Saturday, December 29, 2012: We headed out at 3:30 am. We weren't sure what time we were going to leave because a huge snow storm was coming up, and we would have run into it no matter what time we left. Becky wanted to leave early because she didn't want to be driving all day. It's a 15ish hour drive!
We ended up leaving right when the snow storm started. The roads were terrible, but I can't complain because I was sitting in the back seat. :) I tried to fall asleep, but I'm a terrible car sleeper. I hadn't slept since 8 am Friday morning! I managed about 20-30 minutes of sleep, I think.
It took us a while to get to Cincinnati because the roads were so bad. But we finally made it and I took this picture in hopes of catching the Welcome to Kentucky sign, but the sign was too far in the distance.
The rest of the drive was pretty smooth because the snow had stopped. In Tennessee we stopped and ate at Zaxby's then I took over driving through Nashville to Memphis. We tried to convince Spencer to let us eat at Cracker Barrel, but he wouldn't let us. We gave him a hard time about it, and we still expect to go sometime! While I was driving there was a point no one was talking and I thought I was going to fall asleep. But luckily they had pop and so I caffeinated myself up. Also, it started snowing a bit when I started driving, typical.
Right before we got to Memphis we stopped for gas and Becky drove again because I had never seen the Mississippi River and I really wanted to take pictures. I also tried my best to quickly get a picture of the Arkansas welcome sign on my phone. My goal was to get a welcome sign from all the states, but that didn't happen. Guess I'll just have to go back to Arkansas! ;)
By the time we reached Arkansas we were all about ready to just get out of the car. It had been a long day. With our luck we were stopped in traffic for a bit because of construction, but it wasn't as long as the traffic they had been stopped in when they were coming up.
Around 6 we finally made it to their apartment! We unpacked all their things from the car, and spent the rest of the night unpacking and cleaning. We settled down with some pizza and a movie. Have you seen End of Watch with Jake Gyllenhaal? You should watch it.
Sunday, January 30, 2012: The next day they took me to see the Little Rock Central High School and Museum. I love being the touristy one and visiting national landmarks. It's actually a cool place to visit. The school was massive!
On our way back from the museum they drove me past the state capitol. Is it sad that I don't even think I've seen Ohio's State Capitol? We drove through downtown Little Rock and saw a bunch of cute shops and restaurants. People ask what is there to do in Arkansas, but to be honest if you are by the city it's pretty much the same as any other big city.
Afterwards we headed back towards where they lived and went to lunch at Olive Garden. Then to Target (for the first and definitely not last time during my stay). Afterwards Spencer had to get his car washed twice.... Then we went to Kroger to pick up groceries because they didn't have much and I bought supplies to make
avocado pie! :)
We went back to their apartment and just relaxed. For dinner Becky made white chicken chili and we finished watching End of Watch.
Monday, December 31, 2012: On Monday Becky and Spencer said they had somewhere to take me but left it a surprise. Knowing I love antique malls (and mentioning I wanted to visit on down there) they took me to Mid-Towne Antique Mall. It was so overwhelming to walk through, but there were some great things there. I took a picture of a few of my favorite finds that I didn't buy. I really really REALLY wanted the sewing machine, but there was no way I was going to be able to 1. afford it, and 2. bring it back to Ohio with me. I ended up buying some old pictures and postcards and an old Prince Albert cigarette tin for my dad because he collects old tins and it had our last name on it.
Afterwards, we got gas at a Kroger and Becky told Spencer to cash in their lottery ticket. Turns out the ticket was for Ohio not Arkansas. Spencer said the guy didn't notice which is good but still really funny. Then we went back to their apartment to eat lunch and so Becky could get ready for work. One thing I learned from them was that you do not need a microwave to survive. We heated up our food in the oven, and it got me thinking that it's probably a lot healthier not to have a microwave.
After Becky left for work Spencer took me to Arkansas Armory, Inc. to teach me to shoot a gun. I had to watch a quick video and then there was a wait so we headed to Kroger to pick up supplies for our New Years drinks. We went back to Arkansas Armory and took turns shooting. I am TERRIBLE at shooting a gun and shot into the ceiling a few times (oops!). But then we got a target that was a bit longer which was better because I'm short. It is so hard to shoot a gun though! They are heavy and the kick they give is kind of scary. Spencer and I decided that I would just keep the sword in the zombie apocalypse. But if needed I could shoot the boars in the legs if needed (as seen in the picture). Out of the entire target I managed to hit the small skinny leg like 4 times...
Afterwards we headed to Target (again) to look around and pass the time. Then went back to their apartment and hung out until Becky got off work. Around 7 we picked her up and headed to Papitos Loco for some amazing Mexican food. They had awesome chips!
We went back to their apartment for the New Years Eve festivities and made some mixed drinks, took pictures, and attempted to play a card game. We didn't even make it to midnight because we were all exhausted. Plus, their midnight is an hour behind what I'm used to because of the time zones. So, I didn't feel all that bad. At least I was awake for one of them even though I wasn't in the right time zone. :)
Tuesday, January 1, 2013: Happy New Year! We started off by going to
The Old Mill where they were married. It wasn't open so we just had to look at it through the bars. It was a really cool place and really pretty! Then we went to Bed Bath and Beyond. Spencer kept apologizing for taking me around on their errands, but I could care less because it was better than sitting at my house in Ohio. We were getting kind of hungry so we ate at Five Guys. We attempted to eat at Cracker Barrel again, but Spencer didn't want to wait the 45 minutes. Afterwards we went to... you guessed it... Target!
We went back to their apartment and just hung out. We ended up just hanging out there the rest of the night because we were all exhausted. They had done nothing but run around for two weeks while they were in Ohio, and I didn't have to go anywhere. It was nice to just hang out with people since I've been pretty lonely in Ohio.
We had our "last supper" that night consisting of steak, Kale Salad (made by Becky), and Risotto (made by Spencer). We opened up the champagne I bought for New Years Eve but didn't end up drinking. All of it was so delicious, the champagne included. We finished off our night by watching The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Spencer couldn't believe the number of movies I had never seen.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013: I woke up early and Becky took me to the airport around 8:15. It was really sad to finally be leaving because I had so much fun. I just didn't want to go back to reality in Ohio that consisted of me working and sleeping. Hopefully I can see them again soon! I am so appreciative of all they had done for me while I was there.
I had a 30 minute layover in Chicago and it was the first time I'd even been to O'Hare. I didn't see much of the airport, but it was really nice! I haven't been to Chicago in several years. I'd like to go back sometime soon, but there are so many other places I'd like to see.
