Whew, my little vacation to Tennessee was fun and eventful but too short. The drive back Tuesday was probably the longest drive home, in history. I guess maybe because I just did not want to come home. I wish I had just a little longer in Tennessee. When we arrived to River Romance late Sunday night it was cold and there was still some snow in the shaded places on the deck. Sunday was considered our down time. As soon as we got in town though we met up with our friends, Heather and Jason and had dinner at TGI Fridays in Pigeon Forge. Yummy, I love TGI Fridays! That night at the cabin though Mandi attempted to build a fire (funny, I know) and we watched a movie before heading to bed.
We got an early start to our day the next morning. We set our alarm clocks for 9:00 but who was up at 7:30, we were! We laid in bed and watched Spongebob Squarepants half the morning. (I know, I know. We should be too old for that) Monday was just mostly spent riding around the mountain roads looking at the snow on the ground. It some places we were humored because you would see snow on one side of the road but the other side was green grass. I do not like snow too much but I could not help but put on my gloves and a scarf and make Mandi stop (in the middle of the road) so I could get out and play in and let her take some pictures for me. She did it the lazy (and warm) way though by staying in her car.
I love Mandi’s Xterra so at one point I wanted to drive and since Mandi loves me, she let me. Me behind the wheel of any vehicle is probably not a good idea but this time it really wasn’t. We had a small, and muddy, off road adventure in the WHITE Xterra. I turned down a gravel road that wasn’t really a road but more like a driveway so I get to the end and turn around. Well we get close to the road and instead of just driving to the road, I turn in to this little area that seemed to be short cut. This short cut was a small hill with tons of leaves surrounding it. Over the hill we went, dragging leaves and a pretty large tree branch with us. I was so scared Mandi was going to get mad at me, but she was laughing so all was well. But here I am pullnig this massive tree limb out from under her car with my high heels and brand new jeans on. It was an interesting afternoon! No off road Hummer tours for us, we had our own!!
Dixie Stampede was great though. The show was a little different from the last time so there were new things for me to see. I enjoyed it. I love the food there. However, when we got our chicken and Mandi realized it was on a bone she did not want to eat BUT since I love her and she’s my friend I picked her chicken off for her. I mean, it was either that or what her starve, right? Dixie Stampede is always my favorite part of Pigeon Forge. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of the food, or the show.
I always love going to Gatlinburg. In a way I feel like that is my second home. After all, I know a lot of the roads there and have some pretty awesome friends to see when I go. I hope I get to go again soon. Vacation feels so good sometimes and it never hurts to get away from everything.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Tennessee tomorrow :)
Yes, that’s right … Tennessee, HERE WE COME!! Mandi and I are leaving for Gatlinburg tomorrow afternoon and I am so ready. I feel like I need a vacation from my small hometown and just a few nights to get away from everything. We are not going to get in town until late Sunday night but I am already planning my hot tub adventure for that night. We are staying in a cabin on the Little Pigeon River in downtown Gatlinburg. I cannot express how much I love this area of Gatlinburg … it’s within walking distance to downtown and so quiet. It’s just a great area. I figure though that Sunday will just be a relaxing night to prepare for Monday’s activities! Monday is going to be another fun but busy day. We have dinner reservations at 8:00 at Dixie Stampede. Yummy, I love Dixie Stampede. I don’t think Mandi has ever been though so this should be a fun adventure for her. I am very excited. Heather and Jodi wanted us to go to a yoga class with them so we’ll see how that goes. I didn’t pack yoga clothes … what do you wear to yoga? I’ve never yoga-d. : / You know, now that I think about it … maybe Monday won’t be so bad after all? Hahaha! (yeah, right) I assume though that after Dixie Stampede we will be too full and have to be rolled back to our cabin so we can feel fat together in the hot tub. I wish we were staying longer than Tuesday but we are going to do a Hummer tour on Tuesday so I am anticipating that being a lot of fun. I cannot wait to get away for a couple of nights and see all of our co-worker friends in Tennessee. We don’t get to see them that often and when we do it’s always nice. Oh, I hope Michelle has her baby before we get there … or while we are there! It’d be so nice to help them welcome baby Alyssa into this world. Okay, enough excitement I need to go continue packing. I’m sure I’ll have stories about my trip when I return!
Monday, February 9, 2009
random thoughts from my mind
Well, well, well Valentine’s Day is this weekend and all I can say is, “blah!”. I’m sure there is a lot of great things that happen on Valentine’s Day but it has never been one of my favorite holidays. It’s just non-existent to me for some reason. I’m not being bitter, or sad, I’ve usually always had someone to celebrate Valentine’s Day with but I just don’t get in to like other people do. I honestly can probably only remember one Valentine’s Day gift and that’s all. I understand that Valentine’s Day is a special day for you let everyone know how much you love and care about them but why should it be special on that ONE day? Shouldn’t someone always know you love them? I don’t know where this comes from … this bad attitude about Valentine’s Day but it’s here and I fear that it will always be here. Moving on …
The upside to this weekend is that it gets me that much closer to my short “vacation” in Gatlinburg with Mandi. :) I need a break from this place and everyone here. I know we’re going to Dixie Stampede and on a Hummer tour and I’m sure we’ll shop because that’s what we do best when we’re together … BUT we also get to stay in a great cabin with a hot tub and just relax. Oh, and we get to see some of our FAVORITE friends from Tennessee. And our friend, Michelle may have her baby while we are there or before we get there so we may have a baby to see, which is exciting. I love babies (as long as they aren’t mine!) Now that I’m talking about it I want to go get everything packed and ready to go!! I would not have a problem if someone told me I get to stay on vacation longer. I love vacation!
I did have a good weekend this past weekend. My friend Crystal’s little boy, Eathyn, had his first birthday party. I helped her get everything set up. I cannot believe that Eathyn is already 1. It seems like not too long ago Crystal found out she was having a baby!! He is such a sweet little boy. I think he got plenty of presents to hold him over for a while. His favorite gift though was a battery powered 4-wheeler from Matt & Crystal. He rode that thing all over the deck yesterday afternoon. If he drives anything like his “aunt” Heather then everyone needs to watch out!! Okay, enough non-interesting stuff. Hopefully this week will bring me more excitement. I guess we’ll see, right?
The upside to this weekend is that it gets me that much closer to my short “vacation” in Gatlinburg with Mandi. :) I need a break from this place and everyone here. I know we’re going to Dixie Stampede and on a Hummer tour and I’m sure we’ll shop because that’s what we do best when we’re together … BUT we also get to stay in a great cabin with a hot tub and just relax. Oh, and we get to see some of our FAVORITE friends from Tennessee. And our friend, Michelle may have her baby while we are there or before we get there so we may have a baby to see, which is exciting. I love babies (as long as they aren’t mine!) Now that I’m talking about it I want to go get everything packed and ready to go!! I would not have a problem if someone told me I get to stay on vacation longer. I love vacation!
I did have a good weekend this past weekend. My friend Crystal’s little boy, Eathyn, had his first birthday party. I helped her get everything set up. I cannot believe that Eathyn is already 1. It seems like not too long ago Crystal found out she was having a baby!! He is such a sweet little boy. I think he got plenty of presents to hold him over for a while. His favorite gift though was a battery powered 4-wheeler from Matt & Crystal. He rode that thing all over the deck yesterday afternoon. If he drives anything like his “aunt” Heather then everyone needs to watch out!! Okay, enough non-interesting stuff. Hopefully this week will bring me more excitement. I guess we’ll see, right?
Friday, January 23, 2009
Snow in Tennessee ... but never in Georgia!
January is ending and there has been no freezing cold weather (at least for long periods of time) in sight and it is semi-upsetting. Yes, I will be the first to admit that I am not a fan of cold weather, or winter time, BUT here lately I have really been feeling the need to go on vacation where I can truly witness a winter wonderland. I have had a few friends visit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee here recently and they got to see the beauty of snow capped mountains and trees. I was slightly jealous with seeing their pictures and thinknig about how it never snows in Georgia and if it does it isn't enough to amount to anything important. I love living in the South, especially in the part that I live in but sometimes you do not have seasons. It's like mother nature skips over the cold ones & just gives us hot. Now, I do not have a problem with hot weather I just think snow is so pretty ... AND I love scarves and turtle neck sweaters. :) It's January and most states have already had several layers on snow and we've had just enough to tease us. So in my excitement with there being snow in Gatlinburg, I have planned a trip with a friend to go in February & I am going to HOPE I see snow that weekend. Not that snow would make or break my trip but it would just be so amazing to be able to come home and BRAG to everyone else. Until then though I will continue to daydream about playing in the snow!!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Vacation Tips
My job requires me to talk to several people on a daily basis and … hopefully, help them get a trip planned out. Throughout some of my many conversations with people I have come up with some travel tips that I think are VERY important for any travel destination, no matter how near or far.
1. The first and MOST IMPORTANT travel tip is to get information about your trip. Attractions to see in the town, hotels, cabins, condos, car rentals, airports in the area and what to expect when you get in to town. Is it a holiday? Could there possibly be a lot of traffic? How early do you need to leave to avoid work traffic in the area? All of these things can make your trip arrival, and departure, run a lot more smoothly.
2. No matter where you travel always remember to keep your wallet and all things that are valuable in a safe place. You never know what could happen!
3. Check the weather. This can help you decide on how to dress and what to pack for your stay.
4. If you travel further and possibly flying, try to pack lighter. Coordinate your clothing around only a few basic colors so you can reduce the number of shoes you need to bring for the trip.
5. If you are flying remember to pack a bag (as a carry on) with extra clothes or needed items in case you need them while you are in the airport.
6. Try to plan out what you are doing every day. This will help reduce the amount of money you carry with you when you go out in town.
7. If you are driving to your vacation destination be sure you have all reservations confirmed, directions printed and information about to check in before arrival. This will help keep stress levels down upon arrival.
8. Make sure you know that when you have anything paid for (room, rental car, reservations held) that the price they gave you is the entire price with all fees. You do not need nor want to spend additional amounts when you arrive to your destination.
9. Be sure to read all rental agreements thoroughly before signing them. Sometimes people think they can just sign it and then get upset when you are charged for damages or for a security hold.
10. Look up past reviews for attractions, hotels or cabins that you will be visiting. This will give you a better idea of the GOOD things people are saying about where you are going to go.
Above all else it is important you just enjoy yourself and have a great vacation. Vacations are made for relaxation so your trip should run smoothly with minimal or no problems so planning ahead and can make the vacation everything you are hoping it will be. Above everything else remember to ask questions if you are unsure of everything because anyone from the area can help you with what you need to know.
1. The first and MOST IMPORTANT travel tip is to get information about your trip. Attractions to see in the town, hotels, cabins, condos, car rentals, airports in the area and what to expect when you get in to town. Is it a holiday? Could there possibly be a lot of traffic? How early do you need to leave to avoid work traffic in the area? All of these things can make your trip arrival, and departure, run a lot more smoothly.
2. No matter where you travel always remember to keep your wallet and all things that are valuable in a safe place. You never know what could happen!
3. Check the weather. This can help you decide on how to dress and what to pack for your stay.
4. If you travel further and possibly flying, try to pack lighter. Coordinate your clothing around only a few basic colors so you can reduce the number of shoes you need to bring for the trip.
5. If you are flying remember to pack a bag (as a carry on) with extra clothes or needed items in case you need them while you are in the airport.
6. Try to plan out what you are doing every day. This will help reduce the amount of money you carry with you when you go out in town.
7. If you are driving to your vacation destination be sure you have all reservations confirmed, directions printed and information about to check in before arrival. This will help keep stress levels down upon arrival.
8. Make sure you know that when you have anything paid for (room, rental car, reservations held) that the price they gave you is the entire price with all fees. You do not need nor want to spend additional amounts when you arrive to your destination.
9. Be sure to read all rental agreements thoroughly before signing them. Sometimes people think they can just sign it and then get upset when you are charged for damages or for a security hold.
10. Look up past reviews for attractions, hotels or cabins that you will be visiting. This will give you a better idea of the GOOD things people are saying about where you are going to go.
Above all else it is important you just enjoy yourself and have a great vacation. Vacations are made for relaxation so your trip should run smoothly with minimal or no problems so planning ahead and can make the vacation everything you are hoping it will be. Above everything else remember to ask questions if you are unsure of everything because anyone from the area can help you with what you need to know.
Friday, January 2, 2009
New Year, New Beginnings!
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a happy & blessed new year’s celebration. I can honestly say that I am excited for a brand new year. 2008 was great BUT 2009 is new and exciting and holds so many activities that have yet to occur. It’s a fresh start!
I started my new year off with a blast. We had a small get together at a friend’s house where my old friends & my new friends come together. It was great! I am truly excited to see where life takes me with my brand new friends. : ) We had a great time playing darts, playing Rockband & eating some delicious grilled chicken … compliments of Lee. Yummy yum! We did a midnight toast & the “Rockbanding” resumed.
Many memories were made & stories will be told and I have extremely happy for this new year. Maybe school will go well so keep your fingers crossed!! I have a lot of so called “resolutions” I’d like to try and go through with this year so we’ll see.
I started my new year off with a blast. We had a small get together at a friend’s house where my old friends & my new friends come together. It was great! I am truly excited to see where life takes me with my brand new friends. : ) We had a great time playing darts, playing Rockband & eating some delicious grilled chicken … compliments of Lee. Yummy yum! We did a midnight toast & the “Rockbanding” resumed.
Many memories were made & stories will be told and I have extremely happy for this new year. Maybe school will go well so keep your fingers crossed!! I have a lot of so called “resolutions” I’d like to try and go through with this year so we’ll see.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas is officially over. My sanity returns!
Oh wow, what an overwhelming past few weeks. It seems (and feels) like I have been doing nothing but shopping, going to Christmas gatherings & shopping some more. It’s been a few days because I sadly encountered a virus bug that had been traveling around my office … and family for about a week so it put me behind schedule with everything else. Yes, I know … being sick during the holidays is no fun at all.
The great Christmas season started out with a delicious bang when my office has their annual Christmas party. My company is amazing. I am so thankful to have a great job with great people. This year we dined at Hearth and Harvest in Cartersville. Yummy, yummy! Each year we draw names (and it never stays a secret) but I had Emily’s name. So, the weekend before the Christmas party I was at the mall looking for the perfect present for her. I ended up picking out a “poofy” jacket with fur around the hood. (so cute) When we got to Hearth and Harvest and ordered our food the “head honchos” let us open one present … HOODIES! We each got hoodies & let me tell you, we were BEYOND excited to have these hoodies. Back to the food … I had a filet with a baked potato and salad. I didn’t dig the salad too much … it had cranberry’s and nuts on it & that just doesn’t make a salad to me. Too bad that I love food and ate it anyways. : ) After the meal we each handed out our presents and took turns (somewhat) opening them. Jessica had my name so I got a brown sweater with a white & brown scarf. PERFECT! Except … the weather hasn’t been cold enough for a sweater OR a scarf so I’m pretty sad about it. I guess that’s what happens when you live in Georgia …
Now the fun begins with more Christmas shopping! (not) I had everything done when I got hit with the ugly virus early Monday morning (before Christmas) Needless to say with two “sick days” at work later, it was Christmas Eve. I didn’t get to enjoy any holiday food & my stomach still hurt but I got a lot of nice things and spent some time with my family. For lunch on Christmas Eve my brother & his family came over to open presents and then that night, around 6:00 we ventured out to my Granny’s for more presents. I can’t complain about my presents but I’m not into Christmas for that reason. There’s so much more to it!
Merry Christmas!! Christmas Day morning was spent eating a delicious, traditional breakfast with the family and then me heading to my friend Crystal’s house to see what Santa brought her son, Eathyn. With no rest time it was off to BJ’s to exchange gifts with his mother. Rush, rush, rush because from there it was time to go to my Granny Joan’s. After we opened presents there I let out a silent sigh of relief. Oh, Christmas is over again! I did have a great time after present opening. I went to my cousin’s house to enjoy a few games of Rockband and on the Wii. I love the Wii … I think I need to get me one!
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas & I hope you all got what you wanted from Santa. Stop and think about what’s most important this time of year. Be thankful for your friends, family and everything God has placed in your life. If you are alive, well, and have the Lord’s loving arms wrapped around you then you have everything to be thankful for. YOU are truly blessed!
The great Christmas season started out with a delicious bang when my office has their annual Christmas party. My company is amazing. I am so thankful to have a great job with great people. This year we dined at Hearth and Harvest in Cartersville. Yummy, yummy! Each year we draw names (and it never stays a secret) but I had Emily’s name. So, the weekend before the Christmas party I was at the mall looking for the perfect present for her. I ended up picking out a “poofy” jacket with fur around the hood. (so cute) When we got to Hearth and Harvest and ordered our food the “head honchos” let us open one present … HOODIES! We each got hoodies & let me tell you, we were BEYOND excited to have these hoodies. Back to the food … I had a filet with a baked potato and salad. I didn’t dig the salad too much … it had cranberry’s and nuts on it & that just doesn’t make a salad to me. Too bad that I love food and ate it anyways. : ) After the meal we each handed out our presents and took turns (somewhat) opening them. Jessica had my name so I got a brown sweater with a white & brown scarf. PERFECT! Except … the weather hasn’t been cold enough for a sweater OR a scarf so I’m pretty sad about it. I guess that’s what happens when you live in Georgia …
Now the fun begins with more Christmas shopping! (not) I had everything done when I got hit with the ugly virus early Monday morning (before Christmas) Needless to say with two “sick days” at work later, it was Christmas Eve. I didn’t get to enjoy any holiday food & my stomach still hurt but I got a lot of nice things and spent some time with my family. For lunch on Christmas Eve my brother & his family came over to open presents and then that night, around 6:00 we ventured out to my Granny’s for more presents. I can’t complain about my presents but I’m not into Christmas for that reason. There’s so much more to it!
Merry Christmas!! Christmas Day morning was spent eating a delicious, traditional breakfast with the family and then me heading to my friend Crystal’s house to see what Santa brought her son, Eathyn. With no rest time it was off to BJ’s to exchange gifts with his mother. Rush, rush, rush because from there it was time to go to my Granny Joan’s. After we opened presents there I let out a silent sigh of relief. Oh, Christmas is over again! I did have a great time after present opening. I went to my cousin’s house to enjoy a few games of Rockband and on the Wii. I love the Wii … I think I need to get me one!
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas & I hope you all got what you wanted from Santa. Stop and think about what’s most important this time of year. Be thankful for your friends, family and everything God has placed in your life. If you are alive, well, and have the Lord’s loving arms wrapped around you then you have everything to be thankful for. YOU are truly blessed!
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