Advise my life, please! : XML WIDGEThttp://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/low.mtmYou can use this XML spec to create a desktop widget or other application (i.e. Flash visualization). Please share it with us in our forum and we'll link it here!en-us281891http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q51<![CDATA[Bornbad @ 6/28/2008 9:37:07 PM]]>6/28/2008 9:37:07 PM2008-06-28T21:37:07+01:00281852http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q50<![CDATA[TraumaMamma @ 6/28/2008 8:13:46 PM]]>« IcePigs : HEY!!!

That wasn't DL, that was me.

Open them back up!!!You didn't do the special knock!]]>6/28/2008 8:13:46 PM2008-06-28T20:13:46+01:00281841http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q49<![CDATA[IcePigs @ 6/28/2008 8:01:04 PM]]>« TraumaMamma : *screams*

/Pulls curtains closed.HEY!!!

That wasn't DL, that was me.

Open them back up!!!]]>6/28/2008 8:01:04 PM2008-06-28T20:01:04+01:00281836http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q48<![CDATA[TraumaMamma @ 6/28/2008 7:54:59 PM]]>« doggylives : It's not a bad thing depending on which ladies window you're outside of.*screams*

/Pulls curtains closed.]]>6/28/2008 7:54:59 PM2008-06-28T19:54:59+01:00281688http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q47<![CDATA[doggylives @ 6/28/2008 1:45:53 PM]]>« mobase : You say that like it's a bad thing, Sir Bagge of Douche.It's not a bad thing depending on which ladies window you're outside of.]]>6/28/2008 1:45:53 PM2008-06-28T13:45:53+01:00281684http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q46<![CDATA[mobase @ 6/28/2008 1:31:00 PM]]>« doggylives : and by this mobase means stand outside ladies windows and whack off, like he does.You say that like it's a bad thing, Sir Bagge of Douche.]]>6/28/2008 1:31:00 PM2008-06-28T13:31:00+01:00281652http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q45<![CDATA[doggylives @ 6/28/2008 12:19:50 PM]]>« mobase :

Become a people watcher.
and by this mobase means stand outside ladies windows and whack off, like he does.]]>6/28/2008 12:19:50 PM2008-06-28T12:19:50+01:00281650http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q44<![CDATA[mobase @ 6/28/2008 12:15:43 PM]]>
I would think that miles of pedaling, exertion and the goal of the next hill will have a very profound effect on you and your mental state. You will find a lot of meditation time happening on its own just from the monotony and the endorphins and the exertion, all of which can be very cleansing, mentally speaking.
Start each day with a simple, yet thought provoking read to chew on over the miles, but make sure it's a positive one. Talk to people along the way.

Become a people watcher.
You can learn a lot about yourself by paying attention to what annoys you in a total stranger. These are usually the things you don't like about yourself.]]>6/28/2008 12:15:43 PM2008-06-28T12:15:43+01:00281580http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q43<![CDATA[xiatethebish @ 6/28/2008 5:46:50 AM]]>« Moe : This is a threadjack, but it is an important one IMO and it involves advice, so here goes:Yes, you do. I have never been in the military, but my grandfather landed at Normandy Beach on D-Day and fought all the way to the end of WWII under General Patton. From what little he told me...you DO want to "miss out" on the war. He was 100% dead set against the US going into Iraq based solely on his first hand experiences.

YouTube videos showing us throwing rockets at buildings and cheering at kids running after trucks for bottles of water is NOT war. War is not wonderful and glorious. It is a cliche, but to me it is the most accurate one ever...

WAR. IS. HELL.

I do not think you should avoid joining...my son is going to Afghanistan soon...BUT be sure you are joining for the right reason. PLEASE don't sign up to "kick some ass" or the like.o_O
Who the f**k said I wanted to go to "kick some ass"?
My father was stationed in Germany during Vietnam, and he still talks about how he missed out on the war.
He knew what his friends were out there doing, he lost a lot of them. Most didn't come home.
I realize it's not romantic, and fun, please don't imply that I'm some nitwit that doesn't know what's going on in the world.

If anyone wants to keep this going, feel free to PM me.
This will *not* be a group discussion, again. I'm sick of being called out for how I feel about this war.

/threadjack]]>6/28/2008 5:46:50 AM2008-06-28T05:46:50+01:00281114http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q42<![CDATA[imnotyoo @ 6/27/2008 2:29:58 AM]]>6/27/2008 2:29:58 AM2008-06-27T02:29:58+01:00281101http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q41<![CDATA[deEPCHIll @ 6/27/2008 12:47:41 AM]]>
That's IF I even go....]]>6/27/2008 12:47:41 AM2008-06-27T00:47:41+01:00281100http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q40<![CDATA[gammerus @ 6/27/2008 12:40:48 AM]]>« TraumaMamma 
Being a mom, I have to add to my intial advice.

Don't bike. Take a train or take a flight and set up residence there. As a 911 operator I can tell you that the road for a lone bike rider is fraught with danger.My thoughts exactly. The world isn't the safe place it should be.]]>6/27/2008 12:40:48 AM2008-06-27T00:40:48+01:00281096http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q39<![CDATA[deEPCHIll @ 6/27/2008 12:32:20 AM]]>« Chez : That's perfectly fine hon *hugs*Awww....you make me feel so warm!

It's funny, I can spend months at a time away from Plime, but when I come back around, I am immediately reminded why I love this place so. Thank you, Chez!]]>6/27/2008 12:32:20 AM2008-06-27T00:32:20+01:00281094http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q38<![CDATA[Chez @ 6/27/2008 12:26:37 AM]]>« deEPCHIll : No matter how much I deny it, I'm still a confused adolescent.

:(That's perfectly fine hon *hugs*]]>6/27/2008 12:26:37 AM2008-06-27T00:26:37+01:00281088http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q37<![CDATA[deEPCHIll @ 6/27/2008 12:06:32 AM]]>
:(]]>6/27/2008 12:06:32 AM2008-06-27T00:06:32+01:00280936http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q36<![CDATA[Alton @ 6/26/2008 4:06:18 PM]]>
As far as you deepchill, weigh your options. I hear both sides of the argument, and can understand both.

I too, felt the wanderlust at your age, and there was no greater feeling of freedom than being on the road with all your possessions with you. At the same time, the road can be hard at times, and will grow tiresome eventually. You will long for things you've so far, taken advantage of.

I can also understand not wanting a career, a corporate job, but for many people, that does change as you get older. Around 30, you start thinking about family, and the things that go with it, like security, and a home. Things you need a secure job and credit to obtain.

I have a friend that, in his youth, rode around the US, with several friends, in a VW bus, for months on end. Another friend, saved up for a flight to Europe, and hitchhiked with a friend for 3 months. Both of these people say that it was an experience they will treasure forever, and are so glad they did it. Both of them had been through college, by then though, and once they were done, settled into careers.

Have a game plan. Personally, I don't think you are ready for a Buddhist temple, quite yet.

Definitely see the world, on your terms, while you are young and have the freedom to pursue your dreams, but make plans for after that, also. Otherwise, you may spend your 30s and beyond trying to catch up, and having trouble doing it.

EDIT: Oh, and if college and corporate world isn't your thing, learn a trade you love and can make money with. Especially if you are traveling. This is what you can be doing now, while you are deciding your next course of action.]]>6/26/2008 4:06:18 PM2008-06-26T16:06:18+01:00280913http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q35<![CDATA[deEPCHIll @ 6/26/2008 3:35:48 PM]]>
edit: I guess it's just me.]]>6/26/2008 3:35:48 PM2008-06-26T15:35:48+01:00280909http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q34<![CDATA[vexingmodstwo @ 6/26/2008 3:31:40 PM]]>« Moe : This is a threadjack, but it is an important one IMO and it involves advice, so here goes:Yes, you do. I have never been in the military, but my grandfather landed at Normandy Beach on D-Day and fought all the way to the end of WWII under General Patton. From what little he told me...you DO want to "miss out" on the war. He was 100% dead set against the US going into Iraq based solely on his first hand experiences.

YouTube videos showing us throwing rockets at buildings and cheering at kids running after trucks for bottles of water is NOT war. War is not wonderful and glorious. It is a cliche, but to me it is the most accurate one ever...

WAR. IS. HELL.

I do not think you should avoid joining...my son is going to Afghanistan soon...BUT be sure you are joining for the right reason. PLEASE don't sign up to "kick some ass" or the like.I concur.]]>6/26/2008 3:31:40 PM2008-06-26T15:31:40+01:00280908http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q33<![CDATA[TraumaMamma @ 6/26/2008 3:31:03 PM]]>« Moe : This is a threadjack, but it is an important one IMO and it involves advice, so here goes:Yes, you do. I have never been in the military, but my grandfather landed at Normandy Beach on D-Day and fought all the way to the end of WWII under General Patton. From what little he told me...you DO want to "miss out" on the war. He was 100% dead set against the US going into Iraq based solely on his first hand experiences.

YouTube videos showing us throwing rockets at buildings and cheering at kids running after trucks for bottles of water is NOT war. War is not wonderful and glorious. It is a cliche, but to me it is the most accurate one ever...

WAR. IS. HELL.

I do not think you should avoid joining...my son is going to Afghanistan soon...BUT be sure you are joining for the right reason. PLEASE don't sign up to "kick some ass" or the like.Oh Moe, I wish I could upvote you more!]]>6/26/2008 3:31:03 PM2008-06-26T15:31:03+01:00280906http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q32<![CDATA[Moe @ 6/26/2008 3:26:47 PM]]>« xiatethebish :I don't want to miss out on this war and any chance of getting deployed.Yes, you do. I have never been in the military, but my grandfather landed at Normandy Beach on D-Day and fought all the way to the end of WWII under General Patton. From what little he told me...you DO want to "miss out" on the war. He was 100% dead set against the US going into Iraq based solely on his first hand experiences.

YouTube videos showing us throwing rockets at buildings and cheering at kids running after trucks for bottles of water is NOT war. War is not wonderful and glorious. It is a cliche, but to me it is the most accurate one ever...

WAR. IS. HELL.

I just switched recruiters the other day, so hopefully this guy will get on the ball and pull out the papers I need to sign.
I do not think you should avoid joining...my son is going to Afghanistan soon...BUT be sure you are joining for the right reason. PLEASE don't sign up to "kick some ass" or the like.]]>6/26/2008 3:26:47 PM2008-06-26T15:26:47+01:00280905http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q31<![CDATA[deEPCHIll @ 6/26/2008 3:26:26 PM]]>« TraumaMamma : Don't bike. Take a train or take a flight and set up residence there. As a 911 operator I can tell you that the road for a lone bike rider is fraught with danger.The best advice yet, I propose. And the more I think of it, I guess I really am not ready for this kind of change, no matter how much I want it, and maybe that explains itself. Curse this fragility of youth!

And of course I'll save you a spot! It might be an earth-home made of recycled materials with mud, if that's okay.]]>6/26/2008 3:26:26 PM2008-06-26T15:26:26+01:00280904http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q30<![CDATA[badbud @ 6/26/2008 3:26:26 PM]]>
Clearly you have a great deal of discontent, which like happiness, is a choice.


What you need is a few weeks of serious internal dialogue during which time you set some priorities. It's good to have dreams/goals/hopes/aspirations/ideals. It's also good to have stability, a house and a car, and to pay the bills on time. Get a job, put some money away, choose a profitable career path that will allow you the freedom to follow some of those dreams and still pay the rent.




Right now, go the alexandria pastry shop on king street and have a treat. Buy a 10 inch passion fruit torte, frozen. Take it to the UPS store a few doors to the left and mail it to me...]]>6/26/2008 3:26:26 PM2008-06-26T15:26:26+01:00280901http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q29<![CDATA[cheeselog1234 @ 6/26/2008 3:24:27 PM]]>« hOOsker : so I'm thinking your in the "don't know any" category...can't say that i have.]]>6/26/2008 3:24:27 PM2008-06-26T15:24:27+01:00280896http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q28<![CDATA[TraumaMamma @ 6/26/2008 3:20:22 PM]]>
It is beautiful there, I love the weather.

I assume mine draw has always been genetic, my grandfather, who died when my dad was a teenager, moved his family there when he had heart problems. The weather was kinder to his body than Ohio. My aunt thinks her dads spirit has alot to do with me wanting to take root there. ;)

If you get there before I do, save me a nice spot, will ya?

Being a mom, I have to add to my intial advice.

Don't bike. Take a train or take a flight and set up residence there. As a 911 operator I can tell you that the road for a lone bike rider is fraught with danger.]]>6/26/2008 3:20:22 PM2008-06-26T15:20:22+01:00280895http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q27<![CDATA[deEPCHIll @ 6/26/2008 3:18:06 PM]]>« cheeselog1234:uh...my wife said no, sorry....figures.]]>6/26/2008 3:18:06 PM2008-06-26T15:18:06+01:00280893http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q26<![CDATA[hOOsker @ 6/26/2008 3:15:51 PM]]>« cheeselog1234:

Also, totally unrelated but, remember the golden rule: a*****es are everywhere. If you haven't met any, then you're it.
so I'm thinking you're in the "don't know any" category...]]>6/26/2008 3:15:51 PM2008-06-26T15:15:51+01:00280892http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q25<![CDATA[cheeselog1234 @ 6/26/2008 3:15:00 PM]]>« deEPCHIll : I am a filthy hippie in every sense of the words. uh...my wife said no, sorry.]]>6/26/2008 3:15:00 PM2008-06-26T15:15:00+01:00280889http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q24<![CDATA[deEPCHIll @ 6/26/2008 3:11:06 PM]]>
And thank you, vexingmod, for the boycot! Down with Noodles!!!!!]]>6/26/2008 3:11:06 PM2008-06-26T15:11:06+01:00280887http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q23<![CDATA[SkandarGraun @ 6/26/2008 3:10:44 PM]]>6/26/2008 3:10:44 PM2008-06-26T15:10:44+01:00280879http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q22<![CDATA[vexingmodstwo @ 6/26/2008 3:04:55 PM]]>
This country was founded on the belief that it is every humans right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

A bike ride across the country sounds like it will be EXACTLY that for you. Just make sure you prepare for it so you don't get screwed, but it can still happen. You need to be aware of that.

And, hell, you never know... You might actually find what you're looking for before you ever get to Cali. You're 21. Go for it, man!

(And I live in the DC area and will never eat at Noodle & Co. in your honor)]]>6/26/2008 3:04:55 PM2008-06-26T15:04:55+01:00280876http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q21<![CDATA[deEPCHIll @ 6/26/2008 2:59:02 PM]]>
I just need to clarify that I don't necessarily feel as though I am running from anything. I just don't enjoy living in a desolate expanse of suburbs and strip-malls, especially when all they surround is Capitol Hill Hypocricy. And northern California is just so damn gorgeous that if I leave to go anywhere, that is my destination. And I have worked numerous s**tty jobs. The most was recent was an Assistant Manager at a Noodles & Co restaurant, which I felt as though I had to quit when the employees where complaining to me about our racist, sexist bigot of a boss and then his boss refused to do anything about it. "I don't think it's that big of a deal," he told me. On a side note, I no longer approve of ANY plimate eating at a Noodles & Co in the D.C. area. :)

Since then, I have traveled the north east area working at music festivals and selling handmade necklaces with handblown glass, and mucho cigarettes for $7-$10 a pack after buying lots of cartons for only $30. Hooray for America's variable standards of living!

Another reason I feel like just leaving and starting over somewhere else is that my band isn't taking themselves very seriously right now, and my music is all I really care about at the moment. I have a drummer who wants to go back to metal(???), a guitarist who goes on tuna fishing excursions like literally EVERY WEEKEND, and then mucho conflicting schedules from everyone else. One of the guys (I don't want to give his name), who I feel is as committed as I am, has actually talked with me before about moving to California, and I'm thinking that me doing this might instigate something inside him, but I should definitely talk to him about it, huh?

**********************

Okay, I agree with most of you in that I need to really put some time in thinking about this, looking for another option if it exists. I do disagree with badbud, though, as what you said insinuates that every single state, county, region, country, or whatever on this planet all have the exact same feel and level of possibilities, but I have traveled enough to know that from some places I get really good vibes from the environment and the locals, and some other places I get really BAD vibes. I am not happy when I am surrounded by bad vibes, no matter how much I tell myself that I am. I know this is 'just a ride', but still I should make the most of it for myself. If I feel uncomfortable living somewhere, I don't think I should suck it up just because some other people might. Especially not when I live somewhere where the average person has more hate than love for the first random stranger they see.

**************************

I don't want to live with monks because I think it will make me peaceful. I want to live with monks to get the f**k away from the overall feeling of anti-peace that seems to engulf the world right now. I am a filthy hippie in every sense of the words. And I think that money is nothing but economic energy, and a stockpile of energy is wasting it when it could do so much good for the world if everyone with more money than they need to survive gave it back to the community.

I'm obviously very disgruntled right now.

Maybe I shouldn't act too swiftly.

Thanks to everyone for their two cents!!!!]]>6/26/2008 2:59:02 PM2008-06-26T14:59:02+01:00280875http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q20<![CDATA[Maven @ 6/26/2008 2:58:29 PM]]>6/26/2008 2:58:29 PM2008-06-26T14:58:29+01:00280868http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q19<![CDATA[cheeselog1234 @ 6/26/2008 2:48:35 PM]]>So I am 21, my life is in a ditch right now

My initial reaction is - get used to it - life is full of "ups and downs". the proverbial roller coaster. you're young. you're searching for something. you need to find it. if you have no commitments, nothing holding you down - do it. as you get older you become obligated to more things.

and I feel like for the twentieth time now I'm being forced to start over again

starting over is not necessarily a bad thing. sometimes it's needed. take it as a "fresh start"

I don't wanna get into the specifics, but society is designed to suck for anyone who never does what they are told to do

some people are okay with doing what they're told to do. some people are not. we're all designed differently. so this is your perspective. i have a few friends with this "entrepreneurial spirit". you don't want to be told what to do. you want to be your own boss. it's understandable. continue to embrace it.

Freedom, meh

freedom is much more than being able to do whatever you want. freedom is being able to pack some stuff, jump on a bike and ride from state to state. you can do that, you have freedom.

Option 'A' is that I throw as much useful things as I can in a big backpack

don't forget toilet paper, baby wipes, sunscreen and a camera.

jump on my mountain bike to trek across the country from Virginia to California

that sounds awesome. if you make it to southern california and want a place to crash/shower/shave for a night, let me know (i'd have to ok it with the wife first though).

I'm thinking of making a new life in Humboldt.

Northern california is beautiful. college town, green, progressive. plan ahead for what you are going to do when you get there.

People are kind to each other over there which is more than I can ever say about any place I have lived in

how do you know this? like all places, some people are nice and some people are not. make sure you have realistic expectations of the people and places.

and a pleasant community means more to me than an abundance of money-making opportunities

i agree. you must be content with your community/neighborhood.

Plus the scenery and weather are gorgeous!

very true!

Option 'B' is that I find a Buddhist monastery and spend a few years gaining permanent ease of mind.

whoa permanent ease of mind? sounds awesome.

Honestly, I wish I could just do both, but I am leaning towards 'A'.

A! A! A!]]>6/26/2008 2:48:35 PM2008-06-26T14:48:35+01:00280847http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q18<![CDATA[cheeselog1234 @ 6/26/2008 2:21:35 PM]]>« doggylives : Yeh, you're so sorry you added more to it.

Don't insult me by apologising when you don't mean it yeh?

/threadjack.sorry.]]>6/26/2008 2:21:35 PM2008-06-26T14:21:35+01:00280846http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q17<![CDATA[doggylives @ 6/26/2008 2:20:24 PM]]>« cheeselog1234 : muahahaha...sorry.

i changed it for you. Yeh, you're so sorry you added more to it.

Otherwise you end up with lame cliche vague advice like...well like what doggy said...
Don't insult me by apologising when you don't mean it yeh?

/threadjack.]]>6/26/2008 2:20:24 PM2008-06-26T14:20:24+01:00280845http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q16<![CDATA[cheeselog1234 @ 6/26/2008 2:17:18 PM]]>« doggylives : That's an a*****ey comment if ever I heard one.

Sometimes when you have a decision to make you know deep down what you want and you've already decided what you'll do before you consciously know you have.

That's what I meant by follow your heart, sorry you found it "lame".muahahaha...sorry.

i changed it for you.]]>6/26/2008 2:17:18 PM2008-06-26T14:17:18+01:00280839http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q15<![CDATA[badbud @ 6/26/2008 1:59:05 PM]]>
Why do think Humboldt is such a great place to live? What makes it better than where you are now? A place is just a place, it's the life you choose to make for yourself there that makes the difference.

Much to the dismay of most people, a life doesn't just "happen", it requires work. Sometimes it requires compromise, doing things you don't want to do right now to get to where you want to be later. Other times it requires sacrifice. And every now and then it means not getting what you want, no matter how much you want it. Well adjusted people find a way to live with that.

Happiness is a choice. It's not a place.]]>6/26/2008 1:59:05 PM2008-06-26T13:59:05+01:00280835http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q14<![CDATA[PulsisX @ 6/26/2008 1:50:57 PM]]>
I'm going to back Chez up on this one because she makes an excellent point. Problems will follow you wherever you go. Best to learn how to deal with the world then to run away from it. The Buddhists would laugh at this. You know that their first big rule is that life is suffering.

Maybe you need to do what your told once in a while. Who knows?

Good luck and stay off the moors.]]>6/26/2008 1:50:57 PM2008-06-26T13:50:57+01:00280831http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q13<![CDATA[imnotyoo @ 6/26/2008 1:39:50 PM]]>« vexingmodstwo : At your house? Or in Lawrence, in general?

;-)In Lawrence :p]]>6/26/2008 1:39:50 PM2008-06-26T13:39:50+01:00280824http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q12<![CDATA[vexingmodstwo @ 6/26/2008 1:31:27 PM]]>« imnotyoo : Lots of travelers make a point of stopping (and sometimes staying) here.At your house? Or in Lawrence, in general?

;-)]]>6/26/2008 1:31:27 PM2008-06-26T13:31:27+01:00280822http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q11<![CDATA[doggylives @ 6/26/2008 1:20:42 PM]]>« cheeselog1234 : Otherwise you end up with lame advice like...well like what doggy said...
 That's an a*****ey comment if ever I heard one.

Sometimes when you have a decision to make you know deep down what you want and you've already decided what you'll do before you consciously know you have.

That's what I meant by follow your heart, sorry you found it "lame".]]>6/26/2008 1:20:42 PM2008-06-26T13:20:42+01:00280818http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q10<![CDATA[imnotyoo @ 6/26/2008 1:14:05 PM]]>
If, however, you're clean and are honestly just wanting to bike across the country, then it can be a wonderful, wonderful experience.

The road is tough, and you need to have a good head on your shoulders. Get acquainted with truck stops. They're all different and they're usually pretty interesting. Dirty, but interesting.

Trust your gut. If someone looks shady, don't mingle with them. Stay clean-cut, and talk to locals, they'll think it's fascinating that you're biking so far.

Have someone that you check in with every day or every other day. It can be a Plimate even. Just make sure that someone out there knows where you are and that you're safe. If they go a certain amount of time without hearing from you, they're going to call the cops where you last called from and they're going to find you.

Bad things do happen. Take a knife.

Brush up on your bike-knowledge. Make sure you can repair anything and everything on it. And get a bike lock if you don't already have one.

And most importaintly, if you're following the I70-ish way (which runs from Maryland to Utah), call me when you're near Lawrence, KS. I70 runs through part of my town. And, we're an oasis in Kansas. Lots of travelers make a point of stopping (and sometimes staying) here.]]>6/26/2008 1:14:05 PM2008-06-26T13:14:05+01:00280737http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q9<![CDATA[IcePigs @ 6/26/2008 11:02:45 AM]]>
I would chose "A" - maybe not to live there for the rest of my life, but the road trip will be something you'll remember forever.

Just be smart about it. Take some emergency cash and a cell phone. Don't have an itinerary. Don't get caught up with strangers that could get you in trouble or killed.]]>6/26/2008 11:02:45 AM2008-06-26T11:02:45+01:00280733http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q8<![CDATA[bluenutria @ 6/26/2008 10:57:48 AM]]>Into the Wild?

Nothing is really worth running from. Well, ok, abuse, danger, etc. But whatever your specific problem is, it may be better to deal with it. Confront it head on, no matter how uncomfortable it makes you.

Peace is not found in a Buddhist monastery or across the continent. It's found somewhere inside you.

In the end, it's your choice alone that matters. Nothing anything of us say will matter. We cannot persuade or dissuade you.

I sincerely hope you will find what you seek, no matter where you go or what you do.]]>6/26/2008 10:57:48 AM2008-06-26T10:57:48+01:00280731http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q7<![CDATA[bingo @ 6/26/2008 10:55:53 AM]]>At 21, this is the perfect time to do what you want, you still have plenty of time for the sh**ty job, and the house and kids and everything. Do this while you can, or you'll never be able to.

Once you are out there though, you might also be able to do choice "B". there are monasteries out there too.

GO, DO IT!!]]>6/26/2008 10:55:53 AM2008-06-26T10:55:53+01:00280729http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q6<![CDATA[vexingmodstwo @ 6/26/2008 10:53:02 AM]]>
A trek across the country might be a little bit of a b***h with no funds. Specially out in the more isolated areas where you'd need to have a stash of supplies (i.e. food and water) so you don't wind up dying before you get to Cali.]]>6/26/2008 10:53:02 AM2008-06-26T10:53:02+01:00280715http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q5<![CDATA[TraumaMamma @ 6/26/2008 10:32:34 AM]]>
I wish I would have done things I dreamed of when I was younger, but I was in the military, had kids and could not.

I am saving that for the last part of my life, God willing.

I wish I would have the head on my shoulders I did when I was younger. I wish I would have not been so naive and gotten grants and went to school instead of going in the military as I thought that was the only option I had as my parents could not afford college for me. I knew nothing of student loans, grants, etc. I longed to be a marine biologist, camped out in the Pacific northwest, studying Orcas.

I feel in love with California myself a few years back. Palm trees and the ocean call to me. When my youngest is out of high school I am leaving Ohio. With my RN degree I can go anywhere.

Life is too short. If I get hit by a bus tommorrow, I will have put off my dreams and never achieved them. If you have the means and desire to do it now, I say do it.]]>6/26/2008 10:32:34 AM2008-06-26T10:32:34+01:00280703http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q4<![CDATA[cheeselog1234 @ 6/26/2008 10:13:36 AM]]>lame cliche vague advice like...well like what doggy said...

Also, totally unrelated but, remember the golden rule: a*****es are everywhere. If you haven't met any, then you're it.]]>6/26/2008 10:13:36 AM2008-06-26T10:13:36+01:00280678http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q3<![CDATA[doggylives @ 6/26/2008 9:22:12 AM]]>6/26/2008 9:22:12 AM2008-06-26T09:22:12+01:00280669http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q2<![CDATA[Chez @ 6/26/2008 8:47:00 AM]]>
No, I don't think you should pick up your s**t and leave. Escaping from your problems doesn't make them go away. It's irresponsible and dangerous. The Buddhist thing sounds nice but what after? you'll find yourself being peaceful yet broke.

You're JUST 21, at that age it's ok to be lost. It sucks that whatever is going on in your life right now is making you feel as if you need to start over again but it's just another notch to your experience belt.

I think you need to do some growing up on your own. Get a regular s**tty job, take some classes at a local college (or if college isn't your thing than just jump in and try to find a nicer job.) Stay put and take some serious time to think what you want to do with your life, where you want to be in 10 years. If it's friends that are causing this ruckus in your life, get rid of them. If it's family, then save up and move out. Making big life changes doesn't necessarily mean picking up and going somewhere else. Asking people for advice on a major life decision isn't the best thing to do. For one, we don't know your situation. It's vague, and the answer you like might not be the smartest one in the long run.

I wish you the best in whichever thing you choose to do, regardless of which one it may be. In the end it's YOUR life and your the one who should ultimately choose what to do with it.

*hugs*]]>6/26/2008 8:47:00 AM2008-06-26T08:47:00+01:00
Advise my life, please!
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4547http://www.plime.com/f/4547/1/xml_widget.rss#q1<![CDATA[deEPCHIll @ 6/26/2008 2:39:04 AM]]>It's Life-Changing-Decision time.

So I am 21, my life is in a ditch right now, and I feel like for the twentieth time now I'm being forced to start over again. I don't wanna get into the specifics, but society is designed to suck for anyone who never does what they are told to do.

Freedom, meh.

Anyhow, I believe I have two options right now, at least two that I am willing to do.

Option 'A' is that I throw as much useful things as I can in a big backpack and jump on my mountain bike to trek across the country from Virginia to California. I'm thinking of making a new life in Humboldt. People are kind to each other over there, which is more than I can ever say about any place I have lived in, and a pleasant community means more to me than an abundance of money-making opportunities. Plus the scenery and weather are gorgeous!

Option 'B' is that I find a Buddhist monastery and spend a few years gaining permanent ease of mind.

Honestly, I wish I could just do both, but I am leaning towards 'A'. I can still visit the monks.

Anybody got any advice for me?]]>6/26/2008 2:39:04 AM2008-06-26T02:39:04+01:00