"My mother said there would be days like this"

Despite feeling immeasurably better (maybe up to 50%) yesterday was a day of frustration, disappointment and lack of results - or so it seems. The day started incredily promising by visiting a beautiful casita (spanish for small house)about 1 and 1/2 miles from the popular Taos Plaza in the country - complete with viga ceilings (taonese for wooden beam high ceilings), a kiva fireplace, and outdoor patio, garden and aquicera (spanish for small brook - actually an irrigation ditch), and nicely appointed furniture and amenities including direct TV and wifi. Even though it was the first place I saw I immediately told the owner I wanted it and so began the process of bonding with her (a somewhat eccentric artiste, noticeably scattered and disorganized and frenetically worried about a misplaced postal insurance slip) and giving her my references/contacts, background check info, etc. I left feeling that I had found my new temporary home, saw myself writing my book on the back patio, listening to the gurgling water and secluded by the natural limb rustic fence. I also stopped by the Taos Spa and Tennis Club for a tour and intro for a possible part time position as a front desk clerk - surely with my experience owning 3 Curves, being a psychotherapist and having already worked at the Mill at Purity Spring Resort I would be a shoe-in. And to round out my projects for the day I stopped at the Family Practice Associates of Taos to inquire re: how I could get a referral for a recommended repeat CT scan at Holy Cross Hospital.

To ensure my lease on the perfect casita I also called about a few other otions and went to visit a studio condo nearby later that afternoon. Although the condo grounds were well kept and the the inside of the dwelling was clean - it was claustrophobically tiny - and became even more miniscule when the murphy bed was brought down out of the wall. I didn't feel the inspiration oozing from this place -only adult onset asthma - even though the price was right....

Even though I hadn't expected to hear from the landlord about the desired casita until the following day she called me last pm to tell me that she had already promised it to someone else and even though she tried to get them to "give it up", they really wanted it - and despite the fact that she "really liked me better and could see us as friends" she was going to honor her commitment. Of course she hadn't told me there was someone in line in front of me - she probably wanted to hedge her bets, too. I was surprised at how disappointed I felt - one because it was really adorable and two because I had really envisioned myself there.

At the Family Practice Associates office I was told that I had to be seen (ie: pay for)by one of their providers before a referral could be made for the CT scan. And although they also had a walk-in clinic I didn't meet the guidelines for "acceptable" symptoms to be treated - interestingly enough they opened the doors to the clinic at 8:15am and only saw the first 12 patients lined up outside per day (only of course if they had the acceptable symptoms - cold, flu, fever mostly). And so an appt was scheduled and even though I told the receptionist that it was recommended that I have the CT scan within the following week - the first available appt wasn't until October lst. Strike two. (For those who are wondering if I kept my promise re: radical self-care, I did take the 10/1 appt.).

I called the Taos Spa and Tennis Club back after finding out that the person responsible for interviews wouldn't be available until later in the day and she did sound somewhat interested and asked if I could come in this am. I met with her briefly and then had an interesting conversation with the owner who spent most of his time talking about the demographics of Taos county and inquiring about the business aspects of owning a Curves. He ended our "interview" with usual line of having to interview other folks and that they would call me if interested....

After solidifying myself with an iced Americano I visited another rental property - this one was advertised as "rustic" - what was I thinking? - altho in my defense it did mention that it had stone floors, solar windows in the kitchen area, gardens and trees. Don't ever mention trees to a New Englander in withdrawal - so despite common sense I went in search of it - and this is what I found:

Out in the middle of the mesa (no trees, just sage brush), a tacky home-built structure made from recyclables that probably would have fared better in a landfill - a woman who was a throwback to the "burn the bra" era of the 60's and who didn't fancy water and soap showed me the inside of the rental - in the front room there was a stack of 3 mattresses, all different brands/sizes, that appeared as if they had just been taken in out of the rain, the back "kitchen" did have the as described windows - however, the place was heavily populated with flys and other identifiable insects.

After a speedy departure I made my way to Ojo Caliente Mineral Resort Spa for the rest of the day and evening - a beautiful place with seven different types of hot mineral pools, spa treatments and tantalizing mexican fare in their "Artesan Restaurant". I justified this as my just reward for an otherwise unproductive day; hopefully that the healing waters of the pools will lift my spirits and prepare me to resume my search for the perfect casita tomorrow....