California or Bust, Part VI :: Smash & Grab

Yep, that's what the Oklahoma City Police Department called it. We stopped in OKC to spend a night. Unfortunately, we were limited on hotels to be able stay in because of the pups. So, we had to settle on the Ramada Inn at the airport. Let's just say it was certainly no 5-star hotel. I wouldn't even give it one star. It was just for a night though, so I put my big-girl pants on, checked for bed bugs and tried to sleep.

We woke up the next morning to this

We were so tired when we got there, that we weren't really thinking straight. We grabbed our overnight bags and my computer and went to bed. The thugs smashed the back window and grabbed Mike's computer bag which had his computer, veterinarian records and some other important paperwork. They couldn't reach my camera bag, so they smashed the side window and grabbed it, which had my camera and accessories, and a tape recorder with an interview I had done for an article I am supposed to write. Lastly, they grabbed a Shutterfly box which had our Christmas cards in them. Sad panda. I would have loved to see their face when they probably thought there was something great in that box and instead got 150 Christmas cards. I hope they felt like poo when they saw the faces of the people they stole from!

It could have been way worse. All of those boxes you see have our china, expensive wedding gifts and family heirlooms. Thankfully, I married a boy scout who had them strategically tied down, and there was no time for the idiot thugs to try to get to them. I insisted we carry those things with us because I didn't want the movers handling them and breaking them! I think next time we'll take our chances, with the exception of the family heirlooms that can't be replaced if lost. 

We felt defeated when we saw this. It was the day before Thanksgiving, and we were tired and afraid we would be stuck in OKC for no telling how long, given that it was the eve of a holiday. We didn't want to spend anymore time there! We were ready to get the heck out and dodge! We hastily canceled our stay at the Grand Canyon for Thanksgiving night (which, as it turned out. we still could have gone!). The OKCPD won't even come file a report for a "smash and grab." We didn't have any serial numbers, so they weren't able to track them. 

However, a sweet man worked at a building right by the hotel and saw our situation. He came over and explained that he used to own a GMC dealership and may know someone who can help. Can we say God was watching over us and sent an angel??? I think so!

He sent us to City Glass OKC who had both windows in stock (praise God!) and could get us in that day (Alleluia!). 

Thank you City Glass OKC and the nice man (I think his name was Tom) who came to our rescue!

Within just a few hours we were back on our way!

I don't think we'll be going back to OKC anytime soon, if ever again!

Where did we go next? You'll have to wait and see!

California or Bust, Part V :: I'm Going to Graceland, Graceland...

Memphis, Tennessee. I'm going to Graceland. Poorboys and Pilgrims with families and we're all going to Graceland! Gotta love some Paul Simon! 

So our next stop on our way to Cali was....Memphis, Tenn.! Earlier, I gave you a history lesson of the Rakkasan Racing Team (RRT) (see post "Carwreck"). Well, we stopped to spend the night with Holly, another member of the RRT, and her husband Seth. They, along with their 3 big dogs, now live in Memphis where Holly is going through her first year of law school.

We had  a great time! It was a little crazy with 5 dogs running around there, but Amelia and Andy definitely needed some social interaction after traveling for a couple of days. The adults went out to eat at The Flying Saucer. Somehow I managed to never make it to the Nashville one. Not sure how that happened because I always heard it was fun. I'm glad I finally got to experience it in Memphis.

Also while in Memphis, I got to mark another item off of my "29" list: GRACELAND!

The next day, Seth went to work, Holly to school and Mike and me to Graceland! I've never been a big Elvis fan, but I've always wanted to see Graceland. Disappoint it did not!

It stays exactly as it was when Elvis lived there. It was splendidly decorated in tacky 70's decor, shag carpet and all! As a bonus, it was also decorated for Christmas!!!

I'll let the pictures do most of the talking:

Huge Sofa!

The Dining Room

 

His parent's bedroom. They lived there too!

 Kitchen

The Basement

The Famous Jungle Room

Back of the House

His Office

The Smoke Room, which he temporarily used as his target room

And so begins the shrine

Priscilla's wedding dress and Elvis' Tux

His racquetball room, which now houses his awards and some of his records

Elvis played on this piano the day he died. This is the room outside of his racquetball room.

Hall of Gold

 

And finally, his grave. Here he lies with his parents and a plaque in memory of his twin brother.

I did not lay any flowers or bears, nor did I shed a tear, but I did fall temporarily in love with Elvis after our visit to Graceland. We listened to a lot of Elvis Radio on Sirius that day (until I fell asleep which then Mike would change it).

Also, they don't let anyone upstairs to see Elvis' bedroom and private living quarters. Only Lisa Marie and Priscilla are allowed up there. Apparently they go to Graceland frequently. Of course they weren't there the day we went though. 

Graceland....check!