Skiing is for Athletes

I'm 32 years old (wait, 33? no, 32. Idk...) and I can really only recall two "most embarrassing" moments in my life. I mean I have a horrible, terrible, no-good memory so I doubt two is an accurate number of embarrassing moments in my lifetime but it's all I can recall.

It's been about {sidenote - I just stopped to calculate my age. Yes, on a calculator. I'm not 32, or 33. I'm 31. Oh dang.} 16 years since the most vivid embarrassing moment and I still cringe when I see pictures of ski slopes/skis/snow in the form of a slope/etc.

My friend Brandon posted a picture on Facebook this week of his daughter and him skiing. Of course my first reaction was I'm so sorry. To that I had to follow-up with "I'm not a grinch. I just had a horrible experience skiing and I can't imagine that anyone actually enjoys such a chore."

So, I'm here to share this embarrassing experience with you because that's what embarrassments are for, right? To share. Yes.

I was 15 years old, give or take and I signed up for the church youth group ski trip. I had never been skiing before because I just didn't come from that kind of family. Our version of a family vacation was going to Charleston for a weekend twice a year. Heeyyyy Holiday Inn!

Fifteen year olds are just odd, aren't they? So strange. I was going on this ski trip with teenagers from my gigantic church (equals tons of teenagers on trip) and in the whole group I had no friends. Why I wanted to go on this trip, I have no idea. I still remember the uncomfortable bus ride and the awkwardness of trying to fit in glances I threw in any normal looking girls' direction, because talking to get to know someone was just weird. Keep in mind these were kids that I went to Sunday School with every week, Wednesday night youth group, and summer beach trips for years. I was just a very socially awkward teenager and didn't make friends easily. I had a lot of acquaintances, I guess.

So anyway, that's important for this story because you need to get the full picture. Awkward 15 year old me, trying to keep up with the "cool" kids and make them be my friend while going skiing for the first time. Skiing is not glamorous y'all. I envy the girls who get out there and don't look like a giant marshmallow flying down a hill. How do you do it?!! Anyway. I followed a group of girls around and eventually graduated from the kiddie slope. Yes, I did that. Moving on - I took the ski lift up (I'm a real skier now! Look out! No, really...) to the bunny slope. I was more nervous about getting OFF the ski lift than actually going down the hill but I digress.

I made it down the hill with only a few tumbles. Wait. I don't know - I don't remember that part. I just remember the good part so for the sake of the story, let's pretend it's true. After going down the slope like a good 'ol first time skier I went back up for more.

Hold up - Important detail I forgot to mention. The snow was fake. It wasn't snowing. There was a bottom layer of real snow but the majority of it was fake snow from a snow machine.

Hold released - Picture me, a little more confident this time (with going down the slope; NOT getting off the ski lift). I was at the top of the slope with other people but somehow they zoomed on down before me and got back in line for the lift. So I push off, marshmallow fluff for arms and all, and glide down that bunny slope like I own it. I'm getting close to the bottom and trying to make that dang pizza slice. WHO CAME UP WITH THAT ANYWAY??? I'm at the bottom of the slope now and hey I see my friends girls who tolerate me (G.W.T.M.) and oh crap, the freaking pizza slices crossed over each other. This isn't going to end well. I slammed into one of the G.W.T.M. Skis flew, marshmallow fluff flew, G.W.T.M. yelled some not so nice words, and there we landed smack in a huge puddle of mud. I tried to get up as fast as possible but I guess all skis didn't fly because I had one still on and you know, trying to get up with two skis on is tough, but one? Even tougher. I got up and then fell right back down again - and yep, I pulled G.W.T.M. back down with me. Her friends, yeah she had those, helped her up. The mud and I had some more bonding time and when I finally got up I didn't even stick around to see how girl who no longer tolerates me (G.W.N.L.T.M.) was doing, out of complete mortification, naturally. You think the embarrassment is over now right? Wrong.

Here I am, now this huge chocolate mud-covered (COVERED) marshmallow girl, all alone with tears streaming down my face. I still had to find the stupid ski because they are rentals and I certainly didn't have hundreds of dollars to pay for those. If I did have that kind of money I would have absolutely ditched that other ski, but alas, I'm the girl whose family vacations at the Holiday Inn. Found my ski. Took the devil-sticks off and had to parade myself through the ski lodge to the bathroom. This ski lodge was packed y'all. I'm talking every teenager in America was here. No snow but still, every youth group was at Winter Place in West Virginia. I eventually made it to the bathroom where I attempted to wipe off my mud covered jacket/bibs/face/hair all while avoiding eye contact with anyone who walked in the bathroom. Once I was somewhat less of a hazard to the janitorial staff I planted myself in a corner of the ski lodge near greasy food and there I stayed for the remainder of the trip. Oh didn't I mention, this was the first day of the 4-day trip. Money well spent, parents. You should have gotten me ski lessons when I was two like the rest of upper-class America. Who am I kidding? I have the coordination of a drunk insertclumsyanimalhere.

Well there you have it. My #1 most embarrassing moment hours. Skiing is like a four-letter word to me. I cringe when I hear it and feel sorry for you when you say it. Ooooo. That's a good analogy. Is that an analogy? Whatever. Skiing is for athletes, or people with friends who will pick you up out of the mud.

Oh and snap. I think I'm "friends" with some of those girls on Facebook now. I can't remember who I crashed into but if it was you, I do apologize. I have refrained from skiing as to never cause such tragedy to another victim. You are welcome.

Where you go, I will go.

Wow. A lot has happened since May 7th.

Two days after, I got engaged to the love of my life. Yep - Paul asked me to marry him and I couldn't be happier! Madi is excited as well and we can't wait to tell Addison.

A few days after he proposed, I was offered a job in Norfolk, VA. Talk about good timing!! I accepted and will start this coming Monday. I'm very excited about the new job and about Paul and I no longer having to do this long distance thing. It is not easy!! We will certainly not take our time together for granted after spending a year apart!

Madi is coping well with the move. She is five years old so to her it's about how she will get to spend more time with "the dogs," as she calls them (Jeff & Pam's dogs). I'm thankful that I found a job before she starts school in the fall - this way, she can start school in VA and we won't have to worry about that transition.

Everything is truly falling into place! It's amazing what a little faith and prayer can do.

I will try to blog more now that we will have many new adventures in VA!

Xoxo!

Clemson & the Woods

 

This past weekend was SO much fun!

 

I took the day off of work on Friday, so I drove up to Virginia Thursday night after work. Let me just tell you – I’m surprised I’m alive today. That drive SUCKED. Like major. It rained the entire trip, but not like pouring rain, more like annoying drizzling rain. The traffic was pretty bad too.

Friday morning Paul had to work so I slept in. We really didn’t do much at all until that evening. We went to a local restaurant for appetizers and then went to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the Clemson vs. Ohio State game. Clemson won of course!!

 

We left at halftime though since we had to be up the next morning at THREE AM. I am not made for that mess. J But it was well worth it. Paul has been asking me to go hunting with him so I went, on the last day of the season. It was actually really fun and I will definitely go with him again!

 

I planned on giving you all the play by play but I don’t feel like typing all that. Quick highlights - it was 17*, I had to pee once we got in the woods, they were real woods. 

Search hashtag PBHunt2014 on twitter & Instagram to read some pretty entertaining stuff. Also try p&bhunt2014 because I used that before realizing the & removes the hashtag. L really though… my tweets are awesome.

 

Needless to say after the hunt we just slept, got up for dinner, and slept some more. Then that morning my sweet boyfriend took me to breakfast before I had to hit the road. It was really a wonderful weekend! We always have fun together and this time was no different. We laugh more than I’ve ever laughed with anyone. And mushiness over! :)

OH and duh – he got a deer! I bring him good luck.

Trip to Lake Gaston

In my last post I mentioned Justin & Madi weren't feeling well. Luckily they just needed a good night's sleep. Friday morning they woke up feeling much better so we packed up the car and headed to Virginia to stay at Lake Gaston for the weekend with The Smiths!

Lindsey invited us to come stay with them at their family lake house. I am so glad we went. We had the best time!!! Friday afternoon/evening when we got there the girls played in the sprinkler, we had pizza for dinner, and then all went on the boat. The girls, Justin, and Michael swam in the lake and Linds and I laughed at how cold they all were. :)

Madison's first boat ride. Love McK's smile!

After the girls went to bed, the adults played Apples to Apples. It was my first time playing and I absolutely love that game! We had lots of laughs with it that's for sure!

Saturday we woke up bright and early. The girls and Justin went swimming off the dock for a bit and then we went back out on the boat to go tubing! Big Bertha (the tube) was a hit! Madi really wanted to go. I, of course, was a nervous wreck so just took her the first time. She absolutely loved it. I went with her once after that because she really wanted to go again! McKayla completely mastered the tube. It was so fun watching her bounce around. I can't believe she didn't fly out! 

Madi, Justin, & McKayla

Madi "swimming" for the first time. She was trying really hard! 

Justin & Madi on Big Bertha

Saturday afternoon we lounged around, ate a bunch of junk, and played some games. That evening we celebrated Michael's birthday with some amazing local cupcakes that Lindsey bought for him. YUM. Lindsey also made us a delicious dinner and we all just enjoyed the beautiful view! 

Madi crashed early that evening. Someone played too hard!

Sunday morning we had to leave early so we could get home in time to rest for the work day on Monday. We were SO sad to leave. Justin & Michael hit it off great, Lindsey and I needed more time to chat, and McK and Madi were just so so so sad it was cute!! We can't wait to hang out with them again!

Sad to say good bye.

But they are so happy to have each other!

It was one of the best weekends we've ever had! So so thankful for good friends! 

Virginia is for best friends!

This past weekend was one of the best weekends I've ever had! Friday morning Madi and I hit the road for Virginia to visit Lindsey and her family. Lindsey and I had a blast together last summer at the NKOTBSB concert and have been best friends ever since!

Friday, Madi & I took our time getting there since it was about a 5.5 hour trip. I have always wanted to stop at South of the Border but Justin never would soooo we totally stopped. ;) It was just what you'd imagine - a dirty tourist trap but Madi loved it.

Oh and remember how I said I was nervous about how M would do in the car that long? She was sooooo good!! Thanks to electronics galore we had NO tantrums on the way there! 

When we arrived M was shy for about 10 minutes and then completely opened up. I have seriously never seen her so comfortable around new people before. She and McKayla warmed up to each other very quickly! 

Madi & McK with their dogs and blankets.

Friday afternoon the girls played in the backyard and Lauren, Lindsey's sister, came over. I was so excited to meet her! (I love her blog too btw, go read it!) She is super sweet and we have a lot in common - like hating to shop for shoes!! 

That night we had pizza and then took the girls to the Moonbounce. They ran around until they were completely exhausted and then we all went to bed early after such a long and fun day!

Saturday we got up bright & early { thanks girls! ;) }. Lindsey made us eggs and pancakes, the girls played a bit while L & I caught up, Madi had her first splinter and let super mama Lindsey take it out with only a few tears shed, and then we went out to see the town! We went to the park, to see the old train, & to the Doll & Train Museum.

Madi giving Lindsey some flowers. She just LOVES her! <3

The girls going down the bumpy slide!

The other girls going down the slide. 

This is so my favorite picture from the weekend!

Madi loved the train museum!

Saturday afternoon we had a tea party for the girls and their dolls. Great idea Lindsey! Madi and McKayla put on their favorite dresses and had "tea and crumpets". ;) 

The princesses and their dolls at tea

This cracks me up.

Later we went to see The Lorax. Lindsey, McKayla, & I enjoyed it! Madi slept the whole time. Ha! She was worn out! Later Lindsey's husband took us to dinner at Applebee's. Then the girls went home and had a dance party! Lauren and her husband stopped by and hung out for a while too!

Best Friends! 

The world's best dancers!

Madi & Lindsey! This picture makes me so happy!!

Sadly, we said goodbye on Sunday. We had so much fun and can't wait to see Lindsey, McK, and Michael again - hopefully next time Justin will be healed and can join us!

I really must say that I couldn't ask for a better friendship! Lindsey and I met through blogging and I am SO glad I sent that email asking her about her "no-wedding dress wedding" (like mine). 

Lindsey, thank you so much for letting us stay with y'all and for being so incredibly sweet! Can't wait for next time!