Musings

What happens when you unexpectedly need laundry detergent on Thanksgiving Day?  You discover you are two thousand miles from the only home you have ever known. 

After spending two weeks living out of my suitcase, I was badly in need of some clean clothes, however laundry detergent was among the many things that were left behind in Missouri.  “No problem”, I thought, “I will just go to the store and buy some”.  Rational thought, right?  I headed out to the nearest grocery store, which appeared to be open.  Realizing that it was Thanksgiving Day, I found myself with one more reason to be thankful.  I walked into the store and began my search.  As I walked through the aisles and could not find the “Laundry” aisle, I decided to read the large colorful signs above me.  I looked up and found myself confused.  I was unable to read the signs.  Soon, a man made an announcement over the loudspeaker, however I realized that I could not understand what he was saying.   Then the next realization hit me… there are people living in the United States who do not celebrate American holidays.  I was soon confronted with the sharp contrast between my small town, midwestern life and my new west coast life.   I found myself thankful for the diversity that characterizes our nation and for the opportunity to experience this diversity. 

I am here in the land of SUNshine, the land of fun in the SUN, the land where SUN bronzed beauties abound.  I am in a place known for it’s perfect climate, one that inspires feelings of bliss, where it is said that even the cows are happy. 

 For months I have been anticipating trading in the cold, windy winters of Missouri for a more temperate climate, and of course, nature’s anti-depressant – SUNshine.   I drove through Southern California soaking up the SUN and 80 degree temperatures knowing I had found the ideal climate for me.  That is, until I arrived in my new town.  As I rolled through the valley into the city limits, I was greeted by thick fog and falling temeratures.  I soon discovered that the flights for the past two days had been cancelled due to this SUN-stealing culpret.  Determined that I was going to soak up the full recommended daily allowance of vitimin D, I decided to investigate.  As I encountered locals I questioned this unexpected deprivation of ultraviolet goodness only to discover that what is generally accepted here as the “foggy season” had only just begun.  I was told to expect this type of behavior from Mother Nature until February.  Although the locals seem to be at peace with this and assure me that my beloved friend will surely show his face again, I have decided to petition.  If a foreign-born movie star can have his own state, surely I can have a few hours of warm goodness.  

We are here!!!  We are definately NOT in Kansas, or Missouri for that matter.  What a beautiful drive!  Southern California is very beautiful with a variety of desert, mountains and farmland.  I attempted to take some pictures to share with all my compadres in the great midwest, however they just do not do justice to the vast beauty of the mountains.  Some steryotypical experiences I enjoyed:

1.  First stop in California for gas… $2.99/gallon (I paid $1.99/gallon before leaving MO)

2.  ”Re-elect Arnold” signs on the side of the highway.

3.  Palm Trees!

4. Joshua Trees

Well, Day Two of my journey is complete.  This time tomorrow, I should be a California resident!  The trip so far has brought new experiences, new lessons learned and time to reflect on dreams past, present and future.  It is late, here in Williams, AZ, so I will just hit the highlights.  After a long day of packing and loading the truck and my car, we finally headed out on the journey.  The first day went without problems and was farily uneventful.  Chuck and I had some good time to laugh, talk about the new changes for us, and of course, create the inevitable inside jokes that can only come from spending countless hours locked in a 5 x 3 space together.  Day two started off in Albuquerque, NM.  From there we decided to take a small detour to the Grand Canyon.  WOW!  That’s all I have to say.  I highly recomend making a trip to see it sometime no matter how far out of the way it is.  I have some pictures posted, but of course, they can never capture the magesty of it.  The day ended eating in a Mexican Cantina run by non-heterosexual, caucasian males with a cowboy taking the stage singing acapella country songs (and not very well).  Interesting experience.  The day has been long, and I am tired, so it’s off to bed.     

                                     Hey Cow!!  What appears to be terrain in the background is acutally miles of cows pinned up together.