Packing Reunion Style

Going to family reunions always seems to be a mixed bag of blessings for me.  The blessing, of course, is to see family I don’t get to see but once a year, and a chance to visit and spend time with others that I don’t know as well.  On the other hand it means hot weather, motel rooms, driving, and having limited options.  The only thing I would really complain about is the weather.  It has simply been atrocious both here in Texas, and even worse in Oklahoma.  However, after doing this for a while I have packing down pat.  Of course I always learn something new each trip, but here are the basics that never go away:

1. Make a List! – It doesn’t really matter how you do this one. I usually write mine down, but if you like it on the computer then go for it.
   
   a. Start with what you use every day. I start writing down what I use from the moment I get up. Example: I’d write pillow (I only bring my pillow if I’m driving, otherwise, it takes up too much room if I fly.). Then I’d write PJs, rubber band, bobby pin (I hate having bangs at night), etc. Once I’ve written everything down. Then I would put it into categories. Feel free to not be that organized, but I do it because then I don’t have a cluttered list. I’m both lazy and anal retentive that way.
   
   b. Once I have the everyday needs written down, then I decide my wardrobe. On a side note for your underwear I always suggest adding two extra just in case. Because you just never know. Even if you are regular, on birth control pills, etc. there is something about vacation that can make your body do weird things, so just throw in a couple of products for the just in case time.
   
   c. PS: This should include electronics and chargers. DON’T FORGET THE CHARGER!
2. Be a Walking Pharmacy – You will always be the hero if you keep the following things: aspirin, band-aids, Imodium AD, Pepto, Charcoal pills (these are the best if you are going to a foreign country or have a sensitive stomach), and Benadryl (or your favorite allergy / sinus medication).
   
3. Bring Entertainment – I hardly ever have a chance to actually watch a movie, read a book, or skim through a magazine at my family reunions, but having them there helps ease any thoughts of boredom. Magazines and movies are great for the younger people around you, who might not enjoy sitting for long periods of time listening to current ailments of older family members.
   
4. Ziploc Bags – I picked this tip up when I was a junior in high school on a bus to Disneyworld. Believe it or not things spill, bags don’t open correctly, and still some people don’t know how to close a bag properly. Ziploc bags fix all of this. I always bring a couple in the gallon size, and maybe some in the snack size. You’ll thank yourself repeatedly for having this. Repeatedly. And you can also thank me.
   
   
5. Finally don’t forget to get some cash. I usually do $20 per person in my party, it doesn’t matter if they’re a kid or an adult who is just riding with me. It usually ensures I have a enough, but cash is a judgment call.

American Boy
by: Estelle ft. Kanye West

* Lyrics Warning

Much Love,
Kelli

Driving Force

The more I see

The less I know
The more I like to let it go

Red Hot Chili Peppers "Snow (Hey Oh)"

This came to me on Friday, and suddenly I had to write about it and get it off my chest.  It is something that gets to me every time I see it, feel it, hear about it, or read about it.  That is Road Rage.  This past week a little boy, age four, was shot in the back.  It should sicken your stomach when you read such stories. People being killed, wounded, and their families forever altered because of road rage.  And yet we still refuse to address the issue at hand.  The reason for such acts.  Us.

Every single one of us that drives is responsible for our actions, and never has our selfishness escalated in such a way as it does on the road.  How many times have you sat in a line of cars to see some jerk travel down the blocked road to get in closer to the front instead of of waiting in line the way everyone else does?  It is selfish and terrible.  How many of you have done that yourself?

There is a universal principle that we all operate under and that is that each of us is a great driver.  The truth is that at any given time we can make a split decision that will effect someone else on the road.  I could describe in the last week the things that were done to me that upset me.  You have a list too.  The only way any of this is going to change is if you and I decide that no matter what we are going to drive the way God wants us to.

So I'm issuing a challenge to you and me.  If we want the way people drive to change we have to change.  There is no other way around it.  You can't ask someone to do something you are not willing to do.  I know it may not seem like it will make much of a difference, but that is a lie that laziness and fear love to spew.

Here are things I want to see incorporated, and you can certainly add to the list.

• When someone lets you in, wave!
• If you see someone trying to get into a lane, let them in.
  (If they are trying to get in after going down the lane knowing it is ending I'll let you use your best judgement.)
• Don't cut someone off, there are few rare cases when you don't know you've done it. Don't act like you haven't known exactly what you were doing. Slow up or speed down, but don't cut off!
• When a driver is obnoxious don't retaliate. To help you achieve that have something that will calm you. Anything short of alcohol or drugs that will make you zen is recommended.
• If someone is not going the speed limit, do not ride their butt.  Go around them if you can (without waving your thoughts at them), or once again find your zen.
• Use your blinker appropriately.
• Do not honk at the person who stopped at the light like they are suppose to.
• NEVER, EVER stop on railroad tracks. EVER. EVER.

I live and work just a couple of miles from the #15 Worst Traffic Spot in the Nation! I'm not advocating you be stupid or not drive like you know people are stupid, but there are some common courtesies that would help ease the driving experience.

I will give you an honest account for the next week about my progress as I've been guilty of every one of these except the last one.  My dad taught me to have a healthy respect for trains.

Unfortunately "love your neighbor as yourself" applies to driving too.  So, come take the challenge with me and see what changes for you.  Let me know as good or bad I would love to hear the stories.  Even if it is to agree with you that the jerk deserved it and you deserve sainthood for dealing with it.

Here is my zen music and inspiration:



Snow (Hey Oh)
by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Much Love,
Kelli

History Making Moments

This weekend was a special weekend.  At about 7:00 am on Saturday morning I jumped into my dad's truck and we headed down the highway to go and see my grandpa (dad's dad).  He was getting ordained this weekend and I wanted to go.  So I did.

My grandpa has been a deacon for many years, but the Lord had been placing on his heart that he needed to become ordained.  So, that is what he did.  My dad's three sisters (he's the only boy) were also there and some of my cousins and their children were also able to make it.

First, let me say the best pizza I have ever had is at the pizza place in the small town located near my grandpa's.  They are awesome.  They bake the toppings under the cheese and then the sauce.... it is just unbelievable.  Add to it cheap ranch and I'm in heaven.  It is all so very good.  Our waitress is also sweet as pie, so it always makes going something fun to do.

Second, the local cafe makes delicious food as well.  On Sunday Grandpa's treat is their buffet (which when I was younger seemed so much bigger).  Sitting and eating with the family is always fun.  We have many good laughs and conversations.  We can even discuss politics and have a lively discussion without fear of meanness or reprisal.

Third, just being back there reminds me of my grandmother who's passing will be ten years in October.  I wish more people could've met her, she was such an amazing woman.  In fact, it was her influence that got my grandpa to where he is today (not that God didn't have an influence, but he used her to speak to my grandpa - that is for sure!).  Shortly after my dad's oldest sister was born my grandma told my grandpa that she was going to church and if he was going to be the kind of husband and father he ought to be he would go to.  Not to give my aunt's age away but close to sixty something years later my grandpa has been a faithful attendant and remarkable man of God.

I know that he had influenced my dad.  Which brings me to the History Making Moment.  My dad was ordained as a deacon many years ago, and if you are not familiar with the service, once the deacon  has made his statements to the church of what he will uphold, then there is laying on of the hands. This is when anyone who has been ordained as a deacon comes and prays over the one who is being ordained.

I don't want to post the photo until after Father's Day because it will be the gift I give, but I have an extraordinary picture of my father praying over his father in this very special ceremony.  It was something to see and I'm so glad I captured the moment.

Then I got up at 3:15 a.m. so we could leave by four to make it home and into the office.  All worth it though.

Quick Traveling Tip: ALWAYS write a list of what you need to take.  I usually do and thought I didn't need to do it, and I left my face wash and blow dryer.  Granted I could borrow that, but still... not pleasant.

From 3:00 - 6:00 on a Friday

I have yet to figure out what it is, but between 3:00 and 6:00 on Fridays I no longer wish to work. Then if I'm given some project that doesn't yield many results I feel odd. Does anyone else get that feeling? Annoying!

Meanwhile, I'm going out with friends tonight so not much to complain about. I also get to see my grandpa get ordained as a deacon, so that will be nice. My dad already is one, but due to a long story I won't get into here my grandpa will finally get to be.

So, it should be a good weekend. :D Now, if I could just remember to send back my Netflix DVDs I would really be in good shape. Also on the positives, new episode of Justified is on tonight. Seriously, if you are not watching that show you need to be, soo good.

I have to share this article.  It is about a couple who is celebrating 60 years of marriage and the Plaza let them stay there for the same price they paid back in 1950 (around $26.00).  You can read it by going here.
So that is the round up.  I hope you all have a great weekend and maybe I'll have some pictures to share.

I'm baaack! And Other Travel Condrums.

Ha ha. No I'm not the exorist, although if I didn't get any sleep... Not the point of this. So, I'm finally back home. I have no plans to leave any time soon. What this means is I'm in the "I'm Back! Crap, I have to unpack" stage. I hate that stage. My favorite is packing, getting ready for the trip. That is fun. I could care less about unpacking, but unfortunately it is something that must be done.

I have come up with an unpacking guide for those who feel about unpacking the way I do. Today's topic is the first thing you should do when you get ready to unpack. That is, assess the vacation you just had. (I usually take a day for this).

For example, I went and stayed with my aunt and her family. I had a blast. We went up and down the coast and I got to see some beautiful homes. However, her air-conditioning wasn't working in her vehicle so we had to roll the windows down. And, as and idiot, I didn't put on sun block. So my arm got nice and burnt/tan. The kicker? I had a t-shirt on so I got an amazing Farmer's Tan!

Photo Proof:

Sad isn't it? The even worse part? The other arm looks normal. :rolls eyes: How this continually happens to me I'll never know, but now you get to share in the experiences that are my life.

Tomorrow I'll show you my room, which should scare the snot out of you, and we'll take the next step in my guide to un-packing. Really, you shouldn't do it right away, that's overwhelming and scary. Mine allows you to get it all done, and at a managable rate. Believe me you'll thank me later for it.

How to Look Good: Embrace the farmer's tan. If anyone gives you grief point out that you were on an incredible vacation. What have they done?

How to Feel Good: Know that noe one is going to be coming to your house any time soon, so you have time to clean, and keep people interested in your vacation photos. You'll get the place clean soon enough!

Tips for Packing / Traveling

As someone who has traveled a lot and made a few mistakes all on her own I've come up with a few tips to help anyone pack. It doesn't matter if you're a teenager or someone who doesn't travel often. The key, unfortunately is organization, but it doesn't take much and makes you feel far more relaxed knowing you didn't forget anything!

So, here is what I do to help keep my packing under control:

Biggest rule? Make a list. It doesn't matter if you do it on the computer and print it out or do it by hand, but if you have a list you tend to remember what you need to take and it forces you to figure out what outfits need to go and those that don't.

When making the list remeber these rules:
1. Go through your every day routine, starting from when you first get out of bed. Write down every product you use that you need to take with you. Example, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, medication.

2. When packing underwear always make sure you pack for each day +1. In case of emergencies.

3. Don't forget your pajamas. I can't tell you how many times I've done this. And shoes. If leaving for a week pick about three shoes that can go with several outfits.

4. Accessories. It's amazing what you will forget. Earrings, watches, necklaces, bracelets, write them all down.

5. Others/Entertainment. Do NOT underestimate the need for this category. This includes your phone, your chargers, DVDs, DVD Players, MP3s, and books/magazines. You will want these and be sorry you forgot them.

6. The final part: MONEY!, Purse/wallet, Passport (if going to a foreign country which does include Mexico and Canada).

7. Always pack a few plastic ziplock bags. I choose various sizes, but you should always have a couple with you. You'll be surprised how handy these come in.

Since I'm going on a trip this week I thought this might be helpful for those of you who get panicked when it comes time to pack. I've certainly packed too much or not enough, but through trial and error I've found the above points to work and I always end up having a great trip.

If you have any great tips that have made your packing easier, please pass them along!

Beach Time

I enjoyed the beach this past Saturday. Now, I have no idea who the guy is in the last photo, I was hoping to take a picture of what I was sitting under that was all down the beach, and with the sun in my eye I didn't see him until now. I know you're thinking that's what they all say, but if you saw what the dude was wearing you would believe me. Speaking of, never did get that photo of the rather large man in a turquoise speedo....

Spiders

This is actually a calm tale because a.) I didn't find it in some place where it could attack me and b.) Grady took the picture. I'll let the little guy speak for himself.:

Mexican Saturday Night

I know I complain sometimes about living in Mexico, and sometimes those complaints are legit. It has been difficult for me to live here. However, it is not all negative, and most of it is positive. Take last night for example. We were invited to go eat Tacos at McTaco last night. My favorite dish from here is the Beef Steak con Queso tacos that we get.

It was a beautiful night. It was a hot beautiful day, but it was a very beautiful night. Our host played jazzed up versions of classic american songs such as, Unchained Melody, as we drove to the restaurant. The dinner was wonderful. Exactly what I wanted. Although I didn't understand much of the conversation it was nice to be out.

Then we did my second favorite thing, we had ice cream around the town square. I love ice cream. I got what I thought was Pistachio, but turned out to be Coconut and Pistachio, thankfully I like Coconut. It had a little twang to it, but it was loaded with Pistachio nuts and tasted just fine on the small waffle cone.

After we returned I was able to watch the, Graham Norton Show. I love him, and it cracked me up. The best part was I discovered a new song, and even though I'm a year late for the solo act and who knows how long from the group, Texas, I am now a fan of Sharleen Spiteri. And my new song of the moment, "All the Times I've Cried". you can listen to it here:

Just amazing! A great Saturdady night. Praise God! After the Friday I had, Saturday was a wonderful welcome!