Losing A Friend

One of my college roommates was killed this past weekend tragically by her boyfriend. I didn't know if I would write about this on my blog or not, but it has bothered me extremely bad. To the point sometimes of losing sleep. I just can't understand why this happened to her. She had so much to live for.

Brandy Lynn Slimp Dillon and I attended Jacksonville State University together. That pretty smile you see on her face in the picture is what I remember best about her. That is the way I will keep her in my memory. There were several of us who lived together on the same floor in the Sparkman Dorm our freshman year at JSU and we've all been on the phone sharing our Brandy memories laughing together. Even our sophomore year all of us girls lived next door to each other off campus. My favorite memory of Brandy is her always stealing my fingernail polish.

Brandy, I will forever miss you and wonder why this had to happen to you.

Brandy leaves behind a son, Austin.

Austin, you will forever be in my prayers as well as the Slimp family.

The President's Motorcade

I got to see President George W. Bush's motorcade today. What an experience. I recommend everyone pulling a piece of roadside when the prez is in town to see it. It is moving. I can't tell you why, but it is.
Maybe it's the police rolling up with their lights and sounding them off. They go woop, woop. I mean I love sirens and police cars. Then the President's big black limo rolls up. WOW! It is something see.
I stood on Highway 31 as a reporter. Well I tried to be a reporter. I couldn't be though. I had my digital camera just flashing away. I didn't even know what I was taking pictures of because I wanted to see the commander in chief. Then I saw him. I saw President George W. Bush throw up his hand in the motorcade and wave as we waved back at him.
Tears rushed to my eyes when I saw his hand go up. I couldn't figure out why I was feeling this emotion. I said oh my goodness you've got to cover this story stop or you're going to be crying in front of all of these people. Then I turned to look around and everyone else was crying. They all said it's just patriotism. Well I'm glad to know I'm patriotic! God Bless America. And God Bless our President for coming to North Alabama.
I'm so happy I got to see the Presidential Motorcade. I hope I get to see another motorcade in my lifetime. Maybe next time I'll meet the president. Hey Mr. Bush that's a HINT!!!

Check back soon for a link to my super sweet story on the people watching the motorcade!! It was awesome!

Dance Recital

This past weekend I was in a dance recital. The dance school I took lessons from my whole life, Kim's School of Dance, celebrated 30 years. I danced with them for 17 years. I learned tap, jazz and ballet at the school.
It was a sweet return to the stage at the Princess Theater in Decatur, Alabama. My sister said I looked a little lost in parts of the dance. I only learned the tap dance on Saturday. I did get the part when I was on the front row...the most important part. Vacations and being out of town kept me from making it to all the practices. So I had to learn a whole bunch of 8 counts in about 2 hours Saturday.
I did get one thing right! I kicked my legs so high in the kick line I looked like a Rockette...o.k. I may be exaggerating a bit. I had a blast though. I forgot how much fun it was to be on the stage dancing with the bright colored, hot lights shining down on you and the loud music blaring. You can't even see who is out in the audience, but you can hear everyone cheering. Good stuff!

Vacation and Birthdays

I'm back from the beach and a little older.
Getting older isn't always fun. This birthday especially was different. I'm not telling my age, but I will say everybody likes to say they're this age forever.
It was kind of weird turning this age. I had forgotten it was my birthday until my husband, Kevin, reminded me by telling me, Happy Birthday. Well thank you very much.
I wanted to thank everyone who got me nice presents and called to wish me Happy Birthday. It made my day a beautiful one.
So I guess next year will be easier????