HOLY cats!

I really don't have any idea where that expression came from (neswap, sorry).  If someone reading this post can remember, please inform me.  I titled this post "Holy cats!" because I have been in the big D (as in... DALLAS!  hello, Texas) for 4 WEEKS, and more importantly, I'm starting my 4th week of work (ha! work doesn't feel like the right word for it) tomorrow! Below is a summary of my adventures so far (most likely in reverse order)...

1.  RODEO!  We went to a rodeo in Mesquite, TX, last night. Other than the "mutton busting" I thoroughly enjoyed it.  There's just something about kids (4-8yo) riding (and subsequently being trampled by) sheep that makes me uncomfortable.  http://www.mesquiterodeo.com/

2. AIRHOG BASEBALL! We visited the lovely Grand Prairie (I kept saying 'Grand Prix') for the 4th of July and watched an AirHogs baseball game.  Let's just say when the 'Hogs are playing the Sioux Falls Pheasants and/or Sioux City Explorers, I may make a return trip to QuikTrip Field. http://airhogsbaseball.com/

3.  SMOKE!  Mom, Dad, and I ate here while we were moving into the apartment.  It was a very fun place.  Let's just say I may have eaten Thumper (ahem rabbit sausage).  http://www.smokerestaurant.com/

4. IKEA!  We (as in Mom, Dad, and I) made our first-ever trip to Ikea.  We may have overestimated the space in the Audi and compensated by sharing seats.  I am saving up some money to purchase a comfy study chair soon!  

5. POOLTIME!  I've gotten plenty of sun since I've been here (minimal burning, believe it or not).  It's so nice to have a pool about 1/4 of a football field away from our front door.  Compared to last year when I think I was only poolside 2x, I'm lightyears ahead this year.  

Misc: It seems like every time I'm downtown, I drive through Dealey Plaza.  Dad and I visited when we were in Dallas in 2007, and obviously a return visit will be necessary soon.  http://www.jfk.org/

I am really loving my apartment (minus the occasional cockroach aka waterbug?) and UTSouthwestern.  I've been working in the lab ~40hrs/wk and won't start classes until in mid August. 

 photos: Kathryn's red, white, and blue cake; stars'n'stripes at baseball game, famous 'white bridge' (famous in my head only), rodeo!


More pictures to come soon!