Let me back track for a second and tell you I was wondering if I would make it there because there seemed to be a little black cloud hanging over me yesterday. I thought I would get my car cleaned at the car wash earlier in the day so I drove to the one I go to right down the street from me and got in the line. Next thing I know I am looking up at back up tail lights coming at me on a big pick up truck. I could not get my car in reverse fast enough and BAM! He backed right into me. Great! My car is only a few months old and had just turned three thousand miles and now it is damaged.
The hitch on his truck went through my parking light. Thanks goodness he has Allstate insurance.
After this happened I was kind of shook up for awhile. I had told my sister earlier that I would go out of the way and pick her up and we would ride to the dinner together. I left the house later than I wanted because we were talking to the insurance company. So of course when you are in a hurry you are going to run into problems. I had to take a detour around road construction that took me a little out of the way and then I am getting ready to cross a railroad, but NO. The gates come down and a train is coming. Really? Now? This train is way down the tracks and moving at a snail's pace. I am fussing and saying why are you crawling? I'm on a mission here. Well fifteen minutes later after waiting for this two mile long train to go by at ten miles an hour I am finally able to go. I pick up my sister and then of course we hit rush hour traffic in Atlanta. We finally make it there.I didn't get to take a lot of pictures because we were so busy talking, laughing and having fun. Here are a few shots I grabbed.
We met a the Cheesecake Factory and had a blast. This is Barbara from The Everyday Home and Debbie of Confessions of a Plate Addict. Debbie lives very close to me and was not attending Haven either, but came to dinner. I told her I didn't know she was coming and we could have ridden together. She and Barb have been friends for years so they were catching up.
The girls attending the conference had brought business cards to hand out and Shirley from Housepitality Designs attached hers to packs of Oreos because they are made in Chapel Hill, NC where she lives. Very clever.
Look who I got to meet in person! Heather and Vanessa from At the Picket Fence. Yippee. This was after dinner when we went out to get a group shot and I was practicing getting my camera set right.
That is Lisa from Budget Design Girl looking at her phone. I wish I had gotten a better picture.
And the group shot I took. I will be in the other group shots the other ladies will be sharing soon.
Left to right: Shirley of Housepitality Designs, Barb of The Everyday Home, Debbie of Confessions of a Plate Addict, Lisa of Budget Design Girl, Heather and Vanessa from At the Picket Fence, up behind them is crazy girl KariAnne of Thistlewood Farm, next is Gretchen of Bird Nest Cottage, and last, but not least my sister, Kelly of The Essence of Home. There were a few other bloggers at the dinner, too, but they left early to get back to the hotel for a meet and greet.
We talked and laughed so much that I woke up today with a scratchy throat. Oh, how I wish I lived closer to these gals. I know they will have a great time at the conference.
So after a stressful start I had the best time ever!! It was just what I needed.
So much fun meeting with other bloggers with like interests. If you ever get to do it, DO!
Looks like a FUN time. I am wondering why you aren't going to haven since it is right near you? It is fun to see faces to put with the names. XO, Pinky
ReplyDeleteLucky you Kim getting to meet all those sweet bloggers, looks like you all had a great night! Sorry to hear about your car, the main thing is no one was hurt!
ReplyDeleteI knew you were going to paint that piece again, can't wait for the reveal!
so much fun! I would have loved to go to Haven. Maybe next year =)
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to get to meet some other bloggers. I'm still hoping to do that someday. I'm sorry about the car. Hopefully, it will be repaired soon and the insurance will be speedy.
ReplyDeleteIt was so much fun to see you! Ooh...I didn't know about your car! I hope you have no problems getting it fixed! It was so much fun, wasn't it? Maybe I'll even go to the conference next year! lol Happy week!...hugs...Debbie
ReplyDeleteYour pics turned out great!! You know, you could've just left me out of the group pic. I hate my picture. Can't wait to see what pics the others took too. That was so much fun. I wonder what all they've done today at the conference. Hate to see that big gash in your car. Yikes! At least it wasn't a major accident on the highway. Are you able to drive it around for errands until it gets fixed? If you're like me, you probably don't want to be seen in a bashed vehicle. Ha!
ReplyDeleteKim, don't worry about the car. It can be fixed! I am just thankful you were not hurt (and the truck driver of course!!!). So glad that after all that your dinner was a good one.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a blogger, but my little group of friends is soooo important to me. Kind of like a support group. It is good to get out and about with our friends. My hubby is my best friend and we enjoy our time together, but I have to have my girl time too!
tina
I am so glad you are okay and a bumper can be repaired. Looks like you had fun and got to met a lot of bloggers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a day! You must have been about frantic by the time it came to have dinner.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I'm at lunch at "Subway" and every customers has heard my screams when I see that "I'm the winner"! I can't believe it!!!!!! Thank you a million times over:)
ReplyDeleteLooks so awesome Kim! I so wish I could have been there too! Belly laughing is worth the scratchy throat!
ReplyDeleteOh sorry about the car too....thank GOD you are OK though...whew that was scary!
ReplyDeleteKim, I'm sorry about your car but at least you're okay! Sounds like you had a good time last night which made up for all bad. Enjoy your weekend, Gail
ReplyDeleteoh you lucky gals, looks like SO much fun!!!
ReplyDeletewell it started out as a bad day but ended up a beautiful day!
ReplyDeleteHi Kim, Wish I could have joined y'all for dinner. Debbie & I talked about going to the conference, but just didn't make it. I will ahve 4 grandchildren tomorrow! Sorry about your car. Several months ago I was rear-ended in my car (only 18 months old!)....so aggravating! Argh! You, Debbie and I ought to get together some time! Linda
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! Sorry I am missing it too...it is in my backyard as well. But, we just flew back from our youngest's college orientation and I didn't want to be rushed. So sorry about the car. That happened to me shortly after I bought mine too...hate it!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the winner! Bet you ladies had a fun time.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your car. I had a similar situation to happen to me several years ago. Sadly the driver that backed into my car worked for a drivers' ed. program!!
Enjoy your evening.
That sounds like so much fun. Your story reminds me of those dreams you have every now and then about needing to get somewhere and no matter how hard you try it doesn't work. Do you have those dreams or is it just me? :)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the car. I had a similar thing happen a few years ago. Two months after getting my then new car an SUV parked next to it and both the driver and rear passenger opened their doors into my car and left dents on both doors!! At least you had a Cheesecake Factory nearby. I love the Red Velvet Cheesecake in case anyone was wondering.
ReplyDeleteOH this sounds like the best time, Kim! Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got to hang with other bloggers. I was going to go to Haven until all this moving business! Now I am just a long way away! So sorry about your car. That is a bummer, but pretty easily fixed! As long as you are o.k. is what matters! Trains... why????? They speed all the time until you get caught by them!!
ReplyDeleteI love me some Cheesecake Factory!!!
Kim, so sorry to hear about your car! I'm just glad that you weren't injured; and still able to meet up with the girls. Looks like you all had a fabulous time!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the winner :-)
ReplyDeleteKim,
Looks like a fun time!Too bad about that fender bender.I can relate.Soon after we bought our car a girl side swiped me in a parking lot!The front end of my bumper is damaged too!Still need to get that fixed.
((((Hugs)))
Anne
Y'all look like you had a blast! Sorry about your car. Hope it won't take long to fix. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteBabs
Oh! I am so sorry your car got hit! Thank goodness for insurance.
ReplyDeleteHow fun to get to meet all of those bloggers. I know Gretchen, we meet often. She actually asked me to go with her to Haven, but unfortunately I couldn't go.
Looking forward to seeing what you are up to...
Hugs,
Penny
Looks like SO MUCH FUN! I agree, you should have gone....if I was closer i wouldn't miss it for the world! Maybe next year! So glad you're OK...cars can be fixed easily, not so with people sometimes!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Lorraine
Oh no! I'm so sorry you had such a bad start, Kim. I'm glad you were able to have a good time though. How great that you got to meet so many bloggy friends. I've already put a notation in my online calendar for next year to check into going to Haven myself. I've never been and I'd love to go.
ReplyDeleteI think it's just something about a new car...my MOM side swiped my new one once...the next one we hit a deer in. It just happens! Glad you had a good time with all those sweet ladies!!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your car! At least you had a great get together with the bloggers. It looks like you had a lot of fun!
ReplyDelete-Shelley
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could live closer of you ladies! Looks like you all had a great time!
ReplyDeleteHope we get toghether some day!
Love from Brasil
I know exactly what you mean - blogger meet-ups are the best. I'm glad your day improved.
ReplyDeleteKim, So sorry about your car! I am glad you had a fun time with the girls though.
ReplyDeleteKim, I'm sorry about your accident...but glad you are okay! Looks like you had such a good time! :) Can't wait to see your newest creation...
ReplyDeleteso sorry about your car! Glad you're okay. AT least you had something fun to shake it all off. I saw your pic with the girls at the Picket Fence. Cute! What a fun time!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a blast(except for the car)! I have enjoyed Haven and it has been great to meet so many fellow bloggers. Missed you though!
ReplyDeleteAWESOME!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSorry about your car, that is so blech.
Looks like you had fun even with the bad luck!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got to go to dinner. Looks like so much fun and since Barb and Debbie are two of my dearest and oldest friends, it was so good to see them laughing and having so much fun together. Great pics. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteStill cracking up at that picture of Kari's head floating above the group of gals!! Sounds like you had a fabulous dinner (despite your car mishap).
Kelly
Glad you had fun, sorry about the car.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a Comedy of Errors, but it ended well. I read about Haven and it sounded wonderful, but far advanced for me. I didn't know your sister had a blog so now I am off to read it.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear thet you were able to make it to dinner and meet the other bloggers. That must have been so much fun. Sorry to hear about your car. Those trailer hitches can do a lot of damage! Thank goodness no one was hurt and that Allstate will take care of the damage but it's still a bummer especially since your car is new.
ReplyDeleteA bad way to start the day, but what a fun way to end it!
ReplyDeleteGlad you persevered!! Sounds like so much fun!! Looking forward to seeing what you've been up to in my favorite guest room!!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your car, BUT, what a great way to end your day! I'm envious that you gals got to meet ... what fun!
ReplyDeleteOh darn! I wish I had tagged along with everyone! Yes, Kim! You should be here! Everyone is so generous with their knowledge and kindness. I have so much to learn and couldn't be in a better company of "teachers"! Besides being DIY masters, they are SEO, social networking and advertising specialists as well. Pretty amazing...I have a very long to-do list!
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteYou are so wonderful! I cannot tell you how incredible to meet you and Kelly in person. What a fun dinner and I can truthfully say that you are truly beautiful inside and out :)
Have a blessed and wonderful day!
karianne
PS I am sooooo sorry about your car :(
How fun for you all! I'm so envious, I would be thrilled to meet everyone in person. I feel like I know you all already, anyway. We almost got hit yesterday too, it was scary, so sorry that happened to you! Then we were leaving at 5 a.m. to take Maurie and Abby to the airport for a 6:00 flight, and we had a flat. Thank goodness the taxi was here in 3 minutes! Let's call all this drama done and have a good weekend :)
ReplyDeleteOh so sorry about your car Kim. Ugh, what a day huh?
ReplyDeleteEveryone looks great! I can't wait to see you too. Show us more pics.
sorry about your car!!! hope you have a better day today!
ReplyDeleteBless your heart Kim! I know how you felt. I was in the parking lot of a Kroger when a truck hit my husband's car - I was parked and just getting ready to leave! Those hitches! Well, the car is now fixed - the best part is you're o.k. and the car will be too! So wish I'd joined in - Atlanta is only 2 hours away - but, timing is everything! Thank you for sharing your fun evening out and I hope you have a blessed weekend,
ReplyDeleteKathy
What a fabulous time this must have been...(well, except for your poor, new car)....
ReplyDeleteI know ya'll had a blast. Everyone is adorable and, yes, I did see your pic. in the group over at....uh....can't remember but you are a doll, just like your sis.;)
xo bj
Looks like a Star Studded event to this little blogger!
ReplyDelete~Bliss~
I knew you would all have a wonderful time together. We are all kindred spirits.
ReplyDeleteI hope it doesn't take too long to get your car repaired.
Pappasitos near hotel. Can u meet us in lobby. Call me on cell phone. We r done around 6:30. Kim from la belle Époque will be there too
ReplyDeleteHi Kimmie! Oh, how exciting. Those are great snaps of some blogging buddies! Shoot! I got to meet my first blogging bud this week and then you go and meet a whole slew! :)
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia :)
So glad you had a wonderful time Kim despite your awful day!! Looks like a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh...this looks like such a good time. I am so sorry for all the bad stuff but the day did end well. I have to admit that I was really wishing I was at Haven. You are lucky you lived close enough to go to dinner. Really...what fun.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your car.....that is a bad thing...but I am so glad you got to hook up with all of your friends....what fun!
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteIt was SO much fun to meet you in person, and have dinner with such a great group of ladies!
I am so sorry to hear about your car!!!!! You never even said anything at dinner!
Wish that you could have been at the conference with us! I hope to see you there next year!
You are so sweet, and beautiful inside and out!! LOVED meeting you!
xo-Lisa
Kim,
ReplyDeleteI've heard from a crazy little birdie that you all had so much fun, fun, fun!
I'm hoping that next year I, too, will get a chance to meet you ...
:)
Linda