finally home

Wow, a nice hot shower feels amazing after driving all freaking night!

Yeah we were going to leave at 4:30am because that's when Starbucks opens, but after my mom and Nic wondered aloud why we didn't just leave Tues. night we decided to leave as soon as everyone had their suitcases in order. Miraculously 3 duffle bags, 4 backpacks, 1 rolling suitcase, and other items fit in my little bug, Zippy, along with the 4 of us: Ashton, Tim, Nic, and me. We got snacks and coffee at Starbucks and started on the road at midnight. Crazy conversations and dancing in truckstops.... we documented segments of the trip, it should prove to be interesting footage.

I was so tired so we stopped to take a nap. Well actually Ashton and I attempted to sleep for a bit in a dark parking lot while the boys watched "Good Will Hunting" in the backseat. We were unsuccessful so at 4:45 am we decided breakfast at Denny's sounded good. Oh we were nasty and ridiculous after being awake that long. But my faithful oatmeal renewed my spirits, and I had the hope of a beautiful sunrise to brighten up the moonless drive.

As good as their intentions to help me stay awake were, my 3 lovely driving companions all drifted into sleep as the morning approached. Slowly the shade of blue grew brighter. Once in a while Nic roused from his napping and tried to fulfill his duty to help me stay awake, but I stifled his attempts at conversation because I knew he wanted to sleep and I wanted that morning to myself.

It wasn't really a sunrise because it's fall in northern Ca so it's often overcast, but I was amazed at each passing mile. The wide landscape covered in shades of brown and blue and low lying mist. Lone trees stood out and blackbirds flew in flocks. I couldn't help but smile especially when U2's "beautiful day" streamed from the speakers. Fall colors of red, yellow, orange, and brown flashed on the branches of trees. It was a perfect morning to return home.


"You should have seen that sun rise with your own eyes..." -John Mayer "3x5"


God is really amazing.

I appreciated being "alone" on the drive and I also am thankful to John, Jack, Nichole, Jem, Nickelcreek, Lifehouse, and Jars of Clay for helping me stay awake and singing the morning to me.

We arrived at approximately 9:30am... 9.5 hrs of driving! That said, I think it's time for a nap.

mmm home.