Hello, Arizona

Hello, friends! I'm in Arizona.  It's  strange to realize that I haven't even been here a week, and I'm already feeling so at home.  What a blessing.

The adventure began at the airport in Seattle.  Garner picked me up in North Seattle and took me to the airport.  The view of Mt. Rainier was incredibly stunning that day- it literally took my breath away as it felt like we were almost driving into the mountain.  Goodbye, Sweet Seattle.  At the airport, Garner (a pilot) encouraged me to weigh my suitcase down to 50 and he and Amanda could ship me the rest at a cheaper cost.  (very kind and thoughtful of them- good friends!) Well, I walked over to a Delta worker and asked if she might have a plastic bag so that my friend didn't have to trance through the airport carrying my colorful pink and purple clothes.  She didn't have a bag but she told me to get over there.  She proceeded to check in my bag at 52 lbs and tell Garner to throw all the clothes back in after it was weighed.  The way Garner quickly shoved everything in and closed it made me laugh hysterically combined with the way the Delta lady was talking to me through her teeth.  I loved the start of this trip!

Seattle and Portland were busy and crowded, but Salt Lake City was calmer as was Tucson.  I arrived in Tucson with drops of sporadic rain falling on me every ten seconds or so.  I loved feeling the hot air and taking in brand new surroundings. 

I quickly settled in and felt so fortunate for the blessing of everything beside me.  The bus stop is literally right in front of my apartment, and a really wonderful thrift store (connected to a fantastic ministry to men with drug addiction- Teen Challenge) is across the street.  I have gotten most of my things from them, and they delivered my bed and desk for free.  I absolutely love the desk!

I have found really cool things at the thrift store like a straw hat (1.00) and these really cool K coasters (also only 1.00).

 

I love thrifting and building a home for myself.  My spirit has needed some respite, some soothing, and just a little bit of self care.  I realize that it's actually a really good thing that I have some time off between the Space Needle job/ Seattle and Arts for All/Tucson.  In the last week I have gotten familiar with close surroundings- I've found the post office, my mail box key, the Tucson mall, a close by gym (zumba!), thrift stores, the pool and laundry room.  I still need to get an Arizona license, check into a bus pass, explore Internet options, find churches, visit Arts for All.  By the way, Arts for All is only three buildings down from my apartment.  This is also awesome!

 

 

This is the most modern apartment I've ever lived in, and I'm enjoying new luxuries like a bathtub, dishwasher, walk in closet.  I also have great air conditioning.  Tonight I'm grocery shopping, stocking up on essentials and am looking forward to cooking once again. 

 

So far, there have been some beautiful sunsets and rainbows.  I was taken aback a bit by the buzzing sound in the trees, my all Spanish Zumba class, but I'm enjoying it all so much.  It's fun getting to know the people right around me, and I feel  thankful for so many people and things.