"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.

If It Ain't Broke, Ben Will Fix It!

Sunday.
My brother, being helpful as usual, decided to check my car out and make sure everything was working right. He noticed that a plug had fallen loose and plugged it back in for me. I suggested that we start the car and see if any alerts went off after doing that. Guess what?! Doesn't start. Ben unplugs the cord and it still doesn't start. Coincidence? That's a controversial question in our house now but the mechanic said he didn't do it. Half the computer broke somehow and that's why it wouldn't start. Likely story...

Monday.
I drive the Little Red Express to work. My boss, Gay, thinks that it's hysterical that I am driving it and is a bit jealous. She said she had just bought a truck like it at an auction that weekend and while driving up wondered why it was at the office..

Tuesday.
I go over to my friend Chelsea's house for some fun after work. We had a great time just hanging out with friends and when I go to leave the pickup is stuck in the gravel. I can't get out! I call my brother's for help of course. Nathan said the funnest thing!

 -"I don't mind being the hero. I'll always rescue the damsel in distress, I just with the damsel wasn't always my sister."

They are too good to me. While waiting for them I decide to continue to try to get the pickup out of the rocks. After 10 minutes or so and all the gravel was flung out of there, I hit the dirt and out I went. I think Chelsea had to fix it in the morning but I am never parking there again!

Wednesday.
I meet up with my Dad and brothers for lunch. I get so much attention from this car, it's embarrassing. While at the light a lady in a minivan gave me the thumbs up and a big cheeser in approval of my vehicle.

Thursday.
I have gone to the gas station everyday since I have had the pick up. Maybe this is payback for all the times I have ran out of gas before... But this man, who would have sold me alcohol with a school ID, said that I had a "badass truck" and wanted to know the engine size and year. Does it look like I would purchase such a vehicle for myself?!

I meet up with my friend Aly at her salon so she can do her hair. I left the lights on and the pick up was dead. She had to drive me home and early the next morning my brothers would jump it.

Friday.
My car is done-zo. However, they have to reset the new computer but their internet is down. Just my luck, so I had to wait until Monday. Couldn't they tow it to freakin' Starbucks!?

Well after a week of car trouble and $900 dollars later, I finally got my car back and boy do I appreciate it more now. Not that I didn't appreciate my Daddy's pickup but it's nice driving around a car that is better on gas mileage and gets up to speed in a jiffy!

Hot and Dangerous!

Friday nights are always jam packed with fun adventures for me and my friends. Tonight was no different. Pam, Solon, Chelsea and I went to eat at Pei Wei. Being the smart shopper Solie is, he decided to sample from each of our plates. Boy, do we love that mon. The food was really great and the company was even better.

Then we headed to the dance but we had a pit stop first. We picked up Adam and we nearly died. He lives in the "war zone" and we definitely didn't linger around there for long. Needless to say, the car was still rolling as Adam opened the door and jumped in!

Off we were to the dance. When we got there the decorations were so awesome. Our branch really knows how to throw a party and so many people were there. We were dancing and some more freakier than others and by others I mean me! Rachel Sego had mentioned numerous times to me that whenever she can't find me she looks for the crowd of people being inappropriate and there I am. In the middle of it all! Well thank you Ray-Ray! I then started practicing with her how to walk and "put the welcome mat out" so that we would be more available for the fellas. We were having a ball and, of course, it worked!  They fell right into our traps.

Then this is when it gets interesting. The Stake President shows up to the dance and before I could correct my actions there I find myself in plain sight with Brady grabbing my butt! I slapped him for dramatic effect and so that President would thing I wasn't... "Anxiously Engaged"! He never said anything to me so maybe I am under the radar.. or maybe he is just silent but deadly! I would bet on the latter.

Dancing with everyone was really fun. Aly, Geneva and Rue always make the party so much more wild. I can't wait for Shelbs to get back to the 'burque. She is such a blast as well. I miss her!

We left the dance at about midnight and went to Denny's. Rue and Solie are always a crack up and Pam and Chelsea added to the chaos. Rue is leaving in a little over a month and everytime I think about it, it makes me sad. Rudy and I have grown so close the last few years he has been here and his new adventure leaves me worried and nervous for him. I know he is a stud and will be great once he is done with training and out in the field. I just wish he didn't have to go. "Freedom isn't free" as some may say!

Things have been so crazy with work and school I am so glad that I have a break. It's only 2 weeks but that is just enough time to let loose and then get focused again. I am almost done with CNM and I am freakin' out about what I should do afterwards!

xoxo,
ro

Boom, Boom... Owww!

While my mama is away she asked that I go to the bank and deposit some checks that she had. I told her that I would and that I would go when I had my lunch break from work. 


I was so busy at lunch I almost forgot! I grabbed some food and got a car wash but still had enough time to go to the house, pick up the checks and get to the bank. I did what I had to and went on my way back to work. 


I was at a red light and my hair was really bothering me. I remembered that I had some bobbie-pins in my purse and went digging for them. Out of the corner of my eye, I was the car next to me ease up. I took that as the light turned green. WRONG!  I hit right into the back of a red 4-runner. Just my luck, but wait it gets better...


Because I had been fixing my hair the visor was down and the mirror cover was opened. When I had hit the car, and because I wasn't using a seat belt, the visor hit me directly on the eye. This would happen! I get out of the car to talk to the other driver and guess what, she's pregnant! About 6 months. She was really sweet and wasn't mad at all. She was worried about me and asked if I had passed out or something. I almost wish that was the case because that would be less embarrassing! Her car was slightly dented from where my hood must have hit her door and she had a hitch that busted through my plastic bumper.


All in all this could have been way worse! You all know my driving record isn't spotless and at least I can say I wasn't DWT (Driving While Texting). My eye is a little swollen but no sign of a black eye yet. We will see if she even calls this into the insurance company! 

Did You Hear Something?!

So, this weekend my mama and brothers left town. Nathan had a doctors appointment in Dallas to hopefully clear him after his hip surgery a few months back. Ben also had a big adventure ahead of him as he was off to Florida for film school. He had been taking a few online courses before he moved and this was the perfect opportunity for Mama to take them both. I am super jealous I couldn't go with them because of school and work but I will visit soon!


They left on a Sunday and I had gone to my friend Chelsea's house to make some cookies. Everyone was asking me if I had someone staying with me while they were out of town and I thought that was ridiculous. My mama didn't raise no scaredy-cat and I was an adult. I didn't need anyone to watch me!


I went home around 11:30 or 12 and got into bed. I was sitting up and heard in the back yard what sounded to be a car. I immediately freaked out! I ran to the bathroom and opened the window a crack and peaked out. Just enough to see out but hopefully so that "they" wouldn't see me. Sure enough there was a truck driving around. I ran to the front door to catch a glimpse of the license plate. It looked white but the truck looked like my sister, Sami's. I ran and locked both doors as I called her, hoping that that was the case and that I might sleep easy after being so terrified! 


She answered and it was her. I had caught her leaving me a love note on my car for me to find in the morning. How sweet! It read:

"I love you. You are a better sister than I deserve" -Baby

I can't believe in the 2 minutes this had all taken place, I realized that my mama had raised a scaredy-cat! 

I love my family! I wish we weren't all over the country now that we are all going up. Sarah in Utah, Ben in Florida, and Nathan to soon be on a mission. I cherish the times we have together and can't wait for some vacation time.