deluge

This weekend, I blew out of Tucson, the day after it snowed for hours upon end.  It was a four-day weekend to celebrate the Rodeo, which I've never celebrated but am always thankful for.

Thursday I stayed home and graded papers.  I am a pauper.  No gasoline to send me to Phoenix.  It was no big deal.

Friday, I packed in a hurry, threw all my laundry into baskets and leaped into my car.

Friday was exciting:
Arrival in Phoenix and Vietnamese vegetarian bun at my favorite place.  A quick friendly chat with my mom and grandma before getting ready for a very long evening.

Fashion show for Tiffe's line (and other designers'), saw Jennifer dance with fire, and met two new friends.  One of them is an animator for "Archer," the other is his friend who modeled in the fashion show.

Then to a birthday rave in the warehouse district with Sonia.  We dance with reckless abandon.  We saw Rianna, and Issa.  I saw Eddie, whom I've known since 6th grade.  He asked me if I would be interested in getting involved.  He's beautiful, and I'm flattered, but I don't see that happening.  I went home very late, and slept.

Saturday, my mom and I went to the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration area for "Dragonfly Day," but there were no dragonflies yet.  I'm not sure I agree with the event title.  I did get to meet a redtail hawk, a Great Horned owl, and an American kestrel.   I collected algae from the creek, into the water bottle I begged for from my mom.  I met three giant macaws, bright jewels they were.  I fed one blueberries and, once all the pawing, nagging children had disappeared, his owners let me hold him on my hands.  It was beautiful.

Then we got Grandma and had an early birthday lunch for my mom.  We were tired and very hungry, so I felt tense, but it resolved.

Then I took a little nap, and met Andy for tea at Lux.  He is delightful to see, he is so inspired and passionate.  This makes me very happy.

Then I went home and got ready for another party in Tempe.  This time, an "epic" fetish party hosted by friends in the industrial art scene.  My friend belly danced, and her boyfriend introduced me to a variety of men who each dripped all over me for a fair amount of time.  It was nice validation.  I made out with a familiar face.  I got home so late.  I slept for so little.

Up on Sunday, and did laundry before heading to church!  Thank goodness it was just 45 minutes (though I was admittedly late).  I rushed back home and threw the sheets in the dryer, then met my old best friend Katie for lunch.  We are going to grow close again, I can feel it.  She is a beautiful thing.

Then I went to visit Toby's mom at her house.  They are going to sell it soon, so she is preparing to show the house through the realty company many times.  She is always thinking of me, and had purchased items from the Korean market to give me.  What a woman.  I love her so much.

Then my parents filled my gas tank, thank goodness!  I got my laundry and clean clothes together and said bye to my grams.  I launched down the highway to try and be in Tucson in time.  Of course, there's always traffic near the Queen Creek section of the I-10.  I simply cannot figure out why.

I drove straight the the UA to meet Wendy.  She had tickets for us to see an incredible dance company called Momix perform a show called Botanica.  I now count that as one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced.  Pure and surreal from beginning to end.  I feel like something came alive in me, as though existence changed somehow.

And then I finally made it back to my quiet home.  I ate the soup Kumiko gave me.  I put on my pajamas.

I need sleep.  What an incredible weekend.