Last night we had an alumni event for both Universities in Phoenix. On the way down I predicted it would be a great opportunity to make some new friends and eat little shrimps. I was right about the new friends part. We met some very funny alums from both institutions and were promised sandwiches in Scottsdale and books on the power of optimism from a Bucknellian. It was also nice to see some recent Bucknellian alums when K-Chen, Erin and Josh strolled in late. But the best part of the day (and perhaps the trip so far) was the ride back. It is about 150 mile drive from the event in Phoenix to our hotel in Flagstaff, so the ride gave us plenty of time for mischief. Our van had Jake and Walt up front, Jay and Patty in the middle and Jesse and myself in the way back. Our trip was filled with laughing and singing and Jay making portraits using the Paint program on his computer. It was a sign that our group is coming together. We made fun of each other and made jokes we probably wouldn’t have made on Day 1 or Day 2. Nothing like a long car ride to bring people together.
Right now we are sitting in a motel room in Keyanta, AZ updating this very website. I hope you guys can appreciate the long hours that Jesse, Jake and Jay put in to make this site look so sleek. OK, so Jesse doesn’t put in such long hard hours – he’s asleep right now. Dev, Jake has Photoshop abilities that would make your jaw drop.
I have been in a very happy and grateful and thankful mood lately. This trip is such a wonderful opportunity. I spend some time each day wondering what I would be doing if I wasn’t cruising along on my bike or goofing around in the van. I would probably still be sitting next to Jay, but we would be sitting in front of computers, frustrated with job stuff. Patty would be out for a run and then looking for a new part time job. Instead we all joke around and get Frank “all pumped up” for his next ride and listen to Walt tell stories.
We have no concept of time on this trip. Either we are riding and in the van or we are about to go to sleep. And I think now it is time for sleep.
