Water Water Water

I will first say that I am not the kind to want to go and hike one afternoon. So when I told my friends that I was going on a canoe trip they were alittle worried about me. There is this place in Waynesboro, Tennessee where you can rent canoes and kayaks that's called "Crazy Horse Canoe Rental" and the river is Buffalo Rock. If you have never been-you must experience this adventure at least one time in your life.

So to start with-just so everyone knows that I have been canoeing before but it has just been yyyyeeeeaaaarrrsssss. I just thought that we would go to some random place and put in and float along for a few hours but little did I know what I was getting myself into. We pull into the Crazy Horse Canoe rental parking lot and I see old school buses and people with no or little clothing on. The people that I am with have done this before and alittle more regularly then me. They have dry bags, the foot shoes that fit like a glove, sandwiches, etc(you get the point). We go up to were you pay and get all your equipment and I get a chance to people watch for a few minutes and kinda take it all in. I will give you a description of some of the people that I watched: several VERY large girls in camo and pink skimmy two pieces, lots of red/white/blue Budlight bathing suits, people without teeth, and your average hippies. Now I am not one to judge but like I stated before this was not at all what I was expecting.

We go in this building where you pay and half of it is a store. While my friend is paying for the day, I go over and look in the "store". They have like to shelves of food but all the interesting gadgets that would help you during your trip was what I was more excited about. They had coozies that went around your neck, so you were still able to paddle (of course I am a proud owner ). Plastic cases that would hold your cigs and lighter. A case for your camera and batteries. And the list goes on and on.

So we go and get our life jackets and canoe (we have four canoes so kinda a big group) and the other three canoes get the coolers since we have three people in our canoe. So we are off.... down Buffalo Rock. We are getting in about 10:00 am and we are also doing the ten mile track. We start the day off with a cold one in my new coozie of course and start off by making friends with these two redneck men. They were alot of fun..maybe alittle too much. hehe! Then up behind us comes a man and his wife----not sure that after the trip they will still be married---oh wait we saw them alittle while later and they were laid up in the canoe making out hard core. I saw alot of this--not the making out part. Fighting. Before you get married, you need to go on a canoe trip with the future hubby. That will be the true test along with a few other essential fights.

We continue down the road and come upond a cliff where people are jumping off. Three of the guys that were with us jumped off. I didn't want to die from being careless and the fact that I am scared of heights I didn't think that it was a good idea. The two guys that we made friends come up and start talking to us. You know they love women---and ones with boobs. We were not lacking in that department. To quote on the guys that was with us to one of the girls that was with us: " Don't make me cuss out your boobs..Well it will take me to long". So one of the girls that I was with challenges one of them to shot gunning challenge. That would be a beer shot gunning challege. Well ...these guys clearly have not missed any beers along the way--So whatever game on. She lost the first time but the second time she had it in the bag! She was the CHAMP!!!

Well...this is where the funny stories come in...you already know that I said that rednecks are all that I see..I think that I met the two biggest two (Sorry ML and Jennie if you are reading this). Now you kinda have to follow this: The friends that we made..we will call them Boy A and Boy B started talking to Boy C and Boy D which in turn started to talking to me and ML. Come to find out Boy C is related to Boy D which is related to Jennie but she does claim the person (hahaha). So they then start telling us that we need to come out tomorrow and canoe with them. I am not sure how many teeth they had. Boy D kept telling me how pretty I was and how he wanted me to come out with them tomorrow. No I don't know you and I am not going to get on a boat with someone that I don't know. Well...maybe sometimes. Just not today! So I just kinda wonder off and ML wonders behind me a few minutes later. We leave this cliff and continue on down the river. The sandwiches start coming out along with the crazy pictures start filling up the camera card.

We were not allowed to say the "F" word (flip or fall) and we did really good the whole trip expect at the very end. We almost flipped once but we stopped ourselves. Well the first time, it was kinda of my fault. Well....all my fault. One of the guys thought it would be funny to see someone flip so I started rocking us back in forth since I was sitting in the middle. I just rocked alittle to much--sorry guys---and you guessed we flipped. So now the challenge is to flip it back over and in case you didn't know that a canoe is kinda hard to turn over. Its very hard really. So after we gather everything that was floating in the water, we get it flipped over. So now we have to get back in it which is a challenge in itself. We go to get in the canoe and the two girls that are sitting in the front and back both got in at the same time which is a big no no so we flipped again. So here we go again gathering all of our things and the people that we are with think its sooooooo funny, which is was.

We finally get back in the canoe ...THANK GOODNESS!! So we continue done the river and we see the police. They are in the river pulling people over for their "behavior" which you would not know that they were there because they have a make shift fort up. They hide behind it and pop out and run to the river and get you. Just an FYI. I have never been so happy to see land and the school bus that would take us to the car. I have had a blast with my CofC friends and new friends. Memories were made and I want to go again.  If you ever have the chance..please go. There are more stories that I am sure I have forgotten but this is a great blog about my trip!! Sorry sooo late

--MLW

The New Year-2011

I was born on the first day of the year so not only is it my birthday but a day that I long to see every year.This day makes me really look back over the past year and see the woman I have become and the person that I am meant to become. I know that the first was six days ago but it still counts since its not even a week yet.:)

This past year can be summed up in one word- CrAzY. Has it been crazy, wonderful,emotional, thoughtful, inspiring, and so many more.... One of the most important events was I have graduated from college. WOW! What a wonderful but scary challenge. I never thought about what I would do after high school...I knew that I would go to college and graduate. That was the only thing that I knew. I never thought that I would be shown and the challenges that have come my way. I am truly have been shown what it takes to make it in the world and knowing that I have a great support system makes all the difference in the world. I am still trying to find out my place in this world and am trying to get mt feet wet while making a difference in the world everyday.

When I came to UNA and I knew that I would meet people that I would fight with, love, and have long lasting friendships with but what I didn't expect was right there in front of me.  I am not really an emotional person but I love to let people know when the time is right that they mean the world to me and would not be the person I am without them. I have truly learned who will stand beside me and never look back on the past. I am one of the people you either love or don't. I really don't care if you think I am ugly, mean, or cruel,,,,you need to make your own opinion of me. Its not that hard to find out the person that I really am by taking five minutes to get to know me.

Spring '09 was the BEST SEMESTER of my LIFE! I moved into an apt by myself and my mother thought I would be so upset since I am a total people person. Well....little did she know...No I didn't have a boy shacking with me....hehehe...I met the BEST FRIENDS a girl could ever ask for. I randomly asked this girl named Ashley that was in my sorority to go to a birthday party with me ---keep in mind I had never really talked to her. She said that she would and since then we have not been apart...expect she lives a few states away(STUPID). We have been through so much but nothing like this past year by acting just as crazy as we did in college...sometimes you just never need to grow up. I love you and could not ask for a better friend than her. She would yell at anyone who was talking about me or get into a "fight" with them as well----Love you ma'am and I look forward to the next 50 years when we go to Nashville, Vegas, New Orleans ( on the train) because they still will not be ready for us!

When Ashley and I became so close I met some other girls that I am thankful to call my friends. Rachael, Megan, Michelle, and Archy. Wow...Girls we have had some of the best times of our lives. We have traveled together and gotten into so much trouble together. I will never forget you and all the memories we have shared. " They might be 13-0 but we have the BEST _______________ in North Alabama." or "We be 13-0 but we still have the BEST ____________ in North Alabama" Love 

Next I met oh Jessica AKA Jclay or J...We met through UPC and the trip to no where was one for the books as well as Miss UNA and Step Sing. I would have to say that trip to Applebee's is what truly did it. I never would have thought that I would bond over food but we did our favorite thing in the world which was to gossip. We talked about everything and everyone. I just love me some J...She is just a wonderful woman and I cant wait to wear my button when she runs for President--Yes---President of the United States.Her campaign for UPC president was so much fun...wearing that button with pride. We will not just beat him--we will kill him!  I love her determination and cant always count on my girl. Love you and cant wait to see Reba in concert again! Maybe next time we will get seats closer. hehehe

I cant forget my little nugget...Leah Beth or LB! We first met in Dr.Sanders class when we had to be partners the whole semester on a project. We stayed up all hours or the night and became so close. We bonded over Sonic blast and chili cheese tots ( WoW cause those are healthy). We had many talks in the red that summer while riding around listening to music and singing at the top of our lungs. Boy watching as well and "Are you up?" "Yep..coming right now" That night was so crazy...that piece of concrete will never be the same. I have so many memories of you and could not even see my life without my little short stuff in it. Homecoming( she won queen) My QUEEN is Downs and ready to party:):):):):) and the camping trip will be two highlights from my college career. Those were the days...and yes you will wear pantyhose. Love.

There are not any words to describe this semester other than the BEST! I love my life and would not trade any of these people ever. I have met some many people but you have the power to chose.....

"God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go."

Next we move on to my new hobby. Tennis. I just wanted to learn the rules and got sucked in and started playing all the time. I played so much tennis that summer and met just wonderful people that summer. I have been able to go to State twice and have some of the best memories even after the drama.

Nicole---where do I start??? I am crazy and you are calm. I am sinner and you are a saint. You love kids and they get on my nerves. We love pizza and crafting. I love being the center of attention and you stand back and let me. I speak my mind and you hold your tongue. We love people without questions. I would say they we are opposites but they say that opposites attract. Guess that's us in a nutshell.  You are one of the strongest people I know. We have not been that close for very long but the time we spend together you have opened a different side of me. We are able to share the deepest darkest secrets while sitting around talking at dinner table. I have truly grown into a stronger person because of you. This year has been one of struggles for you but you will get through it...I know it and come out stronger for sure. There is so much I can say about you---You have the brightest smile and that day we meet will forever be special for me--even though I say you didn't talk to me...Its just to give you a hard time. I cant wait to see what 2011 has in store for you...Love. I would like to put a picture of us on here but you will kill me for sure so I will put one of the three of us from far away. hahaha Well kinda. Word.

I am truly happy with this place in my life. I could not ask to be in a better place. I love my friends. I love my family. I love my God. I love the person I have become.

I never really like say goodbye but there is one person that I am saying goodbye from this past year. If this person ever reads this---they will know that I am truly serious about the words I am writing. You will never ever get the best of me. You don't deserve to know my name. You are not worth my tears or my pain. You don't even deserve to be on my post but the next time you call or text me I will send you this link so you can read this. I have never been so happy with my life and the things that come before me. God has blessed me more than I thank him. You were apart of my life-you taught me what it was like to find true happiness and love someone without regrets. I did that and never regret that--I just regret that I still let you get to me. I hope that happiness blesses you and your life ...Please find what it is that will make you happy. Don't rely on someone to make you happy. Thanks for the memories and the times that we shared together. I will never forget them. I just know the next person that can hang with me will be one that will love me and never question my choices. Never ask me to back down from my dreams. Never lie, cheat or hurt me. Hold on boy because its going to be a bumpy ride for you. Karma. If there is such a thing. Love, peace, and joy.

WOW! So much has happened in this past year---I could never write it all down in one blog. It would take me forever and a day.  This is a day in the life of Malinda. Well kinda...Just a small window.

Where love, like a river, flows
Peace like you've never known
And joy never ending lives
A place where faith can find
Hope that will never die

My Very Own Bucket List

Riding down the road listening to the radio gives me time to think out loud and truly reflect on my life. Today I heard that song "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry (which is a song that kinda puts everything in its place---check it out) and I started thinking about my own death. What would people say about me? Would my life be one that was remembered for years to come? Would I do everything that I had ever wanted? Then I started thinking about my very own bucket list...What is it that I wish I would complete?

Malinda's Bucket List: 2010

1. Watch a Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C.
2. Make it on television
3. Leave my mark on history by standing up for a great cause
4. Visit Las Vegas
5. Donate my time, money, and/or support to find a cure for breast cancer
6. Help with a political campaign
7. Go on a cruise
8. Complete a marathon
9. Go a Pro tennis tournament such as Wimbledon or Australian Open
10. Go Skiing
11. Watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve in Times Square
12. See the sun rise on a mountain-take in God's glory
13. Travel outside the United States
14. Drive/race a racecar on a real track
15. Meet someone famous
16. Visit Hollywood, CA
17. Go to Disney World
18. Visit Washington, D.C. for the Fourth and watch the fireworks
19. Ride in a real cable car
20. Take a train to another city as a form of travel
21. Go to Marti Gras in New Orleans
22. Move to a big city for a year or longer
23. See life being born
24. Buy something just because I can

   25. Get kissed in rain and have the perfect picture taken

24. Get my plastic surgery done --or just be happy with my body
25. Love my job
26. Win a match at USTA State
27. Go to the Kentucky Derby
28. Find the love of my life and get married
29. Visit all 50 States
30. Take a cooking class
31. Discover what makes me truly happy
32. Go shopping on Rodeo Drive

Just a start but there is more to come...... For Sure:)

Proud to be an American

Watching my favorite show Army Wives tonight reminds me how much I love our soldiers and what they do for our country. I can never express in words how thankful I am to be an American. Seeing a flag waving in the sky makes me reflect on how far we have come over the years and what the flag symbolizes.


I am thankful for the hard work they put in every day to protect me.

I am thankful that they are able to stand the harsh temperatures and conditions for me.

I am thankful for the things that they go through on a daily basis for me.

I am thankful for the Army Wives and Army families that are committed to make a different city their home.

I am thankful that we continue to support the soldiers when they come back from war.

I am thankful for the men and women who serve our country every day. Every time I see someone who serves our country I thank them for doing what they do best... Continuing to fight for my freedom. You should try it one day...It will make their job easier.

If tomorrow all the things were gone,

I’d worked for all my life.

And I had to start again,

with just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars,

to be livin here today.

‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,

and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American,

Where at least I know I’m free.

And I wont forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,

next to you and defend her still today.

‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA.

GOD BLESS THE USA! THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE

-MLW

Blogging starts NOW

As you can see that I am new to this whole blogging situation so when I started this I knew just the person to help me with it. My friend J who is also known as Jessica (check out her blog-- jkclayton.blogspot.com) has been blogging for some time now and I thought what the heck....I will try it out and see if I like it. So a week ago while it was raining like crazy and she didn't have any power she came over to help me with this adventure. I could not figure out how to get my background to work, the page to work, or really anything to work. I tend to get aggregative really easily for those who don't know me. Thanks to J I now have a wonderful blog background and all that wonderful blog stuff. I think that I know how to work it now and will start blogging more now. Here goes my first blog attempt….