I have a bright pink duffle bag that I use when I go on weekend trips. It’s the perfect bag really, big enough for all my shit, but small enough to still be considered a carry-on item and save me the fucking ridiculous minimum-$15-per-checked-bag fee.
So this bag? it’s a good thing I’m such a fan of it, seeing as how I’m going to be living out of it come September and all. Yeah, you heard me. LIVING OUT OF A SMALL PINK DUFFLE BAG.
Because here’s the thing: tomorrow is my 24th birthday and I’ve finally realized that life moves fucking quickly, and that it moves just as fucking quickly whether you’re doing what you want to do or not.
And what I want to do is travel. I want less stuff and more freedom. Freedom to move slowly across the country and live in the present, freedom to eat new foods, see new sights, drink new wines, hear new stories, touch new lives. I want to write. I want to check things off my Life List. I want to volunteer, to expand HandsIn and really make a huge nationwide push for 20-something activism. I want to sleep on couches, in tents, on buses, in hostels- maybe even out in an open field somewhere. I want to push my limits, leap the fuck outside my comfort zone, and meet as many people as I can.
Which brings me to the eleventy thousand dollar question: would you like to host one very spunky, very hug-able, very crazy-in-a-good-way Nicole Antoinette on your couch for a few nights this fall? I’m planning my entire route around the spare couches of the blogosphere and am going to be traveling from September until, well, until I run out of couches!
I guess you could say that this decision is spontaneous, but really? it’s been a long time coming. And there you have it, my birthday wish: to meet as many lovely bloggers as possible before I turn 25. So, if you and your couch (or floor!) are interested, let me know what city you’re in and what your schedule is like this fall!
Because as far as I’m concerned, more of all of you in my life is DEFINITELY better.
Posted in: day to day shenanigans, girl gone nomad
{ 85 comments… read them below or add one }
if you don't stay at my couch in boston, i would be SO offended. you would totally be getting the first class treatment in boston after seeing the awesomeness y'all went through in vegas.. so there, boston is done for. get ur ass over here! gchat me for address
Like I even have to say this, but you know my couch is open… I'm so fucking proud of you and so excited for all of the adventure ahead of you and us and in our lives. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH I CAN'T FUCKING STAND IT
and Happy F'in Birthday! just realized its 1am my time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy birthday, first.
You know there's a spare room here for you in Orlando if you're making it out to FL, second.
Love you, third.
I would offer you an LA couch, but you kind of want to escape here….so if you come back at the end of your trip, I'll help you find a new sweet apartment next door to mine
If you're heading further afield there's a whole spare bed with your name on it in Liverpool, England x
i fucking love you and your pink duffel bag. i'm so proud of you and completely inspired. you are one amazing girl and this is going to bring so many amazing things to your life. as soon as i have a house that my mother isn't under the same roof as me, you are welcome to crash in jersey… but you already know that. thing is… i might not let you leave. ever.
happy birthday!!!
Happy Birthday!!! It sounds like you're going to have one hell of a year! If you make the decision to come to Canada, specifically Toronto, you let me know
Well, I've got a spare bed 10 miles (and one short train ride) outside downtown Chicago…but I understand if you wait for a couch actually IN the city.
OMG, this post is basically my dream in a nutshell.
Come visit! I'm in LA (the valley, to be precise) and you are SO more than welcome. I think you MIGHT be from CA though…but either way…the offer is so open!
Come visit Virginia Beach! And me! And The Boy!
We have a fancy pull out couch!
Chicago couch for you. You're awesome.
Happy birthday!!! You share a birthday with my father and to balance out his complete lack of spontaneity, you are most welcome to come stay on my couch.
I'm a hop, skip, and a jump away from DC and a bajillion museums.
A) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
B) I've even got an air mattress for you, if you wanna stop in Tennessee. I know how you love air mattresses…
1. Happy Birthday!!!
2. I think that is SO SO cool what you're doing, I'd love to do something similar one day! I don't know if you're planning on travelling up to Canada (Southern B.C. specifically) but if you do then you're more than welcome to stay with me! I even have a guest room
Happy Birthday!
I have a wicked sexy guest bedroom just begging for your presence here in Richmond, Va. You can visit me and then head on to the beach to see Shaba!
Hey! Happy birthday! I found your blog a bit ago and have been reading it since. If you’re interested in stopping by Portland, OR you can definitely crash on my couch. I’d love to meet you! You sound like an awesome person from your blog. I’m so jealous that you can do this and go on some great adventures! It’s going to be amazing! I’m most likely moving in the fall, probly with another blogger from the area- you should come visit. I mean two for the price of one! <3
You have the best birth date ever. (It's mine too!) Happy Birthday to us! My couch in Chicago (Lakeview) is open for you any time!
First, happy birthday! I just have to say that it was so fabulous to meet you in Las Vegas, and I can vouch for how awesome you are if anyone has any doubts (they'd better not, though!). This sounds like a fabulous idea, hope it goes well! I'll look forward to reading all about it.
What a great idea! And happy birthday!
Does your brain ever hurt from handling ALL of your AMAZINGNESS??
travelling around the country (or world) sounds like a dream!
Happy Birthday!!!
WOW!! You are planning one of my DREAM vacations. Really you are so awesome I think I may love you a little!!
Ok so I am in Kansas. And I have a spare room, with a fancy queen size bed. I have 1 crazy chihuahua but cause you both are crazy you will eventually get along!!
I am SO EXCITED TO MEET YOU!!! YAY!! Hey, maybe we can plan something crazy while you are here? I just moved here so I am going to have to get busy figuring out what is cool to do in Kansas City.
ive got a super comfy couch in minot, nd if you end up here. i dont know why you would want to come here but if you do, its yours.
Come to India!
And you can chill on my couch, bar, indian wine, whatever please you. And if you're travelling all thorugh… and have time in September. I have my wedding then, and you're more than welcome to attend. It'll be some fun inter-cultureal experience and who knows.. you might be able to cross a few from THE LIST.
Love!
Love you!
I am inspired by what you want to do; mainly because I am terrified to do it myself.
& happy belated birthday!!! VAGINA.
If you're into visiting Canada, there's a spare bed for you here… for when you need a break from the floor.
My couch is open to you in Madison, WI anytime… Just email me when you're ready.
My couch is open for you! Gives us a chance to hang out more
Happy Birthday lady!
Wow!!! I would love to just pick up my stuff and travel! And heck- my place is always open. So if you're up for some time in Southern MN… well stop on by!
Happy Birthday! I'm so proud of you for not letting life get in the way. I just quit my job and am about to embark on the nomadic lifestyle myself, but you're welcome on my couch wherever that may be!
Happy B-day! First of all, I'm jealous. It took me longer to figure out life speeds on with or without you. Secondly, I'm not sure I would have a couch ready for you when you hit NYC as my shelter is in transition, but I'm more than game to help you cross out things on your Life List—my treat! Well, mostly my treat—I have to consider dinner at Per Se:) Feel free to e-mail me!
Only American couches?!
If you're interested in seeing Richmond, VA, then by all means do I have a couch for you to stay on! And a husky and miniature dachshund to snuggle with!
Happy Birthday! We haven't met (I don't think?) I found you through Rachel, and I must say I'm glad I did! I'm not sure ir or when you'd make it to the Carolina's – but my g/f and I are in Asheville now, and next year sometime we're moving to Charlotte, but either way, we'll have a couch!
This is such a cool idea!
I live in the middle of nowhere, nothing interesting to see here at all – but I am sure you are going to meet a ton of really cool people and see some really great places. Good luck, have fun!
This is awesome. And you'd be welcome here, but you already have your iBFF Chelsea here in Denver, so I don't think that's necessary. Still, you're welcome if you need it.
Holllerrrrrrr.
We'll pretend I didn't just do that.
You're totally welcome in the Jersey!
I would love to have you sleep on my couch! WHen i figure out where that couch will be, and when i buy said couch!! I'm also becoming a tad bit nomadic in August and traveling for a few months in Europe and don't even know where i'll be when i come back. Can't wait to read all about your travels
Its going to be so much fun!
I read this on my cell phone the other night, and couldn't comment. But you are more than welcome to crash at my place just outside Charlotte, NC. =)
Have an amazing time, I'm so excited for your adventure! My time in Vegas has Mister & I talking about pulling up steaks and heading east, permanently, after a couple more prairie years. I get the wanderlust!
I don't really have a couch to offer you, but if you want to drive the 8 hours up from Minne to see my little city as a day trip, you know you're more than welcome.
You are welcome to use my couch! I've been told it's extremely comfortable! (That assuming I do not sell my condo by September, and if so, I will find you accommodations).
I will definitely show you Cleveland highlights! I live in the 'burbs very near to downtown Cleveland.
i have a spare bedroom just WAITING for your arrival. come PLAY in canada anytime!
you can meet my best friend, who is basically THE 20something who cares. we'll play in whistler and i will force you to come watch a ringette game of mine. you could even come during the madness that will be the 2010 olympics, yes?
oh, and there will be wine.
oxo. love you.
Phoenix is welcoming you with open arms! We're here anytime you'd like!
I hope you had a kick-ass Birthday! You're totally welcome to my tiny apartment, though I live like an hour away from you and I don't have a couch and my floor is really hard. I don't have the guts, or really the inclination, to do anything like this, but I think it's awesome. I look forward to reading all about it.
I missed your birthday! Hope you had the greatest ever
xo
Come to Champaign-Urbana after you visit Chicago! I have a nice couch, but I'll probably be going crazy with grad school.
seriously i cannot believe you're just taking a duffel bag on your adventures. but then again you're a rock star and can pretty much do anything. seriously cannot wait to hear all of the stories that will ensue and can't wait to see you again soon!
I am so proud of you for doing this, really! Having the courage to live your dream.
I have a lovely spare bedroom in New Smyrna Beach, FL. You should definatley come.
Fan. Fucking. Tastic. What an adventure!! There's an air mattress in Austin with your name on it – any time! Love hosting – ask Chelsea
And Happy Birthday!!!
I didn't see ANYONE offering up Seattle yet – whoop! You HAVE.TO. make it to Seattle, seriously. It's super pretty and amazing and fun. I can't promise I'll be here since I'm between jobs, which could be taking me elsewhere soon. But if I am, it'd be lovely to schedule something!
And we could help each other with the life list check offs… I know at least two places in Seattle to take silly photo booth pics, I happen to be a breakfast FEIGN, so we could go to one of my favorite places and leave a HUGE tip for the waitress, and I happen to be a HUGE fan of a couple really amazing gay bars in Seattle that have the best all-night dancing! Those are three very big reasons to add Seattle to your list.
I'll be in europe then but we can meet then! i'll give you a couch in europe
You know there is a living room in Austin with your name on it! C'mon–Tex-Mex, margaritas, and dachshunds? What's better than that?
We just might be moving to the Bay Area in January-ish, but that's far from certain, so we'll be here until then!
=)
I'm not entirely sure where I will be living come September but I do know I'll be in StL so if that happens to be a place you want to check out, let me know. I'm sure we can figure something out =) I am definitely a tad envious of you and your journey ahead of you. I need to stop being a pansy and just take the leap already to do something like this. You're an inspiration to so many of us!
Beautiful Nicole! I am SO sorry I missed your birthday! Happy happy happy birthday! And you know you are always absolutely welcome to stay with us in DC, whenever your wanderlust brings you here. Huge hugs to you.
omg – you are couch bunking through the fall. i wish i lived somewhere you weren't so familiar with! i am in stone strike of coffee bean. also, you need to join our book club – ASAP.
I definitely thought I commented here… but apparently I'm losing it.
BUT if you come to Jersey, you know you have a place with me. OR – If you come to Jersey and you already have somewhere to stay, I BETTER GET A PHONE CALL OR SOMETHING SO WE CAN HANG OUT.
KTHANKS.
</end caps!)
Oh, wait, I just found where I commented, so I'm not losing it.
Shut up.
You are amazing. Umm … I've got a couch in Torrance. Fail.
I have a spare bedroom with your name written all over it — if you're not allergic to cats, that is.
Although I think someone from VA already offered. But hey! It's there if you need it.
If you need a couch in Memphis, TN! You can count on me! also If you haven't heard of it, check out http://www.couchsurfing.org
Someday I'm going to copy you and do the same thing. Because it is awesome. You have a couch wherever I am… Boulder, Minneapolis, Madison… just depends when you want it. And if I'm not one of those places, I'm sure I can hook you up with one in any of them.
ps: I'm in Northern VA – super close to DC
So awesome! I'm looking forward to reading all about your adventures. If you venture down South, you can definitely crash at my place!
If you want to travel to San Diego I'm your girl…
props to you for living the dream.
Happy birthday, wish you good luck in the travel plan. Let me know if you're around south east asia
That's an admirable goal – I wish I had the guts to do something like this!
And if you ever happen to be in Scotland . . . my couch is available!
well if you're coming to see julie in boston, then i can show you around RI! i technically live in MA, but closer to providence RI than boston- so you have a couch my way. i'm totally envious of you. this sounds so amazing and cool. i wish i could do it.
Amazing idea! You are so brave and cool…haha I'm jealous!
I’m more or less a lurker on your blog (or lazy-ass commenter), but you’re welcome to crash at our place in Idaho. Because, you know… potatoes can be exciting? Maybe.
Pull out couch that is actually comfortable in Cambridge, UK. Drop on by!
You've got a place to crash in Baltimore, MD! Just hit me up…
It looks like you have offers for Portland and Seattle, so let me throw my San Francisco (actually San Mateo, but Cal Trans is 3 blocks from my house) in there to help you hop up the West Coast. I am good all fall, except for around Thanksgiving, where I will be away.
Montana welcomes you
and wishes you a happy bday!!!
You are welcome on my couch anytime. I'm in the lovely Chicago suburbs, and I have two sweet dogs who would love to love you!
dang. you are trusting. and awesome. if you ever come to oregon you have a place.
I've been Nicole for so long that when I was in grade school, they didn't make any of that cheesy-but-cute personalized stuff with my name on it. (I'm a two-times-20-something writer.) I came across your blog because Jamie Varon mentioned you on Twitter. FUNNY, FUNNY writing!
If you head north before you start heading east, you are more than welcome to crash on our couch in Napa. I know you've already crossed #60 off your list, but is there really such a thing as too much good wine?
if portland, oregon is ever in your plans I have not only a couch but an entire spare room that's your's for the asking, well, for 2-3 days ,anyway. I live across the street from a bar so you can have cocktails at any time of the day.
uhmmm, Seattle? You like?
Happy Belated, I totally support this decision so I'm offering my couch…head up north!
if you make it a far as Ohio- theres a couch (and a possible bed, depending on timing) available to you. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, what?
Oh- and looking to take a trip to Cedar Point late Aug/early Sept, if you really want to get your world rocked.
Holy crap, woman! Okay, now I see what you mean by ‘nomad’, haha… this is a completely awesome thing you have planned. I’d definitely never have the balls to do something so.. unknown? Yeah. That would scare the crap out of my little OCD self.
So amazing! I hope you have the best time. Can’t wait to read about it.
I'm in Vancouver, BC and you'd be welcome to crash!
Holy late-to-the-party, Batman. If you find you way down south (ATL), I've been told my pull out couch is amazing.
where are you going to travel to?
So…how's this going so far? I'd offer you a couch…but who wants to come to Phoenix?