My super awesome (but super short) AZ adventure

All I wanted for Christmas was a trip (by myself) to Phoenix to see old friends.  The depression and isolation have been really wearing me down, and I needed a break to restore my sanity.  I finally got my trip at the end of March.  I planned it for that particular time because it was between quarters.  I had no desire to check in with students while on vacation.

Airline seats have remained the same size, but the ass sizes of travelers have increased significantly.  Even as I was squished against the window, I was able to be happy and cheerful.  Here's why.

The return of the Honey Roasted Peanut.  It used to be the only time I was able to get HRP was on a plane.  It made flying super cool.  But now, if I am lucky enough to be served peanuts, they are dry roasted.  Blah.

Thursday night: Bunco then Karaoke.  Who has two thumbs and was the big cash winner?  This girl!  That's right.  I crash the group and take all the money.  Sweet.  Drinks were on me at karaoke.  At karaoke, I was reminded why I never do it.  I would like to take this time to apologize to all the patrons of O'Kelley's for my "singing". 

Friday: Mexican food, pedicures, Happy Hour.  The most common refrain I heard was, "You look exactly the same as you did in high school."  Ummm... well... If they meant when I made and effort and looked like this:

...then I will totally accept the phrase as a compliment.  [The best part about this photo (other than my handsome and charming date/boyfriend) was the dress.  It was a size 3.  It may have been the last time I ever wore size 3, but that's neither here nor there.]  Most of the time in high school, I looked like this:

...only my hair was usually bigger.  Same stupid style, just bigger all around, like a lion's mane.  (Roar!)


Oh, during all of this, the super late nights and lots of socializing, my body was unaware that it was on vacation.  I kept waking up at 5:30.  Pbbbbbtttt!  (I also managed to consume more alcohol in those 5 days than I have in the last six months.)

Saturday: RenFest, In-N-Out Burger, Bogey's.  Going to the RenFest with a kid made me look at the festival in a different way.  I learned all about which shows were appropriate and which were not.  It was also fun going with someone who was dressed up and it wasn't considered geeky in any possible way.

Sunday: Breakfast big enough to choke a horse, Casa de Panichello, Fibber Magee's.  Spent most of the day laughing.  One of the best days I have had... ever.

Before I left on this trip, I wasn't sure if I would be more depressed upon my return.  Having my good friends so far away can be really depressing.  But, depressed I am not.  I am lucky.  Sure, I may not have a crapton of friends, but what I lack in quantity, I more than make up for in quality.  I have found people with whom I can laugh until I cry, cry until I laugh, and completely be myself.  Time and distance hasn't changed any of that, and, for that, I am lucky. And grateful.

I am also lucky and grateful for the three people who were ecstatic for my return home. 

Two of the three insisted on helping me with my suitcase.  Tim wanted to help, but there was no room left on the handle.