Last night was brand new stuff for me. Sort of, after going to five proms I should have been prepared I suppose. I went to my first sorority formal, something I never did at Michigan State. I never really knew anyone from Greek Life and it was distant to me. It was a good thing I had my dress clothes and thanks to Jenna for taking the time to iron my shirt that was a wrinkled mess. …

For a few more days while on the invasion I get to spend some more time at a university. What can I say, I’ll never have enough university life. I can’t get enough of the atmosphere and hanging out and visiting and seeing how it all compares to Michigan State. This time it’s the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After a lazy day the night turned busy. Lauren, Jenna, Ben and I headed to the Alpha Omicron Pi intramural softball game. …

Alabama, here I am! Another state, more “strangers” I’ve never met, and some great hospitality. It starts with a great dish of spaghetti and sweet tea (which I am completely addicted to). The following morning I woke up to a couple dozen fresh muffins, chocolate and apple cinnamon. Things are off to a good start. This strop is a represented by a couple girls from Alpha Omicron Pi sorority at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. …

It’s a new rule for the road and I think I’ll send home all my skateboard brand and Burton Snowboards t-shirts. This goes out to everyone, wear a local t-shirt, throw out the name brands. I promise you that somewhere along the way it will start an awesome conversation and you’ll meet more people. Tonight I’m just chilling in Panera (free wireless!) and drinking an iced honeydew green tea with whip cream (Buy one of these! …

Recently I posted a blog about how connected I feel with my country, now that I’ve spent the better part of a year exploring the United States. I’m getting closer to the day when I can say I’ve been to all 50 states and can look back on an entire year of how the people of this country have invited me into their homes, shared their lives with me, and have give me something to learn from for the rest of my life. …

Today was 400 miles of nothing but rain. I feel like I’m back in Washington. The last time I’ve seen a day of driving like this was when I drove from Spokane to Seattle, and today might even have that beat. It did not let up at any single spot over those 400 miles from Wilmore, KY to Carrollton, GA. But it’s quite peaceful to listen to now as I yawn and relax. …

As I continue to hop from state to state, different states are represented by different demographics and such. Here in Kentucky it’s being represented by young couples who are all planning for their weddings this summer. I’m staying with two lovely young ladies, Carrie and Beth. Carrie will graduate in May from Midway College with her nursing degree. Because of it I’ve hardly seen her the last two days because she has slept all day and worked back-to-back 7am to 7pm shifts at the hospital. …

Meet and greet. Share some great food. Share two hours of great conversation. Say goodbye and wish each other well. This happens time and time again on my trip. These great conversations are some of the defining moments of the trip. I’m fortunate to have a conversation with America all over the country. For those two hours or so I get to know these people on a great level, sometimes a very personal level. …

I am one with my country. I haven’t been to all 50 states quite yet, but I’m getting closer. Quite honestly I feel that I could make a home anywhere in the United States. Surely I have a few preferences, but that doesn’t matter. I could be content in a small town or big city, north or south, east or west. There are good people everywhere you go in this country. …

If you think that there are too many photos on the website please don’t blame me, blame my mother. She is the one responsible for me showing interest in photography and being so eager to snap the shutter. While everyone sees my trip through my lens, my mom did a great job providing insight into my trip from the other side. So here are a few photos from visiting my parents in Gatlinburg, TN. …