I’m home from my big holiday road trip. This was a big deal for me because it was my first solo road trip. Suzanne came with me but she didn’t do any of the driving.
If you know me at all, you’ll know that me driving the 600 miles to see family was a big deal because:
1. I’m not much of driver
2. I hate driving in bad weather (which is one reason I live in New Mexico)
3. I don’t drive at night.
But, I made it there and back. And, given the upgraded security because of the attempted bombing in Detroit and the sheer amount of stuff my daughter got for Christmas I’m glad I drove. Here are some highlights and observations:
1. The trip out there was quite an adventure with the Interstate being closed and getting rerouted through Navajo backroads (added 2 hours at least to the trip) and driving through a huge blizzard for the second day. I avoided the “deadliest road in America” because I was too chicken to drive it in the snow. I drove it on the way back and realize I made the right choice even though it added 3 more hours to the trip.
2. Why is it that the only radio station you can pick up in the middle of nowhere is always a country western station?
3. Thank goodness for DVD players. Although I wonder if kids are missing out on the “fun” of road trips now that they can watch movies the whole way. Suzanne watched Annie at least 5 times… The sun will come out tomorrow….
4. People from Colorado drive *fast* except for when they are actually in Colorado… Why should that be?
5. I survived a week without Internet. I have a new computer and my address isn’t on her vetted list. Nobody can remember the router password to change. The world didn’t end — which is useful to remember.
6. My nephew who is permanently imprinted on my mind as a 2 year old with ringlets who was the ring bearer at my wedding is now a 15 and a half year old man who plays a mean guitar. Time flies.
7. I wonder of my daughter and her cousin who were inseparable during the trip will stay friends. I hope so. They are cute together 
8. The smog in Salt Lake is a lot worse than I remember.
9. Why is it that going home is always quicker? We made it home in 11 hours (including breaks) and in one day. Now that I know that the drive isn’t bad – I’ll probably drive again.
Still, great to sleep in my own bed again
