Mountains and Moonshine

This past weekend Daniel surprised me with a Gatlinburg getaway. We have both been so busy with work and wedding planning that we have not actually had any time alone together. Throughout the almost two years Daniel and I have been together he has been one to randomly surprise me with weekend getaways and random roadtrips. Whether it was leaving at midnight to drive to North Carolina and campout on a mountain top or packing my bags for me, picking me up at midnight and driving all night while I slept only to wake me up just in time for a morning sunrise on the beach in South Carolina. He may not like to admit it but he is definitely a romantic.

This trip was not as spontaneous as ones in the past, between the two dogs and work schedules we have to plan things a little more now. Nevertheless, Daniel still managed to surprise me with a great room with a huge hot tub and cute little view.

We left Saturday morning with no specific plan in mind except to drive the long way through the mountains to get there. We both love nature and outdoors so taking the quick way via interstate was not an option. On our way we stopped at a cute little local store in Townsend (my request) because they sell the best amish peanut butter. I am telling you this stuff is more than worth the drive. While we were there we also picked up some apple moonshine jelly. It was on sale and taste like heaven so we could not resist. Besides, who does not love a great pb&j! Once we arrived in Gatlinburg we checked in to our room and then decided to hit the strip and just do whatever our little hearts desired. We ate lunch at a sporty little bar and grill called Blaines. If you are ever in a hurry but want a decent meal this is the place for you! We were in and out in about 30 minutes give or take. I had a scrumptious buffalo shrimp salad. The sauce was so good dressing was not even needed and Daniel had a yummy Taco Salad. I know it was yummy because I might have tried more than 2 bites. Afterward we went in little shops. It started to drizzle and get cold so we stopped in a trendy little coffee shop and got two coffees. I highly recommend this place as well. I am not sure if it is because the coffee is so good or because it kept me warm. We looked around shops more and just enjoyed simply being together. I think it is what we both needed. That evening we went to a pub and had amazing drinks at an amazing price. The Tennessee/Connecticut basketball game was playing and of course all of the men were pulling for Tennessee. I had to be different so I cheered for Connecticut. I left before the game was over and found out later the Vols had upset the Huskies.. Dammit! I have to admit watching Mississippi State beat Vandy by one point while relaxing in a hot tub was most definitely one of the highlights of my weekend. That night we also went Moonshine tasting and Wine tasting at the Moonshine distillery. Let me tell you, you have not experienced the backwoods of Tennessee until you have had some Apple Pie Moonshine and homemade Peach Wine. You also don't feel the same walking out as you did walking in after four shots of moonshine and 3 shots of wine. Needless to say, we have apple pie moonshine and peach wine in our supply of adult beverages at home now.

We woke up early on Sunday to get an early start back home so we could get to our kids. We decided to drive out through the park to once again take in the breathtaking view of the mountains. Instead we got to take in the breathtaking view of the fog, miss our turn and end up in North Carolina. The good news is that when we turned around to drive back in to Gatlinburg the fog had lifted and we did get to enjoy the mountains while holding hands and singing at the top of our lungs.


It is so nice living so close to such a lovely getaway spot. It is also amazing having a fiance who is as spontaneous as I am. I never know what he will have up his sleeve next. I am also looking forward to our next trip together in 2 months!! Backpacking Europe on our Honeymoon!! (That is unless he has something else up his sleeve between now and then...)

First 12 of 2012

It is hard to believe we are already 12 days in to 2012! So far I have managed to have a flat tire, watch Daniel change the tire ( which was kind of hot I'll admit), drop my phone and shatter the screen, dislocate my shoulder... again and take off part of my big toenail dancing. The way this year has started out I am not even sure I should get on a plane in March. Speaking of March, we are officially in full wedding mode! My dress came in this week, I orderd my garter and the napkins and Daniel is making the final touches on the invitations. We also recieved our first wedding gifts in the mail, an Amazon gift card and a KITCHENAID MIXER!! I know right how freaking awesome is that? Oh and my childhood best friend called to tell me she has booked her flight for the wedding! I have not seen her in four years so I think I am almost as excited about seeing her as I am getting married. I would have gotten married sooner had I known I would get to see long lost friends.  I am excited about the upcoming months and all of the joy, excitement and amazing opportunities that are ahead.

Wow, I never knew 12 days could feel like months...

2011- Lessons Learned

As 2011 came to and end and 2012 began I found myself reflecting on what a rollercoaster year 2011 had been. It seemed as if every single month brought along with it different lessons, emotions, endings and new beginnings.  Looking back I really feel as if 2011 was "My Year." By that I mean it was my year to find out just how strong I really am. It was my year to learn lessons many people do not learn in a lifetime.

I learned that listening to your heart is the quickest way to happiness. I learned that true love can pass any test even when others say it is impossible. I learned that forgiveness no matter how hard, will always bring you peace. I learned that sometimes the people you never expected make the best confidants.  I learned things happen in their own time and in their own way and just because things do not happen the way I think that they should does not mean it is wrong. It means that is how it was supposed to happen to me and that is perfect. Most importantly, I learned that I am strong, really strong and that even when we have been kicked down, walked over and spit on we should still always look for the good in people. We should forgive them, find out about them and help them, because at the end of the day all we ever really have is one another.

As i reflect over all the lessons I learned in 2011 I have to let out a big sigh of relief, as much as I appreciate 2011 for the lessons it taught me, for the amazing fiance it gave me and for the wonderful new friends and family it brought in to my life I thank God that it is OVER!!! I am looking foward to 2012 and all of the wonderful events and surprises it has in store.... WEDDING, EUROPE, NEW HOME and whatever else it wants to throw at me. Bring it 2012 because after 2011 I CAN TAKE ANYTHING!!