hello from CA

Is it true that as I drive around I am constantly singing Katy Perry's "California Girls..." Maybe just a little bit. Or a lot bit. I've been doing it again this year, posting on my blog and forgetting about the work one. So sorry. But feel free to check it and see what I've been up to..... I can summarize though.
Hmm... I started off in San Jose, but it was a short stay. I've made my way around San Jose, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Salinas, Fresno, Madera Ranchos, Dinuba, Clovis....hmm... it's hard to remember all those random smaller towns, but probably about 6 other towns I can't think of off hand. Headed to Dinuba tonight and then Bakersfield by Wedneday.
I got asked out by an interesting man in borders a few days ago, maybe that was in san jose actually. Yep, he had a nice braided beard half a rulers length...really really great..... I wrote about it in my blog too, the full story.
My hotels have been fairly decent, way better than last year, that's for sure. There has been this unbelievable fog everywhere- until I got to Fresno that is. Fresno was already 75 degrees at 7:30am this morning. It's been consistently in the 90's everyday. But dense fog, I couldn't even see off my hotel balcony one night, the trees around it were eerie, could barely even make out their edges, fifteen feet away. Tulle fog, as my Nana says it is.
Gracie, the GPS, as my Nana also named it, has been a real life saver. Seriously, it has been so wonderful and working. I suppose we had are issues in the beginning but now she has submitted to my rule and is working like a dream come true. Love it. I've never used one for Idaho or Eastern oregon so I'm excited about this possibility upon my return. Jordi if you're reading this, will you water my plant in my windowsill in my room please....random side note I just thought of.

I'm pretty sure my left leg just got a really nice tan....too bad my right leg didn't join in for the fun.

Overall, its been a successful trip. I spoke for a really awesome youth group this last week, I was the speaker for the night, so it was all on me. they had amazing questions after, it was such a blessing to share a night with them and their amazing staff. I've also spoken for a few class rooms and ended up taking the whole class up...I'm sure in part to students wanting to avoid work, but they asked tons of questions and we're pretty interested in what I had to say, so I'll take it how I can get it.

If I can send out a prayer though, I haven't been sleeping. it happens every travel season, but worse this year for whatever reason. I barely slept a wink last night, and I'm exhausted. My back has also been hurting and its so bad that its radiating down a leg and causing me to not be able to stand straight or walk right because it hurts. So just that I can get some good sleep and my back stops hurting. Other than that, things are great. I've posted a bunch of photos on my blog too, so check them out!
Miss you all and hope everyone is well!