BB Part 2

Sorry, the anticipation was just to much!  I had to cut and run.  I can't stand it.  As I wrote, I felt myself holding my breath.  It is probably just because I am way too dramatic of a person and in my head things are 10 times more dramatic than in real life.  Now, back to the story!

I reached my hand in the bowl (well, really it was a plastic Minnesota Vikings Mug) and felt the papers at the tip of my fingers.  I held my breath and pulled out one paper, leaving only one in the mug.  I went to open it but first drew in my breath even deeper.  Then slowly unfolded the paper to read......

                                                      

Hee Hee.  So, guess what I did for the next almost 3 months!  I watched basketball.  If you don't know anything about Basketball, you might not know that the finals last FOR EVER!!!!!  Each bracket has the potential for 7 games.  Whoever wins the best out of 7 goes to the next bracket and the losing team is eliminated.  (so, if a team "sweeps" the score with be 4 to 0 and they won't play the remaining games - you get the point).

So anyway, that is what I have been doing in all of my spare time.  I think I only missed 2 games that the Warriors played -

In the end - the Warriors were declared the NBA Finals Champions.  They beat the Cleveland Cavaliers.  From the very beginning of the tournament, I said, Golden State is going to take it in Game 6.  Every one disagreed.  They thought that all 7 games would be played.  I kept saying it and I kept getting shut down.  Well, guess what - Golden State took it in Game 6.  AWESOME.  It would have been Awesome just to say that my team won!  This is the first time they won in 40 years.  They even had the NBA regular season MVP on their team - and then they got the FINALS MVP title as well as the CHAMPIONSHIP.  That makes it extra special - but you know what tops that off?

That I WON $210!!!!

So, I guess that will buy Tablecloths for the Wedding.  NICE!

Thanks for listening to me ramble.  But Sister, this is why I couldn't blog!  I was watching BasketBall~  Ha!

Me and Basket Ball

I want to start off this post by just saying:

                                                         
It is very true!  I am a Dallas Cowboy fan from birth!  And always will be.  I never really have watched any other sports besides football.  I am not an avid fan that HAS to watch every time football is on.  I do watch every time the COWBOYS play - but other games I can give or take.  Although, in the last few years, I love to watch them all.  But there will be more on this subject as the summer comes to a close because there are only 69 days till FOOTBALL SEASON 2015 starts.

So, will all of that said, I want to say one more thing before I begin this post about Basket Ball:

Last March I really watched BB for the first time.  My work does a buy in for the NCAA March Madness Tournament.  It is a $20 buy in, and then you draw teams.  So, no, you don't get to cheer on your FAVORITE team - you get to cheer on the team that you randomly draw.  Now, sometimes this is good and sometimes this is bad.  Last year, it really wasn't good for me, but since I wasn't a BB fan, I didn't really care, it just seemed like it was going to be fun.  

This year, I drew Notre Dame.

Notre Dame ended up making it to the Elite 8 and then lost on March 28 to the University of Kentucky by 2 stinkin' points.  Last year, when I watched, I didn't really embrace the game because I didn't know anything about it.  This year I decided I would learn about BB.  Why not, right?  How did I learn about it?  Well, I started watching the games with people.  I have decided, anytime there is a competitive sport on and people to watch with, it is a good time.  I figured out I knew more about BB then I thought I did.  I had learned the very fundamentals in Elementary School.  It is amazing how much you retain without even thinking about it.  But I began to learn the technical stuff.  The stuff like how many time outs each team gets; about foul shots, and some of the calls the refs made.  You know - sports stuff.  Anyway, I had 3 great teachers.  My 2 bosses and then Carlos.  So, I asked questions and they taught me.  

Several times while we watched these games (they lasted the whole month of March) we would catch a few NBA games.  One team that took our interest (I later learned it took almost the whole nation's interest) was the Golden State Warriors.  We would watch part of their games, talk about them, and discuss different news and things of interest we had heard about them.  

So, I lost my $20.  It was fine.  It was worth it just to hang out and enjoy the games.  But then, April 16th, Carlos asked me if I wanted in on the NBA Finals.  Last year I had declined - but this year, I had learned so much.  It works the same way, we draw the teams.  So, I agreed.  During the drawing, everyone talked about who they wanted to draw.  On the whole, I think that the San Antonio Spurs are the most fan based team in our company.  But, after they were picked, everyone wanted to pick Golden State.  Remember? - I told you they had sparked our interest earlier in the season...  Let me give you a little back ground:  We draw #s first to see what order we are going to draw teams.  Well, guess what # I picked - (I think it was - ) # 14 (out of 16)!  Can you believe that!?!?!?  Well, this entire time, I just sat with anticipation.  Each person that drew, eliminated one team from the pot.  And with each pass of the bowl, Golden State remained in.  

Is the anticipation killing you yet? - Well, we got down to the last 3 to draw.  Me, Steve, and Carlos.  So, I don't remember for sure if I was 14 or 15 but you know - we were all on edge!  The tension broke a little when Steve went to draw and jokingly said, "With my luck, I bet I draw the Pelicans".  The Pelicans were ranked # 8 out of 8 in the West.  And guess what!  He drew the Pelicans.  He was pretty irritated.  So, that left only the Washington Wizards and the Golden State Warriors.  It also only left Carlos and I left to draw.  

Drum Roll Please...........

I reached my hand in the bowl (well, really it was a plastic Minnesota Vikings Mug) and felt the papers at the tip of my fingers.  I held my breathe and pulled out one paper, leaving only one in the mug.  I went to open it but first drew in my breath even deeper.  Then slowly unfolded the paper to read......

All things May

I have been so stinkin' busy lately.  So, please forgive me for what might turn out to be a random piece of blurbs.

During the first week of May we celebrated Gladys being cancer free for 8 years.  This is such a celebration each year.  It really is a big deal and we really show it.  It is also a very emotional day for her, so Amber, the kids, and I always try to bring some comic relief into it.  I think she ended up with 2 cakes, lots of laughs, and lots of hugs.

On May 9th, I got to go on a "date" with Amber.  That was pretty cool.  We went to Farley's where a live band was playing.  We found ourselves picking out stuff online for the wedding such as plates, and silverware while we listened to the band.  It was fun.  I love it when we get to just hang out, without any real agendas or responsibilities.  So, here are a few pictures from that night.

Just messing around

Just Us

             

Dorky Smiles

Of course, I can't leave out Mother's Day!!!!  I got to take my mom to the movies.  She got to pick the movie and we all enjoyed it.  Even Scotty, tagged along.  It was quite enjoyable.

During the middle of May, I ended up in Albuquerque with my boss.  She had me accompany her to an ADDCP meeting.  This a meeting of an organization of Executive Directors of programs like ours across the state.  They do a lot of politically related stuff and then a lot of work on the Developmental Disability Movement and different things.  It was really pretty interesting to see them and kinda understand what they do.  This was a two day meeting.  We got to stay at the Route 66 Hotel and Casino.  So, after the meeting on the first day, we had dinner at Outback, and then hit the Casino and watched the Basket Ball game at an Irish Bar there.  (More about Basket ball in a little bit).  So, I was glad I got to go on this little trip.  I think that there are big things lining up for me in the future of this organization so I am being like a sponge and soaking it all up.

On May 15th and 16th, I got to spend some time with my family that I don't get to spend a lot of time with.  My Aunt Kathy and Uncle Tom were down.  So, this meant I got to see Mimi, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Tom, Lisa, Rod, Court, Andrew, & Nali, Kaitlin, Hector, and Harleigh, Taunya, Ken, Aubrey, Riley.....the whole gang.  It was an exciting weekend because Aubrey had just won the state championship for Softball and was graduating.  But, not only was she graduating, so was Kaitlin!  So, it was a fun time.  I didn't get a lot of pictures taken but here are a few!

  Pictured above is:  Aunt Kathy and Kaitlin; Lisa and Harleigh (Kaitlin's baby); Ken and Taunya; Andrew and Courtney; and Uncle Tom holding Annaliese "Nali" (Courtney's baby) for the first time.  

We had a great time hanging out at the hotel; eating lunch at Margarita's; eating at Big D's Diner; and then eventually having a Bon fire out at Taunya's to celebrate the graduations. It was really great to get to hang out with my family. They r always so much fun. I wish they were just a tad bit closer!

On May 18th, I woke to Amber bringing me some garden roses.  It was a great beginning to my day.  

Super Sweet!

During that same weekend, the kids were all home.  Here are just some random pictures that we took while hanging out one afternoon.  

I am pretty sure they were cheering
Liah, Kili, Zeta

Nakomus, just resting

I love this picture of Amber and Kyli

A little dark but still sweet
Zeta, Nakomus, Liah, Kyli

Kyli and Brennen getting ready for take off

I had the great privilege to take Brennen to his first scary movie in a theater.  He wanted to see the new Poltergeist movie.   Amber got to go with us.  During the movie Brennen and Amber kept making jokes (I am positive it was to relieve the tension - which is the thing I love best about a scary movie!) After the movie , we all played in the arcade at the theater.  And I am so very proud to announce that I am STILL the reigning CHAMPION of AIR HOCKEY!    

On May 26th I got to go to Albuquerque again. This time I went to train at the Regional Conference for THERAP.  That was pretty awesome. I got to teach about 4 classes a day for 3 days. We hung out and watched more basket ball (which eventually will get it's own post). I got to go with some of my favorite people from work so you know we had a great time!  

Are you tired of reading yet?  Well, this next blurb brings us to the 29th, so we are almost through.  Hang in just a tad longer.  

After returning from Albuquerque, we celebrated Gladys's Birthday.  Amber made Mama a homemade cake.  It was so yummy.  Here she is serving it to all of these hungry kiddos.  There was a house full.  Even her sister's came to celebrate with her.  

                                                 

This was one of my favorite pictures from the day.  Nakomus's brother Zyler was messing with her.  See the lizard on her head?  That expression just cracks me up!

                                               

So, in conclusion I was not lying when I said, May is one of my busiest months.  It was plum crazy!

                                                              

So, I leave you with one of my selfies from the end of May.  

Not too Late!

I am trying hard not to go to long between blogs.  It seems though, that  a lot has happened since I blogged last.  Please forgive because I should have tons of pictures but I don't have any!

On May 7, we got to celebrate with Gladys

My SISTER is saying that I have to make a post or she will delete me.  So, I started this in May and so here is all I have.

After April comes May

If you look, you will see that I only posted the beginning of my last post.  So, I am going to put more effort into this new post and finish it (instead of starring at the old one and trying to recapture it).

It has been very busy around here over the last few weeks.  We ended April by attending Brennen's High School Play.  They chose to do "The Suessification of Romeo and Juliet". 
The first night, the kids were nervous and didn't speak very clearly or slowly.  I attended with Scotty and my mom that night.  Scotty didn't really catch any of it.  Both my mom and I caught some of it.  But there were still some parts that were not clear.  Brennen played a "Prince" and then also played "Paris" (the boy Juliet was betrothed to before Romeo).  He did very well and the play was pretty comical.  The second night the kids could be understood a lot better and they were more relaxed.  The play was definitely better the second night.  They seemed to have a lot of fun.  Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure:

This is the cover to their program

Brennen as Paris - proving to Lord Capitulate how worthy he is (to marry Juliet)

Brennen as the Prince who is more interested in eating Bologna than about the dead rivals

The whole cast - guess I shoulda used the panoramic view.

 I enjoyed it.  Afterwards, Brennen joined the rest of the cast at IHop for a celebration.  I questioned him as to why they didn't make a set or at least paint a background.  All he said was that they budget didn't have enough money.  I think I may need to volunteer with the group make a set - REALLY!?!?!

So, with the end of the play, brought our month of May.  May is an extremely busy month for me personally.  I will try VERY HARD to keep you guys updated as it goes along.

April's Dissemination

Deciding on a title for this blog was a laborious process.  I am trying to expand my vocabulary, because it really helps with my report writing (and considering that my new partner at work is an English Major - I can't let him show me up!  Ha Ha).  So, I wanted my title to be different than the normal stuff we are used to seeing.  So, I found the word Dissemination, which simply means announcement, publication, communication, etc...  There is so much going on and yet nothing really all mixed up in my world right now.  I know that it is hard to keep followers if I don't actually post stuff - So, here is my post.  I really try to commit to at least 2 a month, but I would love to get to the point where I can do 1 a week (my sister would probably love that too).

So, I guess since I posted last we have had Spring Break, Easter, and a mess of work related stuff.

After this blog has been sitting here for at least a week and a half and I haven't touched it.  I am just going to publish it to prove to both my sister and mom that I did start it.  I have completely lost my train of thought on it and can't continue it any more.  So, here is this one and I have started another one.

To Be - Or - Not To Be.....Or Maybe Just Ramblings

"To Be or Not To Be" that is the question.  I am faced with some real self reflection this week.  I don't always like to self reflect.  I really try hard not to do it unless it is for a very positive reason.  This feels like a positive reason, but it has not completed the solid formation in which I will finally decide if it is positive or not.  

Because of my history and the problems that have been presented in that past, I try to make big decisions cautiously.  I hate making decisions.  If I ever have to weigh out something and decide something, it is the hardest thing.  If I make split decisions, I usually wind up in a world of trouble.  So, do I weigh it out and then decide; do I make a decision based purely on emotions; do I make a decision on what other's perceptions of my abilities are; or based on the limitations I put on myself.  

A very wise person said one time - if you are always striving for the next best thing you will not be happy with the now.  Don't ask me who said it - (remember?  This is a rambling post).  

Another very wise person (I am pretty sure) said to always reach for the stars and embrace opportunities laid before you.

Several of the wisest people I know would say, "Just pray about it".  My problem with that is that my guilt for not praying daily kills any sense of understanding God would give me.  I absolutely hate to pray only when "I need something"  that seems so insensitive and selfish.  So, since I don't pray alot for daily thanks or praise, or the small stuff, or to better my relationship with God, I try not to pray when these other things come up either.  I don't know, I am sure my thinking on all of this is probably pretty wrong and if my Mamaw or my Sister ever wanted to knock me upside my head, I would let them.  Don't get me wrong, I do pray for other people, I pray for other people a lot.  I do give thanks and I do praise God in prayer - but I don't let him lead my small decisions so why would I be so selfish to lay my burdens on him as well?  Does that make sense?  

Anyway, so I have a decision to make (in case you didn't get that).  It is pretty big.  The outcome may not change alot presently, but in the scheme of things maybe.  

Can I do it?  Probably.  Would it be a new challenge? Yes.  Would I have to learn how?  Yes.  Am I happy where I am? Yes.  Am I still learning this task presently at hand?  Yes.  What are the risks of staying?  What are the risks of going?  

Let's take a look at how I process decisions.  Everything about a VIRGO says: 
Virgos are said to be the most analytical and organized members of the zodiac. Their perfection-oriented worldview makes them extremely efficient and diligent workers. However, Virgo's unwavering attention to detail also paves the way for a multitude of character deficiencies, including a hypercritical nature. However, you can always trust the sturdy Virgo to get the job done, and done correctly.

Virgos are also independent. They know how to get things done for themselves, but they may also have a tendency to be too introspective and might find it difficult to motivate themselves. A Virgo often needs someone who will encourage him not be so critical of himself and to motivate him to achieve.

Some people might think that Virgos are indecisive or slow to make a decision. In fact, the Virgo is just taking his time to weigh all the facts before he decides what he is going to do. Virgos are very good at problem-solving because they like to separate all the elements of an issue, think about each one individually, and then slowly put them back together again to determine what they all mean. The rational thinking of a Virgo often frustrates other people.

Although Virgos are intelligent but at the same time they remain confused about the decision making chores of daily life. 

As I told my friend that I was writing (well, more like rambling) a blog about making a decision and some of the stuff I was writing, they mentioned that they do the same thing.  They use writing as a way of therapy - or a way of just sorting it all out and processing it.  I feel like this is what this post is about.  

But please don't get me wrong I am totally up to your feedback.  Should I Be or Not Be?  I know it would probably help if you knew the details of the question but because this is a public blog, I can not at this time.  I will eventually, but not for now.  

So, I guess in conclusion - thanks for letting me ramble.  What do you think I SHOULD DO?  

Just to Catch Up

I got to thinking about it and it has been over (not much) 2 weeks since I last blogged.  I can't really keep expecting people to follow me if I don't blog right?

Well, truth be told - it has been a little busy and a lot boring in my corner of the universe.  I have been working kinda weird hours lately.  Like, take today for example.  I didn't come in until 1pm but worked until just a few minutes ago (10:15pm).  I like that my job allows me to do that.  I told my boss a week or two ago, "I work best from 7pm - 11pm".  Then I suggested moving my hours from 1pm - 10pm.  She said - "ok.  Whatever you want to do".  I have a lot of meetings so that is not entirely possible. - but I do like that we are that kind of company that allows flexibility.  I am very blessed to work where I do.  It has been a good experience thus far.  (I am now knocking on wood!)
So, two weeks ago, I got a new office.  It is tons bigger and my desk is AWESOME.  Let's take a look:

Here is a look into my office from the hallway

 It looks pretty put together because the wall by my window has my bulletin board and my "To Do" board on it.  But when you come into the office and see the wall you can't see, there is just a chair on it and two filing cabinets - boring.  So, I am hoping when Jaxen comes to visit - he can help decorate.

Here is my really AWESOME desk.

One thing I love about this desk is it's cubby holes.  Before, everything in those cubby holes was just in piles on my desk.  It made keeping organized a little difficult.  But now, I have a cubby for all of my piles.
The other thing I love about this desk is that it has 3 sides of work space.  It really allows me to spread out when I am researching stuff.  Before, I just had to flip and flip and hold a paper in each finger, like an octopus.  Now, I can lay them side by side and compare and mark and sort.  It is very good.
As you can see in the picture (well, maybe if you make it a little bigger) a there is a place for all the things I need to get me through my work week.
1. a candy jar
2. picture of my son and his corny smile
3. a picture of my 2nd favorite boy in the world
4. a love note
5. and my Dallas cup filled with Sweet Tea

Here is me at work on last Thursday.

Just in case you are wondering - No I do not just take pictures of myself all day.  I just happened to like that necklace and shirt and took one last week.  But I thought that since my sister is always posting selfies with Jaxen, I would post one too.  Too bad Brennen will not take any with me - EVER!  It's a teenage thing!

On another note, since the last time I wrote, we celebrated Zeta and William's Birthdays.  Here is a few pictures:

Here is William sporting a Birthday Crown.  

  Here is Zeta with her Birthday Hat.

  And then here is me and Zeta.  I can't believe she is 10 already!

Other than that, it has been kinda quiet.  I enjoyed spending the afternoon with my Mom and Scotty on Saturday.  On Sunday, we did some family errands after a family breakfast.  I had a good time around town with Brennen, Amber, Mama (Gladys), and Ronald.  I fought a headache for most of the day but the time I got to spend with my family was precious to me.  

After that, on Monday I had an excruciating migraine.  That lasted until Tuesday.  I continue to fight being sick - but seem to be keeping it at bay pretty good this week.  

I can't wait until next week when my Sister and Family will be coming!  I am super excited.  Hope everyone has a great rest of the week - It is almost over.  

Our Jouney Home

After our little adventure on Thursday night, we all just sat and talked for a while about what we should have done differently and then just talked in general - you know, "Girl Talk".  So, of course like every other night this week, we went to bed late.

Luckily for us there is a checkout time of 12:00pm.  We didn't have to be at the airport until about 3:30pm.  We went to bed without setting an alarm and at 10:00am Carlos woke us and asked about going to the mall (I guess they had planned it last night sometime).  So, we all got up and got ready to leave.

The mall was in the "5 mile radius" from the hotel.  So, we checked out of our rooms and then checked in our luggage with the concierge.  They held on to our luggage and then even gave us the shuttle to the mall.  We went and everyone bought things to take home.  That's where I got Brennen's "Atlanta Gift".  I found him a cap with the Broncos on it.  (I know that gifts from places that you go should be about places that you go - but he doesn't really care about Atlanta and I knew he would love the Broncos cap!!!  So, I hoped that just knowing it came from Atlanta would be good enough for him,).  Then I "people watched" while everyone else did big shopping.  Bill was the first done with his shopping after me so he and I went to the cheesecake factory and had a piece of cheesecake.  He got plain (boring) and I got Key Lime.  It was marvelous.  Just as I finished my last bite, the others started coming in.

We caught the shuttle back to the hotel and picked up our luggage.  Then the shuttle took us to the MARTA!!!  We rode the train for a while and then had to change trains.  We got off the first and the second one, came within minutes.  As I saw it approaching I stated "Man, we are on Point Today - Everything is working out".  I looked for wood and since there was none available, I knocked on Carlos' head.  We loaded the train and then guess what !!!!!!  - (a little reminder that this is why my blog is titled "ONLY TO JESS").  The train didn't move.  After sitting there for a few minutes the conductor came through stated that one of the doors wasn't closing and she needed to do a maintenance check on them.  She did checks on all of the doors on all of the cars.  Then she announced - Everyone Off.  They would send a different train to pick us up.  This one is shutting down.  (I don't even need to ask - but who do you think everyone blamed? Yup!  Me!).  We groaned and got off.  Just a minute or two went by and the other train came.  We rode it about an hour and ended up at the airport.

I checked the times and we were still GREAT on time.  So, what did my very oblivious self say to the group!  "HEY!  We are still GOOD!"  and I thought I was going to get hit with 4 very large suit cases.  I found some wood and knocked on it.  We went through the crazy airport and got all checked in and our luggage checked in.  We went through security.   Then we found our gate.  It was only about 5 down from security, so that was good.  But then we still hadn't eaten and had some time to kill.  So, we went looking for a restaurant.  We didn't see any by security - so we kept walking on.  We walked quite a while and then came across the map thing.  You guessed it - the restaurants were on the OTHER side of security.  So, we turned around.  As we passed our gate I contemplated just posting up there and waiting.  But then I remember about our adventure coming and decided I needed to eat.  So, I kept walking with my friends.  Just so happens that at the security point, there is double doors and then the other hallways.   Yup!  About a mile down, is TGIFriday!  We went in and ate a great lunch.

After lunch we walked slowly to our gate and then it was time for boarding.  We got on the plane and the rest of our day was just as smooth.  We landed in Dallas right on time and had about 1 hour and 15 minutes until our flight.  We casually walked to the train that took us to our side of the airport.  Then we found our gates and then they changed gates and we found that one too.  We then hit the snack stand and restroom.  We posted up to charge our phones and wait.

As we were waiting I "remembered" that I had handed Carlos the keys to my car back in Roswell 5 days earlier.  (He had a carry on bag and I did not.  Instead of the keys poking my leg in the airplane seats, I asked if he would just throw them in his carry on.)  So, I thought now would be a good time to ask for them since we were just waiting.  He stated he didn't have them.  I remembered back to when I was packing my suitcase last night and I didn't find them.  That's when I initially remembered giving them to Carlos.  But he was in bed so I couldn't ask him and then I had forgotten by morning.  But, just as we were having this conversation the PA came on stating that our flight was delayed due to a staffing issue.  So, since we had nothing better to do, we looked through his backpack with ten gazillion pockets.  We discussed each detail of our conversation in Roswell 5 days prior.  Even Bill remembered us talking about it and thought he remembered me giving them to Carlos.  Well, we searched his bag for a while.  Emptied it twice even.  NO KEYS.  Well, if they aren't in my suitcase and they aren't in his carry on, where were they?  Then a twinge of a memory hits me.  I remember the night we arrived in Atlanta, when we changed trains or were waiting for the train or something at the train station, he pulled his jacket out of his bag.  I remember hearing something hit the ground.  I remember looking around and not seeing anything and shrugging my shoulders and going on.  Was that my keys falling out of his bag?  Did they fall out in the hotel?  AAAGGGHHH!!!!  I tried to stay cool.  I called Amber and asked her to bring the extra set to the airport.

We finally boarded the plane to Roswell and then waiting on the plane for the flight attendant.  She had to get called in after another flight because I guess ours wasn't there or something.  Anyway, she finally came and we took off.  Luckily, a different attendant got us all settled before she got there and all we had to do was take off when she arrived.

We arrived in Roswell about 10:15pm.  I cried tears of JOY!  Literally.  I think everyone was really glad to be home.  Even one of the guys admitted to tearing up a little.  We were exhausted.  And glad to be home.  Carlos stood with me at the baggage claim while I looked for my car keys in suitcase.  I told him I would do it when I got home but he was pretty stressed over loosing them so I looked.  Guess what I found in the first pocket I opened - Yup!  My keys.  

I went and got Brennen from my mom's and then went home.  Man, I slept good that night.  The next morning I woke up not feeling well.  I figure it was from exhaustion, change in climates, and all that goes along with traveling.  But after being exhausted for a whole week after being back, I rested last weekend and felt some better this week.  My sinus infection did come back, but it is under control today.  Sorry there were no pictures.  I was TOO TIRED.

So, hope you guys have a great weekend and HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY!!!!

Where the Peach Drops

So, Thursday morning is the day of our last prestentation.  The presentation that I am essentially making by myself.  Bill is there for support and to help answer questions.  It is set to be at 11:30.  This next picture is very important.  It was kinda chilly on this morning and I was tired.  My brain hurt and it was tired.  I was in desperate need of:

COFFEE!

So, after getting some coffee and until it was time for my presentation I went to more classes:

 The classes offered on Thursday were a little differnt it was more about THERAPs sales pitch but we did find some really good ones to go to as well.








My presentation went GREAT!  There was a lady from THERAP in the room and she was able to answer some of the questions we were not able to and she also gave some really great insight into some stuff.  Our presentation this day was packed.  But it went well and I was proud of us.  I taught on the Individual Specific Training (that was mentioned in the first post from this trip).  I presented on how to put it in the system and the ways that we found it worked best for a company our size.  Phew!  After that was done - I was ready to HIT THE TOWN.  Well, we still had a few more hours of class.
That night after the conference was over, we headed out.  We had looked earlier in the week and found exactly what we were looking for.  We wanted to eat some amazing Bar-B-Que!  We wanted a small bar-b-que joint out of the way, that cooks thier meat in a homemade pit of some sort.  Well, guess what - We found it.  It was called "FAT MATT'S Rib Shack".  So, that's where we went.  The cab ride there cost us about $50 bucks.  (No wonder people take the Marta Train).

Let me tell you; Their menu was simple.  You can order a full or half rack of ribs, chicken, or a chopped pork sandwich.  If you want the combo it comes with chicken and ribs.  Pick your sides and that's it.  So, I got 1/2 rack of ribs with some Brunswick Stew and Mac & Cheese.  Man, it was so good.  The stew was like some sort of barbeque soup.  Then let me tell you about the ribs.  They just fell off of the bone.  Oh, my gosh they were so good.  It was exactly what we were looking for.

Come to find out, they have live Blue's music every night of the week.  Too bad the music doesn't start until 8pm and it was only 6pm.  We were a little early or that might have been where our journey ended that night.  

But because the girls (minus me) didn't want to wait around for 2 hours for the music to start we left.  I didn't really know what the plan was but we left there walking.  I was tired.  I had kinda been "cycling" all week and so my back was hurting and I was cramping.  I kinda pulled a party foul: we were about 5 blocks from the barbque shack and then had to turn around to go the other way to the train station.  I planted my heels and stated, "I am NOT WALKING tonight.  I don't feel good and I am not walking.  I will pay for the Taxi.  I will meet you all where ever you go if you walk, but I am NOT WALKING!"  So, they agreed and we went into a bar on that street and called a taxi.  We ordered a beer while we waited for the taxi.  I just happen to look down and see this on their menu:

Apache Style - New Mexico Green Chiles!  We got a kick out of that.  Of course they couldn't tell us where they get them from.  We figured HATCH because they have a plant or whatever.  But we got a kick out of that.  

The taxi came and we asked him to take us to the UNDERGROUND.  It was our last night in Atlanta and even though we were tired, we were looking for excitement.  I think Emilia and Mel were looking for a "club" to dance at and be loud.  I would have been good with a swim in the hotel and a beer from the lounge.  But we agreed to go and see what we could get into.  

These two pictures are what we thought we would see.  Shops, Restuarants, Music, etc... 

This is what we saw:

When we first got down there, we had to use the restroom.  It was at the bottom of the escalators.  We went in and saw prostitution and people using needle drugs.  Aaaggghhh!  Then we looked around and saw things like pictured above.  Needless to say, we got out of there.  We went back up top and started walking.  We knew there was a train station around there and so that was where we headed.  I didn't really say anything.  I didn't want to walk but knew we couldn't stay there.  After about a mile we passed the train station and everyone just kept walking in front of me.  I called thier attention to it but they kept walking calling back to me that there were some bars just up the street and around the corner.  After another half mile, I started cussing at them.  UGH!  Then after about another 1/2 mile, we ended up exactly where we all had been seperately the night before.  (A few blocks from the big Ferris wheel and the arena).  Last night before the basketball game, they had eaten at this place called the Hudson Grill or something.  That is where we finally went in. 

A few minutes after we got in there they announced they were fixing to play TRIVIA.  We had seen them do this at several other places.  So, we decided to join.  We made a team and played Trivia against like 5 other teams.  It was fun - and guess what!  We won 2nd place!  

After that Mel and Emilia still wanted to go dancing.  So, we left there and began WALKING again.  (Remember my promise earlier in the evening, not to walk?  It didn't go very far)

As we left the bar, I was looking up at the really tall buildings.  Carlos was making fun of me for something or another and so I was fighting with him.  You take all of those factors and then fact that the streets are not level and there are like these big ball things sticking up out of them and you guessed it - I fell right on my face.  As Carlos was helping me up, a really big guy came running over from out of no where.  He informed us that he was the manager at the bar we had just come from and he wanted to make sure we made it safely to where ever it was that we were going.  He talked to us for a minute and then proceeded to give us some history of the area as we walked.  He talked alot and asked a few questions.  He was very nice and seemed to want to help us.  

This man gave walked with us down a few blocks, then we turned and went a few blocks more.  He even showed us where they drop the Peach every New Year's from this big tower outside of the Underground (remember from earlier?)   Everyone kinda got this wierd feeling from him but no one really said anything.  He walked us to the Train Station in a very long round about way of doing so (about 1.5 miles).  Once we were there he told us that he feeds the homeless on the weekends and that anything would help out.  Carlos gave him $10.  But Bill stated he didn't have any cash.  Mel and Emilia went on down into the Train Station to purchase the tickets.  The guy very aburbtedly informed Bill that there was an ATM just across the street.  Bill decided that he needed cash to get a train ticket and so he went to the ATM accompanied by this man.  Carlos didn't want to leave the girls there and I was just kinda standing with him.  We stood where we could watch the girls but then Bill got out of sight.  There were trees between us and them.  Carlos and I agreed that I would keep an eye on Mel and Emilia and that he would go check on Bill.  Just as he got across the street, here came Bill.  He stated that the man had forced Bill to take out money and give it to him.  He had pushed Bill up to the machine and told him that he was charging $20 a head for providing security to us and then held him there with his body.  The dude was intimidating.  So, Bill forked over the cash.  We all then got on the train and were all kinda in disbelief about what had just happened.  Once we were all safe and out of there, We all kinda talked about it and agreed that we all got that creepy feeling from him.  We all talked about times that we should have said something.  And we all are still in disbelief that no one did.  Wierd right!?!!  If it had been the night before, when we were all on our own, none of us would have ever let that happen.    

So, anyway, we took the train to the station by the Hotel and then a taxi (cause the shuttle only runs till 10 or 11:00) to the Waffle House.  He had breakfast/midnight snack and then back to the hotel for us.  What an adventure!  

So, while writing this post, I did a little research on the web.  My research topic was DOWNTOWN ATLANTA AFTER DARK.  Here are some things that popped up:  

1. Re: How safe is it to walk alone in downtown Atlanta at night?

Nov 18, 2010, 10:41 PM

I wouldn't do it and I've lived in Atlanta all my live. Some may disagree with me. If you choose to do so, my suggestion would be to walk out of the dome over to the CNN Center, cross over into Centennial Olympic Parkand exit out of the park on International Boulevard. Walk up to Spring Street and turn left and walk down to Baker.

• Chances are that you'll be OK, but there are a lot of predatory robbing crews in Atlanta these days. Just don't take anything you'd mind losing.
• So first off and foremost, Atlanta is a beautiful enjoyable city. However like most citys, after dark, *** can get real. I have been to many bad areas in atlanta, and have had experiences ranging. 
• And while some people around downtown seem to be quite friendly,watch out!They could be setting you up.Downtown atlanta has always had these creepy people hanging there,mostly at five points marta station.Some are by peachtree st. 
• Panhandling is prevalent around the State and Capitol buildings downtown. As you travel around the inner perimeter, every bridge abutment and embankment is staked out to some homeless person(s). Gang activity is prevalent 

So there it is - We lived; We learned; We lost $50; and We ate waffles.  Stay tuned for our trip home.  It is much calmer.