As of over 4 hours ago, we are back in HOUSTON! So glad to be home... well...almost home. Robert and I are staying in a LaQuinta Inn close to HBU. Our townhome will be most likely be ready sometime tomorrow, and we'll be able to move in. God really has a way of proving his sovereignty to me time and time again. We left Amarillo this morning around 10:30. We had gotten about an hour down the road when I looked up and say flashing lights in my passenger side mirror. Robert was being pulled over...again! Luckily our Texas State Troopers are nicer than the Arizona Highway Patrol, so they let him off with a warning. Also, the Texas Trooper's last name was Simpson, and I thought that was oddly amusing. We drove and drove and drove until we reached Ft. Worth. The drive from Amarillo to Ft. Worth was about five hours, and they went surprisingly fast. We reached Ennis, and made the changeover to IH-45. This was a big relief as it was the final leg of our cross-country journey.
When we were almost back to Houston we got a call from Robert's mother saying that the townhome will be ready for us to move in tomorrow, and we would only need the hotel for one night! What a blessing!! To everyone's surprise we actually did bring the dog with us. The original plan was to bring her, but because of our unsure housing situation we decided not to. We packed the car full of stuff, but then decided that we wanted to bring the dog knowing that everything would work itself out. Robert and I reconfigured some of the packing just to make a nice little space for Phoebe in the back left seat. We purposefully didn't tell Katie in order for it to be a surprise...therefore we didn't tell a lot of people. Just to set the record straight...we did bring the dog. When I got back I got to hang out with Caleb, Clay and Marson, and I got to see Chris Fresch and Laura when we went to pick my car! Being back in Houston is nice, but being home will be nicer.
Hair growth update: It doesn't feel like Velcro anymore, but it is still short. Give it time. It will grow :)
This brings us to the end of our journey. Praise God for an amazing trip, and for safe travel without complications. He continues to prove his sovereignty to me day after day.
God, thank you for granting us safe travel, and thank you for continuing to meet our needs.
Showing posts with label California/Roadtrip 2007. Show all posts
Showing posts with label California/Roadtrip 2007. Show all posts
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Back in Texas: Day 5
After getting a late start in Kingman this morning, we've finally made it to Amarillo, TX. It was a long drive, but we did it. Tomorrow will be a bit shorter than today, so I think we're both looking forward to that. Zeppelin had his perfect driving record snatched from him and spat upon by an Arizona Highway Patrolman this morning. He was quite distraught. We stopped a few minutes later, and he asked me if I wanted to drive by saying "My pride is a little hurt right now" or something to that affect. I drove for a couple of hours before giving him the wheel again. During my stint behind the pilot's seat of the Buick I was cruising along at 80 mph (75 is the speed limit in the desert), and I passed another Arizona Highway Patrolman. As I passed he pulled out behind me. I was thinking "you've got to be kidding me." I was going 5 mph over, and I knew from looking at Zeppelin's citation pamphlet that it would be a $64 fine. Had he pulled me over I planned on getting all $64 worth by giving him a genuine earful. Instead he zoomed by me and pulled over a Nissan Xterra that had flown by him just seconds before. We were flying through the latter part of New Mexico when we almost ran out of gas. Luckily we found a shell station in the middle of nowhere just before we had to call AAA --I wonder if Jo Jo Reyes would've answered the call (if you get that, you're awesome!)
On a more serious note --I'm scared. I hate uncertainty. I hate it more than anything, and I especially hate it now. I'm homeless. --OK that could be a bit dramatic, but when I arrive in Houston tomorrow night I will have no place to go. The people who are selling the townhome to the Leglers weren't on the up and up about everything, and guess what...it needs a crapload of repairs. Thank you, ethical trade practices. We believe there will be a possibility of moving in as early as Tuesday, but until then we would have to hotel it some more. Please pray.
We start the last day of our road journey tomorrow, but as corny as it's going to sound --the journey is just beginning. We don't know what will happen or where we'll end up, but such is life. Please continue to pray for our safe travel without complications...o...and that we'll have a place to go once we reach our destination.
Cheers, friends!
-Michael
On a more serious note --I'm scared. I hate uncertainty. I hate it more than anything, and I especially hate it now. I'm homeless. --OK that could be a bit dramatic, but when I arrive in Houston tomorrow night I will have no place to go. The people who are selling the townhome to the Leglers weren't on the up and up about everything, and guess what...it needs a crapload of repairs. Thank you, ethical trade practices. We believe there will be a possibility of moving in as early as Tuesday, but until then we would have to hotel it some more. Please pray.
We start the last day of our road journey tomorrow, but as corny as it's going to sound --the journey is just beginning. We don't know what will happen or where we'll end up, but such is life. Please continue to pray for our safe travel without complications...o...and that we'll have a place to go once we reach our destination.
Cheers, friends!
-Michael
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Greetings from Arizona: Day 4
(10:30 a.m. PDT)
Now I know that the title of this post says "from Arizona," but at this time I'm still in Modesto, CA. I just figured I'd title it by the place I'll end up by nightfall. We're about to leave for Fresno in order to help Autumn get settled into Fresno Pacific Univ. After we leave there we'll be heading back to the greatest state in the union...TEXAS! By nightfall we'll end up somewhere in Arizona. It should be great. We're having some setbacks with the whole housing thing...we don't have a house! Please continue in prayer over our residency issues. Because we are unsure about where we'll be living, we aren't going to be able to take the dog, Phoebe. Now, I know there is at least one of you out there that is happy about this, but I am sad :(. Phoebe is a sweet dog, and I was looking forward to living with her. Anyway, we are watching some pre-season football, and getting ready to depart on our epic journey.
(10:37 p.m. MST)
Just over 12 hours after the last time I wrote, and we've arrived in Kingman, Arizona. Both Robert and I are tired so we're going to get some sleep. We got to Fresno later than we anticipated therefore we didn't leave until around 3:15. It's okay though, we made great time! Also, the Legler family is so nice. I must say that I felt apart of the family during my time spent with them in Modesto. After we left Fresno we made our way to Bakersfield, where we stopped for one last In-N-Out burger. Refer to my to my Day 1 post for commentary on that. I, again had the "meal of champions" as Robert referred to it. We continued through Bakersfield, through the valley and over the mountains until we reached Barstow. We kept going through the Mojave Desert, only stopping once for gas. By this point, we knew we'd either stop in Needles or Kingman. When we reached Needles it was only 9:15, so we proceeded on to where we are now --Kingman. We're at a Motel 6 right now, and let me tell you...they've got everything...or not. No continental breakfast tomorrow...but there is coffee! There's no lock on the door to the bathroom, and I'm worried Robert is going to throw cold water on me when I shower, and to top it all off my internet access right now is coming from me sitting with my laptop on top of the AC unit in front of the window so I can reach someone else's wireless. All whining aside...we've been blessed with nice weather and no travel complications. Please pray that it will stay this way. Just a brief update on the progression of the re-growth of my hair...It's starting to feel like the male side of a strip of Velcro. It's rather interesting...and comfortable. [Don't worry, you, I'm not going to keep shaving it ;)]
Until tomorrow around this time,
Cheers, friends!
-Michael
[no pics today, sorry to disappoint]
p.s. The road can get boring, and we'd love to hear from you. Don't hesitate to call my cell. If I get signal in the middle of the desert, I'll definitely answer!
p.p.s. congrats to my brother, Christopher Melvin Brannen on his engagement to Emily Noelle VanHooser. All the best to you two, and much love!
Now I know that the title of this post says "from Arizona," but at this time I'm still in Modesto, CA. I just figured I'd title it by the place I'll end up by nightfall. We're about to leave for Fresno in order to help Autumn get settled into Fresno Pacific Univ. After we leave there we'll be heading back to the greatest state in the union...TEXAS! By nightfall we'll end up somewhere in Arizona. It should be great. We're having some setbacks with the whole housing thing...we don't have a house! Please continue in prayer over our residency issues. Because we are unsure about where we'll be living, we aren't going to be able to take the dog, Phoebe. Now, I know there is at least one of you out there that is happy about this, but I am sad :(. Phoebe is a sweet dog, and I was looking forward to living with her. Anyway, we are watching some pre-season football, and getting ready to depart on our epic journey.
(10:37 p.m. MST)
Just over 12 hours after the last time I wrote, and we've arrived in Kingman, Arizona. Both Robert and I are tired so we're going to get some sleep. We got to Fresno later than we anticipated therefore we didn't leave until around 3:15. It's okay though, we made great time! Also, the Legler family is so nice. I must say that I felt apart of the family during my time spent with them in Modesto. After we left Fresno we made our way to Bakersfield, where we stopped for one last In-N-Out burger. Refer to my to my Day 1 post for commentary on that. I, again had the "meal of champions" as Robert referred to it. We continued through Bakersfield, through the valley and over the mountains until we reached Barstow. We kept going through the Mojave Desert, only stopping once for gas. By this point, we knew we'd either stop in Needles or Kingman. When we reached Needles it was only 9:15, so we proceeded on to where we are now --Kingman. We're at a Motel 6 right now, and let me tell you...they've got everything...or not. No continental breakfast tomorrow...but there is coffee! There's no lock on the door to the bathroom, and I'm worried Robert is going to throw cold water on me when I shower, and to top it all off my internet access right now is coming from me sitting with my laptop on top of the AC unit in front of the window so I can reach someone else's wireless. All whining aside...we've been blessed with nice weather and no travel complications. Please pray that it will stay this way. Just a brief update on the progression of the re-growth of my hair...It's starting to feel like the male side of a strip of Velcro. It's rather interesting...and comfortable. [Don't worry, you, I'm not going to keep shaving it ;)]
Until tomorrow around this time,
Cheers, friends!
-Michael
[no pics today, sorry to disappoint]
p.s. The road can get boring, and we'd love to hear from you. Don't hesitate to call my cell. If I get signal in the middle of the desert, I'll definitely answer!
p.p.s. congrats to my brother, Christopher Melvin Brannen on his engagement to Emily Noelle VanHooser. All the best to you two, and much love!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Greetings from California: Day 3
(11:11 a.m. PDT)
I woke up this morning around 10:40 to the sounds of a telephone and doorbell ringing simultaneously. I didn't mind though as I needed to get up anyway. I am the only one in the house awake right now I think...but there are only two people total in the house --myself and Zeppelin. We should be leaving for San Francisco shortly after noon. Autumn gets off work at noon, and her friend Katie will be joining us. We'll be catching "the Bart," a train that runs throughout the bay area. That should be a fun experience. I can only remember one time when I rode on a train --it was a long time ago. Zeppelin says that it should take us a route where I'll get a good view of the Golden Gate Bridge. I'm definitely looking forward to that. We're going to eat in Chinatown, and head to at&t park for the Giants/Cubs game tonight @ 7:15. That should be awesome.
(1:00 a.m. PDT)
We just arrived back from San Francisco. We didn't get to visit Chinatown, but we did attend the Giants/Cubs game at at&t park. That was truly a fun experience. I've now had the opportunity to visit 5 major league baseball parks in my lifetime. We took some great pictures at the park as well as around the city. I bought a Giants gray away jersey. I wanted it only because I love baseball, and it says San Francisco on it. I'm not a Giants fan..I repeat: I'm not a Giants fan. I only bought the shirt because I was in San Francisco... Also, I rode in a train on the way to San Francisco, and a taxi cab on the way back to the train station from the ballpark. It was quite fun. We start our journey back to Texas tomorrow morning at 10:00. We'll be stopping at Fresno Pacific Univ. to help Autumn get settled into her new college life. We're going to try to get to Flagstaff, AZ by tomorrow night, and to West Texas by the second night. Also, we still don't know where we're going to be living. Please pray for that.
Cheers, friends!
-Michael
[pictures on facebook]
I woke up this morning around 10:40 to the sounds of a telephone and doorbell ringing simultaneously. I didn't mind though as I needed to get up anyway. I am the only one in the house awake right now I think...but there are only two people total in the house --myself and Zeppelin. We should be leaving for San Francisco shortly after noon. Autumn gets off work at noon, and her friend Katie will be joining us. We'll be catching "the Bart," a train that runs throughout the bay area. That should be a fun experience. I can only remember one time when I rode on a train --it was a long time ago. Zeppelin says that it should take us a route where I'll get a good view of the Golden Gate Bridge. I'm definitely looking forward to that. We're going to eat in Chinatown, and head to at&t park for the Giants/Cubs game tonight @ 7:15. That should be awesome.
(1:00 a.m. PDT)
We just arrived back from San Francisco. We didn't get to visit Chinatown, but we did attend the Giants/Cubs game at at&t park. That was truly a fun experience. I've now had the opportunity to visit 5 major league baseball parks in my lifetime. We took some great pictures at the park as well as around the city. I bought a Giants gray away jersey. I wanted it only because I love baseball, and it says San Francisco on it. I'm not a Giants fan..I repeat: I'm not a Giants fan. I only bought the shirt because I was in San Francisco... Also, I rode in a train on the way to San Francisco, and a taxi cab on the way back to the train station from the ballpark. It was quite fun. We start our journey back to Texas tomorrow morning at 10:00. We'll be stopping at Fresno Pacific Univ. to help Autumn get settled into her new college life. We're going to try to get to Flagstaff, AZ by tomorrow night, and to West Texas by the second night. Also, we still don't know where we're going to be living. Please pray for that.
Cheers, friends!
-Michael
[pictures on facebook]
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Greetings from California: Day 2
(10:00 a.m. PDT)
I slept pretty well last night. Only woke up a couple of times during the night. One time I woke up I saw one of Leglers' dogs, Caleb. Caleb is a a huge German Shepherd. There was only one thing I was thinking when I saw him --"If this dog doesn't recognize me, I'm done!" Luckily, he didn't attack me, and Robert told me this morning that he's a "big oaf" and a "softy." Also, he won't attack anyone...even if someone broke in with a gun and a baseball bat. In fact, the doorbell just rang, and he did nothing. Phoebe (the dog that will be living with us), on the other hand, barked a few times like she could actually do something. She is sweet though. She only barks at the doorbell.
(5:45 p.m. PDT)
At around noon we left for what's known as "Knight's Ferry." Robert and I picked up his brother, Nick; and two other guys, Brent and Ryan. These men make up a secret society called the "Savahos." We arrived at Knights Ferry around 2:30, and made our way down to the Stanis Laus River. It was "hella" cold as the Nor-Cal yokels called it...and they were right. It was the coldest water I've ever set foot in. We swam around in it for a while. We made our way to some rocks that were out about 100 yds. off of the shore. It was then that I was initiated into the secret society known as the Savahos. I would say more, but I can't...because it's a secret. I'm about to eat a home-cooked meal that will consist of steak and baked potatoes. Also, the weather is beautiful. It's cool to not be sweating within 5 seconds of stepping foot outside. NO humidity at all. It's glorious.
(8:40 p.m. PDT)
Just got done with what was a great dinner. The Leglers are great cooks! We ate steaks, baked potatoes, broccoli and cheese, and garlic bread. It was awesome! Robert has to do laundry the rest of the night, and I'll be throwing things in here and there. I took a shower earlier and discovered that I got sunburned when we were at Kings Ferry. What's so funny is that it didn't feel very hot. It just felt good outside, and I couldn't feel myself getting burned. Let me reiterate-- NO HUMIDITY! It feels absolutely great out here. I might be shaving my head later this evening. For those of you who don't know, I made a bet when I was in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago. I was at the Astros/Braves game, and my 'stros were down by four runs. Mike Lamb came to the plate with the bases loaded, and I said "If Mike Lamb hits a homer right here I will SHAVE MY HEAD!" He jacked a long ball to dead center. I feel like I might make good on that bet this night.
(9:25 p.m. PDT)
I'm bald. Pics on Facebook.
I slept pretty well last night. Only woke up a couple of times during the night. One time I woke up I saw one of Leglers' dogs, Caleb. Caleb is a a huge German Shepherd. There was only one thing I was thinking when I saw him --"If this dog doesn't recognize me, I'm done!" Luckily, he didn't attack me, and Robert told me this morning that he's a "big oaf" and a "softy." Also, he won't attack anyone...even if someone broke in with a gun and a baseball bat. In fact, the doorbell just rang, and he did nothing. Phoebe (the dog that will be living with us), on the other hand, barked a few times like she could actually do something. She is sweet though. She only barks at the doorbell.
(5:45 p.m. PDT)
At around noon we left for what's known as "Knight's Ferry." Robert and I picked up his brother, Nick; and two other guys, Brent and Ryan. These men make up a secret society called the "Savahos." We arrived at Knights Ferry around 2:30, and made our way down to the Stanis Laus River. It was "hella" cold as the Nor-Cal yokels called it...and they were right. It was the coldest water I've ever set foot in. We swam around in it for a while. We made our way to some rocks that were out about 100 yds. off of the shore. It was then that I was initiated into the secret society known as the Savahos. I would say more, but I can't...because it's a secret. I'm about to eat a home-cooked meal that will consist of steak and baked potatoes. Also, the weather is beautiful. It's cool to not be sweating within 5 seconds of stepping foot outside. NO humidity at all. It's glorious.
(8:40 p.m. PDT)
Just got done with what was a great dinner. The Leglers are great cooks! We ate steaks, baked potatoes, broccoli and cheese, and garlic bread. It was awesome! Robert has to do laundry the rest of the night, and I'll be throwing things in here and there. I took a shower earlier and discovered that I got sunburned when we were at Kings Ferry. What's so funny is that it didn't feel very hot. It just felt good outside, and I couldn't feel myself getting burned. Let me reiterate-- NO HUMIDITY! It feels absolutely great out here. I might be shaving my head later this evening. For those of you who don't know, I made a bet when I was in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago. I was at the Astros/Braves game, and my 'stros were down by four runs. Mike Lamb came to the plate with the bases loaded, and I said "If Mike Lamb hits a homer right here I will SHAVE MY HEAD!" He jacked a long ball to dead center. I feel like I might make good on that bet this night.
(9:25 p.m. PDT)
I'm bald. Pics on Facebook.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Greetings from California: Day 1
I was awoken this morning by one of my best friends' father. It was about 5:30 a.m., just three hours after I had gone to sleep. I arose from my comfortable bed, and took a nice long shower to wake myself up. I went back to the room I stayed in, and put on my suit. I wore a suit because I wanted to get upgraded to first class (didn't happen).
I left for the airport at about ten minutes until 6:00 a.m. (CDT), and arrived at IAH at about 6:45 a.m. (CDT). I got on a plane at 8:00, took off at 8:30, and arrived in Phoenix at 11:00/9:00 (CDT/MST). I was freaking out on the plane, as I didn't realize that Arizona is on Mountain Standard Time as opposed to Mountain Daylight Time. I was in the air at 37,000 ft. thinking "my next flight is supposed to take off in 20 minutes."
After I arrived in Phoenix, I had a little bit of time to get something to eat and arrive at my next gate. I boarded the plane at 9:30 local, and took off around 10:00 local. The flight was pretty cool. I sat next to a girl whom I talked to for the majority of the flight. We looked through the "Sky Mall" magazine at all of the ridiculous stuff they have for sale.
I arrived in Sacramento on time at 11:45 pacific daylight. Robert met me in baggage claim, and we then proceeded back to Modesto (which is like an hour and a half away by the way). To get to his house we drove up through the back of the city. Robert was quick to tell me that the whole city wasn't just made up of one big orchard, but that there is a mall, pool halls, a best buy, a target, and other various entertainment.
I got to meet Robert's family today. That included his brother, Nick; his sister, Autumn; his sister-in-law, Andrea; his father and his mother.
We went to "In-N-Out Burger." If you know Robert (or anyone from California for that matter) you've heard about this restaurant. Well, let me just say that it is everything they say it is. It's easily the best fast food I've ever had. If you ever find yourself at one of these restaurants I must say that you need to order a "3x3 animal style with animal style fries and a lemon-up." Apparently the restaurant has a whole secret menu. That's pretty cool. I bought a t-shirt. I think I'm going to try to buy a t-shirt at like every significant place I visit.
We also explored the local mall in Modesto. I must say it's nothing like the galleria or Katy Mills, but it was nice nonetheless. I'm looking forward to what should be a pretty awesome week here in Cali. Incidentally, when I was on the plane coming to Sacramento from Phoenix the flight attendant said "the weather forecast for Sacramento is clear, 71 degrees." I couldn't help but think "Glory to God. I'm leaving what has to be the most humid city in the world that is about to get hit by a hurricane, and I'm going into absolutely perfect weather."
We've got some plans for tomorrow, and we'll be going to San Francisco on Wednesday. We'll go to Chinatown and a Giants game! I hope to see Barry hit a homer, and since he hits one every two days or so it'll be a good possibility.
Pictures soon to come on facebook.
Cheers, friends!
-Michael
I left for the airport at about ten minutes until 6:00 a.m. (CDT), and arrived at IAH at about 6:45 a.m. (CDT). I got on a plane at 8:00, took off at 8:30, and arrived in Phoenix at 11:00/9:00 (CDT/MST). I was freaking out on the plane, as I didn't realize that Arizona is on Mountain Standard Time as opposed to Mountain Daylight Time. I was in the air at 37,000 ft. thinking "my next flight is supposed to take off in 20 minutes."
After I arrived in Phoenix, I had a little bit of time to get something to eat and arrive at my next gate. I boarded the plane at 9:30 local, and took off around 10:00 local. The flight was pretty cool. I sat next to a girl whom I talked to for the majority of the flight. We looked through the "Sky Mall" magazine at all of the ridiculous stuff they have for sale.
I arrived in Sacramento on time at 11:45 pacific daylight. Robert met me in baggage claim, and we then proceeded back to Modesto (which is like an hour and a half away by the way). To get to his house we drove up through the back of the city. Robert was quick to tell me that the whole city wasn't just made up of one big orchard, but that there is a mall, pool halls, a best buy, a target, and other various entertainment.
I got to meet Robert's family today. That included his brother, Nick; his sister, Autumn; his sister-in-law, Andrea; his father and his mother.
We went to "In-N-Out Burger." If you know Robert (or anyone from California for that matter) you've heard about this restaurant. Well, let me just say that it is everything they say it is. It's easily the best fast food I've ever had. If you ever find yourself at one of these restaurants I must say that you need to order a "3x3 animal style with animal style fries and a lemon-up." Apparently the restaurant has a whole secret menu. That's pretty cool. I bought a t-shirt. I think I'm going to try to buy a t-shirt at like every significant place I visit.
We also explored the local mall in Modesto. I must say it's nothing like the galleria or Katy Mills, but it was nice nonetheless. I'm looking forward to what should be a pretty awesome week here in Cali. Incidentally, when I was on the plane coming to Sacramento from Phoenix the flight attendant said "the weather forecast for Sacramento is clear, 71 degrees." I couldn't help but think "Glory to God. I'm leaving what has to be the most humid city in the world that is about to get hit by a hurricane, and I'm going into absolutely perfect weather."
We've got some plans for tomorrow, and we'll be going to San Francisco on Wednesday. We'll go to Chinatown and a Giants game! I hope to see Barry hit a homer, and since he hits one every two days or so it'll be a good possibility.
Pictures soon to come on facebook.
Cheers, friends!
-Michael
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
