god bless the armed forces

yesterday passed rather uneventfully, although i made a stop at stonebriar mall up in frisco. i have loved having a car here, as it has allowed me to easily escape from my hotel when needed (sometimes for practical purposes, sometimes for my sanity).

so after some pool time, i headed out in search of a rolling duffel bag. i knew, in all likelihood, that the one i came out here with, i would probably not be going home with, and it has officially been laid to rest. rip. i intended to find/stop at wal-mart, but the one i had gotten directions to was actually a grocery store…not a duffel bag or any other useful item in sight. so i made my way to stonebriar, hoping i might pass a wal-mart on the side of the freeway.

when i got to frisco i was overwhelmed at the cornucopia of shopping venues, and spotted a super-target, where i was able to successfully complete my mission. i grabbed some lunch and made my way into the mall, wandering around for hours.

it was near the conclusion of my excursion that i stopped at the sonic and developed my newest addiction—a chocolate cream pie shake (complete with whip cream and pie crumbs). and as tried to suck the thick goopy wonder through the straw, i happened upon the indoor ice rink.

unlike all of the ice rinks i have ever been to, this one consisted of skaters in training. i was absolutely hypnotized by the little asian girl who spun and sal-chowed with amazing grace. i was also entranced by the harness like structure attached to one of the other skaters in an attempt to give her spin more bounce.

i watched these young skaters for probably an hour (which is how long it took me to finish that shake) before deciding to head back to dallas.

the evening consisted primarily of packing and of another sonic run. look, i’m taking advantage while i can!

this morning i finished my packing and headed to the airport. the rental car was returned with no problems, and when i arrived at the airport, i had a vision. busloads upon busloads of army guys (and one or two girls). dreams really do come true. during my lunch at friday’s, a group of four tried to buy me a drink. i respectfully declined but we chatted for a few minutes before i made my way to the gate.

that was a nice finale to the dallas trip, but i don’t wanna go home. then again, i guess i have to go home so i can leave again for the lakehouse, and for the 30^th birthday trip to montreal that is being planned. okay, i guess i'll go home.