Isla Mujeres: Day of Defeated Fears, Sorta

Our trip to Isla Mujeres started out very early. And by very early, I mean I got up at 2:40 AM, changed my clothes, did my hair, grabbed my backpack, and waited til our bus finally came at 3:15 AM.  Luckily, God is awesome, and provided a way for me to catch some sleep on the bus ride (as you may have heard me declare in previous posts, so far on this trip, sleeping on the bus has been impossible).  So, we had a full bus, but my companion (the person in the seat next to me) decided to sleep in the bus aisle (trust me, that's more comfortable than trying to sleep sitting up).  This meant that I now had TWO seats to sleep in (which had been my master plan in the beginning, until I realized that all of the seats in the bus would be full).  So I stretched out (well, more like turned on my side), snuggled up with the blanket I brought, and slept for the first three hours of the trip (holla!)  And since I'd already gotten about 5 hours of sleep before the trip, I was in pretty good shape sleeping wise.

So, I woke up about 6 AM to fog (I was surprised at how thick it was!) and a van full of sleeping people.  Since it was still dark-ish outside, I decided to pull out my computer and watch a movie (Here Comes the Boom).  And since I was hungry, I decided to pull out my breakfast (two juice boxes, a biscuit, and a chocolate bar).  Shortly after that, we stopped at a rest stop (where I had to pay 5 pesos to use the bathroom.  Which is way too common here), then continued on our way.  I literally had only ten minutes left of my movie when the bus pulled into a gravelly parking lot.  So I packed up my things (hiding my computer under the seat), got off the bus, and walked to the ferry area (where we were all welcomed to Cancun!).

Right side of the docks.

Left side of the docks.

After changing and sun-screening ourselves, we got to meet our crew and go on our different boats (there were two, seeing as we had 22ish people, one boat was not gonna do it).  The boast was small, but nice.  We had the seats lining edges of the boat (which meant lots of nice leg room).  AND, the crew had bought us DOUGHNUTS AND DRINKS!  *ahem*  I was super excited about that.  (Marcello is awesome.  He's the person who's been coordinating with Profe, and I finally got to meet him yesterday).

Us three girls being cute (Left to Right:  Becca, me, and Whitney)

Coke!  (For my sea sick stomach, was convenient).  That's the cooler that was right in front of my feet.

 Course, we had to wear life jackets on the boat - at least, on the way there we did.  We didn't on the way back.  Anyway, at some point between Cancun and the Isla Mujeres, these pictures got taken.

Because it's Mexico.  And you just gotta wear a sombrero!

 A fun thing we did on our trip over there was fish!  And I got to go fishing for the first time EVER.
Luckily, there were two experts on board (the crew and captain), who were very helpful.  And, because of them, I was able to catch two small silvery fishes.  (Bait fish for Barracudas).

Whitney was the one who caught the big one (aka the barracuda).  And at a later point I actually got to hold it (it was...gross.  And those teeth were sharp!  Profe was telling us horror stories before our snorkel about how he'd almost got a barracuda - while we'd been fishing - and that the bait fish had been torn to shreds.  You do NOT want to mess with barracudas.  Which is why you don't wear shiny things when you go snorkeling).

Whitney and the Barracuda

Anyway, after about 30 or 40 minutes, we arrived at the Isla Mujeres.  Or, el Centro of Isla Mujeres.  (Which I was very grateful for.  I was so ready and impatient to get off that boat.  By the end of the day though, I am proud to say that I was able to just enjoy it).

We were given about an hour to look around and shop for things.  (I bought a lovely shirt)  And, whilst doing that, I finally found Fabio, my one true love!  (Don't worry, it's an inside family joke).  I think we make a pretty cute couple, don't you?  :P

I have to say, time flew by pretty fast (also, fun fact:  You can walk from one side, to the other - of the shortest side - in seven minutes).  It was pretty fun time, I'd have to say.  Here's some more pics from that:

Flip flops I bought.  They were orginally 200 pesos, but I was like, I ain't payin that much for common flip flops!  So I looked at the seller and said, "100 pesos"  So he looked at his companion, back at me, then nodded.  #success  Twas my first time bargaining.

The docks.

Lovely Becca and the statue by the docks

Restaurant we waited at (for the group)  Also the restaurant you have to walk through to get off the dock.

After this, we got back on the boat and headed to the northern part of the island, where we weighed anchor close to shore. 

Snack we had on the way over.

We got our snorkeling gear (did you know dish soap keeps goggles from fogging up?), then jumped out of the boat.  (I was slightly scared, even though I knew I could touch.  Raquel was kind enough to lend me a hand down).  We waded to shore, only to wade back into the water, under the bridge, and to a small little alcove where we practiced snorkeling (this was my favorite snorkel.  Probably because there were a lot of things to see, and I could actually touch the bottom).  It took a little coaching from Whitney, but I finally got it!  It was so pretty.  There were tons of fishes.  And the sand was SO fine and white.

It was after that, that we got back on the boat to go snorkeling in deeper water at a National Park.  Here's the before pictures:     

Modified life jacket.  Turned into a floatie.

Shortly after that picture, we did a drift snorkel.  It was pretty cool.  I loved looking at all the little fishes and stuff (at one point, there was a whole swarm of them).  I also saw a barracuda (thankfully from a safe distance).  It was all right.  I didn't like the fins I was wearing, nor the strong current we were swimming in (as it was dragging me towards the reef and other places I did not want to go).  After a short time, we finally got back in the boat (for which I was very grateful).  I took some time to catch my breath and calm my poor nerves (it's not the things in the water I'm scared of, it's the water.  Well, the deep water in this case).  Some calming essential oils that I brought helped (kinda serendipitous that I had them.  I rarely use them, but today I was glad I had it on me).  And, everyone was so kind to remark on how well I'd done (my Profe remarked that I've come a long way.  From being afraid of getting in a cenote to actually snorkeling in the ocean.  As he would say I've come by "leaps and bounds).  Anyway, after that, we headed out towards Isla Mujeres and got out at a small little place where we could "swim" with a nursing shark.(more like get in the cage and touch it), as well as look at the turtle museum.  We had about an hour, I think.

So, we got off the boat, and first went into the restaurant to find our table.  It was way too loud though for my shaken self, so I walked back out and went to a somewhat alone place (okay, I'll admit it, my adrenaline had run out at that point - or something like that - and I got randomly super emotional).  When I was finally alone, I just sat down on the sand, pulled my knees up to my chest, and just cried.  (I had been so scared during that snorkel - the strong current, not being able to swim well with the fins.  Feeling absolutely helpless in the water.  Part of me was definitely upset because of how afraid I'd been, but part of me was just upset that I even had this problem - this fear of the ater.  To be honest, I hate the fact that I'm scared of the water.  Which is why I'm working on overcoming that fear).  Anyway, I'd only been there for a few minutes when Raquel and Olivia found me there, asked if I was okay, then invited me to go to the turtle house.  That's where I saw all of this:

These baby turtles were SO cute!!!

The seahorse next to the front door.

After that, we rejoined our group and ate some lunch (it was okay.  Wasn't the best food I've had.  But hey, food is food.  And, I will admit, that guacamole was AMAZING!!!) and the live music helped cheer me up some.

So funny.  The fork was in the food, and when I pulled it out, I was so amused out how tiny it was.

After lunch, we went in and swam with the shark!  Which more consisted of us climbing down a ladder, getting in the little fenced in area of the sea, and having the diver help us hold the shark (it was so plushy!  But not fluffy.  It was super cool to feel.  I've always loved nursing sharks.  They're one of my favs).

After that, we went to the last snorkel of the day - underwater garden.  It was pretty cool.  Nothing like I imagined though.  I almost didn't do it (I was more freaked out than I had been the first time.  Mainly because the first one had not exactly been my favorite), but then I decided I'd regret it if I didn't (plus, I don't let anxieties keep me from doing cool things.  #lifepolicy).  So I put on a life jacket, grabbed my snorkel gear (but not fins) and jumped in the water (I actually went all the way under.  Luckily I had a life jacket to bring me back up, But I did get a lovely mouthful of salt water though).

Marcello was super kind and stayed with me the whole time (which was good).  I'll admit, as I was swimming there in the ocean, there in my little floatie, I could help but think to myself.  "This is so crazy!!  I can't believe I'm actually doing this!!"  and also thinking, "I feel like I'm in one of those shark horror films, where all you see is the person in the floatie, with the legs, before they get attacked"  Luckily, I didn't get eaten.  And I got to see the cool little statues, and a car.  (All rusted over.  My last name's name sake!).  It was cool.

After that we got back into the boat, and headed back home (we stopped on the way there to jump in for another swim in the ocean.  I stayed in the boat this time).

The famous picture of someone taking a picture.  I can't believe Conner didn't tell me he was taking a picture of us!  Ah well, it was a pretty good shot, I guess, of me in my natural habitat.

End of the day selfie

Picture of the open ocean.

Sunset.

You can kind of see the city skyline in between the bars (It's hard to see in this picture)

I actually took a picture of my roommate looking out at the sea first, then was like, hey, I want a picture like that!  So she took it for me.

Cancun.

Then, we arrived home.  And Becca took my absolute favoritest picture of the day (admittedly, I asked her too because I though to myself, this would be such a cool shot!!)

After we got off the boat (snagged a soda on my way out.  Well, actually I didn't know we could, so I went back and asked for one.  Got a nice orange soda).  Then I went to go rinse off, changed, and then waited round for everyone else to change.  I got these pics of the doc while waiting:

After everyone was ready, we headed off!  (There were some leftover cookies that I totally snagged).  It was a very long bus ride home.  Started out with Jordan sitting next to me.  Then I fell asleep.  Next thing I knew Claire was sitting next to me.  I wake up and she's like, "Hi!" then explained the whole switching thing that'd happened while I'd been asleep.  Not very funny to read, but I was amused in the moment.

At some point we stopped at this 7/11 to fill up on gas.  (It was only an hour in to the ride back.  We all had to get out, though, because apparently it's illegal to fill up a van while people are in it).

Towards the end of the trip, I hopped up to the front (originally I was going to sit/lay in the isle because my back was killing me, but then there were two free seats because Profe's wife and kids were all in one seat watching a movie or something).  But that didn't last long, as Profe's wife returned to her seat.  But we had a super interesting conversation, which was nice.  Since I really didn't want to sleep at that point, the conversation kept me awake til we got home.

After we got home, I changed, fell into my bed, and slept.

It was a pretty good day, I'd say.

'Til Tomorrow.

R J Carr

PS Since I didn't do much today (today being Saturday, the day after this trip), I'm just gonna make this my blog post.  So, to sum up my day, I got up, watched a Harry Potter movie - the third one - fell asleep again, woke up, got dressed, ate lunch - baked potatoes, watched some Fresh Prince and Once Upon a Time (had a small little thunderstorm during that time), ate dinner, wrote my blog, and now I'm heading to bed.  Also, as a random note, I am feeling a little sore today (which makes sense.  My muscles were so spent that at the end of the third snorkel, I had a heck of a time getting myself up that ladder).

Just a Little Less Than 2 Weeks...

Nothing too exciting happened today.  Got up (little late today) and went off to school.  I wasn't feeling so hot today (gots an infection of some sort) so it was hard to focus in class.  (At least, for me it was).  I did, however, enjoy our breaks (we get a 10 minute break at half time during each class).

I got this picture as I was laying down on the half-wall in the courtyard

After class, Profe was kind enough to take me to a pharmacy (to get my medication) before taking Christina and I home.  I managed to get the right medicine while speaking in Spanish.  #amazing  When we got home, we didn't do much.  I just rested and watched Once Upon a Time (it's getting SO INTENSE).  At about 3ish, I think, Christina went to the temple with some other people in our group (before that we had a nice lunch of stir fry pork and rice).  I didn't go because I wanted to rest up for our trip tomorrow.  We're going to Isla de Mujeres!  And we're gonna snorkel, and swim with sharks, and swim at the beach, and it's gonna be awesome!!!!  (Though it is a 6 hour bus ride).

I'm looking forward to being there, I'm just not looking forward to the bus ride.  But luckily (I can't believe I'm saying this) I have homework to do, so at least I'll be occupied.

Anyway, at about 4ish PM, I went to the bank to withdraw some cash.  Then I stopped by Super Rama (a short walk from the bank) and got myself stuff for breakfast tomorrow (some juice boxes, a roll, mint gum.  And I got a little 24 cent yogurt to drink right after I got out of the store.  All for less than 4 dollars!)

When I got home, I figured out some school stuff, looked at my finances, at dinner (burritos!) and got my stuff ready for the trip tomorrow. (We're leaving at 3 AM in the morning.  Yikes).  But it'll be fine :)  I'm all ready to go except a few things I'll need to pack last minute.  #success

I may or may not post tomorrow, it all depends on how exhausted I feel when I arrive home.

'Til Tomorrow (or the day after)

R J Carr.

PS I'm a little sad we have less than two weeks here...but I have to say, I am super excited to see my family again.  It's complicated :P

#internetprobs

Today started out pretty well.  Got up about 10 til 6 AM, but still managed to get dressed, eat breakfast, and catch the bus.

School was all right today.  Felt pretty tired.  But I paid attention in class (for the most part) and took some pretty good notes, I think.  I also got my score back on my test in my 395 class (THAT was exciting.  Didn’t do as bad as I thought I did.  But I still want to do better on the next test).  I learned a lot of grammar today.  And also a lot about the Mayan religion.

After school, a bunch of us decided to go to City Center.  That was pretty enjoyable.  First we went to dominoes, where most of the group bought and ate pizza (I and two others did not.  We were holding out for the DQ ice cream).  But, there was some pizza leftover, so I ended up getting a piece J  After that, we headed over to DQ where I bought myself a Butterfinger blizzard (yum.  Not as good as reeses, but still pretty good).  Then we went to the movie theater and watched Pixels (well, four of us, the rest went home – except two, who just waited for us outside). 

Pixels was…interesting.  Weird.  Way too much cussing.  Horrible plot line.  And just weird.  (Oh wait, I think I already mentioned that).  I highly recommend NOT EVER watching it.  Unless you get a random chance to watch it for free.  Even then, your time would be better spent watching a Harry Potter movie or some other movie that’s not that one.  *ahem*

After the movie, we went to Wally World.  Where I bought some guanbana dulces (sweets) to take home to my family to try.  I also bought a couple bags for me as well J  #couldntresist  After which, Christina, Brandon, Conner, and I returned home.  Though first Christina and I stopped by Conner’s house so I could borrow his snorkeling gear.  Which then turned into an hour visit (where we played games and watched an episode of Avatar:  The Last Airbender in Spanish). 

Finally, about 5ish we headed home.  Today was laundry day, so we came home to a bed with clean sheets (YAY) and clean clothes.  After cooling down for a little while (it was 98 glorious degrees today), we went and ate some food (lunch, actually.  Elisa put it in the fridge for us since we got home about two hours later than we thought we would).  It was during this time that I learned that for our trip to Isla de Mujeres, we are leaving at 2:50 AM.  That’s right.  2:50 IN THE MORNING.  I’m pretty sure I’m gonna take a nap beforehand.  Because A) I cannot sleep on the bus, and B) No, really, I’ve tried, I can’t sleep on the bus.  So if you want to send out a prayer that those of us traveling will be able to sleep (except the driver.  He should stay awake) on our trip, that would be awesome.  ‘Cause I need all the help I can get.

 After lunch, we went back to our room to watch another episode of Once Upon A Time.  Only to find that…OUR INTERNET IS OUT!! (Sorry, lots of caps today).  I mean *ahem* our internet was out.  So, we had to go all old school.  By that, I mean we went to go eat some cake in the hopes that when we were done, it would be back on.

Well, it wasn’t.  So we spent some time with the kittens (which were inside, due to the fact that MM was cleaning the back porch) and I did some homework.  (Should’ve done more.  But seriously, it’s so hard to be motivated these days).  Then Christina and I talked for a long while (which was nice).  Did some more homework (kinda).  And then headed to bed.

Which I am doing right now.  (I should note that I decided to write this blog on a word doc, save it and post it, well, today.  I be smart).

As you can guess, I am heading to bed with no WIFI.  You know what that means?  No goodnight message to my momma *sniff* But fear not!  The school has WIFI (aka, how I will be posting this blog).  And hopefully everything will be fixed by tomorrow.

Hopefully.  (I think God’s trying to teach us a lesson.  A “you use your phone and watch Netflix waaaaaay too much” #firstworldprobs.  I’m just glad our paper and presentation was moved back to next Tuesday!  ‘Cause that would be super hard to do without SpanishDictionary.com – see?  This is why paperback dictionaries are good.  #truth).

‘Til Tomorrow

R J Carr

PS Today, for the first time ever, I was offered rum (and all I could think was Captain Jack saying, “But why the rum?!?!”)  Let me back up, so I was dealing with some pain and MM, being the sweet person she is, told us about a natural remedy she uses to alleviate pain – the only catch was, it had rum in it.  Anyway, she said, “You can ask your parents.  If they’re okay with it, I am!”  All very sweet of her (truly).  I just wish I had had a way to explain that, I didn’t need to ask my parents.  Because, I had already made that choice myself.  That choice being that I would never drink alcohol, no matter the circumstance.  It’s kind of funny because, I remember when I was a kid that I would always defend my religious beliefs with the statement “And my parents won’t let me do it.”  Which worked as a kid.  But I think it’s nice to know that, as I’ve grown older, I have eased away from the excuse of, “my parents told me not to” and am now willing to say, “because I choose not to” when someone asks me, “why not?”  It’s just refreshing to know that I am who I am, because I choose to be who I am.      

Kitten Day

This morning started out all right.  Got up on time (for once) and even had time to eat breakfast before catching the bus.  Class was okay.  The first one was cancelled (at least, the lecture was) because the teacher didn't show.  So we did a form of evaluation for class.  Next class went pretty well too.  And we didn't even have homework!!!  #yes

After class, Raquel, Christina, and I went swimming at Raquel's house.  Funny story -- so we were walking to the bus stop when a car honks at us and pulls up to the curb.  So tired of cars honking at us (it happens a lot.  They like to try to flirt with us white girls), I just kept on walking.  It took me a moment to realize that it was profe offering us a ride.

Anyway, after swimming, we came back and had us some lunch (leftovers).  Which I followed with a nap.  I woke up about 6 PM (I think).  Christina went to the service project, but I stayed home and played with kittens (and sang hymns).

Shortly afterwards, I had dinner (and cake and ice cream to follow).  Now I'm watching Once Upon a Time and then I shall be heading to bed.

Random last note:  We're going to Isla de Mujeres on Friday!!!  Yeee-haw!  Gonna swim with sharks!

'Til Tomorrow.

R J Carr

Taco Tour Birthday

Today was excellent.  Got up at about 9 AM, got dressed and ready, then headed out to the Centro to finish up my souvenir shopping :)  It was super fun to see all the different stores.  An especially cool place that we saw was the Governor's Palace.  I LOVED the art there:

This is actually a view from one of the stores.

Staircase painting at Governor's palace.

Staircase painting at Governor's palace.

Staircase painting.

Big room with lots of paintings.

View from big room.

Me in front of painting depicting the Mayan creation.

 After all this, Christina and I returned home.  I did my homework (that was fun).  Then it was time for lunch!  My favorite Mayan dish (Elisa was kind enough to make it for me).  Following which, they surprised me with a huge chocolate cake!!  (I'm pretty sure my eyes bugged out when I saw it).
It was yummerific and I ate way too much (as always).

After that I waited around for my family to call, but I ended up taking a nap.  (They were late callers, lol).  But a couple hours before the taco tour, I got to talk to most of my siblings and my nieces and nephews.  And my old roommate Sarai.  (cause she's awesome).  Then it was time for the taco tour!  But then we found out that they didn't open til 8, so we ended up going to Profe's house first to eat cake!  And GUESS WHAT.  It was an ICE CREAM CAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  *ahem*  little excited here.

Obviously this is not the cake, this is the little bird there was at the house.

The ice cream cake!!  Topped with strawberries!

Becca and I during singing time!  Profe played the guitar and we got to sing along to some songs.  We even got to sing Country Roads by John Denver.

After all the singing and revelry, we went to eat tacos!  I had tacos al pastor at each restaurant, my favorite was the first one.  But the others were good too.  And, at the second restaurant, I literally spent 80 cents on a taco.

First restaurant - selfies.

First restaurant group photo.

Jamaica! 

Taco!

Second restaurant.  Two for one deal.  Shared it with Becca.

Selfie between second and third restaurant.

Third restaurant.

Guacamole IN A BOTTLE!  *ahem*

After this, Christina and I returned home (this restaurant was right outside our house, basically).  Then watched a couple episodes of Once Upon a Time.  You know, to make sure my birthday went out with a bang!

Now I am, hopefully, heading to bed soon.  Still strange to think I'm one whole year older.  (Mind = blown).  I'm way too young to be 21.  I have a feeling I'll be saying that for the rest of my life with each passing birthday.  Yep.

'Til Tomorrow.

R J Carr

Pre-Birthday Flan Celebration

Today was pretty grand.  Got up about 8:30ish AM for church (just enough time to take a quick shower, dress, and do my hair - which looked fabulous today), then got there, surprisingly, on time, lol.  And, today, I got to play the piano for Sacrament Meeting (didn't do too bad of a job).  On the closing song, I did have a slightly awkward moment.  So, I'd opened the book, set it on the piano, stared at it, and literally could not remember how the song went (even though I had known literally twenty minutes ago).  I stared at it a little longer, still nothing, so I thought, "Well, here goes nothing!"  Luckily, two bars into the intro, my brain was like, "Oh yeah!  I know this song!"  It was great.

After church, Christina and I took naps (because naps are the bestest).  Followed by the best. lunch.  ever.  It was chicken (still on the bone) in a yummy red sauce, yellow rice, veggis, and re-fried beans.  I ate SO much, it was ridiculous.  (I had to take tums after - the first time I've ever had to take tums for overeating).  Then, bout thirty minutes after, we had our mini birthday celebration!  (MM and her family are busy tomorrow, and our group has plans, so today was the best day to celebrate).  With flan!  (twas on fire!  It was funny cause, at first she pulled out this huge candle stick, and I was like, "awesome!  Then they found birthday candles).

The dessert!  A layer of canned fruit, then a layer of flan, followed by a layer of strawberry ice cream.  All topped off with chocolate syrup.  It was delicious.  And...I kind of had two of them.

After dessert, Christina and I went to go roll onto our beds (SO full).  And I think about 45 minutes later we headed off to the Centro to watch the Jarana dancers!  Only to find that it wasn't happening today :/  So THAT was a short trip (and we returned very, very, VERY sweaty.  TMI, I know.  But let me just tell you, the humidity here...yikes! Though I think I've finally adapted to it.  Cause I didn't feel too hot, despite how sweaty I was.  #success).

When we returned, I ended up skyping my sister, her husband, and three little kiddies.  (So much fun!).  Followed by a quick skype to my dear mother.

Then, I wrote this blog (and watched Meet the Mormons.  I may or may not have cried while watching it).

'Til tomorrow!

R J Carr

PS:  A random Spanish song to end this blog, introduced to me by Ellora (needs more cowbell!)  Click here for the translation.

Doth Mine Eyes Deceive Me?

Today was a really, really, really chill day.  By chill I mean we basically only did like, four things today.  One of them was waking up (a miracle in and of itself, trust me) at about 10 AM (though I stayed in bed semi-napping till noon.  I had some, uh, interesting dreams).  Following which, I decided to do catch-up on my blog (aka, write about what happened yesterday).  Eventually I got dressed (admittedly that did not happen till 2 PM, also known as lunch time) and, after finishing up the last of my blog, I went to go eat some lunchie.  (Which, referring to yesterday's blog, for those of you who read it, I apologize for complaining at the end there.  Life = better now.  What's ironic is, literally the only blog I complained in this week is the blog that has gotten the most views.  Must be that stellar blog title I came up with).

Lunch was yummerific!  It was yellow rice with some sort of stir fry (potatoes, onion, pork in a sauce that's normally used for cochinita) and a mini loaf of bread.  It was delicious.  But immediately after I excused myself to go rest on my bed (I didn't say it aloud, but my stomach was like, "uhhhh...yeah.  You shouldn't have eaten all that"  Pero vale la pena!  But it was worth the pain).  At which point my roommate and I talked a little, then discussed some things we could do for my birthday on Monday.  Eventually, we started watching Once Upon A Time (three episodes!  It was really good).  Then we decided to do something more than lounge around, so we went over to Claire's (where Whitney, Ellora, and Jordan also live).

At Claire's we watched the Youth Theme Video for this year (it had me in tears) before heading out to get ice cream at DQ (I know, we are such gringas).

Reese's Blizzard

 Here's the video we watched (it's worth the four minutes, trust me):

    
On the walk back from DQ, we saw this awesome sunset, where the moon looked super cool, so, of course, I took a picture.

That little white dot is the moon.  Not a very good picture, I'm afraid.

When we got back, we had some dinner (Ellora kindly made me a grilled cheese sandwich of happiness):

before watching the rest of I am Sam (and it ended happily!  I was impressed).  By that point it was 9:30 PM, so we decided to play just one quick card game before heading home.  I don't know the name of the game, but I know that it's a Mexican game, and it's super fun.  I'm totes teaching it to my family when I get home.  I was in 3rd place on the first game, then first place on the second game.  (Mainly because I have ninja like reflexes).  (Also, funny side note, I totally brought my homework with me to their house.  I have no idea what I was thinkin.  Ain't nobody got time for homework when there's a party goin on!).

After that game, Christina and I decided to head home.  Which was quite the adventure.  Mainly because we missed the bus, or thought we had.  So, we get out there to our stop at 10:20 PM.  I just saw the bus pass by (as we were walking towards the stop) and thought, Oh cool!  The buses are still out!  (We'd been told that they stop running by 11 PM).  So we stand at the stop.  I talk poor Christina's ears off for about thirty minutes.  Still no bus.

So, we decide to flag down a taxi.  Which we successfully did.  We told him where we wanted to go, but then he said something really fast and was like, I'll be back.  And we were like, "okay."  But we felt like it was super sketch, so we ended up going back to Claire's house to figure out what we wanted to do with our lives.

We ended up letting our MM know what was up (cause we needed WIFI to contact her, as we'd forgot our phone) before ending up deciding to try to flag down a taxi again.  By this time it was about 11ish something.  So, we go out there and, of course, don't see any taxis.  So we wait, and wait, and wait.  And THEN (as I was watching the road) I saw a pair of headlights that looked shockingly like a bus.  And I thought, "Doth mine eyes decieve me?"  Okay, I didn't think that right then, I came up with that line after we were on the bus :P  Anyway, so we flagged it down (after deciding it was the right one) and got our ride home.  (Luckily we recognized our stop, else we'd still be on that bus, singing that song, "Oh he'll never return, no he'll never return, and his fate is still unlearned!  He will ride forever on the streets of Boston, he's the man who never returned!  Ten points if you know that song).

When we got home our poor MM was like, how come you didn't answer??  I was worried!  And we were like, we forgot our phone...yeah.  Won't be making that mistake again.

Oh!  An important note.  At the end of the night, I talked with Whitney (who helped plan the last party, I think.  Or something like that) about what was going down on Monday.  I was like, I feel bad asking if there's a party, but then I said, "I'm also totally willing to plan it if ya'll don't want to."  I guess I just like to know what's going down, mainly because I really wanted to do something on my birthday - regardless of whether it was a group thing or not.  Anyway, so we talked about it and made some plans for Monday (a good conversation, as it helped me dig myself out of the little pity party I'd been throwing myself.  Why I was so upset, I have no idea.  I think all my rationale went out the window last night/today.  Which happens a lot more easily when I'm tired).  So, yeah, basically, Whitney is the best (and Christina is too).

Yep.  The sun is shining once again and I am once more looking forward to my big day of birth.

'Til Tomorrow.

R J Carr