The American Experience

I know my posts haven't been frequent or incredibly thought-provoking this week, but thank you for your patience while I take a break from schedules and stress and spend this time with my family and friends.  Next week will be back to normal; no worries.

Yesterday, my mom, Rebecca's mom, Amy, Rand, Ali, Jordan, Nadia, and I went on a little road trip and visited an amazing little restaurant in a nearby town.  It was an old-fashioned diner that looked as if it stepped right out of the fifties.  Elvis posters were everywhere (including a signed guitar!), records covered the walls, music played from an old jukebox in the corner, and there was even a smoothie bar.

The place was adorable.

And the name "Best Friends Boutique" fitted this picture so perfectly.  

When the waitress came by and passed out our menus, we were delighted to see that they were old records with the choices taped onto them.  Wow!  

After lunch was over, several of us ordered milkshakes.  They were absolutely delicious.  I personally had a vanilla malt.

Since Nadia and Rand are from Palestine and Brazil, we've been able to show them what life is like in the United States, especially the Texan experience.  Camping, burgers, cattle, restaurants like these, and perhaps even Cadillac Ranch. 

The soda shop today was certainly a glimpse into America's past.

After lunch, I was able to relax a little at home before going out on a date with my dad.  It was great to get to spend some alone time with him before I head back to Aggieland.

I also visited Caleb tonight.  Several of us watched "Misery," played multiple games of "Draw Something" on our iPhones (did you know you can't get past 99 turns on there?), and then switched to Apples to Apples.  There was a running joke that whatever adjectives we won described us.

Well, I've only got two and a half more days left in my hometown.  I plan to make the most of them (although I don't think I'll go camping... I don't know if I can convince myself to take such a huge step in the outdoorsy direction.  A hike with my friends out in the canyon may be enough for tomorrow).

I could use a few prayers about:

1. Travel safeties as I fly back on Saturday afternoon and then drive for three hours on my own.
2. At the mere thought of returning back to my studies and trying to keep up my grades, I've been having some high levels of anxiety.  I know this is normal and I know a lot of students struggle, but this semester has been difficult and I'm a little scared to go back to that routine. 

 Thanks, friends.  Be sure to take some time to rest this week!