rules for travel...

you can learn an awful lot about folks when you go out of town with them. sure, you may spend time with them on the regular (in a casual way), but when you actually leave your comfort zone & venture out into the unknown world of personalities…woah. here are some simple truths & rules to help prepare you mentally…

-have a plan prior to departure; as in, everyone on the same page.

-if someone else is waiting on you, notify them in advance that you’re running 3 hours behind estimated pick up time. 

-just because you have crossed your i’s & dotted your t’s, does not mean others have. expect hiccups.

-accepting a last minute guest can be tricky. stick to the original lineup, if possible.

-take some sort of snacks or sustenance for yourself. never know when you will have to fast for 24 hours.

-have more than 1 or 2 things in common with fellow travelers.

-do not discuss any intelligent or mature topics…actually, just keep your mouth shut. not everyone has an open mind.

-not everyone will get your sense of humor. some folks are too damn serious & some are too damn sensitive.

-always remember that it only takes one negative nellie or complainer to derail the whole group.

-be mindful that “it’s not all about you” when others are involved.

-don’t count on too much; even though having fun shouldn’t be too much to ask.

-everyone has an opinion or a good idea; use common sense to decide what will suit the whole.

-don’t feel bad to deviate from the herd to do what you want to do…every man for himself, right?

-don’t wait for later, in a little bit, wanna do this, let’s go here, or tomorrow. if you want it, get it or do it…now.

-actions definitely speak louder than words.

-don’t “volunteer” to do something only to bitch about it…repeatedly.

-don’t be a broken freaking record.

-don’t attempt to bond with those you don’t know or expect to make memories with those that you do.

-just because you’re the loudest voice doesn’t make you the leader, the voice of reason, or the most accurate.

-communication is key!

-be respectful of other people’s personal space.

-be responsible for your own comfort, insecurities, etc.

-things are going to go awry. & sometimes it’s over & over & over…pretty much until you get back home.

-if some things are out of your control, there’s really no need to bring everyone else down.

-enthusiasm & excitement can always be blindsided.

-your own bed will never feel better to you than after a miserable trip.

-keep in mind that after every bad experience, your appreciation for your lovely life will be exemplified! 

hope this helped someone out there! just choose wisely & buckle up for a potential hellacious ride. back to being positive; having learned more about myself & the situations i wish to involve myself with in the future. i wash my hands of it now & will not wallow in it any longer. life goes on. (my beautiful, cozy, loving life) good luck & happy trails!