Downtown Phoenix. Or something. I don’t know. Let’s just call it Thomas.
This was an incredible trip, with the food stealing the show. I’ve found myself inspired by colors, texture (everything is stucco), local architecture, landscapes and plant life. It was also refreshing to invest in the good friendships I have here. I sense that the roots in these friendships with Christie and Josh have thickened and deepened, but then it’s not hard to get close to someone when you watch them puke their guts out on a desert shrub.
The high point of the trip was either hanging out with Christie and her kids, or having coffee at Lux with Josh. Christie is a loving and generous woman, and she took great care of me! In a tie for the high point, would have been hanging out with Christie’s friend Hanan, who is a middle eastern refugee. She made us a delicious meal, and shared a little bit about her family. She was very sweet and I hope to see her again.
I’d say the low point was either my shoes falling apart the second I got to the airport at the beginning of my trip, or the part where I left and got on the plane to come home. That’s one thing I learned was always carry a backup pair of shoes. The other thing that didn’t thrill me was waiting in the security line flying out of Des Moines. There were like 30 people in front of me at 6am. The other thing I learned is that maybe TSA Precheck is worth it. Regardless, the long lines and the hard goodbyes are worth it to be able to see the world.
I think Phoenix put the rumbles of leaving Iowa in me again. 13 years ago, it was Chicago. I swore up and down that I was bound for the Windy City. Instead, nine years ago I moved to Kentucky. Lexington was very unexpected. I never thought I would seriously consider Lexington. I loved the Gorge, and in 2008 I toyed with the idea, but serious consideration didn't come for another year. In August of 2009, I headed south.
My plans have always been Wyoming, Oregon, or Washington, maybe Colorado. Since I've been in Phoenix, it's felt like home. I've had to remind myself several times that, I don't actually live here. I remember a similar feeling driving west on I-64. The difference is that I didn't know anyone in Lexington. I know people here, and I can't help but wonder if they're the home that I feel.
Like Lexington, Phoenix is a rather unexpected captor of my heart. At first, it was difficult to pinpoint a vibe, a heartbeat, the melody, the rhythm of its streets, and the soul of the city. When I went up to Press on Central yesterday, I found my vibe. Once I found that chemistry, it bled out into the whole city. While I’m still wrestling through whether or not this is the right city for me, one thing is certain: when I have to remind myself that I don't live here, something is very, very right.
As I drove through the Twin Cities on 494, it didn’t give me quite the same feeling that driving the 202 did. There was an excitement and a novelty about the 202, that used to be there with 494 and its not anymore. 494 just pissed me off this round. The drive which is normally enjoyable, was difficult. I guess that’s what happens when you leave your heart in Arizona.
This gal was happy to see me when I got home! I could hear her meowing before I even got to the door.