San Antonio part deux

We went to the Natural Bridge Caverns outside San Antonio and went on a tour of the caverns, followed by Molly and I doing a zip line and ropes course! I was really nervous going onto the zip line (as I had never done one before). It was actually relaxing. Definitely not what I was thinking I was going to feel, but gliding above the trees was very soothing. The ropes course, however, was not soothing. I made myself get all the way to the fourth story, and even did a few obstacles without holding onto my rope. Molly only went up to the second level, so I was super proud of myself. 

We also went shopping at the Mexican market. So many colors and skulls everywhere! I managed to get out with only a scarf, but that's only because the ukulele-like objects were all miniature guitars.  

Molly and I did another excursion to the river walk at night, which was incredible. We walked to an Irish pub to get some non-Texmex food, to cleanse our palates. No regrets of my Shepard sour and Black and Tan. I was in need of a good beer after such a busy few days. 

San Antonio

Packed up from Dallas this morning and got to San Antonio this afternoon. We did a quick tour of the Alamo and walking along true river walk. 

Molly and I spotted a wax museum, as well as Ripley's Believe it or Not. I got some pretty good shots of me with the "celebrities"

 

We also took advantage of the free happy hour drinks and snacks until Molly and I slipped out to get a "real" dinner along he river walk. 

Also catching. "The Sound of Music" as some chill time before bed. 

Made it!

We finally made it to Texas! (Dallas, more specifically). We grabbed some food at a restaurant that makes (apparently) really strong drinks (unfortunately I did not partake) 

We're now at the hotel for the night, I'm about to snuggle up with my new swan towel friend. 

Presidential Visits

What a fun filled day we had in Dallas! We started the morning at the George W Bush museum outside of SMU (after some confusion with directins) and I got to take a sit in the model Oval office they have there. I think the presidency looks good on me. 

We then turned to the 6th floor museum at Dealy Plaza, where JFK was assassinated. We did the audio tour (which I found surprisingly helpful) and got to see the window and the street where the assassination took place. I was struck by how much support Kennedy had shown for the arts during his administration, 

I LOOK FORWARD TO AN AMERICA WHICH WILL REWARD ACHIEVEMENT IN THE ARTS AS WE REWARD ACHIEVEMENT IN BUSINESS OR STATECRAFT. I LOOK FORWARD TO AN AMERICA WHICH WILL STEADILY RAISE THE STANDARDS OF ARTISTIC ACCOMPLISHMENT AND WHICH WILL STEADILY ENLARGE CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL OF OUR CITIZENS. AND I LOOK FORWARD TO AN AMERICA WHICH COMMANDS RESPECT THROUGHOUT THE WORLD NOT ONLY FOR ITS STRENGTH BUT FOR ITS CIVILIZATION AS WELL.

Boom. My career path is bettering America. 

We also found a nicely painted mailbox in downtown Dallas.  Perfect photo op. 

We also went to an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet. So. Much. Sushi. Interesting thing, though. Sushi full is much different from American food full. It's much lighter and less painful than a post-thanksgiving food coma. For example, with a sushi fill you are able to have a cupcake and a Bert an hour later at your cousins house without hating yourself. Especially when his one year old gets completely covered in frosting. That helps too. 

Oklahoma City

Made it through to Oklahoma City right as rush hour started. Hopefully we won't be stuck in it too long, I'm getting pretty done with being in the car. 

Sidenote: I forgot about Waffle Houses. I'm getting to one of those sometime this week. For sure. 

Helping Out

A young woman approached Dad while we took a quick rest aroo and asked if we could check her transmission fluid. Of course we did, and found it was a bit low. She thanked us and went to call her dad to see what she should do. It's funny how Dad seemed so approachable when she didn't know us at all. Mom thinks it's because she saw that he had two older daughters, which is valid. It's just interesting to think about who I would approach if I needed help like that. The stop also postponed us just long enough to catch a Santa Fe engine in acton (which is super cool when that's been "the best" model train to run in the layout) 

Kansas

Snack time! Pulling out the trail mix and travel cheese (which is home smoked gouda that my dad smoked a few days ago. I even made a vine yesterday of him slicing it)

Apparently the hills we're crossing are comprised of slate and limestone that were covered by shallow seas a few million years ago. There aren't any trees because the dirt is so shallow. 

Kansas' "Dust in the Wind" just started playing on the radio. Well played, radio. Well played. 

Missouri

Woke up just before we left Iowa! We made it to the Missouri welcome center for a quick potty break and marveled at the mural inside the building. And by marveled I mean I found a fish. 

Hitting The Road

It's not even 6:30 and I've already trailed dog poop into the house. Luckily we're already out the door, so my day will hopefully get better. The family and I are driving down to Texas for Christmas.  

I'm going to live blog the drive down, because 13 hours in a car with the family is bound to get interesting. 

Not for a while though, I'm going back to sleep. It's way too early for awake-ness. 

All the German

 

Me and my flour 'stache

Last Sunday I got to visit with my family down in Crawfordsville (as a part of my 12 day road trip extravaganza).  For the annual Schmitz family cookie/kolache bake!  It was super fun to see a bunch of my cousins and babies and all of that.  Of course, I covered myself in flour and got to work!  We made two batches (which made 4 pans each) and ate a ton of chilli and baked goods galore!

It was really odd to talk to my family after my solidification of possible career paths.  I talked with a bunch of my relatives about going to grad school and it made it feel so much more real than just poking around. Kind of scary, but reassuring.  They're all ridiculously supportive.





Now I'm finally staying in the same place for two weeks: Bjorklunden!  I'm here for a two-week immersive start up theatre course.  We already have a ton done on Greyfell Theatre Company!  I already wrote a 10 minute play with Luke, and we've read a ton of others.  The website, the facebook, twitter, the blog have all been set up.  I'm on the blogging/social media team (I know, you're shocked.  Try to contain your surprise).  And am helping create the posts, I'm also hoping to be acting/directing/something as a part of the show itself which is happening next weekend!  It's all been going so fast, and we're staying in the same building.  Luckily I took some time after lunch to roam the grounds and look at how beautiful the woods and Lake Michigan are.

The image of Greyfell (the eight legged horse) in the great hall that served as inspiration for our name!