Oh the places we've seen

After Roswell we continued our exploration of New Mexico. We took the long way out West, swinging through a Ghost Town called White Oaks. We stopped at the charming No Scums Allowed Saloon for a couple beers and some freshly popped corn while we chatted with the locals. A walk through the town took about 5 minutes, round trip. The owner said the first round was on him, sometimes it pays to be good-looking Yankees.

We made it to Santa Fe in the late afternoon. Every Motel has provided us with an extremely helpful book about local attractions. The Econo Lodge let me know that there is a restaurant called the Cowgirl Barbecue. Naturally, my interest was instantly piqued. There were pictures of actual Cowgirls on the walls and glitter in the paint behind them. I was so thrilled. We went, we ate, I bought the T-shirt.

We were hoping to get some time in the in-door jacuzzi but it was full of children. I don't generally include such annoyances in my nights meant for relaxation. The next day we went to the historical part of Santa Fe. We had noticed that every building in the small city, even the Best Buys and Starbucks, had an adobe feel to the architecture. The town was the same way. Silver jewelry with turquoise could be found on every corner and I was once again pleased to see skulls and Frida Kahlo's face all over the place.

We found a great outdoor spot to have a nice long lunch while we were serenaded by a very talented accordion player. I really enjoyed his charming rendition of Israel's Anthem "Hatikva." We walked around the town for the next few hours and then went to see Hunger Games.

I sobbed. A lot. Now I'll have to read the books.

We left the next morning after a delightful walk through the Whole Foods (Adobe style) for fruit and lunch to pack away for later. Then off to Arizona for The Grand Canyon and Red Rocks. The small town that we booked our motel in is the closest to the Canyon. It's called Williams and walking through it feels like stepping back in time. We found a cute family place to have dinner, they have about 20 freshly baked pies every day. It's right on Route 66 and the whole thing is just one lovely tourist trap.

At my parents suggestion, we decided to get the the Grand Canyon for sunrise. This turned out to be a great idea, not just because of the view (honestly the canyon is amazing no matter where the sun is) but also because we missed the crowds and having to pay a entrance fee. Though we had to wake up at 4 am to make it. We didn't say more than a few words to each other until the sun was up and about 3 and a half hours had passed. The views were amazing. It totally would have been worth it if we had had to pay.

We headed back to the motel around noon, stopping along the way to consider entering Bearizona. This is a drive-thru (their abbreviation. Not mine.) wildlife park. The clever name drew me in, but neither of us was willing to pay $20 each when we weren't even guaranteed to see bears.

For dinner that night, we chose the Route66 diner. How could we resist? Burgers and shakes, red booths and oldies music. It was a great way to say goodbye to the town.

The next morning, we went an hour in the opposite direction so I could get my first look at the Red rocks. Lianne had already been but, luckily for me, was happy to go back. I had no idea that Arizona was so beautiful. The towering red mountains were amazing and the steep drive through the forest with trickling streams and impossibly placed homes was just incredible. So completely worth the added time to our time in the car.

We booked a room/trailer at The Little Ale'Inn in Nevada. The drive was long and we made it here ("here" being the middle of nowhere by the way) just after they closed the kitchen. This restaurant/bar/motel is the only thing in this town besides its 100 residents. The attraction is that it's just off the Extraterrestrial Highway (which was a super ominous drive last night) and just a short ways off from the closest that you can get to Area51. Area 51 is the army base where the remains from the crash outside of Roswell were shipped in the 40s. Yeah. We didn't know that that the two were separate either. After sleeping in today, we drove off to see the border of the base, happily filling our heads with nonsense and crazy theories. Because it's just more fun that way.

So we'll stay here tonight and maybe get a couple drinks with the locals. Yes, by that I mean Aliens. Yes, by that I mean the fake bobble-head kind.

As I write this in our shabby-chique trailer, I am listening to a bunch of cows rattle around and Moo from the back of a huge truck, by the way.

I am constantly caught off guard by how big our Country is, how often we have found ourselves surrounded by miles of nothing, and how much a few giant mountain ranges can really add to the view.

Vegas tomorrow with two more wonderful women who are very special to me (Lianne being the other). Wish us lots of fun and adventure with little to no arrests.

ROSWELL

Like the teen drama on UPN.

Just kidding.

So, yesterday morning, we awoke at the Rodeway Inn in Roswell. After a light breakfast, we headed out in search of iced coffee and pepper spray.

Yup. Pepper Spray.

Marcy's grandparents really wanted her to have pepper spray for the trip. They think hoards of men will attack us and we'll need it. As often as we have to beat of potential suitors with a stick.... we understood the full weight of this necessity. Not exactly, but Marcy's grandparents have been hounding her parents about it, and she hasn't felt like she's been able to call home until we got it. So the search began. This is where we wound up:

As you can see, hilarity ensued. I walked in to 5 or 6 hunter/gun salesmen and said, "I'd like your largest rifle please!" Marcy and I found this hilarious; however, when one works at a gun store, this is probably not an unusual request. So we began to tell them what we were really there for: Pepper Spray.

One of the guys picked up a little red box priced at $54.95 and told us it shot pepper spray out at 90MPH. A little aggressive. We asked for something a little cheaper. We were the only customers in the store and extremely entertaining to the Roswellians, so they began to ask us our story. A man behind the counter said he used to date a lady from Worcester. I said I knew her. He was surprised, until I said I was joking. Marcy told the gentlemen that we we in town for the night, and after she settled on a pink $12 Pepper Spray**, one of the guys offered to show us around town that evening. She responded, " Well, now that I've got pepper spray I feel totally fine about accepting invitations from strange men at gun stores." The men laughed. Then told us that we could take pictures with aliens around town, we could even buy our own blow-up aliens. Marcy's response, "Buy blow up dolls, check.". The men looked at each other. After realizing how hilarious Marcy is and that she was joking, they laughed. We left.

It seems not a lot of liberal northern girls go into gun stores in Roswell, NM.

So, after the gun store, it was time to alien hunt. We went to the International UFO Museum. We learned a lot about the 1947 crash. I'm a believer. The whole thing was sketchy. Google it. After that it was off to buying cheap alien souvenirs and exploring. We came across a kind pottery man that told us all about New Mexico and where we should head next. He suggested a ghost town, volcanoes, caverns. A lot to see here in Nuevo Mexico. We finished of the day with some Dairy Queen and an Italian dinner. Oh, and a little viewing of the classic "Blue Crush" before bed. Next episode, journey to Santa Fe.

Lots of love folks,

LOS

**I did not buy any pepper spray because I decided it was too tempting to spray it into my own face.

This one's a doozy,

Soooo where were we???

Aaaah Yes. New Orleans.

Well after our coffee and Beignets we spent most of the day in the car.

Around 9pm we arrived in Austin, Texas to stay with Lianne's friend Brittany and her Swedish fiance.

Texas was not at all what we had pictured. Rolling green hills, wild flowers, and charming farms eventually gave way to a city full of hipsters, food trucks, and wonderful window shopping.

I was in love with being surrounded by Day of the Dead skulls and Frida Kahlo's face on everthing. I had to shove my hands in my pockets to keep myself from reaching for cash.

The guitar pick earrings painted like skulls and a silver Frida banded bracelet were really appealing.

I think we were both more than a little tempted to buy some cowboy boots as well.

We were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves sitting by a lake in the afternoon, two swans came right up to say hello. Having attended Umass when there were two cranky rented swans hanging out by the pond, Lianne, Christina (our friend who was still in town for South by Southwest) and I were sure to keep our distance. Brittany was instantly terrified without provocation.

That night we went to a lovely restaurant and played trivia. Our team was called "Handful of baby teeth" (for obvious reasons....what?) We did not win. But we would have been close if the last two rounds weren't so absurdly difficult. We just barely beat a huge storm home and listened to astonishing loud thunder all night long.

In the morning, we said goodbye and left for San Antonio.

We walked along the river and found a wonderful outdoor theater (still in use). There is a moat between the audience and the stage creating the most literal 4th wall I have ever seen.

For lunch, we chose a Mexican restaurant. Lianne impressed the waiter so much with her Spanish that he stuck around for hugs and inappropriate leaning. Perhaps it was the mid-day margarita, but we found it to be hilarious.

We met Christina for coffee after and she informed us that we were in one of San Antonio's only coffee shops. I am still bewildered.

Texas is huge. Like really, really, big.

So we headed West towards New Mexico and decided to stop at a motel in a random town along the way. Fort Stockton was pretty much a small strip with some fast food and a huge Walmart. We arrived in Las Cruces, New Mexico yesterday after taking a slight accidental detour through a, army missile testing area.

Whoops.

We were looking for the White Sands National Monument and were redirected by a kind Security Guard who only allowed to through (rather than making us turn around) because his shift was ending. We were totally not supposed to be there.

We found an amazing Mediterranean place for dinner and went to bed happy with our breath smelling of garlic and mint.

This morning we went to the actual White Sands. Walking through the dunes was amazing, and the weather was perfect. Not a cloud in the sky but enough of a breeze to keep us from melting.

The sand is crystal and white but cool to the touch a few inches deep.

Yes, we wore hats, suntan lotion, and sunglasses, Mom.

After the Sands, we headed towards Roswell. Eventually, we found ourselves driving down a desert road that it really just completely empty. I have decided to assume that we drove right over the secret army base that is conducting experiments on extra terrestrials. Its just more fun that way.

This town is pretty hopping though. The most activity we've seen since San Antonio. And there are aliens everywhere. In front of KFC, painted on the walls, and in every advertisement. Tomorrow will be the full Alien experience. Im pretty pumped for the crash site and the museum.

Today, we went to the mall, got our nails done, and rented a redbox movie.

We will stay here tomorrow night as well. I've already signaled a Mexican place called Casa Aliente as our dinner destination for tomorrow night. Ay Caramba!

Was that too much info?

Sorry.

I hope you have started planning your own cross country trip by now.

Cant wait to hear about it!

<3m

Day 10, Super 8!

Hello lovers.

So, since last writing we've had many adventures.

We last left you at Motel 6 in New Orleans. New Orleans was FAN tas tic. I loved it. It was a beautiful town. Steeped in history, warm weather, lots to learn and delicious beverages, what more could a girl want?

We explored the city on St.Patrick's Day. We missed breakfast, so I started the day with a Shrimp Po' Boy and a Hurricane. Breakfast of Champions. Then we explored.

We spent hours wandering through the French Quarter. We walked the banks of the Mississippi. We saw a Jazz Wedding. We strolled Bourbon St. We went to the Voodoo Museum. We found Nicolas Cage's haunted house.

What.

Yup, you read that right. We found Nicolas Cage's haunted house. How you may ask? In our wanderings, we stumbled past an Omni hotel. Marcy, having taken my ghost tour back in Beantown says, "We should go in there and see if they have a list." Of hauntings, she means (any of you who do not know about this in Boston, I'll be happy to tell you when I get home). So we walk in. We walk up to the concierge, and I ask. He doesn't have a list, but is happy to talk about the stories he's heard. Apparently there's a ghost of an old chamber maid that goes about tucking people in- but what he really wanted us to check out was this old house on Royal St. It was once owned by a woman who used to torture her slaves in the attic for misbehaving. It's said they still haunt the place. Also, Nick Cage bought the property, not knowing about the hauntings. According to the Concierge, the house was seized by the bank and Nick Cage is greasy when you meet him in person. The Concierge was very nice, gave us a map, and off we were to find the haunted house. We were pumped, because finding a real haunted house was one of Marcy's goals while in the Bayou. We found it. We tried to peak in the windows. It was pretty locked up; however, it certainly had the look of a house that had some secrets.

After all of those things, it was near time for the last activity of the day, what I was really looking forward to: the St.Patrick's Day Parade. In my mind, it was Mardi Gras for Irish people, so I was VERY excited. You'd think it'd be easy to find a parade in New Orleans. This is how it went:

But, after hours of waiting and searching, we did find the parade. Not as grand as I had imagined, but we did get some beads(no flashing necessary), and made it back to our sketchy motel.

The next morning began with Beignets and coffee at Cafe Du Monde. Delicious. All and all, a successful trip to New Orleans. More to come.

xoxo, LOS

Day 6, Motel 6!

Dear Readers,

Since Marcy last wrote, we've entered the south. Woo wee!

A night in North Carolina with Whitey, an long time friend of mine from Winchester, since 2nd grade long time. She has puppies, and that was wonderful. She had a lovely home, a kind boyfriend and a beautiful neighborhood. A nice visit all around!

A night in Gainesville, GA with my training buddy from yoyos- Doreen. It was great to see her, it had been a very long time. We explored the square in Gainesville and had some delicious cocktails. We sat outside chatting all night, it's been in the 80's down here all week. Then, the morning, a classic southern breakfast at WAFFLEHOUSE! Woot woot.

All of our hosts have been so gracious, kind and more accommodating than we imagined- we have some fantastic friends.

Today was our first loooong drive: 7 hours and 20 minutes. Closer to 8 1/2 hours with traffic and all necessary stops. One of those stops was at a gas station that was selling Boiled Peanuts- apparently they are "The South's Favorite Snack". I asked the cashier what they were, and she responded with shock- Nope, we don't have them up north. Then she gave us a free cupful. They were not good. But she was very nice. We drove on. And now we've finally made it to New Orleans! I'm writing you from my cozy bed at a cozy Motel 6. First motel of the trip. Onwards and upwards kids!

Talk soon.

xoxo, LOS

Day 4, and ready for more!

I know that when I gave people the time frame for how long Lianne and I would be on the road and how far South we were going, I got a lot of looks.

I got all kinds of looks.

Most of my friends, many of them know Lianne and how much we love each other, lit up with happiness for us. They gave me looks with big grins and joy and maybe a teeny bit of envy.

Most adults were a mix of excitement and slight disbelief. They get a little nostalgic for the days when they were young enough to just get gone for a while.

My parents were of course concerned. My father thought that maybe I didn't realize exactly how long and expensive three and a half weeks can be.

We are now in the beginning of day 4.

I know that this is not even a third of the way through, but I am sitting on a comfortable couch just outside Washington DC and I am thrilled. Since I last updated, my plans have changed and I am now flying back to Boston after the trip to attend Graduate school in September. But Lianne is still moving to California by herself. This trip has been a tour of seeing people who are giving us nothing but love, encouragement, and insane hospitality.

We were greeted in Williamsburg with hamentashen, hugs, and the wonderful ability to see one of our best friends get up on stage and do something she loves. Finally, four friends who loved each other completely in college, were able to finally get all eight arms around each other again. In Queens, we were treated to an incredible home cooked meal. Four women moved around the kitchen seamlessly to create a delicious meal and then just take our time to sit, enjoy, and laugh. We swung through Philly with just enough time to get an authentic cheese steak (yummy but Im pretty sure its still sitting there hovering under my ribs) and take a look at the Liberty Bell (historically cracked metal.)

We made it to DC just after the cherry blossoms. It is beautiful and warm and our friend Davis wasted no time in showing us around and making us feel incredibly welcome.

We are young and ready to explore. We are breathing and taking in the sights. We are updating this thing now when we actually have the internet to do it.

Love,

m

Leaving.

We're on our way. Here's a snippet of our lives:

xoxo, LOS

WHOA GUYS. WHOA.

IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!!!!!

Ok. It's Monday. We leave bright and early Saturday morning. My plan to start packing yos and finish work stuff this morning has gone as such:

8:45am Wake up naturally with puppy at the foot of my bed. +2

8:46am Check phone for emails and messages. Necessary but quick. Even.

8:50am Decide to finish the chapter of Mockingjay that I stopped in the middle of yesterday. +1

8:55am Decide to read 2 more chapters of Mockingjay because I want to- now this may start to be viewed as "procrastination". Even, but only because I like the story so much.

9:30am Decide to eat a bagel. +1

9:35am Burn bagel because I'm reading and not paying attention. -4

9:37am Eat delicious bagel, make to do list. Very productive. +1

9:50am Go downstairs to start my final expense report. +6

9:51am Decide to look at the facebook instead. FML. -29

10:05am Organize some work papers, send a few work related emails. Finish expense report, email it. Now I'll be getting more moneys for the trip. +67

10:45am Decide to take a break by finishing my old blog and doing a post for the new one(this one). Even.

11:07am: Total productivity points for this morning......

+45

Okaaay. Good talk. Now....back to the to do list.

Breathe.

xoxox, LOS

Just 7 days and 3 shifts at work left

ONE WEEK!

WE ARE MOVING TO CALIFORNIA IN EXACTLY ONE WEEK

Seems like I've been casually considering this for twenty years (less casually every winter)

And seriously planning it for over six months.

My apartment looks crazy and my head is a mess and I cannot wait.

I am so scared, but so excited...This must be what Jessie was singing about in the episode of Saved By the Bell! I finally understand now.

I love that Mother Nature is sending us off with one least bit of winter...

Psych! I hate that jerk for throwing snow at me and taking away my sun. Unless she's just helping me to reaffirm my convictions because in that case; well done.

Love

M