October 19, 2004

October 18
Good Bye Los Angeles… Hello Mesquite?

First I have to say that I work with a great bunch of kids at my church. VeAnn is the youth director and we (along with her husband Michael, and leaders Patrick and Stacie) have been working with these kids for several years. VeAnn asked the kids to say something about me. I mention this not just to toot my own horn, but to remind you (adults and kids alike) that people watch you and learn from you. I knew that was true, but hearing some of the things the kids said really touched me. They have been a great part of my world in the last couple of years. I will miss them a lot.

On Sunday night I co-hosted a spectacular party with Michael and VeAnn. There was lots of food, lots of people and lots of fun. I think there were about 30 of you there. I am so honored by your presence. Thanks you guys for the gifts, food and downright fantastic party. I have to say that as a hostess of many a party, this was one of the best. I wrapped up a bunch of gifts for a white elephant gift type game. The gifts ranged from movie tickets, fondue kit (new) and fancy photo frames to candy and cotton balls. Almost all of the stuff (except the candy) were things I either got as presents and never used or was going to give, but never did. It was fabulous. Even three year old Anna walked away with a satisfying gift… Altoids. I heard rumor that she actually liked them. Curiously strong enough for a three year old! Sheesh! For those of you who were unable to come, I hope that you will email me your information so we can stay in touch. I am sorry to have missed you.


My mom stayed the night to help me get the rest of the stuff together. (Thanks Mom!) We got about three hours sleep. VeAnn donated most of her anniversary day (The Lynch’s 2nd anniversary) to helping me pack and load. She did an amazing job. I could never have done it without her. Doug and his friend Eric came over in the afternoon to help take stuff to the storage unit. They had to make two trips, but got it all in. (Thanks again guys. I really appreciate it!) My car is so stuffed, I can barely move my right arm. And I thought I had paired back when I moved from a three bedroom house, to a two bedroom apartment to this one bedroom! I guess not. After they all left, it took me another couple of hours to get my paperwork together and get the last of the stuff out. I didn’t leave until about 7:30pm – only nine hours late from my desired time of departure.


The Road


Being on three hours sleep hasn’t helped my drive. I am thankful I arrived in Mesquite as I had planned. It was 3am, but better late than never. I had been advised to take the 5 freeway to the 14 to bypass construction that was possibly going on the 15 that I would normally take. I gassed the car up at Costco (I hope they have Costco in Vermont!) and heard two reports of a six car pile up on the 14. So, I thought I would take the Interstate 15 instead. It took me 45 minutes to go one mile. I could have swum that faster. Ha ha ha ha! After that torturous time, I continued on the exciting drive through San Bernadino and the desert. It was really dark out but I could see lots of big, puffy clouds. There were a couple of rain storms before I hit the main desert area. When I was driving through the desert I could see so many stars out. It was so beautiful. I slowed down (as there wasn’t anybody on the road with me) just so I could look at the stars. Magnificant display of nature. When I passed Barstow, I was getting really spacy (more than usual). I pulled over at a trucker’s diner/gas station and took a half hour nap. I was going to stop in Vegas, but managed to make it to Mesquite, as I had planned.



I parked the car in front of the casino’s side entrance. I hope all my stuff is there when I leave in a few hours. I gambled away some money (as one should do in a gambling state) and learned more about playing craps. That was really fun and interesting. Now that I have had my gambling fill for the year, my life can go on.

NEXT STOP… DENVER! Now I really must get a few hours sleep if I am going to get to Denver tomorrow (which is really today.) I don’t think I will be meeting up with friends Tuesday night. More on that tomorrow or Wednesday. I am looking forward to seeing the countryside in the light.



1 comment:

Anonymous said...

You slept at a truck stop/diner? You're a braaavveee little toaster.