Too Much Today

I sit here surrounded by furniture that is askew and boxes that are taped with a general sense of being overwhelmed and sad. Maybe it's exhaustion, maybe its the fact every time I turn around its someone telling me something else that needs to be done, but I seriously need a week at the beach surrounded by tan relaxed people and fruity drinks with umbrella's in them.

Let me recap the past few days to put some things in to prospective and to also educate you on the ethics of one company - Coast 2 Coast Movers. I pray to God you read this and learn from our misfortune.

Friday morning they arrive at our home in Mableton and begin packing our things, everything is going well and I'm impressed with the speed by which they can pack. A tractor trailer is parked in front of our house to load it up and take it to Augusta. Jack and I had assumed they would use panel trucks, that is what we would have used, so when I mentioned casually that i hope he can back that up in our new driveway I had no idea the drama that would follow.

Around 3pm on Friday after almost 1/2 of our property was in the tractor trailer a guy, a man I assume has some type of ownership in the company, Ben gives us a call to tell us it would be $1500 more dollars for them to actually get the stuff from the end of our driveway to the house. He blamed us for not telling him we had a long driveway... Let me tell you this so you understand 1) I'm sitting in my living room watching cars drive up and down the road so it's not all that long 2) He never before in our 3 weeks of negotiation mention the drive nor did he ask about it. We provided this man an address and just assumed he would get what he needed from that. Nor did we ever expect him to use a vehicle that couldn't get into people's driveways!

So this is 3pm on Friday with half our stuff in the truck and when my husband points out the items above the guy, Ben, says well - we can leave it at the end of the driveway and you can figure out how to get into your house. Not the correct response, especially we since we had already paid extra for the hoisting services required to get several larger pieces of our furniture into the loft area. So my husband negotiates a bit and gets him down to $650 - the entire time being so mad he is about to call the police. He calls his boss who agrees to pay the $650 despite the fact that the quote we had received before was "binding".

We had a cashiers check for the agreed upon $5,850 and Ben told us we could give him a personal check the next day and they would go cash it before the banks closed. Like we are going to take the man's unearned $650.

Time trucks on and they don't end up completing the load on the first day - they do however break a microwave and grind mud all into my downstairs carpet. At which point things turned a bit ugly and they decided to pick it back up in the AM. I'm glad they stopped because everyone was tired and ill, but this left us frantically trying to figure out a place to stay. Luckily Jack's Mom and StepDad only live 45 minutes away and we were able to invade their home at 11 pm at night. Thank God for family.

The second day they show up at 8 AM and begin loading the remainder of the stuff. They say a carpet cleaner is on the way and they will fix the microwave for us... all is good. They are throwing boxes out of the attic, boxes they didn't pack and have no idea what is in them - not so good. They broke several of my ornaments, but only 1 I have found so far that meant anything, however most of those boxes still sit unopened and I'm terrified what I will find. When my husband took the guy the broken ornaments he said "well packed like that they are going to break"... well Duh they were packed to sit in an attic not to have you throw them. They should have repacked them since we paid for "packing services"... but we continue on. Getting more and more upset by the moment.

The truck is loaded and we head to Augusta. It's now past 12 pm and all banks are closed - please remember they were supposed to have us packed on Friday and we were to be in Augusta first thing on Saturday.

We arrive in Augusta and give them the cashiers check for the $5,850 and the personal check for the $650 to which they respond "we will not accept a personal check" go get us the $650 in US Postal Money Order (on a Saturday at 2 pm) or Cash or we drive off with your stuff and charge you storage until you get us the money. Oh my goodness I thought my husband was going to hurt someone - he didn't instead he called the police. The company stopped loading and we waited for the police to arrive.

The police explained to us that despite the loads of emails showing the earlier binding quote and the fact they were holding several hundred thousands of dollars worth of stuff over $650 there was nothing he could do and left! You have to love how the law protects its citizens. I mean in my opinion that was theft by deception or something, but nope...

So while Jack finished chatting with the police I called "Ben" thinking I could talk some sense into the guy. After all I wasn't upset and figured two rational people could talk this through - boy was I mistaken. He accused us of being unethical and said we would "stop payment" on any check the minute he accepted it. Said we were liars and that were intent on sabotaging this move. To which I completely lost my cool man - I went off like I haven't in years and guess where it got me - no where. We did everything by the book with this company, negotiated up front, got it in writing, told them about every scenario we thought would impact their pricing and in the end still agreed to pay them more and we are unethical? Please explain this to me.

Thank God we still had a business checking account open so I could pull out the money from two accounts or we would have been completely screwed- there is a max you can pull out of one account per day using a debit card. So to make a long story shorter, I gave them cash, they unloaded our stuff (the copier hasn't been hoisted yet as agreed they would) and we sit here surrounded by boxes stressed to the max and trying to deal.

I want a fruity drink and will make it my lifes ambition to tell everyone I can possibly tell not to use the company Coast to Coast movers!

Time's Up

Well tonight was the last night we had to paint before we have to go back to the ATL to get the furniture. We made some awesome headway, but we didn't get as far as I had hoped.

We got all of Mama's section done = 6 rooms, our spare bedroom, bedroom, laundry room and three closets done. We still have living room, dining room, hallway, 2 baths and a tiny area of the kitchen. We were focusing on areas that would be the most difficult once the furniture was in... Grateful we did as much as we did! We have painted everyday and / or night since May 1st (with the exception of two nights we took off) so we are both tired, exhausted fits better I think.

I'm off Friday through Wednesday of next week so hopefully we get some good stuff done during that time in addition to getting some much needed rest. Supervising movers beginning on Friday - wish us luck!

Good Progress

We have made some good progress this weekend in addition to spending way too much money but ah well.

Yesterday a gentleman named Gene met us at Lowes with his pick up truck and a trailer. We picked up a lawn mower and the a set of the following lighting set. Its way cool, we got a chandelier for the living room, a dining room light, a island light, a floor lamp, etc...

It was so great of him to let us use his truck... he got a fridge out of the deal and we are now fridgeless, which is awesome. I won't disgust you with the ugliness we found under /behind that fridge - ICK!

We did some serious painting too. Got two coats of red in the bedroom (it may need one more) and we got the laundry room completely painted. Though that was a bit of a nightmare to paint. It was a bit like painting with water... We also got the tape off of the spare bedroom and have one of the closets taped. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it was a lot.

We also bought a ceiling fan for my bedroom, new fixtures, mirrors and etc... for our bathroom, a ceiling fan for the back porch, some door screens and an entire new set of knobs and handles for the kitchen. I can't shop anymore for a while but it was fun to get the stuff that is going to make this house mine.

We'll continue working through Wednesday and what gets painted gets painted and what doesn't will just have to wait till after we get moved. We meet the movers in the ATL on Friday! Can't wait to get really settled and be out of this apartment!

For now it's time to get some sleep. I have band aids on my feet and hands from being project accident prone, aches in places I didn't know I had an am generally just tired. I have a ton of work to do before I'm off for 4 days beginning on Friday. Not sure how I'm going to take the time off, but I am...

Not going to worry about it for now- night.

More Painting

Pam and her husband came and picked up the refrigerator in Mama's area today. The one in our area is going tomorrow and then we will be ready for our fridges from Mableton - Furniture arrives in a week. Can't wait to live among my own stuff again!

We painted the rest of the spare bedroom today - I think we are done with the exception of the closet in that room - and of course clean up. But finally we are done painting in that room - 3 days!

More painting tomorrow... I'm going to have a paint brush grow out of my hand soon.

Night Off - Lazy 1010 - WOOT

We took the night off and did nothing - WOOT LOVING IT :) Man does it feel good to be lazy!

Painting - Painting and More Painting

We closed on our house on the 29th of April and are glad that part of the game is over with. Mableton still needs to sale, but at least now we can begin to get settled. We aren't actually moving our stuff in until the 21st and 22nd of May - right now it's paint time. And boy do I mean paint. We are painting every single room of the new house and it is taking what seems like forever.

As I was driving back to the apartment tonight I was thinking of how long it was taking and why - I am loosing track of what we did when so I'm going t0 use this blog as a house renovation journal. Mainly so I can look back years from now and remember the stories, hopefully you will enjoy our journey along the way.

1) Friday May 30th - We taped up Mama's living room and office. Mama took off all the face plate covers for us.

2) Saturday May 1st - Bobby and DeAnn came down to help us. They were a great help and it was fun to see them. We got a first coat on Mama's living room, office and dining room. The most memorable paint moment of the day is when Bobby had a cup of paint and started talking... a few minutes later we realized there were streams of red paint all over the floor where he was moving his hands while chatting. It was so funny and luckily most of it got on the plastic and what didn't was easily wiped up. We wrapped up painting around 4 PM and then went to dinner at Outback followed by the play Annie. Overall it was an extremely productive today, plus it was fun to visit with family that I hadn't seen in way too long.

3) Sunday May 2nd - Jack and I got a second and final coat on Mama's living room / Office. The only thing left to do in this area is the top of her office area - it will have to wait for an extension ladder. The tape was removed in these rooms and they are considered complete.

4) Monday May 3rd - Jack and I put a second coat on the beige part of the living room.

5) Tuesday May 4th - We put a second coat of red on Mama's living room and did some touch ups with a hobby paint brush on the areas that were slightly messed up. It is a paneled room so it was a load of fun to paint... But it's done other than clean up so we are excited. Major pain in the but room.

6) Wednesday, May 5th - Jack cleaned up the living room (pulled tape, cleaned plastic, etc...) and I did a first coat on one of the orange walls in the kitchen. I accidentally painted part of the soon to be beige wall orange... I had to wash it off with a sponge. It didn't all come off put it looks good.

7) Thursday May 6th - Jack painted Mama's bathroom and I painted the second coat of the orange and finished up that color.

8) Friday May 7th - We took the night off and went to see Iron Man 2 - awesome movie and some MUCH needed down time.

9) Saturday May 8th - I went and chopped off all my hair - Cut like 13 inches off of it! I look like a new person completely. After that we met back at Grovetown, grabbed some lunch and started painting again. I painted the first coat of the beige in Mama's kitchen and Jack painted the top part of her bedroom. Here bedroom is two colors divided by a chair rail: a really light blue and a dark blue on the bottom.

10) Sunday May 9th - I did a second coat of the beige in the kitchen, cleaned up the tape from the bathroom and rehung the bathroom fixtures. Jack touched up the light blue areas and did a first coat of the dark blue on the bottom. I also cleaned the floors in the bathroom / kitchen area of Mama's house. Jack didn't put enough plastic down for me to help him... I'm too messy.

11) Monday May 10th - I didn't feel well today. I was tired and didn't feel very well. I took 1/2 day off and got some much needed sleep and then went in to work. It's absolutely crazy busy at the office with me trying to handle a heavy renewal month with out really being comfortable with the accounts yet. Absolutely nutz! After work I took the night off. I tried to talk Jack into resting, but the decided to go on over and finish up Mama's bedroom.

12) Tuesday May 11th - We began the first coat of color in the spare bedroom in our area. We are painting it Turquoise and it is the first room to be painted in our section and I am loving it. Its bold and beautiful. We painted for 3 hours and still didn't get the entire first coat on. Mama helped us tonight by cleaning my kitchen cabinets out - bless her! I can deal with paint but not icky stuff and there is lots of icky stuff.

13) Wednesday May 12th - We worked some more on the spare bedroom - still don't have the entire first coat down, but it is close. I'm still loving the color!

So 13 days to paint 6.75 rooms! Wow, at that pace we are in trouble... Ah well, guess we will be painting with furniture in the house. Nothing to stress over - I'm determined to enjoy this house and it's changing character. So far the colors we choose are bold and awesome. Its a unique house and it will have a unique style - OURS.

Our Life Continues

Things are trucking along down here in Augusta. Jack is enjoying his new position. I've also accepted a position down here and I like it so far - it's very different from my last employer, in some ways better in others ways worse. You know me I'm a change agent so people either love or hate me - hopefully they will learn to love me. I've met some terrific people, a couple I think I could have some in common with, even a friendship. But no permanent lunch buddy or friend to vent too yet ... I miss that. Not that I ever made friends easily to begin with, I wish I had the personality that draws people in, I don't - instead I'm a social butterfly with no flowers to play with - God will provide though. He knows I need friends down here, so I am trusting him for them.

We did finally find a house here in Augusta - You can see my Facebook page for pictures, or I'll have some up on Mylerna.com after we get settled some more. It's a great house on 5+ acres of land, but it is nothing like I thought we would get. It's like a mountain chalet... It will need some work to make it mine, unlike Mableton where it was instantly me, but its going to be terrific. It meets our needs and has tons of character, I really do love it. We close on Thursday and after a much needed interior paint job we will be moving in, probably two or three weeks.

The Mableton house needs to sale, we have seen some increased activity over the past few weeks which is good + I've turned it over to the Lord. He will bring the right buyer at the right time - I know it. Just praying his timeline is the same as mine :) A friend of ours has agreed to check in on it while we are down here, until it sales. Thank the Lord for Beth, she is a God send no doubt.

And not to jump topics completely, but what is a blog except a random mesh of thoughts ... Jack is in San Antonio until tomorrow at a conference. He seems to be enjoying himself and apparently the city is AWESOME. Maybe that can be a future vaca spot :) I'm looking forward to him being home, I've had trouble hearing him on the cell phone... so it's basically felt like 3 days w/ no contact at all... which just sucks.

Mama is down here with us now, since her cable is getting moved to the new house on Thursday. I'm glad she is here... she makes the fact Jack isn't a little less noticeable. She is my best friend and I wouldn't have it any other way - she puts up with me when I'm bitchy, whiny, plain irritable and distant. I need to do something great for her on Mother's Day... I'm getting her a gift, but I need something different, something terrific, something to really say thanks. Any ideas?

And with that I will bid you good night. I know it was a jumbled jumpy mess but hey that is where I am right now and the fact you are still reading shows you are ok with it, so thanks. Love you bunches - May God shine on your tommorrows, yours truly Mylerna

Howdy Folks

Well, It's been a while since my last post and alot has changes, while at the same time moving at a snails pace. God's timing is not always our timing - just have to trust that he has the best plan for us. However, I digress ... let me tell you what has been going on in La Casa Dale.

1) The Shortleaf property I spoke of in my last post fell through. There was a contingent contract already on it and they were able to remove the contingency.

2) We've exhausted all the houses in the area currently on the market with Mother-In-Law areas and have found nothing, so we are seriously considering building. Just running numbers at the moment to see if it is feasible and I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much.

3) Jack likes his job alot; though he won't admit it.

4) I have accepted a position with a local agency that appears to be a really good and positive opportunity. My current company offered me 100% telework from Augusta, but it was with the condition that if Telework went away (which is being discussed) I would be out of a job; and this agency is very comparable in pay so I think it's the right move to make. I start on the 22nd :) My last day with Wells is on the 12th and then I have a week off in between to make the transition.

5) Mama is staying in the Mableton house for now; we have a room here in the apartment but it will be a little cramped and this way that house isn't vacant. However, if it rents or sales we will cram in here until we find a space.

So alot has been going on; most of it good. I wish that things moved a little faster and that we had a house already, but my time line is God's and I trust he knows what he is doing.

On another note we tried a new restaurant this evening: Cheddars It was pretty good, but not good enough. The wait was an hour and the prices were very reasonable. However, in my mind it ranked right up there with Applebee's and if I'm going to wait an hour for something it better be Outback quality vs. Applebees... So I probably won't go back, but I am determined to try the different restaurants down here vs. slipping back into the comfyness of my old favorites - time to live a little.

Also, speaking of restaurants Augusta has Steakout every town should have one of these. It is a gift from God! I'm telling you - they deliver steak that is GOOD for the price of Outback and you don't have to leave the house! It's great; if you have one in your town order today, you will never go back !

Further Development

Well, today was long and productive. We looked at houses from 9:50 this morning until 5:30 this evening, but we found it:

Shortleaf Court, N. Augusta SC

The house is a perfect fit with 3 acreas and Mama's area being better than what she has now + Jack has a shop and we have tons of storage. It is a great fit and we are negotiating the price now, but I'm 99.9% sure we've got it. There is one hang up with the fact the house already has a contract on it, hoewever it's got a big contingency that their house has to sale. They have 48 hours to get rid of that contingency or it's ours :) So I'm pretty sure it's ours... It really is the perfect fit and we are getting it for $257,000! I'm so excited.

No we just have to sale or lease Madison Green. Given the price we are getting we can afford to take a little less for this house (sale wise), don't want to but it at least gives us some negotiating room.

Woot - Going to bed now, it's been a long day. Pray this goes through for us please :)

Big Changes

Life is always changing, sometimes it is a pond that looks calm on the surface, sometime it's a creek that slowly meanders down hill and sometimes it's a river rushing so fast you can't begin to think you are in control. Right now our life is a river...

How fast and why you may ask?

STEP 1: I've been with my current company for three years and while it has been a tremendous learning opportunity with me being able to work on some accounts I could never have hoped to work on in a smaller agency. However, in the past year and 1/2I've been stagnet without challenge or change.. it's time to move forward; to make a change.

STEP 2: Sept 09 Jack's former company shutdown and we started TDG Solutions, Inc. with Jack doing subcontract work for various companies. His current contract is not the right fit for him... pays well but not the right fit. In the future contracts could come (lots of conversations), but nothing is guaranteed. One of the companies Jack did work for and called asking if he wanted to come work for them... the position is in Augusta and my first response was 'hell no' as was his. However, upon further discussion the position was not an IT Tech position, but rather a management position that was very appealing. It is a great opportunity for him to grow professional, it's challenging, it's for a good company and it pays well.

Combine those two items and you come to a river that we are tumbling down trying to get our footing. You know me, I like things organized and plans to be made. Yet, there is only so much I can do - > a good portion of this is a leap of faith and trusting God to guide the winds so we land where we are meant to be. So what has happened so far?

1) Jack accepted the position
2) I informed my current company of the development and hope they find me something in another division.
3) I have an interview with one company today and cold call a bunch of others just in case they don't.
4) Interview today goes really well, but I realize that I was accurate in my assumption that salaries in Augusta are NOT what they are in the ATL, but the trade off is probably worth it.
5) We found an apartment and placed a 3 mo. lease -> We move in on the 14th of Feb...
6) Tomorrow we hunt for a house in the area (I feel sorry for the real estate lady)
7) Monday we place our home on the market officially for rent / sale. If anyone knows of someone wanting to buy / rent a house let me know :) Specifications below !

There are a lot of balls in the air and I can't begin to catch them all. Life is full of choices / roads. I pray that this is correct road we are taking and that the Lord walk with us as we go and that he carry us when we need it.

We will miss our friends, but know we can stay close electronically in today's digital age. I look forward to meeting new people and exploring new roads here in Augusta - God willing we will be peaceful and happy in this little sleepy town :)


House Details:
4 Possibly 5 Bedrooms / 3.5 Bath / Formal Dining / Eat-In Kitchen / Corine Counter tops / Garbage Disposal / Dishwasher / Stainless Steal Appliances / 2 Full Kitchens / Finished Daylight basement with outside entrance - Used Currently as a Mother-In-Law Suite / Quiet Neighborhood with Sidewalks/Lights / Master Bath with Garden Tub/Free Standing Shower / Fireplace / Cable Ready / Network Cables Ran Trough Majority of House / Walk in Master Closet / Formal Living Room / Duel HVAC with seaparate controls for basement and both stories / Family Room / Study / Large Laundry Room / 2 car garage / Back Deck / Nice Landscaped Yard - Grass Cutting included in rent.

$1995 A Month = Rent
$310,000 Sale Price

2010 - Can't Wait

2010 I pray you are filled with joy and peace. That life will be fun and work will.... well get better - alot better. I pray my husband continues to prosper in his business and that he finds the perfect contract. I pray that we make new friends and grow in our relationships with the old ones. I pray that that my family and friends find a deeper more meaningful walk with God.

May the petty go away and the meaningful shine!

May God smile on you my friends, in 2010!

Getting Real

Ok, peps I'm gonna get real with you. You ready....

My husband is the greatest man ever. I know I'm biased, but I was sitting here looking at pictures, thinking about our life. The ups and downs, the good and bad and realized something... This man puts up with a lot and still is here.

Let's get real, I'm not the easiest to live with... heck I'm not the easiest person to even know sometimes. I'm opinionated (about everything), strong willed, independent, and stubborn while simultaneously being whiny, bitchy, needy and helpless. Go figure that one out...

Yet this man of my life patiently deals with my flaws all the while making me feel loved and secure. I love him with everything I have and wish it was more.

There is a thing going around on Facebook at the moment that says leave one adjective describing you... I couldn't do that for Jack, one isn't enough. But here is my attempt to describe this man, my love:

Humble
Strong of Character
Ethical
Loving
Technical
Opinionated
Kind
Brilliant
Mechanical
Detail Oriented
Through
Planner
Procrastinator
Giver
Patient with Me
Geek
Calm in the Storm
Matter of Fact
Loves to Learn
Focused
Love of My Life

And asleep at them moment, which is where I'm about to be. Goodnight Blogland.

Lester & Linda - My Friend - My Mentor

I believe that in everyone's life you can look back on one person who made a difference. One person helped define who you are. In mine their names were Lester & Linda. They were the Pastor's of the first church I ever stepped foot in; they were the people God put in my life at a time when I so desperately needed a calming force. They were God's plan; they were my light in the dark.

Even today Lester and Linda are one of my rocks. The unmovable force that I know when the crap hits the fan I can call. It’s good to know they are there; to know that no matter what there are two people in this world who love me for me. Who know the dark, who know me as well as I know myself and love me anyway.

These are two of the most faithful people I know... people God has used to touch more lives than I can count and today they need your prayers. Lester is having some intestinal issues and had to leave church today mid-service to go to the ER. This is a man that always plays hurt; so for him to leave a church service midway thru; the pain had to be ... well pray. He is home now and has to go back to the Dr., but I ask that you agree with me in prayer today that he will be healed of this. Isaiah 53:5 says that by his (Jesus) strips we are healed, I believing in Jesus name that Lester is going to be healed of this and ask that you agree with me in prayer.

It’s funny looking back at my history with Lester and Linda. I first met them when I was 11 or 12; they were in their early 20's at their first church as Sr. Pastors. It was a tiny church - that church became my second home. I remember thinking of them as the leaders, the "preacher teacher", the elders... They weren't but 7 or 8 years older than me... I wonder now how they did it. How they seemed so sure of themselves - ministering to others, guiding others. When I was 25 I couldn't guide someone out of the bathroom :) ... But seriously, they were where God needed them to be, and they were and still are fulfilling his purpose. I admire them for that - I love them for that.

Lester & Linda will always be my friends, but more than that they are a piece in the foundation that God has laid for my life. Not to mention some dynamite Spade players….

The last few months, since I've gotten back into church, they have been on my mind. This couple...these friends... these rocks. I miss them… I still use them as my guide, spiritually. I find myself going up there to church occasionally; to do a reality check. With Lester I can’t hide… Like God gave him special Lisa vision or something…

I'm trying to find my way back to where I once was in God - or rather to even a higher place in my walk with him- there are emotional hurdles I'm trying so hard to overcome; old haunts I am trying to forget. Don't get me wrong: My faith is firm: I love the Lord God with my heart, I believe his son Jesus Christ came and died for my sins so that I may spend eternity with him and I thank him for it.

However, I struggle in my daily walk. Those that don't know me won't understand and those that do know me may not understand. It’s hard to explain - just know that its heavy on my spirit; its heavy on my mind and I'm trusting God that he will fold me in his arms and help me to walk the path he has chosen for me. That he will help me to draw close to him and to trust him with everything; that I will once again know that unmistakable Joy that exist when you are walking with God; the light bounce in your step that you have when God is your constant companion.

If you’ve never known that Joy; if you’ve never asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life. I pray today that you will.

Lester Get Better soon. You are forbidden from scaring me like that ever again. :) Seriously I love you guys and am trusting God for your speedy recovery.

Grand Canyon - Day 7

Day 7 – Zion National Park - Vegas
October 9, 2009

We didn’t do as much today as planned. We are all running a little out of steam and have all seen as many rocks as we want to see for a while. We got up around 9 and ate the continental breakfast – my opinion of the hotel in Kanub still stands; the hotel rocks and so does the continental breakfast!

After eating we drove to Zion National Park...upon getting into the park we discovered that the scenic drive required us to get on the park shuttle. None of us were in the mood to deal with the shuttle, having to move our photography equipment every few minutes, carrying our snacks, etc... so we just saw what we could see in our car and headed home. It was majestic and we stopped to take several pictures along the way. I want to plan another trip to really see it. Today it wouldn’t have really been appreciated though – none of us were in the mood.

We then headed back to Vegas. We arrived and checked into the Comfort Inn... It’s nice but nothing like the one we checked out of last night and the planes flying overhead are loud. LOL, we didn’t want to stay on the Strip as we thought we would be getting into town so late that it wouldn’t matter. Ah well – at least it’s cheap and clean. Clean is all that really matters :) hee...

We walked down on the strip a bit and explored the strip a tiny bit. We only stayed for a bit though – now we back at the hotel and are going to get some sleep, going to take a week to catch up on my sleep. We fly out tomorrow at 1 pm (3 pm EST) ... can’t wait to see my kitties.

Grand Canyon - Day 6

Day 6 – Bryce Canyon
October 8, 2009

Today we drove a couple hours out of Kanub to Bryce Canyon. It was an enjoyable day – the views were unique and ever changing. The same scene would look completely differnet depending on the angle you looked at it from. We spent the entire day viewing the various vista’s of the park and really enjoyed it... We also saw several wild animals around the park.

The first animals were the deer standing outside the restaurant we ate at for lunch. There was a family of 4 with a new baby deer. He was so cute; he was still furry and his ears were just adorable; those brown eyes were just precious. It was alot of fun and I think i got some great pictures.

The second animal sighting was a Coyote standing in a field. It wasn’t a space we could pull over so I made Jack stop and let me out on the side of the road. It was hillarous, but I got some pictures of him. 400MM was still not enough; I’m sure I’ll have to postcrop to really see him but I can prove I saw a Coyote in the wild. She or He knew I was there; he kept looking back to see what I was going to do. I loved ever minute of it.

We also saw chipmunks. They were so cute with their tails as long as their bodies. Super Super Cute and quick!

The last animal today we saw was the Raven. These are truly beautiful birds who are smart as anything. They are bigger than I expected and their feathers when ruffled almost makes them look furry.

Overall it was nice enjoyable day. I really do hope the pictures turn out... One more day and then we fly home. We are having a great time, but I’m about ready to see my kitties.

Grand Canyon - Day 5

Day 5 – Grand Canyon – North Rim
October 7, 2009

Well first I want to talk about temperature. We started out in Vegas - > The temperature was in the high 80’s, then we went to the South Rim and it was in the 40’s to the 60’s. You will never guess what is next... we drove to the North Rim today. When we went into the store it was 57, while we were in the diner eating it started SNOWING, we came out and it was in the low 30’s! Craziness!

Well now to tell you about the day. We left Flagstaff this morning at 9:40 and began the 5 hour drive to the North Rim. The drive was gorgeous, rocks of various landscapes jutting up from the land. The colors were vast and varied from dull beiges, grays and reds. 5 hours is normally a hard, long drive but the scenery made it absolutely wonderful. We were driving along and got to cross over the Navajo Bridge. This is a bridge that goes over the CO River and gives us absolutely beautiful views. It was neat to see the rafters floating underneath us. I can’t begin to describe the sheer beauty of this area.

We then stopped at Jacobs Lake – Not an actual lake but a little town. We ate lunch at the diner and while we were eating it began to SNOW outside. Huge white flakes; it was so neat and pretty. There were tourist there who must have never seen snow; they were running outside and getting their picture taken standing in the snow. It was cute.

We then headed into the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This is the Canyon I expected to see when I visited the South Rim. The colors and views were breathtaking! We spent 4 or 5 hours driving the various vistas and looking at the scenery. It was the most breathtaking views... I hope the pictures turned out.

We then headed out of the Canyon toward Kanab UT. We stopped and cut the lights of the car off and looked at the stars. That far out they were breathtaking – without the city lights – you could see millions of them! It was spectacular, best light show ever.

We drove on out and into Kanab. We are staying at the Holiday Inn Express... You won’t believe it until you see the pictures, but this room is comparable to any 4 star hotel. Flat panel TV, Couch, Marble Sinks, Beautifully Decorated, Two Sitting areas... It’s amazing. Now I’m going to go to sleep in my king-size bed :) Sleep well blogland.

Grand Canyon - Day 4

Day 4 – Bottom of the Grand Canyon
October 6, 2009

I’m writing about this on the 7th as we drive...last night I was too tired. I think I was in bed by 8:45 :) Earliest I’ve been to bed in a decade, hee.

Yesterday we got an early start. We left the hotel at 7:30 am and made a stop by McDonald’s for a quick breakfast. I have learned a lesson – Waffle House does not have the worst old coffee, McDonald’s does. OMG that stuff could walk by itself – I took one sip; that was enough. The Cinamelt was great though and it was enough to sustain me for a bit...

We then drove to Williams to meet up with our Jeep Tour. We left with them at 9:00 am and drove to Seligman. Seligman is the birthplace of the Historic Route 66. Not where the road begins but where the two businessmen that petitioned Congress to make it a Historic Road were from and where the town of Radiator Springs from Cars was based on. We spent about 20 minutes here taking pictures and etc... It was neat to see; defiantly a tourist trap but neat to see.

We then headed on down to the Grand Canyon Caverns – this is a dry cavern near the Grand Canyon. The person that bought it thought he had found his retirement plan in diamonds - > what he found was Calcium Deposits that sparkled... The Cavern was really just a stopping point so they could get the jeeps ready. It wasn’t anything spectacular and it was obvious they were doing everything they could do to make a buck. But it was something to do and I can say I saw the Grand Canyon caverns.

After we finished the tour we went out and got on the Jeeps. They were bright yellow and sat 6 passengers. We sat with 3 ladies who were older and quite humorous. We then headed on to Waalpi Indian Reservation – The Indians own the only road that goes down into the Canyon and you have to pay for a permit to ride down into the Canyon – which is a reason for using a tour company; they take care of all the politics for you...

The Waalpi Indians are one of the poorest Indian Nations and it was evident from the housing we passed. Maybe it was just the section of town but it looked like government housing and most of the roads were junky... with old cars and equipment sitting in the yards. It certainly didn’t look like the best section.

After we passed through this section we got on a dirt road which would lead us into the Canyon. The ride was bumpy and exhilarating. The guide was a middle age lady who really seemed to know a lot about the area and really enjoyed her job. She stopped often to let us take pictures (she would stop anytime you asked if you wanted a particular shot). She also stopped to tell us about the different plant life and rock types that we passed; it was neat to watch the rock layers change the further we went into the Canyon. The landscape really changed too; you would expect it to be dry and lifeless, it’s the opposite. The area has natural springs that feed into the CO River and the area thrives off the water. Greenery is abundant and apparently so is the wildlife, though we really didn’t get to see too much.

It took about 2 hours and we were at the bottom of the Canyon next to the CO River. We were given our sack lunches and were told to be back at the Jeep in an hour. The three of us headed off to a secluded spot next to the River to have our picnic. It was nice to sit there and eat next to the CO River; deep in the Canyon -> an area not many people ever get to see. I put my hands in the water and washed off my face; it was cool and refreshing.

After eating I walked around a bit and snapped a few pictures. The guide showed us a Pink Rattlesnake that was curled up sleeping; it was really amazing at how well he hid among the rocks. I would have never seen him, which is just another note to how wild and dangerous the place really is.

We then got on the jeeps and headed back up the Canyon, at a much faster pace than when we came down. However we did get to stop and see wild donkeys or boroughs... one was pregnant and they came right up to our jeep to get apples. They were very skittish so you had to be quiet but it was very neat to see and feed them. You wouldn’t know they were wild if you didn’t know it... It was quite neat.

We then continued our trek to the top of the Canyon, got in the vans and headed back to Williams. About an hour and ½ drive total – long enough for a good nap.

We got back to Williams, got in the car and went to Flagstaff for a much needed shower. I had dust in places I didn’t think dust could get :) We then headed out to Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant. This is a restaurant I would highly recommend if you are ever in Flagstaff. The food was excellent, the service good and the prices reasonable. We then went back to the hotel room and simply crashed...

Grand Canyon - Day 3

Day 3 – South Rim Grand Canyon & Sunset Crater Volcano

October 5, 2009

This morning we woke up around 8:30 and began to get ready. We stepped outside and realized the temperature was not as earlier predicted by the Weather Channel – It was in the 40s, brrrr. So we bundled up with what we had, went to the store and bought coats :) LOL I needed a new coat anyway.

Afterwards we grabbed breakfast at Cracker Barrel and then headed out to continue our adventure. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon was the plan. It took us about an hour and ½ to get there. We surprisingly got in free due to Mama - she got a life time pass for all federal parks. Love it!

The Canyon itself was vast and not exactly as I suspected. I expected deep colors; the vivid reds we see in the pictures. However, what while it was vast and breathtaking it wasn’t colorful. Maybe it was how high the sun was in the sky – it could have been washing them out. Photography is all about the light. It was great though and enjoyable to drive around.

We drove down Hermit Road (special again due to Mama – most have to take a public bus or hike) and stopped several times to see the sights. It was fun to see how far we could walk out; I got a picture jumping near the edge; hopefully it turns out. We had fun ...

We then went back and grabbed lunch at the Village. We then headed down Desert View Drive toward the East entrance of the park. We saw the watchtower - the wall murals inside were amazing! We then headed out... It is funny as we were leaving and were officially out of the park I saw the Canyon I expected... must have been the light or may where we were... being further away so you can appreciate the contrast... but the colors were vivid; the reds, oranges and whites popping out! It really drew me in – unfortunately it was not very safe to stop and take pictures right there...But it was beautiful and we tried to snap a few out of the window. Hopefully some of them turn out.

We then were heading back to our hotel. I had wanted to go see Sunset Crater Volcano before going to the park, but due to our shopping spree we got a late start, so I didn’t think we would get to see it. However as we were driving back to the hotel we saw the sign and seeing as how the light was still with us we took a left to see what we could see. We didn’t make it to the actual monument due to the light fading on us, however we did get to see several of the volcano’s in the area (mountains all around us) and the black lava ... the last eruption was over 700 years ago, but the lava was still there. It was just great... a wonderful surprise to be able to see it.

Then we came back to the hotel and ordered pizza. Good food – and rest. Tomorrow is the jeep tour; we have to get up and be out of here by 7:30...

Grand Canyon Trip - End of Day 1 & Day 2

Day 1 – Las Vegas, Valley of the Fire State Park & Hoover Dam
October 3, 2009

Well, I am actually typing this on Day 2 – as we got in to late last night for me to finish the journal. However, let me just say Vegas is absolutely awesome! I have to come back for a weekend trip so we can really see it.

First we walked out of our hotel onto Fremont Street. We were waiting for the light show which happens every hour and the crowd was bad. I don’t do well in crowds and began to slightly freak – so I grabbed some alcoholic courage and knocked the edge off. After that I began to calm down and could enjoy the sights/sounds/people watching. OMG at the people – The girl in red leather chaps with nothing but black briefs under it had to be the best! But anyway – then the light show started.

They cut all the lights off on Fremont Street (that’s a lot of lights let me tell ya) and then overhead millions of lights are played to music. It is like watching 50 or 60 widescreen televisions at the same time – totally awesome. You’d have to see it.

Then we went back up int the room to drop off camera bags and make some slight changes in what we were carrying before we headed to the Strip. We didn’t get to really see it... We drove into it barely before parking at Caesar’s Palace. Caesar’s Palace is amazing! The architecture and the art work are just something to see. I can’t tell you ... We didn’t walk through all of Caesar’s Palace as it was almost 11 and we didn’t get to see the lobbies of the other buildings – but I saw enough to know I’m coming back to explore! I don’t care about the gambling – heck if I spend a $1 before I leave on gambling I’ll be surprised. However I want to see the lobbies and maybe catch a show. It is just ... well something I have to see more of!

Day 2 – Driving & Sedona
October 4, 2009

Much of today was spent driving from Las Vegas to Flagstaff AZ where we will be bunking for the next few evenings. 5 Hour drive roughly – However we did get here in time to do a few things.

We arrived in the area around 3:30 and headed down toward Sedona planning to get to Cathedral Rock before sunset. We stopped several times to take pictures of the view – the rocks out here will amaze you. They will go from this deep sunset red to a white instantly. The sheer beauty and well strangeness of it astounds me.

As I said we stopped several times - One time was to look over Oak Creek Canyon, beautiful – however the wind will blow you away. It’s in the 50’s but the wind makes it feel like 40... It’s strong and brutal. Mama didn’t make it all the way out to the overlook of the Canyon; she went back to the warmth of the car :) However it was worth seeing and taking a picture of. Though she did get to see a bit of it when we started driving again – I wouldn’t have been able to get pics though so I’m glad we stopped.

We then headed on down to Sedona – the town looks like a tourist trap and we didn’t get to stop due to the sundown timeline... Mama had decided by this point to not do the “steep trail” as the internet tells us to go to Cathedral Rock – She said she would just wait. Boy am I glad she did – this wasn’t a trail! This was mountain climbing... easy mountain climbing but mountain climbing none the less. The elevation is higher which didn’t help any... We got about ½ up and I honestly didn’t think I could finish. I stopped after and set down... my lungs were screaming at me for air and tears were streaming down my face. Why was I crying? No clue – My body’s way of dealing with the torture I was putting it under I guess. But then Jack offered to take my camera up for me and bring me back some pictures... So I was up and going again. No way was I suffering through that for nothing...

We continued up the mountain. I’m serious there were several areas where you are putting a foot in a foot hold, grabbing something and pulling yourself up – there is no way to just walk...

We finally made it...To the top between two towering mountains and the view as out of this world amazing... The red rocks against the sky – made me think of cities. This was a place to commune with God. I know why they claim Sedona is spiritual... now I don’t buy into the metaphysical hype that surrounds the town, however this few- this spot – this quiet moment was humbling. To stand before what God has made and look over it......

We stayed until the sunset; snapping pictures – resting – chatting with a lady who lives in the area and was waiting on her daughter. The daughter was also off taking pictures; she was a bit more serious about it than we were... I was just glad I survived the trek up and praying we would survive the road down...

After the sunset we decided to quickly get off the mountain before we lost the light...We got down the worst part before the light was gone, but then the light was gone! The path markers are rock... well rock on top of rock isn’t easy to see at night. We didn’t have flash lights – stupid I know – so I started using the flash on my camera to see the way... We were lost ...meandering around hoping to spot the next trail marker. After about 30 minutes of searching, calling Mama to cut on the car lights and honk the horn... we finally made it back to the trail. Oddly enough during this entire time I wasn’t scared – maybe it was knowing we had the cell or knowing we were down the majority of it, or just knowing I survived the trip up but I was fairly calm... God is working in me that is for sure – 3 years ago I would have freaked and been ill as a hornet by time I got down off that mountain.

It was fun... it was tiring... it was worth it...I was craving steak! We left there and went to Flagstaff; checked into our hotel and went for an Outback steak! All in all things went great. We are having a good time! See you tomorrow with an update from the South Rim of the Canyon.

Grand Canyon Trip - Day 1

Day 1 – Las Vegas, Valley of the Fire State Park & Hoover Dam
October 3, 2009

Well, we landed at Los Vegas this morning at around 12:40 am Pacific Time - 3:40 EST. We are all tired and grouchy. The airport was unorganized... our baggage took forever to get to the baggage claim and we had to take a bus to get to the rental car. But we got through it all and headed to the hotel.

The lights of Vegas greeted us brightly – truly this is the city that never sleeps. By time we got to the hotel it was approaching 4:30 AM EST and I was running on fumes. We valet parked, got help with our bags from the bellboy and headed up to our adjoining room with my mother. We are staying at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino and I must say it is Gold... ther e is gold everywhere. The rooms are nice though – spacious and scream pampering, hee.

We didn’t look much though – just went upstairs and crashed.

The call came at 8:30 am PST (11:30 EST)- > the bank calling me back to real life. I handled that briefly and was elated to know we have an entire day ahead of us. I was still slightly tired – but excited at the same time.

We got dressed and went down into the lobby. We decided to eat at the restaurant in the lobby vs finding something once we got the car. It wasn’t the greatest food, but it was fairly affordable and we got to people watch which is always fun. Man you should see the people out here – all kinds – in all states of dress. I mean you’ve seen it before, but well there are some characters – that is for sure.

After breakfast we picked up the car and headed out – Valley of the Fire State Park here we come. The drive from here to there wa s eye opening. Vast expanses of dirt and weeds, right up next to rock/dirt mountains with no life on them. In GA there are trees and life on every mountain, not here – just risen desert really,lol.

We drove on for a ways and then stopped at the convenience store right before heading into the park. It was a biker hangout and was ...interesting. But we were able to use the facilities and get som e water which was the main objective. We then headed on into the park. The mountian ranges and odd rock formations really are quite impressive. Like red cities rising out of the ground... caves and creavaces here and there... We explored and took pictures for two or three hours and then headed back to grab some lunch before finishing our afternoon at Hoover Dam.

The drive to Hoover Dam was exciting in that we saw a Ram on the side of the road. Sadly I had my wide angle lens on so while I took a picture it wasn’t as close as I woul d have liked - > really need two cameras so I can have both lens ready ...Yea I need a raise first :)

Hoover Dam was impressive – WOW it is huge. Unfortunatley the bridge they are building behind it took away from some of the photo ops. Between the bridge construction (the bridge will look good when finished) and all the power lines (yes I know it’s a power plant)... well it just took my good photo ops away. Hee. It was impressive to see though and I think Jack enjoyed it.

We then headed back to Vegas with a Target stop on the way – Have to get some necessaities, bottle water, SUN SCREEN, MORE SUN SCREEN and chapstick. Man the wind is brutal out here on the lips... I know sit here taking a breather; putting our feet up before we hit Vegas. I’m looking forward to the pretty lights and the lobbies... Hopefully I can handle the crowds. We shall see – More to follow soon :)