It's the end of summer, my friends and I just got done shoving a loveseat out of my second story apartment window because there is no way that thing would have fit through the doors. We come downstairs to catch a break and move the couch over by the street trying to fit as many of maybe 7 of us on it. As it starts getting darker, most of them go their separate ways leaving four of us behind. We sat there for some time after everyone left enjoying the end of one chaotic summer. We wanted one more crazy adventure. The story is, these crazy three other people and I, impulsively decided that day that we all need a vacation so the very next day, we left the state of Iowa. We hit the road; we were on our way not knowing where we were going, not caring. Before I continue with this story, let me add the fact of how these three other people I was with were all boys. That very night, I pack one bag, the next day, the four of us pile in a two door Saturn. Between the four of, we probably had about a whole 30 some dollars. (Great planning, I know right?) We got to the middle of Missouri before we ended up spending our last dollar. That's when we decided that our destination was to be Daytona Beach, Florida. I know, I know. You're thinking, why? I honestly have no idea what inspired all four us in that very moment to decide that we all wanted to go to Florida with no money but once we agreed on that decision simultaneously, we had to show ourselves that we weren't going to back down on our word and challenge ourselves to actually push ourselves to get there. We all had in our heads how everyone always told us growing up that you absolutely had to have money to do the things that you wanted to do, especially travel. We understood that of course, but we wanted to see how far we could make it if we could make it on pure determination and just our people skills. Yikes, huh? The next few days consisted of some of the most inspiring conversations I've had the pleasure of having in my life, a lot of R&B, and a handful of beautiful people who helped us along the way. We stopped at local shops in small towns and gas stations and helped others and in return they helped us with gas, food, and water. We sold what we could that we had on us. We were innovative in how we made money. We were determined to get to the beach. Everyone has pride to an extent, where most of us find ourselves needing help but not allowing our egos to ask for it. I continued on that trip just so I could teach myself the lesson of, if I really want something, regardless of if I have the means to do it, I will be able to do it. During that trip, I learned that perspective truly is everything. Yes there was times during those few days where we would each exchange doubts of if we would actually be able to accomplish this crazy assignment but we couldn't fail, so we took turns reassuring each other. That's the great thing about friends, even when they're in doubt, they will continue to push you to keep doing what you set out to do. Needless to say, we did make it, and the second that we did, we ran to the ocean and I took one of the best naps of my life right there! I woke up to music coming from the board walk and surrounded by wonderful people enjoying the rest of their summer a ways away from home. We ventured out to explore the rest of this magical place. In return, for pushing ourselves to achieve what we had set out to do, we were rewarded with a beautiful night and a memory we would hold onto forever. Alright, I know what you're thinking. Get to the point. Honestly, I don't remember exactly how I lost my pants in Florida, but I spent most of the time wearing a one piece. Between crashing on the beach and crashing an outdoor concert, for all I know and can remember, the ocean swallowed my pants and in return fed my soul. We were only there for about a day and a half. On the journey back we wanted to try and panhandle because some other travelers we met inspired us to try it and in return we had the time of our lives. Not very many people choose to panhandle but the experience puts you in the shoes of people that have no choice but to. You learn a lot about the people who struggle everyday and it really gives you a different mindset. You really learn how to appreciate what you have more. We made big signs and stood in the middle of a busy intersection. People were coming down the road blasting different genre's of music with their windows down enjoying the weather. Since we were by a stoplight a lot of people when they were stopped would interact with us. I didn't care about the money that we had gotten in that hour, what I took from that experience was far more valuable. On our way home, we reflected a lot on what had learned and I can tell you the same four people who had left Iowa weren't the same three people who were returning. I say the three of us because one of the guys decided to stay in Florida, but that's a whole other story for some other time.