Chapter One-Hundred-and-Three: Aesthetics

About a month from now, I'll be done with half of my college degree. How crazy is that?? It feels like I just stepped onto campus for the first time about a month ago... I vividly remember saying goodbye to Mom and Dad, meeting my roommates, and going to class for the first time. A lot has happened...and a lot has changed, too. I am so thankful for the time I've spent here, and can't wait to see what other memories I'll make in the next couple of years.

But, before we get there, let's see what I've been up to the last couple of weeks! 

Bailey, Martin, and I all stayed home Easter weekend, so we spent a lot of it together. Martin and I went shopping the Saturday before Easter, and then spent the afternoon eating delicious snow-cones and spying on prairie dogs.

Strawberries and Creme; Fruit Punch topped with Watermelon

Prairie Dogs Galore

That following Monday (when everyone was returning to campus from home and Martin and I were still alone in Lubbock) we decided to try Torchy's Tacos for the first time. Great experience. 10/10 would do again.

The tacos were indeed good

The next weekend was spent doing hipster-like things. This included visiting Nikki's very own armature and viewing other incredible art done by students. It was really cool to see Nikki's art on display! She thought it was pretty cool, too:

"Pommedeterre" by Nikki...

"Potato" in French

Her art (and other students' art) was featured in an event called Project Alley, which features all of this art literally in an alleyway. Shady back alleyway, live music with long synthesizer solos, and purple lipstick gals and bearded fellows made for quite the hipster experience. 

Aesthetics

Since it was the first Friday of the month, we decided to head over to the LHUCA and view the First Friday Art Trail. We made it just at the tail-end, however, so we didn't stay for very long. We did get to view a couple of interesting pieces. 

This laced through the entire room

"Be Bold" and "Revolt, Rebel"

"Be Bold"

Nikki and I also got to play with a dog so that's always a plus.

*sniff* nice to meet you

I sits here

All in all our Friday was very eventful but very fun. It's always fun spending an evening out on the town, even if it is just Lubbock (which isn't as bad as everyone says, by the way).

The very next weekend, Mom and her best friend, Sharon, came into town to visit me! I was so very excited to see the two of them. This was Sharon's first time in Lubbock, so we had to visit all of the Lubbock essentials that we could manage. The night they came in we decided to have dessert at The Choc'late Mousse Pie Bar. This is a place that offers a variety of pie crusts and fillings to anyone's liking. We decided to get a sampler of six different flavors, which we all loved!

The next morning we visited the Science Spectrum Museum. We did not go through the museum part, but we watched a movie about the Monarch butterfly and even visited with some butterflies in the exhibit! It was so surreal watching these beautiful, beautiful creatures flutter around with such grace and elegance. Sometimes I think we don't give butterflies enough credit. 

Getting Ready to see the Monarch Journey!

Monarchs hanging out

The wings unfolded are actually a bright, florescent blue!

Yay! Butterfly kisses for everyone

Can you spot the butterfly??

After we spent awhile with the butterflies, we headed on to our next adventure. Every week I have visited Lubbock Lake Landmark with my Fieldcraft class, so I thought I would bring Sharon and my mom there. We went through the small museum featuring what Lubbock (and North America in general) used to look like. We then made our way outside and looked around at the vast plain, currently being restored to its original state. Spending time there every week, and going through the museum, has been very educational. 

Elephants!

Sharon and her Elephants :)

After a quick trip to Market Street, we headed to Prairie Dog Town (which is quickly becoming a favorite place of mine). We brought the little critters carrot chips for them to munch on while we watched and squealed about how cute they were. Sharon really got a kick out of this, and claims this was her favorite part of the entire trip. I don't blame her, these prairie dogs really are the cutest. 

Munch munch munch

Eating one-handed (one-pawed?)

LOOK AT THEM ALL!!!!

The next morning, after we all had breakfast together, we said goodbye. I sure had a fun, eventful weekend with Sharon and my mom! I'm so glad the both of them came out to visit me...and I can't wait to see my mom (and dad!) again!! I'm a little homesick and tired of school, so I've been calling and Skyping them more often than usual. 

The next Friday, Luke and I made a date and watched Catholic Student Association's annual Dinner Theater! This year they put on the show The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It was very well done and I really enjoyed it! Also, the food was great. I'm looking forward to learning that recipe (and perhaps reading the novel the play was based off of!). 

D8 Nite

The very next day, Mary, Martin, Kathleen, and I all headed to the free event at Joyland! Last year Mary and I went with a couple of friends and, while the park isn't nearly the same as Six Flags, had a lot of fun with great company! This year we didn't stay nearly as long, but we had a blast enjoying the fun rides and each other.

It's scarier than it looks

Ready to take on the Galaxy!

*tension*

Ski lift...but without the skiing

Hiiii

Group Photo!!

Meet Ralphie, my newest Pug!

Overall it was a super great afternoon full of sun, coasters, and (most importantly) friends. We even ended the day by visiting the Prairie Dogs!! Okay, I visited them...I was driving so I decided to stop there whether my friends wanted to or not. Boohoo. 

In between these crazy weekends, your favorite blogger has been busy, busy, busy. So busy that your favorite blogger hasn't been able to do her favorite thing...BLOG!! I tell you what, blogging is by far one of the best stress relievers I have...I'm going to need an intense blogging session (with some backrubs, too) to get back to normal after this semester is over. Phew! Hopefully I won't get this behind again. 

Thanks again for reading. I'm looking forward to blogging my next adventure :)