A Southern Girl's Guide to Planning a Trip Around the World

A picture of Blakely's misspent youth.

To be read phonetically.  

Note: The entirety of this content uses phrases directly from our Southern childhoods.  It is written from the POV of a supportive, but sassy Southern lady (as if there is any other type).

 

 

 

This trip is a doozie and I'm proud of y'all.  But thinkin of y'all in some foreign land gets us all as nervous as cats on a tin roof and alotta folks can't make heads or tails of why y'all're leaving.  Honey, you're as stubborn as a mule so I don't need to worry about you changin' course.

Now this trip won't all be easy.  Plans'll go cattywampus just about when you're all hot and bothered.  You'll want to bless out every good-for-nothin who gives you the short end of the stick.  Don't fly off the handle or get your pretty feathers ruffled.  Just take a breath, eat somethin wholesome, have a cocktail, put on some color, and get back out there.

Sugah, now, you can't go trampin around the world in your pearls and lace.  They'll be on you quicker than a duck on a June bug.  So cover up what God gave ya and mind your manners.  That doesn't mean they won't get onto you.  But you're in their territory so you gotta respect that.  Just say "yes m'am," "no m'am," "yes sir" and "no sir."  Honey catches more flies than vinegar.

Dahlin you know I think the world of you and the babies think you hung the moon.  So have a fabulous time.  But remember who you are and who's you are.  And y'all hurry back now, ya hear?

Reading Partners

What is Reading Partners?

An organization that works with schools in major cities around the country (lookin' at you New York) to tutor students who have fallen behind in their reading abilities.  They match one tutor to each student in order to empower the students as lifelong readers and unlock unlimited possibilities. 

This is Darius.  Yes, he's cooler than all of us.

Reasons We Love Reading Partners:

  1. Anyone can do it.  You don't have to be a teacher because the curriculum is provided and very simple to follow.
  2. The results are measurable so it's easier to stay motivated.
  3. You work with the same child and therefore develop a relationship and provide consistency.
  4. There are multiple time windows to tutor throughout each day so it can fit into your schedule.
  5. Reading is Blakely's passion (obsession).  This reason shouldn't be overlooked-- if you have a hard time giving back and you want to start, pick whatever makes you happiest or angriest and go from there.  

Click Here to Get Involved

 

Do We Miss New York

Like all breakups, we needed separation to gain clarity.  Of course, next we went through the denial-bargaining-anger-grief phases.  Now we have emerged-- a bit shaken, but in one piece.  And we're finally ready to talk about it.

So here it is.  The first of our post-breakup posts.  We recommend you read it how it was written- with your favorite breakup pint.

What We'll Miss / What We Won't

Fancy cocktails / That cost $14

The Piano Guy in Washington Sq. / The Pigeon Guy in Washington Sq.

The Spring / The urine smell that follows

The Fall / That only lasts 5 days

Amazing West Village apartment / Tiny in all ways but rent

Everything being so close / Everyone being so close

World’s Best Restaurants / With the sauciest Maître D’s

The Shows / Time Square

Informed people / Protests

Living at the Center of the World / Fear of terrorist attacks            

Public transportation / RATS

The very best Police and Fire Dept / Sirens all night

But there are aspects of New York that are untouchable by our cynicism (as if New York needed our protection.).  The daily things like amazing tap water and personal drivers.  The museums and parks in a city so well laid out it gives evidence to smarter men having a bigger plan.  Challenging jobs that proved ourselves to ourselves.  The honesty that replaces manners and, with that, the freedom in knowing exactly where you stand with people.   The unique lives being lived in each window you see.  And the history on every street, every block, and every building of New York.   A history in which, by daring to live there, little you play a part.

New York, if you're reading this, we miss you already.

How We Planned our Itinerary Around the World

We NEVER thought it would happen.  With all seasons and hemispheres to contend with, we were in despair.  Blakely called off the trip or said we'd need 10 years to do it.  And then, it clicked.  

This is very loose and will absolutely change.*  And we're sorry we can't go to all of your places (see post on why we are skipping Europe*).  But cheers to having a great place to start.

*DISCLAIMER: RTW LOVERS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT, SHIFT, NIX, ADD TO, ENHANCE OR JUXTAPOSE (?) ANY PORTION OF THIS ITINERARY IN PART OR IN WHOLE.  PLEASE DO NOT BOOK FLIGHTS TO MEET THE LOVERS WITHOUT CONSULTING THEM FIRST (MOM).

Click Here to See It.