Last Saturday I had the privilege to join 900 other women in San Antonio for my first triathlon sprint. The good news is that I finished! The bad news is that I had to return to reality on Sunday. What an amazing weekend!
Danielle Pratka and I signed up for this event months ago. The venue was the JW Marriott in San Antonio Hill Country- a beautiful resort. Knowing this, we made it a couples weekend and decided to book the rooms for Friday and Saturday night along with a few spa appointments. Although questions swarmed my head on how this deal was exactly going to go down, I knew we were in store for a memorable couple of days.
A welcoming appetizer was brought to our room when we arrived by a Tin Roof customer and the executive chef of the resort. How thoughtful! It came complete with a good luck note to Danielle and me. We ordered room service, enjoyed the view, poured a glass of wine (a little wouldn’t hurt, right?) and made an attempt to mentally prepare for what was in store the next day- starting with a 4:30 wake up call!
Patio view! Anticipation was high (yes, even at 5 a.m.). We gathered our gear (swim cap, goggles, bike, bike helmet, etc), my traditional red bull pre-race drink and our fearless attitudes! RACE READY!!
Hotel lobby before setting up at the transition station Hello Sunshine- Please keep us warm before we have to jump in the pool! Almost swim time! Putting on one last confident face although nerves were high! And we're off... For clarification- a triathlon sprint consists of a 400 meter swim, a 10 mike bike ride and ends with a 2 mile run. For the swim portion, we jumped in and completed one lap in the lazy river (sans the jets) and yes- the water was heated. :) From the swim we ran to the transition area, threw on our socks, shoes and helmet and mounted the bike. Five mile loop times two plus one giant hill and we were back to the transition to prepare for the run.
Let me just say- jumping off a bike into a run is NOT a good idea. I eventually got my gumbie legs back functioning properly. It was one of the “longest” two miles I’ve done, but pushed through to completion.
And Done! Now where were those mimosas they promised us?
The afternoon activities consisted of all the ways we could think to reward ourselves. Pool side relaxation, a sports massage, a nap and a tasty meal did the trick. One of the sweetest moments was sleeping in Sunday morning!
With the event taking place on Mother’s Day weekend, I have to make a special tribute to the inspirational women that surrounded me Saturday morning. I have a very special place in my heart for activities specifically for women. The demands on women grow in a multitude of ways. Faced with the task of sorting through and balancing the conflicting expectations and personal aspirations, I am inspired by women that make it happen. And I did not have to look far to see those woman hard at work beside me. I hope that when I am in my 50’s that I am challenging myself with triathlons!
I stumbled upon an interview with Diane von Furstenberg, a global luxury lifestyle designer. When she was asked to list the three top qualities she looks for in a female friend she said this “Confidence, because insecurity is a waste of time...honesty because there is no point in being told everything is great all the time. A woman needs friends who will tell her the truth. And a sense of humor is so important.” She went on to say “The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself and if that thrives, so will the others.”
I was completely surrounded by women that believed in themselves just as Diane describes. Confidence, humor, and honesty were flowing freely that Saturday and I was proud to be among such respectable, fun-loving ladies. And although I had to return to reality after my perfect weekend, I’ve returned a better woman.
 I am proud to announce the birth of my precious new baby nephew- William Trotter Quattlebaum. Trott entered the world at noon on February 13 weighing in at 6 lbs 15 ounces and stretching a full 20.5 inches.
Trott came into this world as his parents live- with ease, style and the element of surprise. Gender unknown until birth, this little guy made quite the entrance. I was thrilled to be able to meet Trott on the day of his birth and visit with his amazing parents- my brother Wes and his wife Casey. I was also able to get some good time in with my momma aka GiGi.
I cannot wait to see this little guy grow! As I've mentioned before, I take my role as Auntie Em very seriously and I plan to get my hands on him as often as possible. Watch out GiGi- you're going to have to share!! My "stinky" big brother is all grown and now a dad. Surely he'll show more mercy on Trotter than he did me, right? Good luck lil guy! I've got your back! Trott at 1 Week
If you ever get the chance to take a one night trip to Nashville on your birthday, you should definitely take it and go. Somehow the stars aligned for me on my 27th birthday.
Because in today's world we know everything that is going on in the lives of those we know (thank you Facebook) I was able to see that two Nashville residents and old Auburn friends would be performing in a community theater production of Nine to Five. Because our friends are awesome and Nashville is one of my favorite towns, we joking said, we should go. As time passed, the idea grew on me and I was only disappointed after we checked the cost of flights. We just couldn't justify this spontaneous trip.
Enter little brother/brother-in-law: pilot Drew Tatum.
Being related to a pilot has its perks, however the perks can be risky. As long as we were willing to show up at the airport and fly standby, we could fly for a bargain price. I took this as a green light and started doing what I do best. Make plans and pack bags! Fortunately, we made it on the flight and landed in Nashville at 10:45 Saturday morning. Evan Thomas, one of our Nashville buddies (AU classmate and wiregrass native) picked us up and introduced us to one of the best brunch spots I've seen- Marche. Their menu changes with the season and the Cucumber Sake Bloody Mary is a must! After brunch and settling in the hotel, John and I went walking down Broadway. One of my favorite things about this place is that you can walk into a hole in the wall venue at 3:00 in the afternoon and stumble upon amazing talent. This band took our request to play Alabama!
Then it was time for the Nine to Five performance. What a show! I rented the Dolly Parton movie to prepare for the musical and to see the inspiration. Sorority sister, Lindsay Johnson made her musical debut as a lead role in the show. I knew this girl had talent in college, but she tore it up! Evan, who is no stranger to a stage, did what he does best and brought the show to life. It was such fun to cheer on these old friends.
I'd also like to personally thank Evan for leading the cast in singing "Happy Birthday" at the end of the show for me. Made my night!
Here are a few more after show photo hightlights.....
Beta Omega Alpha Delta Pi Girls!
So many more fun memories followed that evening. There was eating, drinking, dancing and singing. Because...let's be honest... no Nashville night is complete without these things! Thanks friends for a weekend I will never forget! WDE!!!
"I'll Be Home For Christmas." It's a classic Christmas tune. With each year that passes its melody hits me differently, probably more differently this year than ever. Since graduating college, marrying, moving 190 miles away and moving 670 miles away, my definition of home has morphed into something that I simply cannot understand, much less put into words.
When I think about being home for Christmas, I'm taken back to the many years spent at the Quattlebaum fireplace in Ozark. In my mind it's 1992. My big brother is giving me wedgies as mom asks us through the commotion to peak around the corner for a picture. My sister and I most likely just argued about something we'd forget in seconds and Dad is fidgeting with the camcorder sipping his coffee. Christmas music is sounding throughout the house and the smell of wassail fills the air. The dining room table is beautifully dressed for the traditional Christmas day brunch that always follows the unwrapping of gifts. These memoried settle to such a sweet spot in my soul and this is where I go when I hear the popular Christmas song.
Of course it isn't 1992 anymore. Over the course of 20 years, we've aged, accomplished, failed, loved, fought and grown. The Quattlebaum family that started as five will soon be nine. I've overcome the battles every youngest sibling does (ahem... torment) and managed to discover beautiful friendships with my brother and sister. I've married a wonderful man and I've taken on one of my favorite roles as "Auntie Em."
But what does that mean for my definition of "home."
Over the past few years, it's been an alternation of a Quattlebaum Christmas and a Tatum Christmas. Each one beautiful and enjoyable in its own way filled with its own traditions. When I married, my ideas of being home for the holidays changed along with my last name. I had expanded my family base and thus began the fusing of two homes and the balancing act we are all so familiar with.
A new feeling is in the air this year as it will be our first Christmas outside the state of Alabama. John and I will be spending Christmas in Texas with his brother Crawford, sister-in-law Charmoin and their two sweet kiddos. It's change again, but oddly fitting for this phase of life.
My mother used to say "bloom where you're planted." This Christmas, we are planted in the lone star state and I cannot wait to experience Christmas morning with two very special little girls. I'll make wassail as I do each Christmas, wherever I am, and my mind will be flooded with Quattlebaum Christmas memories. I'll nostalgically think of all those years, because, well... that's what you do at Christmas. But then, I will open my eyes to the present and make new precious memories.
I have no idea where God will have us planted next Christmas, but I know that I will have a heartful of warm memories that will be with me wherever I bloom on Decmeber 25, 2013. And although I haven't quite settled on my definition of home, I have lots of options. And that's alright with me.
From 1992,
Have a blessed Christmas
The list of things I want to write about and share with you is growing. It has been a very busy few weeks in work and in play, so I am a bit behind. But today, instead of sharing with you my adventures on the trapeze, the half marathon run, my time as a pink pirate or the festival fun I had, I want to share something else.
I am a planner and a social enthusiast. I find such satisfaction in scouting out new places to see, restaurants to try, activities to pursue. Experiences add a depth to life that can change the way we see the world. I want to go and do and if I am not moving at this rhythm I become fearful that I'm missing out on something great. I cannot seem to get enough... until the point when I've had enough.
On top of all the work and fun, the day to day stresses, responsibilities and tasks we all share continue to pile. And just like a woman, these lists ring in my head throughout the night holding captive one of my favorite things. S-L-E-E-P. I tried all the remedies, but did not find the rest I needed until Sunday night.
It was another Sunday morning on the road after an action packed weekend. Exhaustion was taking over my body and my mind and emotions didn't have a chance (can we say short fuse???). I needed rest.
I am thankful that the church we've been attending offers an incredible evening service, since my Sunday seems incomplete without this weekly visit. My favorite part of this particular church is the music. How a song can touch the soul! I immediately came home to download the song sung at our service "How Deep the Father's Love for Us," as its lyrics are the anchor of my salvation and faith. How Deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measureThat He should give His only SonTo make a wretch His treasureClick here to see full lyrics
What a way to begin the refueling process. After some praise time, reflection and study, I was able to fall asleep at 8 p.m. (unheard of in my book) and slept steady through 8 the next morning! When I awoke this was the devotional topic I read at www.utmost.org...
Matthew 11:28 Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
The author, Oswald Chambers, went on to say,
God stands with His hands outstretched, not only to take you, but also for you to take Him. Just think of the invincible, unconquerable and untiring patience of Jesus who lovingly says "Come to me."
Praise be to God! I am thankful for the rest that can only be found through the Father. And as I jump back into the day to day living filled with tasks and lists, may I stop to answer His calling, "Come to me..."
I'm a beach kind of girl. I love the sand, the water, the consistent crashing of the waves. Most of all, I love the place it takes me mentally. I'm immediately at ease with a view of the unending seas. So when we decided to tack on a few extra days in Africa to spend overlooking the Indian Ocean, I was pumped.
We stayed at a resort named the Crawford Beach Lodge. It was quaint, homey, had a great view and was full of roaming monkeys- monkeys that liked to play! They would greet us on the balcony in the mornings, unmistakably eyeing us for a morsel of food. Thanks to John, one little guy was able to experience Gushers. We were also warned to lock our windows and doors because the monkey can be intrusive!
Our few days in East London gave us a chance to rest from the extensive hunting that had taken place and to do more "touristy" type activities. The first morning, was spent at the spa. It was just what we needed and set us up for our next adventure- playing with elephants and cheetahs!
Group photo after spa and lunch. Don't we look so refreshed?
 Let me interject another shout out to the folks at NL Safaris. When we left the camp site, they could have washed their hands of our group, but instead our fearless leader Chris (center)- stayed with us through departure. He arranged our activities and transportation. We would have been in trouble without his amazing tour guide capabilities!
Our group was able to walk, feed, pet and play with two elephants under the supervision of their trainers. They were truly sweet animals! Each knew more than 75 commands to do things like sit, raise their trunk or take someone's hat. We learned many fun facts about elephants, the most interesting of which being about their hearing. An African elephant can detect seismic signals with sensory cells in its feet and also "hear" these deep-pitched sounds when ground vibrations travel from the animal's front feet, up its leg and shoulder bones and into its middle ear. Fascinating huh?
 Next we found ourselves standing outside a cheetah cage next to a sign that read "DANGER." The trainer walked up, opened the cage and led us inside. Before we had a chance to doubt the situation, we were on the ground petting these wild animals as if they were house cats! We were told that if we put our hand up to its mouth the cheetah would lick our hand. Looking back, I'm not sure that being the first in the group to stick my hand in front of a cheetahs mouth was the smartest decision... however they were right. It licked me!
Now that we could check off visiting the world's largest animal and the world's fastest animal, it was time to see the town! By happenstance, the next day was a town festival just down from our beach lodge. There were booths with local artists, vendors, music and made complete with a child Elvis impersonator. All the handmade trinkets, jewelry and clothes were fun to see and we all walked away with something to remind us of our time in South Africa.
We spent the rest of the afternoon in a small bar overlooking the ocean and the clouds that had been following us all day. It was a perfect way to wrap up the trip of a lifetime.
This is the contraption that took us to the restaurant/bar.
Fun Fun Fun!
Loved the view!
Did I mention we broke it down on the dance floor with two of the cutest kiddos?
Cheers!
Til next time...
1. Rocky Mountains
2. Absolute Escape
3. New Friendships
Just a few things I did not expect on our recent trip to South Africa.
What a whirlwind the month of July has been. The first couple of weeks were filled with anticipation, nervousness, unusual purchases, paperwork and packing. The last couple of weeks consisted of 30+ hours of travel (one way) and a 10 day excursion to Tarkastad and East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa. With so much to share, I’ve decided to break down my Africa posts into a few segments. This first post is the overview. I will then follow up with a post on our few days on the Indian Ocean, one of my most memorable moments and one with John’s. It was truly the trip of a lifetime and I’m sure I will not prove it justice. Bear with me.
Here’s an idea of where we were in the Eastern Cape. I've circled East London (where we flew in and where we spent our last few days) and the star is my educated guess of where our camp was located. While were on it, a quick national geographic moment… The country takes up only about one percent of the Earth’s surface, but is home to almost 10 percent of the world’s known bird, fish and plant species and 6 percent of the its mammal and reptile species.
We arrived at the East London, South Africa airport around 7:30 A.M. to be greeted by four Land Cruisers and six staff members of Nico Laurens Safari team. With hundreds of outfitters to book with, we truly hit the jackpot with Nico Laurens, but more on that later. We all piled in with our obscene amount of luggage and headed for the hills. Literally. The South Africa I had envisioned was flat and dusty. The South Africa we were driving up on was full of hills and mountains! Isn't this flat and dusty terrain everyone's image of Africa?
I quickly realized that was not the part of Africa we were visiting...
We had a three hour drive to the 20,000 acres we would have to ourselves for the next six days. We passed through small towns, picked up some wild game jerky called biltong and finally hit the dirt road that would lead to our cabins. The dirt road was 15 miles long, just to give you an idea of the seclusion that was upon us. We were officially in the middle of nowhere and it was awesome. There was a main lodge and each couple had their own cabin and bathroom. With temperatures dipping as low as 28 degrees and snow on the tops of the mountains, I was a little concerned about not having any insulation at the lodge and in our cabins. Extra layers, gloves, space heaters, heated blankets and campfires kept us warm and it was actually a nice change from the southern summer heat back home. Main Lodge
Inside the Main Lodge
Sleeping Cabins
Inside the Sleeping Cabins
Upon arrival at the site, we quickly unloaded and sat for what would be many of home cooked meals always consisting of game killed on the property, by hunters like us. Who knew Kudu lasagna would be so good!
Next on tap- hunting. As far as the men were concerned, we were burning daylight. Each couple was provided with a professional hunter and a tracker. To become a PH you must pass a rigorous hunting course and maintain your license with so many hours and hunts a year. These guys and their hunting abilities are impressive. They can look to a hill a thousand yards away and spot an animal among bushes and rocks (all which look the same to me at that distance). But not only that- they can also tell you if it’s a trophy and worth pursuing.
Before we go on, I must clarify that hunting in Africa is not like hunting in Lee County, AL. Each animal we hunted required hours of tracking and stalking. We walked miles each day- up hills and down hills- not to mention it was all on rocky terrain--- unfamiliar territory for this gal. (Thank you eBay for the hiking boots and added ankle support!)
The terrain and the fact that I could barely catch my breath during each hike caught me a bit off guard, but no one could have prepared me for the escape I was going to experience at the peak of the mountain. I’ve never “heard” a silence like this. It was an escape from cell phones, buildings, traffic, noises, laptop “bings”, oven timers and so much more. It was a refreshing dose of nature at its best.
Each day brought new adventures and new territory to cover. But if I had to summarize the days at the camp it would go like this: wake up around 6 or 6:30; layer up; quick breakfast and coffee; hit the trucks and hunt (hunting= ride, track, stalk, aim, fire, load and hopefully repeat); bring animals that have been shot to the skinning shed; eat a hearty, homemade lunch; resume the hunt till dark (sometimes later); drink a cocktail; shower; sit around campfire; share stories and photos from the day; eat an amazing three course dinner; drink a cocktail; crash.
Here are some photos of the animals we hunted One of the highlights from each day was to sit around the campfire and hear the stories from the day. To make it a bit more interesting, we turned this into a competition for the professional hunters. Each PH would tell their story from the day, everyone else would vote and the winner would receive an extra tip for the day. Since we were all in different trucks, it was a great way to hear about all the different adventures that happened each day. Needless to say- this time got a little out of hand more than once! Many new friendships were formed with the staff at Nico Laurens and I cannot image our trip without them. They were an amazing bunch and we're working on getting them all to Texas in the near future!
My awesome traditional safari hat inevitably became the joke of the trip. Here are some highlights!
It's easy to see that a good time was had by all. More to follow in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
If I got a dime for every time a parent told me to do the things I want to do now…before kids… I’d have a nice stash piling high. Many recommend traveling during this time of our adulthood. For someone who always seems to have her bags packed- I found it quite easy to embrace this mentality.
John and I have been fortunate to be invited of some wonderful trips with friends and family. The most memorable during our four years of marriage have been snow skiing at Lake Tahoe with John’s brother Crawford and his family, and a week in Cabo Mexico with some of our dear Mobile friends and two other couples. In our non-stop, pedal to the metal lifestyle, it seems as though it takes an actual invitation to slow us down and explore new territory.
This time the invitation is taking us to South Africa. You’ve seen photos and heard me talk about our good friends here in Texas, the Pratkas. The Pratka family, including the mom and dad, three sons and their significant others, signed up for the hunting trip of a lifetime in South Africa. With room for two more in the hunting cabin, they extended the invitation to John and me. The discussions John and I had for the next few nights always came back to validating the trip because “when will we ever get a chance to do this again?” We could NOT turn down this offer.
So here we are, frantically packing and waiting on last minute Amazon shipments to arrive. We leave at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning (Wednesday) which will kick off our 36 hour travel adventure. The trip to our hunting cabin goes a bit something like this: 23 hours in the air, 6 hours hanging in an airport and 5 hours driving. And that’s if all goes according to plan….
Of course, for a trip like this, there are things you’ll need that you won’t find in your closet. Check out my new goodies. All items were under $30. Thanks Ebay!
J.Crew jacket $20, Traditional Safari Hat $20
LL Bean Vest $20, North Face Hiking Boots $30
John was concerned with only one major purchase: snake boots. Some of the world’s deadliest snakes live in Africa. The Black Mambas is taller than an elephant, faster than a cheetah, and more poisonous than a brown recluse. The Green Mamba is similar, but lives in trees. YIKES!!
A few other “musts” before traveling to Africa
1. Get ready to set aside A LOT of time to fill out paperwork to import guns into another country. While this is a pain, it is reassuring to know that this isn’t an easy task…
2. Make copies of everything- passports, drivers license, credit cards, safari invitation letters, and the list goes on. Also take photos of what you are packing.
3. Your check bag can only weigh 50 pounds…. (I’m anticipating some trouble here)
4. Remember that it’s a different season on the other side of the world- I’m packing sweaters, jackets, gloves and thick socks (although it pains me to think about a jacket in this overbearing TX heat!)
5. Electrical outlets are different over there- a converter is necessary.
6. Download movies on the iPad for the L-O-N-G flight- I’m starting with season 1 of Mad Men.
7. Plane necessities include- neck pillow, bose headphones, a book or two, a few movies, favorite playlists and Ambien.
8. Study up on African Wildlife (saving this for the plane ride).
9. Watch the movie- Ghosts in the Darkness. It’s a 1996 film featuring Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer. Set in 1898, this movie is based on the true story of two lions in Africa that killed 130 people over a nine month period. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this horror film didn't exactly give me the warm fuzzies. Now, I'm about to travel almost 10,000 miles to the origin of this dreadful legend!
10. Prepare to purchase (or rent) some random things.... My first Chinese receipt!
I could keep going, but I’m running out of time!
We are in for the adventure of a lifetime. I am truly excited to have the chance to see a part of the world I have never seen before and see many of God’s creatures at home in the wilderness. Thanks for the invite Pratkas! I cannot wait to see what the next couple of weeks hold!
Imagine an old Texas town, small in size, but not in personality. A traffic cop stands at the main street stop light to help assist pedestrians. The hub of the town is an old dance hall, cotton gin and general store with the best ice cream you’ve ever tasted. You don’t have to look far to be greeted by a smiling face and you’re always a few steps away from authentic Texas entertainment.
That’s where I was this weekend: Gruene, Texas. This place is a mix of Mayberry and Fairhope, overflowing with a western charm I had never encountered.
Gruene’s start was as simple as you would have guessed. Named after a first generation German American farmer that purchased the land in the 1840’s, Gruene consisted of cotton crops and a mercantile store to serve the several dozen or so families sharecropping this farmer’s land. The town benefited by its location along the stagecoach route between Austin and San Antonio. Gruene Hall opened, and three large cotton gins soon followed. It was a modest thriving community.
But this enchanting town took a dive. Hit by the boll weevil blight of the 1920s, and further doomed by the effects of the Great Depression, the population had fallen to 75 and Gruene was essentially abandoned.
Fortunately, the assumed destiny of Gruene changed the day that Pat Molak, frustrated with big-city life, wandered into town and began to breathe life back into this piece of Texas history. This once deserted town has now been recognized by the Texas travel industry as a premiere attraction for visitors. I found this to be true as I didn’t see everything this four block town had to offer!
It was clear from the start that this town was known for music. Live country music is performed seven nights a week at Gruene Hall- the oldest continually run dance hall in Texas. Built in 1878 and left virtually uncorrupted, the 6,000 square-foot, open-air dance hall keeps this town swinging!
During our visit, we were able to see Chris Knight, a Kentucky singer and songwriter, perform. While us, Alabama folk can’t quite keep up on the dance floor, we always manage to have a great time!
Gruene Hall has hosted such acts as Willie Nelson, George Strait, Robert Earl Keen ,Townes Van Zandt, Jerry Jeff Walker, Lyle Lovett, Hal Ketchum, Gregg Allman and many more. It was also used as a set for Michael, starring John Travolta.
As an official Texan now, I have become fascinated with this place and captivated by the charm, the pride, the authenticity, (the food!) and the way of life. I have a feeling that this Lone Star mentality will follow me wherever I go. And I hope it does.
Weekend Highlights
Our weekend adventures started with a day on the water at Canyon Lake a reservoir on the Guadalipe River in the Texas Hill Country (amazing to see a change in elevation in these parts!). It was a beautiful day and a great way to kick off the weekend.
Saturday evening dinner at the Gristmill was certainly a highlight! This 35 year old restaurant is established in the remains of a cotton gin’s three story brick boiler room after a fire burned the original 1878 structure. Talk about atmosphere!
Do you think it's safe to say that John fits in around here?
Gruene Hall Featuring Chris Knight
I love sharing with you all! Please send me comments, feedback or suggestions on places to visit in TX. I'd love to hear from you!
Ahhh… air. I feel as though I am just coming up for air after one of those “I’m behind on life” phases. The good news: it’s Monday. It’s the start of a new week. It’s the perfect time to rededicate myself to the things that need my attention and the things that don’t need my attention, but I still find important.
Before moving forward, let me share with you my past few weeks.
Our beach trip began as all of our trips do with a very long car ride. I seriously did not think we were ever going to make it. For this trip- we experimented with a new approach. We went to sleep about 9 pm (this is super early for us) and set the alarm for 12:30 am. Yep- you read right. 12:30 in the morning. The method behind the madness was to avoid business calls while driving. If we could get the bulk of the trip out of the way before 9 am we’d be in good shape. Four caffeinated drinks later, we hit Baton Rouge Louisiana. It is 5:30 and we know we are an hour from the sun rise. John decides it would be best if we pulled over for a quick nap before continuing on our journey. So there we were. We joined in line with dozens of other 18 wheelers and slept. (There’s a first time for everything, right?) I woke up in a bit of a haze and found myself face to face with this….
Was this a joke? A real ,and quite large, tiger at a random filling station off I-10 saw us off as the ride continued. After a few more stops for fuel, a meeting with a Peacemaker customer, a stop at the storage unit, we had reached our destination of Orange Beach, AL.
Unfortunately, the weather did want to cooperate with our plans. So lots of time was spent inside. Of course we squeezed in the basics of a beach trip: a couple of boat rides, family time, Coronas with lime and yummy food! We were able to visit with John’s parents, his brother’s family and their two sweet girls. Since my sister’s recent move to Fairhope, AL I was able to spend some time with them. We also all enjoyed a nice evening with John’s family, my parents, my sister and my nephew, Brody. It was a great time!
He's a little crocodile dundee! John's niece Anslee and my nephew Brody playing at the beach. It was their first time to play together since our wedding four years ago. Take a look...
After that, we made our way along the coast to Panama City Beach. We had four days of work- and a little play before our Texas friends flew in for the weekend. Again, we hit the beach basics- boating, sunning, cold beverages and EATING. Bocce ball battles were played, swimming races were held, and a good time was had by all.
When our friends headed back to Texas, I had three days to rest up, clean and prepare for the next group to arrive. Myself, along with 14 other girls would soon be celebrating the final days of bachelorette-hood for my sweet friend Elizabeth. I dare not say too much to break the bridesmaid code, but it was AWESOME! I realized (again) why I adore this girl, her fearlessness and her enthusiasm for life.
Does that explain my “behind on life” feelings of frustration? I came back to Texas with a pile of to-do lists and a cluttered apartment. Sunday’s activities revolved around vacuuming, cleaning, organizing, throwing away and putting away. My living motto: “Everything has a home,” and I rest at ease when things are in its place. We now actually have a table with two chairs and NOTHING on it. It’s a place to sit, to enjoy a meal together, organize a project or have a meeting. Organizing has always been a refreshing activity to remind me that I have a grip on life (even if only for that moment). Here’s to tackling my long, but very organized list.
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