Day Nine. Ground Hog's Day.

I'm still in Des Moines. I'm wondering if I'll ever leave. In theory, the part for my car arrived this morning and they're installing it fairly soon. In reality, wait and see.

Yesterday was fairly uneventful. I dragged myself out of here and went for a stroll in the mall and saw a movie; "Nick & Nora's Infinite Playlist."
The theater, itself, was great! For $6. they have stadium seating and actual FOOD and beverages, not just junk. I was able to score a cup of Tazo Tea and the popcorn was fresh and tasted great.

The movie started at 2:55pm and there were about 5 other people in the theater with me. I like to go to the movies and going alone, though not ideal, was just fine. The story of Nick & Nora's was fast paced, goofy, funny, over-the-top and delightful. It didn't tax my mental resources or teach me something about the world, but it was enjoyable and I was smiling as the credits began to roll. The only bittersweet part was that the movie takes place in Manhattan. When I saw the images of the city appear on the screen, my heart sank. I whispered; "Home!" It made me feel relieved to see it was still there. Weird, I know.

After the movie, I went for a walk. There's an Apple store here so it will tell you how fantastic the mall is! Of course, I hit the shop and asked them about the ever-elusive iPhone adapter. Of course, they don't have them. Now I've tried in CT, Chicago and Des Moines to get a new adapter. Those damn things got recalled and they didn't make a big enough batch of replacements to cover all the folks that bought the phones. It's not a big deal because I can charge my phone through my powerbook, but the fact that every time I ask, I always get the same, cutesy reply: "Oh, we just ran out of them! If you go online, you can order one and get it in a few days." Guess I will take the hint.

The remainder of the Mall was pretty much like any place else, but it was very clean had FRESH AIR (our mall in Danbury gives us "mall poisoning" after a few hours and we get really sleepy from the lack of fresh air). There were couples walking around and families with little kids playing in a central courtyard playground. They have glow-in-the-dark mini-golf! I started to feel very lonely, no surprise.

I checked out Dillard's. I've never been in one before. It was like Macy's only their buyer might be better and the place, again, was pristine, well lit and organized. Maybe I should move here? The people are really nice, too. Every single person I've met is salt-of-the-earth. Huh. Doesn't feel like a lot of sharp edges. Even the driver's aren't so bad.

Last night, I was ready to hit the pillow. The lights were off. I started to fall asleep. Just as I was closing my eyes I heard a "bzzzzzzzzzzzt!" then saw a spark shoot off the lamp next to the bed.

Needless to say, I got up, turned on a different lamp and investigated the situation. Since it was so late, I just unplugged the lamp and clock next to it and went back to bed, promising to tell the Front Desk Clerk about it in the morning.

Guess the wiring here leaves something to be desired. Around 6:30am the fire alarm went off throughout the building. Instead of some sort of blaring horn, the sound was literally a sharp piercing screech. It was deafening.

I jumped out of bed, put my flip flops on, grabbed my coat and room key and went out into the hall. A few other folks were looking out their doorways, trying to assess if they should leave. I didn't hear sirens or see people fleeing from the building, so I stayed put and waited while my ears bled.

After a few minutes the siren shut off. I sat on my bed, in my coat, my heart about to explode, ready to leave. I looked out the window and didn't see the fire dept. show up, so I figured it was a false alarm.

I didn't have dinner last night so I got some clothes on and went downstairs for the freebie, awful breakfast. Since I'm not sure what to do today, I'm doing another small load of laundry and I got my room straightened up IN CASE I HAVE TO LEAVE TOMORROW. I'd like to go back to bed, but I can nap any time! Ugh...the life of luxury, not!

Chris, who works nights here, has been really great. Last night he extended my stay and cut the rate to as low as he could. He's saving me about $25/night and that really helps. Thanks Chris! I hope to help you out by finding you a job up in Minneapolis!

I guess I'll call BMW and ask them if the part arrived. I'm not sure I want to know the answer...