50 States in 50 days

It was the beginning of the summer, and we were just two bored college students that had nothing but time on our hands and access to a mini van. We had just finished listening to the Kehlani album for the third time, and we were inspired to just go. Where, you might ask? Who knows, but we just wanted to go. Mind you, we had no more than $1000 combined. We know it won’t take us far, but we’ll take our chances. Sorry, I didn’t introduce myself. I’m Shanise, and I’m going on a road trip with my best friend Lily. Our goal is to touch all 50 states. Well, we’ll see how far we actually make it. Bye Maryland, hello [[Pennsylvania]]. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripOfMemories]

After driving for 4 hours and making two gas station stops, we finally made it to Phillidelphia, Pennsylvania. It was still pretty early when we arrived so we decided to spend the afternoon there. Of Course, we had to get a Cheesesteak while in Philly. It would be a waste of time if we didn't. We ended up going to Pat’s King of Steaks, which is supposedly the home of the original Cheesesteak. As a food Connessuir, I would absolutely give it a 10/10. I didn’t know exactly wha to get so I told the worker to give me whatever was good, as long as the didnt put onions on it. I’m just going to say that man deserves a raise because that cheesesteak was so damn good. We decided to spend a couple of hours at a nearby park. I guess everybody decided to come out today because there was a lot going on. We saw a public yoga class gong on. I have the balance of a one legged goat but Lily loves yoga. But there was also a mechanical bullriding competition happening. Honestly we wnat o take a nap but this is the roadtrip of memories, so thats not an option. Which one should we do [[Yoga]] or [[Bullriding]] ? We'll let you know what we choose. Bye!! (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

Yoga was fun... I guess. Like I said, I have the balance of a one legged goat, so I was stumbling most of the time. But as soon as yoga was over we hpped on the road, on the way to Ohio. I'll just say we are in a bit of trouble. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[</stylez> <img src=https://gwinnettmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/yoga2.jpg> </div>] Somehow we ended up in a high speed police chase. Don't ask me how because I don't know. But, I do know that Lilly is in the driver's seat panicking and she will not pull over because she is deathly afraid of jail. We have a a friend that owns a Cabin in the middle of nowhere in Sabina, Ohio. We went there for Winter break one year. We think we might hide out there for a couple of hours just to get the cops off our ass. Should we [[Pull over]] or head over [[To the Cabin]]. Please don't make us pull over, I don't want to go to jail (and this is kind of fun). (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

I am so glad you chose bullriding over yoga. The best part is that there was a surprise performance from our favorite artist Kehlani. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[</stylez> <img src=https://townsquare.media/site/10/files/2021/08/attachment-GettyImages-83537516.jpg> </div>] ....Actually it was a look alike, but close enough. So remember how I said we only had about $1000 combined. Yeahh.... Its quickly running out. Gas is expensive and so is food. But now we have to figure out quickways to get money. Lilly suggested that we become uber drivers in every state that we enter. I think that would be fun. But also think doing something illegal would bring us money faster. I suggested selling party drugs. I know a guy in Kentucky that would be able to get us some. Which one should we do? [[Uber]] or [[Drugs]]? (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

Well our roadtrip ended early. We decided to pull over...thanks to you :( Umm... Lilly and I have been separated and we're both being questioned. Apparently the car we were driving is linked to a robbery that took place in Pittsburgh. I'm pretty sure someone with the same car as us switched our keys. Anyways, the police does not believe that it wasn't us. Crazy enough the robbers were two girls. I'm thinkinng we should figure out away to break out and change our identities. What do you think? [[Break out]]or [[Stay in police custody]] (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

Okay, after escaping the police and driving around for nearly two hours, we finallly made it to the cabin. We threw out both of our phones and other devces that can be tracked on our way here. Luckily the cabin has a radio so we can listen to the news. We found ou why we are being chased by the police. Apparently there was a Robbery in Pittsburgh. The two girl who robbed the building drove away in the same exact car as us. The police followed them all the way to Philly. I thin they saw us in the park, saw that we had the say car, and switched our key. Now we're on the run. We didn't do anything, but we are very afraid of anything that has to do with the law. Because of this, we are not turning ourselves in. Now we have to figure out what's next. [[Kentucky]] or [[North Carolina]]? (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

So I figured out a way to talk to Lily through the vent and we planned our get-away. While they were transferring us to a jail, we attacked the driver and then walked off the bus. Police officers can't do anything right. Now we are on the way to [[Kentucky]]. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

We're in jail waiting on our trial. F*CK YOU!! (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

Now, we are waiting in a sketchy alley on the way to sell drugs because we need more money. The plan is to buy some party drugs from a guy named Xaniel and then sell them for a higher price. Lily is a little nervous but I've known Xaniel for a while, and he's cool. He won't let us down in anyway. Xaniel is offering us a lot of drugs for $2,000. That would be a great price if we were rich. But we're not. I'm considering running away with the drugs. Sorry Lilly. Should I [[Piss off a drugdealer]] or [[Live a peaceful life]]? (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

We took the drugs...free of charge. But just know, that we are now being chased by Xaniel and the Police. We are going to [[Georgia]] to hide out and rest for a day. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

We still have Xaniel as a friend. He said that if we ever need help while hiding from the police, we can just give him a call. He's a drug dealer, so he's done this before. We have been staying pretty lowkey and have done good job of keeping the police off of our radar. Right now we're on the way to Georgia to sell these drugs. We heard there is a huge party going on tonight and we need to get rid of these. But we also heard there is a Kehlani concert in North Carolina. We kind of really want to go. Honestly, we might as well while we're on he road. Should we go to [[Georgia]] or [[North Carolina]]? (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripOfMemories]

We found a party to sell the drugs. I would say that we sold about half of the supply. We have enough money to survive in hiding for the next couple of weeks. We'll sell the other half when we're down bad again. While we are here in Georgia, we decided it is time for a change. Lily dyed her hair bright purple. I know she is cared of jail because this is not something that she would do on the regular. But it looks sooo good. Me on the other hand dyed my hair red and gave myself a buzz cut. Now I'm thinking we should get tattoos, but if course Lily does not agree. Bu I think they will be the perfect disguise. [[Yess to tattoos]] or [[No don't waste your money]]? (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

Yayyyy we convinced Lily to get tattoos. She's only getting a small one in very noticiable area.... SHE'S GETTING IT ON HER FACE!!! I'm shocked, but it's going to get the job done. And, it is going to look good. I decided that I am going to get two arm sleeves. The goal is to look completely differet when we leave Georgia and we are hitting the mark. These tattoos are probably going to take the rest of the day. We'll see you in [[Florida]]. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

So we didn't get tattoos but we look different enough. Now we're on the way to [[Florida]]. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

Florida is me and Lily's favorite place on Earth. This is where we took our first trip together. Here we are again.... but on the run this time. [[Somebody help us!]] (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripOfMemories]

So we decided to become uber drivers. We decded that everytime we get to a state in the morning, we are going to poick up a couple of rides. We are going to start right now. Today, we are in Indiana. There isn't much to see in this state so we'll just make money for the most of the day. We actually picked up a guy named Fred. He wanted us to drive him all the way Kentucky, so that he could meet his cousin. crazy thing is cousin is a "friend" of mine named Xaniel. We don't mind driving there becaue we have nothing better to do and he's paying for the gas. Bye Bye Boring Indiana and hello [[Kentucky]]!! (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

We are on the way to Kentucky to pick up our party drugs. But, we're going to stop in West Virginia to visit my grandmother. She has a nice mini mansion. She is actually rich and I don't even know how she ended up rich. Maybe its through her 3 rich ex-husbands. Anyways we're broke, so were going to "borrow" some money. Small problem... my grandmother does not like me and does not know I'm showing up. I told Lilly to act like a girl scout annd come up with a sob story. We'llsee how well that goes. While she talks to my grandmother, I'll sneak in and "borrow" about $2500. I wonder if if this will work. Will we [[get caught]] or will we [[get away]]? (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

We're in jail waiting on our trial. I told you my grandmother doesn't like me. F*CK YOU!! (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

I'm prety sure she heard us. I'm also sure the old lady knew that Lilly was making up that story. I heard the story and was shocked at how bad her acting was. The good thing is I know exactly where she hides her money. She hides $1,000 in each wig head in her hair closet. I quickly stuck my hands into 3 wig heads and ran out of there. Now, we're $3,000 richer and on the way to [[Kentucky]] (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

So we decided to go to North Caroline. We found the Kehlani Concert and she was sooo good. She sounds and looks even better on purpose. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[</stylez> <img src=https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/98ea0c0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2500x1661+0+0/resize/1200x797!/quality/80/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe9%2F84%2Fdbfc1c9e482a910d26ba6fe5207c%2Fspecial-screening-of-the-harder-they-fall-39179.jpg> </div>] But... we have another problem... We were spotted by police... We are in another police chase.. We're going to [[Pull over]] because we are tired of fighting. Maybe we can convince them it was not us. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

I found us help. I totally forgot that my Brother's ex-sister in law lives here. She likes me so Lily and I will stay with her for a couple of days Maybe tomorrow, we will do some sight seeing. We look much different now, so it won't be as easy to get caught. Should we spend the day in [[Disney World]] tomorrow or [[Stay in]]? (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

So we decided to take the risk and go to Disney World. When Lily and I took our first trip together a couple of years ago, we came to Disney World and got on all of the rides. This was back when life was ot stressful. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[</stylez> <img src=https://cdn1.parksmedia.wdprapps.disney.com/resize/mwImage/1/433/433/75/vision-dam/digital/parks-platform/parks-global-assets/disney-world/attractions/cinderella-castle/0526ZP_1270MS_xak_R2-1x1.jpg?2022-03-10T19:16:43+00:00> </div>] Now here we are risking our lives to relive some of our favorite memories. I don't know about Lily but I needed to come here to greater good of my mental health. I'm holding it together well, but I'm actually worried and I think Lily is too. I know I won't survive in jail or if Xaniel cathes us. We don't really have many options right now, but we are going to do our best to get back home in one piece. We have to because we have degrees to work towards in the fall. Anyways, right now we are about to get some cotton candy and i'm excited beca- Uh oh I Just saw Xaniel. Time to go. Hopefully we get out of here fast enough. Quick Question, What is your favorite number [[6]] or [[53]]? (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripOfMemories]

We decided that it is probably safer if we say in the house rathern than go out. So we stayed in and had a relaxing couple of days. We filled in our host of what was going on in our lives. Told her all about the tattos, the police chase, and the drug deal gone bad. She was laughing the whole time...Like it was a joke... and it's not. But, she did help us. She gave me information of a hotel in Louisisna that houses fugitives. Don't get it twisted, we are not fugitives, just in a little bit of trouble. Lily and I hopped on the next bus towards [[Louisiana]] and are excited for the upcoming trip. P.S. we are geting all of our icutres in differen sates. These are essential to the trip. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripOfMemories]

You Loser!!! We got caught by Xaniel. Lily is sitting next to me balling her eyes out. He said he is going to hold us hostage and make us work towards paying off what we took. Thanks for nothing! #RoadtripofMemories

You chose a perfect number! We got away and we are currently on the bus to Louisiana. We would have stayed a couple days in Florida but my brother's ex-sister in law had business to tend to. By the way, we had to drop the car we were using. It was makng us easier to follow. We'll probably steal another one eventually. See you in [[Louisiana]]. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

This is where we ran into the real scary people. To be specific, we are in new orleans. We are staying in this really creepy motel that gives very bad vibes, if you ask me. Before going to bed we decided to see what our futures are looking like with all that is going on. The motel manager told us that there is a little lady around the corner that can read our palms. When w found her, she was croched around a very tiny table. She was quite scary, but we decided to do it anyway. Keeping a long story short, the fortune teller told us we were going to die in a couple of months. Not good news at all. What a way to ruin a trip.... Anyways, we are going to visit the strip tomorrow and take lots of pictures. See you on [[The Strip]]. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

Remember when the fortune teller told us we were going to die. Apparently, she lied beuse she tells everybody the same exact thing. We've been doing a lot of talking while roaming the city. I'm so bad because the reading was $150. I know, it doesn't make sense for two broke runaways to spend that much money on a palm reading but, at this point, who cares. The good thing is that we are going to make a lot of money tonight. Lily and I totaly forgot that we still had a lotof drugs to sell. Right now, we are in the middle of New Orleans on a hot summer night. People are out partying (most on vacation) and want a something to make their night a little more exciting. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[</stylez> <img src=https://www.thetravelpocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/8025318160_d4972f751a_b.jpg> </div>] So we will be getting rid of the rest of the drugs tonight, [[Steal a Car]], and then hit the road. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

Yeah... we stole a car Something else to add to the reasons for running At least it was a nice car. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[</stylez> <img src=https://i2.wp.com/financialsamurai.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2017-S-CLASS-S600-MAYBACH-SEDAN-BACKGROUND-BYO-D-01-728x303.jpg> </div>] It's black so it blends in well, but it's luxurious so we are comfortable. Like Hannah Montana said, we get the best of both worlds. We're just going todrive around until we feel like stopping. We will see [[Where we end up]]. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

Currently, we are passing through Oklahoma. There is not much to see here. We took a quick pitt stop in a cute little diner. The waiters and waitresses were on roller skates and they were exremely nice. Such good vibes and very refreshing. We for sure took pictures in the diner and with the staff. But, while we were there, Lily got a text from a random lady, named Alaya, who claims she has information that could save us. She lives in Missouri and she wants us to visit her, so she can help us. It sounds sketchy to me. We looked her up and she lives with her husband and two kids. I don't understand how she knows anyhing that could help us. Especially, because she doesn't know anything other than what was on the news. I think we should just keep driving and stop in colorado. Luckily, we still have a lot of money left oer, so that will not be a problem for about 3 more weeks. Should we stop in [[Missouri]] or go to [[Colorado]]? (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

This lady has a beautiful house. She looks harmless. SHe even owns a golden retriver. This is very sketchy situation. What would a young lady who lives like this know about our situation. Turns out she actually knows a lot. She is Xaniel's cousin and she heard him talking about what is going to do with us. Apparently he is waiting to catch us in Arizona so that he ca leave us stranded in a desert. If you ask me, that is a terrible way to die. She said she told us because he is an evil person and deserves to be set-up. We don't know what we will do with this information, but I am glad we have it. We are going to stay here for the night and leave in the morning. I still want to visit [[Colorado]], but maybe we should bypass it and go to the [[Four Corners Monument]]. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

BAD IDEA!! Apparently, Pennsylvania Police and Colorado Police have a great relationship. Somehow they tracked us and were waiting at the state border. Looks like our trip is ending early and we are spending the next couple of years in a jail cell. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories ]

We decided to be in 4 states at once today. With the the four corners monument, Lily and I could be in Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. Of course we got pictures. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[</stylez> <img src=https://moderatelyadventurous.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Photo-Aug-06-12-44-51-PM.jpg> </div>] On the way here, Lily and I discussed what we might do with the information Alaya gave us. We have two options. Either go to [[Arizona]] and set Xaniel up or completely avoid it and go to [[Nevada]]. Please help us figure out where to go because we are torn. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

We tried to set him up by using his own idea against him. But, we are not as resourced and supported as he is. Unfortunately, it backfired and we are stuck in the middle of the desert with nowhere to go. Xaniel, thinks we are going to die but we are giving up that easily. Currently we are conserving every last drop of water form very cactus that we see and walking towards civilization. We've been out here for about two days and we are barely making it through the night. We're really suffering right now, and I don't know if it is worth it. Should we [[Give Up]] or [[Keep Fighting]]? (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripOfMemories]

We decided to not take our chances by going to Arizona, and instead spend our ime in Las Vegas. We spent a little money gambling. Again, bad money choices, I know. Don't just us! We made friends with a lot of random grown gambler men. We were able to convince them to give us free money. Perks of being pretty. We stayed in a beautiful hotel room. We even spent some of the night in a hot tub. I see why people love to visit Las Vegas. It's almost like all of the problems go away. Time to get back on the road though. We are going to the sunshine state of [[California]]. (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

We are going o take a small nap. Goodnight! (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

We have to keep walking, you're right! There is no time to stop. Gladly, we saw a man driving past in a small blue toyota camry. He was such a nice old man, but his car smelled like old people. He agreed to give us a ride to our next destination, Caifornia, on his way to Oregon. The whole ride he playes music from the 70s. I must say he has great music taste. I am not the biggest fan of old music, but whatever he was playing sounded good. I could tell that Lily, liked it too because she was dancing in the front seat. The old man also told us stories about his tim eliving in th e 1960s-70s and how different it was from today. It was nice hearing him ramble. I am forever greatful for this man, he literally saved our lives. Bye Bye Arizona, Hello [[California]]! (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

You will never guess who we ran into at Trader Joe's in California. Lily and I were just walking around because we were starving and we saw KEHLANI. OMGGG!!! Of course we started fangirling and she offered to buy us lunch. Lunch was so great for several reasons. The scenery was beautiful. We were sitting outside and we could see the "HOLLYWOOD" sign. On top of that, the food was great. It was an itallian restaurant. The drinks were to die for. The icing on the cake was how surprisingly well the conversation went. We told her about everything that happened to us over the past month and a half. Kehlani went through a wave of emotions and so did we. She actually offered us a ride back to Maryland on her private jet. Of course we said yes. Bye Bye California, you were great to us. Hello Kehlani and Hello [[Maryland]]!! (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]

Hello Mayland and welcome back readers Shanise's Series of Thoughts: Blog Review Thank you for reading my blog story. It means so much to me to know that more than 150 people ready my stories. You guy are going to get me out of this shoebox that I live in. Back to the story, I hope you guys enjoyed reading what I wish would happen this summer instead of me being in the house all day. Even though all these are not actually happeneing to me, writing the story was a fun way to pass time. I hope that you all got to live through fictional me and lily, as well. Have A Good Night and stay blessed!! (text-colour:blue)[#RoadtripofMemories]