Monday, November 28, 2011

Black (& Gold) Friday

Thursday was a wonderful day to spend with my family.  The sun was out, there was a nice breeze and we had a slew of Granthams at my Dad's house.  We ate some of the best food I have ever put into my mouth and when it was over I seriously considered piling up with Dad on the couch and sleeping the rest of the afternoon. But I knew I would be disappointed with myself if I did this.  I put my boots on and got into the car with Roxie and we drove back to Tuscaloosa.

I got home and started piddling with a few things that I knew needed to get done and finally I checked in with "Command Headquarters" in Dothan.  See, after Mom and Dad's divorce Dad got the "Thanksgiving" holiday.  Mom would drop us off, kill a little time and head to Dothan to do some "Black Friday" shopping with Aunt Jenny.  I'm not sure it was called "Black Friday" when they started but they have perpetuated it.  Last year was my first time participating as it was in Tuscaloosa with the Iron Bowl being in town.  I had a TON of fun so I knew I had to check in with them to see how things were going and if they needed anything from me.  They assured me they were good, but 30 minutes later they were calling asking me to go to Wal-Mart.  I have been looking for a good opportunity to do some walking/standing in my new hiking boots so I threw them on and off I went for the 10 o'clock sale for sheets, pillows and towels. 

When I got to Wal-Mart I immediately found the sheets and got right behind this woman who I later found out was from Louisiana.  We of coursed talked about wanting to play each other again in football and great talk being as we were with each other for at least another hour and 1/2.  I promise I will NEVER again in my life do this-but at 10 to 10 one Wal-Mart person was saying go and the other was saying stop.  The crowd pushed in and I really do have a bruise on my hip from hitting the bin that the sheets were in.  First of all there were only about 7 king and 7 queen sheets and most of those had been sorted and the people only had to pick them up.  Secondly the bin was so deep that for me to help this one woman get her king sheet set (the last in the bin) that she had to work it up from the bottom with her fingers through the bin and I leaned over 1/2 way into the bin.  Then a woman tried to steal it from me and I gave it to the lady and said "Let's get out of here" as a set of Full Sheets came grazing across my ear.  Yes the lady who tried to steal the sheets threw them at me. I thanked her as nicely as my southern belle mother taught me and didn't look back.  I will NEVER again do that but I LOVE to see what people are getting, help when I can and just watch.  I know I shouldn't but this one woman was SO excited about the play Barbie car she got for her daughter and many other situations like that!  I got out of there and was home and in bet by 11.

Friday morning was gorgeous and a great day for some football.  I busied myself getting everything ready and when Neil, DeAnn, Dad, Jerry, Buford and Tommy pulled into the driveway I was just pulling the Buffalo Chicken Dip out of the oven!  Perfect timing. 

It took Neil a few minutes (and some grumbling) to get what he wanted on the TV (I apparently didn't have 1 station he wanted) but then we were off!  I had chicken balls on the grill that were hot and ready to serve right as the LSU v Arkansas game was kicked off!

Throughout the game more and more Elba fans showed up! I was in heaven!  I love to have people over and it was great.  Finally FAB and her parents showed up and the party was on!  After the LSU game we loaded up to head to ACA for the REAL football game!  Elba vs ACA.  The Elba Tigers showed what a great football team they are although they again struggled with penalties that cost more than just yardage.  However they won and will be playing here in Tuscaloosa this Friday at 3.

 

Unfortunately I won't be here as Mom and I had planned our Grand Canyon trip for this weekend.  We fly out early Thursday morning!  I am STOKED!  However life keeps you grounded by reminding you that there are MANY things that need to be done before you leave and that is just NO fun!  It reminds me a lot of getting that paper done before Spring Break or Christmas. 

Just wanted to update you all on what all was going on!  It's going to be a crazy end to a fabulous year...and the good thing about NOT finishing my list...it leaves something to look forward to for next year!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

We Love Those Elba Boys!

It has been a while! 

So here is my not so great excuse...I have taken over a new caseload at work. I am back to working with high school students and I am really excited!  Although it is a large caseload and you know it takes a while to make new work things your own after taking over for someone else. 

Mom and I leave for the Grand Canyon on December 1st!!!  We are both SO very excited!   We have been planning and shopping and getting ready for the trip.

It's the season of Thanksgiving and I am so thankful so many things.  The older and get the more thankful I am for the childhood I had.  Elba, Alabama was a great place to grow up and the football team is playing here in Tuscaloosa on Friday night!  How do I not come back from Thanksgiving and NOT support my ELBA TIGERS!!! If you are unable to make it to Tuscaloosa on Friday you can listen to the game live at WEEVIL 101 http://weevil101.com/

So yes....We love those Elba boys cause their from Elba High! They were most anything from blue jeans on down!  We go out on Friday nights just to see the Tigers fight We love the Elba Boys cause their from Elba HIGH!  Yeah BLACK YEAH GOLD!  Yeah Tigers LETS GO!!! 

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I will talk to you soon! I hope you all have safe travels!!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Catch Up with Pictures!

So to recap on what I have posted-but haven't shown the pictures of...
UGH! I hate the picture but yes...it is me acting like I am throwning a ball on the field of Bryant Denny Stadium!  Yes I did actually throw it once we were done playing and taking pictures...so I can check that one off the list!


That is my brother and me at the Alabama vs. Ole Miss game!  We went up to Tunica MS on Thursday night, Graceland on Friday and down to the game on Saturday! It was a whirlwind road trip but sooo much fun hanging with Dad and Neil!!

Although Dad wasn't on my list for this item specifically he is probably the biggest reason that I know as much about Elvis as I do (and he knows so much probably because of my Aunt B).  It was great him being with me at Graceland and checking this one off my list!  The tour was wonderful and the car museum was just amazing!!!
A Phi Mu thing...the Lion in front of Graceland was begging for me to have my picture taken with it!

Dad and Neil at the back of Graceland...listening to their tour!


Elvis' logo on his grave

More pictures of Memphis to follow later...hope you enjoyed this quick catch up!!!