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Something Different9 October 2003

How to Road Trip

Leslie Harpold of The Morning News had this to say about the very same thing that I'm doing now. Sort of. How to Road Trip I found it on Kottke.org. My favorite part was called, "Don't Corner Rats."

It's a fact when rats are cornered, they attack. Stuck in a car for days on end is not the right time to try and find out if your boyfriend thinks you're prettier than his ex, if your girlfriend really likes your mom, or what the guys from your band's honest opinion is about that thing you do on stage with the jumping.
Reminds me of the time my college boyfriend and I were driving back to LA from SF. I had just met his parents for the first time. I was so excited about the weekend and had a great time. I asked him what they thought of me and his answer turned me into a tearful mess. Then we had 5.5 more hours of driving. I hadn't learned this Rat Trick yet. I was only 20. But the upside is that I will have a road trip partner from Chicago to Atlanta. My good friend Leigh. There aren't too many women I'd do something like this with, and she is about one of two, maybe three. So don't worry Leigh, saddle on up. We'll be fine and you can pick the music I don't care. I mean come on, you've got three options -- Bruce, Rushmore soundtrack, or French tapes.

3 comments

  • Michelle10 October 2003
    Hi Jen :D Been enjoying your blog for a while and I would like to help out whenever I can. My friend and I are actually driving from Wisconsin to our home in Florida next week--what dates are you doing the Chicago to Atlanta run? We might be traveling the same route. LOL Also my friend is the regional cafe trainer for Borders in Florida, so if you need info for maybe doing a few instores or something, throw me a line and let me know. :D
  • Jen Leo10 October 2003
    Hi Michelle, I might be coming to Wisconsin before you leave. I have an event in Madison at Canterbury Books on Wed. Are you near there? https://www.madisoncanterbury.com/ I'm also looking into what kind of gigs I can get around there. It's too late for bookstores, but if you have a gathering of women, a club, or anything like that I can come speak to just hollar. Also if you have any radio or other media leads, I'd appreciate it. I'm figuring out the blitz now, so just let me know. Big thanks Michelle! Also, Midtown Books in Memphis is having a big party for me (and for their new store) on Sunday Oct 19 if you can make it there on your way. Kegger, dj, and comedy act in addition to my readings.
  • Curt2 January 2004
    Take my advice. Drive straight. None of this stopping bullshit. Switch off drivers. Drink Red Bull. Take speed. Do whatever it takes to keep the rubber to the asphalt. I have driven straight fron Portland, OR to Las Vegas twice now. Just me driving. The first time I dozed off once, but the second time I did just fine, baby. I made it there in 18 hours flat. No tickets, no casualties. And that's what's best right? Listen. I have been on several day roadtrips with friends. Goddamn it, the fights! Crying! Screaming! Holy christ, it's un-fucking-believable. Just make it as quick as you can. Get it over with. Like tearing off a Band-aid, or having sex with a dog. The quicker the better.

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