Back on the Plains

Last week I prepared to travel to Auburn for a conference to get some continuing education hours. After a lot of planning for a babysitter, my mom, and Steve (who all pitched in to keep the girls), I drove off late Wednesday afternoon. I had a full tank of gas and plenty of time so I leisurely made my way toward Lee county. I am ashamed to say that before this trip, I had not been back in 5 years. I was pregnant with AC the last time we went for a football game. I have heard how much it has changed, but never dreamed I would have trouble getting there. I realized I had been traveling about 45 minutes past Eufaula and knew I had missed my turn. Boy, did I! I was in Phenix City! Now, it is well past dark, and I'm starting to get a little panicked. I stopped at a gas station and got excellent directions from a sweet elderly man. I finally made my way onto College Street, only about an hour later than I had planned. I was amazed! It has grown and changed so much! I checked into the hotel I was sharing with my very good friend from Birmingham, and started feeling really excited about my mini-vacation (even though I had to listen to speakers all day for 2 days). My friend and I met my college roommate (who lives in Auburn) for dinner and had a great time catching up. Even downtown looks a lot different. Her husband, who is the biggest Auburn fan I know, says it is a crime that I haven't been back in so long! The next day, my poor friend that I was rooming with came down with a stomach virus! She was so pitiful! She had to spend the afternoon stuck in that awful hotel room as sick as a dog! Her baby had it 2 days before, and she almost had to cancel her trip. I felt sorry for her, but seeing how there wasn't much I could do except hang around and catch it myself, I met my Auburn friend and another college roommate from Montgomery at Amsterdam Cafe (one of our old favorites). These are 2 of my best friends from college and we never get to see each other. We talk on the phone and exhange Chritmas cards and emails, but it was so nice to get to visit. We had the best time! The next morning my friend was feeling better only to call home and learn that her husband now had the virus! Needless to say, I never got it (Praise the Lord)! We parted ways that afternoon and promised to do it again next year. Perhaps the best part of my trip was coming home to my family that I couldn't wait to see and to a clean house with ALL the laundry done! (yes, all of it - thanks Mr. Mom). I promised myself I would not wait another 5 years to get back to Auburn!