Chapter Seventy-Nine: Speed, Physics, Stars, and Stripes

Summer is my favorite season. Yes, it's hot, but I just love the feeling of summer. Summer is full of peaches, ice cream, and sweet tea. Summer is freedom from school (usually) and pants...because shorts are essential to survive. Tank tops, flip flops, lollipops... Ahhh, Summer.
Too bad it's already halfway over! Well, almost. I don't mind though; I'm School-Sick (as opposed to home-sick) and really miss being at my favorite university with some of my favorite people! Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely enjoying my time off with friends and family. In fact, I've been pretty busy with some special people here at home.
Two weeks ago, Luke and I finally celebrated our one year anniversary (almost a month later). We decided on having dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse, a new place for both of us. It was unique in a multitude of ways, and the food was wonderful.

15 Layer Lasagna!

Amazing Dip

Amazing Guy

After our incredibly romantic dinner (which included messy faces and noodle-slurping), we headed off to our next romantic location: Speedzone. Speedzone is the place to be if you want to race in compact Go-Karts. I say compact, but I did need a booster seat for some of the karts (short people problems...). Luke and I are actually kind of competitive when it comes to racing, but no worries, we are still together...even if I did beat Luke. 

Okay, he beat me sometimes. But only sometimes. 

Karts Everywhere...

Racing Selfie (Before the Race)

:)

Needless to say, it was a pretty rad date. We had a great time and enjoyed each other's company. 

A couple days later, I attended an extra credit opportunity for my summer class - a Star Party! Luke pretty much invited himself to this one (which I didn't mind one bit!). It started just before sunset, and we watched all the stars begin to come into view once the sun kissed the horizon good night. We looked at Venus, Jupiter (and Jupiter's moons), Saturn, our moon, and, of course, the stars. It was so much fun to discover stars and get a closer look at these far away planets...not to mention humbling! 

Texas Sunset

My Superstar Date (heh..)

A Glimpse of Our Moon Through a Telescope

The next week sped by with me working my buns off at work and at home with my online class. Thankfully, Red Lobster went through a recent uniform change, which has me dressing way cuter than before. Huzzah! Don't believe anyone who says that a new outfit won't give you confidence because I am WORKING my new apron like nobody's business! 

That Little Lobster Kills Me

(In the Best Way)

Just to update about work: I love it! Waitressing can be stressful, don't get me wrong. I am still struggling; however, I really like meeting new people everyday and doing my best to make their meal a great experience. I've run into really nice folks (and some not-so-nice), but, regardless, I do my best and come home happy most of the time. 

I had 4th of July weekend off completely, which, of course, meant I was busy with something else. On July 3rd, I headed down to Luke's Step-Dad's farm (Again!) and had a blast. We headed over to the Freedom Fest (which was complete with a stage, vendors, tigers, and dare-devils) and spent some of our time and money on quality entertainment. 

Selfie!

Sleepy Tiger

Hot Tiger

John Deer

Halfway through the day, Luke and I were a little bored and decided to go on an adventure. We drove about 20 miles out to the brand new Buc-ee's. I've never been to a Buc-ee's (or I just don't remember ever visiting one), so I didn't really know what to expect... The moment we drove up I was impressed. It was huge! It was a little crowded due to the holiday weekend, but the bathrooms (which are apparently world-known) were incredible. After looking around for about 30 minutes or so, Luke and I finally decided on some nuts, cake balls, and a cherry pie. You know, healthy stuff. 

*Angel Chorus*

Buc-ee Date

Caption: "OHMYGOSH!"

We headed back to the farm, ate a couple of cake balls, and then ate the feast Allen had cooked. I'm serious, y'all. We had chicken skewers, steak, porkchops, grilled vegetables, corn (so much corn)...we had enough food for 15 people when there was only 5 of us. When we asked Allen about his sanity, his reasoning was, "it's my favorite holiday," which is perfectly acceptable and God Bless America. 

Once the sun had set, the fireworks began popping. We blew up some fireworks I had purchased beforehand, and some that we purchased a couple hours before across the street. For the most part, it was successful and fun:

...And other times, we saw our lives flash before our eyes. Or maybe that was the firework setting off wrong:

Oops

No worries, we all survived. We didn't have to put out too many fires (Just kidding, Mom!). 

In the morning, before I was carted back home for July 4th, we drove some tractors (like last year) and took some pictures. I mean, how can you go to a farm without driving a tractor?

Uh, farmers?

Later that day, I spent time with my family. We celebrated some birthdays, especially America's. Of course, the only gift we can really give our country is patriotic glow-sticks, fireworks, and our respect. A great holiday, indeed. 

That's pretty much it...I just finished my summer class (Thank God!), so hopefully I will have a little bit more free time to work, hang out with friends and family, and, of course, blog. In the mean time, you can watch my instructional video I made for my Physics class... Check it out!

I hope everyone (at least my American friends) had a wonderful and safe Fourth of July! 

Thanks for reading.