What I'm Listening To: Declan McKenna

Sedona

No-work-Fridays mean adventure time. I wanted to see the red rocks of Sedona, about 2 hours north of Phoenix. On my way there, I stopped to see old and magnificent cliff dwellings. How'd they get up there? According the park ranger, they had 4-5 wooden ladders. Pretty amazing, don't you think? I stopped for lunch at this little burger place, which was full of locals and country music. I loved it. Driving to Sedona, I turned off the I-17 and onto the scenic road to Sedona. I turned a corner and there were the red rocks, looming down the road. My jaw dropped. I wanted to cry, it was so beautiful.

The best way to experience Sedona? A hike. So I strapped on my knee brace and head on my 6 mile out and 6 mile back hike to Devil's Bridge. It was so scary to look at--I thought people were going to fall off! On my way back, I came across a group of javelinas (Google it) and I was so scared that I started running! The 12 miles tired me out and all I wanted was my bed back in Phoenix. I definitely need to go back to Sedona--maybe with someone so we can experience the beauty together.

What I'm Listening To: "Sedona"

Just Read: "Americanah"

What a good book. I wrote a list of books to get from the library and I couldn't find the one from this author so I picked this one up. It tells the story of two Nigerians, who fall in love in secondary school, but life and fate separate them. However, still, after so many years apart, living different lives, in different countries, they find themselves together again. The novel is more than just a love story--it discusses race and immigrants and human interactions.

Karla and the Casita

I may look like a goof here but that's how I get around Karla. I miss living with her in this green casita with the white picket fence. One visit a month to Tucson isn't enough!

What I'm Listening To: "At the Zoo"

I've always wanted to listen to this song at the zoo. I almost achieved this goal over the weekend when I was in San Diego visiting Ben. We had planned on going to the zoo but the weather wasn't cooperating. So instead I played it on the way to brunch. So anyone want to go to the zoo with me?

San Diego to See Ben

So I decided somewhat last minute to go to San Diego this weekend. Ben, a friend from La Salle, is out there for only a week more--he's in the Navy and is leaving for Japan at the end of the week. It's kind of crazy but he seemed so excited about it. He kept bringing it up and getting into all the specifics and I was completely lost. But I love when people can't contain their excitement and just want to talk about it. The weather was cold and overcast compared to sunny and hot Phoenix, but I have missed those kind of days. We went rock climbing and toured the Midway. We watched National Treasure: Book of Secrets, which I had never seen from start to end and which my family is obsessed. It was just a very comfortable weekend, catching up with a friend from the past. Maybe my next trip will be Japan?!