It's Been a While

I have been neglecting my blog. But not intentionally, I didn't even realize it had been so long. So I've been on the late shift recently at work. And by late I don't mean graveyard-I get off at 10:30. It's pretty nice because then I have the pretty part of the day to do whatever I like...ie sleep in, go for a run, snowboard, or make something good for lunch! The only downfall to working until 10:30 is when I want to call back anyone I may have missed a call from that day and then I realize it's 1:30 in the morning at home.

The weather out here has been gorgeous! Not really what'd you expect in Tahoe, but it's so nicccce! It's sunny (expected) and fairly warm (not expected). It's awesome though because it feels great outside but there's still snow on the ground, so it's the best of both worlds. I love that the sidewalks have begun to melt so that I can go for a a run or walk before I have to head off to work. However, not everywhere is entirely ice free. I found that out this morning. Cool, really cool I am. A truck just so happened to be passing by with what appeared to be a rather cute driver when I found out exactly where the ice was! But besides that, I really can't help but to love being here! You can't look outside your window or go for a run by the lake and not be blessed to be experiencing Lake Tahoe! I mean this place truly looks like a picture out of a magazine. It's hard to believe this really exists.

So I've been getting the hang of my new job. Not saying I've got it all down, but I sure am getting good at popping bottles of champagne! Each guest recieves a glass at check-in and I think my favorite part of the day is popping bottles! All the people I work with are wonderful and I'm making a lot of new friends with people who work at the Hyatt. I love working at the front desk because then I have the chance to talk with everybody. Obviously I get to talk with the guests and get to know them, but also other people who work there stop by and say hello. This is right up my alley.

I also got my room squared away. I'm so grateful this place came furnished but oh boy was the decorating awful. The bedspread and wall pictures were hideous. So I took it upon myself to do a little redecorating. I needed a down comforter anyway because it gets so chilly here at night. So I replaced the red flowery mess with a plain white comforter. Then I added a patterned curtain and some throw pillows for a little variety and color. Then all I had to do was take down the two pretty (cough,cough) paintings and I've put up a wrought iron candle holder on the wall. The other....well, that's still tba. I didn't spend a fortune, just a little sprucing up, if you will. Really though I'm super glad to have everything put away in its place, a clean room, and a room that looks like me, but more importantly like a 22 year old girl's room. I'm so happy the furniture is already here and my closet doors are mirrors so badda bing, badda boom I have a full length mirror. I'm currently laying in bed right now because I'm very tired and about to hit the hay any moment, otherwise I'd take some pictures. Tomorrow morning I'll upload some pictures of my newly redone room!

We Hit the Slopes!

5 years ago Heather and I set out in North Carolina to learn to snowboard. Oh the good ole days. Now I don't remember if we just didn't want a lesson or if we missed it...But we ended up teaching ourselves to ride. What started off on the bunny slope ended up in a few good runs down the mountain at Sapphire Valley. Now I remember the car ride home was torture on our rear ends but we had a blast. Both Heather and I knew how to ski and were pretty decent at it, but wanted to give snowboarding a try.  Now, 5 years later, I'm here to pick it back up again. Yesterday morning Rachel, Nick, Ashley and I headed to Diamond Peak to give it a go. Now keep in mind it's been 5 years since the day I picked a snowboard up and I'm on a much bigger mountain. It actually went pretty well, and I was pretty impressed. Rachel has her own board and was learning more advanced stuff...I, however, was simply trying to stay up and make it down the run. Nick-you are a very patience and kind person and for that I thank you. He was the only one to make it off the lift every single time without falling over, Rachel and I...well...we made it off the last few times without completely wiping out. It was quite an accomplishment for us. Now Ashley, she's a different story. She was on skis and pretty good, I might add. She just went on down like a pro. About midmorning we rode the lift up to the Snowflake Lodge where we stopped in for some biscuits and gravy....YUM!!

After we ate and took a quick pic and headed back down the mountain a few times before we all had to go in to work. I like this afternoon shift thing-then I get to go ride for a while in the morning!

This is a view from the lift. How beeeeautiful!!! The snow has been melting here because it has been so unseasonably warm, so I can only imagine what it looks like right after it has snowed. I'll be sure to let you know when I see that. And yes, of course, I'll be taking pictures. Now for those of you who know I got a new phone know that I absolutely love my little alien. (That's what I call my phone because whenever I have a message or phone call he lets me know in a little alien voice-"Droid" for messages and "You have an incoming call" for calls) I was very hesitant at first to bring my phone out on the mountain because I knew I was probably going to whipe out a few good times....Which I did. But I had to bring it so I could get some pictures and be able to load them on the computer. I wouldn't want anyone to miss out on the view. Now back to this whole falling ordeal-let's get serious for a moment. I think tomorrow morning when I head back out (since I have the entire day off to go snowboarding) I may go ahead and take a few ibuprofen with me. Yesterday was such a blast but my entire body still aches. Last night when I got off work all I wanted to do was hop my battered little body into bed. It was a good ache though, I felt like I had gotten done with P90X on repeat. My legs hurt, my abs hurt, my arms hurt (my bottom definitely hurt). Which is really good-I did not realize this was going to be such a workout. What a fun workout?!?!?!? It was really funny at first yesterday when Rachel and I kept falling....But then one of my last falls for the day was pretty brutal. I face planted right into the ice, cool, really cool. I hit the ground so hard it knocked the wind out of me for a good 30 seconds. I wanted to laugh so bad but I physically couldn't do it. We'll see how tomorrow goes and see if I have better luck keeping my nose out of the ice.

Why It's Called the Present

A story goes:
Nothing happens by accident...If one day you wake up, you find on your bed a beautifully wrapped gift with delicate bows, you would open it before even washing your face, curious about what was inside...Maybe what you may find is something you do not like very much...then you would put away the box wondering what to do with the gift...But, if the next day you find another present, you would open it also. If this time you find something inside that you like very much...A memory from someone who is far away...a lovely piece of music...a beautiful painting...a charming piece of poetry...or a delicate flower from someone who remembered you. This happens every day, but we do not realize it...Every day when we awaken, it is there, before us, a present sent to us by God...a whole day to use in the best possible way. Sometimes it comes with problems, issues that we do not seem to be able to solve. Sometimes it comes with sadness, challenges, even tears...But at other times it comes full of suprises, happiness, success and achievements...What is important is that every day we recieve a present, wrapped especially for us while we sleep: A new day. We are presented this gift, wrapped with colored bows. No matter what the day brings...That day when we awaken every morning is a present...The present that life gives us is not always what we wish or what we hope for...But it is the best for us, what we need most, what we have to learn...what we need to grow...Open your present every day, giving thanks first to your Creator who gave it to you, without thinking what is inside the box. If today you do not recieve the present you wanted, wait for the next one...and appreciate what you recieved today. Tomorrow open your present with love and enthusiasm, because one day your dreams and the life plan for you will come inside the box, beautifully wrapped for you...Life does not care about what we want...just about what we need. And that is good.

My mom sent this to me Saturday when I needed it the most. Each morning I wake up to find my present. It's wrapped in snow. I can't help but to unwrap the present and think how lucky I am. I wake up and live in a beautiful place, have an amazing job, and have the msot wonderful friends and family anyone could dream up. Some days I'm Struggles McGee, but I have that present and figure how I can use it today, this day, to make it count. The opportunity I have to get up each morning and give back in a new and exciting place is truly a gift. I've learned if I love and I live then I have used my present for its intended purposes.

My heart and prayers go out to the Haygood family. The memory of such a strong and inspiring young man will not be forgotten. The gift of life is not worthwhile unless you learn to use it. Thank you Sam for teaching so many of us this lesson.

Don't Slip On the Ice

I want to first apologize for not taking more pictures on my phone. I really have no excuse for not taking pictures and posting. Each time I sign on to write I think about how I should have taken a picture today. I have some good ones in mind to take for y'all. Anyway. So last week I had my first two days off! One day I took Lucy on a walk. Lucy is one of my roommate's dog and she is the most precious yellow lab mix. We started on our stroll and everything was awesome...Except for the fact that she was so fast. Never did she run and on normal circumstances I would have been able to keep up. However, little miss not used to snow and ice over here decided it was best to step cautiously rather than at a normal person speed. I was going to go on a run, but decided against that, thinking it was in my best interest to keep her at a manageable speed. So off we went on a road that follows the edge of the lake. I am so lucky-I live so close to the lake. You can see it from the deck and the house is right off Lakeshore Blvd which runs parallel to Lake Tahoe. So needless to say, our walk was pretty enchanting. Too bad Lucy's a girl...and a dog. It was going so great and we were both having so much fun until we started going down the hill. Here most of the sidewalk is covered in snow, even though it's been stepped down quite a bit. Well, this particular piece of concrete was rather slippery and Lucy really got to going. Now I haven't been to the ski slopes yet-but this was almost as good. My two feet were planted shoulder width apart and down the hill I slid. Lucy pulled me a good 25 yards and I never movde a muscle. Well, maybe my hand muscles as I tried to make sure I didn't let go of her leash. I was terrified the entire way down the hill hoping and praying I didn't fall and hurt my behind or my pride. However, it was also really fun. I can't say I'll try it again-but it was awesome! Thanks Lucy-you're going to be my best friend! I feel like we'll be taking walks a lot. My next encounter with outdoor physical activity was a run the next day. No, I haven't been to the slopes yet, but I'm working on it. So back to the run-terrible mistake. You know the altitude really will get you up here. Let's just leave it at I didn't get too far before I thought my lungs were going to explode. At least it was pretty. And then I did ended up walking a while. I really have to time these things perfectly because it gets dark so quickly. I went again this afternoon when I got off work and had a little better luck. I made it about two miles before I had to give up this time. Whenever I go back home I feel like I'll be able to run a marathon. I also realized if I can't run that far here and the cooking's different too...Oh no! I really won't be able to bake anything. And yes family-I know you warned me! What am I going to do when it comes time to make biscuits...or gee, even a funfetti cake?! If I can't run far I'm never going to be able to master an oven up here. Living at 6,000 feet is harder than I originally thought. Maybe I'll attempt a cake since I can't quite run yet. Hopefully I'll get at least one right.

My First "Real" Day

So yesterday was it. Yesterday was my first real day on the job. I mean, yes, I'm still training. There is so much I still don't know. But yesterday I did it. I checked people in and out all on my own. I owe a huge thank you to everyone at the front desk for making my first day run smoothly. They answered all my million questions, helped me when I had problems, and were so sweet to me! Don't worry about the fact that it's a holiday weekend and the hotel is completely booked. Don't worry that I was working when all 100% checked in. Nah, I'm just joking. It actually went really well. I'm so thankful for the people I turned to when I didn't have a clue what to do. Thank you to Rachel, Ashley, Karen, and Bill-yeah, you just got a shout out on the world wide web. I got really good at smiling and saying "hold on just one moment, please" then quickly walking into the office where my smile turned to complete and utter confusion. There I would figure out the answers to my questions, return to the computer and continue on with my business. I also found out if I explain that I'm new and would hate to mess something up on their reservation, they are a lot more understanding when I need to walk away. I can be really nice to people and smile. In fact, I really enjoy doing that. I suppose that's why I like this job so much. However, sometimes the logistics just get in the way of getting a guest squared away. I've gotten pretty good at figuring it out and at tailoring my questions when I do have a problem. I also have been getting along really well with everyone up at the front desk and all the managers. It's makes the work day a lot more fun. All the bellmen are super great, too. When it's not too busy they come up to the desk and chat. I made a new bellman friend. If I catch him coming off the elevator when I'm walking back to the front and he's got the luggage cart...well, guess who gets a free ride on the cart? That's right-me! They've all been here for a really long time and know everything there is to know around the area and about the lake. One man was even here before the hotel was the Hyatt. How cool is that?! It's a good feeling to get settled in and start to be comfortable. I'm getting to know everyone and getting to know my job better. It's really nice when not only management stops to say hello and knows who you are, but the guests remember you. Even when I'm away from the front desk, guests have passed me and used my name. Most even remember I'm from Georgia-and of course, that just makes my day! I guess it makes me feel like I did a good job or my accent is pretty noticeable. I mean seriously, who wouldn’t love my job? I get to talk to people all day. Love talking. I get free food in the cafeteria. LOVE food. And I get free rides from a luggage cart to and from the office. I'm definitely still learning the ropes and I know I will for a long time. But as for now I'm loving this job and so thankful for the patience and help from everyone at the Hyatt as I continue to train. For most people who know me know that I like being nice and I like nice people. This position is such a perfect fit. This is what Perfectly Polished and 4-H have prepared me for: to be polite, to be confident, to be professional and to be enthusiastic.

My Hero

It is hard to believe it's been a year. This day a year ago Heaven received a very precious gift, my Grandpa. A real hero walked through those pearly gates and I know each and every day he smiles down upon us. For Grandma, Daddy, Mama, Jason and I-this year has been a difficult one. I hate that I could not be with my family this day. I would love nothing more than to be with my Grandma right now. She is such a strong and beautiful lady and I have such admiration for her. This was a year of many firsts for us, many changes. It has also been a year full of growth for our family. It has been a time to mourn and a time to cherish, a time for sadness but a time to look back and laugh, a time weep and a time to remember a hero. My Grandpa served in the US Navy and accomplished things people now could never even dream of. My Grandpa served valiantly and fought strong. My Grandpa was a hero. My Grandpa taught me to mash up cornbread in milk and eat it with a spoon. My Grandpa sat around the table at McDonald's with all his friends and told me stories, taught me lessons. My Grandpa made the best peanut brittle the world has ever tasted. My Grandpa loved the Dawgs. My Grandpa always smiled. My Grandpa had the most contagious laugh. My Grandpa always called me Sugar Booger, always. My Grandpa loved and was loved. My Grandpa was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend. My Grandpa is my hero. To this day I can't pass a black Cadillac without thinking of my Grandpa. I can't look at an American flag without thinking about his love for our country, our freedom, our family. I cannot drive down East Campus Road without stopping to say a little prayer. If it's not after 5 I would even go in for a little visit and tell him what's going on with me. I can't do that now, 4 days sure is a long trip and I don't think I'd make it before the cemetery closes. But what I can do is look up at the sky and know you're there, Grandpa.

"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."

Out here, in Tahoe, the stars are a most magnificent site. According to the night sky I look up and see each night, you are one happy man! Grandpa, you have lived, you have loved, you have fought, you have worked, you have saved the lives of so many, and enlightened the lives of so many more. I am so thankful for your service to the United States military and to our family. You are so brave and a hero to so many. I am looking forward to the day I see your Purple Heart and Bronze Stars. You lived humbly and for that you have taught me an invaluable lesson. You live on in my heart and in the sky each night. There are so many things this year that I know you would be proud of me for. I love the fact that you face Sanford Stadium and watched over me in my last year of college at UGA. And I know that you will continue to watch and be proud of Jason as he continues his degree and his life. Please never stop twinkling. I love to look at the sky and treasure your memory. I think about you often and you are truly missed. I love you and Aunt Linda and am so happy you are reunited in His kingdom.
Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. 1 Corinthians 15:42

A Week in Incline!

It's official-I've been here an entire week. I know it's Wednesday, but I'm on my weekend. I get two days off a week and here they are! Woohoo! I would go running today. I mean it's sunny, pretty, and I don't have to be in....However, I'm just not so sure the ice on the side of the road and I would make good friends. The middle of the road is clear and people can drive, but I probably shouldn't be running in the middle of the road. We don't need a Juanita sandwich with some car and pavement on the side. And I'd rather not face plant into ice and then have to make it back home. I suppose I'll have to wait until spring for that. I'm very excited to be here, but can I just show my disappoint in leaving? I move and home gets snow. Not just a little snow, a lot. And I just graduated and they cancel school for 3 1/2 days. What is this?! Why couldn't this happen when I was a)still a student and b)still at home? Oh well, I'm so excited for everyone in Georgia to have all this snow! Sure is pretty, I know this because I've gotten pictures from everyone and I love it! I'm starting to get settled in and kind of know my way around town. I'm still working on it, but I'm definitely getting better. And I'm almost all ready at work. I've finished the training part on the computers, touring the property, and meeting the different departments. When I go in on Friday I'll be shadowing and then I'll be good to go for when y'all come visit and need to check in. I'll be able to do that for you! Yesterday morning I got some really hands on training. You'll never guess what I did so I'll go ahead and tell you. I spent the morning with housekeeping and helped a really nice lady clean rooms. Yes, I did. I got to see and do what housekeeping does each morning and it was actually a really good experience. I'm really glad I get to see what so many other people at the Hyatt get to do. I truly wore a different pair of shoes yesterday and am so glad to see the work that so often goes unnoticed. I'm also starting to meet some more people here. Working on making new friends-I suppose I need to get those soon since all mine are in Georgia. I'm also having to listen carefully and pick up on the lingo people use out here. Not so much that people use slang, but more so that I've just never heard the word before because it's completely irrelevant in Georgia. For example, birm. No not the fish brim, birm. A birm is the mound of snow on the side of the road. Definitely never used that one at home. And when you ask someone where they are from and the response is the bay area. Cool-I have no idea what that means. Then you have to ask and get an explanation-sometimes people look at you like you're stupid. But most of the time they hear my voice, get that I'm not from ANYWHERE near here and continue to explain that it's in California. I'm learning, but I feel like this is going to take a while. Good thing I have the excuse "I'm new here." Have a wonderful day playing in the snow...as will I! And for your viewing plesaure here's a picture of the lake!

                                     

Definitely Still Learning My Way Around

This morning I headed in for another day of training. However, when I got off work I rushed off to Reno for a quick trip. Why you ask? Because I failed to pack enough "professional clothes" to last me until I get my uniform. I've been wearing wool skirts for the past three days and now I'm running out of options. Somehow every single skirt made it here but no dress pants. The rest of my skirts on the hanger are either too summery, too casual, or too short for work. There in lies my problem. I googled the nearest Gap and set out on a mission. However, I could not find it...anywhere. Partly because it was dark outside, I was in a completely new town, and I'm not good at multitasking. What I mean by multitasking is that I had it pulled up on google maps on my phone, but I can't drive and fiddle with a phone, get serious. Oh by the way, I chose Gap because a)I really like that store b)they usually have good dress pants and skirts and c)I have a giftccard for there and wouldn't have to spend any money. Well, the giftcard I have is also good at Old Navy. Lucky for me I found an Old Navy very easily and I wasn't even looking for it. The Gap, now that's a different story. So I pulled in to ON, but I'll be darned, if it wasn't closed. I drove around some more until I found a couple of dresses that were work appropriate and winterworthy. Work clothes-check. Next I set out to find a Target. Just moved in so I needed to pick up a few essentials and a few things to eat. I settled on the microwavable soups. Not the soupy watery ones-the hearty, here you go hungry child, good kind. Now that I'm on my own-things like food are taking a turn for the worst. I'm very glad the Hyatt has an employee cafeteria with delicious food. My plan is to eat a huge lunch at work and then lay low for dinner. And by lay low, I mean eat easy to make and inexpensive food. I'm not so sure this whole learning to cut costs where you can thing is going to turn out well. Anyway, toilet paper and food-check. Well at this point I'm starting to get hungry. If you know me well you know that's a common phrase in my vocabulary: "I'm hungry." I saw so many in-n-out fast food places on the way here and I've heard a good many people talk about it. Well, what do you know, right next to the on ramp to head back to Incline, there's an in-n-out. I should probably give this place a try. Uh-mazing. I'm very serious, that cheeseburger was greasy, delicious, and just what I needed. They even had real coke and none of this pepsi nonsense. My night was just made a million times better....Until I tried to get back to town and ended up in Carson City. That's going the opposite way from Reno if you're in Incline Village, mind you. Don't worry Mom-I popped about the GPS and was on my way. Oh well, I needed to ride around a bit and clear my head. I also got to pick up the only country radio station around. the closer I got to Incline the poorer the reception for the station got, so that was a nice treat. Needless to say, tonight was a bit of a quest. But, I made it and got some work clothes and a full belly. That'll do for now. Good night y'all! Oh and by the way-Georgia gets snow now?! Well, y'all enjoy that winter storm and if you don't get your fill of snow tonight-you know where I'll be.

And So The Job Begins

Two days ago my training for Front Office Associate (that's my official title) began. Another girl training for the front desk and I started the morning with paperwork and orientation to the Hyatt. Not just the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, but we got an overview since the beginning of the company. The video we watched featured the one in Atlanta! Go Georgia! For the past two days, and continuing through Tuesday I will be learning the computer system that the hotel runs on, touring the Hyatt, and learning my responsibilities at the front desk. Then I have Wednesday and Thursday off and on Friday start up at the front desk. I've learned a lot and there's a lot to remember with Opera, the computer system. It's going really well though because I'm being trained by my manager who is super nice and she's from Florida, so she understands my infatuation with college football. She also just found out she's going to be having a baby boy! How precious! Everyone has been super nice and I already feel included. I really like my job so far and the Hyatt is so pretty that I will definitely enjoy working there. I'm still getting acquainted with the town, though. I can find my way to work, to the grocery store, to the gas station, to Starbucks, to Reno, and to Carson City. I feel like I'm doing pretty good for my fourth day. Everybody always asked so are you from around here? Nope, no I'm not. A few people have even asked me to talk for them. Nothing inparticular, just talk. I knew I was going to talk different but what I didn't realize was that people would think it was really cool and want to listen. Hot dog-people already think I'm cool! I also got fitted for my uniform yesterday. Excuse me-get for real! It's really not a terrible uniform...until they don't have your size and the seamstress is out for a month. I will be wearing a button down that actually fits and pants that a are a size to big and a mile too long. Oh gee-I suppose a 2 short is a little too picky. Sorry friends. Oh well-I also get a mountain man sweater. For some reason though I knid of like it. And that was super smart of them to have that part of the uniforms at the front desk because it gets cold there with the door opening and closing all the time. During training I get to wear normal work clothes-but starting Friday I'll be looking super fly in my giant pants. Bahaha. Yesterday morning was another bright and early morning. Dad and I started off with Starbucks-so glad they have one here-and then headed off to the airport. I did not like yesterday morning. That was not fun. Yes, I cried all the way back over Mt. Rose to Incline Village. Not only was it my Daddy that I took to the airport, but it was the last person with a familiar face that I was forced to say goodbye to. Dad thank you so much for taking me out here. I really enjoyed our road trip and thanks for getting me settled in. Ok-everyone can start visiting now! It did help though that the ride back was so pretty. I mean seriously driving through snow covered mountains with the morning sun really is beautiful! Well-I've got to get ready and head to work but I hope you have a great day!

The Pictures I've Been Promising...

 Goodbye Georgia and hello to the first state we crossed into. And yes, we documented the entire trip, complete with every state we went through. Thanks Daddy for getting pictures of each state sign!

 Yo Mississippi!

 Next was Mr. Ben's favorite state!

 Here marks the beginning of states I'd never been to before. And the last state with sweet tea.

 Still on Day 2 of the journey.

 You can see the windmills I was talking about!!! Tons of them.

 Here's a close up.

 I'm not quite sure how I missed the Texas sign when I uploaded these pictures. I'll put it up later. Can't leave out part of the trip. It would be ashame to leave them out especially since I didn't speak to highly of Texas in my earlier post. But here's New Mexico.

By the way-NM had some awful tacky billboards. Just thought you should see.

Here's a mesa. I'm kind of sad I didn't see a pueblo, too. I don't know if those exist anymore.

Weird seeing an Arizona sign in the snow, huh? Yeah, I found it odd.

NEVADA!!! We made it to my new state.

This is Lake Mead. The lake is really low right now and where the light meets the dark dirt is where the water level should be. I know a picture doesn't give a good distance perception but the lake was incredibly low.

Here's where the Colorado River leaves the dam.

 This is where the turbines are. This is the facility responsible for providing power to a large region of our country.

The dam.....and whoa it was big.

That's a pretty long ways down. Wouldn't want to fall down there...splat.

I had to rub the statue's toes. It's good luck. And good Lord knows I need all that I can get.

This bronze statue (and there were two of them) is a tribute to those who died building the Hoover Dam. The hard work of those who built the dam did not go unnoticed and there were many monuments remembering those who made the construction of the dam possible. It really was quite touching.

Next we got to VEGAS!!!! Haha, can you tell I really like this movie?!

We would have loved to see the fountains but they hadn't started going off yet. Boo, hiss.

Here's a good example of where you can see the different layers of rock, dirt, and sand.

This morning we decided to head west and hit one other state while we're here. I only live about 15 minutes from the California-Nevada line so, duh, we had to visit.

Welcome to my new home place of residency!!! Nothing will ever replace Georgia, and that's a fact.

Yes, that is THE Lake Tahoe in the background. This one's a framer.

We're so high that the clouds hover over the lake in the morning. But by about 10 the sky was clear as a bell. It is truly beautiful out here!

The water is crystal clear and the boulders covered in snow just make it even better.

Mountains all around. Definitely not in Georgia anymore.

I like how the snow even stays on the trees here. And I like that they have trees!!!

So those were a few of the places we've been and the things we've seen. It's been a long trip but I've gotten to experience so much. Today we got to drive around Incline and explore the area. It's a small town with a completely different vibe. I don't want to say it's like Island Time, but there's something about it here that is so relaxing. I tell you what though-it is awesome to look up and see a true blue sky, green trees, and white snow covering the ground. It is absolutely breathtaking. We also headed to the border, as seen in a picture above. California is super close and I know I'll be taking some trips there to places like Yosemite, San Fran, and hopefully I can make it up to the Redwood Trees. We ate lunch at a local place today called T's Mesquite Rotisserie. I can already tell I'll be eating there. It was delicious and pretty inexpensive. I got a tacos, yum! It also seemed like a local hangout so I'll be going back to make some friends. I need some friends around here. I go in for orientation at the Hyatt tomorrow so hopefully I'll meet some nice folks there. Tomorrow morning at 8am I meet for orientation and I'll have lots of fun facts for you tomorrow. Be prepared to hear more than you ever dreamed about of the Hyatt and of Incline Village. I'm sure I'll learn a lot. I guess I should be learning something since it's time for everyone else to go back to school and I'm not. That's a weird feeling. This is the first time in 17 years that after the holidays I don't head back to school. Not that I'm complaining....more so enjoying that I'm done and actually have a job! I can't wait to get started. Keep you posted on my semi-first day.

Road Trip: Day 4

Today was our final day on the road. We made it, we made it, we made it! I'm now in Incline Village-my new residency for an unknown period of time. The morning started off in Henderson, NV. We got breakfast at McDonald's and back tracked a little ways to the Hoover Dam. The night before when we drove past it was getting dark, so we decided to come back. I am so glad we did...it was incredible! I mean talk about huge! I really hate that I don't have the camera cord out of the car yet because we got some really great pictures. I'll be sure to put them up as soon as I can. We got to walk around and see where Lake Mead fed into the dam and you could also look down the backside and see where the water spits out of the turbines. You'd think that a bunch of power lines would take away from the aesthetics of the place, and most of the time they do. However, in this case they didn't at all because they were the entire reason for the dam. They also are so strategically set up that they actually look kind of cool. There was a giant bridge that was completed in October of 2010. It crossed the Colorado River after the water passed through the dam, but you could see both sides of the dam from the bridge. Seriously it was the tallest bridge I've ever seen in real life. It reminded me of The Polar Express where the train crosses through mountains. After exploring the dam we got back on the road and headed toward Vegas. Now that was an impressive site, as well. I convinced Dad to drive down the Vegas strip and we saw all the famous hotels and casinos. Too bad we didn't see little baby Carlos. Not at the table. There was so much going on even in the daytime that I'm sure it looked a million times cooler at night with everything lit up! We only passed through, but I'm so glad that we got to see the heart of Las Vegas. After Las Vegas we got to pass.....nothing....and then more emptiness....and then some desolate pieces of nowhere. We drove for miles and miles and miles before we drove through a town so small it didn't even have a stop light. One thing I did notice in our period of nothingness were the colors in the land. On the sides of the mountains you could see the different layers of dirt and sand. Caroline and Caleb, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. I feel like you learn this in elementary school and then don't ever hear about the sedimentary and other layers ever again. I was so glad when we started to get close to Carson City, finally civilization. Carson City is also the capital of Nevada-learned a fun fact today. In Carson City we got to snow and trees!!! Thank you Jesus for the trees. I told Dad on the way in that if we got to Incline Village and there were no trees that I was turning around and going home. Lucky for us-there are trees here. Beautiful trees. They still have snow on them and it is gorgeous. We got in tonight about 8 pacific time and it was already dark so I'm really looking forward to seeing everything tomorrow in the day light. OMG I'm finally here! I really can't believe this. In the car today I really thought we'd never make it when we came to the intersection of desolate and nothing. But here we are! We ate at another Mexican place-can you tell what kind of food Daddy and I like? Clan and Em, I've found our favorite place when you come visit! On the way into town there are these decorated poles sticking out of the ground. Or decorated so I thought. I then come to find out the colored stripes around are heights to measure the snow in. The blue, silver, and black poles line both sides of the road and help you to see how much snow is on the side of the road. I prefer to still think they're pretty decoration for the ride in, but I suppose I'll have to get used to actually looking at them for the intended purpose. Until tomorrow....good night friends!

Road Trip: Day 3

I apologize for the tardiness of this post. I realize that we are technically on day 4 by now, but I will entirely devote this post to yesterday's travels. Thanks to the poor wifi in the hotel last night, I was unable to blog. And I found out that blogspot is not droid friendly. Well, I take that back. Blogspot is...kind of. I could log on and even start to type my post title but couldn't actually write in the text box. Oh well. Now we know. Back to the good stuff...
We started yesterday morning in Santa Rosa, NM and headed toward Albuquerque. The last town we went through in New Mexico was Gallup. Yes, if you found that funny so did I. I mean come on, it's an Indian town and the name is Gallup. Indians ride around on horses. Horses gallop. Or at least they did a long time ago when it came time to name the town. Then we made our way to Arizona. It's nuts to see Arizona covered in snow. I usually associate Arizona with hot and dry. This road trip has been quite the experience and I actually am learning a lot. I would highly recommend this to anyone-a great chance to see a part of the country I've only read about and seen on tv. I'll be honest though-it's great to visit, but I'm not one for plain land with no trees. The horticulture has been entirely different than anything I have ever seen before-yes, I threw out that college term. I like trees. I took trees for granted. Now I have realized just how much I like them. Once we passed through Flagstaff, AZ we proceeded toward Kingman. Flagstaff-I like you. You had trees. It was a little teaser though because around Kingman we went back to little brush and cactuses.I'm so serious, you laugh but land with no trees is not quite the place I'd like to live. In Kingman we got off I40 and headed north on US93 toward the Hoover Dam and Las Vegas. There were no trees on this stretch but I liked this part. It became very mountainous and we meandered through Arizona and into Nevada. The mountains here looked a little different than you might expect. They were bare and looked like tall piles of rock and sand, but yet it was so impressive! Yesterday we crossed the line. We made it to Nevada!!! We stayed in Henderson, NV and by stay I mean we're still here. Dad let us stay a little longer so I could upload this post. We're about 10 miles from Vegas and the casinos are already out of control. We went to eat dinner at a restaurant last night that was exactly 5.8 miles away from the hotel. In that 5.8 miles away, we passes more casinos than we did gas stations. Let just say that's a lot of lights. I can't even imagine what Las Vegas looks like at night. Henderson looked like a Christmas tree light store exploded and landed in a town surrounded by mountains. That's about it for yesterday. I'm now about to eat breakfast-the most important meal of the day! And we'll be off to Incline!!!

Road Trip: Day 2

This morning Dad and I left Arkansas and ended up in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Let me just begin by saying that although New Mexico mistakes light brown sugar water for tea, they can make a mean chimichanga. What I just ate had to be the most amazing mexican food I have ever had! But, of course, I got a chimichanga because it was fried. I'm not quite sure how much longer I'll be able to order fried foods:( Passed Checotah, Oklahoma today-woohoo Carrie Underwood's home town! We also got to see windmills in Oklahoma. That was probably my favorite part of the day. You know-those crazy looking tall poles with three spinning blades at the top. Seriously, I'm not being sarcastic, they don't look like a normal looking windmill. I like the fact that Oklahoma uses alternative energy sources. Very, very neat! Then we got to Texas...major bummer!!! It was flat and boring. Their cows don't even graze. I thought Texas was known for everything being bigger. The only big thing about Texas was my disappointment. I did get to drive through Amarillo though and found a radio station called the armadillo. That made me chuckle. Oh and one more thing about Texas-We passed the American Quarter Horse Museum and Hall of Fame. Mrs. Bristol I definitely thought of you and all of our hilarious road trips to horse judging competitions. It's so weird going from Arkansas where there are actual trees to here....just mesas now. I haven't seen a tree that actually was grown in the spot is is planted in now since Oklahoma City. Don't worry pictures will be coming-but my cord that will hook the camera up to my computer is packed somewhere far, far away in my car. That's about it for today as far as travels are concerned. But one thing I would like to mention in this post is my undying gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful people in my life. The amount of phone calls, text messages, emails and facebook posts I have received in the past few days has blown me away and really touched my heart. Thank you so much to everyone checking in on me and for your thoughts and prayers! I am truly blessed to have such positive people in my life who care about me. Although you may not realize this, each of you have gotten me to where I am today and without your love and support I would not be here. My family and friends mean so much to me and I am so lucky to have you! You have given me the courage, confidence, and strength to proceed with my journey west. Your love and friendship is never overlooked and I look forward to keeping in touch as I explore this new life.

Road Trip: Day 1

I'm currently sitting in a hotel room in Russellville, Arkansas. Dad's asleep and I've got Georgia on my mind. I'm pretty sure that's going to be a new theme song in my life. Yes, I'm that girl who has theme songs for what's going on in my life and I listen to them over and over and over again. Daddy so graciously volunteered to take me out to Tahoe and we started our 10 state road trip this morning at 7 am. We left Watkinsville and headed toward Birmingham where we picked up 78 to Memphis. From Memphis we took I40 to Little Rock and then to our final destination of day 1-Russellville. I haven't done anything today minus a 10 hour car drive/ride, but I am absolutely exhausted. I guess my tired face gets confused with an "alarmingly sad and depressed" face. Our waiter told me I looked terribly upset. Oops. Well, this morning I said goodbye to Georgia. I said goodbye to my home, my friends, my family, and to everything I've ever known. I've never been more than a hop, skip, and a jump away from familiarity and today was a giant leap of faith. I'm praying God keeps Daddy and I safe as we travel away. I also pray that he stay close those I left behind. Moving away isn't easy for me and I will (already do) miss home very much. That's not going to keep me from embarking on this new and exciting, once in a lifetime opportunity-but it is difficult (contrary to popular belief). I love Watkinsville, I love Athens, I love good southern food, sweet tea, temperatures you can run outside in, my outstanding and supportive family and friends, Lebron, Saturdays between the hedges, college, and so much more about Georgia that I'm temporarily giving up. I do, however, realize that I need to take this step and that once I get past the initial shock of leaving that I will have the time of my life and definitely not regret this decision!!! God please grant me the courage to keep my heart above my head and my eyes wide open. Stayed tune for tomorrow's travel updates.

Packing Extravaganza

I would just like to start off by giving a huge thank you and shout out to Catherine, Geoffrey, Heather, Aaron, and Brett for helping me pack up my life. Your patience is mucho appreciated. So it all started with some vaccuum seal bags and a closet of clothes. Thanks to the lovely people mentioned above, I had good company and help while trying to condense my closet to a much smaller and more packable state. I never quite realized before how many clothes I have accumulated. After the clothes were packed....I needed everything that didn't hang in the closet. My second round of thanks goes to Clancey and Emily who helped me shove in the remaining items and reaarange the clothes that filled so much of my car. Try packing your life into a two-door car. Not an easy task. When all was said and done I did, indeed, have to leave clothes for Mom to ship out to me and my car is now a low rider...or at least until Thursday when I get there and unload. I probably brought too much, but I sure would hate to get out there and leave the one thing I left behind. Typical response from a girl, huh? My third thanks goes to Mama who's going to send the rest of my clothes via UPS. You're the best!

Juandering My Way Westward

Allow me to introduce to you my blog. Family and friends this is my blog. My goal is to keep you posted on my life/adventures/mishaps/funny things that will happen to me (because we all know my record with unfortunate events that usually lead to hilarious tales). I hope that you will enjoy reading this, as I will enjoy writing about my adventure to Lake Tahoe. If you want to live vicariously through this blog I highly encourage that, but what you should really do is come visit me!!! For anyone who has missed the memo-I got a job with the Hyatt in Incline Village, Nevada. Incline Village is on the north side of the lake and a pretty snazzy place from what I hear. I sent in an online application to the Hyatt Regency a while back and got a call from the human resources department within two days. Either I did something really nice and karma got me, the Hyatt desperately needed a thick accented southern girl at the front desk, or I look good on a resume...But regardless the means behind my employment, I applied and got the job and now am en route to live in Nevada. For how long you ask? I have no idea. The plan was to apply to a ski resort and work through April. But now that I found out Tahoe has a decent summer season as well, I just may have to stay and see how that goes, too. So we'll see I suppose. I am very excited but aso very terrified. While going to college at UGA I moved a whole 15 minutes down the road, but and am now moving roughly 2,400 miles to the left. This will be an adventure for sure and I will be sure to post regularly. Expect some interesting stories because let's be honest I'm from a small town in Georgia. I had never even heard of chains before and now will quickly be learning to put them on my tires. Mind you, I drive a Honda Civic...this will be fun. A go cart on ice sounds like a pretty good ride to work if you ask me. I would bring the 4-wheeler with 4wd but I feel like Jason would have a heart attach because he loves taking it to the farm. Good thing I believe they keep the roads there pretty clear, or I might be in some trouble. Santa was pretty good to me this Christmas. He knew exactly what I needed and that was cold weather clothes. I now have awesome boots, gloves, ear muffs, long johns, and many other things to keep me toasty in the mountains. Thanks Santa! I feel prepared, I hope. Well prepared in outfits not so much a mindset (hence the name of the blog). I'm wandering my way through this adventure and although I did my fair share of research on the area, I still have no idea what's going on. That's good for you, because then you may find this blog to be your daily dose of laughter. I'm also wandering through this next chapter in my life. I've graduated college and now I have to figure out what's next. I'm hoping this will be an awesome experience to buy time before I have to get a "real job."  I'll let you know what that is when I get there.