Adventure Awaits

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, 2020 has been one crazy year. The Coronavirus pandemic has wrecked so many plans and turned life upside down around the globe. My very full summer calendar was reduced to two events in September. The uncertainty of the immediate future led to canceling our vacation to Florida. Instead, I’m using my imagination to make my own adventures. (Thanks, Nate!)

I started my current job in May 2015, and I haven’t actually taken a week’s vacation since. I’m sure I’ll regret it when I go back next Monday, but for now I am making the best of my time off work. My “vacation” this year will be full of mini adventures, much like the last one was five years ago. (No, my darling daughter, I do not want you to break your arm again!)

Yesterday, my sister and I got up early, threw some sunblock in the car, and headed out along a 3+ hour drive to Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium. We discovered this little gem last year on a road trip to Hershey to see Shinedown🖤💛. We had planned to stop there on our way back home, but an impending blizzard forced us to high-tail it back to WashPA without stopping. Mr. Ed’s did not disappoint! I don’t know if I was more excited about the over 12,000 elephants on display or the spectacular array of candy that created us as we entered the Emporium.

This incredible roadside destination is just west of Gettysburg, just outside of Caledonia State Park. It’s definitely worth stopping on your way by. I’d even go so far as to say that if you are a fan of day trips and quirkinesses, it’s absolutely worth the drive as the destination! There’s honestly something for everyone. We’ll absolutely be going back!

After a long day on the road yesterday, today we decided to stay a little closer to home. Our drive was only about 45 minutes to Black Armor Tattoo on Presque Isle Drive in Pittsburgh. Our long-time tattoo artist and friend Matt Miller has graced us both with some rather large new pieces that will be the foundation of our much anticipated sleeves. Any day spent in a tattoo parlor is an adventure in itself, but with the added bonus of new ink! I spent a little over three hours in the chair today. I’m in love with this tribute piece for my grandparents. It’s gorgeous already, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves when I climb back in the chair for session #2.

I don’t know what adventures the next three days will bring. The weather will have an impact on what manner of debauchery we’ll get into. We’ve got a girls trip to look forward to this weekend that I’m certain will include delicious Covered Bridge Pizza and breakfast at the Andover Diner. There are so many more memories to be made. COVID-19 can’t keep us down!

Right now, we’re gonna enjoy the 🍣Sushi Tsunami🍣 at Yokoso! Happy Tuesday!!