Mojave Madness
I love starting a roadtrip while it’s still dark. There is nothing quite like watching the sunrise welcome a new day of adventure.
Saturday morning, Brent and I, alone, took off for Vegas with a change of clothes, two cups of coffee, beef jerky, bananas, and some sparring gear.
We decided to take the road less traveled, small highways, through the Mojave Desert.
It had recently rained and the clouds were still heavy ready to kiss the ground again. There is nothing quite like the smell of the desert after a rain. Fresh baked cookies can’t even compare.
Then there are the whimsical Joshua Trees, unique and proud in the morning light.
A few hours later, we found ourselves in a casino off the strip. Waaay off the strip. Its ring ding zings and flashy lights are the polar opposite of the stark beauty and quiet of the desert.
Like Clark Kent, I went into the bathroom telephone booth one person and emerged another. SuperNervousGirl.
There were 8 girls in my ring. During forms my mind must has still been in the desert as I forgot an entire section.
I started off slow in sparring. I always do because I don’t like to hit first…or get hit first. It’s quite a conundrum.
The score was 3 (me) to 4 (her). One more point she wins. Two more points I win. That moment, I decide I’m going to aim for the head. The head is 2 points. Round kick. It hit. Not hard. I turn to see my instructor’s smile. I want to make her proud. But my favorite part? Hearing Brent’s cheers. He’s a quiet guy so when I can hear his voice my day is made. I finish my matches, his cheers still playing in my head. Third in forms. First is sparring.
Competing is fun but not as fun as hanging out with friends.
That night we stay with friends and go see a murder mystery at dinner theater off the strip. It’s a bit saltier down there but, like a kid, I love the lights.
Morning. Starbucks. The road.
Breakfast at The Mad Greek.
Love the absurdity of our big yet small crazy world.
It’s been 13 years since I’ve stopped here with my gram and gramps. The place hasn’t changed. I am happy.
How could I not be with my love…
…and gyro omelettes…
…and faux marble statues surrounded by bright blue vinyl.
My very own hero and handsome warrior.
We continue on through the Mojave until our tummies signal us to stop.
Not for mini donuts. For him, a date shake. For me, these.
Another gift of the desert.
The trip was quick but fun and, in a weird way, romantic.
Seriously?
Who stays here? Right next to the freeway?
We nearly got rear ended died with laughter trying to get this picture.
I prefer the desert.
Even a mad dash and back trip through the desert.
Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn
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What a fun trip! And look at you with all your medals! Also, props for resisting the urge to spank that statue. i so would have!
Wow, what an awesome trip! Congrats on the tournament!
When we lived in L.A we drove to Vegas a lot, going to a lot of the places you went. And I agree; the casinos can be fun (especially for people-watching), but the desert RULES.
The desert after the rain is my favorite smell in the world. And the dates make the drive out there even better.
Great job sparring!! And by the way, you are beautiful!
You guys are so cute!
Way to go! You two look so cute, it almost seems you have matching glasses.
I’m getting married in Vegas… two weeks from tomorrow, OMG! We’re staying on strip, at the Mirage (darn it, I did not know about that ROMANTIC inn, lol). I’m kind of sad that we won’t be anywhere near that date place… a date shake? That sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing your road trip story/pics!
Beautiful writing of an even more beautiful story. (:
Reading this makes me want to say goodbye house hello car…we are leaving.. Congrats on the win !!!!!
Great job again!
You did great! And the trip sounds like fun! I remember visiting the “Joshua tree forest” with my dad years ago…
Congrats….that is wonderful that you are doing so great. I love dates…..date shake sounds so good
Congratulations on your win !!!!You are marvelous !!!!
Anonymous is ME! Love the Mad Greek…….and the Joshua Trees and memories of the strip. Good job !
You guys are the cutest couple and I love your glasses! That first photo is adorable. I love that you are so passionate about karate! It’s awesome! Mad Greek looks great.. gyro omelet? Yes please!
What gorgeous views! And how awesome on that match. You have no reason to be anything but Supergirl. 😉
All of those photos of you;… it’s so clear that you are still madly in love with each other- so cool!
Gyro omelet? droooooool. Love all the cheesy vegas-but=off-the-strip lights- I’d be so into that.
And the desert after a rain, Before a rain. No time near rain- it owns my heart completely!
Kudos with all of your martial artistic (hehe) accomplishments. How did Meowcow survive without you?!
erte