My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Twelve 11/4/2012: It's Moving Day

Today, I moved into my new apartment.  It's perfect.  Small, but Southie is fabulous.  Everything is within walking distance.  Grocery store a block away, Rite Aid less than a block away, vet next door, pet shop a block away, bars everywhere.  Parking is scarce here, but I found a spot right in front... I lugged my boxes upstairs.  

I cleaned for the next four hours.  My bed was delivered.  I set everything up and then went out to grocery shop.  I asked the guy at the store where their alcohol aisle was.  He looked at me like I was crazy.  They don't carry liquor in the grocery stores.  I have to go to the liquor store, but they are closed.  UGH.  Really?!  Massachusetts, I will learn, has intense liquor laws.  Sorry David, I remembered I had bought Roswell Alien beer in ABQ... I drank it.  I was so tired, but so anxious to start my new job.  I'm pretty sure I won't be sleeping tonight.

Michaela won't be home until Wednesday.  I was alone for the next few days, but at least I can kind of settle in and Harley can get comfortable.

He seems to be relaxed...

My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Eleven 11/3/2012: Am I Moving Or Not?

I woke up late.  Kim left for work and told me not to worry about having a place to sleep.  I was frantic in trying to get a hold of Michaela.  I was so nervous.  

Michaela had texted me that she was in the hospital.  OK, at least she's real.  I felt bad because I was pushy, but I needed to make sure I had a place to live before I started work on Monday.  She got me in touch with her former roommate who said she'd meet me to give me the keys TOMORROW.  Fine.  

I slept the day away, watched lifetime movies, and ordered my bed to be delivered tomorrow.  My bank account was getting low.  At least I know I am closer to settling down.  Kim got home from work late at night.  We drank some more and talked a lot.  Her house is adorable.  Salem is quaint.  I love it.  

To bed I go.  Tomorrow, I move into my new home and Monday, my new life officially starts. 

My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Ten 11/2/2012: The Final Leg

So, I ended up not going to the Hershey Factory.  Maybe I'll be back, maybe not.  I wanted to get on the road.  I'm almost there!  This drive would be about eight hours, not including stops.  Another long one... my destination would be Salem, MA.  My friend Kimberly is letting me stay with her until I am able to move into my apartment.

I passed states super fast.  I was out of PA before I could blink and into New York.  I had never seen the non-city parts of NY, so I was fascinated.  I forgot to get gas before leaving PA...big mistake.  I decided to stop right away and gas up.  The lines were ridiculous!  I managed to find a station with a small line.  They were out of everything but the cheap stuff.  Great, Marilyn is going to flip her shit, I'm sure.  

On the road again, I got through NY state and arrived in Connecticut.  Gorgeous state, but the drivers are worse here than anywhere.  I don't know why, but they're horrible.  It was around 4pm, on a Friday, and I think people were getting off work.  The traffic was insane.  Marilyn did act up a bit and I wanted to cry.  I really just wanted to be done with this trip.  Kim was really good about keeping me going.  She promised to have vodka when I arrived.

A crossed into Massachusetts and I cried.  Real tears of relief and happiness and excitement. I'm here.  I made it.  I didn't realize how long I had to go still.  Traffic was horrendous.  Friday night, it was about 6pm by then.  EVERYONE was headed home from work and the freeways were parking lots.  The Pike (Massachusetts Turnpike) was a mess... their toll booths don't have lanes, it was a cluster.  I was in the far right booth and had to make it to the on ramp on the far left.  This is crazy.  Then, it started to rain. OK, that's it, I'm done.  I called Kim and told her I couldn't do it.  I couldn't sit in this traffic.  No more.  I can't.  "yes, you can.  you're almost here" she said.  Thank God for this girl, she kept me sane ... TWO hours later, I was in Salem.  I got lost.  Kim is by far the best director EVER.  She got me to her house not using street names, but by describing what was around.

I made it.  I pulled up into her driveway and I just wanted to collapse.  I'm here. In one piece.  Marilyn is still running.  Harley doesn't completely hate me.  Kim poured me some vodka and OJ and we ordered FOOD.  Cheesy fries and a Philly cheese steak with a Greek salad.  I am in food heaven.  We stayed up late talking.  She had to go to work the next day and I was trying to move into my apartment.

I had tried getting a hold of my new roommate, but was failing.  I got nervous.  "Shit", I thought "this was all a scam and I am going to be homeless in Boston".  I start work on Monday... two days from now.  

My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Nine 11/1/2012: Headed to Hersheytown

This morning I left for Harrisburg, PA.  An estimated 11.5 hour drive.  BLAH!  It started out a bit rough.  Marilyn was acting up again.  At least, by now, I knew how it went.  Marilyn acts up, I pull off the road, turn her off, and re start - she's good to go.  I call her a bitch, apologize, and tell her we have ten hours and then she can sleep.  Yes, I talk to her.  She's named after Marilyn Monroe and she lives up to the diva part.

I also stopped three times before three hours ... I had to pee a lot today.  T.M.I. once again.  Usually, I stop every three to four hours to gas up and walk Harley.  This was going to be a long day.  

I hit traffic just outside of Knoxville.  I was at a dead stop.  Interstate 40 is such a shitty highway.  There's construction everywhere and truckers are assholes.  The farther East I got, the more aggressive the drivers became.  Marilyn had another fit at dusk.  I have been putting the most expensive grade of gas in her since Oklahoma..still only $3.59/gallon...awesome!  I sweet talked her.  I was only two hours away from my hotel.  She behaved and we reached the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel around 5 or 6pm.

So far, the people have been a little less than welcoming at each of the hotels...all Starwood.  The norm when you're staying on an employee rate.

This hotel broke the mold.  The girl at the front desk - I forgot her name - was so sweet.  Harley and I were put on the dog floor.  It was a nice room, away from elevators, stairs, and it wasn't an accessible room!  Brownie points!  As a former front desk girl - I busted my ass, smiled, and was nice to everyone regardless of who they were and what they were paying - I was impressed with this hotel's service.

I was now starving... for alcohol.  Hahahahahahaha!  I went to the hotel restaurant - they were the only hotel who offered the 50% F&B discount.  I ordered a pizza and some wine.  Everyone thought I was writing a book as I sat there and wrote in my journal.  They were all really nice.  Helping me with which route to take as I was headed into New York the next day.  

The bar is full of athletes...of course I have no idea who.  Most likely just an extracurricular league, but they were cute.  Ahhhh, East Coast Men.  I'm loving the accents.  I had a few more glasses of wine...and by a few, I mean four and then headed to bed.

I'm finally on my coast.  The right coast.  I'm excited!  Tomorrow is my last drive.  Thank God!  I'm tired, I'm over driving, and I think all this red bull is giving me chest pain.  I want to go to the Hershey Factory tomorrow, but I also just want to get to Boston.  We shall see. 

My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Eight 10/31/2012: A Little Bit Country

Well, today is Halloween.  My most favorite day of the year and I am not dressed up :(  BUT it's a small sacrifice and I was more than happy to spend the day Nashville.

I went into downtown Nashville around lunchtime.  First stop, Tootsies!  This place was tiny and kinda smelly.  The guy performing was quite good.  Great voice, he played guitar, and had a great personality.  He entertained the group of cougars in the corner well!

Right as I sat down at the bar, the bartender told me I put my purse on someone's seat...my bad... no one was even around.  She eventually came around, and was definitely your typical southern girl.  Bottle blonde, blue eyes, dressed in jean from head to toe, and cowgirl boots.  Her accent was adorable.  She immediately struck up a conversation with me.  I love it here.  This would never happen on the west coast.  You have to force people to look you in the eyes let alone speak one word to a stranger.  

She showed me photos of her kids - she thought I was their age, late teens!  I thought she was closer to my age than she really was.  She was stunning.  I found out she was their for the CMAs.  Her work sent her and her mom... she said it was a pity invite, her husband had just left her, so the big boss gave her his tickets.  I'd take a pity invite to the CMAs any day!  She finished her drink and was on her way.  I sat and finished my beer then headed on out to Broadway.

I went in and out of stores - the "Honky Tonks".  I found a store that has a buy one, get two free on boots!  Holy shop girl heaven.  Of course, the buy one pair that I wanted was $300.  Not in my budget right now.  I still needed to buy a bed.  Next time.  I've already decided I'm coming back next year.  I will save for my boots!

After walking off my beer, I stopped at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville for some food.  To my surprise, another live act!  This duo, Brittany Taylor and who I'm guessing was her husband were singing.  They sounded lovely.  I took video and tried uploading it to Facebook, but it didn't work.  I googled her later and saw that she also performs in a band called Tumbleweed.  She's pretty amazing and obviously I felt her talent was worth a shout out!

I stuffed my face full of food and more beer... I think I've gained five pounds by now.  Now it was time to get educated, in country music.  I made my way to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.  It was unbelievably huge.  They were featuring Taylor Swift.  I'm not a fan of her, but she does have some catchy ass songs.  I'm not the biggest country music fan.  I bought Tim McGraw's first album and Billy Ray Cyrus' "achy breaky" YEARS ago - did I just admit that?! I love Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert and God knows I love country men.  Anywho, I enjoyed walking around.  I can't believe how much stuff is there.  You can't even see half of the stuff.  A lot is in "the vault".  One part of the museum, they have people working on preserving old records.  Kinda cool.  

I spent two hours in the museum... My feet hurt... all I own are heels and flip flops.  It was time to head back.  On my way back to Franklin, I purposely got lost in my new favorite town.  I arrived "home" later in the evening and Mary and Kerry handing out candy to the kiddos.  I had wanted to take them to dinner, but Darcy warned me they would most likely say no.  They did.  Instead, they wanted to take me out to dinner for my last night.  Another live act!  I love this!!!!

My last night in Tennessee, what a better way to end it than to watch Nashville?!  Mary and Kerry are simply wonderful.  I think the nicest people I have met in my 28 years.  Darcy, you are truly blessed to be part of this family - I'm jealous!  I'll go ahead and make myself the adopted daughter!

My time spent here was unforgettable.  Seriously, I want to come back ASAP.  Thank you Mary and Kerry for your hospitality and Darcy and Brandon for making the call to help me out.  I am truly blessed to have you as friends and I am so happy I was able to meet your family!

Tomorrow, I am heading to Harrisburg, PA... my last stop before heading to Boston.

My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Seven 10/29/2012: Shopping for Winter Clothes, Not So Easy

I slept in this morning and it felt SO good.  My mission today would be to find myself a jacket.  I headed for the mall, AGAIN.  I literally walked this mall three times and tried on at least fifty coats.  With a little help from my new roomie, Michaela (who I had yet to meet), my mom, and her friend, I chose a cute grey wool coat from Express - just in case you wanted to know :)

After hours on my feet, I was ready to relax.  I went back "home" to Franklin - seriously the cutest town EVER.  I took a little catnap and Mary cooked some yummy baked chicken with grilled veggies, sweet potatoes, and cornbread.  At this point, I don't think I ever want to leave!

I am going to bed early because I want to be a tourist in Nashville tomorrow.  The CMAs are in town, so it should be interesting!

This is the view from my room

Fall leaves

The houses are so beautiful here, I couldn't stop taking pictures

My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Six 10/29/2012: The Little Town of Frankli, TN

Today, I left the Aloft Cool Springs and made my way to Darcy's soon-to-be in laws house in Franklin, TN... It was literally a couple miles from my hotel.  I was super nervous because I didn't want to feel like I was in their way AND they have two dogs, so I was worried about how my badass-overly-anxious Harley would get along with them.  I knew with the hurricane that I would be with them for at LEAST until Thursday.  

I got started a bit late... those six beers the night before... I wanted to get a coat.  It was freezing - 50 degrees outside and windy.  This California girl was cold!  So, I went to the mall, but didn't find anything.  I rushed it.  I figured I'd go check in with Mary and then shop for a coat another day.

I met Mary and I can't even begin to describe how incredibly wonderful this woman was/is.  Not just because she opened her home to me - a complete stranger, but she is just so incredibly sweet.  I instantly felt at ease.  We talked for a bit as the dogs got acquainted.  I had mentioned that my nails were a wreck and next thing I know, we are in the car on our way to the nail salon.  I got a manicure and felt so much better.  It's amazing how a new coat of polish makes a girl feel!

That night we ate homemade chili and cornbread.  OMG.  This was my first time eating chili.  SO glad I was able to eat homemade chili and Mary's was delish!  I was stuffed after dinner and we spent the rest of the night watching the news.  Hurricane Sandy was about to make a mess of the Northeast... I was so thankful I had a place to stay.  Not just a place, but a home.  Mary had a goodies basket in the guest bedroom along with a fresh flower on the nightstand.  I felt like I was in a bed & breakfast.  Tomorrow I wanted to go shopping to find some warm clothes.  The hurricane, along with the Nor'easter that was coming in was making it very cold out.

Franklin, TN - this town is straight out of a picture book!

My Journey Across the U.S.- Day Five 10/28/2012: Next Up, Nashville

I woke up and took Harley out for a walk.  I'm on my way out of the lobby and I see a guest with a puppy talking to the girl at the front desk.  Talking as in in sternly talking to her.  The front desk girl looks at me and shakes her head and says "we don't allow dogs".  I looked at her, then at the other woman with the dog and say "ok, well, I called before I made my reservation and was told you do, at no charge"... in my mind I was thinking "whatever bitch".

I go outside and the other woman approaches me and said she didn't care what that girl said.  She called too and they told her it was okay.  She wasn't about to leave.  I went in and made sure they weren't going to charge me for having me dog.  Her reply to me was "I can't charge you if you checked in with him, but the girl who told you it was okay is going to pay".  OUCH.

I went to Graceland.  This was one of my bucket list items. Check!  White girl confession:  I LOVE ELVIS.  So, you have options for the tour: Platinum or VIP.  I really wanted to do VIP, but decided to do Platinum.  Good deal.  I liked it, but you can't go upstairs in the mansion.  I'm sorry, but I'm nosy and that's why I came here, to see how Elvis lived and for $50 I think I am entitled to see where he slept. Maybe not.  I still loved it and the staff there couldn't have been more lovely.  Every time someone saw me attempt to take photos of myself, they would offer to take one for me.  Kudos Graceland operations - one girl even directed me towards her heater when she saw me shivering.  

I left Memphis - in a hurry.  I wanted to ask for a late check out and go on a Riverboat down the Mississippi, but since the girl was already pissed at me, I decided to get the hell outta there.  

I made my way into Nashville - I am actually at the Aloft in Cool Springs - LOVE it here!  I'm sitting at Jonathan's Grille, having some beers.  They are two for one...yay.  The people are great.  Service is FAB.  I've had 6 beers at this point and I get to walk to my hotel next door.  Everyone here says ya'll and I've been complimented on my bangs...a Taylor Swift reference. Ew. I feel comfortable calling this place home for the next four days.

My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Four 10/27/2012: Memphis, Here I Come!

The drive from Arkansas to Memphis - easy peasy.  Completely gorgeous.  Fall leaves.  This is what I was looking forward to.  Hilly roads...I had to talk nice to Marilyn...she made it without a hitch.  Although, Memphis drivers MIGHT be in the running for the # 2 spot of worst drivers in the USA.

I checked into the Four Points Memphis Southwind.  Check in was smooth.  I ate at this place called Steak n Shake - Memphis' version of Wendy's - Blah.  I didn't really feel like venturing out to find a BBQ spot.  I didn't really feel comfortable here and I didn't want to drive anymore.

At this point Hurricane Sandy was looking fierce and I knew there was no way I would make it into Boston before she hit, so I started making plans to stay in Nashville, my next stop, for four nights instead of one.  

Again, my friends back home were looking out for me.  I got a hold of Darcy, who had her fiance, Brandon call his parents in Franklin, TN to see if I could stay with them until it was safe to drive to the coast.

Done and done.  Tomorrow, since I wasn't in a hurry to get anywhere, I would go to Graceland!!!!  YAY!

Arkansas

My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Three 10/26/2012: Arkansas or BUST!

I woke up bright and early - wanted to leave by 7am, actually left at 7:30am...not too bad.  The rest of New Mexico was uneventful.  Only more "Hills Have Eyes" moments.  I hit Texas - shout out to my family!! So sad I couldn't make the journey down to see you, but Amarillo was my destination!  I made my way through, hit Amarillo, took a photo of a massive Texas flag and cross...lots of crosses out here! Then, the REAL adventure began...

Mclean, Texas.  In between the middle of Texas and Oklahoma.  Now, if you had been in contact with me as I was planning my trip, you know this would be the most terrifying part for me.  I love the movie Twister and have a fascination with tornadoes.  I've always wanted to see one... now that I was here, not so much.  Anyway, I was a little below half a tank and things were looking pretty scarce... I think the last gas station was 15 miles back and I had no idea when the next one would be.  SOOO, I see this place, it looks sweet.  Little gas station, motel, and convenience store.  Not name brand, but I'm also in Mclean, Texas.  I stop, fill up my tank, and go inside to re stock my red bull supply.  I walked into the store and immediately thought of Rob Zombie's "House of 1000 Corpses".  No Joke.  The broad working the counter was weird.  It was literally a trailer.  Maybe I watched too many horror movies, but I had a BAD feeling about this place. Oh well, too late.  I got my red bull and left.

BOOOOOOOM! No more than ten miles later, my car stopped accelerating and my engine light started flashing like crazy.  FML.  I went into panic mode.  There is nothing out here and I have been passing "tornado shelter" signs at pretty much every exit.  I called my mom frantic...almost crying...FREAKING OUT.  I'm sure she could have done without the stress of knowing her daughter was in the middle of nowhere in trouble!

I called Rob next... he had helped me out so much with my car before I left.  He talked me through and told me to find the nearest place I could...OK...

Nearest exit - Shamrock, Texas.  Where? Who the F knows?!  Shamrock = Lucky, right?  Meh.  Not really. I found a Napa Auto Store ... flashback to House of 1000 Corpses.  No offense, but I was a white girl, by herself, in trouble, in a not-so-white part of town (please don't take offense to this peeps...these were raw feelings at the time).  As soon as I walked in, three other guys walked up behind me to hear what was going on.  I still had Rob on the phone and he made me sound like I knew what I was talking about.  They ALL walked out to my car behind me.  You know Captain Spaulding from House of 1000 Corpses? Him, three times, at my car.  One dude told me he didn't have the authority to look at my car and diagnose a problem...ok, fine.  He sent me across the street to a mechanic.  It was small, but the minute I pulled up this guy looked at me and I'm sure he could see the fear in my eyes.  He stopped working on a car and walked right up to me and asked what I needed.  Either this could be good or bad...he was sweet, checked my car and said everything looked and sounded fine.  He said I may have put some bad gasoline in my tank and it got into my engine.  Thanks Mclean - bad gas.  Awesome.  

I took what he said.  Gave him some cash for looking at my car and drove off.  An hour later, Marilyn, the bitch did it again.  I pulled off the freeway to a Shell gas station - I was in Oklahoma at this point - I felt like people were watching me and didn't want to let on that I was in trouble.  Harley at this point was freaking out.  He knew something was up.  Poor thing.

I kept at it.  I was determined to get the fuck out of Oklahoma.  I hated it.  I'm not gonna lie, I already had a feeling that this would be a problem state.  I got through OKC and into Tulsa.  Six accidents on one two lane highway...I just wanted to get to Arkansas - my next destination.  I think Oklahoma lasts forever.  FOR-EV-ER.  I hated it. Absolutely hated it.  If I wanted to stop, I would have let Harley pee all over it.

It was late.  It was dark.  There were stretches of road where there was nothing but darkness.  Not even other cars/trucks in sight.  ENTER ARKANSAS.  Thank God!  I was still two hours away from my hotel, but the simple fact of being OUT of Oklahoma was enough for me to relax.  Marilyn hadn't acted up in over an hour.  I think I held my breath this whole drive.  I arrived at Aloft Rogers at 10:30pm.

I got into the lobby and of course there was a Halloween party happening.  It's a W wannabe hotel.  I don't know why I hadn't thought of that.  I checked in and as I walked to my room - located on the lobby level, next to the bar - assholes started barking at Harley.  I normally wouldn't have cared, but this dog had been through enough.  So, yes I yelled back "you're an asshole". Not the most clever of comebacks, but hey, I had been driving for 14 hours at this point.  I turned into mama bear.  I felt guilty for putting him through this and started to regret driving.  I was over it.  I just wanted to scream "F all of you!!!"

The night was restless as people came in and out of the hotel bar, screaming down the hallway.  I can't blame them.  I wish I could have partied the night away.  It was here, I learned of Hurricane Sandy for the first time on my trip.  Uh-oh, I'm headed right for it!!  I tried to sleep....another day of driving ahead of me.  Thank God it would only be a short five hour one to Memphis.

House of 1000 Corpses moment

My Journey Across the U.S. - Day Two 10/25/2012: A Day in Santa Fe

I slept in today. Duh.  Veronica suggested we go to Santa Fe for a couple of hours.  It's about an hour drive from ABQ.  It was a bit chilly and windy, but the sun was out, the skies were clear, and it was a gorgeous day.  The drive was nice.  OH...can I say this?  people who say California drivers are the worst are seriously mistaken.  Arizona - YOU take the cake on this one; New Mexico, you are a close second.  Anyways, we walked around Santa Fe Plaza, went into some shops, and I "forced" Veronica to buy some things.  If you know my CaCa, let me say, this is the perfect place for her.  New Mexico, I mean.  Frida Kahlo is EVERYWHERE!  We went to have lunch at this place Coyote Cafe.  Doors were open and the hostess was standing at the front BUT she told us they were closed for the season.  OKAY, so close your doors and put up a sign!  SO, we went into Dream Cakes.  The gentleman there was super nice.  Very charming man.  I got a BlueMoon cupcake.  It had lavender infused cake and frosting with chunks of white chocolate...YUMMO!  

After a couple hours, we left so Veronica could make it to her meeting at work.  We went to the meeting and my allergies started acting up.  My nose was literally dripping...T.M.I, again, sorry.  Her colleagues are super nice.

After the meeting, we were on the search for some drinks.  Along the way, Veronica showed me one of the spots they SUPPOSEDLY film Breaking Bad.  This is seriously one of my favorite shows.  Aaron Paul is right up there with Michael Phelps and Ryan Gosling for me, so I was pretty stoked to even be in the vicinity that he had been.  I don't know though, I didn't recognize the place.  Maybe you will?

We went for a couple beers at O'Neil's Pub.  I had a much anticipated pumpkin beer, a local brew.  It was great! After a couple beers, we were ready to eat.  We headed to Church Street Cafe.  I was excited to try some New Mexican food, most of all, the green chili sauce!  I ordered three tacos AND a chicken enchilada with red and green chili sauce on the side - so I could try both.  Yes, it was pig out time.  The food came and I was more than ready to eat.  The enchilada went first.  I loved both green and red sauces.  I still can't decide which one I like better.  I ate until my pants felt like they were going to burst.  No joke.  I killed it.  I ate and drank some Roswell Alien Amber Lager, just for the name.  It was OK.  David, I bought a six pack just for you!  

I was stuffed, tired, and we both were ready for some down time.  Cue the movie.... Magic Mike.  We really, well I really only wanted to watch the dance scenes.  Channing Tatum. Whether he's in sweats or a g-string, he's HOT!  I watched up to the Ginuwine "Ride It, My Pony" dance.  That's all I wanted to see.  Sweet Dreams ya'll...tomorrow, I'm headed to Texas!

Breaking Bad Apartment

Breaking Bad Cross Streets

Chapel of La Conquistadora - Santa Fe

My Journey Across the U.S. - Day One 10/24/2012: On My Way to Albuquerque

So, I left this morning for Albuquerque.  This would be the first of five planned stops along the way.  I got a late start because it was just too hard to say goodbye AND I somehow always seem to procrastinate...ALWAYS!  As I left the house my sister shoves some of her birthday money into my hand.  I am going to miss that little girl sooooooooo much.  She's not so little anymore, I guess.  I said my goodbyes and hugged my mom and Gabs one last time... Harley and I were off!

The drive was pretty uneventful.  I called Veronica only about 2 hours in thinking that I was already lost!  I wasn't... at the first checkpoint I was SO nervous.  My little car, Marilyn, was PACKED.  I totally thought they would stop me and search my car.  Not that it would matter, but the thought was enough to make my stomach churn.  Harley tried to make friends with the drug-sniffing German Sheppard, of course.  The agent asked my country of citizenship, I replied "United States".  Then he said "and the dog"?  I am such a tard... I just sat there and stared at him like WTF?!  Really?!  He laughed and I nervously giggled.  A border patrol agent with a sense of humor, who knew?

Our first stop was Yuma... good ol' Arizona.  I already had it in my head that I wasn't going to let my tank get below half.  Harley took his first out-of-state potty break...T.M.I. - Whatevs!  Arizona was long and boring.  In between Phoenix and Flagstaff I saw a sign that read "Accident. Freeway closed in 11 miles"... FML.  OF COURSE this would happen.  So, being me, alone, I freaked a little... I called Veronica and my mom... 28 going on 10 :)  Traffic was stopped and people were turning off their cars and posting up on the side of the road.  I was going nowhere.  Mom tells me to pull off the freeway and eat some lunch, no point in waiting.  True, but I'm impatient so I thought "what would I do if I were home?????"  So, I pulled off the road and drove to the next on ramp.  Worked like a charm.  Traffic was moving and I was soon again on my way.  Once we hit Flagstaff, I started to enjoy the scenery and noticed the weather dropped about ten degrees.

I crossed into New Mexico around sunset... can I just say that the scenery reminded me of The Hills Have Eyes and all those crazy movies.  I know they were all filmed here, but seeing empty shacks, abandoned pancake houses, and fading billboards made it more realistic.  I knew my love of horror movies would one day backfire on me.

When I crossed the state line I almost swerved off the road trying to take a picture of the "Welcome to New Mexico" sign (note to self: this is NOT a good idea).  So, while planning my trip, I totally didn't take into account the time changes.  It got dark. Fast.  I was still two hours from Veronica's house.  I started to get tired and nervous.  I can drive the streets in San Diego with my eyes closed, here, notsomuch.  My tired eyes started to blur, so I turned up the volume on my radio...Unwritten Law (the black album) playing, rolled down my window, and drove like hell.  Harley, at this point was SO tired, he was resting his head on my shoulder...dead weight.  At one point we drove under a bridge that was all lit up in pretty colored lights!  At least there was a lot to look at driving into the city.

I arrived around 9:30p...I think - Veronica? - this was the first time I had come to visit my BFF since she moved here forever and a day ago.  I was more than excited!  She came out to greet me as soon as we pulled up.  Marilyn was being super loud.  Marilyn, again, is my super stubborn bitch of a car.

Elvis, the cat; Layla, the Lab; and Andrew, the hubby were all there with welcoming arms/paws.  The minute I walked in, Andrew offered me alcohol; Veronica offered food. Yes AND Yes, please!  We stayed up, chatted a bit, then went to bed.  I was tired.  My first ever trip across more than one state, all by myself.  I made it. Safe and sound.  Tomorrow, I have one full day in New Mexico with my best friend forever.