Keep the faith

...for our Tigers.

As much as I get frustrated with Clemson's poor losses, our 9-3 record, our horrible loss to the worst team in the nation (the SHAMEcocks), and our inconsistency....I still LOVE my Tigers! 

I get very intense with the games as you all know. BUT what frustrates me more is when Tiger fans become fair-weather fans and only cheer and follow when we are doing well and then become negative when we are down.

Remember, to keep the faith.

Remember, that Dabo said that this year wasn't our year. That 2011 and even 2012 would be "in the works" and "improvement" years.

Tiger fans, keep the faith.

Dabo believes.

Sammy believes.

Tajh believes.

I BELIEVE!

GO Tigers!! 

Beat the Hokies! 

Headed to the ACC Championship game in Charlotte this weekend with DC friends.

GOOO TIGERS!

Maryland game

Last Saturday, I traveled with about 90 other young Clemson Alumni to College Park, MD.

My first away game of the season.

We had 2 buses with loads of beer, food, people and tons of college friends. I knew friends from Charleston, Philly, Houston, NYC, and all over the DC metro area.

I made (for my first time) a FAB pasta salad (that, I might add, was devoured in TWO seconds at the tailgate. I only had a small serving myself).

To this:

It was a 7pm game (as all of Clemson's away games have been this season) and colllddd. I'm glad I brought two jackets with me. 

Also, I hate Maryland. Not the state per say, but definitely that school. The campus LOOKS pretty when you drive through it, but the metro is FAR away from the campus and everything is so spread out. Let's not even mention the HORRIBLE, rude, and ungracious fans. 

(My friend got jumped and mugged INSIDE the stadium on the on ramp to the upper deck and got a concussion).

I ran into a few friends that stopped by our tailgate, which was ROCKING with tons of Clemson people. (Thanks to Liz's fabulous organizing).

Anyways, we didn't get our first lead til the 4th quarter and we only won the game because of the BEAST who is none other than SAMMY WATKINS. (Thanks to his kickoff return for a touchdown, eh hem... Mr. CJ Spiller...?)

We won, after I've lost my voice and complete frustration, 56-45, thank God.

Here are a few pics from the game:

(Also, please note the NOT full stadium. The boxes & no seats on the Home side upper deck, and no seats on the whole left side of the field-out of this picture).

(Seriously, is THAT their mascot??? - pathetic)

Then, a few of us still wanted to go out after we got back from the game around 1 am. 

Yes Mom & Dad, 1 am.

PLUS, one of my favorite, incredibly sketchy but fun bars in Georgetown is closing permanently, so we decided to go for it's very last night.

Here are some pics from SALOUN Saturday night:

Mob trying to get in. Then the cops came & yelled for everyone to get in a single file line, then we got in. Thanks, Mr. Policeman.

Me, Grier, Rebecca, and her date...?

At Saloun. Long day, so I apologize for the rough appearance.

Over & Out.

As always, GO TIGERS!

7-0, 3-0 in ACC

#8 in the Nation (AP Poll)

#7 in the BCS poll

KEEP IT UP TIGERS!

6-0

I can't remember the last time Clemson was 6-0 and BOWL ELIGIBLE this week. WHOA

* Clemson is bowl eligible on October 8, the earliest the Tigers have been bowl eligible on the calendar since 2000 when Clemson won its sixth game on October 7.

* Clemson is now 6-0 for just the ninth time in school history and the first time since 2000 when the Tigers started 8-0. Clemson is also 3-0 in the ACC for the first time since 2000 when the Tigers started 5-0.

This website is awesome for our records as of yesterday's victory: http://www.orangeandwhite.com

* Our quarterback Tajh Boyd suffered a hip injury, and Cole Stoudt had to come in. Really proud of this skinny little guy for coming in and leading the team. Tajh is expected to practice Tuesday. MRIs and xrays were negative. Good news.

* For the first time since Dec. 6, 1982, no Sunshine State team was among the AP rankings on Sunday, marking the end of 472 straight polls where either Florida, Florida State or Miami -- and usually all three -- were on the list. And the Top 10 teams in the AP Poll remain the same. CRAZY.

I watched the game at an Arlington bar called OSullivans this Saturday and I don't think I'll do that again, although Town Hall in Glover Park in DC is far, they've got more tvs, more friends, and it's just a better time there. 

After the game, Megan and I went to Rhino Bar in Georgetown to watch the Auburn Arkansas game. I had completely forgotten that Rhino Bar is THE OHIO STATE bar. There was only ONE tv that was showing anything other than Ohio State v. Nebraska (which by the way, Ohio State BLEW second half after a major lead...)

Saints won today against Carolina Panthers. Saints are 4-1. (and my friend Neal, who lives in NO, Sigma Chi, golfer, graduated with me...is sending me his old Drew Brees jersey that he let me wear in Clemson for games. SO excited to have a jersey!!)

That's all for now.

So proud of my TIGERS!

3376 views?

I have hardly blogged? Who even checks out my blog?

Creepy....

Long time, no post.

Sorry family & friends for my lack of blogging

Work, travel, friends, DC activities and so MUCH MORE.

I'm going to try and come up with short and quicker ways to blog.

I saw this great blog where a girl wrote a thank you note once a day every day...thank yous for the smaller things in life. I like that, but I also might do just short blurbs that could also be potential pet peeves.

We'll see how that goes.

Here's a quick update.

Since April, tons has happened.

• I've travelled lots for work, most recently Germany for Stuttgart's Oktoberfest
• I've had friends visit DC and some even move here, like Nick who came in April
• I've had a few trips home to Charleston and I hope for many more to come
• I've met TONS of Clemson Alums that I didn't know back at Clemson, how crazy is that?
• I've had BOTH sides of my family come to visit me in DC
• Mom came and saw my new apartment, went shopping, and helped me get comfortable into my new place and it was so fun.
• Dad, Linn, Travis, Cameron, and Lauren came to DC. Walks, dinners, and went out in Adams Morgan and had a great time.
• I've had Pete & Miriam came to visit and got to see a little snow on the ground
• Work is great. I love traveling, blessed to have MY OWN OFFICE now, a great coworker, boss and President of my company that are really encouraging and have a lot of faith in me
• Like I said, lots going on...

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY....CLEMSON is RANKED #8 in the NATION and 5-0, 2-0 in ACC

WOOHOOOO!! GO TIGERS!

• Went to the Clemson v. Auburn game Sept 17th weekend with the whole family. Such a special time with everyone and to see old friends. (Thanks to Dad for making that happen!)
• CLEMSON WON --- beat Auburn's 17-game winning streak. SCORE: 38-24
• Clemson has so far WON against Troy, Wofford, Auburn, Florida State, Virginia Tech
• We have beaten Top 25 Ranked Teams for the past THREE weeks, first time ever in the ACC
• Great amazing performances by Sammy Watkins, Tajh Boyd, Nuke Hopkins, Bellamy, our OC Chad Morris and our head coach Dabo Sweeney
• So proud, everyone needs to check out all the YOUTUBE videos 
• Clemson fans welcoming back the team after Va Tech
  
• Clemson v Va Tech Motivational
  
• or check out : TigerNet
• Literally, I am obsessed with EVERYTHING CLEMSON RIGHT NOW
• I purchased my flights to go to Clemson for the UNC game
• Mark my words, Georgia Tech in Atlanta will be GAMEDAY
• And I'm going to the Maryland game in College Park, MD in two weeks

Okay, so there's a quick update.

I'll keep you posted.

Peace out.

GO TIGERS!!

Holiday Treats!

Now, I realize it's not the typical holiday season that you might be thinking...

IT. IS. BETTER.

WAY. BETTER.

Thin Mints, Thanks-A-Lot, Samoas

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SEASON!

Deliciousness in YOUR mouth

AND REESES EGG SEASON!!

AMEN to that!

Note:

Surprisingly, there are MULTIPLE BENEFITS of having Divorced Parents.

#1 on my list:

Receiving multiple boxes--count 'em SEVEN BOXES (3 different flavors)--of Girl Scout Cookies!! Thanks Mom and Dad!

Which coincidentally makes me the COOLEST co-worker ever sharing them at the office!

BAM! Awesome-sauce!

(Maybe I'll continue the benefits of divorced parents on some other blog post)*

*means don't count on it.

3 shouts and a CHEER, GRIER is HERE!

Bad rhyme, I know, but I'm just SO excited!!

Two friends of mine who live in DC were visiting Clemson this weekend. It's Carolina Cup. And I am perpetually missing Clemson....

So what better way to reminisce on Clemson times than with CLEMSON FRIENDS and fellow Alums??

One of my good guy friends Grier, a Sigma Chi (see post about graduation party at Loose Change) flew into town Saturday to move here for a job. I am so excited! I love having more and more people I know in the city!

I met up with him Saturday night and met his cousin who also went to Clemson!! ahh! LOVE IT!

We went to a Texas BBQ place right off the National Mall, went out in Georgetown and Dupont, and back to Georgetown to late-night eat. Falafels, of course!

And speaking of my love for more friends in the city, I turn around at 3am at this falafel place, and who do I run into? High school friends from Charleston! Two guys, Buster and Austin, that I used to hang out with and haven't seen since high school! Absolutely ridiculous!!! How awesome!

And this morning, we went to the Eastern Market and visited the PICKLE MAN! I loooveee pickles and this guy has all kinds of flavors, even Wasabi (and yes, I tried it and it was good!) So, I bought a quart of pickles, probably 12+ pickles in 3 different flavors for $9. YUM! (And I took one to go)!

I had a blast hanging out with Grier and that group of friends. They were so great!

Some quick new updates!

(1) I have FOUND A ROOMMATE and an APARTMENT in Arlington!

This is GREAT news! I have been searching and searching on Craigslist (with no luck) and this sort of fell onto my lap. A friend of a friend in an apartment building ridiculously close to the Ballston metro and mall. I mean, you can't top that! There's parking, a gym, a pool, and most importantly my own bedroom and bathroom! Hooray! This girl, Hilary is so sweet and I am really really praying hard that it all works out and I can move in the end of April!

Hallelujah! 

and the best part....wait for it.....She went to CLEMSON!!!

(and here's for you Lauren, she was a CHI O!)

(2) I am really excited about my Charleston trip! Really excited!! April 15-20ish! (mark it on your calendar people!) I get to see my family and friends AND make my five year high school reunion.

(3) I am SUPER pumped for spring/summer in the city. TONS of friends will come visit. LOTS of Clemson people will be up here, for home or work or internships! I am SO excited!

(4) I am making plans for a work trip to Norwalk, CT in May to visit my company's other office for a Business Development meeting. AND I am hoping to stay for the weekend and go out with my good friend Amanda who lives in NYC!!

(5) Work is picking up and I love it. I can definitely handle this business development thing. It's fun, it's challenging, and no day is this same--different people to meet, different contracts to read, different problems to solve--so far, so good!

(6) I am DYINGGGGG for an iPad 2. DYINGGGGGGGG....or maybe an iPhone. hmm.

(7) And I'm going to make an APPOINTMENT TO GET MY HAIR CUT IN CHARLESTON! Those of you that see me now, know I need it. Those of you who know me, know I've only had my hair cut by one woman only, my entire life, Diane. I am so excited. I love getting my hair cut. Diane is part of the family! She will be doing my hair for my wedding and will be doing my kid's first hair cut (whenever far, far away that may be).

Anyways, this wasn't an exceptional post, but I'm off to bed.

Goodnight cyber-world.
Please pray my apartment search is over and this works out!

Listen to this song. It was introduced to me by these Bethesda, MD boys. And it will get stuck in your head. Hilarious and awesome.

Duck Sauce

3-2-1

3-2-1

3. three reasons I love DC

2. two recent business trips

1. one blessed life I am living

3. 

three reasons I love DC

Granted, I don't "technically" live in the city, I'm in what they call "nova" or if I'm really lucky the "dc metro area", sometimes even "the dmv" (district, maryland, virginia)...

But, every time I get to go to the city, I am amazed and overwhelmed. I can't believe I get to live here. It's actually overwhelming.

(3) I love the museums! And not just because they are FREE! They are beautiful. I love the architecture, the paintings, the sculptures, the people admiring Dorothy's Red Shoes, admiring Jackie Kennedy's inaugural dress... I was overwhelmed and completely moved, almost to tears, by the Star Spangled Banner exhibit. WOW! That flag with the music playing in the background, all the work that went into making it, the work that went into restoring it...the patriotism. Utterly amazing. And that was only ONE exhibit.

(2) I love being able to WALK everywhere. It reminds me of Clemson and Charleston. You can walk down the National Mall and not even realize you've been walking that long. (and that sure is a good thing because there are lots of good eats in this city...) You can walk around museums and appreciate the beauty of the Cherry Blossoms. 

(1) I love the feeling in my gut the second I drive over the Key Bridge or the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge. (It is only third to the feelings I get when I drive into Clemson and Charleston). You know what I mean, that warm, gushy feeling that almost takes your breath away? It's like that feeling that gives you butterflies like you have a new crush on a boy, or for me, the feeling as I'm driving into Clemson and see the orange tiger paws, smell the air, the wind blowing in my hair... Yea, you know what I mean...

God Bless America and God Bless Me

My niece, Miriam in front of the White House

Lincoln Memorial

Natural History Museum

The Capitol

I went to a party here with the Wilsons almost 3 years ago.

Orchids at the Natural History Museum

2.

two recent business trips

 (2) Stuttgart : Recent college graduate, working for less than 2 months, and I get to travel to Germany? Already! Bam! It was by far, the quickest trip I have ever taken to Europe. I left Tuesday night, arrived Weds morning...meetings Weds, Thurs, Friday, then I left Saturday morning. Really quick trip. All the meetings went really well and we are currently working to further develop those relationships and get some more business! I went to a dinner Weds night and cocktails after, went to an Irish Pub Thurs night and dinner and cocktails, and Friday night I had dinner with Jim and had cocktails at his "family bar".

Man, I love Europe. Could totally live there.

And do I have to mention how great the FOOD is? and the WINE? BEER?

My kinda place....

[I arrived back from Stuttgart Sat night, went to a private party RIGHT on Dupont Circle (literally, above the Starbucks--google it) with loads of friends. It was awesome!]

And 4 days later...

(1) Dallas : Just getting back into the swing of work and back to the US time zones and I fly out really really early Thursday morning with my coworker Jorge to Dallas, to our other office there and for this golf tournament. I get paid to golf? That's not even the crazy thing! I am just LEARNING how to golf! And I wasn't even that bad, not the worst player on my team (sorry, Jorge!) and we didn't come in last place. (It was a Best Ball Tournament for Susan G. Komen for the Cure). I had the best BBQ (well top 3), but the best Brisket I have ever had at a place called Hard Eight in Dallas. I think I will continue to play golf---great, just what I need, an expensive hobby--I hope the deals I make on the course justify it! Quick 2 days in Dallas and BEAUTIFUL weather (as you can see, 88 and sunny)! And yes, Mom and Dad, I wore sunscreen and a hat! 

Look out LPGA

My team. Brad, John, Jorge

The most amazing BBQ EVERRRR---HARD EIGHT in Dallas

1.

one blessed life

Because of all these things and more, I am so blessed. I really always have been. I am so grateful for my life and the opportunities I have been given.

SO blessed. 

I wish I could express my thanks and gratitude.

Thank you Jesus.

I love you all.

On another note--I will be going to Detroit for a conference April 15th, and I will be flying out that night to head to Charleston. I will be in Charleston April 15th through the 20th. 

HOORAY FOR ANOTHER CHARLESTON TRIP!

Pray for BEAUTIFUL WEATHER!

"world traveller"

So apparently British Airways classifies your flying level:

I am "world traveller" and "euro traveller"!

(How cool is that?!?!?)

I have successfully joined MULTIPLE frequent flyer programs, including, but not limited to:

United, AirTran, British Airways, American, SouthWest, and had to consolidate TWO of my Delta accounts, just to name a few.

The whole point to this really quick post is my upcoming TRAVELS!!!

I only have 13 days of work in the office this MONTH!

The rest, you guessed it, are off traveling!

I'm going to Stuttgart, Germany March 15-19

Dallas, TX March 24-26

(and most likely, Detroit around April 15th too!)

Busy Busy Busy!

I am so excited. I'm definitely praying for lots of guidance and help. I hope that I can succeed on my first solo-business trip. (My boss will be in Afghanistan). I pray that I have the confidence in myself that my company already so clearly has in me.

[ And a great website I love, www.seatguru.com, it tells you your exact flight and plane, which seats are good/fair/bad, etc and all the details including locations of the bathrooms, galley, and whether or not you have a personal tv! ]

On another note,

I had my first "official" GOLF lesson today.

I had learned some from summers spent at Camp Greystone.

I use to hit balls with my Dad in Wild Dunes, go to the driving range with him some.

And I MUST SAY, I am an extraordinary Putt-Putt player. (If you care to challenge me, game on, cause I'll win....*wink wink*)

The golf lesson was awesome. I had a great time and look forward to many more and for my Golf Tournament in Dallas in a few weeks!

But, since I didn't get home until almost 7pm tonight, I didn't get to the gym, and therefore need to wake up early for a morning workout.

That means, it's bedtime.

[Side note: I have read NINE novels on my Kindle since I got it for Christmas. 4 of which have been in the last 2-3 weeks, and I'm probably going to finish another tonight.]

Man, I love to read.

[Insert nerdy tease here]

a few pictures...

Me this past Saturday. The Capitol building is TINY behind me.

Washington Monument

My apt kitchen

Apt living/dining room

My apt bedroom

My apartment table

My badge

Washington Monument again. (with Polly and friends)

My company gave me this wine set. I think we'll get along just fine!

My first set of business cards. They had to buy me new ones because my direct line was incorrect.

The view from the 22nd floor. My gym. Sunset over Reston.

My TICKET for the Coca Cola 600 in Charlotte. I'm hoping to go for Memorial weekend like I did last summer.

Museum of Natural History

the Good, Bad, and the Ugly

Sorry to all my bloggers.

I'll try to get better with time.

It's been almost a month since my last post. I am disappointed in myself to say the least (if you're a family member, you're not surprised).

Since my last post, I've had plenty of business dinners which means 13+ hour work days, networking events, my first business trip, nights out in the city, and many more things going on.

Nothing too exciting. Really.

But here are some things in the past month that have made MY headlines (good, bad and ugly):

GOOD:

--I've learned more about the Middle East (especially Afghanistan) this month than I ever did in any Political Science or news source.

--I won 2 FREE tickets at the Lufthansa Round Table dinner to a CAPITALS hockey game! March 11, whoop whoop!

--I had my FIRST business trip in Charleston! CHARLESTON! What are the odds that my first trip was HOME? I'm a lucky girl. (all expenses paid by the company---Saturday night through Wednesday morning). I got to see all my family and Ellen, Medley, Logan, and some Ashley Hall friends. It was so great!

--Reed Henry Smith was born. My cousin Kristin and her husband Matt had their first baby on Feb 23! (a month early, but a happy, healthy baby)---and as a side note, I will always remember this date for two reasons: It is the birthday of my first boyfriend AND the anniversary of my dad's surgery to remove his prostate cancer in 2005.

--I'm FINALLY learning my company's software program

--I'm catching on to the acronyms and cargo industry lingo.

--I feel much better getting back into a solid workout routine. Today was my first two-a-day and it felt great. I'm hoping to keep it going (at least twice a week). 

--Yay! I'm learning the bus and metro systems.

--The D.C. street-grid is SO EASY! Love it!

--I'm now on the GLAC (Government and Legal Affairs Committee) for ISOA (International Stability Operations Association) representing my company.

--I'm taking GOLF lessons! A client of ours is hosting a Charity Golf Tournament for Susan G. Komen for Breast Cancer in Dallas, TX the last weekend in March. So, I'm going to go. It's a best ball game, so hopefully I don't have to be too good. My company is sponsoring 3 holes, so maybe I'll stand there and look pretty. Or drive the cart OR better yet, supply the beer.

--I've been out in D.C., Georgetown, Bethesda MD, Adams Morgan, and others and it's been a blast. absolute blast!

--I'm joining a WAKA Kickball league in Arlington from the end of April through May.

--the food in NOVA/DMV area is pretty darn great!

BAD:

--More like sad, my best friend Ellen's grandmother passed away this past week. She's been in my prayers, but I wish I could've actually been there for her. I've known her since I was two years old and call her house my second home. Furman and Martha are the best. I love that family. I love you Ellen!

--Exhaustion. It takes all the energy I have in the morning to get out of bed. (You should hear the fight I have with myself every morning: "get up, you'll feel better if you go to the gym. BUT it's soo warm in these covers. BUT I looovvee my sleep. BUT I didn't sleep well last night. BUT I stayed up late reading. BUT KATHRYN! MOVE YOUR BUTT! WORK OUT. SHOWER. and GET MOVING!"--unfortunately, that MOVE YOUR BUTT KATHRYN doesn't win that often.)

--The COLD weather, obviously. I want warmer weather ASAP (especially, so I can run outside)

--Don't think I'll be able to go to Stuttgart in March :(

--Apparently, I'm a Virginia resident????

--BUT, since I haven't switched my license plate/driver's license, I can't apply for an EZPASS? ughhhhh frustrating.

--Ironing and DryCleaning.

--Grocery and Gas prices. (not to mention the TOLL road and D.C. parking)! Gracious!

UGLY:

--Airlines suck.

--I am a cranky traveler when I get cancelled and then delayed, delayed, delayed. No seriously, DELAYED AND DELAYED!

--TSA. (Transportation Security Administration in case you didn't know) HATES. ME. And what's funny, is that I'm certified by TSA for my work?!?! Are you serious?

--Bag charges stink. This is a problem because I would prefer to carryon since it's so convenient and FREE, but those carryon bags are too little. They only fit my running shoes and a makeup bag. Seriously, too small. About to throw a tantrum.

--Calf pain and charlie horses. For some reason, my calves have been KILLING me. And I had another one of my ab spasms, yes ab spasm. One tiny little ab contracts and won't let go. painnnnful.

--Tequila. enough said.

--Craigslist. It's sketchy and ugly. But, I've decided I want to move to the Arlington area, so I'm desperately searching for apartments/roommates. Hopefully, it won't be TOO ugly.

--Charlie Sheen.

That's all for now.

I'll leave you with this:

"The only thing I'm addicted to right now is winning. Just winning every second. Winning, anyone? Duh, winning!"

-None other than, Charlie Sheen

I would if I could...

I would if I could...

make an extremely long blog about my weekend in D.C. with Polly (and friends) and my new apartment, and my first day but....

 I just got home from my first day and it's almost 10:30pm, yea 13+hours... I got into work around 8:45am, my coworkers and I had Pot Belly sandwiches (which they paid for) and then more paperwork, more learning, and getting used to the office.

I'm learning the company software programs, learning the gist of the freight forwarding industry, focusing on some particular contracts and companies, all the while trying to complete HR paperwork, organize my desk, get to know my coworkers and more.

PERKS: I have a new blackberry. A new laptop with docking station and monitor. My own desk (non-cubicle-like) and lots of space, even new pens and everything!!! (It's like they went school-supply shopping for me and I love it)

After work, my boss and I met up with a former colleague of his, Rick, and went to dinner in Ballston (right near Arlington). We spend about 3+ hours there (decent wine and good sushi). We were all chatting about the industry, while I was trying to give my input, learn acronyms (of which there are many), ask questions, make a good impression, and try to have some fun.

Today was a long day and I'd love to blog more about it, but after realizing that all these "business dinners" run pretty late, make me fatter, and give me less sleep, I've decided I should go to bed soon in hopes of hitting the gym at my apartment really early in the morning. (We'll see how that goes)!

Anyways, it was a great first day. I love the company, my coworkers, my desk, the future opportunities, and the many possibilities and ideas for my first real job...

On a quick note, I'd like to thank my family and friends, special people I've met along the way, and anyone and everyone who have contributed to shaping me into the woman I am today. I am confident about my future and I am very happy that I have made this decision to move up here and I am so glad I have such a great support system behind me.

I love you and miss you all.

COME VISIT ME!!

Lesson 1: Expect the unexpected and deal with it.

Snow! Snow!

Chick fil A to the left, Ruby Tuesdays to the right
About 1 1/2 hrs from sketch hotel.
It only got worse...

As you all know, I plan for everything and I like it to work out exactly as I planned. And I also plan multiple scenarios. So, I usually expect that I've got it all covered.

Well, apparently I picked the WORST day ALL WINTER to make my 8 hour trip up to DC/Sterling area to move for my new job.

Let me preface by saying I started checking the weather for the trip from Charleston to Sterling, VA a month ago. Not kidding, monthly averages, worst case scenarios. Then 10 day forecasts, 5 days, 36 hour, hourly. I'm serious people. (I love Weather Underground)!!

I left Charleston at 9am, saying goodbye to Mom, Dad, Jim, Linn, Cameron and even Miss Betty. And off I went, with my fully loaded Toyota 4Runner. Off to my new job, new start, new city. (whoa!)

I was making GREAT time, like really great time. I didn't have any rain until I hit North Carolina, and then it was only drizzling. It finally started raining, but it was all fine. It was steady 40-45 degrees most of the way, until I hit Virginia.

Oh, Virginia.

Country roads, take me home to the place I belong. West Virginia, mountain momma. Take me home, country roads. (John Denver)

In Virginia, on I-95, I hit the weather. Rainy, slushy, icy roads. It wasn't too bad, but then all of the sudden, when I was about an hour to Sterling:
 THUNDERSTORM 2011 ARRIVED.

And I thought I was making good time. I didn't stop for lunch, because I thought I'd grab dinner when I got there (big mistake). Only stopped a total of 3 times in 10 hours.

That's right, it took me 10 HOURS for an 8 hour drive (and I didn't even make it the whole way)

I had expected to arrive in Sterling at 4:45pm, worst case scenario: 6pm

Neither happened.

Snow everywhere. Slow traffic. 10-30 miles per hour on I-95

then I was so delayed, I started hitting rush hour traffic....

It took me 2 hours to go 15 miles. At one point, I went 0.3 miles in 45 minutes. 

At that point, complete dead stop, cars spinning out, plowers stuck in traffic, half a bag of rice cakes and 8-ish Milano cookies later.... I called my wonderful friend Taylor to research for me if that tiny looking building in the distance was indeed a hotel and if they had availability. Thank the Lord they did.

After 10 hours, dead stop traffic, I slid into a Days Inn and took a room for $82.50 (Thanks Mom for the cash to pay for that because their servers/computers were down!)

Some friends think I'm crazy. Some friend's parents think I'm crazy.

I was moving up to DC, alone, an 8-10 hour drive, in a snowstorm, then staying in a random hotel alone for a night, knowing no one.

And I did it.

Despite my best intentions to plan, it went awry, but I still made it work. 

I didn't have any accidents, run out of gas, spin out of control, or lose my mind. I booked a room at a random hotel last minute and cancelled the other hotel in Sterling (you are welcome random person that is now sleeping in my bed, probably stuck due to cancelled flights at Dulles)

It all worked out just fine. I think I passed my first lesson.
My parents sure raised me to be able to handle lots of situations, especially when it comes to travel. 

Deal with what ya got.

I heard a few pretty cool stories (that make me like DC, despite my rough first night):

--Flash mob snowball fight in DuPont Circle

--Toyota Tacoma rear-ending (on purpose) a van to help move it up the hill.

--3 men, from 3 different vehicles get out of their cars to push a Mustang.

--News woman sat in the same spot for 3 straight hours and reported people coming out of their houses with candy bars and waters to give to the drivers sitting in the snow traffic.

--Another woman went into labor while in traffic. (Gridlock was 7 hours old) on American Legion Bridge (beltway)--eventually making it to the hospital with her newborn.

Other notes:

--about 145,000 power outages in Northern Virginia alone.

--complete gridlock.

-- 3-5 inches in DC area (I think it's more)

Well there you have it folks.

You can't always plan.

Expect the unexpected and deal with it.

Graduation pictures

Here are some Graduation pictures:

been too long

Good evening readers,

Lots has happened since my last post. First and foremost, I am sorry for my lack of postings these past few weeks. Graduation, Christmas, Florida, New Years was all too much to journal here. So I am sorry for not posting; however, most of you who read this were probably with me at all those events anyways.

Graduation was great. Dinner the night before at Nami was fabulous. Mom, Dad, Jim, Linn, Grandma, Michelle, Pete, Lauren, Cameron, Elizabeth, Travis, Widman, and Miriam were ALL there (hope I didn't forget anyone!). It was fabulous! Graduation Thursday morning was freezing and raining. (Not my ideal day for graduation, and awful for pictures I might add). Graduation lasted wayyyy too long, from 11am-2pm. I held it together though. I didn't cry, I didn't trip on stage, AND I managed to hold back my tears (well, almost) at the Alma Mater at the end of the ceremony. Lunch at Calhoun Corners afterwards was great. The food was wonderful at both places and it was great to have the whole family there. I loved it. After the family lunch, we went to Loose Change for a little party. Grier, Neal, a few other Sigma Chi's and myself hosted a "closed" party at Loose with our parents with food, a keg, and wine. It was a blast. We played quarters and flip cup and everyone's parents got to meet for the first time and all of us "recent alums" got to hang out and reminisce. That was the BEST part of the whole graduation festivities. Have I mentioned how much I love my friends?? and Clemson?? and Loose Change?? Have I forgotten that?? Hmm, well I DO! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

Clemson was great. College was great. I can't believe I did all that I did, had all the fun I had, made all the friends I have, AND still graduated in 4.5 years with a 3.7 GPA. WOW! (Ps--it is POSSIBLE to all you readers out there!)

Packing and leaving Clemson wasn't too emotional, probably because my WONDERFUL family did most of it for me...so a BIG shout out to all of them that basically packed up my entire apartment (and unpacked it back in Charleston) for me. What a HUGE help and one of the GREAT benefits of having a HUGE family.

Graduation night (Thurs night) was one of the best nights I've had in Clemson. I couldn't even begin to describe it to you. Just. Absolutely. Perfect.!!

The next night, after my family had left and everything was gone, including my bed (thank you air mattress) was great too. I basically had Loose Change to myself. It was basically me, Cason, Rob, Weezie, Eric, Hollerbach, and a few randomers that came in. But it was just us and a party. I made my own drinks, got behind the bar, and had a BLAST!! Definitely another one of my favorite nights there and BOTH nights were great endings to my college career. I hope I left a good mark on Clemson, 'cause I know I did at Loose ;)

I didn't cry when I pulled away from my apartment. I didn't cry when I pulled out of downtown Clemson. Because I have complete faith that I will be back at everyone opportunity possible.

I could continue to write specific details about my last week in Clemson, down to my last beer at Loose, but I'll refrain for the sake of your sanity and patience with my long posting.

I'll try to be better about posting.