Tucson

I visited Tucson for the very first time last week.  It was one of those things that just happens.  My friend, who lives in AZ, and I usually attend the Time Out For Women in Phoenix together.  After our experience the last 2 times we decided that we never really wanted to go back to that event because there were just too many people.  When they decided to hold an event in Tucson for the first time ever, we thought about going but neither of us were that committed.  I had just attended general conference and it's the end of the school year so there's a million things going on.  Two weeks before the event a friend of mine from church mentioned the event and how she wished she could go.  I told her how I had thought about it but never made plans.  We decided right then and there that we were going and by monday we had our tickets and a hotel booked and my friend from AZ dragged into joining us. It's always fun to be spontaneous.

There's not a whole lot to do in Tucson and it looks eerily similar to NM, with the exception that there are a few more places to eat than we have.  One of which was a place that had 8 kinds of bacon.  Now that's something you've got to try!  They didn't get the best reviews on-line but we decided to see for ourselves.  I got jalapeño bacon and it totally made my sandwich.  The service was pretty crappy and my friends dish wasn't that amazing, but mine was the bomb.  

How can you kill a few hours?  Visit the mini time machine miniatures museum.  I loved the front door.  

The museum was full of miniatures.  It's pretty interesting.  What I can't understand is that these things cost thousands of dollars.  It is an expensive hobby that requires lots and lots of room in one's house....thus the lady that started this museum, started a museum....to get all the stuff out of her house. 

You've gotta get chocolate when the opportunity presents itself. What was so hilarious is that the ladies kept giving us samples.  I was being indecisive -not on purpose- so they just kept handing us chocolate.  Should I mention that my friend is diabetic and has an insulin pump? She was totally fine. However, I was feeling pretty sick after all the samples and then I had to buy some to take home, which made me feel even worse about myself. 

The reason for the trip to Tucson was to go to the "time out for women" event. It is so fun sharing these experiences with friends. I also have to say that I really liked that it was much smaller than phoenix. You didn't have to run to get seats, fight to exit or enter the building. If you wanted a snack you could get one without missing half of the event by standing in line. You also had plenty of options for lunch and not much competition to get there. You didn't have to plan your bathroom break during a speaker to avoid standing in long lines. Overall it was very relaxing.

I decided that this was my time to not be afraid and feel dumb about asking to get my picture taken with my favorite presenters. I asked my friends to not let me chicken out.  I just never know what to say to them and I feel like such a dork.  Luckily there wasn't really any time left when it was finally our turn with Brad Wilcox.  You can see on the screen behind us that the program was going to start in 22 seconds.  Awkward problem solved.  Yippee.  He gave such an amazing talk.  

Next up, one of my favorite women. I want to grow up to be just like Sheri Dew. She's awesome. I love how she leads people in a conversation. How slow and thoughtful she is to respond and the kind of questions she asks that get you to dig deep. She's amazing and gave an amazing talk.....and I didn't chicken out. I also didn't say anything except probably something like "thank you" or "I love you" or something simple like that. 

On Saturday my friend from NM was sick and the force behind my courage. I had to dig deep and meet S Michael Wilcox by myself.  I knew I didn't want to wait until the lunch break when the lines to meet the presenters would be long because I needed to pick my friend up from the hotel where she hadn't left because she was ill.  I told my other friend to kick my butt and make me walk up there during one of the mini breaks. He just so happened to walk out and when I saw that he wasn't rushing off anywhere, I approached. I got to put my arm around him and sadly, because I was the only one up there, had plenty of time to talk with him about anything I wanted to. Thing is. I never think they give a rats pattooty about anything I have to say, so I freeze.  I did manage to croak out something about loving his temple book and him being an inspiration to me. Then I hung my head in shame and dashed away. But as I dashed, I was floating on air. I was so excited. He seriously is a major inspiration to me. The man can tell a story and suck you into the scripture with such brilliance and subtle animation. He's captivating and I would love, love, love to go on a tour of Jerusalem with him. 

On the long drive home we stopped somewhere I can't remember anymore to get some gas and stretch the legs. I was very intrigued by the lure of "the thing." Enquiring minds have got to know. What is it? Well, they wanted 1 dollar to go into a room and see. I'm no sucker. You're not rooking me out of a buck to see some horribly done stuffed animal. So, I still have no idea what the thing is. My husband, on the other hand, when told that I didn't fork over the buck said: "that was totally worth it, I would have paid the buck to see it."