So it begins...

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

Well, I am officially on the road!  My first technical destination was Indianapolis to see my beautiful friend Whitney.  It was a nice evening full of ridiculous movies (Kindergarten Cop, Bride Wars) and girl talk.  She let me stay at her place to knock two hours off of my drive to Springfield on Sunday.  Thanks, Whitney!

Sunday Morning I woke up and I took off toward Springfield, MO.  Here are a few pictures from my drive...which I deemed the drive of over sized things.

This was as I was driving into St. Louis. Welcome!!

I just liked the way this framed the sky scraper, so I took a picture! (Note: GIANT arch)

Just another shot of the arch...

This was pretty much the best I could get of the Mississippi River, I was driving on the interstate and trying not to kill anyone just to get a good picture.

This one is for my Dad - he loved it here. =) (but still, Go Cubbies!)

GIANT cross.  This went perfectly with the theme of hyper-religious billboards I saw dotted across Missouri.  Sheesh.

This is the "World's Largest Rocker!"  I considered turning around after seeing it, because I doubt I could see anything more impressive my entire trip. It was just a short distance off the interstate, so I figured I would check it out.

Can't travel the old Route 66 without getting a picture!

Once I got into Springfield - it was time to get some food and find Monica's.  I passed a little joint called the Purple Burrito and thought - what?  Naturally I stopped.  It was quite yummy, but definitely no Texano's (which I will be eating in a few short days in Tempe!!).  Then I found Monica's and waited for her to return.  For those of you unaware, Monica is my cousin on my mom's side.  Her mother and my mother are sisters.  She has lived in Missouri for most of her life and I do not get the pleasure of seeing her regularly - nor have I seen her as an "adult."  Well, let me tell you this...she is pretty fantastical.  She was sweet and intelligent (which is how I remember as a young girl) but also funny, beautiful and just so genuine.  She told me to make myself at home and she meant it.  We talked about college, House, relationships, Glee, catty and dramatic GUYS and a host of other things.  It was very nice to see her and chat.  I hope we can do it again sooner than later.

Here was my couch, which I could not for the life of me figure out how to fold down into a bed. (I think I will try and get pictures of all of the couches I sleep on along the way)

Bear with us, it is pre 8am.  At least Monica has showered, I just woke up!  Lovely lady she is, though.

Here Nevin, I black and whited the bridge photo for you.  I know how you like these type of shots. =)

That's that...off to Oklahoma City!