So, last week, I went to College Station, TX for the wedding of some of my friends. It was a memorable weekend in a number of ways. I flew by myself, of course, but I also rented a car and navigated central Texas by myself. (Ok...with a few calls to friends...) Here is a list of memorable moments from the weekend.

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1. Starbucks in a Target
Yep, it's true. In a Super-Target, there was a Starbucks. It's probably the greatest idea of all time. The only thing that would make it even better is if there was a donut shop and In-n-Out attached. But then I would be Texas-sized myself. Which wouldn't be good.

2. Getting a Jeep Liberty
I'm a small person. Not in the dwarf sense, but I'm about 5'3". I usually wear heels to lengthen my silhouette (Thanks Project Runway). I was originally slated to rent a midsize car for about $15 a day, but after my plane sat on the tarmac for two hours longer than scheduled, my car reservation was canceled by the company. Which was super-lame because we weren't allowed to call from the plane, so sayeth the pilot. TWO HOURS PEOPLE!!! I finished On Beauty while waiting! Anyhow, the only vehicles the company had on site were trucks and Jeeps. So, for the same price (because I was already getting taken advantage of by being under 25), I got a Jeep Liberty. Which I decided is the funnest thing to drive of ALL time. I want one! It made me feel really tall and just a bit safer driving than my usual Taurus.

3. The Drive to College Station

I arrived in Dallas fairly late, around 8:30 pm and had a three-and-a-half hour drive ahead of me on roads I wasn't familiar with. I had a good drive though. I caught up with some people, checked in with others, and listened to Kelly Clarkson really loudly. It was a perfect night and I rolled down the windows, looked at the amazing stars and just felt really free. It was great.

4. Chicken Soup for the African American Soul

It was on the shelf, I think, only to provide a providencial joke at the end of the wedding evening.

5. Recognition

Having more than five people recognize me from college classes or events that I had, in fact, never been to or attended. I guess I'm one of those kinds of faces.

6. Texans

Ya'll, they are NICE! Especially the folks at the rental car place that directed me to the nearest McDonalds that was right next to the Freeway entry ramp. With darling little twangs and comments of putting meat on my bones. Which was/is hilarious.

7. The KFC Chicken Bowl

So, I'm sure everyone has seen the monstrosity that is the KFC Chicken Bowl in commercials. Mashed potatoes, corn, breaded fried chicken strips, cheese, and GRAVY on top. I want to hurl every time I see the commercial and I feel sorry for the people that have to eat it. Thinking that I was in the BIGGER IS BETTER state, I withheld comment during the commercial when watching it in a large group. I think I was expecting someone to say "I luuuuve those chicken things! They are soooo good ya'll!" But I was pleasantly surprised when someone said, "Them things look disgustin'."

Times are achangin'!

8. The One-Legged Football Player

I'm totally the auxillary friend at this wedding. I'm like the extra bottle of lotion that comes free with purchase of the big bottle. Unneccessary, but kind of nice to find. Although the lotion has a random scent or is designed for senior-citizens, you still appreciate the gesture of free lotion. I add texture. Sooooooo, after the wedding, we are at the hotel watching the Texas Tech v. University of Texas game (the same locale for the chicken bowl). One of my friend's uncles starts trying to convince me that there is a one-legged football player that he saw on TV. I'm not really believing him and then my friends start listening in. The uncle provides physical descriptions, charading the motions of the player, and declares it a modern miracle. I am laughing so hard that I think I am going to pee my pants and my stomach is doubling over. He promises to e-mail photos and I tell him that I can tell when he Photoshops. It just goes to show that kindred spirits are all around.

9. Tiny Airplane

I sat in Row 1, Seat A. I sat next to the galley. In front of me was the cockpit. I was the first person off the airplane.

It was AWESOME!

10. Wedding Cake

And realizing I was the only single Democrat in the entire room. Perhaps the only person that voted for Kerry as well. I chuckled to myself. I ate a piece of cake in a toast to myself.

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Epilogue

I had a great time. I realized that hanging out with myself isn't always a drag, especially when trying something new. I always thought travelling with someone else is almost always a necessary, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. I came back with a sparkle in my eye.

Post script--Thanks to my google-map fiend friend Roevall for helping me out in moments of Dallas Interstate panic;)