This summer starts an adventure to the Wild Wild West. My journey started this Wednesday, venturing to Amarillo, Texas. Our stay was short, but we frequented a local favorite, OHMS. My mom and I each had phenomenal salads, filets, lobster, and scrumptious drinks. I, a berry martini (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries) and she, an ammmaaazzzing cucumber vodka drink. 

  
Starting out bright an early, we left to continue our journey west. Stopping right outside of Amarillo, we found the historic Cadillac Ranch, created by old Texas Millionaire as a modern art creation in the 1970s. 

   
    
After about an hour of driving we finally reached the New Mexico border. Kind of a thrill, turning everything into a reality. 

  

We next stopped at the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. This natural phenomenon is 81 feet deep and remains 65 degrees year round. Many locals come to enjoy the cool spring and scuba divers come from around to test their skills in the crystal clear water. 

 

After a few (worthwhile) detours, we finally made it to my summer home in Albuquerque! I have been a little nervous about this transition, not wanting to be uprooted from my beloved home in Fort Worth, walking into a community in which I know not a soul. But my first few days in ABQ have been exceptional. 

My first morning here I met with my sponsor at Walmart, who is going to be helping me throughout these next ten weeks with my internship. We went to a local dive “Weck’s” in Los Lunas, where the Distribution Center (DC) is located. I quickly learned that New Mexico is a “red or green” state, and I would have to make a firm decision on which color chile (pronounced chilé, not to be confused with southern chili) I liked the most. I think I’m choosing green…but you’re allowed to alter depending on the meals. I’m not 100% sold just yet. 

After touring the facilities, I met with my new associates to contribute my portion of “VAP Hours.” Walmart pledges that when 450 VAP hours are collectively contributed, a donation of $5000 will be contributed to an organization. Yesterday we worked with the Special Olympics, New Mexico. 

Individuals from across the state gathered at the University of New Mexico to hopefully qualify for nationals which will be held in California. Jeff told all of us that if he stayed on track, he was almost definitely going to advance to nationals! What a humbling experience to be able to be a part of on my first day of my new job. 

After the event, I met up with my mom to pick up some groceries, grab a sandwich at a loca favorite dive, and of course pick up some wine from Trader Joe’s. We relaxed and meddled around the house, watering my new basil leaves and fresh herbs around the house, until it was time to venture to dinner. 

About 20 minutes from my apartment lies a hidden gem, tucked off of a side street, down a gravel road, amidst a neighborhood–Farm and Table. 

We pulled up in our rental car to the most precious, inviting restaurant I’ve ever been to (and I love to eat out so that’s saying something). The hostess told us we would be dining on the patio, overlooking the gardens that provide all of the fresh vegetables, fruits, and treats for the night’s selection. 

Im really at a loss for words, but if you’re ever in New Mexico, do not miss the opportunity to go “porch drinking” at this romantic, lovely, local restaurant. The staff is phenomenal, only to be topped by the delicious and savory flavors of the food that is grown literally in front of you. 

   
  

  

  

  

  

Cheers and enjoy!    

Cannot believe I’m able to intern for Walmart, the supply chain mega-monster! Not only are they #1 on the Fortune 500, but they are also almost a $1,000,000,000,000 (yes, trillion) company.