For four days I used only castor oil on my face. I noticed some things immediately, while others took time.
Immediately I noticed how thick castor oil is. This makes it a little more difficult to both spread on the face and to remove. It was a champ at removing my makeup, but on its own it did little else.
Castor oil is known for its ability to clean out your pores. However, it is also known to be very drying to the skin. I have oily skin, so castor oil seems like the perfect base. I know in the long run I will need to "cut it" with other oil, but for now, I simply wanted to see what it would do for me on its own.
Within the first couple of days, I noticed increased redness after washing (when compared to my previous oil blend). Some blemishes began to dry out by day 2, which seemed like a nice bonus! Until day 3, when new, deep, under the skin blemishes began to emerge. By day 4, the small little bumps on my cheek were back. I decided at this point to scrap the "just castor oil" phase of this experiment and begin adding new oils. Next up: a castor/olive oil blend.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Oil Cleansing Method, take 2
Life for me has been unusually stressful. Add to this the fact that I am getting older. The end result is my skin is, quite simply, freaking the f**k out.
As a teen, my skin was pretty average. I had the usual breakouts and black heads, the occasional whopper, and some instances of fairly clear pretty skin. I figured my skin issues would be gone by the time I turned 20. Then I hoped maybe by 30. As my birthday draws nearer, I have all but given up on 40 as well.
About 3 years ago, my divorce began. The stress was overwhelming, and my body, hair, skin, and health began to show the effects of it all. Slowly but surely, and with the help of Miss Clairol, I have gotten most of those issues under control. The single hold out appears to be the ol' mug.
I tried the oil cleansing method, after reading various blogs on it about a year ago. However, being me, I have to do excessive research and then add my own little twists to everything. I decided the oil would be best mixed with coarse salt and used as a scrub on my face. This only worked for a few months and then it all went to hell.
In November I began to work in an office with an esthetician. At this point I had given up completely on the oil cleansing method (OCM) and started using anything I could buy cheap. She looked at the tiny bumps and cysts all over my face and put me on cleaning products. Again, these worked for a few months and then my face spazzed out again.
My mind began to go back to thoughts of oil. So what is the oil cleansing method? Well, it is based on the principle that "like dissolves like" and therefore using oil on your face will help control the over-production of blemish causing facial oil. I have read articles backing this, and I have read articles claiming this is junk. I cannot say I have done a controlled double blind study on this. What I can say is I have tried it and it worked better than expensive cleansers and harsh products.
The method suggests you apply a small amount of oil or oil blend to your face (I keep mine in a small Tupperware bowl under my sink, pour a little bit onto my finger tips and rub it into my face, avoiding my eyes). Then, either in the shower or at the sink, heat a wash cloth as hot as you can tolerate without scalding, then steam your face. I usually heat the cloth and drape it on my face a few times to ensure proper steaming. Then, use the cloth to wipe all of the oil from your face. The cloth helps exfoliate which is very important in preventing blackheads. I recommend using a fresh cloth every day. Some people suggest cleansing this way twice a day, others suggest only once. I am still trying to determine which makes my skin less unhappy.
As I looked in the mirror at the blemishes, scars, dark spots, and bumps I decided to give OCM another try. I decided my skin must be hyper-sensitive, so I stopped washing my wash cloths in detergent and fabric softener. I switched to mild white soap and an apple cider vinegar rinse for my wash cloths. I ordered various oils after still MORE research, and lo and behold, my face began to improve! That's when I decided to add still more oil (darn my research!) and the breakouts started up.
So today, I have decided to approach this like a science experiment. I need to find out exactly what each oil does for my face and for my skin. I need to test various combinations and vary the amounts once I have settled on my oil choices.
Over the next few weeks and months what I hope to do is try various oils and blends and find out truly what it is they each do for my complexion. I will not vary the after-cleansing products I use (a vitamin C cream and an Olay sensitive skin tinted moisturizer, followed by L'Oreal mineral powder prior to make up application).
The oils I have on hand to try are: castor, olive, hemp, lavender, vitamin E, jojoba, sweet almond, tamanu, and coconut. I had read about an oil that was supposed to help with hormonal cystic acne if used either on the face or taken as a supplement, but for the life of me I cannot find that article again! I plan to start this week with just castor oil, which I have read can be drying on its own. I hope to give each mixture at least 3-5 days before making a change. It will all depend on the reaction of my skin. The only variant I cannot control is whatever it is my hormones do to just throw a constant wrench into the works.
Everyone's skin is different, but maybe my research will help anyone who reads this to understand what the different oils do, how they can help or hinder the path to clear skin, and maybe, just maybe, you will be able to create your own formulation without all of the trial and error I am about to undertake!
PS- I am considering photos along the way, but I am highly embarrassed about my skin. Maybe I will take a before shot, and keep it until I have a beautiful after to post it with!
As a teen, my skin was pretty average. I had the usual breakouts and black heads, the occasional whopper, and some instances of fairly clear pretty skin. I figured my skin issues would be gone by the time I turned 20. Then I hoped maybe by 30. As my birthday draws nearer, I have all but given up on 40 as well.
About 3 years ago, my divorce began. The stress was overwhelming, and my body, hair, skin, and health began to show the effects of it all. Slowly but surely, and with the help of Miss Clairol, I have gotten most of those issues under control. The single hold out appears to be the ol' mug.
I tried the oil cleansing method, after reading various blogs on it about a year ago. However, being me, I have to do excessive research and then add my own little twists to everything. I decided the oil would be best mixed with coarse salt and used as a scrub on my face. This only worked for a few months and then it all went to hell.
In November I began to work in an office with an esthetician. At this point I had given up completely on the oil cleansing method (OCM) and started using anything I could buy cheap. She looked at the tiny bumps and cysts all over my face and put me on cleaning products. Again, these worked for a few months and then my face spazzed out again.
My mind began to go back to thoughts of oil. So what is the oil cleansing method? Well, it is based on the principle that "like dissolves like" and therefore using oil on your face will help control the over-production of blemish causing facial oil. I have read articles backing this, and I have read articles claiming this is junk. I cannot say I have done a controlled double blind study on this. What I can say is I have tried it and it worked better than expensive cleansers and harsh products.
The method suggests you apply a small amount of oil or oil blend to your face (I keep mine in a small Tupperware bowl under my sink, pour a little bit onto my finger tips and rub it into my face, avoiding my eyes). Then, either in the shower or at the sink, heat a wash cloth as hot as you can tolerate without scalding, then steam your face. I usually heat the cloth and drape it on my face a few times to ensure proper steaming. Then, use the cloth to wipe all of the oil from your face. The cloth helps exfoliate which is very important in preventing blackheads. I recommend using a fresh cloth every day. Some people suggest cleansing this way twice a day, others suggest only once. I am still trying to determine which makes my skin less unhappy.
As I looked in the mirror at the blemishes, scars, dark spots, and bumps I decided to give OCM another try. I decided my skin must be hyper-sensitive, so I stopped washing my wash cloths in detergent and fabric softener. I switched to mild white soap and an apple cider vinegar rinse for my wash cloths. I ordered various oils after still MORE research, and lo and behold, my face began to improve! That's when I decided to add still more oil (darn my research!) and the breakouts started up.
So today, I have decided to approach this like a science experiment. I need to find out exactly what each oil does for my face and for my skin. I need to test various combinations and vary the amounts once I have settled on my oil choices.
Over the next few weeks and months what I hope to do is try various oils and blends and find out truly what it is they each do for my complexion. I will not vary the after-cleansing products I use (a vitamin C cream and an Olay sensitive skin tinted moisturizer, followed by L'Oreal mineral powder prior to make up application).
The oils I have on hand to try are: castor, olive, hemp, lavender, vitamin E, jojoba, sweet almond, tamanu, and coconut. I had read about an oil that was supposed to help with hormonal cystic acne if used either on the face or taken as a supplement, but for the life of me I cannot find that article again! I plan to start this week with just castor oil, which I have read can be drying on its own. I hope to give each mixture at least 3-5 days before making a change. It will all depend on the reaction of my skin. The only variant I cannot control is whatever it is my hormones do to just throw a constant wrench into the works.
Everyone's skin is different, but maybe my research will help anyone who reads this to understand what the different oils do, how they can help or hinder the path to clear skin, and maybe, just maybe, you will be able to create your own formulation without all of the trial and error I am about to undertake!
PS- I am considering photos along the way, but I am highly embarrassed about my skin. Maybe I will take a before shot, and keep it until I have a beautiful after to post it with!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
DAY FIFTEEN, part one: Ozark, AR to Tupelo, MS
DAY FIFTEEN, part one: Ozark, AR to Tupelo, MS
The curse of the Days Inn only held slightly true last night. As John and Desirae walked to the gas station in search of alcohol or sparkling juice for the midnight toast, Kaylin turned on the TV to try and watch the ball drop in New York City (on repeat- it had actually dropped 30 minutes prior at this point). And the stupid TV had no sound.
We pushed buttons and tried cords and called the front desk. John returned and tried everything. So we had to move rooms. But at least the room was clean and comfortable and had a spacious shower. John’s quest to the gas station was semi-fruitless. It was 1130pm and the county was unable to sell alcohol after 11. So two small bottles of Grape Crush soda sat on the dresser waiting for the midnight toast.
Ava kept trying to fall asleep, and we kept trying to keep her awake! She made it til midnight, and as the countdown on the TV hit “Happy New Year!” we all clinked our plastic cups and welcomed the new year with big swigs of deep purple carbonated sugar. It’s gunna be a good year!
When morning came again, we packed up and hit the road with 770 miles to travel. We figure if we minimize stops we should be home by 10pm, including the hour we lose to the time change. Of course, if we pass something as irresistible as Carhenge we may be forced to stop again!
There isn’t a lot to see or do on this leg. We did pass Little Rock and Memphis, but we do not have the time to stop in and see anything. I was kind of excited to see the bridge from “The Firm” in the distance.
As we dipped southward on the Appalachian highway, we realized we would pass through Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis’ boyhood home! Oh to be able to find a diner specializing in Elvis-y food like peanut butter banana sandwiches!
I looked frantically online and found a diner that was frequented by Elvis’ family when he was a kid. We drove through Tupelo and found it, but seeing as its New Year’s Day, it was closed. As we headed back out of town, we passed right by a sign pointing us to Elvis’ birthplace. How could we pass through Tupelo and not pay it a visit?
The house he was born in was VERY small. To see what humble beginnings Elvis came from, its no wonder he didn’t handle fame well. We looked through the gift shop and bought magnets. I’ll say this: when Elvis was young he was beautiful!
As we drove out of Tupelo we scanned for any diner, drive-in, or dive that might be open for lunch. We had no luck. So on to the next stop!
The curse of the Days Inn only held slightly true last night. As John and Desirae walked to the gas station in search of alcohol or sparkling juice for the midnight toast, Kaylin turned on the TV to try and watch the ball drop in New York City (on repeat- it had actually dropped 30 minutes prior at this point). And the stupid TV had no sound.
We pushed buttons and tried cords and called the front desk. John returned and tried everything. So we had to move rooms. But at least the room was clean and comfortable and had a spacious shower. John’s quest to the gas station was semi-fruitless. It was 1130pm and the county was unable to sell alcohol after 11. So two small bottles of Grape Crush soda sat on the dresser waiting for the midnight toast.
Ava kept trying to fall asleep, and we kept trying to keep her awake! She made it til midnight, and as the countdown on the TV hit “Happy New Year!” we all clinked our plastic cups and welcomed the new year with big swigs of deep purple carbonated sugar. It’s gunna be a good year!
When morning came again, we packed up and hit the road with 770 miles to travel. We figure if we minimize stops we should be home by 10pm, including the hour we lose to the time change. Of course, if we pass something as irresistible as Carhenge we may be forced to stop again!
There isn’t a lot to see or do on this leg. We did pass Little Rock and Memphis, but we do not have the time to stop in and see anything. I was kind of excited to see the bridge from “The Firm” in the distance.
As we dipped southward on the Appalachian highway, we realized we would pass through Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis’ boyhood home! Oh to be able to find a diner specializing in Elvis-y food like peanut butter banana sandwiches!
I looked frantically online and found a diner that was frequented by Elvis’ family when he was a kid. We drove through Tupelo and found it, but seeing as its New Year’s Day, it was closed. As we headed back out of town, we passed right by a sign pointing us to Elvis’ birthplace. How could we pass through Tupelo and not pay it a visit?
The house he was born in was VERY small. To see what humble beginnings Elvis came from, its no wonder he didn’t handle fame well. We looked through the gift shop and bought magnets. I’ll say this: when Elvis was young he was beautiful!
As we drove out of Tupelo we scanned for any diner, drive-in, or dive that might be open for lunch. We had no luck. So on to the next stop!
Friday, December 31, 2010
DAY FOURTEEN, part three: Oklahoma City, OK ro Ozark, AR
DAY FOURTEEN, part three: Oklahoma City, OK t0 Ozark, AR
Uneventful drive. Covered lots of ground. We decided to stop and leave just under 800 miles to drive tomorrow. John wanted to get some sparkling juice and a hotel room to ring in the New Year together in a nice way.
The town of Ozark does not have a grocery or liquor store near its exit off of I-40. But it does have a Days Inn. We haven’t had much luck with Day’s Inns since the one in Cleveland had a hooker in the pool and the room smelled so bad Kaylin had a weird allergic reaction that caused her eyes to swell. So needless to say I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
We are 780.7 miles from home. I think we’ll be able to cover that ground tomorrow, barring weird weather or traffic. And we still have Sunday as a buffer if we need to stop tomorrow night.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!! I wish you all lots of love. The happy, strong, makes you feel dizzy kind of love and the deep-rooted tightly bound family kind of love, too! I wish you all much joy. The makes you want to dance even though people ARE looking kind of joy : ) And I wish you all lots of peace and contentment. The sitting in quiet moments, reflecting on life til the edges of your lips curl up kind of contentment <3 <3
Here’s to 2011!
Uneventful drive. Covered lots of ground. We decided to stop and leave just under 800 miles to drive tomorrow. John wanted to get some sparkling juice and a hotel room to ring in the New Year together in a nice way.
The town of Ozark does not have a grocery or liquor store near its exit off of I-40. But it does have a Days Inn. We haven’t had much luck with Day’s Inns since the one in Cleveland had a hooker in the pool and the room smelled so bad Kaylin had a weird allergic reaction that caused her eyes to swell. So needless to say I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
We are 780.7 miles from home. I think we’ll be able to cover that ground tomorrow, barring weird weather or traffic. And we still have Sunday as a buffer if we need to stop tomorrow night.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!! I wish you all lots of love. The happy, strong, makes you feel dizzy kind of love and the deep-rooted tightly bound family kind of love, too! I wish you all much joy. The makes you want to dance even though people ARE looking kind of joy : ) And I wish you all lots of peace and contentment. The sitting in quiet moments, reflecting on life til the edges of your lips curl up kind of contentment <3 <3
Here’s to 2011!
DAY FOURTEEN, part two: Amarillo TX to Oklahoma City OK
DAY FOURTEEN, part two: Amarillo, TX to Oklahoma City, OK
Just after I composed my last message, we drove past rather unique sight. There were 10 cars buried in the ground in a line standing on end. “Is that Carhenge?” I asked John. He didn’t think so, he thought that was in Arizona. So we consulted our dear friend Google and learned that first of all, there is more than one Carhenge and second, there IS one outside of Amarillo, Texas.
Thinking of my nephews Anthony and Michael, and in the spirit of the Griswold family road trip we turned around to go and take photos. Once we faced westbound, the winds were really something. The shook the RV and it was very hard to get to speed. I think with that kind of tail wind we shouldn’t even have to hit the gas pedal!
We parked along the old highway and stepped out into that wind!! I think Ava might have blown away if we didn’t hold onto her! A long walk down into a farm field allowed an up close and personal look at 10 Cadillacs buried windshield deep into the ground. It’s a shame it was so cold and windy. It made the stop much less enjoyable, but we snapped some pictures and ran back to the warmth of the truckster.
The drive in to Oklahoma City was plain boring compared to the wild ride we’ve had for the past few days. We had made excellent time today! We found the site of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building Memorial. What a sobering experience for New Year’s Eve. The sun was setting and it was a beautiful backdrop for the lit memorials. It is hard to imagine the evil that human beings are capable of committing towards each other.
We drove a bit further down the highway to find a place to eat dinner. We found a Santa Fe Cattlehouse or something like that. This place had the best prices of any place we have eaten so far! John got a steak, and all of us ate for less than what we paid at IHOP this morning! : )
It’s now getting to be 8pm and we have 250 miles to go before we can stop. With the time change looming ahead of us, I will be midnight or later before we stop. This will mark the most interesting way I have rung in the New Year since I spent the night of the new millennium pacing the floor of the maternity ward at Abington Memorial Hospital hoping that Reagan would be the New Year baby!
I am lonely for the parties and friends and family gatherings that so many of my friends are describing and posting about. I know that the experience I am having while vastly different is still enviable to some, so I am thankful. But I’d give an eye tooth just to find a radio station to countdown the Top 100 of 2010! Haha!
I asked the girls about resolutions and both denied having any. Kaylin did concede to wanting to eat better, after some careful thought. I imagine Reagan’s would have something to do with beating a certain level on one of his games, and Ava’s might be to be extra adorable, or something. As for me, I am resolving to be a happier person this year. To continue to leave the jobs, situations, habits, people, and things behind that have made me feel poorly about myself or stressed or sad. I will fight hard to retain those things that bring me joy or contentment, and continue to work hard to figure out what those things might be. Some friends of mine are on the same page, and I am excited for them. 2011 scares the crap out of me, but I think I am ready. I’d better be, right? : )
Just after I composed my last message, we drove past rather unique sight. There were 10 cars buried in the ground in a line standing on end. “Is that Carhenge?” I asked John. He didn’t think so, he thought that was in Arizona. So we consulted our dear friend Google and learned that first of all, there is more than one Carhenge and second, there IS one outside of Amarillo, Texas.
Thinking of my nephews Anthony and Michael, and in the spirit of the Griswold family road trip we turned around to go and take photos. Once we faced westbound, the winds were really something. The shook the RV and it was very hard to get to speed. I think with that kind of tail wind we shouldn’t even have to hit the gas pedal!
We parked along the old highway and stepped out into that wind!! I think Ava might have blown away if we didn’t hold onto her! A long walk down into a farm field allowed an up close and personal look at 10 Cadillacs buried windshield deep into the ground. It’s a shame it was so cold and windy. It made the stop much less enjoyable, but we snapped some pictures and ran back to the warmth of the truckster.
The drive in to Oklahoma City was plain boring compared to the wild ride we’ve had for the past few days. We had made excellent time today! We found the site of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building Memorial. What a sobering experience for New Year’s Eve. The sun was setting and it was a beautiful backdrop for the lit memorials. It is hard to imagine the evil that human beings are capable of committing towards each other.
We drove a bit further down the highway to find a place to eat dinner. We found a Santa Fe Cattlehouse or something like that. This place had the best prices of any place we have eaten so far! John got a steak, and all of us ate for less than what we paid at IHOP this morning! : )
It’s now getting to be 8pm and we have 250 miles to go before we can stop. With the time change looming ahead of us, I will be midnight or later before we stop. This will mark the most interesting way I have rung in the New Year since I spent the night of the new millennium pacing the floor of the maternity ward at Abington Memorial Hospital hoping that Reagan would be the New Year baby!
I am lonely for the parties and friends and family gatherings that so many of my friends are describing and posting about. I know that the experience I am having while vastly different is still enviable to some, so I am thankful. But I’d give an eye tooth just to find a radio station to countdown the Top 100 of 2010! Haha!
I asked the girls about resolutions and both denied having any. Kaylin did concede to wanting to eat better, after some careful thought. I imagine Reagan’s would have something to do with beating a certain level on one of his games, and Ava’s might be to be extra adorable, or something. As for me, I am resolving to be a happier person this year. To continue to leave the jobs, situations, habits, people, and things behind that have made me feel poorly about myself or stressed or sad. I will fight hard to retain those things that bring me joy or contentment, and continue to work hard to figure out what those things might be. Some friends of mine are on the same page, and I am excited for them. 2011 scares the crap out of me, but I think I am ready. I’d better be, right? : )
DAY FOURTEEN, part one: Albuquerque, NM to Amarillo, TX
DAY FOURTEEN, part one: Albuquerque, NM to Amarillo, TX
We checked in to the hotel and immediately developed a pecking order for showers. Everyone took the longest showers of their lives. The girls and I literally scrubbed ourselves with our fingernails. Kaylin emerged and announced, “I feel human again!”
As John showered I ordered pizza for our late dinner. When the lady on the other end told me it would be an hour before they delivered them, it didn’t even faze me. Par for the course. An hour and 20 minutes later, at 10:30pm, we had our dinner.
John sat on the computer visiting and revisiting websites to find information about weather and roads. Apparently when we decided to scrap our plans it wasn’t etched in stone. So imagine my surprise this morning when he announced we were going back to the original plan.
Over breakfast we decided to take baby steps with the original plan and continue our quest for home. According to the GPS we are a little over 1500 miles from home. We’ll make 750 a goal for today and tomorrow. We plan to head to Amarillo, see what kind of time we are making and what the roads and weather look like. The plan is to still head to Oklahoma City and see the Memorial to the bombing there. I have a sneaking suspicion Memphis will be scrapped. The plan for now is to find a nice place for dinner to celebrate New Year’s.
We passed the exit that had forced us off the highway last night. We drove for about 20 miles and commented about how of all the roadways we had traversed, this one seemed the least likely to have the need to be closed. But there was evidence of tire tracks into the snowy median here and there. Then we saw a car hauling a trailer facing backwards in the ditch. Then another in the median. Next was the jack knifed semi truck and the van in the median heading westbound. The traffic jam in the opposite direction was horrendous. Thankfully it looked as though no one had been hurt. About 10 miles down there was another traffic jam heading westward. This time a truck with a 2-car hauling trailer was in the median. It had lost one of the vans it was carrying. The van was on its roof. A second car was involved. There were miles of back-up from this one too. Whenever I pass an accident, I always worry about those involved and have a sense of gratitude that I was spared.
Just past Santa Rosa, New Mexico the snow disappeared! The wind kicked up quite a bit. We actually saw a HUGE tumbleweed blow across the highway! John called it a tumble-shrub! And 70 miles from Tucumcari, we rolled over 5000 miles. No cheering. John actually forgot to tell us! : )
Thank goodness for warmer weather, easier travel, and renewed spirits!
We checked in to the hotel and immediately developed a pecking order for showers. Everyone took the longest showers of their lives. The girls and I literally scrubbed ourselves with our fingernails. Kaylin emerged and announced, “I feel human again!”
As John showered I ordered pizza for our late dinner. When the lady on the other end told me it would be an hour before they delivered them, it didn’t even faze me. Par for the course. An hour and 20 minutes later, at 10:30pm, we had our dinner.
John sat on the computer visiting and revisiting websites to find information about weather and roads. Apparently when we decided to scrap our plans it wasn’t etched in stone. So imagine my surprise this morning when he announced we were going back to the original plan.
Over breakfast we decided to take baby steps with the original plan and continue our quest for home. According to the GPS we are a little over 1500 miles from home. We’ll make 750 a goal for today and tomorrow. We plan to head to Amarillo, see what kind of time we are making and what the roads and weather look like. The plan is to still head to Oklahoma City and see the Memorial to the bombing there. I have a sneaking suspicion Memphis will be scrapped. The plan for now is to find a nice place for dinner to celebrate New Year’s.
We passed the exit that had forced us off the highway last night. We drove for about 20 miles and commented about how of all the roadways we had traversed, this one seemed the least likely to have the need to be closed. But there was evidence of tire tracks into the snowy median here and there. Then we saw a car hauling a trailer facing backwards in the ditch. Then another in the median. Next was the jack knifed semi truck and the van in the median heading westbound. The traffic jam in the opposite direction was horrendous. Thankfully it looked as though no one had been hurt. About 10 miles down there was another traffic jam heading westward. This time a truck with a 2-car hauling trailer was in the median. It had lost one of the vans it was carrying. The van was on its roof. A second car was involved. There were miles of back-up from this one too. Whenever I pass an accident, I always worry about those involved and have a sense of gratitude that I was spared.
Just past Santa Rosa, New Mexico the snow disappeared! The wind kicked up quite a bit. We actually saw a HUGE tumbleweed blow across the highway! John called it a tumble-shrub! And 70 miles from Tucumcari, we rolled over 5000 miles. No cheering. John actually forgot to tell us! : )
Thank goodness for warmer weather, easier travel, and renewed spirits!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
DAY THIRTEEN, part three: Moriarty, NM back to Albuquerque, NM
DAY THIRTEEN, part three: Moriarty, NM back to Albuquerque, NM
So the highway was closed. This caused a major difference in opinion in what to do next. I won. I’m sorry. I’m a bitch, but I want a hotel room tonight with a soft bed. I want a shower. I want to de-stress. I don’t want to sleep in another damn parking lot.
As we waited for the water tank to refill, I went online to try and find hotels. The connection was bad and getting a page to download on one of the hotel websites was torture.
Thanks to some of my friend Kim via facebook I have been able to see what we have been fortunate enough to avoid. The 100 mph winds in the Sierra Nevada. The rockslide at Yosemite. The accidents on I-40 that forced its closure.
I deleted the rest of the trip off of the GPS in order for it to give me the fastest route home. Sadly, it kept us on I-40. So I found a website for New Mexico’s road conditions, and after a painful wait it finally gave me the information I wanted. We are going to head back to Albuquerque, then south on I-25, then cut back over to Roswell and head home through Dallas again.
I gave up on my internet and texted my friend Susan to help me find a hotel off of I-25 south. As she searched we stopped at a couple of hotels near the highway closure. From the looks of the parking lots I knew we were out of luck. At the Comfort Inn, the guy in front of John got the last room.
Susan gave me a list of hotels and even a general vicinity of where to find them. She gave me phone numbers. I called one and we are on our way as I type.
I am so fortunate to have the friends I have. Trapped in a car for 2 weeks with family is rough. I mean, I love them, but it is so nice to have a link to the outside world. People can make fun of facebook or me texting all they want. It has been my link to sanity. And to each and every one of you who has helped me, heard from me, got sick of the infinite postings, or grown tired of your phone buzzing, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, for keeping me grounded and reminding me of my blessings.
I’m obviously really tired. So I’m sappy. Tomorrow the new Griswold roadtrip “Homeward Bound” begins.
So the highway was closed. This caused a major difference in opinion in what to do next. I won. I’m sorry. I’m a bitch, but I want a hotel room tonight with a soft bed. I want a shower. I want to de-stress. I don’t want to sleep in another damn parking lot.
As we waited for the water tank to refill, I went online to try and find hotels. The connection was bad and getting a page to download on one of the hotel websites was torture.
Thanks to some of my friend Kim via facebook I have been able to see what we have been fortunate enough to avoid. The 100 mph winds in the Sierra Nevada. The rockslide at Yosemite. The accidents on I-40 that forced its closure.
I deleted the rest of the trip off of the GPS in order for it to give me the fastest route home. Sadly, it kept us on I-40. So I found a website for New Mexico’s road conditions, and after a painful wait it finally gave me the information I wanted. We are going to head back to Albuquerque, then south on I-25, then cut back over to Roswell and head home through Dallas again.
I gave up on my internet and texted my friend Susan to help me find a hotel off of I-25 south. As she searched we stopped at a couple of hotels near the highway closure. From the looks of the parking lots I knew we were out of luck. At the Comfort Inn, the guy in front of John got the last room.
Susan gave me a list of hotels and even a general vicinity of where to find them. She gave me phone numbers. I called one and we are on our way as I type.
I am so fortunate to have the friends I have. Trapped in a car for 2 weeks with family is rough. I mean, I love them, but it is so nice to have a link to the outside world. People can make fun of facebook or me texting all they want. It has been my link to sanity. And to each and every one of you who has helped me, heard from me, got sick of the infinite postings, or grown tired of your phone buzzing, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, for keeping me grounded and reminding me of my blessings.
I’m obviously really tired. So I’m sappy. Tomorrow the new Griswold roadtrip “Homeward Bound” begins.
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