I continue to be amazed how things work out. A few weeks ago, I was getting ready to leave Oneonta for Tuscaloosa since school was starting. I decided to spend the night with my Memaw because we were going to cook dinner. I grew up around antiques and fine china. My grandmother has a passion for old stuff and over the years I have become fascinated with these things as well. Well, this Saturday night was nothing less than normal. I finally decided I wanted a chili hot dog and home made french fries for supper. (yes, I know what's in a hot dog haha). I set up the table with her china I have loved forever. We laughed the entire time because she couldn't believe we were eating a hot dog on such fancy dishes!
How can things change so fast? One minute I was enjoying myself talking with my grandmother, and the next thing I knew... My mom sent me a text message telling me they were heading to NC bright and early in the morning. At this point I was so confused because my mom had told me hours earlier Jason didn't want them coming up for a couple of more weeks. I talked with Memaw about it and decided I would skip the first three days of my senior year to go visit Jason.
It all happened so fast. At 3:30 a.m, Dad, Mom, and I were headed to Camp Lejeune, NC!! About 8 stops and 11 hours later, we had made it. For some reason, we had to switch up driving because we were all getting so sleepy. The good Lord watched out over us for sure.
As we pulled into the Marine base, my adrenaline was rushing. Seeing my brother for the first time since January is a feeling I will never forget. Over the past four years, I have only seen Jason a handful of times. I almost started crying my eyes out because it was such a special moment for me. The fact God kept my brother safe for 2 deployments says it all.
The beach was absolutely beautiful!! I went on several walks with my dad over the course of the week. I even got a bit of a sun-tan! Ha! My mom cooked for us every single night and I stuffed my face more times than once. Spending time with my family is something I have grown to appreciate as I grow up. This was a week I hope to never forget. So, take the time to say "I love you" to the people who mean the most to you!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
#5 Buy a meal for a homeless person
Call me crazy, call me nice, or call me whatever you want but I have a heart for people who are less fortunate. As I was looking over my list of 101 things I created, I forgot about this one. This happened back in the spring semester (in March). One of my best friends Hannah had driven to Tuscaloosa to help me pack for my cruise! For those of you who know me really well, you know that A) it either takes me about 6 times to find an outfit to wear or B) I'll walk out of the house wearing something that probably doesn't match. So I was excited when Hannah picked out my entire wardrobe.
We were on our way to Wal-Mart in Northport to buy some things I needed. As we were leaving, we noticed this young guy on the side of the road holding up a cardboard sign. I can't remember what it exactly said but I think it said something about being hungry. I looked at Hannah and she knew exactly what I was thinking. I turned the car around, parked again, and went inside to the McDonalds. I ordered him a hamburger, fries, sweet tea and apple pies. It was kinda nerve racking when I was approaching the guy. He was probably between 17-20. We handed him the food and were on our way back to the apartment.
On the way back home, Hannah and I were talking about how we had no idea what circumstance that young man was in. He really looked homeless to us. Even though it was a nice gesture, it amazes me the amount of people who would drive right past him without a second glance. So maybe being nice every now and then isn't that bad! I think about that guy from time to time and I pray his situation is better than it was when I saw him.
We were on our way to Wal-Mart in Northport to buy some things I needed. As we were leaving, we noticed this young guy on the side of the road holding up a cardboard sign. I can't remember what it exactly said but I think it said something about being hungry. I looked at Hannah and she knew exactly what I was thinking. I turned the car around, parked again, and went inside to the McDonalds. I ordered him a hamburger, fries, sweet tea and apple pies. It was kinda nerve racking when I was approaching the guy. He was probably between 17-20. We handed him the food and were on our way back to the apartment.
On the way back home, Hannah and I were talking about how we had no idea what circumstance that young man was in. He really looked homeless to us. Even though it was a nice gesture, it amazes me the amount of people who would drive right past him without a second glance. So maybe being nice every now and then isn't that bad! I think about that guy from time to time and I pray his situation is better than it was when I saw him.
#59 Go White Water Rafting
Oh my. The last time I went white water rafting was when I was in the 8th grade (I think) I absolutely love the water so my dad thought it was time to go again for a mini vacation. My uncle has an Airstream camper/campsite in Tennessee so we thought we would stay the weekend! We left Oneonta on Friday morning at 4:30 a.m. and drove to Springville to pick up my aunt and uncle. We loaded the suburban and were on the road in no time! Zach and I were crammed in the back seat. It was hilarious because his legs are so long so he could never get comfortable.
We finally arrived at Cherokee White Water Outfitters near the Ocoee River. We went through the "safety spill" and grabbed a helmet, paddle, and life jacket. Our guide was Nick. Saying he was awesome is an understatement. He is an adrenaline junkie and being my age, was ready for some rapids! Zach and I jumped in the front of the boat & I'm glad I ended up riding in the front. Our boat was the first one out so we were the lead. Within the first 10 minutes of the trip, our boat slammed into a rapid, and Nick flew out the back. He quickly jumped back in and we were back on track.
As we were rafting the Ocoee, I couldn't help to laugh at the names of the white water rapids. For example..... Double Suck, Hell's Hole, Double Trouble, Screwdriver, etc. Not to mention these rapids are class III and IV so there is definitely some intensity as we were on the Ocoee!
When we approaching the Double Suck rapid, our guide said.... "Guys, this is one of my favorite rapids on the river. Its name is Double Suck. Can anyone figure out why it's called Double Suck? Well, it's because if you fall out, it SUCKS twice as bad." I looked at Zach and started laughing hysterically thinking there was no way we would fall out of the boat. Boy, was I wrong!
We clinched our paddles as Nick said "We're going to hit Double Suck hard!" He gave the commands and we began to paddle. There was a boat in front of us and the guide was a girl. The guide was new, but she had 4 FAT people on her boat. Bless her heart. She was my size so managing a boat full of bigger people must have been hard. There boat quickly turned completely sideways and we were right behind them. Needless to say, our boat T-boned them right in the middle of Double Suck. Zach, Robby (Dad's friend) and his daughter Whitney immediately got flung out of the boat. Our guide Nick got slung from the back all the way to the front. At this point, I was starting to panic. There were only 2 people left in the raft (Me and Robby's other daughter who had never been before)
I looked to my left and saw Zach and Whitney going under fast and Robby clinging to dear life on the side of the boat. With both hands, I somehow yanked Robby onto the boat, then onto Zach & Whitney. Zach was luaghing so hard that I began to laugh on accident haha. Poor Whitney was scared for her life. Once we ALL got into the raft, we only had 2 paddles. We ended up finding them and were right back on track. Our guide LOVED our little diaster. I can't blame him, it was the most fun I've had in a while!! The rest of the trip was AMAZING! Besides Double Suck, Hell's Hole was my next favorite rapid. So in a nutshell, that was my weekend white water rafting.
I encourage anyone to go if you have never been. You will not be disappointed. I can't wait to go back next summer and take all of my friends!!
We finally arrived at Cherokee White Water Outfitters near the Ocoee River. We went through the "safety spill" and grabbed a helmet, paddle, and life jacket. Our guide was Nick. Saying he was awesome is an understatement. He is an adrenaline junkie and being my age, was ready for some rapids! Zach and I jumped in the front of the boat & I'm glad I ended up riding in the front. Our boat was the first one out so we were the lead. Within the first 10 minutes of the trip, our boat slammed into a rapid, and Nick flew out the back. He quickly jumped back in and we were back on track.
As we were rafting the Ocoee, I couldn't help to laugh at the names of the white water rapids. For example..... Double Suck, Hell's Hole, Double Trouble, Screwdriver, etc. Not to mention these rapids are class III and IV so there is definitely some intensity as we were on the Ocoee!
When we approaching the Double Suck rapid, our guide said.... "Guys, this is one of my favorite rapids on the river. Its name is Double Suck. Can anyone figure out why it's called Double Suck? Well, it's because if you fall out, it SUCKS twice as bad." I looked at Zach and started laughing hysterically thinking there was no way we would fall out of the boat. Boy, was I wrong!
We clinched our paddles as Nick said "We're going to hit Double Suck hard!" He gave the commands and we began to paddle. There was a boat in front of us and the guide was a girl. The guide was new, but she had 4 FAT people on her boat. Bless her heart. She was my size so managing a boat full of bigger people must have been hard. There boat quickly turned completely sideways and we were right behind them. Needless to say, our boat T-boned them right in the middle of Double Suck. Zach, Robby (Dad's friend) and his daughter Whitney immediately got flung out of the boat. Our guide Nick got slung from the back all the way to the front. At this point, I was starting to panic. There were only 2 people left in the raft (Me and Robby's other daughter who had never been before)
I looked to my left and saw Zach and Whitney going under fast and Robby clinging to dear life on the side of the boat. With both hands, I somehow yanked Robby onto the boat, then onto Zach & Whitney. Zach was luaghing so hard that I began to laugh on accident haha. Poor Whitney was scared for her life. Once we ALL got into the raft, we only had 2 paddles. We ended up finding them and were right back on track. Our guide LOVED our little diaster. I can't blame him, it was the most fun I've had in a while!! The rest of the trip was AMAZING! Besides Double Suck, Hell's Hole was my next favorite rapid. So in a nutshell, that was my weekend white water rafting.
I encourage anyone to go if you have never been. You will not be disappointed. I can't wait to go back next summer and take all of my friends!!
My brother is home!!!
After 7 months of deployment, Jason is finally back in the United States! Praise the Lord. I haven't seen him since January but I'm hoping I can make it up to North Carolina soon. The rest of my family is going to see him next week but I have school :(
Summer is winding down....school is about to start. Senior year, here I come!! I'm heading to Nashville next weekend with some friends. Excited!
Summer is winding down....school is about to start. Senior year, here I come!! I'm heading to Nashville next weekend with some friends. Excited!
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