I’m going to start off being very honest with you all today. I’m dragging! I had a whirlwind of a weekend, and, although I had a blast hanging out with some of my favorite people, I am definitely feeling the effects today. However, I have news that makes it all okay. Look at the forecast for this weekend.
Please keep your fingers crossed that the forecast stays on the right track! 
I wanted to share a little bit more of my weekend with you guys today. As I said yesterday, I was back in my hometown for three days to celebrate my grandpa’s 80th birthday. Saturday night we had an immediate family party at my aunt and uncle’s house., and then yesterday it was time for the major celebration. My grandpa is very involved with his church, and yesterday morning the entire family including some of his brothers and sisters surprised him by showing up for Sunday service.
My mom and aunts had worked pretty tirelessly for weeks to arrange a gathering at church with a huge potluck lunch after. I know the rest of the church family was overwhelmed with the circus that took over yesterday! My grandpa is one of 14 children, and he and my grandma had 5. There’s a lot of us! It was a great afternoon, and my grandpa was completely surprised and thrilled by all the attention and family surrounding him.
I couldn’t help but think what a testament it was to the kind of man my grandpa is that, after 80 years on earth, so many people where ready and willing to show such outpouring of love. I can only hope I inspire that in people when I’ve been around that long! Of course, I’ll probably be like my grandma who has already said that we better not think of throwing a party in two years when she turns 80!
In other news, it’s Monday again! Kenlee kept it pretty simple this week, and only had one question for Friend Makin’ Monday. I think it’s a great one!
“What is the first thing you would do for YOURSELF if you won $100 million dollars?”
I think the answer to this question is such a great insight into what’s really important to you. So many people give the standard answer of pay off bills, give to charity, help family etc.. but this question wants to know what you would do AFTER all that stuff. What would you do just simply because it would make you happy? Well here’s the answer.
I would use the money to make it possible for John and I to quit our jobs, and go hike the Continental Divide Trail. I’ve talked about the trail before, but I don’t know that I have adequately expressed to you how much I want to make this dream a reality. The CDT would take us about 6 months to complete, and there’s only one little problem. At least for the foreseeable future, we can’t just quit our jobs to hike for 6 months! We frequently dream up ways to make it possible, but the reality of the situation is it will probably be retirement before it happens. I’m keeping a positive attitude and repeating “Someday” with a smile every time I think of it
Your turn! What would you do for YOU if you won the lottery?
Hiking, doggies, parties, oh my! What would I do if I won the lottery? Wow, I have no idea, ha. After paying bills, taking care of family members, etc., I might buy an apartment … and a bunch of new running and triathloning gear–tribike, here I come!
Sounds like a great plan, Carrie! I think I would definitely go on a shopping spree at REI before I left for the big trail
wow looks like a great weekend, what an adorable dog! i hope you catch up on rest this week if you can.
Thanks, Alex! He’s definitely added a lot to our lives. He’s a constant source of entertainment!
oh, wat an awesome weekend it looks like u had and ur grandfather is adorable! glad u could all celebrate! okay, wow, if i won the lottery i really probably would just be SO relieved to never stress about the payment part of a job. i’d get my fix of running gear and a house, from there i’d prolly just spread the love/money around to my family so they could follow suit.
Thank you! We did have an excellent time! I think your right-the best part of winning the lottery would be all the financial stress melting away!
I love that I knew your answer before reading it!! (Yet again! Gah, love you chicka!!)
And your Grandpa is absolutely adorable!!! Such a cutie pie! The picture with him and your grandma made my heart explode with happiness — they’re so sweet together!!
I’m glad you had so much fun!! It’s good to sacrifice sleep for those we love.
I thought you’d probably like that picture! They’re sweet! They fight like cats and dogs, but they’ve made it 60 years so something is working right
Such a great weekend, your grandpa is adorable!! If I had $100 million, I would definitely spend it on my new house
Happy birthday to your grandpa! Your dog is absolutely adorable, and that’s an amazing dream to hold onto. I’m praying that someday, you’ll make it happen! Maybe buy a couple lottery tickets, just in case
I’m dragging this week too…all I want to do is crawl back into bed! Love the mustache cake! And if I won the lottery, I’d quit my job, buy a few houses, and spend 6 months travelling
When the alarm went off this morning, I seriously thought about crying! I love that travel seems to be a common theme. It’s my favorite thing to do!
You’ve been so busy! Thank you for sharing all of your adventures with us
I would also quit my job and TRAVEL. So many wonderful, amazing places to visit.
I think we bloggers are also dreamers…travel seems to be a popular response!