Post-college life is just one big hangover...

...or not. Granted, I've had those mornings, but a hangover has been the last thing I've wanted recently, even if that means avoiding its often amusing causes. Nah, I mention "hangover" because I just saw the movie, part II (Thailand edition for those not up on these kinds of things). If you’re reading you probably already know that Thailand’s where I’m headed in, ehhh, six weeks, give or take a couple. And if you’ve seen the Hangover, you probably already know that I will likely be seeing a different side of Bangkok than was portrayed in the film.

Why start the "my life after college" blog from the comfort of my bed in LP? Well, see-- I graduated 3 weeks ago (but who's counting?) and a lot has changed since I returned to the coziness of home. I'm off crutches, for one! And without all of running and hiking that I usually escape to when at home, I've learned that I am not going to get aaany closer to knowing "what I want to do with my life" by moping over a Roomer’s-instigated hangover at the grassy knoll or talking eco-awareness over lobster dinner with the parents.

Furthermore, I’ve also realized that my fear of "the unknown" and being completely and entirely alone is not going to go away. So-- as a college grad with absolutely no tethers, I am taking myself, plenty of bug spray, and all of the money in my bank account to Thailand. 

In my time traveling I am not going to "find myself", nor am I going to find a career. But that’s okay. Now's the time to do one thing I'm afraid of. Put one foot in front of the other and just see where I end up. Come January I'm sure I'll be dealing with living at home, searching for a "real" job, and paying my parents back for the cash they'll inevitably have to dish out as the result of some misadventure I'm bound to have. But until then-- ah du monde-- the world is my oyster. (although please don't make me eat it... dealing with spic-ay foods in thailand is going to be adventure enough for this kid)

So-- to return to the hangover-- my travels are not going to include tranny strippers, asian drug lords, or a fat, hairy, emotionally (and mentally I'm quite sure...) retarded f*-up named 'Alan', but they will be laden with my own sorts of adventure. 

While a movie that is as laughingly inaccurate as the Hangover isn't going to tell me in any way what my experience will be like, it is a reminder to take that adventure. Never before have I been in a place of, "because, why on earth not?". I also will never taste it unless I first give it a try. So here’s to trying all the spices Thailand has to offer, one monastery, nursery school, or animal shelter at a time.

Until then—it’s time to have some of those adventures Lake Placid’s been hiding all of those years. A bike ride with Dad today (around the mini-tri loop backwards (gasp!! I know, we’re so avant garde!)) reminded me: this place has lots to offer, as long as you go out looking for it.