California and back in 5 days (planning)

So, very recently we went to San Clemente California for Brandon's wedding celebration. We were gonna fly like the rest of my family - but when have you ever known me to follow suit? So we went by train. Amtrak to be exact. Actually, going by train was a hard thought decision... As July got closer and closer, I kept thinking about how important it was for me to go. Maybe not so important to others as it was to my self. I never want to miss out on big family stuff. I really wanted to be with my family. I always have wished that the Rainer side of our family lived closer. Now, that I think about it, I think that I am about half way for both sides of my family (well, more so before my Sister moved as far east as she could possibly get). But I never want Brandon, Brad, Uncle Mike or Aunt Mary to look back and think that I didn't want to be there. I made it to both the boys graduations and then to Brad and Karri's wedding. I really wanted to go to Brandon's wedding. I know in my heart that they would have never thought that I didn't want to be there. - But it was important for me none the less.

So, anyway, as July got closer I decided I was really going. The last week of May (I think) my mom began making her plans, as did my Aunt Kay, Kim, and Mamaw. My mom kept asking me, "Are you going?" and I kept responding, "I want to" or "I am trying". It was hard for me to commit. Most of it was because it was going to be expensive. I had to pay for 2 of us to go. I couldn't go without Brennen. Well, I guess I could have - but I didn't want to. I really want him to be involved in all of my adventures. (Guess that's the bonding part of being a mom). Anyway, I thought he would enjoy it and so it was never really an option for him to not go. So, as my mom bought her plane tickets and made her hotel reservations I crunched numbers. I worked out scenarios, and ways to get just a little more money. In the past I have sacrificed my bill money for things I really wanted. I did not do that this time. I am quit a bit more grown now and know what my priorities are. (Plus, Amber would have killed me if I had done that).

I kept crunching numbers and I finally decided, we can not fly. There is no way I can afford two plane tickets. I did some more crunching (and if you know anything about me, you can be sure your assumptions are right - My brain was smoking from all of the crunching). I decided finally (or what I thought was final) that Brennen and I would drive. I think it was about a 13 hour drive (non-stop) of course. So, it would take us a good 15-17 hours. But, he does very well in the car; I do very well in the car; and neither one of us minds traveling. I roughly figured out the cost - (more smoke and this time that burning rubber smell accompanied it). I began to get excited. I figured we could leave on Thursday, drive all afternoon and night and then be there Friday. We could (I could) sleep a few hours and be good to go.

I got pretty excited and started planning. As the days passed, I talked it over with a few co-workers as they all asked questions about where I was going on vacation. One day Carlos asked me - why don't you just go by train? WHAT? I had never EVER thought about that. I didn't even know you could still go by train. As I gave him this very puzzled look (which he says all of my looks are puzzled) he goes - "Check Amtrak"....