Thinking of Home

The Tornado in Tuscaloosa, AL

I don't know how many of my fellow Laredoeans know this, but Wednesday, many of the Southeastern states were hit pretty hard by deadly storms.  My home state of Alabama was hit the hardest.  Out of nearly 300 deaths, nearly two-thirds of those were in Alabama.  Cities that I've lived in or grew up near have been demolished.  It's heart-breaking.  

I watched the local news here last night and didn't see anything about them.  That's why I'm posting about it here.  I don't know how many people follow this blog, but I feel like you should be aware.  When Japan was hit, it was all over the news, and yet when our fellow American are hit, there's not a word.

These people need our help.  Some of the young women from my church are taking donations for hygiene kits that we're hoping to send over to those in need.  We would love to have your help!

Each hygiene kit will be placed in a gallon ziploc bag and will include these items: 

· 2 unbreakable combs without sharp handles
· 4 toothbrushes (sealed)
· 1 tube of toothpaste (6-8 ounces, no pumps)
· 2 bars of soap (3.5-5 ounces each)
· 2 hand towels (approximately 15x25 inches)

And honestly, we'll take whatever you can bring us.  They need everything over there.  People have lost their homes and everything in them.  They don't have clothes to wear or food to eat.  

If you'd like to donate, you can bring items to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1520 East Hillside Road.  We will be there Sunday, May 1 from 11:00am-2:00pm and Tuesday, May 3 from 7:00pm-8:30pm.  

Tornadoes and Storms Tear Through South; at Least 292 Dead.  You can read more about the tragedy here and see pictures and video.

Please help if you can!  Thank you!


EDIT: The site was down, so this post didn't show up until May 3.  If you'd still like to donate, please contact me at chzygoat@gmail.com, and we'll work something out!

U.S. Citizen? Why, yes, I am!

If you've never had the pleasure of leaving the city of Laredo, then you'll have no idea what this is.  No, this isn't me trying to get into some major theme park, although, that would be really nice.  This is a border patrol checkpoint.  Since Laredo is THE hippest way to get in and out of Mexico, they've set up this massive checkpoint to make sure everybody that leaves Laredo is legal.

Now, I know that I'm a legal citizen of the United States, and I know that I'm not a drug dealer of any kind, but whenever I go through this checkpoint, I get so nervous!  Generally, they just ask if you're a U.S. citizen and send you on your merry way, but occasionally, they get a little more inquisitive.  That's when I get all flustered and say stupid things.  Like, today, for example.  Observe.

Border Patrol Agent (BP): Are you a U.S. citizen?
Me: Yes, sir!
BP: Are these your kids?
Me: Yep.
BP: Are you going to San Antonio?

Let me just break in here and tell you the back story.  I was not, in fact, going to San Antonio.  I was going to Encinal to do a mystery shop at a Subway in a Love's Truck Stop.  When I talked to Andrew about this conversation later, he was like, "Why didn't you just say you were going to Encinal?"  Why, indeed.  I'm an idiot.  That's why.

Me: No, I'm going to a gas station.
BP: A gas station?
Me: Well, I'm going to eat lunch there.

The thoughts that went through my head at this point went something like this, "Why did I say that?  Does that make me sound like some sort of prostitute?  Who leaves Laredo to go to lunch at a gas station?" Seriously, my brain is weird.

BP: What?
Me: I'm doing a mystery shop.
BP: You're doing a what?
Me: I'm a mystery shopper.
BP: Oh, so you're like a journalist or something?
Me: No, I go eat the food and then take a survey about it.
BP: Oh. *eyes me suspiciously* And this is your private vehicle?
Me: Yes, sir.
BP: Okay.  *checks something on his computer* You can go.

I left there feeling like a complete moron.  I was prepared for the U.S. citizen question and feeling confident, and then he throws another question at me, and I go into stupid mode.

Good news is he didn't feel the need to search my trunk like they did my husband one time.  I guess I can be thankful for that.  Perhaps as time goes on, and I've lived here long enough, that inspection station won't unnerve me so much, and I won't go into explanations about gas stations and mystery shopping.  Until then, maybe the Border Patrol agents will get some kick out of it.  Although, I seriously doubt it.

A Startling Conclusion

I recently went on a trip to visit my family back in Alabama.  I had a wonderful time, and I really do miss it out there.  However, I realized something while I was out there that kind of surprised me.

While I really miss the South--the green, the southern accents, my family, the food--I felt this confirmation that I'm supposed to be in Laredo right now.  There are things about Laredo that I love, and I even missed it a little when I was telling my family about it.  For whatever reason, my family and I are supposed to be here.  This is my home for the moment, and it took me going "home" to realize it.  I hope to one day return to the land of my ancestors, but for now, Laredo is the right fit for me.  My family and I are happy here, and I really feel like this is where we're supposed to be, and we made the right decision in coming here.

However, I would love it if you could get some more of this, please.

oooh, how I miss the green and the tall trees!