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Published: October 29th 2008
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Albuquerque Never Ends
I still have not decided whether my timing was good or bad in this city of balloons. I suppose good, since, all in all, no harm done. After finishing my blog on Wednesday, I hopped in the car to cruise the Querqe. It didn't take long to realize that, having been on the road and in multiple cities over the past month and a half, I'd seen nearly every kind of sight. I asked locals what there is to see in town: Botanical gardens (Remember L.A.?), Old Town (drove thru...same o' same o') Mass ascension of Hot Air Balloons (yeah...TOTALLY bummed, THAT happened at 7 this morning. I just wasn't feeling too inspired, so I grabbed something to quench my thirst and caught up on some quiet time. After reading and journalling a while (
quite a while) I headed back toward the hostel. On the way there I saw a Firestone Tires shop. I had bailed earlier on the idea of getting my brakes checked once again, deciding I was just paranoid, but since I had nothin' going on, figured 'what could it hurt?' Oh, it hurt. A leaking seal on the axel left
Breaking Bad
An episode of this show was being filmed in the park behind the hostel my brake shoes contaminated requiring a ridiculous amount of labor. I had time though, right. Leaving my car in Firestone's hands, I took off again, checking out what was supposed to be a local show. Instead, the band was a no show. Not wanting to hang around a bar by myself, I retired to the Route 66 hostel. I sat around for a bit eavesdropping on an enlightening and lengthy conversation (Is it really eavesdropping if it is totally apparent you are listening?) and eventually turned in.
Wake up call
I groggily woke up to my phone ringing. Firestone. Now I was told they'd be done around 11am, and here it is only 9am. This can't be good...and it wasn't. I was unfortunately mis-quoted and the job would require
more repairs and, consequently, more labor. Ugh...ooookay. Now, for the record, because they mis-quoted me, they compensated very generously (my shout out to FS). However, they also were mistaken about the amount of time it would take. I was told I'd be on the road by 4. The two hours after were agonizingly drawn out. I busied myself by enjoying a fresh Mex lunch, reading my
Meatball (Mia)
We always knew genius ran in the family...but who had the affair with Einstein? book and taking a nap, but it seemed to never finish. Finally, I left Albuquerque around 7. I had planned on being in Amarillo this evening and I'd be damned if I wasn't gonna keep that goal. My coffee kicked it into high gear and I was off like a bandit. Ol' Blue and I parked it in a hotel parking lot for the night. After dropping more than I had planned on remedying the brake problem, I didn't wanna pay hotel rates. This also worked as motivations to tear out of Amarillo as early as possible to make it to Keller at a decent time (so much for taking in the sights, I had my eyes on the prize).
Yoga and Gas
My back and butt ached from the akward sleep in the drivers seat, but it was worth the savings. I was up and running at 7:30 (not too shabby). I cleaned up, filled up, and geared up at a truck stop then went on my way toward Dallas/Fort Worth. About two and a half hours into the drive, my rear end was killing me. I had to stop again for gas anyway
Hardcore baby!
Being the good mama she is, Lem insisted baby Pierce wear his muffs...Percy was more than willing. so I figured it was a good time to stretch. I made an attempt to find a secluded area of grass to do some yoga, but found myself in a grassy plot behind a dumpster. Nice ambiance. It did the trick, though! The pain subsided and I made it to Keller, Texas (just outside of Fort Worth) a little after two o'clock. Landing at Leslie's house I got to rest a bit (and shower!) before we headed to Tammi and Jim's for a delicious lasagna dinner! It was great getting to catch up with Lem, Tam and Jim and to see the kids! I lacked energy, though, and welcomed sleep with open arms.
Fast Forward
The two weeks that I've been here (has it
really been that long already?) have flown by. Nearly every day is filled for me...whether its air shows, or farmers markets, making new recipes with Katie, or bouncing babies with Lem, there is always something fun and new going on!
A few of the highlights: ~Getting a job at Chipotle right away...it's a Mexican Grill with burritos the size of your head. I get freebies...woo hoo!
~Morning walk/jogs/chats with
Park Time
Ali-gator sure knows how to have a good time! She is good about making sure everyone is in on it, too! Auntie Tammi
~Cooking with Uncle Jim
~Scary movies, pizza and Chai Tea (homemade!) at Katie's
~Provoking baby Pierce's first laughs (WAAAARM FUZZZIES!!!)
~Bonding with the uuber-independent Mia
~Listening to Ali's stories and tickle attacks
~Getting spittle all over me from James' airplane effects
~Playing Disc Golf with co-workers
~Lookin for apartments in NOLA...the time is coming soon...
I can't believe how time is flying. It's been so great to be with family and get to know a different place. In only two and a half weeks I feel like I've got roots here. I suppose that is in part due to my "not letting any grass grow" (Uncle Jim, referring to my immediate search for a job). But it is so very comfortable here, as I knew it would be, and I am savoring every moment and memory in the making while I am here, witnessing my loved ones' lives and all that is constantly unfolding. Of course, I miss so many! I wish I could have spent so much more time with those I saw only breifly along the way. And those I've seen nearly every day for the last several years, or my entire life, are so
Sweet baby James
James dominated the playground climbing anything that stood still. He showed everyone the meaning of fearless! very much on my heart and mind. You are all in my thoughts and prayers throughout every day.
I love and miss you and thank you for everything you've done for me...especially that which seems to have gone unnoticed. I've noticed.
Much Love. Ang
xoxoxo
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Matey
non-member comment
You're so far away...
Yet so close to my heart! (Sorry, had to continue the sappiness from last night's "phone date") I'm soooo stinkin' happy that you are with your fam right now and still having the time of your life! I, of coarse, miss you HORRIBLY but only have December 29th to look forward to! Thanks for all the stellar advice and comforting convo last night... KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON! LOVE YOU M'LADY! *Mwah* ~Mir~