Greetings From the West Coast

I haven't posted here in a long time, but now I will post some of my adventures here in L.A. for anyone who's interested.

I would first like to say that I am at my happiest right now. Though it is difficult to flee the nest for the (genuine) first time, it is exhilarating and I can't wait what this world has waiting for me to unveil. Anywho, I hope my sister reads this, even if she thinks blogging is ridiculous. LOL.

I will start with the night before I left Easton...

All of my close friends, Carol, Michelle, John, Braden and Lee had agreed to go out that night as a fun going away/ Carol's home/ Holiday party. I had also found some close, but rarely around, friends like Christina and Laura who were a joy to see. I had told my sister, Erin, "Don't plan on staying out too late, we have a long drive and you have to be awake." She actually listened to me, however, I didn't practice what I preached. The night was amazing. Not too much drinking (on my part) but tons of laughs, stories, dancing, music, more and more people. They actually had to throw us all out of the bar... the bar that stayed open late to suit our partying needs.

3:45 AM rolled around and I had to leave. At this point we were at my friend John's house and everyone was still on that horse. I said my goodbyes and with this in mind...

I was ready to face the world. Then Carol came out screaming "Wait! Wait! Wait!" and of course we hugged for 5 minutes and cried like little babies, even though we are now closer in proximity than when I lived in MD.

The first day's trip was fun. The only tears had were when I said goodbye to my dog, Sadie. She's old as hell and she's my little best friend, so I think we can allot some emotion.

When Erin and I were on the D.C. beltway we received a call from Carol who told us that the debauchery continued into the wee morning hours and that inginutity had also kicked in when bedtime rolled around. "We were about to leave," she said about she and my friend Michelle, "but then Braden said they'd make us beds."( I love when drunk people get creative, it's priceless) They made beds out of lawn furniture. Of course, this failed miserably, and they ended up sleeping on the floor. Glad they were all safe.

Erin and I drove down 81 through Virginia, saying a nice "f-you" to Roanoke Virginia (the place where dreams come to die) and all the way to Birmingham, AL.

It was late at night, and I must tell you that Alabama is one of the creepiest states I've ever been to (at night of course). The trees turn into something out of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (the scary parts of the cartoon). We decided that it would be in our best interests to stay a bit outside of the city, in order to avoid higher prices and any sketchy neighborhoods that we tend to be drawn to out of sheer naiveté.

We came within 30 miles of the city and decided to try this place called the American Inn. Well, this hotel was run by Norman Bates. It had 10 pick up trucks in front of it and looked like there were definitely dead birds in the lobby, creepy landlords, and scary showers... probably holes in the walls as well (to cover all Psycho references). After Erin said "No way, there are too many trucks in this parking lot." We ventured a little further. We came upon, what seemed to be, civilization, or the American definition resembling it. There was a Wal-Mart and a small shopping center, a stop light and signs, but no hotel. I said "Let's check on the other side of the highway and see if there's anything over there." We drove across the overpass and along this dark, winding road we found one sign: "Alabama State Correctional Facility." "NO!" I said, we did a U-turn in the middle of the road and sped away.

We drove closer to the city (and further away from the jail) and found a nice, inexpensive hotel that suited our needs.

The next day we started towards New Orleans. One thing I'll give Birmingham, or the part we drove through, is they have the BEST radio programs in the morning. The women on the R&B station there should be broadcast nationwide, or at least on the internet as well. I would wake up to hear their viewpoint on the world. Fantastic. Go there, for that.

We arrived in New Orleans and it was about 40 degrees. Poor Erin, she was hoping for a warm trip through the south, in winter, and it was colder in New Orleans than it was in Baltimore that day. Though it was chilly, we still had fun. We had some yummy Creole food and walked the French Quarter. We went to the French Market, where we bought some little d00-dads and Erin had a laugh about "hot nuts." Stood next to the Mississippi river, made some Streetcar Named Desire references ("STELLA!") then went on our merry way. I would definitely like to visit New Orleans again. It seemed like a crazy town, and I think I'd like to witness that someday.

The bayou is a really cool area. The roads are just bridges over land that doesn't really exist. It's mostly water, or spongy land-like substance that has people and trees on it. I can't imagine discovering that, back in the day. I'm sure there's all sorts of scary animals and creatures lurking just under the surface. Gators, leaches, giant fish, snakes, Republicans... scary.

The drive to Austin was LONGGGGGGG. Erin did a lot of driving that day. I was really proud of her ambitions on this trip. I wish I could have given her a better time or more sight seeing, but being that I'm still nervous about getting to my classes on time, I didn't want to risk it. We made it to Austin in one piece, I wish I could say the same about leaving.

Set the scene, the next morning, the downtown hotel in which we stayed.

"I'll go get the stuff while you're on the internet and then we'll check out," I said.

"Okay, make sure you get Monkey," said Erin.

"Where is she?"

"She's in the bag" I thought I heard her say.

I gathered everything out of the room and we checked out. Moods were pleasant as we drove through the Texas rain towards Western Texas.

We were on the 10, in the middle of nowhere when Erin asked "Where'd you put Monkey?"

"She's in your bag..." I said nonchalantly. "Oh you put her in my bag?" Erin asked.

"No, that's where she was." The blood drained from my face as Erin told me she said "Monkey's in the bed." NOT "Monkey's in the bag."

Now, if you're unfamiliar with the heaviness of this situation, Monkey is Erin's most prized possession. Monkey is never referred to as "it," Monkey is referred to as "she" and if you call Monkey a "he," God help you. Erin has had Monkey since she was a tyke. Monkey was afraid of my Dad, went on every and all trips and if you're close to Erin, you're close to Monkey. It's really the funniest, most endearing relationship. A relationship that I almost destroyed with my poor listening skills.

When we noticed that Monkey was missing/left behind. Erin called the hotel, but because we were in Western Texas, in the mountains, the call kept dropping. These were the most awkward and thick moments in the car. I couldn't say anything to make this situation better. If Ruth, the front desk clerk, couldn't find Monkey, I would have to pull a Thelma and Louise. I would have to drive into a mountain wall. I would have to let Erin have my Elephant, Elli, who is the same size as Monkey, just her elephant counterpart. Most likely Erin would have thrown Elli out the window, on fire then my turn would come later.

We stopped at a gas station and I called Ruth again. "May I speak directly to housekeeping please?!" I nervously asked. "Are you calling about the Monkey stuffed animal?" Ruth asked. "YES!" I said desperately. "We have it, would you like to Fed-Ex it?" "YES! PLEASE! Send it to our address there." I exclaimed. "Would you like it next day?" Ruth asked innocently. "PLEASE!" I said as she were asking if I'd like 10 million dollars.

Erin's trust was regained. I was redeemed. I was saved.

Thank goodness, otherwise, I wouldn't be typing right now, both hands would be broken.

We drove, that day to Tucson. I don't think there's anything more depressing on a road trip through the U.S. than seeing Mexico from the El Paso border. Wow. I don't know how anyone can live in El Paso and not want to just help those in MX. I couldn't do it. I feel guilty for just driving next to the wall. We shouldn't be this way. But that's a story for another day.

While driving through New Mexico there was a stench much like a porta-potty. Erin told me some disgusting stories about the Bonnaroo porta-potty's overflowing and we punchily laughed our way through the state. We also had a great laugh when at the checkpoint in NM, I stopped, heard the policeman say "Go" when he actually said "Whoa!" He thought we were smuggling people or drugs until he realized that our car was so stuffed, the person would be dead or the drugs ruined and also the two idiots in the car could never pull off such a feat or they should just get away with it if they can.

Arizona was an easy drive. I was trying to line up my housing so I'd have a place to live, which was accomplished, but it was generally a great drive. We drove through southern CA, on our way to see Aunt Mary in Laguna and it was such a sight. There were windmills EVERYWHERE! Working their hardest to gather energy from the strong winds which pushed and pulled "lil girl" (our coined name for my new car [2006 Scion Xa]) all over the road.

Laguna was fun. We got to see Aunt Mary, for which I'm so grateful, and I hope to see her again soon. Uncle Bob was of course ready to tell his stories and show us the sights. Jeff, his son was there with his wife Robin, with whom we all instantly fell in love, she's cool as hell. Aunt Evie, my Mom and my cousin Jess were all there as well. We walked, rainy, Laguna and then went for food. It was a great way to end the trip. Emotional at times, but fun none-the-less.

I arrived in L.A. the next day, but I'll blog about that soon. I want to put together pictures of my new place and things so you'll have to just wait!

If you're reading this, please shoot me an email or comment on my blog-- you don't have to sign up to do so.-- I'd like to know if this is worth posting here and there to keep everyone abreast of my goings on @ USC! :)

Classes start Friday, but I'll try and visit this Starbucks again for some internet. Thanks to Uncle John, I'm aware that I could hang here all day if I like. Lol.

:) Much love to all.

Lex