Bring on the Camping!

I bought a new TRAILER! YEAH!!!

So, I had to sell my old 1979 Rockwood tent trailer last year because the lift system broke and I knew that my dad didn't want to have to fix it (my poor dad gets roped into these sorts of things by me). I put in on KSL and within hours it was gone. This year I was hoping to find another tent trailer because I loved having the other one so much and the kids and I enjoy camping! My brother Dan was helping me look on KSL.com for a good deal, as he's always on looking on there for work associated things anyways (plus he and I get into that sort of stuff....looking for good deals). He found a couple of ones that looked like really good deals but WOW they were selling fast this time of year. This one that I got, was only on KSL for 2 minutes and Dan just happened to be online when it posted. He called me immediately and told me about it, then called the people and asked if they would hold the trailer (as he was the first caller) until we could look at it first. The guy agreed (THANK YOU!). Three hours later, we all drove up to take a look. It was such a good deal that I couldn't pass it up. I was a little bit worried about the size of it (it's HUGE!!!) but between Dan assurring me and Sam who read the manual and checked out my car (to make sure I would be okay) saying I'd be okay, I handed over the money. I was so nervous driving it home. It was so big and I'd spent a good chunk of change on it. Sam kept telling me it'd be okay.... and laughed quite a bit at my nerves (thanks alot)! I love it though.... and can't wait to get out in it. So the two beds on the ends are Kings, the table (that slides out) folds down into a bed and the bench makes into a bench. It has a good heater and TONS of space. The box itself is 14 ft long and folds out with the beds at 24 ft long!!! It's a 1998 Damon Camplite. Dan pointed out that instead of having a trailer that's as old as I am, now I have a trailer that's only as old as my kids..... With this trailer I'll have plenty of space for Sam and his kids to come along, family to crash with us and for Hurley. Dan kept telling me last night.... "you deserve a nice trailer Rebecca". I do!

I'm Done!

I'm DONE with winter! I'm DONE with spending all my time indoors! I'm ready to be outside and BBQ's and gardening and jumping on the trampoline.

Uggggghhhh...... Feburary is the hardest month for me.

Thought:

To realize the value of a sister or brother
Ask someone who doesn't have one.

To realize the value of ten years
Ask a newly divorced couple.

To realize the value of four years
Ask a graduate.

To realize the value of one year
Ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize the value of nine months
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize the value of one month
Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of one week
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one minute
Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize the value of one-second
Ask a person who has survived an accident.

To realize the value of a friend
Lose one.

Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.

~ author unknown

Memories

I am bewildered how one image, one thought or one word can take you back in an instant, to a certain place in time. I was just reminded of a very hard, dark and confusing time of my life and it only took one word....to get me there. How very unfair life can be. I do have to acknowledge the fact that even though I was taken back across a darkened familiar journey, the valley's didn't seem as deep as they once were with the mountain so far away. The saying; "Time heals all wounds" is somewhat accurate in my case, however based on my strength, love of those around me and my growing ability to know my self worth, I will continue to keep climbing my way to the top of the mountain.

I sat watching Oprah yesterday with a very heavy heart. There were 4 different sex offenders who spoke and were actually very candidly open, regarding their devastating choices. One being a father that sexually molested his 12 year old daughter. So close to home on so many levels and honestly with one word, I was taken back mentally (it always surprises me that I also react physically as well...heart pounds, shortness of breath, nervousness) through alot of heartache and despair. There was one comment that I don't think that I will ever forget, "I killed the life that she could've had. I murdered her soul". Trouble is, the person abused is not always the only one affected. The devastation of the abuse is widespread.

I came across this website and there are so many good thoughts....just up my alley!

http://www.despair.com/viewall.html

"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups. "

"Because making it look good now is more important than providing adequate support later."

"Let's agree to respect each others views, no matter how wrong yours may be. "

"Never before have so many people with so little to say said so much to so few. "

All Worth It Comments:

I was telling my son Jayden this morning (he's 8 years old) that I was having a rough day already and he wrapped his arms around me and gave me a hug and told me he was sorry I was having a bad day... of course then I started to cry! Afterwards I was driving him to school and said a few times outloud,

"It's a great day, it's a great day, it's going to be a great day!".

Jayden asked, " I don't get it mom.... I thought you said you were having a bad day?".

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach
I was able to attend a training for work in Myrtle Beach this last week....I know rough huh! Myrtle Beach is in South Carolina and the average temperate was about mid 50's. The beach was absolutely beautiful and I took several long walks during my week stay. I was able to eat at some fun (and very good restaurants) do a little shopping on my down time (scored some really great deals too!!!) and took a tour of their boardwalk shops. It would be such a nice place to visit in the summer months but I'm sure very crowded too. Lots of fish/seafood places to eat as well. The training itself was great....with an instructor that was able to keep your attention. I learned alot and hopefully will be able to apply it here in my work environment (making my job easier in the long run!). I feel quite fortunate to have been able to receive the opportunity to go!
I absolutely postively LOVE the Beach!!!

These CatFish were all over in a pond that was in the middle of a Boardwalk Outdoor Shopping Mall. They are so ugly!
On the last day....savoring the views.

I totally took my own picture. I just learned (from some guy at the training) how to set the timer on my camera. Worked out pretty good.

In between classes.... I think I could get used to a place like this very easily!

The Boardwalk Outdoor Shopping Mall

I almost bought them.... they were very tempting.

This was our class. Two folks from M&T Bank, one from Bank of Mellon, one from Regions and four of us from Wells. We went to lunch at this really REALLY good fast food restuarant, The Steak and Shake. The burgers there were so good. It was set up like an old fifty's diner. They sat you, took your order and served you. It was kinda cool and not expensive at all.

I had alot of fun taking different pics......

The ocean view just feet from the hotel.


I wanted to brave the water (it was kind of warm) but choose not to..... This place would be a great place to go though in the summer season. It was absolutely beautiful!!

We actually stayed in Condo's that were within walking distance from the conference rooms. It was like it's own personal community with the beach just feet away.

One morning on my way to the daily training. There were these little ponds all over the grounds and boardwalks to cross over them. There was green tree's still and flowers!!! I loved it!