Monday morning started at the crack of dawn, as I was up before Melissa left for work (6am) to say ‘see ya next time’ and get myself and the pugs ready to go. I do not wake up quickly in the morning. I don’t mind getting up early, but I certainly need some time to adjust before I’m ready to tackle the day. With that being said, I spent about 30 minutes drinking coffee, writing and just generally trying to snap into it. I was so tired from seven days of straight exercise, visiting with friends, only one nap … ya know, rough life. 😉 Just as I was about to hop into the shower, Melissa called and said she got released from work (she’s a respiratory therapist), as they had enough RTs on the schedule and didn’t need her! I ended up getting to spend about 30 more minutes with her which was nice. The girls and I hit the road at 8:00.
Driving was going smoothly all through Utah, and even through the gorge in Arizona and into Nevada. My sister, Kenzie, text me when I was about 45 minutes outside of Vegas and warned me that a desert storm was on its way. I was hoping to make it through the Vegas traffic without hitting the storm, and with luck, I managed to! However, as soon as I was about to cross into California, shit hit the fan! The rain started coming down in sheets! I slowed waaaay down and traveled in the right lane. Most of the drivers were being smart, allowing plenty of space in-between cars and just generally not driving like assholes. I was on the phone (bluetooth, of course) with my sister, Timi, and we were getting psyched up for our drive this week, and reminiscing drives we’ve done together in the rain (once to Utah and once from Vegas to Kansas). She had to go, and it was luck’s timing again. I slowed down even more, as I love the Prius, it doesn’t handle rain well.
The car in front of me hydroplaned! It was 100% out of control. It’s not like the driver was being a dumbass or anything, he/she just completely lost the reigns. I immediately let off the accelerator, braked lightly and turned on my hazards as a warning sign for the cars behind me. I couldn’t slam on my brakes, because I surly would have hydroplaned, too. I recited out loud, “Please don’t wreck, please don’t wreck, please don’t wreck!” and a million things were running through my mind. The car miraculously managed to avoid crashing into the concrete median while it transitioned horizontally back and forth between the three lanes at least twice before the driver finally got the control and made it to the side of the road. We’re both so lucky that there weren’t many other cars around at that point! I don’t remember the last time I was that scared.
I continued on my drive and hit many more mini rain storms. Traffic was heavy and slow. It ended up taking me 5.5 hours to get from Vegas to our house in SJC, about an hour longer than usual. I’m so thankful that I made it in one piece! Things could have been much worse.
When I arrived home I unloaded the car, watered our plants, unpacked and repacked. Anthony was at a board meeting for the HOA. He got home a bit after 8:00. We took a family walk together and then hit the sack. I was exhausted from the drive, and knew I had to get up early today to make my 8:00am flight. It was nice to see him for an hour and sleep next to him!
I’m currently en route to Wichita, where my mom and Timi will pick me up from the airport. I think the plan is to swing by my mom’s house for a minute before heading to hot yoga at Satya Moon, where we’ll meet my dad. Dad, Timi and I will practice, and then the four of us will eat at one of Timi’s favorite restaurants for dinner. I’m excited to see what she picks! Tomorrow morning, my dad’s going to come by my mom’s (or maybe we’ll meet for breakfast?) for a final sendoff. I can’t imagine what my parents are going through right now! Their last baby is leaving, and I’m sure that’s so tough.
Timi and I don’t have a concrete plan of where we’re stopping tomorrow. We figure we’ll travel for about 12 hours and then get settled at a hotel before the sun goes down. I’m sure I’ll be putting way too many Insta stories up, so follow along if you want to! 😉 I packed my bathing suit in hopes our hotel has a pool and hot tub. Water sounds so refreshing right now! I think it’s because my body’s been aching from all exercising and driving. Thursday morning we’ll likely sleep in, and have a leisurely morning before finishing up the last six hours. Kenzie is getting her wisdom teeth extracted Thursday night, so we do want to arrive before she leaves for the dentist. Anthony plans to be in Vegas Wednesday or Thursday this week, and I’m not sure if he and I will leave Thursday evening or Friday morning to come home.
It’s been a crazy couple weeks of traveling, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! My heart is so full with gratitude right now. It’s a lovely sensation to feel like I’m radiating love to those around me! My heart is also heavy with empathy for our friends and one of my CrossFit coaches, Billy, and his wife Colleen, and their beautiful daughters Harlee and Piper. Colleen delivered Piper on Saturday, who was just a couple weeks away from making her debut in this world. She suffered a blot clot white in the womb. Their family is grieving. The wonderful community that CrossFit No Boundaries has created, along with their friends outside of CF have put together a couple of ways to help them out.
If You Can Help …
If you’re feeling compelled, and can offer some love and light in the way of positive thoughts, or an equally needed monetary donation, please use this link. So many expenses will be piling up, and the effort is to lessen the financial burden as much as possible.
I hope you’re having a beautiful day! Spend time with those you love. Tell them you love them! Help somebody out, lend a hand, give a smile. We’re all in this world together!
xoxo
Jess