Road Trip {PNW Edition}

Thanks to my friend Brandi, my car was packed to the brim last night for my last road trip out of Small Town. I gave up on sleeping in and hit the road around 8:30. Because I get anxiety while driving, I didn't want to make the 12 hour drive all in one day, so I found a hotel ahead of time. Seven and a half hours later, I arrived at my overnight stop. (I probably could have been here in 6.5, but I wasn't in a rush and made a few stops along the way.)
Before I left town I stopped at Starbucks for a coffee (thanks to a gift card from a Small Town friend) and the wifi. I thought i would give Night Circus a shot, since NaNoWriMo is coming up.

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So far, I really like it. I was only able to listen to the first few chapters because people kept calling me and I made the mistake of downloading the book on my iPhone. Don't be like me.  The narrator on this book is fantastic. I've really only listened to nonfiction audiobooks while driving because the voices on the few fiction audiobooks I have tried drove me nuts.  If you're looking for an audiobook for a long road trip, Night Circus is the one!
I am staying at a Travelodge in Pendleton, Oregon. The service at the front desk was fantastic. I didn't even have to ask for dinner recommendations, he just told me all about them and how to walk there from here. I walked across the street and was attacked by gnats so I turned around and drove instead. I am not even exaggerating about this. My white shirt was COVERED in them. It was gross.  I even saw people walking around with scarves over their faces. 
I went to the Mexican restaurant the front desk suggested. Then stuffed my face the BEST enchiladas I have ever had. Seriously. The rest of the meal was good too. The margarita wasn't very strong, but I think the waitress may have done that on purpose after I asked how strong they were.  I was back to my room for about an hour when the phone rang. -- WEIRD -- It was the front desk asking how my room was and if I needed anything. I was super impressed. I've never stayed at a "budget motel" that checked on me before. It totally explains all of the awards they have in their lobby. I really only picked this one because it has continental breakfast, but now I'm glad to know this is one place I would stay again if I drove through Eastern Oregon.
So, random tip: if you're staying in Pendleton, Oregon, I'd totally recommend the Travelodge to sleep, and Joe's Fiesta to eat.
You gals must have been sending prayers my way because I didn't have a single ounce of anxiety the whole way here! It was so nice and relaxing!  Tomorrow will start with 4-5 more hours of (hopefully anxiety free) driving, and then I'll officially live in the Pacific Northwest.
This blows my mind.