I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.

I've got the entire family thing going on tomorrow. Tomorrow night, we're heading to see the late showing of Twilight. My sister and I are waking up early to buy a few things, but nothing crazy on Friday morning. Saturday, heading out to the Tech/Baylor game. (The change in atmosphere in LBK is ridiculous following the loss in Norman to my Sooners. I feel bad for the team, they've had a great season and people are acting like all is lost. I would never say this to my dad, though. Hahaha!) Saturday evening, there's a family party and then later that night another family birthday celebration. Those are code for drinking, drinking, and jello shots. At some point Sunday, I'll be heading out to Denton for the Micky/Willy/Stoney acoustic show and to see some great friends. What better way to end the month?

Quick summary of the weekend:
* Quiet Friday night
* Gameday!
* Twilight

I traveled back to Norman last weekend. It was great to be back. There were new buildings, new bars, restaurants, but it still felt like home.

I spent the majority of the weekend with close friends and their families. We spent some time on campus and the majority of the afternoon on Campus Corner. I missed Beth, which I am sad about. She was at La Luna and we were at Victoria's...literally steps away. Ridiculous. I crossed paths with some friends and one pop singer unexpectedly. ;) I allowed Curt's aunt to pour a few of my drinks...I couldn't breathe after the first sip. I'm glad Curt had the same reaction...I thought I might be the weak one. Jamie, as always, was a great hostess. It was great to see her with Ellie and to spend the day hearing about what's going on with her.

We were joined by Jamie a little later in the afternoon, after what seems like an inordinate number of changes to our plans. I was avoiding texts asking where we were because I don't think I was ready to subject myself to 4 hours at one of the tailgate parties. We made it there eventually, just an hour and a half or so prior to kickoff. It was fantastic to see everyone...I just didn't have the energy to spend all afternoon there. I think everyone was stunned by how lopsided the game was at halftime. The entire town was buzzing. It was freezing, but other than that, the night was perfect.

Sunday we met up at Jamie's and had lunch then headed to see Twilight. I've read how some of you guys felt over on GW. I liked it. In fact, I'll be going to see it again with my sister and some cousins. The only thing I had to put out of my mind was how obvious it was that RPattinson studied at the James Dean school of acting to prepare for the role. I mean, really, if you've seen Rebel Without A Cause recently it's a little hard to ignore. I read a few comments on entertainment sites stating something similar...so, at least I know I'm not crazy. Ultimately, it didn't detract from the movie. As the story unfolded, the performance improved. I walked away having enjoyed it. The only casting I took issue with was Rosalie. Everyone else I found to fall in line with what I'd imagined while reading the books. There could have been more Emmett and Jasper, but there's always a sacrifice when a book is adapted into a movie.

Things from the weekend:
* How DARE they?!
* Everyone here is so civil...
* Harrell wears Jorts
* I Dreamed It...In My Head...we would lose
* This is Crazy!!!
* His chariot finally arrived?
* Phone book
* Tech That
* Green Man
* JB: I do like him.
JW: Yeah...ya think?! hahahaha

Why do I find this so funny?

I'm not sure what I would do if someone were yelling these things at me while I was walking down the sidewalk, waiting outside school, hanging out at the park... I do know that if I was riding in the car, I'd be dying laughing.

It was a fairly early night for me last night. It was nice to see Owen Temple again. I like a lot of the new songs live. It's like you always tell someone they have to see Bingham live, the cds don't do him justice. I feel the same way about Owen Temple, the emotion's more evident sitting in the same room with him singing. We were sitting to the bar side, so the sound wasn't the best. I still loved it, though. His voice and his choice of covers were great.

I ducked out when they took a break a little after midnight. I had to get some sleep, and still do...

Tonight Cory Morrow is at the Blue Light. I have no idea if this is an acoustic show, full band or what... I do know two things: it will be crowded and I won't be there. I keep going back and forth in my mind thinking I should go, but I know I'll miss it and be just fine with that tomorrow morning.

Sarah called me for 3 or 4 songs from Charlie's show at Gruene last night. They sounded great, but it made me wish for nothing more than to be there instead of here...

random...

The courthouses in all the surrounding counties are closed. This leaves me little to do today. I'm hoping D comes into my office and says we're closing it up early today.

* I think I f'ed up my knee again a few weeks ago. I was playing Wii with Lauryn last night. The side to side moves during tennis were when I'd feel the twinge most. (I beat her soundly, by the way... Who cares if she's just 5? Hahaha)

* I've spent the morning on Deadspin and reading articles from The Washington Post. This one in particular: A Butler Well Served by This Election.
Busy, busy, busy...

* I've also done some searching for Christmas gifts for the family. I found an awesome game that I almost *have* to buy for my nieces...so what if my sister and I will like it just as much?

* I'm hoping to get out to see Owen Temple at the Blue Light Thursday. I know the last time I saw him, he was at a show and I got a chance to talk with him. It's been too long since I've heard him sing.

* Friday, I think Brandon Rhyder's in town...it might be Saturday. Either way, I'll be there.

Text from President Bush's Veterans Day Proclamation:

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.

From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.

Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.

Watching Skins...

I didn't do much of anything this weekend. I read a few chapters of a new book, SNOOP: What Your Stuff Says About You. I also started reading the draft of Midnight Sun. More Edward to pass the time until the movie release...

Friday - I never got to that matinée showing of Role Models. I ended up having to go to the county jail. Quite a trade-off... That ranks right up there with my least favorite things about my job.

Saturday - I woke entirely too early, but don't remember doing anything productive. I watched tons of college football and hockey that night. The Tech game was a big deal at mom and dad's house. Dad, of course, is all about his Red Raiders. He's recruited one of the nieces to his side. I knew that a Tech win would be good for OU, but honestly, it's easier to deal with a disappointing OU season than listening to my dad talk about Tech incessantly. The next two weeks are sure to be the longest in recent memory.

The Alabama/LSU game was crazy! I was flipping back and forth between that and the OU/A&M game. It would have been something to see LSU win after that blocked field goal...but, it just wasn't meant to be.

Steamboat's so close I can't stand it... I am ready to leave, like yesterday.

weekend on I-35

Technically, I guess my weekend bled into early Monday morning, but whatever...the 15+ hours spent in the car were completely worth it.

Friday night in the Depot District can be summed up in one word: Ridiculous.

Saturday: I woke up early to head out to Dallas for Sara's baby shower. I got to see some of my favorite people for a few hours. Thanks to Heather and Cori for a great setting, and I hope Sara enjoyed the afternoon...because I know the night didn't turn out as she'd hoped. (Sorry, Sara! Well, you know, not really.) Bonus - I got to see Jocelyn's wound. It wasn't nearly as bad as I'd pictured in my head after reading the tweets. Thank goodness.

Next up? Waco. I would be meeting with Sarah at my sister's house. To pass the time, I talked with Rob and my sister, Monica. Rob was as entertaining as always and I need to find time to visit. Monica was amped up for the game, and shooting verbal daggers at family members who dared root for Tech...not even the kids were spared from this. LOL I got to Becky and Brady's about an hour or so before Sarah, so hung out with them for a while. We watched whatever college football game was on and the beginning of the Texas/Tech game.

Sarah arrived and we headed for New Braunfels. Amber ended up meeting us at Gruene Hall for the Motorcars' first headlining show there. The show was perfect. There was a good, responsive crowd out. The good music mixed with the texts updating the score of the OU/Nebraska and Texas/Tech games made for a great night. I think Rebs' were the most entertaining... (Alas, no tequila at Gruene Hall.) It was nice to see a good crowd out for MMC, nicer to just say hi...I feel like I haven't seen them in a LONG time. Random stories, ripping down posters and being the last few left in the bar, as usual...

Lunch with Suzy on Sunday and back out on the road for the benefit in Waco. Sarah, Nikki and I stopped in at Becky and Brady's before heading to the show. Nikki didn't get her wish for baby-time, but we had fun. The show itself was definitely worth the price of admission. I would have paid that for the opening set featuring Stoney and Randy. A little trouble with the lyrics for RR at one point, but I think the candy made up for it. Hahaha! Wade's set was great. I haven't seen a full band show in months. They played a great mix of old and new. CCRW then took the stage. What can I say? It was fantastic to see them with a crowd of a few hundred people (if that). I loved every second of it...they were joined at some point or another by RR, Stoney, Rodney Pyeatt, WB and Wade's dad, Jim. Sarah and I left as the encore was starting. No doubt it was great, but I did have a long drive ahead of me.

The best thing about the weekend was getting to see everyone and meet some new people.

Finally...

Election Day emotions - excited/anxious

Weekend wrap-up later...for now:

The most vivid election night memory I have is the 2000 Bush/Gore election. I stayed up until 3 or 4 in the morning. I remember flipping back and forth between the big three networks and CNN; Dan Rather and his "Ratherisms", Tim Russert and his dry erase board...

Going to class the next day, all prep the professors had was thrown out the window. The election was all that was discussed, whether we were in Ethics, Criminal Law, or Legal Writing. The most interesting was Constitutional Law. Now, the case of Bush v. Gore is discussed in Con Law for it's ruling regarding the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. I particularly remember Tracey being livid about the results. Bill and I had talked over the summer before heading back to school and he said something like, "I'm voting based on the social issues, I'm scared what might happen if the election were to go the other way. I'm voting for you and every other woman." I remember laughing at this, because if you know Bill...you would laugh too. It sounded like a bad pickup line. However, I know he was being completely honest in one of his reasons.

Who knew everything that would transpire in the following 8 years? The liberties conceded in the name of security have been scary. I hope there's a way to swing it back the other way. I understand there are viable threats to this country. I understand that some encroachment of our personal rights and liberties is necessary to ensure our security. However, the "it's in the best interest of the country" argument has been used too often without question to expand on said encroachments. I hope this is one of the issues that the next President addresses, whether it be McCain or Obama. Too much was given without looking at the long term costs...