My work week started last Sunday night. I went to Cedar City to teach a class for my friend Peggy. She's an adjunct at SUU and probably one of my favorite people. I look forward to working with her in the fall and the spring. In the old days (like 6 or 7 years ago) I used to go with Deb (coworker), now I make the drive alone. I think it is so funny that I remember having a travel companion. The best part is having Peggy all to myself for hard core teacher talk (ha.ha.ha.) The worst part is the drive. It's too much thinking. When I worked full-time I used to really look forward to it. I could literally plan out a workshop, organize a presentation, write a new lesson plan...I was a driving-thinking-working-machine. Things are different now. Now I have time to think about what I don't have time for, or money for--or worse, what I'm grateful for, or how my life has changed, or people who make a difference...hence, the crying part of the driving.
Have you ever passed a woman on the freeway who was crying? It is unnerving at best. Admit it, you've either been the crying woman or at least changed lanes around the crying woman. Do you prefer to wear sunglasses? Or are you a mascara dripping on your seatbelt kind of girl?
You know what makes it worse? The CD's you packed for the trip. In preparation for the upcoming Veteran's Day concert, like a dolt, I shoved in a bunch of "God Bless Americas" and "National Anthem" renditions. Nothin' brings on the drivin' cryin' tears like a good round of small town patriotism.
Somewhere around Parowan I got control of myself--I pulled off the freeway and went to the bathroom at a Wendys. It was about 5 degrees outside and I had to "hover" over the toity. It was "God Bless Reality" at that point because I was damn near ready to call in to Delilah on FM100 and start dedicating James Taylor songs to old friends. Even as I type this--I am aghast that I let it get to that point.
On a lighter note, I had really good food on the trip. There's a newer place in Cedar called the "Garden"--it's a renovated old home and the food is excellent. I had fresh split pea soup. fantastic. I would have taken a picture, but I left my cell in the car! And on the trip home, I stopped at a truck stop/diner in Beaver to try their Mexican food (on a recommendation)- the Carne Asade was very tasty!
Oh, and I'm giving a solid recommendation to the Hampton Inns just off of University Parkway in Orem and the one at Thanksgiving Point. There are very few places I haven't stayed at over the years and this was a last minute decision. I rank hotels by the bed and the shower head. If I walk into a motel and the bed looks like something from a CSI episode OR if the shower head has less than a 6 inch diameter--I'm outta there! There's nothing worse than hopping in the shower and having the water come shooting out at a force and velocity that it takes the skin off your sensitive parts. And as far as the bed goes--I just have to think back to the days when SJT and TF used to work at the Moore Motel in high school. I'm sure that Grisom could've found some fluorescent stains in that disgusting place.
10 comments:
Rose,
Next time you are in Cedar, try the Marget Grill for breakfast (a place where the good ole boys hang out). MG has the best bacon you can imagine. Also, Pastry Pub for lunch is also a thumbs up. I'm jealous you were at the Garden, it's one of my favorites. Ahh, memories.
P.S.
I have shed many a tears along that freeway, it just does something to a woman.
I'm a "cry in the car" kind of girl too. That's how I justify hanging on to my decade old Civic, it just holds too many memories (i.e. dad's terminal days, my sis's cancer battle, mom's struggle, broken-hearts, unwanted moves, etc.)
I used to stop by a gas station close to my office to re-apply my make-up and fluff my hair before going into work. I'm sure they thought I was a complete basket-case...clerks often gave me free coffee as I left...god bless all of them!
And that crack about Delilah - been there, but for me it's sappy Celine Dion songs.
Don't bother with Delilah...have you noticed she rarely lets people choose their own songs? You tell this sad story, and she plays a song, and you are left thinking to yourself, "Now what does THAT have to do with it?"
As far as the driving and crying- we've all done it. I'm sure you were doing your "pretty" cry, so no one was afraid- they just found themselves worrying about you even when they were miles away. Oh wait, were you in a state owned minivan? In that case you looked cra-zy. xoxo
I always think about Moore Motel when I stay at a hotel. Did you know we never washed the comforters or the blankets? Just changed the sheets. I get grossed out sitting on a hotel bed just thinking that maybe it hasn't been washed.
Crying in the car.... it is in a class all by itself. There is nothing quite like it. I love the Garden soups. We should try to break bread (or soup bowls) together next time you are in town. My home teacher owns the joint. Hampton Hotels are my fav. It is disappointing if there is not one where we need to stay. Maybe I am just nostalgic from the three weeks I spent living in one with two kids. That was special. Plus, they wash the duvet cover after every guest and I love the curved shower rod.
ok Jessica's Husband is the Manager at the Hampton at Thanksgiving Point so it's awesome you are recommending that one, and two, you should ask MINER about traveling and crying!! HA HA HA I am totally not even kidding!!
I still remember working at "Moorester" like it was yesterday. We would always run into a room whenever anyone drove by--we didn't want them to know we worked there--ha ha. I'm glad that you ate at a good place in Beaver. It made me think of the time we went with the Blonquists and ate at a place in Beaver where it was "all none smoking".
Oh, I missed your blog. I have not been in blogger land for a couple weeks, b/c I have been so damn busy. Devin told me you stayed at his place and introduced yourself. Thanks for the shout out at his Hampton. I LOVE the comfy bedding there. But if you were to stay at my motel, you would be out of here in a hearbeat!
If the school does not pay for your hotel rooms, let me know. devin can hook you up. And not just at the TP Hampton.
Clearly you have struck a chord with your readers, and really, YOU should take over Delilah's job.
Let me ask you this: were the Indigo Girls involved? Because, wow, nostalgia.
Of course I'm with Jenni... there is nothing quite like a good cry in the car. You've been with me for more than one. But the reasons for the car-crying has changed drastically, right? I get a little teary any time I have 2 seconds to myself, let alone accompanied by "Proud to Be an American."
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