triumphgal

The day began at 4 am when I was drunk dialed. The sound of my cell phone rousting me from a deep sleep only 4 hours into dreamland started what would be a very full day. Once I was sure no one had died I surveyed the inside of my eyelids for another hour or so, caught some zzz for an hour more and finally got up and at it. I threw on a load of laundry and began to pack before rushing in to work. Just the bosses designate and myself were in. There was still much to be done to get me out of town. I worked until 11 completing what I had to, forced to leave some until I returned but all critical items were done. I was touched by the kind words of review from my temporary supervisor as well as her great hug, sending me on my way. Racing the whole 200 yards home I found my dear teacher friend Shannon waiting to help and drive me to the airport. She is truly a fabulous friend as she is going to water my plants, take out my garbage and even do the dishes I couldn’t get done as my kitchen renovation has not been completed.

At the airport I find the upper management crew from Shearwater heading out for meetings and we all sit and chat.  At one point I am asked why I am doing this amazing journey alone and I take a beat before explaining that my travel companion was denied his time off request…. In their organization! There was an awkward moment before I laughed and said ” ironic we’re flying out together, eh?”.

Waiting at the airport was my dear Mom who shuttled me around to get my car insurance, a haircut, eyebrow threading,  mani/pedi and food. Now that I was maintained I was good to go. Maddi & Me. Everyone should love their hairdresser as much as I do!

This didn’t start out to be a solo journey and I have had mixed emotions about it. The plan began so long ago, fresh off our trip to Peru. The first plan solidified was booking and paying for the Ascension at Dawn. That set the day we need to be in Albuquerque for certain, up before dawn on October 7th! Since then my life has been a string of big changes and big events which probably lead to me heading out alone. My friends intended to travel along with me in their Miata but at some point it turned out they planned to leave two days earlier than we discussed. Another dear friend and I spent hours planning what we wanted to see and do along the way but ultimately was refused the additional week off he would need. A couple weeks ago I had decided not to go as financially and emotionally it would be too hard to do alone. I can’t honestly remember what made the difference but suddenly I began looking forward to it. I started making jokes that this Thelma didn’t need her Louise and I would find my Brad Pitt hitch hiker.

So tomorrow brings the real day one as I load up Audrey for the big adventure and run for the border.
My sweet 1992 Miata, Audrey