So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye

This is it. My last night as a Daytonian. My final eve as a maiden of Rocky Top. Graduation seems so long ago. I remember thinking that if I was still living at home, unemployed by the end of February, I was going to be in trouble. I remember telling my friends, when they begged me to come on their Spring Break trip in late March, that there was NO WAY that I would still be around by then. Well, February came, then March, and so on and so forth. And here I was, cooling my heels.

At the time, I thought the world was ending, but now that I think about it, I've basically been on vacation for 5 and a half months. I've done nothing but hang out with my friends and let my parents take care of me.   Free as a bird. Living the dream. Now that it has come to an end, I'm realizing just how spectacular this time was.

Let's reflect on some of my favorite memories, as well as the things I'm going to miss most.

SBXI

This was a fabulous two week period. First, my two best ladies come down from classy Lex to visit little old me (and to get the grand tour of Dayton, which, let's face it, is a must see). Then, I jet off with my best gals from home for a week of laying on the beach and memorizing the latest Jason Aldean album. Don't You Wanna Stay Here a Little While? Yes, yes I do. 

SONIC

Yes, I realize that there are Sonics all over the continental US, but nothing compares rollin up at the neighborhood Sonic with my girl Tilly P, ordering a large Diet Coke for her and a small lemonberry slush for me, and writing messages on the windshield with the neon orange duct tape that never leaves my car. It's a great place to bump into people, and it is an excellent jumping off point if you plan to go for a cruise later. However, make sure you only cruise on roadways you are familiar with, because as I found out last night, back roads can be hazardous. Just a quick safety reminder.

ATLAS

The neighborhood gym. As you can see from the above picture, I take my workouts very seriously. I have spent so much time here these last few months. Making time for the gym is so easy when you literally have nothing else on your plate. You go just to staunch the boredom. Anyway, because I always went at the same time of day (10:30 am), I always worked out with the same people, and even though we never really talked, I bonded with these people. There was the two old guys and their blind friend, the 60ish red-headed body builder lady, the guy that stared at me all the time, and the Jewish guy who was obsessed with comparing our running times. Good friends, all.

FAMILY TIME

That's right. I've essentially had two families these past few months. Family #1- Debbie and Stanley, my lovely parents, who are being considered for sainthood for letting me live with them, free of charge, and basically letting me do whatever the heck I wanted. I'm an easy gal to live with, but I'm sure I gave them some headaches along the way, and they still love me!! 

Family #2 - the Blythes Ferry Homestead, with special mentions for Tilly P, Constance, Stevo, Cam, and the BWBAs (particularly the Cooley-est of them all, and a certain other member that makes me think of peppermint patties). We've had some unforgettable times, and all I can say is that I can't wait for all of them to come visit me. 

PUPPIES

Let's face it, I haven't shut up about these puppies since they arrived, but I think that's just a testament to how much I love them all. It all began with Phoebe, who showed up out of the blue to fill my life with joy. Then, she had four darling little babies. One of which, the one daddy refers to as the "brinley brown" one (whatever that means), or as I named him, Tigger, never really became a part of the family, as his owners decided to keep him. But, the others have become permanent fixtures on my front porch. Darla now has a home with my baby sister, and Rascal and Khloe are bound for a new home soon. I guess Phoebe will always be mine =)

There's more, but I've got to get some shut eye because tomorrow is THE BIG DAY!!! I'll let you know how it goes. Ciao Tennessee =)