May 14 2012
The Dilemma
Ever since Erica and Jessica decamped to Portland last summer, the fabulous quotient in Hooterville and environs dropped by about 1,000%. I’m glad that Jessica is living a Ramona life in the land of Beverly Cleary and that Erica is revelling in city amenities, but I miss them.
Megan wants to go and visit the Dynamic Duo this summer, but her older sister has some reservations.
Number One: It’s a twelve hour drive. TWELVE HOURS. It used to take me 12 hours to fly non-stop to London from San Francisco, and even with the ability to get up and walk around, drink cocktails, read, sleep, and watch movies on my laptop, I could hardly stand it. At least there was Dad, London, and Europe at the other end.
The whole problem with driving is that it’s the worst of both worlds: really boring, but you have to pay attention. Also, it is simultaneously too fast and too slow. On the freeway, if you’re going 70 mph and everyone else is going even faster (as they usually are), if they hit you, not even Rico from Six Feet Under could make you fit for human viewing ever again.
And then there’s the whole dead thing.
At the same time, you are speeding along at 70 mph or whatever it may be, and it will still take you half a day or more to get to the next state.
And then you’ll have to do it all again in a week’s time.
Add in the fact that I don’t get paid when I’m not at the jobette and gas will be around $300 plus whatever other money we spend while we’re away, and you can add “expensive” to “boring” and “scary”.
On the other hand, we haven’t seen Erica and Jessica since Christmas, and they braved the hideous trip with their dog to see us, so we kind of owe them. Also, Megan is afraid that if we don’t make the effort, E & J will drift out of our lives, and that’s a fate worse than road tripping.
What to do, what to do?
*Honestly, have you ever seen a cuter school picture? None of mine even came remotely close.
8 Responses to “The Dilemma”
You MUST go for it……These friends are too good to lose.. Maybe Erica could look out for a job for you???????????? That way you wouldn’t have to travel back and forth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So suck it up buttercup and make up your mind to drive,drive,drive…………. besides, Meg will be with you.
jxx
PS This is one gorgeous girl!
jx
She is beautiful and I’m sure that taking the trip will benefit both you and Megan and you will get to see the ones you miss.
I have to say, nice SFU reference. I still miss that show.
that photo is awesome. don’t suppose there is a train option? (I ask only because cars aren’t necessarily necessary for Portland, depending on what part you’re in.) Train travel isn’t fast, but it’s more civilized and pleasant! I selfishly want you to go just for more Jessica stories. 🙂
Mike – me, too! It was amazing.
Lisa – We looked into that, but we’d have to drive the 4 hours to the Bay Area and then take the train for 14 hours. Also it’s pretty expensive, and we’d have to pay to park the car for a week. There’s no easy solution, it seems!
Erica said that they might be coming down after school ends in June, so we’ll see!
too bad, but not surprising about the train. 🙁
Have you been to Portland? It is a really fantastic place to visit, if you can find a way to make it happen! (I really enjoy making other people do the driving.) 🙂
I have been there, but it’s been a few years. Also Megan would probably do most of the driving. Maybe we could meet up there!