Ah Albuquerque...2nd Time Around

Yes I'm back in New Mexico.  Just got into town March 10th and I'll be here through the weekend, taking a flight back to Chicago on Monday March 14th back to the same ole' grind, but for now it's home.

So far the last two days have been unbelievable. This time around I really wanted to look at Albuquerque from a living perspective checking out apartment complexes and areas in Albuquerque that I may consider moving to in the future.  It's so odd, I just recently wondered if I really still wanted to be here as the last time I visited in November I came from a rough break up and wanted to run away to New Mexico never really thinking about it as something I would seriously consider. Thankful, time goes by which is awesome as you put closure on past relationships, let go of the anger and then look at life from a whole new perspective once again.

When I landed at the airport to 57 degrees and sunny with the mountains as a backdrop, it easily reminded me of how wonderful it would be to live here.  Job market is tough though, and I'm still having a hard time with leaving Chicago which has been my home my whole life.  My mom being sick with Emphysema and Lung Disease and being diagnosed with Fibramyalgia....I would be hard pressed to leave her, putting the pressure on my brother. But once I landed, those worries seemed to melt away. Of course it's even more difficult when you've met someone who you think is your future, somehow, someway, but realistically you know, long distance relationships are very hard to work with. Although I wouldn't expect her (LK) to hold her life up as she wouldn't want me to do that either, the potential is truly amazing. You can't argue with good chemistry.  She is a remarkable woman and we'll just have to see where this all leads.  I got to spend a good part of yesterday with her which I was thrilled as I really wondered if there was indeed a romantic interest. I came right out and asked her and even though I had a feeling, it was mutual, I was still happily surprised by her response. But I digress...

I got to see Vince again on Thursday when I arrived and finally met his wife Carol - she was awesome and I really got a long with her great.  Something about older women who are very maternal, seem to take a shine to me.  I felt like her surrogate daughter, but it was wonderful to be with her, feeling safe as getting to know more people will help with any transitions in the future with relocating to NM. Arriving here Thursday late afternoon, didn't leave much but settling in, so I was grateful Vince and Carol treated me to dinner and took me shopping at Walmart, so that I can put some snacks, fruit, water, especially, and some frozen dinners in the fridge in my hotel room. I was thrilled that I was able to get a fridge and microwave, as I can save in expenses. 

Friday early morning, Carol and I, after having breakfast at IHOP went for a drive to the Northwest part of Albuquerque - I had wanted to check out the Del Rio Apartments to get a sense of what they looked like, the neighborhood, etc.  There were so many even more gorgeous apartments and housing, etc. It was beautiful. I enjoyed spending the day with her, I'm sure Vince was a bit surprised by how well she took to me.  But afterall, I am a likable person. After she dropped me back at the hotel, I had about a half hour to relax, sit outside my hotel room, read the paper and found myself go weak in the knees the moment LK pulled up.  She just came from work and I felt that same magic I did back in November soon as she hugged me hello.  We had a great day, went to a botanical garden, talked, then went to Flying Star restaurant for dinner.  The time flew by  - I don't think neither her nor I expected that we'd spend so much time together.  But when you have limited time together, I think you want to make the most of it.  Not sure when I'll be back, probably October for their Balloon Fest, but until then, I find myself wanting to spend as much time with her as possible.  I'm so thrilled she will be available Sunday afternoon, as I'll get to hang out with her once again, and the the rest of her extended leather family.

Today - I'm spending the afternoon with Julie, another great lady I met the last time I was here - she's gonna show me around the east side and I'm hoping we can get over to Borders Bookstore as it's going out of business, and I could probably pick up a new journal as well as books, or music.  It will all depend on what they have.  Later tonight, I'll be hanging out with Vince, although plans are still up in the air. Maybe go to that Karoake bar we went to before or head out to the Hard Rock Casino where another friend Dakota is helping out at an event called Rock the Ink. Sounds like a good time.  If Vince and I don't end up out there, I'll at least get to see Dakota Sunday morning for an early breakfast. He had hoped we'd get a chance to hang out a little while I'm in town.

Stay Tuned...as the weekend is not over yet.

Peace