A Blue Dot Traveling to Red Country

In less than two weeks, I will be driving across the country to the state of Arizona.  I have decided to make the two-day journey to visit my grandparents since they have made their seasonal retirement to that part of the country.  I am both excited and nervous to embark on such a “bucket list” type endeavor.  First things first; I have always wanted to see the Grand Canyon.  In addition, I want to be in Yuma when it is exactly 3:10 (I really hope someone got that reference).  I can’t wait to drive through Oklahoma & Texas – mainly because I have ALWAYS wanted to be a storm chaser and I love Tornados!!! (I guess the notion that Aquarians tend to have eccentric hobbies is accurate, haha.) Also, I really want to drive through New Mexico and take a picture of a cactus in its nature surrounding (and see Roswell, ha). I guess my memories of “Cruising U.S.A.” are, in some way, catching up to a reality I never really considered.  While I won’t be racing – except to beat daylight – I will be excited to travel to new states as well as I whole part of the country I’ve never experienced before.  If any thing else, it will allow me to fill out more of my, “Where I’ve Been” Map on Facebook. Those are just a few of the joys I am looking forward to on my cross-country road trip.

Now, the nervous issues regarding my journey are less than the joyful ones; yet, they are still relevant. This will be the first time I’ve driven across the country – well, close enough anyway.  I did a sporadic road trip to Texas last year in March (and that was an experience to say the least) and it enlightened me A LOT regarding their views on politics and how the government should work without knowing about how it actually works. Anyway, I digress.  In addition to the length of time I’ll be driving, alone I might add, my destination is the state of Arizona.  Now, I have highly criticized this state in the past and I am still standing by such criticisms.  Personally, I would love to visit Phoenix and give that unintelligent, moronic, and racist “governor” a piece of my mind – mainly because I’m an Hispanic male that was born in New York State and I have a clear understanding of the law and I’ll even say it all in English so she’ll understand.

 I thought about not spending any money while in the state, but I realized I would need gas for my car – even though I can apparently run since we all do this, at least, according to some of the Arizona state police and a few county sheriffs – and I would actually like to bring back a souvenir or two.  I’ve said it a few times and I’ll say it again: why not let Hispanic Americans take the lead regarding Hispanic issues like immigration? I guess that just makes too much sense….silly me!  I will say this, I really hope that if I get pulled over for something stupid and am asked for my papers…because I will lose it. I am not even joking. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a nice and friendly person…but if someone ticks me off and is just ignorant, then I go off. 

One more thing, I have two bumper stickers on my car: an Obama 2012 one and a Human Rights Campaign one. I guess the irony is that they are on my car which just happens to be…BLUE! Let’s not forget I am driving a foreign-made car. Who would have thought I was so political – and a democrat at that?! Anyway, I will make the best of it and be a nice person and smile. You know, play “Mr. Politician”, I might even volunteer for a candidate out there.  I’ll be in Arizona for roughly two weeks. I can’t wait to visit my grandparents and see the good things Arizona has to offer such as the landscape, the history, the big open sky at night, and the Grand Canyon.

Earlier I mentioned that I’ll be driving through Oklahoma and Texas. I will be driving through Tornado Alley during actual tornado season!!! I am super excited and I secretly hope I see one. I am debating whether to spend the night in Tulsa or Amarillo. I already have decided to spend one night in Little Rock.  I quickly realized, and much to my dismay, that it would be at least a two or three day journey out to Arizona.  Besides, it is my first time driving such a long distance so I will take my time on the road. I do plan on stopping at every state welcome center for my picture of the state welcome sign (and it will be going on Facebook).  On the trip home, I will stop in Hope, Arkansas, and visit the William J. Clinton Presidential Museum.  I will even stop somewhere in New Mexico and get some Alien/Area 51 souvenirs. Here is an interesting fact about me: I didn’t start believing in extra-terrestrials until 2006.

Another fact, it is going to be REALLY hot out there in the southwest portion of the United States (and I am not a fan of shorts; mainly because I have skinny chicken legs…but they are great for dancing since I have moves like Jaggar – or so I’m told haha).  Speaking of dancing, I do plan on hopefully doing some line-dancing out there since my grandparents are into that kind of entertainment. Remember, I’m a city person and I am a huge nightlife/club type of guy.  The fact that I can ride a horse (both western and English saddle I might add) should say something. Come to think about it, I think somewhere I have cowboy boots and a jean vest (and I haven’t worn any of it since…1998). It is important to bear in mind that I have resided in McDowell County, North Carolina, since 1998 so I can “go country” if I have to in any situation. Shoot, I’ll even throw in a southern accent and even ask for sweet tea! ;-) (“I ain’t got no English degree”….I’m sorry, I meant to say, “I’m sorry, but I do not have a degree in English”…yes, I had to correct myself; get over it).

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Switching topics now; this upcoming Tuesday will be primary day for two states and the District of Columbia. The two states are Wisconsin and Maryland.  I will make the argument that Rick Santorum needs to win Wisconsin in order to make the case that he should be the GOP Presidential nominee. There are a couple of things that should be pointed out at this time.  Rick Santorum has repeatedly given praise of the leadership of Scott Walker as governor of Wisconsin.  I’m not sure if anyone is aware of this, but the majority of Wisconsin residents (I’m certain it’s in the ballpark of 64% give-or-take three percentage points) are opposed to Governor Walker and are currently trying to recall him from office. I actually have many friends that put their lives on hold and went to Wisconsin to help out in the efforts to recall Scott Walker. Actually, these friends are just as political as I am so it’s not really putting their lives on hold because politics is what they live for…like me.  I don’t really know, or care, about the current political climate in Maryland. The two main reasons why I don’t care are: Obama will take Maryland in the general election by at least 73% and Maryland residents are happy with their governor – who is in the same party as the President. I actually wish President Obama would take a lesson from governors like Martin O’Malley, but that’s a different discussion and I understand why he hasn’t done so yet.

My prediction for Tuesday’s primaries are as followed:

Maryland – Mitt Romney

Wisconsin – Rick Santorum…but it will be too close to call for at least two hours

District of Columbia – Mitt Romney

Hopefully, Newt Gingrich will finally drop out of the race; however, the thought in the back of my mind is that he won’t because he’s a stubborn, old, and arrogant person.  Ron Paul will not be dropping out of the race.

As for the current moment, I will stop this conversation and figure out the best way to discuss the Healthcare care currently being discussed in the United States Supreme Court.  Expect a wonderful post in the near future. Until then, I’m going to have some tea made from various tree barks and a hint of something citrus-y. I will also work on my music to compile for the long drive (the list is title “Car Jams).