This past weekend was a blast. I feel like I’m just now recuperating from everything! It started off with a busy, busy day at work on Friday. I was anxious about my friends coming in town which didn’t help the demanding responsibilities at work. Five o’clock finally came and the weekend was finally beginning.

The Beth Moore conference was starting in a mere hour and some odd minutes and I was running late because of a work errand. I had make the 30 minute commute home, pick up a friend who had come in town, drop my car off at my house and then meet Amy Beth and the group at another friend’s house. All this and we were still 30 minutes from the conference!

Finally we were on the road as a combined group. I had joined the group in Amy Beth’s car which including: Amy Beth (driving), Jenna, Melanie and Stephanie. (There was a second car behind us with SarahRuth, Hannah and Anna.) I have a little evidence of what our car ride downtown was like. It’s a dark video (shot at night while raining), but don’t worry, all you need is sound:

What you hear at the end is Amy Beth figuring out I’m recording. Yeah…I had to put the camera away in fear of my life. The only reason I’m able to put it on my blog now is because she’s almost 400 miles away. Hehe, we’re still friends, right Amy Beth?

We arrived at the conference in the nick of time. Jenna’s friends graciously saved some front section seats for us. The conference was amazing. I think a recap deserves its own post though, so that will be for next time. I can just tell you that I have now become a fan of Beth Moore!

The next morning the girls headed out to the morning sessions. I wasn’t able to go because I had a baby shower to attend! Greg and Kristin (whom I’ll be living with in Durban) are expecting! We had a baby shower for them via Skype. Our friends Aimee, Sonja and Samina came up with that awesome idea and pulled it off wonderfully! The video shower was so much fun and I can’t wait to see the baby.

{Side note: I’m training for a half-marathon in December. This definitely puts a twist to any plans because I have to make sure I’m able to run that day. The start to Saturday came really early, like 6:30 early. The girls left around 7:30 and I was out the door to fit in my training. Thankfully it was only around 4 miles! Not to bad for a busy weekend.}

The second car of girls at the conference had to make it home in time for prior commitments so they left just as the conference was ending. Because the group had two cars, Amy Beth, Jenna and Melanie were able to stay later. We took full advantage of the time. Lunch was at The Majestic Grille downtown – I love that restaurant! Wonderful atmosphere, great prices and always a good time. We then ventured to Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn outlets. Amy Beth couldn’t stop proclaiming her love of both. I think at one point, she might have said she loved it more than Beth Moore and her hair, which if you know her is quite the statement.

I was very happy a few girls were able to stay later because they were able to go with me to my church, The Life Church. It was an awesome service with a series from Pastor John Siebeling called In The House. That night was full of blessing because usually I teach/coordinate my two year old classroom but another adult stepped in for me! I was able to worship and listen to the message with my friends – a sweet time.

Ending the day (and this forever long post!) was dinner at our college friend’s house, Christan. She cooked delicious manicotti and garlic bread. One of my favorite meals! Our friends had to get on the road after dinner in order to start the journey back home. It wasn’t before Amy Beth requested to play American Idol on a game system though. Thankfully, it was a borrowed game and they didn’t have it anymore. If you are curious how it would have played out…please see the above video. I love you Amy Beth!

And that, is the weekend in recap. The long extended version. For us long-winded people.

Walking downtown Memphis