Memoirs of a USMer: Bama Blast 2007 (First Night)--by Emi

It was going to be a very long day.

I sat at the computer around 5:30 AM, wandering around USM and checking my messages. I had a message from Gail, excited that today was the day people were starting to come in. Phantom Crow was beginning her flight, as were George and Ginger, and Chops and Kiara, Breathing Body and Ranger, and Priss were beginning their drives much like we were.

I sent her a message back, to which I got the response, "What on earth are you doing up at this insane hour? I thought I was the only one!"

I chuckled, replying that we were getting dressed and ready to begin our 11 hour drive down to Alabama. We excitedly exchanged phone numbers, and by 8 am we were finally on our way. I spent the majority of the time sleeping, trying to keep from getting car sick on the way down.

We got into Alabama, finally, around 5 pm. It was exciting to see the sign welcoming us to the state, and we pulled into the visitor's center for a quick potty break. From here, I actually stayed awake, too excited to go back to sleep.

Begin an hour of wandering. (haha)

Mapquest sucks, in general, so we spent a good hour trying to find out way to the motel. This started its own small argument in the car, as I was trying to tell Wylie to ask someone for the basic direction to Muscle Shoals, but he wanted to at least find another Best Western to ask them where it was. Eventually, we calmed down because he understood why I was frustrated, and I understood why he wanted to ask the Best Western.

But this is proof guys have trouble asking for directions. :p

We finally stumbled into the check in area around 6:30 pm, and the man at the desk asked as we checked in, "So, what is this USM?"

"It's a website," I replied with a smile on my face.

"My sister is on it."

I looked at him confused for a moment, and he continued. "Gail."

"So why did you ask?" I asked in my head, and instead replied with a laugh. "I need to call her soon!"

"She keeps calling to check who has checked in. So far, only... Donna?.. has."

"Prissy!" I cried happily, and we trudged up to our room and I called Gail.

I managed to get a shower in before Amanda called me back, and we talked of meeting up at Shoney's, which was a restaurant. 15 minutes later, we were heading down the road to meet them. We got there a little earlier than them, but I saw them as soon as they began to walk by the window. Amanda waved excitedly from outside and ran in to hug me.

She's really short by the way. :p

And dang it, Gail, you are beautiful! :p

Priss showed up soon afterward, donning her silly signature laugh. She was amazingly upbeat, and even MORE silly and giddy in person. She's tame on here in her comments compared to her face to face. lol.

We spent a good couple of hours talking, laughing, and joking with the waitress. Priss was going to take the "wait to be seated" sign, which lead to more laughs.

Unfortunately, George and Ginger's plane had been delayed, or else they would have gone with us, I'm sure. We debated when we were going to contact them, because Gail didn't want to wake them up after the long trip (Priss had no problem with waking them though. lol. "Oh, we can wake them!")

We planned to play everything by ear and parted ways for the night. After 11 hours in the car, it was really nice to jump into the bed.



More to come....

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