HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I decided I had better update on our Christmas adventure as I'm sure some people are a little curious how it went. We left home the morning after Christmas and headed toward Nashville, TN – our first stop along the way. Matthew was really wanting to spend some of his Christmas money, so after checking into the hotel we headed to a mall but he didn’t really find anything he wanted. Now, mind you, this was the day after Christmas. If I had really given that some thought, we would not have gone! It was a little wild and very crowded. Saturday morning we got up and headed on to Chapel Hill, NC. We had to stop at some Smoky Mountain overlooks first, though – very beautiful, even in the winter. Our drive to NC was long and a little hard because of very dense fog – in the dark. We made it, though, and settled into the hotel. I had been in contact with a staff member for the UNC basketball team and when I mentioned that we were going to head to Raleigh Sunday morning to go to the mall he told me there was one closer in Durham, so we decided to find that one instead. Well, we never found it because everyone who gave us directions sent us in the wrong direction. I found this out only after we got home and I looked it up for myself. Anyway, we ate lunch then walked down Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. We all bought UNC gear to wear to the game that night then headed to the arena to meet the UNC staff member. We had an appointment with him to give us a tour of the arena. While we didn’t get to meet any of the players, we were taken into areas of the arena that are off-limits to the public – player’s lounge, locker room (even big boys are messy with their clothes), and their weight/conditioning room. It was a short tour, but very cool. While Matthew didn’t outwardly appear to be excited, I know he was because no sooner than we walked out the door he was texting his best friend! Lol The game was AWESOME! Of course, UNC won and our next excitement for the night was walking about ½ mile to our car in the rain! But, that was okay.
Monday morning we had to get up early to head to Atlanta. That was an 8-hour drive and Matthew wasn’t feeling well so we had to make some stops along the way. One time we stopped in Kannapolis, NC. To most people that means nothing but to a NASCAR fan like me, it means a lot. That is the birthplace of Dale Earnhardt, Sr – my favorite driver. We were on a schedule and while I didn’t get to go see all the tributes and things about him, I was at least there! We made it to Atlanta (which is a feat in itself) and to our hotel about 2 hours before the game. Since we were only a couple of blocks from the hotel, we were doing good. We walked to Phillips Arena and shopped a little before the game. It was a good game and our Atlanta Hawks won (Go Joe Johnson). Matthew’s highlight of the night, though, was getting to see a popular rapper who was in the house – Young Jeezy.
Tuesday morning Matthew wanted to go shopping and there were a few places near our hotel so we did that before we checked out. Everyone at these places (one was Walter’s Clothing on Marietta Dr) was very nice and helpful. He bought some shoes at Walter’s and then some jeans at another store. We checked out of the hotel then moved the car to a downtown parking lot and went to Underground Atlanta and shopped and had lunch. A little more looking around then we decided to head home. We stopped in Birmingham so he could look around at another mall and that is where our trip went a little messy – think wild goose chase! Lol He found a pair of exclusive Jordan shoes at one store and got them then found some more exclusive shoes at another store. The shoes were too big, though, and the store personnel told us to go across the street to see if a chain athletic store had them. We did that and they didn’t but said one of their other stores might. They called, found the shoes in his size, and asked the people to hold them. Then, things went a little wrong. The directions this guy gave us were not exactly clear so we headed about 25 miles in the wrong direction. We found another one of these stores and asked for assistance. They called the store we were looking for and I got directions from that person. So, off we go again. Still, we don’t find it. So, I pull off the freeway into a gas station and ask the clerks. They didn’t seem real confident but, THANKFULLY, a female customer stepped up and gave us directions. We went off again and finally found the store and got the shoes. For those who don’t know about these shoes, they have release dates and sometimes only a certain amount are made. He was very happy with his finds – I actually thought he would sleep with the one pair! Lol We had dinner then again headed toward home. We spent the night in Hamilton, AL.
Now, you would think 2 ballgames in this short span of time would be enough but not for my son. There was a University of Central Arkansas basketball game that he wanted to see Wednesday afternoon, so we left Alabama early Wednesday morning and arrived home around 1:30 pm. At 4 we were watching UCA v UT-Martin. It was not pretty but he was there to see a young player from UT-Martin named Lester Hudson. Let’s just say Hudson provided a show and Matthew was pleased. As if all that were not enough, tomorrow (Saturday) we are going to Little Rock to see the Razorbacks play. We are very excited about this as our Hogs have a good team and beat # 4 ranked Oklahoma Tuesday night. We are taking Matthew’s best friend, so that should be fun.
Even with our trip and our fun, we cannot forget our friends and family in need of prayer. Just tonight a young princess, Brooklyn, earned her wings and became an angel. Please remember her family as they go through the next few hours, days, and weeks. Also, please remember my Aunt Jean. The reality is, without a miracle, she does not have long to live. I’m not sure Matthew understands the seriousness of her illness and I know he will be upset. Please remember him, my mom, and Aunt Jean’s children, grandchildren, and other family in your prayers.
Saturday, January 3………….
…………… 7 months since my dad passed away and my 44th birthday.
Love, hugs, and prayers~
Janice
