The Beginning of Part II

It's a tough life, but someone has got to live it!

I stepped off the plane in Arizona today to 99 degree weather and checked out the view from my two balconies....

That' s right - two balconies!  Along with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen!  For the next week I am residing in a time share.  For those of you who decided not to come out and visit me on this part of the trip ......what were you thinking?

After a long 10 days of driving and trying to see everything I could, I must admit it was nice to unpack my things knowing I was staying in one place for awhile.  As a bonus, it will be near 100 degrees each day and I have access to a pool and a hot tub whenever I want to take advantage of them.  Which, by the way, is exactly what I did when I arrived.

Over the course of the next week, I will have four visitors.  I will share those stories as they each arrive.

I am in room 334 at the Villa Mirage in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Check out their website for great pictures of the property at villa-mirage.com.

I wanted to let you all know that I do read the comments that are posted in response to my blog every day.  It has amazed me how many people are reading along. 

Let me respond to a few comments that were posted recently.  Sandy, I was never particularly interested in history growing up either.  But I have found that there is a difference when you learn about something in person than just reading about it in a book!  It is much more interesting.

"Mr. Stubbs" - yes, I have spent my dad's $20 and he should send me more money!  Since you live relatively close by, could you go give him a good talking to for me?

A shout out today to a few people.  For those of you who also read the comments, you may see that my cousin Drew has posted a few times.  He is currently serving our country overseas in Baghdad.  Thanks for all you do Drew and for taking the time to read about my trip.  I am very proud of you, be safe out there!

My friends Nikki & Beth have both contacted me this week regarding donations to my trip.  Thanks guys!  I'll let you know when I receive them.

I have also received good news while on my trip that I want to share.  My former boss, Jay called the other day to tell me about the verdict on a case that I worked closely on while employed there.  I really liked my clients (sometimes a rarity in my profession) and empathized with their situation.  I remember I had also shared the circumstances of this case with Sam, Kramer and Lennie one night over dinner at Rivalries in Portland.  Lennie was particularly disgusted with the fact that my clients were being sued.  From then on, he would always ask me about this case when he saw me.  I think he, as am I, would be extremely happy to know that in the end the system worked.  Thanks for the call Jay.

I have also learned that my friend Nikki is pregnant and she gave me the ok to share this news with all of you.  She is due in April and Abby is very excited that she will soon have a brother or sister to play with (and torture)!

My day yesterday began with a call from Sam, Kramer and Sadie.  Earlier in the week my sister sent me some cute pictures of my niece.  Thought you would all enjoy seeing one too!

Look Sadie - you are a web celebrity just like your Aunt Chrissy!