last days of summer

Well, it’s that time of year again.  The time of year that has always been bittersweet to me.  When I was still school-age, it was a time to cherish all of the fun memories and new experiences as I began another year of schooling.  Now, as an “adult” I wonder how time flies by so fast.  It seems like summer just started, and I don’t even know what I did this summer.  Don’t get me wrong, I had plenty of enjoyable moments but it just really goes by way too fast.  I always thought that I only said that because I used to have to go back to school when August came around.

Anyways, the point of my rambling is that yesterday I enjoyed a beautiful day in Southern Illinois in the Shawnee National Forest.  I had a fabulous day at Garden of the Gods!

Being from a small town, I have ALWAYS complained that there is absolutely NOTHING to do, and I always talked about how bored I am.  But Southern Illinois has some of the most beautiful parks and hiking trails.   I took a TON of pics, but here are two.  Hope you enjoy! If you get a chance during these last beautiful days of summer, I would definitely recommend taking a day to visit this gorgeous area!

Garden of the Gods

Camel Rock

a first for everything…

One of my good friends has been blogging for years, and I always thought his blogs were hilarious but never thought I would ever venture that way.  So, here I am typing my first blog and hoping my stories/thoughts are interesting enough.  If I had to describe my life in one word, it would be random.  This being said, hopefully my randomness will keep you interested.  Enjoy!

I went to a wedding this past weekend in Boone, NC.  And let me just say, if I had to do it all over again I would definitely choose to attend Appalachian State.  Too bad I have NO desire to go back to school.  Anyways, this quaint town is full of interesting people and a very eclectic downtown shopping area.

As I said earlier, the reason for my trip was a wedding.  My step-sister got married, and it was a beautiful day for the outdoor wedding overlooking the mountains.  It was a bit of a mess getting to that beautiful day, but well worth it.  First, I had to endure the crazy hippie, Isaac, who told me he was from Mars at the bachelorette party.  And he said this like he BELIEVED it.

Next, I had the pleasure of sitting next to the groom’s hilarious great aunts.  One of them (probably 83 yrs. old) told me a story of how she “chewed” out a burglar (who was heavily intoxicated on prescription pain pills) at her house in Macon, GA.  While the other of the two, told me stories of living in 15 different cities.  She called herself a “drifter” one step ahead of the law.  What a pair these two!

Finally, it was the day of the wedding.  The bridesmaids had a nice breakfast, and then to my surprise, the bride (my step-sister) had not even picked up her dress.  So, we were off to the dress shop.  There the seamstress informed the bride that she had gained weight since her last fitting, so alterations were in order.  And to top it off my loving step-sister had decided to take TWO of her nerve pills, instead of one.  Let’s just say, she had not a care in the world after that!  All in all, the wedding and reception were a great success!