ICAT and Other Tales: Cars

I was able to pay my car off in May of this year, completing one of the few goals I’d set for myself this year. Now I have had this car for three years now, and while I was paying for it the only thing I’ve really had to worry about was replacing the tires. In theory that means I should have had some extra money, however, once my car heard that I know owned it free and clear, it decided to act out. 

Remember the little alternator incident? 

I never completed the story on that one, and want to take a moment to give my dad a huge shout out for removing the alternator, taking it to the alternator place (and not making me do it!), bringing it back, installing it in my car, and once installed and it still didn't fix the No A/C, No Power Windows etc.. problem, took it back to the mechanic and stayed their until they fixed it. Go Dad! 

Then there was this little incident where some woman backed into me in the parking lot. While its been officially decided that it is not my fault, I still need to get an estimate on getting said bumper fixed. [update: I was able to re-attach the bumper with a bobby pin and a hair elastic.. #likeaboss I still need to get it looked at.. eventually.] 

Then the hatch struts for my trunk quit working, and need to be replaced. (Yes I googled: things that hold up hatch) .. and yes it is annoying to hold up the trunk with my head, while loading Tally or unloading large tables. 

Then my back tire kept going flat, so I replaced that and a couple of break lights. However while that was being done, Walmart managed to knock the plastic baking, covering the wires on my hatch off, and which I subsequently ran over, when I took it out to load something in the back of the car. 

 During theloading of the afore mentioned large object incident, I managed to use said object to knock off the top part of my console off. -_-

Then the other day, I get in my car and hear an awful crunching sound. A quick inspection of the front wheel area revealed a piece of plastic, sticking out at an odd angle and rubbing against the tire wheel. [update: as of two days ago I've had to completely remove the whole wheel cover as it just fell off one day.] 

So if you were keeping track there was : 

1. Alternator (fixed)
2. New Battery (purchased) 
3. New brakes and Rotors on the front 
4. 1 Tire 
5. 2 brake lights 
6. 1 bumper 
7. 2 hatch struts
8. 1 broken trunk backing (no Google search would reveal the true name) 
9. 1 broken console 
10. 1 broke wheel well plastic (fixed that!) 

So that happened, in the last six months. Well not the bumper incident...
How on earth am I ever supposed to upgrade this car with all this stuff falling off? 
Not that I plan on doing that any time soon. 
I like not having a car payment-ish.

I mean it could be worse. 
It could be a lot worse.
I could not have a car! 

So the moral of this tale is… 

When you pay off your car, make sure you have some savings for everything that will break afterwards. 

Pre-Damage.... 

The end. 

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

"Now that I have some **extra money, I think I'll ... spend it getting my alternator rebuilt!" - said no broke college student ever.

This story started yesterday, when I climbed into my car to go for a ride. Obviously.  I put the key in the ignition and turn it and wait for my dashboard to light up... nothing happens ...Odd.  I turn it off, then turn it back on ... still nothing. No dashboard lights, no speedometer, no fuel gauge, no turn signals, no air conditioning, radio works, inside lights work, headlights work, but no daytime running lights...and no windows. Seriously?

So I do what any girl would do, and call my dad and go through the litney of questions that comes with diagnosing problems over the phone.
Yes the car turns over.
Yes I can drive it.
No, no signals, no headlights, no A/C, no windows ... right, no A/C, no windows, no fuel guages, no speedometer, yes its running now... no it doesn't act like anything strange, no I can't roll down the windows... Yes the car runs fine, just is hotter than, a hot thing that's hot!

We finally settle on a bad battery, as after one turning off-turning on event, the car just died and refused to come back on. If its just the battery, no biggie.

So I get up bright and early this morning, and run to AutoZone to get a new battery. (Because that's exactly what I was saving my monies to do) The sale and installation of said battery went really quickly, and I hopped in the car hoping beyond hope that the problem was fixed ....

But it wasn't.

Unfortunately, I didn't have time for more diagnoses, and had to dash off to work.
Surely I could get our handy mechanic guy to check it out for me while I was there .. 
But for some reason he decided to go on vacation this week of all weeks.
Who does that? Honestly.

So I spent the day, dreading the drive home, and trying to work up the nerve to go BACK to AutoZone and have them re-test my alternator to see if that was the problem. I have an issue with people recognizing me in public you see. Turns out, I (and google, and my dad) was right. The alternator was bad, and the cheapest option would be to get it rebuilt.

Joe Blow and Hole In The Wall, garage can fix it for you in fifteen minutes flat! Give him a ring tomorrow.

blech.

Not exactly what I wanted to spend my day off doing. Not only that, but it turns out they rebuild 'em cheaper if YOU (read: my dad) takes the alternator out yourself, and bring it too them.

Great. Welp. Guess I'll be spending my day cleaning house, instead of grocery shopping tomorrow.

waah.

(Special Shout-Out to Coworker S for letting me borrow her car at lunch!)

(**read: no longer have a $200+ utility bill, and finally paid off my car -woot, woot!) 

My Simple Things

The Simple Things
This was one of those weeks,where finding the little things, that made me happy is a little difficult. Life is changing, for many in my inner circle, my roommate is getting married and moving away. My parents are moving away.. Loosing my free internet..(I know how selfish of me) I just left another job...Things that aren't really super stressful (well besides the wedding) but very emotion ridden.I don't want to even TRY To be happy.. but I can still be thankful..
I appreciate...
♥ Having at least one window air conditioner♥ Being able to have had 1 year with my roommate ♥ Knowing that she has a great guy to take care of her♥ Having my own car (Still can't believe its all mine!) ♥ Earning an extra $100 this week...♥ Sunshine ♥ Caffeine ♥ Doughnuts  
What do you appreciate? Be sure to link up with Jessyln Amber!

The Trouble with Cars....

Why my new car just might get me into trouble: 


I've always joked the reason God has only allowed me to drive...clunkers/older almost clunker cars is for my own good. Its not secret that I don't  didn't really enjoy driving, and liked to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. 

However despite my many run-ins with the local police department (from the frequent fender benders I find myself in...that were not.my.fault) I have only got one speeding ticket in four years, and have never driven as fast as I was driving on that day. (because THAT was one fiasco I NEVER want to go through again) However, I have been cited at least twice for not having up-to-date registration or proof of insurance in my fathers vehicle, which cost me a pretty penny. 


I haven't gotten my registration and insurance card for my car just yet, so when I climbed into Miss Belle yesterday afternoon, I sent a silent plea to God, to help me make it to work without an accident or being stopped by the police. Those may have not been my exact words, but the jist was the same. 


Did knowing I could be cited for driving, lets just say, "illegally" cause me to be more cautious when driving down a hill-y(?) road, on which I have seen at least one police officer on? Nope. And did I have a moment of panic when I came over said hill (60 in a 30. HEY I was going down hill!) and saw a police officer sitting on a side street. Um...Yes!  I, like everyone else, hit my breaks and slowed down to may be 50mph, and coasted on past...nothing happened. 


Then he pulls out. 
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.NO.NO.NO.NO. 
Nothing happens. 
Ok mabye I just wasted a panic.


I get to the stop sign and there goes the lights. 
I put on my turn signal and pull into a church parking lot.
I return to panic-but-there-is-nothing-I-can-do-now mode.  


Mind you, I just got this car Friday so I don't have Proof of Insurance or Registration in my car. The last two times that happened, I forked over two hundred dollars in fines over to the county. Not to mention the sixty dollars to get my dad's registration renewed. 


So you can understand a little of my panic as he slowly approaches my car. 
And.
Asks.
For.
My.
Drivers License. 


THAT.IS.ALL.


He goes back to his car, runs my name/number, finds nothing, comes back and lets me go with a WARNING. 


I would have jumped out of my car and hugged him, if I weren't afraid of being arrested for assaulting a police officer. Not one question in regards to my registration or proof of insurance. I was in a state of shock, happy, but still shocked that I'd just dodged a major bullet.


Apparently God was looking out for me, despite my stupidity! 

Hellooo

Its almost 2AM and I've just arrived home from working Destination Imagination. A solid 8 hours under my belt for the evening. And I figured I'd still make and attempt to keep this blog updated, while I decide when/where/why/who/what I am doing with this here bloggy. 

I have a new car. 

YES! 

I still can't believe it myself. I think her name will be Belle. We shall see. 

I have a second job. Or will as soon as I get all the paperwork and etc taken care of. 

I have been working overtime on my first job. (See above) 

I have been lazy. Its summer. I'm allowed too. :

More on last weekend and etc later. I'm too tired to think straight at the moment. 

Hello Bloggity!

Erin 
Erin is 
Erin is tired
Erin is tired of waiting 
Erin is tired of waiting for the paperwork from the bank.


Why?


Because
Because without
Because without that 
Because without that they won't 
Because without that they won't give her the check, to give to the dealership. 


(yeah ok that didn't work so great) 


I, like everyone else, hate waiting for things. Especially when I've already created a time line of how things should go in my mind. When I spotted "my" car on Saturday afternoon, I just felt that I'd finally found the car for me, and I needed to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. 


There was six *I's* in that last sentence. 


I figured if I could get my parents out to look at it on Monday, I might be driving home with said vehicle on Tuesday at the latest. I had everything laid out...


Yet here we are Tuesday...a week later, and don't feel like we're any closer to getting it than we were last week. I have to believe that if it will work out, things will fall into place..and considering my track record with large things, its not a surprise. Unfortunately that doesn't keep me from stressing about it. 

Right now we are waiting on some paper work from our credit union, that was supposed to be here...Saturday. 

Now, let me just insert here, that I have NOT been impressed with the customer service with this place. I used them because, my parents have bought every car through them, over the years, and it  was suppsedly "quick and easy" because knew them. 

In a nutshell, these people are very slow when dealing with ME. 

With my parents? Two days, in and out. 

But when I talk to the loan officer, I get the condescending, "Oh I know you're young, so this is how its going to go..." tone. I don't get called back when I leave messages, and I have to call multiple times before I can speak with the only loan officer there. 

My mother was not happy about that treatment so she decided to call, and low a behold.. I got a call back! 

Anyway, Monday they "supposedly" sent out the information, via two day air. (Why they didn't just fax it, I don't know)  Thursday, still nothing. After calling about five times, we finally agreed to put more money down, so that my monthly payment would be smaller. (Thanks Mom, Dad!) 

So guess what that meant? Time to adjust the paperwork all over again! I literally could have cried, but was willing to give them at the CU the benefit of doubt. 

Well here we are Tuesday afternoon. Still no Package. 

So I call him. 

Voicemail.

And call him again.

"Hi we were wondering when the paperwork was scheduled to arri.."
(cuts me off) "Oh today or tomorrow morning ok? Than.."
"Oh ok, well have you spoken with the dealership? We dont' want them to sell the car out from under us"
(chuckles) "Yes of course, they know things are the works ok? We'll talk at you later" 

My own dear mother went into Mama Bear mode, and immediately called him back. Now my mother is a very meek and mild person, but she can get her point across..that and she has the advantage of being a mature adult. 

Not saying that I'm not mature, but he's not going to talk down to her. 

Argh!? 

Had I known it would take this long, I would have started the process first thing Monday morning, but ...you know God knew this would happen, so I've just got to let it go and ride the waves as they come. 


Question of the Day: If my friends go Whitewater Rafting this weekend, should I put my intense fear of water aside and go as well, or do like I did last year and hang out on the banks of the Nantahala... (which I didn't mind at all, I mean afterall...who would there be to take photos?! :) 

And Today.

Summer Vaca: Day 3 

Today my friend Rebekah and I went and looked for cars.

......and I think I may have found IT!!!

Taking the 'rents back to look at him/her on Monday and perhaps make a purchase then as well!!!

Of course I may very well be jinxing myself, but you know if not, I've waited this long I can wait some-more.. (all though I'm really, really, really,really,really,really,really,really tired of waiting..) 

I does has some hail damage but its so minimal, you can't even tell...and its in my price range!!

*deep breaths*

I can't wait for Monday!

2004 Pontiac Vibe

In other news: The grading system in schools is waaaaaaaaaaaaay overrated. That is all.

February Focus

I had this big long depressing post written up about how long and horrid this week has been, but I only managed to depress myself further, so I scrapped that and decided to make some goals for myself this month.. 

1. Survive Photojournalism Class. Ok.To say this class makes me nervous is a HUGE understatement...mainly because we have to work, hard, and fast. One week turn around on most assignments and on top of that a Photo Story/Essay that's due in six weeks. Only school can make a week the shortest amount of time ever. 
2. Continue shooting daily - I did miss one day this week, because well my motivation took a vacation. But I'm pleased that I've kept it up this long.
3. Purchase a car!!!!!! - as I alluded to in previous post, I am in need of a car. Like...NOW. Like as in I don't have a car to drive anymore...and let me tell you this. When I grow up, and get married I WILL NOT (please God?) have more than 4 kids. Driving a 15-Passenger van  (especially at 21) is NOT cool...but what's sad, is that is the ride is so.much.smoother than my dad's car. (sorry dad) So I'm scraping together every little bit of money I can so I can purchase a vehicle. Right now I'm looking at the 2000-2002 Acura TL or the 2003-2005 Mazda6.  I'm going to have to finance this car, so I have to get something I can afford on my meager salary. PRAY!! 
4. Start raising my fifth guide dog puppy - 3 weeks 4 days.....
5. Drink more water, watch calorie intake: Completely failed on that last month, what can I say. Stress. This month will get back on the band wagon, logging what I eat, so I can start moving towards something a little healthier. 
6. Redo Hair. So in case you were wondering...that is all my real hair, and it takes about 3 hours to get flatten into shape. I normally will do it this way in the winter, due to less heat which equals less sweating, which means my hair stays flatter longer. get it? But its starting to fuzzzzzz so I need to make some time pre-puppy to get that taken care of. :-/ 

Other smaller goals include: Being on time for things, being prepared ahead of time, trying to get my homework done before the last minute, continuing to not procrastinate about things that scare me...... #gulps. 

Not a long list but challenging enough I supposed.
How about you? What are some of your goals for this month?

A Post in which my brain explodes.

For those of you who like posts with a topic...

Get ready for some extreme randomness...or Quelf-ness. 

(I'll tell you about that later!)

Fall 2010 semester is officially...DONE!

I'm still alive.

Believe it or not....I went through the majority of the week with out caffeine, I paid for it sorely with headaches, barely staying awake during class, extreme difficulties in concentrating due to lack of sleep...but I did it. 

I made up for it today.....

I barely got my final  portfolio for my studio class turned in before the photo printers ran of out ink!! 

These aren't your $100 HP printers...nooo... they range between $3,000-$5,000 and the ink is about $99 a cartridge. I don't know whose "bright" idea it was for us to all print on campus was, but they quickly found out how problematic it can bee to have several hundred people needing to access three semester in a week. 

Believe me when I say you've never seen a more stressed out group of teachers and students. 

During our "final critique" our studio teacher ,who is also the head of the photo department  had to leave for about twenty minutes during class due to an emergency with the printers...it was insane. Most of us were about ready to pack up and leave, when he showed back up again. Much to our disappointment.

We did get out a hour earlier, which made me happy. 
I think I'm still in slight disbelief that this school year is over.forever. 
Never do I have to live through this year again. 
Thank God.

Though...on my way to class last night a girl in the car behind me, did make attempts on my life last night.

Don't worry, no harm, no foul..though her car was messed up pretty bad. 

Car in front of me slammed on their brakes, I slammed on mine and was breathing a sigh of relief  at avoiding a collision, when I glanced up and saw a grey Toyota Celica slam into me. 

I didn't have time to be scared or do anything other than say "Why me God?!" 

....And throw my arm  out to keep Pompei from flying. 

She was my age, and extremely apologetic about the whole ordeal. 

They call them accidents for a reason, but at least she wasn't completely incompetent, like the last person that hit me. I called the police, told them where we were moving our vehicles too (cause my next fear, was being hit by the other cars flying around us..) and we chatted about school, and everything else in between while waiting for the Police to arrive. On a good note..all my information was up to date, so no citations for missing information for me! YAY!!!!!!!  
But..I tell you what, I don't know much more of 2010 I can take! I'd really just like to hide out in my bed, until January 1st in all honesty. I am thankful, that my job gives us a week off for the holidays. No its not paid, and yess I'll have work extra to make up for that week but oh.my.goodness I am cannot wait to have a week with NOTHING to do. 

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING LORD! Please!? 

Only three weeks left!!! 

{Thursday - August 12, 2010}

*sigh*

Today is the day my suspension goes into effect. 
Here's the thing I forgot to mention, in my previous post.
I was still using my old license from the state of my birth and life for the past 18 or so years. 
I should have changed it last year, to the state of my current residency...but life got in the way, so many documents you have to have, that I didn't at the time. 
So when I heard about this, my first thought was...since I have about A WEEK before my license is suspended, let me get my in state license taken care of now, so I don't have to worry about that. 
Welll...that thought was sort of struck down, I was told to call the "State in the US that I used to live in" DMV and request a hearing, or talk to someone there. I did and the person was extremely un-helpful but requested a hearing for me. 
Ookk.. 
Truthfully I didn't see how that made any difference since I don't live in "State that shall not be named" and even if I just let the suspension go, I wouldn't be able to get my license reinstated through them, since I DON'T LIVE THERE. So at the last minute we decided to try and get my resident state license. Thankfully my father had run over to the "State of my birth" and was able to get my birth certificate. 


So I called my boss, switched work schedules, located documents and got set to try and get my licenses. 


I arrived at the DMV office at 1430 hours (2:30pm) and handed the lady my documents.. But it wasn't meant to be, while my paycheck stub was applicable, my bank statement was not because it wasn't "Stamped and dated as an active account."  *insert annoyed expression* 


Me: The bank doesn't have stamps
DMV Lady: Well we can't accept this unless its stamped and dated. 
Me: I asked them to do so and they said they didn't, here is their card  if you want to call them 
DMV Lady: We don't call people. Here's a list of acceptable documents. NEXT!


So I headed to my car to cry and call my mother. (Cause that's what you do when things don't go your way.)
Maybe I just needed to ride this suspension out...but then how am I supposed to get a license in state that I would now have lived in three years? 


So my mother advised me to try the bank again, despite only have three locations in our fair city. Downtown, West Town and ...West town. (Cause all the rich people live there and is about 35-40 minutes away from East Town)


Downtown it was then, I had my dear mother to check and see if there were any other DMV offices closer to downtown, while I sped, drove towards the bank. Once there I get the same teller I got last time, who directs me to one of the managers. Unfortunately both were busy so my name was put on a list and I took a seat, on one of the cushy couches. 


Both parents called me while I was there, and instructed me to get my document notarized. Except for the small fact that an irate customer had just stormed out due to the fact he couldn't get his document notarized for some reason or another. 


*RED FLAGS*


But I was determined to talk to someone. When it came my turn however, the poor lady had no clue what the DMV wanted, and quickly informed me that her Notary license had just expired. The DAY BEFORE. I explained, that I didn't know what exactly the DMV was looking for but this is what they said was required, so she (bless her heart) pulled up her computer and started looking for requirements as well. 


After 5 minutes of searching, we finally located the list. All of the sudden, she gets and up and says "I'm going to make an exception." The next thing I know she's come back with my document stamped, dated and notarized. 


I literally could have hugged her. 


But thanked her as profusely as possible, and the dashed for my car. 


It was 4:15 pm and I needed to find this "new" DMV office before 5:30pm, despite missing my turn I still made it too the office by 4:34pm and entered to find the small room PACKED with people. As i approached the desk, the lady informed me that they were completely out of numbers and I could be put on a waiting list, if I wanted. But it would be better to come back tomorrow. 


Oh I WANTED.


So I sat down with a drivers application, and waited. and Waited.. and listened  while they told people the camera was down, and waited some more. At 5:00PM they told people, the camera had been down, they didn't know when it would be up, come back tomorrow as we're shutting this place down at 5:15pm. 


Half the people got up and left. I and the other half stayed. Literally. 1 minute after the place emptied out. The camera started working again. The remaining people lined up to get their photos done, and other staff members started calling numbers. Since most had left, most of the numbers were void. I and one other couple were the only "waiting list" people still here, so we anxiously watched the numbers click through. 
Other people received their licenses and left. 


Finally the couple (who were the annoying pushy kind) asked (for the 6th time) if they could be seen. At this point the staff decided to run down the waiting list, since no one else was coming forward. at 5:10PM I was called, and gave the lady my information. I registered to vote and signed up as an organ donor. <--eek!


Within 5 minutes I was walking out with my newly issued licensed. <-insert collapse on the floor relief. 
I don't cry very easily but I defiantly thought about shedding a tear or two over this situation. 


12:01 am  my other state license was suspended. But that didn't matter because its not even applicable anymore.


Today when I got into work, I told my boss (who just happens to be a Lieutenant in our police department) was shocked to hear this situation, and quickly ran both my new license and old to see if anything had been transfered to the new. Nope...and yep the other license was suspended. 


So now we wait. Wait to see what  Birth Home State does. She did assure me that current state wouldn't do anything if BHS did send the info too them. *Thank You Jesus! 

But we've got to see if BHS will do...since I had a hearing requested for me, my current question is whether to ignore it, or cancel it. This past week, has be so. stressful. A lot of things were said, some walls seemed to have been built up, there was a lot of emotions involved. I don't think people felt I felt this situation was as serious as it is. And I felt that some things were handled a little harshly. 


But as of this moment, in this time, in this place. 

I CAN DRIVE!!!

And that's really what I care about. :)

A Letter

Dear 2010,


Why do you hate me? Today started out so good, I was looking forward to relaxing day of cleaning, shopping, hanging out with friends, and playing with my dogs. Is that too much to ask? I even went to bed early last night, because I wanted to get some more sleep.


I couldn't even sleep till 10am, before I received a phone call that will possibly change the next six months. And of ALL PEOPLE, my dad had to be the one to break the news too me.

First a little back history. I am a relatively good driver, I haven't had any major accidents, and only one speeding ticket in the two years I have been driving. I'm not normally a fast driver, but the one day I do exceed my fastest 70-75mph is the day I get caught.

On my way back from Florida, last year I got a ticket for speeding. obviously. Going...over 80 miles in a 70 mile and our zone. I cried, I slapped myself, I paid the ticket and moved on. 

Had I known another shoe would drop, I would have been very very anxious. But I didn't. Until today. 

Apparently due to me "Driving in excess of 80mph in a zone where 70mph was the maximum limit" my license will be suspended  for the next six.months. 
From now until February 2011. SIX MONTHS.  August, September, October, November, December, January and February. 8-O.
Driving is something I have defiantly taken for granted. But is this the ONLY way to make me appreciate it?? Requested a hearing and am hoping to be able to get a restricted license that allows me to drive to work and school at least.
Ugh. I am so annoyed, though I'm sure my family will be glad to have the extra vehicle to use. :(((


Thanks a lot 2010. 



Brought to you by: My Four Boys

Two For Tuesday

For each of the following 10 categories, tell us which brand/product you use and why.

1. Cell Phone
Sprint HTC Hero all they way baby... regular readers know I've had many cell phone problems lately...my fault. But here's a note: ALL WAYS PURCHASE CELL PHONE INSURANCE.


2. Email
I used to be a e-mail addict, what can I say I was bored and had nothing to do so I created like 5 different email accounts, from Yahoo.com to Gigway.com. I finally found Gmail and haven't left since...though I still have two Yahoo accounts, and a second gmail account. But then again I have a love affair with all things Google now. 


3. Toothpaste
I never pay attention to toothpaste brands. I think the Dollar Tree only sales Colgate, so that's what I buy.


4. Car 
Right now I'm driving my DAD's Toyota Corrolla. Dying for a newer, bigger vehicle. I'd really like on of the new Chevrolet Suburbans..but that's waaay out of my price range. 


5. Writing Utensil
I actually only like mechanical pencils, I don't like my writing using pens. 


6. Lotion
Udderly Smooth. St. Ives, Johnson's Baby Lotion. <3 <3 <3 There are so many lotions that actually dry out my skin, and these have been the only ones that last any amount of time. Thus I keep them in business. 


7. Interior Paint - 
WHA?!?! 


8. Soda/Drink 
Soda!  Dr.Pepper is my current addiction, with Mountain Dew coming in at a close second.  I got into the caffeine habit during my freshman year of college, my dad is convinced all my "memory problems" are the cause of it..and I can't say that I don't believe him.


9. Laundry Detergent
I buy what's on sale. 


10. Medicine
Don't get sick much, but during  Aunt Flo's visit I'll sometimes take Bayer's Crystals. 

July 17, 2010

{11:30AM}

{12:00PM}

{1:30PM}

{3:30PM}

{4:30PM}

{11:15PM}

{12:00AM}

Youth Jubilee 2010

The weekend.
2010 Youth Jubilee - Forest City Arkansas
I’m sure you want to know about my weekend.
All in all, I’ve had a blast this weekend.

{My brother and his friends. Good grief who said they could grow up?}

{Hi to you too Vicki :))}

{My NC peeps, Miss you guys!!}

{he was saying something really funny...??}

{Where do you want too go? No where do YOU want too go?}

• Despite giving my puppy away for two weeks
• Despite the Quarter sized mosquito's. (I am NOT joking. Those things are freakishly big)
• Despite getting my phone wet, and having it freeze the screen up. (I’m blaming my friend Devin for this one, if I hadn’t had to go get him a milkshake, I would’nt have spilled it on my phone, therefore causing me to wipe it off with a damp, napkin and thus freezing my screen. Thankfully my friend Justine recommended I sit it in rice to dry it and, and its make too semi working order.)
• Despite being a tired emotional wreck due to staying up to 3am every night.
• Despite puncturing our radiator and having to be towed. (Fun times I tell you, I’m not going to do much traveling with my roommate again, remember last year when her car’s engine blew on the way back from Florida? Thank God for Kia’s Roadside assistance, we were able to be towed to a dealership, where we sat and attempted to figure out what we were going to do. Eventually we decided to see if we could find the leak ourselves, and patch it enough to get home.)
• Despite working for 3+ hours to repair said radiator. All.By.OURSELVES. (I think I have missed my calling and should go into auto mechanics. Though we did have several concerned men stop and ask if we need help. HELLO JUST CAUSE I LOOK like I don’t know what I’m doing, doesn’t mean I don’t know what I’m doing! But we did have a good Samaritan, who wouldn't tell us his name, that insisted on helping us out, which we are grateful for. We got home at 4AM this morning, without a single problem from the radiator. Are we good or are we good??!)

{Cheese..ok Now SOMEONE HAND ME THAT PUTTY!}

{Yep I do know what I'm doing :D}

{On the road again!}

It was awesome getting too see my peeps from all over the country again, the messages that were brought out, were needed. Its just another one of those trips we won’t be forgetting anytime soon!