Today is the first day that I’m writing about my attempts to Go Local as we head into the Go Local Challenge. I always try to buy locally. Or at least I think I do. Now that I’m going to see how close I can get to 100% local we’ll see how well I really walk the talk.

Two outside purchases were made today. I needed to have my car serviced so I went to Balboa Quick Lube in the parking lot of Sunland Park Mall. I actually stopped in a few days ago and made the appointment and told them what I wanted done. I wasn’t surprised when Carlos at the counter said they’d call me when it was ready – I’ve heard that before at lots of places. I WAS surprised when he actually did call. And, he called an hour before the promised time.

I worked from the office today since I didn’t have a car. My wife came by and picked me up for lunch. Her car was in need of a wash so we went to H & H Car Wash 701 E. Yandell. We sat at the counter and talked to Maynard Haddad, who owns the place along with his brother Kenny, and a few of the regulars. The food was good and so was the conversation. Maynard filled me in on the story behind all the pictures of Andy Reid, the Philadelphia Eagles head coach, behind the register. Reid used to be an assistant coach at UTEP back in the Bob Stull era and he became a good customer and friend of Maynard’s. Now he’s one of the football and basketball coaches who have moved on to bigger stages but still come back to say hi and tell how much they love El Paso and its local flavor.

Two good choices for my first day of the warm up challenge!