My Brief Visit with Reality

After experiencing The Yacht Week, it’s extremely difficult to adjust back to the real world. I mean… Is there really a way to communicate other than grunting and chest pounding? Turns out, it’s not acceptable to walk around barefoot, in a bikini, and not shower for days at a time.

chest pump

Two days after returning home from vacation, it was back to the cubicle life for me. I found myself confined in a corporate world buying as many Powerball tickets as possible with dreams of escaping. I was burnt out and ready for something new. Little did I know, a big change was headed my way. About two weeks after returning from vacation I, along with 1,100 other people were told that Thursday January 21, 2016 would be our last day with the company. Severance packages were distributed, computers collected, and ID badges returned. That day, nearly 50% of the company was wiped out.

I don’t think it’s possible to mentally prepare yourself for a layoff. It’s similar to a break-up or a death.  I threw myself a “pity-party” for a few days. I may or may not have spent an entire day watching the Kardashians. Then, the Netflix binging began.

My thoughts were running… “What am I going to do now?” Do I immediately rush back into reality and start looking for a new job? The thought of applying, interviewing, and meeting new coworkers is exciting yet, intimidating. I’m not going to settle for just anything, but for something I’m passionate about.

I’ve decided it’s time to focus on me and do what I love for a bit, Travel. I’m 24 years old and have nothing holding me back. Solo road tripping across the U.S. to the West Coast sounds like the perfect adventure. I plan on leaving Houston for an Armed & Hammered Rageunion in Austin. From there, I’m heading west to California and up the coast to Seattle. Several awesome people, even some I just met at The Yacht Week, have offered me places to stay.

 

maps
Snapshot of my game plan!

Stay tuned for my next post:

How to Prepare for a Solo Road Trip

I’m so excited for all of the adventures to come. I can’t wait to share my experiences, tips and journey with fellow adventurers. My dream is for this blog to help others, whether it is inspiring someone to book their next adventure, or sharing my best packing lists and tips.

    • Have you ever road tripped the PCH?
    • Do you have any tips on West Coast road trips or stops along the PCH?

I’d love to hear from you. Comment below!

Shout out to Brand Candi for my awesome blog logo! I love it. Check her out on Etsy!

I’m off to learn how to change a spare…

Until next time,

Lime in my Luggage

5 Comments

  1. Hey Tayler!!
    I stopped in to check out your logo — it looks great!!

    You are in store for a once in a lifetime adventure! Your story is very inspiring and one that I can definitely relate too. I mentioned this before…My husband and I did exactly what you are doing 2 Springs ago – after closing our skate/surf shop! We had no plans for the future and it was scary — especially with a young son! But we sold all of our belongings, stored the rest and packed up our bags, 2 dogs, child and hit the road in our Land Rover! We drove across country and stayed a bit in CA! Then we drove back in time for Jack to start Kindergarten! We have ALWAYS dreamed of being able to drive from FL – CA and we finally had the chance! It was exhilarating and something that we will always cherish!

    A few tips — gas up after each stop! and have plenty of water…you never know what may happen and your car may actually get thirstier that you will! 😉 Keep your fluids checked so you don’t overheat and check your tires!! We found out the hard way with the overheating. Luckily the travelers we encountered were friendly, but we were a larger group and not solo. Be safe and I cannot wait to keep in touch through your blog.

    Living Vicariously Through You,
    Candi

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  2. Hi Tayler!
    I have seen your recent adventures on FB, and thought I would check out your blog. I am typing this from cube at work, on my lunch, wishing I was right there with you! Which that statement alone goes to show that you are inspiring! And I personally think that if any one person can inspire another in a positive way, then it all was worth it! It is really great to see you accomplishing such wonderful things. Reading your blog and catching your updates on FB has sparked my “LIVE YOUR LIFE LAUREN” flame! Thank you for that. I remember us in Elementary school and to see that that little Tayler has blossomed into who Tayler is now is truly great.

    Safe Travels! Let me know if you every make it to Minnepolis, MN one day!

    – Lauren Martel

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    1. Thank you so much!! Your kinds words mean a lot to me. I remember singing DREAM on the playground in 5th grade (we’ve always been pretty fun!). It’s an amazing feeling to inspire other to live their life and see this beautiful world! I’ve never been to MN but I’d love to check it out sometime. Stay Happy!!! I’m going to start blogging about my roadtrip soon so stay tuned!! ❤ Tayler

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  3. Seriously just gave me the chills, and tears of “jealousy” and “hope” that someday I can be brave enough to do something like this. I’m so happy for you to be able to experience these awesome places and have so many good memories!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much, Melissa! It really has been an amazing few months for me. You are a strong woman and I have no doubt that you could travel anywhere you dream of! Stay tuned for my new post 🙂 ❤ Tayler

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