Chapter Fifty-Seven: It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Finals Week...

Happy December!
Before we talk about the last month of the year, let's talk about the last bits of November...more specifically, Thanksgiving.
After spending three months in Lubbock, I finally got to come home. I took a bus to Dallas with many other students eager to go home. Jenny, my roommate, sat next to me the entire way. We slept most of the time (which is great, because it made time zip by!).
We were dropped off in an old parking lot. Jenny's parents were already there, so I met them while waiting for my parents (they were stuck in traffic). Once my dad's van pulled into sight, my heart nearly exploded. I missed my parents so much! Not to mention my boyfriend, Luke (he rode in the car with my parents to pick me up).
We hugged and squeezed each other for awhile, but I wanted to go home! I missed carpet (our dorms have linoleum and tile only), I missed home-cooked food...and I missed my pets! I couldn't stop cuddling with Jack and Bummie.

Jack the Dog

Bummie the Guinea Pig

We all talked and caught up some while hanging around in the house. We also were in close contact with Bailey, my roommate, because she was driving all the way to Dallas to stay with us! Texas Tech was playing Baylor in the Cowboy's stadium (which isn't too far from us) Thanksgiving weekend, so Bailey decided to stay with us before she performed the Christmas show. 

After having my first home-cooked meal (Yum!) I spent a lot of time with Mom and Dad. I missed them a lot, and we had so much to talk about! We didn't stay up too late, though, because Thanksgiving was the next day! 

Thanksgiving morning was hectic as usual, but once family came, we could all take a breather (kind of). The food was delicious, and seeing all of my family (missing some of my favorite cousins and their new-born baby!) was so wonderful. Bailey doesn't usually have big Thanksgiving celebrations, so this was a whole new experience for her. Luke came over later in the day to see everyone, and then Bailey and I skipped over to his place to have dessert with his family (some of it). Thanksgiving was fun, and was such a great reminder of all that I'm thankful for! 

Bailey and I on Thanksgiving (pre-food)

Luke and I on Thanksgiving (post-food)

On Friday, I spent a good portion of my evening hanging out with my best friends! We missed each other a lot, but we still had a lot of fun with one another. We talked a lot about our different experiences at our different colleges, which is really interesting and fun! Hopefully we can spend some more time together once we get home again for Christmas. Really, we only had 3 days home for Thanksgiving (boo!), so time was cut short for everyone. 

On Saturday morning, Dad and I watched a movie together on the couch. He is still recovering from having eye surgery, so we thought doing less would be best. Besides, who doesn't like curling up on the couch with their daddy? 

In the evening, Luke and I went out to see Big Hero 6. I know I just watched it with my roommates, but I knew Luke would love it! I had to see it again!! Besides, it's so good I didn't mind watching it over again. After the movie, we had dinner. Pretty sweet date to celebrate us being together for about 182 days....6 months, technically. Can't believe it's been half a year already! 

All in all, my Thanksgiving was top-notch. I was so happy to be home again, even if it was for a short time. 

Happy 6 months!

Upon our return to Tech, Christmas was in the air. Of course, Bailey and I played Christmas music before we left for Thanksgiving, but now our spirit was accepted by all of the roommates. Our tiny tree is out of the closet and decorated, and the Christmas music never really stops. 

Decorated by Mary and Yours Truly

On December 2, we four witnessed tradition on our campus. Every year, Texas Tech lights up in honor of the holidays. The 56th Carol of the Lights was beautiful, and I'm so glad we got to experience this tradition! 

Christmas tree in front of the Administration Building

The Science Quad lit up

As much as I love this time of year, it is especially hard to focus...Finals are going to take over my life these next two weeks. I'm excited to end the semester and come home, but I need to keep my eyes on the prize: ending the semester strong! 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Good luck on Finals!