Onward and Upward

So, here it is.... Time to move.  Who likes moving?  Ugh, right?  It's got to be one of the least liked things that we all have to do once in a while! 
I have done it far too many times in the past few years.  This time, i'm taking my stuff from Prescott, AZ to Albuquerque, NM.  It's been a long time coming for this move and anyone who has read my posts at all, knows what this move is all about and how emotional it all is to me. 
To catch you up, my ex husband, the father of my 3 children moved there 2 summers ago, and long story short... we fought an ugly custody battle over our 6 year old son in which he ended up winning.  So, he has had my precious baby with him there.  My 14 year old stayed with me and my 16 year went there.  Both by choice.  My 14 year old has been there with him now since the holidays when he lost his father.  I knew i'd be heading over, so I let her stay. 
I'm both excited and nervous about this move.  I have friends and family there i'm looking forward to catching up with, art shows I've signed up for and above all, my 3 kids.  I would very much like to have all of them at least 1/2 the time.  One would think that this would be a workable option.  However, my ex is not being very agreeable to this.  His last email to me said this:
"As far as Jasper, every other weekend is more than sufficient. I am already going beyond what you are entitled to per the judges court order. I am not required by any means to go outside the current order. I recognize time with his mother is important, which is why I have offered every other weekend in addition to the allotted Holidays and breaks, as a means for you to see him more often. However, Jasper has a routine established here and is doing very well. I will do what is necessary to continue his established routine as much as possible. Life did not just pause since you left and its hardly fair to completely disrupt Jasper's life. This is his home and this is where he will need to stay on school nights as he is used to. Don't worry, Jasper is not a burden to Melissa. In fact, he enjoys doing his "homework" with Melissa while she does hers. If this does not work you and we cannot come to an agreement, then it may be best to simply follow the court order. The only thing we really need to figure out is Ronin's schedule once you are here and settled and have a job."
The truth is, he was awarded "Primary Custody" so that Jasper would have a primary residence, since we were living in 2 different states.  We were always meant to continue to co-parent in decision making.  I don't recall any of the court ruling giving him permission to run a dictatorship, but, this was how our entire marriage was.  He's not been very kind in regards to our children and custody.  (i'll talk more about it in future posts) I am fully entitled to hve my children, and I things were to have ended up the other way around, and he was moving his life to where I was, i'd not think twice about making changes to allow him ample time with Jasper.  I am so very tired of fighting. It' not that I don't he any fight left in me, it's just that I am TIRED of it! This man and I made 3 children together, we raised them together until we split, then we did 50/50 for a few years.  (Actually, he kept trying to have Jasper more.... and when our oldest and I had a fight one weekend, he basically kept him at that point, coming into my house when I was away, getting his clothes, dresser, etc...)
So, now, I am moving my life to Albuquerque to be with my kids and he's going to be selfish...WTF? 
This is not how I want to start my journey, but, I am not surprised by his reaction.
Right now, I am reminding myself to BREATHE and be present with myself, so I can respond and not react.
Praying that the powers that be give me strength.

The Hotel Blue - Hotel Review

Located at the West end of Albuquerque's downtown district, The Hotel Blue is a great place to stay for those who want to be near to nightlife, restaurants, Old Town, The Bio Park and more.
I stayed here recently while in town to see family.  I usually stay with my mom, but she's a little far from everything, plus, well, this place has a pool and it's summertime, enough said.
The decor is a little Art Deco meets 1970s chic, with beautiful black and white checker'd floors and nice, not so bright lighting. I pulled up in front and walked in to the lobby to check in and was greeted by a friendly young lady, who was helpful and sweet. The parking lot is fenced and one can only enter it with the room key, so it felt safe and secure.
My room, on the 5th floor was clean and well taken care of.  I had an eastern view, which faced the pool, as well as downtown Albuquerque, so that was nice.

I spent the afternoons in the pool with my children, and we really enjoyed our time there.  The pool was clean, and did not seem so overly chlorinated that you felt like your skin was falling off when you got out. The pool was surrounded by chairs, tables and lounge chairs, and when we needed extra towels, the front desk staff was happy to oblige.

The Hotel Blues offer a complimentary breakfast from 6 to 10 and is full of everything from instant oatmeal, to mini muffins, to scrambled eggs, potatoes and bacon.  They serve Starbucks coffee, and everything seemed clean and well stocked.  If i might make any suggestions, it would be to maybe have a few fixings for the eggs and potatoes, like grated cheese and salsa or chives.  I would also suggest a few more healthy options, like perhaps fruit and yogurt. 

Rooms run from about $69-$129, and i was able to get a good deal on one of those discount travel sites.

A little history: 

Opened as Downtowner Motor Inn in June 6, 1965, this hotel has gone through several name changes; the current name "The Hotel Blue" was given to it in late 1990s when it was renovated to a chick boutique in an Art Deco theme. Downtowner Inn, Quality Inn, Ramada Inn-Downtown, Downtown Inn, Quality Inn - Central, Quality Inn - Downtown, Ramada Inn-Downtown are the names give to the hotel before the current name " The Hotel Blue".
The current ownership renovated all the rooms in 2007 & 2008 and continuously improving the amenities and services keeping our guests in mind. The projects in near future are complete makeover of the exterior and the public areas.

***I would give The Hotel Blue 3 1/2 Stars in a 5 star rating.

And yes, i would stay there again.

One last thing:

Albuquerque is known for hot air balloons.  It's the home of the International Balloon Fiesta, which, if you have never seen, absolutely must at least once in your life, but, on any given morning, there are at least 2 to 3 balloons in the air.  It's really very beautiful and peaceful. 

This was the view outside of my room on my last morning there~

Stunning!