The way of Vanagons

*Disclaimer: So I wrote this awhile ago but haven't been able to post it... Currently in Washington right now. Our one month on the road is tomorrow/right now because its after midnight. All these moments honestly feel like so long ago yet it has just been a few days. Anyway enjoy the story just remember Not Yesterday!

We got our belts changed yesterday, I’m sitting in the auto shop writing this. It’s kinda like the perfect expectation of an auto shop you see in a movie or something like that. I’m not talking about the cleanest and nicest equipment, but stuff everywhere. Wood paneling on the walls, dirt everywhere and there seems to be mysterious markings all over the walls that have been collecting over the years. I will of course explain what is all spread across the floor: wheel rims along with engines, one of those yellow buckets on wheels to mop the floor, boxes all over the place as well as a bunch of other car parts I have no idea the name or use of.
If my writing doesn’t do this place justice I will insert a photo for y’all.

I hope this image explains the situation we were in... The guys who work here have been so incredibly nice to us. That we are two girls living in a 1989 Volkswagen and don’t have much knowledge about cars under our belts. I mean I can figure it out, where the gas goes… that’s the most important right? I know a bit about what’s under the hood of a car but not much. So these guys could easily take advantage of that situation, tell us stuff we need to get replaced or use big fancy car terms. Yet so far they haven’t. 

I wrote that part yesterday while I sat in the auto shop like I said. Today we are waiting for them to change our coolant hoses. As we were waiting we decided to head over to the “downtown” which is just a bunch of big store chains. We chilled in a nice coffee shop for a few hours and headed across the busy 4 lane road that ran through this area to get some lunch. It was nice to have a chill day, spending hours reading and writing and just talking with Kember. 

After a full stomach of delicious Japanese food we headed to the good ol trusted Walmart to hangout in because we had another hour and half to kill before seeing our mothership Vandy. Kember is very excited for Halloween (we are are going to be aliens). I use “we” very and I mean very lightly. That she is going to dress up, I’ll explain that in a minute, while I dislike Halloween and dressing up. The last few years I have worn orange and black clothes and call it a night. 

I assume all of you want to know how insane I was when we got Kember’s costume. Do not worry, I will explain every tiny detail of the story…

We were at a thrift store called Deseret Industry, it’s every thrift store on crack basically. They are everywhere in Utah and honestly seem like a regular store like Marshall’s although everything is cheap! Gotta love a good bargain. Anyway while we were in one of these stores Kember had their alien costume in mind and she happened to find absolutely everything she needed. I mean everything: a white space looking dress, a pink wig, a belt to add to the effect, even all white high boots! Like was not expecting that! Cross halloween costume off the check list and call it a night!!

Aren't you guys glad you know about this Halloween idea, I know now your lives are complete knowing these great details in my life, just wait it gets better... Back to while we waited for the car we spent several minutes going back and forth of what makeup would go perfect with the outfit. Truth be told, I know nothing about makeup, never wear it, so I got tired and sat on the ground of this Walmart while she continued to pick. I of course helped to make the final decisions on what looked best but that’s really it.

I’ll skip ahead a little bit, we got the car back around 4:30, said goodbye to our new buddies at Metric Motors and headed for Idaho. We spent a night at a truck stop because we decided to just drive and put a few miles behind us. We would have driven further but they guys we just met were persistent on being careful about that.

We got up early this morning, Kember offered to let me sleep while she drove for about an hour. I was very excited about this, I had a horrible nights sleep, I guess I had a lot on my mind kid. 

Just like in Pennsylvania we had a problem with our throttle. I’ll skip all the details but we were pulled over on the side of the highway, with 18-wheelers and cars speeding past at 80mph. No joke that’s the speed limit here! I am used to 55 back home and Vandy barely being able to break 60.

I would like to use this time to apologize to my mom. I didn’t technically lie to you. We were safe I did mean that, the car was fine, just a little bit not working. Didn’t want you to worry. 

I called our buddies back in Utah to let them know Mechanic Greta was up and running! Gretas Auto Shop is open for business so book your appointments now! I’ll already totally booked up until 2020. I must say, I take full credit of fixing the car and that made my day so far. 1. That the car is fixed and we can drive again. 2. That I actually did something!! Mom aren’t you proud? 

It has been fun to figure things out as we go, this trip is not only a bonding moment with my sister, a chance to see the country we live in, a time to learn about myself, most recently it has been also a time to learn about this old car we drive and all her little problems. 

So that’s my quick update, we are passing through Idaho now and headed straight to Oregon. My love for Idaho has definitely decreased a bit, I have yet to have potatoes, it has smelled like cows (I’ll let your imagination run wild with that one… gotta keep it PG) since the second we entered the state and then we break down. Getting some bad vibes. I have faith she will turn it around soon and make me fall in love very shortly. I’ll keep you updated don’t worry:) 

Have a great day! Go out there and learn about something new. Something you never thought you’d need or never thought you’d be interested in. You never know it might become a new passion of yours. It never hurts to learn something right? 

A good friend of mine says “the more you know, the less you have to learn.” That’s something I’ll never forget, I guess it's time to know more!