Day 5 - Interlochen

Looked at more lights tonights (pics on FB). I was glad for my TomTom because I was able to just drive around aimlessly and turn whenever I saw lights and didn't have to worry about getting lost. I loved the nativity scenes the most. I also realized that I like the color lights better than the white ones. I see now that people are using the LED lights more. I think they are prettier than the traditional lights, but they look so "fake", if that makes any sense at all. I hope to find some neighborhoods to visit next week in Orlando. Of course, I won't have the 30 degree to enjoy them in, but I can turn up the A/C and pretend :) I've also been enjoying lots of Hot Chocolate this week. One of my favorite things! I also like that my hotel smells like Christmas! They must have some pine scented Yankee Candles burning :)

Day 4 - Temple/Highland Park Lights

After class, headed over to the Temple. I had planned to go inside, but when I got there, it was so cold, and I was feeling lazy, so I was just going to drive around it and reminisce a bit. But luckily it dawned on me that it's rare that I ever get to go to the Temple w/o losing time with Kate, so this was my chance. I was wearing jeans (because I thought I was going to do the stadium tour), so I was hoping the bathrooms were the first thing before the lobby so no one would see me sneak in and change. Well, I guess I went in the wrong door, because I had to walk all the way through the lobby to get to them. The lady assured me it was "fine", but I still felt underdressed. It was nice in the Temple. I actually like going when no one knows me, it's more of an escape. Afterwards I headed to the NorthPark Mall and Highland Park to look at some lights (pics on FB). I really love lights. I want to take Katelyn to see some when I get home. Anyone know any good places in Orlando?

Day 3 - Burleson

After class today, I headed down to Burleson. I served there for 7 months, so I figured I would remember my way around. Not so much. For some reason I still had Sister Babina's address memorized (from 14 years ago), so I put her address in my TomTom and headed there. I'm glad I got to see her, I have such fond memories of her. She helped us more than anyone I know. We had limited miles each month, so she drove us all over the area whenever we needed it. She fed us all the time too, and even washed my car when I was sick and couldn't do it. Then I drove over to Logan's to meet up with Kaylene and her twins. We had a good visit. It was nice to be around little ones for a little while. It was good to see her, and it warmed my heart that she was willing to make the long drive (5 hours total). Then I was going to drive more around the city, but it has changed so much, I didn't recognize any of it, so figured I would just get lost, so I headed back to the hotel to watch the Biggest Loser finale. Go Danny!!

Day 2 - Training/Gaylord

Adore my teacher. He's the perfect Southern gentleman and I can't tell you how grateful I am to not have a boring teacher for a week! He's fun and I love his Southern ways and language. I told him I was a missionary here and I was looking forward to visiting some old areas. He said, "Oh, so you're Mormon. The missionaries come by from time to time". I didn't really pay attention to that statement, I just figured he meant they came to his door a few times. Then a few hours later, we were talking about Facebook, and he said he only goes on there to show his family genealogy pictures that he's gathered. Hmmmm.... Then as I was getting ready to leave for the day, I told him I planned to visit the Temple. He says, "Oh yea! I was married there.". I said, "You're Mormon???". He said, "Yes." I said, "Why didn't you say something?". He said, "I assumed you picked up on it". I laughed. He said he hasn't been to Church in 10 years. He said that he just got out of the habit of going since he travels every week for work. He said he hasn't lost his faith or anything, he just doesn't go. Says his home teachers come by all the time and keeps in touch that way :) Then I headed to the Grapevine Mills Outlet Mall. That was an adventure! I wonder how far it is if you walk all the way around. I think it's at least a mile. Bought several Christmas presents, it was so easy to shop without a toddler, so I took advantage of it. Then drove to the Gaylord Texan! Incredible! Amazing! Stunning! Beautiful!! Took lots of pictures (see on FB). It was great to be walking around seeing the lights in 35 degree weather (even with a mist). So much better than 80 degree weather. It was like it was actually Christmas Time!!

Day 1 - Irving

Flight was great. They showed the movie Up, so it helped to make the time pass more quickly. I wish I knew that I had Tylenol in my purse, because I had a splitting headache the last half of the flight. Got off the plane and headed to the rental car place. Got the car and decided I couldn't drive it because the back windows and back window were so angled, there was very low visibility. So not like my car at home. I was going to just deal with it, so I left the rental place, but then the more I drove, the more I decided it was probably a good idea to just get a different car. So, I went back around and the lady gave me a really funny look (perhaps the look you are sporting as you read this) when I told her I wanted a car with "bigger" windows. Anyway, she switched my car and I was off. I couldn't figure out why the car maker didn't put lights on the radio and heater so that I could more easily see the buttons. So, I'm driving down the highway and it finally dawns on me that my lights are NOT on! What a dork! Who trusts me to drive a car that's not mine?? Yes, I'm a blonde. Then I drove to the Dallas Stadium. What a cool stadium! I didn't know you can totally see inside it from one of the angels. It was empty, but still really cool! Then I went across the street to Walmart to get some tylenol. I purposely parked near one of the doors so I wouldn't have to walk far in the dark, by myself, in a strange city. As I'm walking back to the door, the workers stop me and tell me that door closes at 10pm. Oops! So, defeating my purpose, I raced to my car from the other door. I had my little McDonald's in hand and safely made it to the car and ate my Happy Meal as I awed at the Stadium. Then headed to my hotel and was intimidated by the bellhop/valet guy that was (I'm sure) just innocently trying to help me. I'm not used to traveling alone, so I basically kept walking away from him whenever he tried to come near me. He kept me asking me for my luggage and I kept telling him no no no. I finally gave him because what he said actually made sense! I crack myself up!