Won't you come see me in Bakersfield, I'm not a million miles away.

The view out of the passenger window was unfamiliar. It was difficult to make out the terrain in the dark, but it was a new sight and I tried to keep my heavy eyes open to take it all in. I vaguely remember Merle Haggard playing over the car stereo, the glow of Micheal's cigarette, and the cool wind from the open window...

We'd just flown into LAX  and rented a car to drive two hours northwest to Bakersfield, the city where Micheal grew up. Micheal relocated from his beloved California to an entirely different region on the complete opposite side of the country in mid-October. In contrast, I'd never been west of the Mississippi before. Small town southern girl in LA? Seemed more like the premise of a sitcom than reality.

I awoke the next morning to Micheal standing at the door of the guest room.
"I know my baby wants coffee," he said.
I nodded, sleepily.
He fiddled with the computer at the desk in the corner of the room while I transitioned to the world of the waking.

Before taking this trip, my friends and family had asked me if I was nervous to meet his parents.

No. I wasn't nervous at all. They'd probably eyed me with skepticism, but truly I felt like I already knew them. I had spoken to his mom on the phone a couple of times which certainly helped ease some nerves. Micheal talked fondly of his parents, but in a analytical and somewhat detached manner. I had no doubt that he loved and respected them, but his relationship with his parents was certainly different than my own.

Micheal's parents were down to earth and inviting. They opened up their home to me and treated me with warmth. I tried to give his mother plenty of one on one time. I felt it important that she get to know me since I'm the reason she doesn't see her son on a regular basis. She thanked me for being a rock for Micheal when he was struggling and  she acknowledged some positive changes she noticed in him since his relocation. She was wise, gentle, sweet, and caring.

Overall, it was a really nice weekend. I'm always up for adventures with my love. And we're already planning the next one. Hopefully, next time I'll remember to take more pictures.