Life in Lubbock

 Did you know Lubbock, TX is the birthplace of Buddy Holly? No? Now you know. We've been in Lubbock for about five days now. Our apartment still doesn't feel like "home" yet (Perhaps it has something to do with the furniture that came with it.) but it's getting there. The apartment is smaller than our last apartment, square foot wise, but the layout makes it feel larger and I love it!

 So far, I am really enjoying this area. I admit that on the drive up here (after we got off I20) I grew worried as I saw how brown this area was and little cacti growing along the highway. In a way, it reminded me of Carson City, NV but without the view of the mountains. I'm happy to report that, yes, it's a little browner than Louisiana and the trees aren't quite as big... but it's got a beauty all its own out here. Lubbock feels HUGE but I think it's about the size of Shreveport/Bossier. I want to say one reason Lubbock feels so big is because all the major roads are 6 lanes (3 lanes each way). It feels a little intimidating, at first, but I really enjoy the wide roads and the city's layout. All the numbered streets run east-west and the named streets north-south. And the best part about Lubbock?? Barely any humidity!! I can breathe without feeling smothered by the atmosphere!

  The neighborhoods we've driven by have all been cute, well-kept, and generally areas that we would be happy to call home. One real neat feature, to me, is that most every street has a little alley in the back where the garbage dumpsters (seems like most houses have little personal dumpsters instead of trash cans) are kept and where, in some neighborhoods, you access your garage. In fact, there's a cute little neighborhood right across the street from our apartment. Looks like we know where we'll be taking Phoenix for trick-or-treating this Halloween!!

 There are so many places I want to check out as well. An apple orchard where we can pick our own apples, go on hay rides, pick a pumpkin in fall, drink fresh pressed apple cider, and eat lunch (I plan for us to go in October), another pumpkin patch closer to town, a science museum like SciPort in Shreveport, wineries (though I'm not sure Phoenix could come along), a ranch to go horse back riding, a drive in movie theater, Texas Tech and one of their football games, and who knows what else? I think I drive Juan a little crazy by showing him all the stuff that interests me. I just feel so excited to explore this area and give Phoenix these experiences that we didn't really look for in Louisiana.

  And on a final note, we met some of Juan's co-workers today. Two married couples who were all very nice, friendly, easy to get along with, and they all really liked Phoenix. Both women are better in the kitchen than I am. One loves to cook and one loves to bake... so between the both of them, I should learn a lot! I was worried that they would be hard to get along with or kind of... snobby, but they were all just really easy going and friendly without being fake friendly. I look forward to developing a nice friendship with them. It's nice to not be the only ones in a new town.

  All in all, Lubbock seems to be turning into a nice adventure. Also, I admit to worrying about living in Lubbock after I googled a few places and looked around thanks to Google Earth. It was all flat, brown, and there was nothing but dirt and scrub bushes. But those pictures seem kind of dated because yes, there are spots that are flat and undeveloped, but so much of Lubbock is new construction and nice looking. Now let's see how the winter treats us!

Learning to Be Still

 There are days when I think "My baby isn't a baby anymore". And then there are days when he wakes up, cranky and grumpy from either too much or too little of a nap. Mad at the world, he lies on the couch and whines/yells about trivial things until I stop what I'm doing, sit down next to him and pull him on to my lap. Nowadays, it takes a little bit to re-arrange limbs and to fit him in my lap, but we cuddle up and he leans his head on my chest, his hand finds my hair, and we both breathe a deep sigh and sit in stillness for a while. I bend my head until my nose brushes his hair, take deep breaths (catching faint whiffs of baby shampoo and, sometimes, sweaty boy) and feel as though my world has stopped for just a few wonderful moments. I stop thinking about what I was doing, what needs doing, and what is not getting done.. and all I think is "This is exactly where I'm supposed to be". We can sit for five minutes or, sometimes, forty-five minutes but it doesn't matter. Each minute is precious and more than worthy of my time. He may not be a baby anymore, but to still be able to give him love and reassurance that all is right in his world.. Well, that's what I'm here for.