"I never looked for trouble, but I never ran.."

Wow. It's already the end of June and we just got back from taken Ben to school out in Orlando. I love family vacations and this was definitely one to remember. Like Mama said, we you have been everywhere it's hard to think of places to go that's different. So this time we did all the stuff we have always wanted to but had to cut out of our previous vacations because of time.

First stop. Cadillac Junk Yard.

We have driven by this place sooo many times. 10 half buried Cadillacs just waiting for us to graffiti. We got out and walked up to them and I happened to find a can of white spray paint and I definitely wanted to leave my mark. To commemorate our vacation I tagged it up with Swapp 2011. This was the first stop but we knew we had hundreds of miles left to go.

We had to drive about 900 miles each day to get Ben to school at 9am on Monday morning and we did just that. We woke up early so we weren't rushing around trying to find the place and had enough time to eat breakfast before hand. We had our day planned out while Ben was at orientation. We need to find Ben a bed and that was Sarah's task. She looked up on Craigslist and found a bed frame, mattress, and box all for $60. What a steal! Now he was set!

Ben tried to act tough when we were leaving that night but maybe he was just ready for it all to be over. For us to leave and him to be a man in the world. Making something for himself in a new place full of new opportunities.

We drove until it was about dark and stopped for the night. The next morning was going to be a long day of driving so we had to get up early. We were out the door around 6am and went to gas up. Gas up says it all too. Some of BP's handles are green and without even thinking Daddy put $100 worth of gas in our diesel excursion. Big No No. We had to get it towed to the dealership and spent the whole day and half of the next waiting for them to fix it. Even in the 100 degree heat of Florida in June we still managed to have fun. We went to see Green Lantern and played games in the hotel room. Mama always made sure we were having fun even when life didn't seem to be that great at the time.

Finally, we were off to our next stop. Dalton, GA. One of our Great Grandfather's (R. J. Neely)had served in the Confederate Army during the civil war. Mama and Sarah had been doing some genealogy and knew that he most likely was buried at Dalton after retreating back from Chattanooga, TN. They were going off a hunch that he was there and bingo bango he was. They had recently built a memorial for the 421 soldiers that had died from wounds there.

After visiting the cemetery we went to Chattanooga. There we saw Lookout Mountain. You can see Seven states from this spot and it was used in the civil war for strategic planning. Mama, Sarah and I got out to see it and Daddy and Nay thought we were trying to climb down the mountain. They came running after us faster than a coyote on a rabbit. They didn't believe we were just taking a picture!

Graceland was next. Boy was I excited. I love Elvis!! We just took the tour of the mansion and it was like a blast from the past. Totally 70s and nothing updated. I loved it. The music and the history was so fascinating. He had so many accomplishments in his short life, that is, if he died when they say he did. ;)

After that it was a long drive home. I drove in the middle of it because Daddy had to load his truck at 8am the next morning. There are some crazy drivers out there in the middle of the night. One seemed to be "riding the bull" as they say and it was tough to get around him. We made it home safely and had the weekend to recover. 4000 miles, 10 states and tons of memories I'll never forget. We're gonna miss ya, Ben!

Sparkle

I have worked at the Bernitsky's for almost 5 years. Crazy to think its been that long! And just as long as I have worked there I have been waiting to get my eyes fixed. Last Friday, that happened!

So, to prepare for the surgery I had to wear glasses for 2 weeks. Kill me now! I hated every minute of it. I never wore glasses and even slept in my contacts. I don't even like wearing sunglasses that's how bad I hate them. Well it paid off!

The surgery went without a hitch. They said I was a perfect model patient and that I did everything right. (I think they have to say that to me though!) Good thing they gave me some drugs because I was really freaking out! All I could see was a bright light and Dr. Bernitsky's shadow. I could hear everyone in the room but couldn't see. The whole time I was thinking I have to be brave! I tell everyone everyday that it's no biggie and to get it done and when it came to me I couldn't act a fool. Thank goodness Gay was there holding my hand. She really helped me through. I love them!

Of course after the surgery you rest in the recliner. I then started to cry. So many mixed emotions. Nervous, exhausted, massive headache, excited, and so thrilled that I finally did it. I finally got through all the hard stuff and could live without contacts and glasses.

After MAC dropped me off at home I was starving. Mama and I went to eat at Garduno's I forgot to check what my eyes looked like in the mirror and I saw an old friend there. He thought I was on drugs because my eyes were so red! But I told him what had gone down earlier and he was surprised that just about an hour before I was in surgery and I was able to see. It truly is a miracle!


I can see 20/15 now and I have never been happier! Everyday I thank Heavenly Father for helping me find such great people to work for and the blessings this job gives me. I am one lucky girl!

Keep on Rockin' in the Free World!

Last Monday was Memorial Day and boy was it memorial! I can honestly say I haven't had a day that fun in a long time and it all started at 8:30am!

My branch went to a park to play football with another ward in the morning. Solon was the bomb diggity at QB and I was an excellent cheerleader. Being one of maybe 3 girls there and the fact that they were calling plays and penalties I felt more suited on the sideline. Which was all good anyhow being that I had to leave to play a sport more up to my par. Softball!

I love softball and while I played for over a decade I don't feel I am very good. Others on the other had tell me differently. I was there for maybe 5 plays. I caught a line drive, threw to second for an out, and helped another player know what to do. I got the nickname Bam-Bam after hitting a homerun and was called the teams clutch player. Really, what do they expect? Winners win :)

Flashback:

  

 <-- I made the Alameda All-Stars when I was about 11 or 12. I was usually 3rd based when I played but now I enjoy playing 1st. I get more action that way ;)

----> I think this was my second year playing. I loved playing for the Angel's but mainly because my uniform made my eyes look pretty!

After the softball game I met up with Solon and our families at the North Valley Pig Roast. It was so nice to see lots of friendly faces that I had grown up with even though we pretty much stayed at one table. Rocky is so adorable. He definitely doesn't get low on kisses and hugs when we are all around.

We sped off to another party to make a splash. We swam for nearly 3 hours at Chelsea's pool and I got roasted. My forehead is just now finished pealing. It was such a blast I wish we cold have more days like that. It really felt like summer. We played 'sharks and minnows' and 'colors',  went down the slide and some tried to get a tan. One of the highlights for sure.

It went home to shower and get ready for the next party. University Branch was having a pot luck that we went to and it was so funny to see everyone there red faced and tired. It was relaxing and we all need that after our busy morning. 

 I am so thankful for my friends and family especially those serve our country and protect its freedom. (After all it was Memorial Day) As Winston Churchill stated "All give some. Some give all." Thank you so much for the sacrifices you give to all of us so that we may have the opportunities this country gives to us and the freedom we have to live our lives in pursuit of happiness.