Had to. I was going to toss my cookies in Bertha if I didn't get here quickly. Started to feel ill as I was fixing to leave the campground in Santa Fe. By the time I reached Albuquerque I was having shaking chills. Got into my apartment just in time to make my first visit to the bathroom. Welcome home! Spent the next 14 hours on the couch or in bed. Missed my first desert sunset. It's weird being all alone in a new town, knowing absolutely no one, and being sick. I was able to grab a bottle of ginger ale on the way into town and that got me through until I made it to the store today.
The apartment is, well, interesting. A lot like something I might have lived in 30 years ago. But filthy. Spent the day cleaning and organizing and personalizing it, so I feel a little more at home. CompHealth's idea of providing a furnished kitchen is a broken coffee pot, 2 plates, 2 bowls, and some disposable plastic cups. So it's a good thing I brought Bertha and all my supplies from home. I did splurge on some colorful glasses at Walmart however. Along with $100 in cleaning supplies. And Raid. 2 Cans. One for ants and roaches and one for spiders and scorpions. Scorpions!! What am I doing here?
One good thing about the apt is that there is a dog park just about 1/4 mile away. Otis met some new friends there today. And there is a baseball field next door. Got my baseball fix watching 7 yr olds "play baseball" tonight. The same old scene. Most of the kids not terribly interested, the ball going everywhere but where it should go, and the "coaches" telling all the batters to "keep that back elbow up." Hilarious.
Interesting experience at Walmart. As I was walking around I began to feel a little uneasy for unclear reasons. Then realized that for the first time in my life (except for when I was here 30 years ago and was oblivious) that I was in the distinct minority. It is really weird to be one of a very few folks with white skin here. Hmmmm. And the reception hasn't been all positive already. It will be interesting to see how I am received at the clinic.
Oh, and the other good thing about the apt is that is very close to a natural foods co-op. Given that the only other options are Walmart and Albertson's I anticipate doing most of my shopping there even if it is a bit more expensive. And guess what? I was not in the minority there. Same white folk talking about their naturopaths as in the Kiva at home!!
Tomorrow is the big day. I don't remember starting any other new position with such fear and trepidation. Wish me luck.
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