Last Minute Adventures

So in my last post I mentioned a few of Montgomery's finest hot spots: Jalapenos, Biscuits baseball, my backyard, and of course Target. With that in mind I thought I might give you a few more which I have made a special effort to visit before I leave you and head over to Germany. I had the wonderful opportunity to eat with two of my oldest friends on Saturday night at the always delicious Tomatino's. There is something about childhood friendships that put you completely at ease, maybe it is that they have seen it all and still stand by you. I love how comfortable the atmosphere becomes when you can let your guard down and truly talk about your life. It does not hurt either to have a little pizza to push the conversation along. After the Italian feast, Christy (who you may remember as my partner in crime from the batting cages) surprised me with what may be the greatest goodie bag of all time. All I can say is that I have enough double bubble to feed a small army or better yet a softball team! It was such a treat I documented it with a picture.

Next on the list of places to make a pit stop had to be the TPS staple Chappy's Deli. How can you go wrong with a menu like that? To round out my time in Montgomery I felt it essential to visit a personal favorite and what some may consider the highlight of the city: SNOWBIZ! How often can you get a deliciously refreshing snow cone (margarita and vanilla flavor) while gazing out on the Toys-R-Us parking lot and taking in the intoxicating smell of Captain D's. I am sure you are getting in your car right now to visit yourself! So that rounds out the best of the best and I hope you take some time to experience it yourself. I leave on Thursday and will hopefully not have any problems, please pray that the journey would go smoothly and I am not a zombie when I get their.  My next post will actually be from Germany!

Biscuits

It seems as though the time I have left on Alabama soil is diminishing at a rapid pace. To soak in all that truly is Montgomery I have diligently been trying to hit the hot spots before I leave.  As you know Montgomery is full of such places and to really experience them all you have to allow a good 2 days. I have made the quintessential Target run to pick up a buggy full of things I probably don't really need, except for the new watch I got for 12.99! I have also made a point to eat at Jalapenos and devour my last greasy Mexican meal accompanied by the soothing sounds of screaming children and of course the fountain in the middle of the restaurant. Yesterday I had the opportunity to lay by my very own fountain in the backyard while I soaked up the rays and threw the ball for my dog. To round out the day of adventures I decided to do a little research on my new sport of choice...baseball. I had the immense pleasure of watching the Biscuits play the Baybears and win in a very exciting game where I was not hit by a foul ball (seems to always makes for a positive experience). I must say baseball is not a sport to watch alone and knowing that I called in reinforcements which included: my parents, hillary, elizabeth, and my newest friend Kiesha. Towards the middle of the game we all decided that I might need to invest in some safety gear such as a mouth guard, some kind of face shield, knee pads, or just about anything that might help me from the future injuries that are sure to come. It was a wonderful night to cheer on the Biscuits and here are some pictures from the night.

Go Biscuits Go!

Kiesha's first Biscuits Game!

The ever beautiful Elizabeth and Hillary!

My Victory Cry!

Needless to say it was a perfect night to enjoy baseball and the fellowship of great friends. Please continue to pray for my journey to Germany, I leave April 30th and am expectant of all the Lord has in store. 

The Cages

If you read my last post, you know that I am taking up a new sport: softball. To help in the process of actually playing I decided that it was time to face the cages. I am speaking of course about the batting cages, which I might add have a very nice staff. To avoid looking like a complete idiot I decided to enlist the help of a seasoned veteran and former dance queen Christy G. Although she has been out of the sport for a while, she did manage to save some necessities for a successful trip to the batting cages.  She arrived with everything a beginner would need: a bat (this I am told is key to hitting the ball), a batting helmet, glove oil, and a cap that you will see later. I think we must have looked extra pathetic because the nice man who runs it gave us 3 extra coins for no charge. We started on the fast pitch machine at 40 miles per hour and never really figured out that you can move the machine so the balls are actually in your strike zone. Needless to say, I think a 6 year old must have hit before us because they were so low Christy and I were practically playing golf. After a couple rounds we sped it up and had a good time laughing at each other. We definitely were entertaining if nothing else. Here are a couple pictures of us in action. 

This is me trying to not get hit when I first stepped into the cages. I have enough injuries as it is, there is no need to add to the list.    

   

This is me attempting to actually hit the ball.

  

For some strange reason (or the fact that I was using  a death grip the entire time) the bat made my hands all black. I guess softball really is a dirty sport. Notice also the great hat Christy brought me, I look very legitimate. 

Thanks for all your prayers and I will keep you updated on how the practice goes until I leave. 16 days to go.

The Beginning

So as many of you know (the people who will actually read this) at the end of April I am setting off on a 6 month adventure to Germany. With the departure date quickly approaching, I decided to start a blog to keep everyone updated on the happenings. As of right now, I am attempting to collect all necessities that one might need in a foreign country...converters, travel documents, footwear, etc., while "warming up" my  softball skills that I will need upon arrival. I know what you are thinking, "Laura, you don't have any softball skills!" and all I can say to that is: sadly, you are right...but not for long! 

Many of you may think once you are past the age of 22 the only acceptable sports to pick up are tennis or golf. Well, little did you know that softball is the new tennis. I am currently learning how to throw and catch a softball in the driveway, along with how to swing a "bat" (or in my case a curtain rod, because I don't own a bat). I am destined for greatness. If only I started when I was 20, I probably could have played for the olympic team! With all that said, if anyone wants to give me lessons let me know! 

On a more serious note,  I am really excited about all the Lord has in store for me in Germany and would ask you to please be in prayer as to how He would use me to expand His Kingdom and build relationships with the local community. 27 days and counting!