Nascar Race: Memphis

Saturday night, my brother and I had pit passes to the truck series race in Memphis (Thanks again Amanda!). We had a great time! It was loud...but really cool. I love it when the trucks come in to the pit for new tires/gas...everything happens so fast! We were exhausted at the end, but it was an experience I will never forget. Jason got to catch the tires...he is still pretty pumped about that!

Buying my First Car: Part II

Thursday night I bought my first car...a 2008 Crimson 4Runner. I did not think I would be able to buy my "dream car" this time, but I got a better deal on this than on the CRV at Honda, so I knew I could not pass it up!

Thanks, Amanda!

Thanks for the pit passes! We had so much fun last night at the race!! I am glad I got to see you in action, too! Thanks again!

Buying my First Car: Part I

We started car shopping several weeks ago. This Tuesday, I cleaned out my Jimmy, and we headed to Honda here in town to buy a CRV. I left in tears...not because I didn't buy one (it was not my first choice), but because of the way we were treated while we were there. Basically they will not tell you how much you are paying for the car but your monthly payments instead. When they said 579 a month, I knew something was up. A couple hours later...still no deal, so I walked out. (This is the short version of the story!) We had done our research and the payments should not have been that high...we came home and looked over some things. Basically they were asking more than the sticker price. I was not going back there for sure! Another Honda dealership (in Memphis) said they have sold over 200 cars to people from here this year...we now know why. Wednesday, dad decided it would be best not to go back there as well. We went to Toyota just to see what they had because really the 4-Runner (my dream car) and the Highlander would be too much for me to pay right now. My experience there that night was completely different and so much better. We were treated with respect. He worked the numbers a few times to see what the best options would be for me. Well, Thursday we went back to buy my first car...
Part II coming soon!

Goodbye Jimmy!

Thursday I drove my 1997 Jimmy for the last time. I still remember the day my parents surprised me with my first car...8 years ago. I was at volleyball practice and was waiting for my parents to come get me. We just happened to get finished early, and they did not have the cell phone with them(yes, this was before cell phones were a must have when out of the house). I called several times to see where they were. Then I see this white Jimmy pulling up with my parents in it. I thought they were test driving for my mom or something, but then they said it was for me! I was really excited, but I also remember that I thought they might be joking...who knows why? haha! While the Jimmy spent a few nights in the shop over the last 8 years, overall it was a great first car. I have so many great memories and not so great memories...like when it died in Nashville, and I had no idea where anything was or who to call or how to get it to a shop to be fixed and ended up at a Catholic school in tears because I was late to fieldwork and would have to make up the time. I am sure the sweet nuns thought I was crazy! haha! It was totally a God thing that I ended up at the school because the secretary's husband worked at a shop down the road. Another time the accelerator cable broke in West Memphis...one lane...construction zone...was almost hit by several semi-trucks blaring their horns at me. I just barely made it to Union before classes were to start that semester as we waited in Marion for the part to arrive. Some good memories include traveling home to Arkansas with friends from Union freshman year and traveling with friends to the beach that year as well. When I think about my first car, I think about people who have been with me and where we have gone...even the kiddos I kept in the summers!
So, Thursday night the Jimmy was traded in, and I bought my first car! What did I get? You will have to wait and see! :)

Post coming soon all about my first car buying experience! I know my 2 readers can hardly wait for the next post...haha!

After volleyball practice with my first car!

Bake Sale

We had a bake sale at work on Friday for a co-worker. These are the yummy cookies I made...until 11:30pm on Thursday night...well worth it though!

Olympic Trials

The Olympic Trials for Gymnastics come on in just a few minutes, and I am so excited! I have been counting down the days for this!

I have not accomplished anything on my list of things to do today...there is always tomorrow after church or maybe later tonight.

New Links

I added new links today! I can't wait to receive my first purchase from Maggie Moo's Mom for future little owl babies!!

Dancing the Night Away

More pictures from the wedding.

Dad being goofy during "Sweet Home Alabama."

Tara, Taylor (Tara's sister), Jessica (cousin), and Justin (cousin)

A little video of the dancing fun! They played this song 2x...this is the 2nd time.

Atlanta Wedding

Pictures from my cousin's wedding last Saturday! We had a great weekend with family!

At the hotel before leaving for the wedding!

Granddaddy

Tara and Justin (cousin)

Family pic with Jason's eyes closed.

A Weekend in Atlanta

I am in Atlanta with my family for a wedding. My cousin (on my mom's side) is getting married tonight!! Last night was the rehearsal dinner which was so good...the key lime pie was delightful!!
Today we got to spend time with my dad's side of the family and see the new house my cousin (Lesley) and her family are building. I can't wait to see it when it is finished!!
Here are some pictures of our time with them during lunch.

Lesley and Ali (cousins)

Mom and Jessica

Granddaddy and me

Jessica and Jason

Ali with Uncle Jerry

"It's Worth the Drive"

Today I went with my parents to Henco Furniture for the first time. It was really fun! We experienced it all from being greeted at the door by the owner (who talks to people like he is in one of the commercials...so fun!) to walking through the "town" to eating at the Whistle Stop Cafe. We even had one of their fresh baked cookies that they talk about on their commercials and just like they say, "it is worth the drive!" My parents bought a new couch and chair that I will happily buy from them in a year if they decide they don't like it...very comfy and cozy I might add. Dad and I picked it out!
After furniture shopping we went car shopping. I don't really care for car shopping especially when it is hot and when gas prices are ridiculously high now. I need something since mine is a '97, but I am not in a big hurry. We tried a new CR-V and a used Highlander today. I am sure we will try some others before I make this big purchase.

Oh, I survived my first week in the real world!

Ready or Not

Today is my first day in the "real world" with my first real job!