Night one: I am only in Quitman, but I have left so it counts. My car is a suitcase containing my life. Big bags, little bags, snack bags. I even have a dance bag in there because I will return straight to dance class. Life on the road begins when I can drag myself from this cozy bed at my best friend’s house and get in gear. I will probably depart around 8:30—a bit late, but I would rather be conscious. I will stop and have lunch with my friend Kirsten, outside Oklahoma City, and then head straight into Albuquerque where I have TWO hotel rooms booked. That is a whole other story, but it will be fine.

My friend says I am wired. I suppose I am. The video camera is charging on her floor. I am ready. I am ready to see this side of the country. It is the side I hated. I never wanted to go back. It was all bad memories and bad choices and just plain bad. But when God gets something it turns around. I can’t wait to see it.

I paid 1.47 for gas outside Tyler. That was good. Tomorrow is the official day one of the journey. I have everything I need for the time being. I just took an allergy pill. Now I remember what I don’t like about spring. I opened the window to sleep. Finally, fresh air that doesn’t have to be heated; in fact, I am hot. I wore shorts and drove with my windows down. The sun stayed out and the light seemed brighter, sharper, more hopeful. It seems a sign of the days to come.

(Hello to the beautiful Leah, my wonderful student!)