In previous summers, I've gone to Europe (1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007) on others, I've gone nowhere. In this one, I'm traveling across much of our great country.

May 31: Denton, TX
June 1: Memphis, TN
June 2: Richmond, VA
June 3: Philadelphia, PA
June 4: New York City, NY
June 5: Syracuse, NY
June 7: New York City, NY
June 8: reverse.
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July 5: Kerrville, TX
July 6: Roswell, NM
July 7: Albuquerque, NM
July 8: Santa Fe, NM
July 9: Flagstaff, AZ
July 10: Grand Canyon National Park
July 11: reverse

that's the itinerary, for the most part.

The New York City trip is one I'm taking with two college friends, Brad & Emily. Brad was asked to shoot a wedding and needed a second photographer. He asked me and I was like "uh, yeah?" haha. I've been the main person responsible with planning our stops, and I've enjoyed doing so. (do normal people like making itineraries?) check out this link for a Google Map I made full with our basic route, stops, even some sights along the way. (I was gonna put it chock full of sights, but decided that would take too long and kept it relatively simple)

We will spend a total of 2 days in New York City, and I can't wait. I haven't been there since 2005, which was my first time. I luv eet. We'll also be staying with TWO grandparents along the way, saving us even more hotel costs!

The second trip, to New Mexico and Arizona, will be with my mother and two brothers. This was all her idea, and I'm more than thrilled. Actually, it was her idea to go to Albuquerque and I said, why not go to the Grand Canyon? That's probably the farthest west we'll be in a long time, and she agreed ( my awesome convincing powers, hehe) solike, yeah.

I'm super stoked about the photographic opportunities both trips will provide me. And video, too. I'll be posting (or will try to!) post a daily blog of my NYC trip, which you can see at my website, www.phlezk.com, or specifically the blog, blog.phlezk.com.

I WILL BE TWEETING THE WHOLE TRIP, so watch my tweets if you care, they are embedded below this journal

Peace! AND: Anybody along the way know of any must-see things? Feel free to suggest or offer help in any way possible. Thanks.