1725 miles later - Part 2: Tulsa

A week ago today I was in Tulsa, OK. I've lived there twice. The first time was from 1980 to 1986. I lived in a neighborhood where I was the youngest stay at home mom on the block. The neighborhood had coffees once a month so I got to know many of the other neighbors. It was great. They actually still have the coffees, although many have moved and/or died. I've continued to stay in contact with a few, usually via Christmas cards, and now, occasional emails.
The second time I lived there for 11 years (1995-2006). My kids graduated from high school there. However, I worked during most of those years and didn't get to know as many of the neighbors. I was a public school speech pathologist and carpooled for 6 years with another teacher 40 miles to Okmulgee, OK. We got to be good friends. My other good friend was my daughter's former boyfriend's mom, also a teacher.
I also have a daugher and grand-daughter in Tulsa. This daughter has always been my "challenge child" aka "my mother's revenge". Yes, I was a challenge, but in a different way. I was strong willed and stubborn, but capable of being self sufficient. This daughter is strong willed and stubborn, but not totally capable of being self sufficient. She's a constant worry, and I've shed many a tear over her - a whole nuther posting.
I always enjoy going back to Tulsa. But unless I get a hotel, I don't really have anywhere to stay. Both my carpool friend and daughter's former boyfriend's mom have moved. I've stayed with one of the former neighbors before, but she stays busy so I'm not comfortable asking last minute (a week before). I won't stay with my daughter because she's got another couple already living with her - a whole nuther posting.
So what's wrong with getting a hotel room? Why am I so cheap that I don't want to shell out $100.00 a night for a room? I really can afford it. But I just hate paying that amount to sleep in a bed and take a shower. I could do SO much more with that money. I'd rather buy something or give it to my kids than spend it on a room. So when my Little Rock daughter and I went to Tulsa, we spent Friday night at her friend's house. Saturday night she and her friend attended a bachelorette party. I felt compelled to find somewhere else to stay, as her friend's husband was probably not going to be comfortable hanging out with me. Even though I would have disappeared for most of the evening, it would have just been awkward.
Fortunately, my husband has hotel points. I called him and he was able to find a room at a Holiday Inn Express. My challenge child and grand-daughter spent the night with me. It worked out well.