Introductions, Purposes, and Meanderings…

Before We Begin the Journey…

Instead of diving head first into the fatootsin journeys themselves, I thought it would be best to make some introductions. Although fatootsin is satisfying for the single person, it takes on new life when it is shared with others. In my case, I have chosen some fabulous beginning fatootsin partners. Knowing full well that my fatootsin trips will encompass many folk including me, myself, and I (we get along superbly-most days), I thought it proper to introduce my characters as well as the structure and layout of the basic journey on paper.

May I Introduce?

Sometimes I may use my traveling partners’ real names but most of the time I will use their nicknames. This is mostly because there may be an occasional embarrassing moment or two along the way (what fun would it be if there wasn’t?), and I would hate to ruin my 13-year-old’s life by actually calling her by her real name. My current family fatootsin partners are not 100% sure if they want to be publicly recognized, yet, so surnames or nicknames will be used. However, those that know us can laugh at us later. There will be pictures, so if you are a good investigator, feel free to poke fun at any of the characters at will.

In general, though, I am a mother of three beautiful girls (yes, I am cliché at times but they really are beautiful) ages 2 ½, 9, and 13. They make me laugh every day and bring satisfaction that only a parent can understand. They aren’t real sure about why I want to write about our fatootsin journeys, but they are willing to gulp the embarrassment for the sake of the trips (anything to get out of the house). Currently, I am a single (newly divorced) mother who has found another mother of two to drag with me. Her girls are 13 and 10. When we are all together, Darth Vader (the nickname for my black Honda Odyssey) is at full capacity. And basically there is a lot of estrogen…Occasional drama, lots of singing, and a little men bashing. However, on that note…Hopefully, one day, I will have some testosterone tagging along but not right now…that’s a part of the overall journey.

Trip Ratings…

Like any good hotel rating site or car safety rating, I thought it would be good to include a “fatootsin rating system.” The rating system will depend on the fatootsin dynamic: family fatootsin, a couples journey, or a singles path. Gauges will range from toddler and mother meltdowns, are we there yets, romantic smooching locations, early bed times because of too much alcohol to moments of quiet, number of pee stops, and need for car games. Of course, this rating system is NOT OFFICIAL. Stars are NOT USED. And, others that didn’t experience the trip on NOT ALLOWED to rate the trip. However, comments are always welcome!

Why The Three Word Titles?

You’ll start to understand this as you read the stories…

Trips vs. Fatootsin…

In general, fatootsin, as coined by my mother (who KNOWS how to fatoots), are short day jaunts in the car and MAYBE include an overnighter, but in general they keep you close to home. If you go much further than this, they turn into TRIPS. Trips still bring a decent journey, but I am finding that fatootsin is more gratifying and centering for the overall journey. This said, there may be an occasional trip explored on this blog. …Purely because it brought forth some sort centeredness (or just a good, funny story).

Three’s Company or Is It Two’s Company?…

Each fatootsin journey will include different companions. It could be a couples thing (yes, this is where the testosterone comes in), or me, myself, and I, or as you will see most..the fam. The fam includes the characters listed above but riders aside from my girls may change.

What’s to Come…

Hopefully this intro gave you a general overview of the stories to come. In the end, I just hope you find yourself laughing, giggling, or guffawing (maybe even snorting in private). And, maybe it will inspire you to try your own hand at fatootsin. But lastly, I can only hope that you relate, find yourself exploring, and then encourage you to enjoy the journey no matter where it takes you.

©Rachel A. Seidensticker is a journalism student at the University of Montana. Inspired by her own childhood fatootsin experiences, she has decided to begin her own fatootsin journeys around her hometown and share them here as well as in her local newspaper, The Ravalli Republic.