A Socially Distanced Road Trip to the Virginia Safari Park🐾

There are so many negative views of this place because people complain about the wild animals ruining their cars. They say the lamas and the emus constantly slobber all over the vehicles. Some say the animals will not hesitate to stick their heads in a sunroof. I found this intriguing, so I loaded up my crappy car and headed West.

I live in Norfolk, and the Virginia Safari Park is located in Natural Bridge. It took about three hours to get there. So we decided to drive there and back in the same day.

It was a girls trip! I took my mom and my ten year old daughter. We left early and stopped at a scenic view near Charlottesville for photos. It was a gorgeous drive.

 

Because of the Covid Pandemic, there are very few places to safely adventure to. This zoo is perfect spot for the pandemic season because each person stays in their own vehicle the whole time. We even bought our tickets online, so we experienced even less human contact than at a drive through restaurant.

The zoo did not disappoint! There were so many animals including lamas, ostriches, cows, and emus. The animals eagerlied approached every vehicle, hoping for snacks. Most visiters purchased feed at the gate to give to the animals. Of course I did.

Some moms were petrified of the wild animals and could be heared shreaking from nearby mini vans. There were also people who brought shiny new cars with looks of disgust. It actually is a wonderful place to people watch, especially considering it is done at a safe distance.

My daughter loved the gang of ostriches the most. They approached our car instantly and were super friendly and excited for snacks. She couldn’t stop laughing.

It is also beautiful! This zoo is a gorgeous drive through the Southwest Virginia countryside, lasting several miles. The animals appear happy, healthy and well taken care of.

All of the reviews are true. Although you may have to wash a few paw prints off your car when you get home, I think you will find it is well worth it. My family and I absolutely loved visiting this zoo, and I hope we get to return soon. Check them out below: https://www.virginiasafaripark.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Would Rather Be Fat

So many people lately have been focused on diet and health. Some folks are feeling really guilty for not starting a new exercise program or for gaining a few pounds during the recent quarantine. Even worse, others are stressing over specialty diet foods and spending every spare moment they have at a gym, all in an attempt to achieve a body that society will approve. I would rather be fat.

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I would rather be fat than spend my life at the gym. Not only is it uncomfortable and boring, but has always proven to be a pointless game that I lose every time I play. While exercising, I usually convince myself that running on a treadmill, (just like a hamster on a wheel), during my only thirty minutes of free time is just not worth it. Art, religion, music, politics; I would always rather be doing anything other than participating in sports or fitness.

Food is one of the greatest luxuries in life. A large pizza with a side of cheesy bread is the perfect way to celebrate anything. There is nothing better than cooking a delicious meal with family.

Food is also the best part of traveling. You could drive an hour and a half South to find the best crab cakes and Carolina barbecue in Nags Head. Or you could travel 315 miles West and indulge in the best hot dogs on the planet with Appalachian exclusive coleslaw. Or you could just order a salad. How could you?

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Every time I see new construction, I dream about food. Are they building a new restaurant there? I hope so.

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Many people find exercising and dieting enjoyable, even though I do not, ( just like Star Wars and rollercoasters). However, if you don’t find the fitness lifestyle enjoyable, don’t be hard on yourself. Those vanity pounds will not stop you from doing anything in life.

I Hope We Are Never Best Friends

Best friends are horrible. Not only are best friendships short lived, but they also tend to end in loud dramatic disasters that make dumpster fires look appealing. Best friends take the wonderful parts of friendship and add a touch of jealousy, with a sprinkle of control.

A best friend hopes that telling me negative things that others said about me will bring us together. In reality, this will likely hurt my feelings and force us to grow apart. I forgive my friends for venting about me. However, I am not in the market for a best friend to remind me of the moments other people spoke negatively about me.    

Are you upset with me because I went to the beach with another friend from work? This would really upset a best friend. I am not willing to sign up for an exclusive one on one friendship.

 

Are you in the mood to make someone feel inadequate together? Are you thinking about getting some folks together, strategically  leaving out one particular person? Then, we can tag pictures of each other on social media so it will make the one person feel left out. We can talk about how much fun we had next time we see the person, in hopes it will bring them down. Will this make you feel warm inside? Do you get a sense of belonging from excluding others? You are a best friend.

Do we have to watch the same movies and vote for the same politicians? Very best friendish. I’m pretty loud and I have tons of controversial opinions, surely you will disagree with me on some of them. I hope you do. I refuse to be your opinion twin, best friend.

Some of the best moments in my life have been spent building strong friendships. I want to support you. I want to go to the park together and then laugh about that one funny thing that happened there. I want you to call me when you get engaged. I want to celebrate with you when I get into grad school. I want you to forgive me when I cancel plans, and I want to forgive you when you forget to text me back.  I want your time and love, as that is the only thing that I have to offer you in return. I appreciate and need you, so I hope that we are never best friends.