load of laundry, let’s plan something.
I am still unemployed, which means I am on a more restrained budget and I will be doing some camping, boon-docking, and cheap "moteling" along the way. I have started writing a book and planning on some podcasting throughout this journey. I am definitely taking donations to help mitigate the cost of gas, food, hotels, etc. But, what would be super helpful would be unique ideas of things to see and places to try.... so even if you are aren’t available but know of a cool local gem or something I shouldn’t miss en route; send that information my way as well. :)
I will be updating this page, with pictures, maybe some fun quick stories, etc… and also plan to put out a little weekly newsletterish type of deal, so if you would like to get that, make sure to contact me so that I have the email address you would like me to use.
Keep your head up,
-Suni
sunisaysso@gmail.com
Tentative Checkpoint Schedule - Updated 4/4/2021
Albuquerque, New Mexico - 4/5/2021
Austin, Texas - 4/6/2021
New Orleans, Louisiana - 4/8/2021
Atlanta, Georgia - 4/10/2021
Charleston, South Carolina - 4/11/2021
Charlotte, North Carolina - 4/12/2021
Knoxville, Tennessee - 4/13/2021
Washington D.C. - 4/15/2021
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - 4/17/2021
New York City, New York - 4/18/2021
Cleveland, Ohio - 4/20/2021
Indianapolis, Indiana - 4/21/2021
Madison, Wisconsin - 4/23/2021
Chicago, Illinois - 4/24/2021
Peoria, Illinois - 4/25/2021
Branson, Missouri - 4/26/2021
Denver, Colorado - 4/30/2021
Boise, Idaho - 5/2/2021
Moxee, Washington - 5/3/2021
Seattle, Washington - 5/5/2021
Portland, Oregon - 5/6/2021
Sacramento, California - 5/9/2021
San Jose, California - 5/10/2021
Laguna Hills, California - 5/15/2021
Albuquerque, New Mexico - 4/5/2021
Austin, Texas - 4/6/2021
New Orleans, Louisiana - 4/8/2021
Atlanta, Georgia - 4/10/2021
Charleston, South Carolina - 4/11/2021
Charlotte, North Carolina - 4/12/2021
Knoxville, Tennessee - 4/13/2021
Washington D.C. - 4/15/2021
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - 4/17/2021
New York City, New York - 4/18/2021
Cleveland, Ohio - 4/20/2021
Indianapolis, Indiana - 4/21/2021
Madison, Wisconsin - 4/23/2021
Chicago, Illinois - 4/24/2021
Peoria, Illinois - 4/25/2021
Branson, Missouri - 4/26/2021
Denver, Colorado - 4/30/2021
Boise, Idaho - 5/2/2021
Moxee, Washington - 5/3/2021
Seattle, Washington - 5/5/2021
Portland, Oregon - 5/6/2021
Sacramento, California - 5/9/2021
San Jose, California - 5/10/2021
Laguna Hills, California - 5/15/2021