OklaHOMO...you're GAY!

The title is not meant to be down on this state. It's simply a line from "sing-along" @ Sidetracks in Chicago (it's the bar where the other half and I met...oh so many years ago!--every Sunday they have clips from all types of musicals; and the patrons sing along--thus the title of the weekly event--but in a Rocky Horror Picture Show vein, they add their own lyrics; so when the clip of Oklahoma comes up, this is what is said...there; was that explanation long and dull enough?) Currently, we are in our fabulous hotel room in Oklahoma City. Since my last post was a couple of days ago, here's the exciting update. Yesterday we ended up spending the day in and around our hotel/casino. We didn't end up heading into Memphis. We're losers! So close to fun stuff (including Graceland) and we didn't go. Idiots! But, we were tired. We took a bit of cash out for gambling (yes, those who are wondering, we will be gambling, but not to the extent of our usual encounters w/ "Gamblor"...we simply can't afford it). So, we played for 6 hours, cuz the bit of cash we took out; simply lasted that long. Between the two of us, we won about 500 bucks in mini-jackpots...of course, we didn't walk away w/ all of it. We came out 20 bucks ahead, won 80 bucks in free play @ the Sheraton (the other half did at least) and I won two free buffets. So, we ate for free and basically hit the slots for free; for 6 hours. Not to shabby. We were lazy, but we had a fun day.

This morning, we left MS, drove for a short time back through TN, hit AR early in the morning, and made our way all the way across the state; but not before stopping in Little Rock, AR for lunch; and a quick visit to the Bill Clinton Presidential Library. This was a real treat. We didn't stick around there long, cuz we still had 5 hours of driving ahead of us. There were letters, clothing, daily schedules for the former President; and everything else you could imagine. The building was stunning (photos to be posted later). I'm very glad we stopped (I also got to see a large display on my gal Hill as well). We then went to the gift shop, picked up a few mementos, and walked a bit in the downtown area of Little Rock. What a great place, not what I would have imagined. We had a bit of lunch in a place called "Flying Saucer", got a really grumpy waitress, and had some great potato salad. We then got back into Junior (our truck's name); and we were on our way.

More crappy weather when we left MS this morning, and a bit more in OK. Last night, we were checking the weather; and were informed that it would be thunderstorms, baseball sized hail and tornado possiblities...all the way along the route we were to take this morning. Luckily, it wasn't soooo bad.

Our room is awesome. The other half reserved (via his Hyatt points) a freebie room @ AmeriSuites. To our delight, we arrived to find it has recently been renovated (actually STILL being renovated) into a Hyatt Place. It looks like our room has never been used. Clearly the fixtures and furniture (which are all in modern, perfect taste) are brand new...plus, since it was booked as AmeriSuites; and not a Hyatt; the other half wasn't charged as many points. All of these things...making this trip an absolute blast! Of course, since we couldn't find an AmeriSuites when we took our exit, it was a bit frustrating to find. Wait to keep it updated.

The other half talked to friend David (whom we will be staying with when we arrive in Phoenix)...all of our shipped packages (4 boxes of clothes) arrived safely to his home; as well as some mail (ALREADY!).

Upon our arrival to our latest hotel, we ordered pizza, did a load of laundry; and are basically enjoying this awesome room (the other half took photos).

A few other tidbits about the trip thus far. Still not comprehending the life change before us. Instead, we're just really enjoying our travels--isn't that the way it should be? After all of the stress, we deserve some down time and fun. At least I think so. Tomorrow, we hit the memorial here in OK City, we drive through the panhandle of TX, and into NM (Santa Rosa to be exact; just east of Albuquerque--jeez, did I spell that right?); for our next evening stop.

Before we left Chicago (about a week ago) we ordered some Chinese; and I didn't open all of the fortune cookies until the day before we moved. One of them stated, "focus on the color purple this week to bring you luck". Well, I don't quite know what it means, but since we started driving south, we've seen a large number of purple plants on the side of the road, not to mention expansive fields covered in purple plants/flowers. Today, through OK, we saw a number of purple flowered trees lining the roadside. I don't get it, but I'm hoping it means something. Strange, huh?

Further updates as we go. Neat!