Whatever You are Looking For...That's What You'll Find.

I know I jumped to the flash flooding video in Albuquerque but I forgot to post the rollin' to New Mexico! Because Beast Mode and I love off of the grid places, our state line signs sometimes get sketchy. I think Beast Mode is getting tired of me. haha

I got excited seeing this little casino as we pulled over for gas but Beast Mode said, "ABSOLUTELY NOT!" She's really just ready to be home in her own space I think. Too bad we have at LEAST two more stops and I could do this for an eternity:) Put on your big girl panties Beast Mode, it's time for fun.

On the way out of Albuquerque, we found random big things. I'm not sure what this big arrow is for but it's on the listed attractions. The serpent thing coming out of the ground was very awkward b/c I didn't realize until we got there that it's outside of a performing arts middle school. There were kids on the football field practicing and I'm sure wondering why a strange woman was running around with a stuffed bear taking pictures of their campus.

The Owl Cafe was apparently in Breaking Bad season 2 and then who can pass up The Dude?

I've never seen Breaking Bad...maybe now I will watch it just to see this spot? Many of the attractions in the city popped up as filming locations for the show. They also had warnings that most were private property and they were NOT encouraging visitors.

Yet another interesting stop b/c I think this was a bowling alley or something. For some reason, there was a party leaving at 10 AM and I was yet again taking pictures with Beast Mode in a random parking lot as if this is normal behavior. I wonder how many extra miles I add on to road trips just to see these things. But again, it's The Dude! We've got priorities.

Although Old Pete the Mule tried to hide, we found him! He's in Muleshoe, TX and apparently his statue was dedicated on July 3, 1965: "National Mule Memorial stands as the first and only monument to the mule in the world."

When we used to move all the time growing up, I was known to be impatient and just throw a whole dresser or whatever needed to be moved on my back so my Dad would call me a mule. I have since has a soft spot in my heart for mules. Glad to see them getting some recognition. haha

I thought this landscape was so pretty in real life. It also reminded me of the jacket Jim Carey wears at the snow loge in Dumb and Dumber. If you know, you know.

Once the other two Bears flew out, the car has been BLASTING bangers. I def sang both of these albums start to finish (yes, Jason and I are on a great terms, they are just great albums). Other than dancing like no one else is around, there's nothing better than screaming songs at the top of your lungs on a road trip in the middle of nowhere.

HYDRATE, EAT YOUR PROTEIN, HYDRATE, EAT YOUR PROTEIN...I have to keep reminding myself that I'm not in my 20s anymore. You gotta keep up with the sleep, food and hydration so you don't die when you get stuck in these crazy circumstances. I'm not sure that the free hotel breakfast options are even real proteins, some of those "omelets" feel like they contain more plastic than egg but keeping it cheap and easy sometimes compromises those things.

Beast Mode has to be reminded as well...water and fruits!

Next stop is Lubbock, TX.

There wasn't much to do in Lubbock that I haven't done on previous road trips but the hotel was cute. We just enjoyed a calm day for once.

Uniform is ready and it's time to head to Dallas.

Yet another thank you to Myesha! We were able to get a really nice hotel in Dallas and have a mom staycation with Tara. The only issue was some sort of athletic competition must have ended at 6 b/c by 6:30 the entire pool was SWAMPED with children. Our mom time had come to an end at the pool!

We had such a great time catching up that I did a terrible job of taking pictures so that's all you get for Dallas.

One more night in Shreveport to recover before getting back into the swing of things at home.

Once Beast Mode starts throwing tantrums, it's time to get home.

Michael Singer's Untethered Soul had a 3 week waiting list so I wasn't able to read that one again but I did fit in The Wisdom of Sundays and A New Earth. I can't even remember how many times I've listened to both of these but they help keep my brain in the present moment. That's always good when you're about to get back into the rhythm of the house chores and day to day blah blah blahs.

HOME SWEET HOME! For all of those holding their breath and concerned about me on the road alone. You may exhale. I am back:)

When the human Bear and I first started these long trips, we would get a magnet from each state it was our first time visiting. This was the first time for all three of us to go to Wyoming. It's the only magnet we needed to get out of that entire trip! Wild. The ceremonious addition to the mini fridge is complete. Now, it's official.

Lessons learned: Every time I go on a big trip, there are things that become obvious. On this trip, I noticed a lot of warnings about places that weren't "the best" or as impressive as others. What I've found is that whatever it is your are looking for, that's what you are going to find. Yes, Kansas and Texas are flat but there was a beauty in being able to look into the distance for what felt like forever. Yes, every place has something that is less than ideal but if you aren't focusing on those, you'll actually find all of it's positives in the process.

I'm so grateful for this trip and that Jason was able to enjoy what our crazy selves have been doing for years. This is definitely a trip we will remember forever. Thanks for following along, I'm certain we will return to the crazy again soon.

Happy Summer 2025 Everyone.