The Thing That Haunts My Dreams

   I actually got myself out of the house of my own accord yesterday. This is an amazing feat due to the evil beast that lurks outside my door. It stares at me and stalks me with it's beady eyes. It knows no fear of the light of day, nor longs for the cover of night. It slowly, softly, alluringly whispers my name. I resist, distract myself with other things that need to be done. But just like that druggie desperately seeking his next fix, I go to the monster. And while it feels so good, I know that the aftereffects will leave my legs weak, my stomach in knots, and sweat dripping from my brow. Perhaps you know the evil I describe. It goes by different names. Manuel, stick, stick shift, pure hell. Yes, I can admit I am terrified. But I must conquer the beast! So after exercise, working on filling out a resume, cleaning, dishes, etc.., I decided to go.............and get gas. I know you're impressed. I didn't try to find one on a map or GPS it, or anything. I just drove. Let me remind you that the last time I drove one of these has been YEARS ago. And Memphis is FLAT. Pulling in your driveway is a successful attempt of conquering a hill. But here..Ah yes, here, it's like a skinny, pimple-faced, awkward, teenage boy making his very best attempt at alluring an older, beautiful, voluptuous, Spanish Flamenco dancer. She laughs in his face as she "snip snip snip"'s her castanets.
   So I find a gas station. I pull in...on the opposite side of my tank(told you my gut never chooses correctly). That means...I must reverse(gasp!) and pull to the other side. Success!! Here, all is prepay. Standing in line to pay. Drilling my head for the number 30. "30 on dos." "How do you say 'on?'" "Trece? No, that's 13! Blast!!""Treedsaht! No that's Russian you fool!" "Crap, I'm up!" "Thirty on two, please." Good job, honkey. (treinta, dang it) He replies in English. I reply, "Gracia..." They leave off the S's here on so many words. It's kinda great because it reminds me of southern slang. I fill up my car, get some cash out of the atm, and get back on the road. It's too late in the day to attempt driving all the way to the beach or San Juan. I am trying to figure out where I'm going, interpret the signs on the highway, and figure out what I'm doing. I stall in front of a light where I'm turning. "I'm gonna die!!!!!!" Honk Honk HONNNKKKKK.....and I gallop off. The idea of getting around via horse is seeming less and less unordinary....
   I'm driving along, rather deflated and thinking I'm just gonna head back home when I see signs for Jardin Botanico ahead. Yes! Wait forever at a light, turn signal, zoom zoom ppthhpppttt. Crank! First, vroom, ppthhppptttt. Light turns red. Light stays red for...ever. I have a car behind me now. -Gulp-. "I can do this. I can do this." There's the arrow again! First, vroom, die. Crank, first, vroom, die. "C'MON FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT'S HOLY DON'T LET ME STAY DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS HUGE INTERSEC......." vroom in to the parking lot! WHOO HOO!! Park. Walk up to the gardens. They closed 15 minutes ago. Really?? I walk around the parking lot anyways, just to step away from the monster for a while. I spy an open gate for exiting. I mosy on up, look around, strut right in. Thank you, thank you very much. What a recharge for my deflated soul!! This place is utterly gorgeous. Off to my right, there is a most beautiful couple getting photographed. He is perfectly sculpted, shirtless, and glistening in the sun. And she is radiant with her perfectly pregnant belly shining. I think of sweet Heather and the precious bean. Little butterflies escape when I imagine another baby Jennings. I adore those kids.
   I am enamored with this place. I am re-energized.
   Today: Up early with Rheanna to exercise, smoothie, finish writing this, finish resume and print off several, shower, Bob Marley while I get ready, take my first extended journey with the monster to San Juan, try to get myself a job, a little beach before heading back. Here goes....