Dearest Charlie,
I have arrived.
Well… technically, I got here Sunday evening and booked two nights at a place called Chaffee’s Lodge.
It’s… cute. In that “somebody tried” kind of way.
The room, the entire hotel, smelled like stale cigarette smoke and air freshener fighting for dominance. The furniture looked like it had all been picked up at different garage sales over the years - none of it matching, but all of it doing its job.
The owner (number four, apparently) told me a bit of the history. Built in 1961. The original owner had a restaurant and bar for her friends, then built the hotel so they wouldn’t have to drive home drunk.
Honestly… that tracks.
Either way - it was warm, I could shower, and I survived.
Monday was my first day at the jobsite. Orientation started at 7 a.m., and Charlie… it was a whole production.
First orientation with Wesson. Then another building for orientation with the company that hired me. Then off again for a physical and drug test.
And let me tell you - I have never been inspected so thoroughly in my life.
UA first. Then a nurse going over my medications like she was studying for a final exam. Range of motion, peripheral vision, regular vision, color test… and yes, I had to touch my toes. Then in with a doctor for even more questions and movement checks. And just when I thought I was done - nope.
Lift test.
Grip strength first, then lifting a box with increasing weight up to 50 pounds, making sure I knew how to do it “properly.” I passed… but I’m pretty sure they know more about my body now than I do.
After that, I grabbed my PPE and called it a day.
Went back to the hotel, washed some clothes, and rested.
Day two… I woke up to snow. Actual snow. It had snowed all night and froze my car doors shut. And this Louisiana girl? I was thrilled.
I carefully drove to work and stayed cozy inside while it snowed all day. At one point it was coming down sideways - which, of course, made me think of you.
“It’s raining sideways,” you’d say.
Well… now I’ve seen snow do it too.
After work, I moved to another place - Oakes Oramel Inn. Only booked one night since I didn’t know what I was getting into. This one’s older too, but much smaller - only five rooms. Quiet. Cozy. About 15 minutes from the jobsite.
And just remote enough to make me wonder what all lives out there at night.
It’s fine. I’m fine. But I am officially ready to stop hotel hopping.
I want an apartment. A place where I can walk in, drop my stuff, and just be home. No hauling bags in and out. No wondering what the place is going to smell like when I open the door.
Just… mine.
Anyway, that’s life since I got here.
New job. New place. Snow. Motel roulette.
I sure do wish you were here to see all this with me.
You’d have plenty to say about these accommodations, I know that.
I miss you very much.
I love you.
Love,
Me
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