It's Usually Worth the Wait.

FINALLY.

The trip to Minnesota is complete.
It felt like it was never going to come.
I'll recap the main events as I am in the Chicago O'Hare airport at 549 in the morning facing extreme sleep deprivation.

Monday, I got on my flight from charlotte to chicago. Everything was good until the connecting flight in Chicago, of which I completely missed. This airport is larger than my county. Anyway, after arriving an hour and a half late, I finally met up with April and Kelly and we headed off to the Mall of America. The mall itself was incredible. But I was expecting more from the amusement park. It looked...bigger...in the pictures. Anyway, after the mall we drove 3 hours to Morris, where their apartment is. After cooking some supper we watched the 4th Star Wars and finally fell asleep. The next two days we more or less hung around the apartment, went "sight-seeing" in Morris (that is, acknowledging that there is stuff to see), and a had a few snowball fights here and there. The scenery was beautiful but I'm not sure I like to be cold all the time. While I was there, I also began to appreciate the 9 inches of snow less and less as it was there day after day. On Thursday, we got up to drive to Minneapolis for our first show of the Punk the Halls tour. This is the original reason I decided to come to Minnesota (and to hang with A & K, of course) so I was pretty stoked. The venue was one of the best Ive been to, a medium sized club in downtown Minneapolis.

After sneaking in the stage side door, we quickly spotted Jonathan and went up to say hello. He gave me a hug for flying from SC and bragged me up to everyone. While waiting, Matt finally came out and also hugged me for my efforts. I felt quite a bit of male bonding in those few short minutes. Lastly, Caleb came out and he was just as excited to see us as the Optimus Prime helmet that I got for Christmas. (it alters youre voice and is pretty radddd) After goofing off for a few hours, the show began and we sold merch for Elevntyseven. We did get to watch them play and even though it was only 5 songs it was still such a blast. I always love to dance with them.

After the show, we drove 6 hrs to Kellys house. I, of course, did not stay awake as we didnt get there until 7 in the morning. We slept until 10 and then drove 2 hours to Bensenville, IL for the second show. We got there early but the guys had went to the mall so we went to see National Treasure 2. One word. BUMMER. Being a huge fan of the first i was expecting alot and it just wasnt a well made movie. I would recommend you go see I Am Legend, instead. After getting back to the venue, we met up with the guys and hung around until showtime. We decided to sell merch again but when Eleventyseven came on we once again went out to party. This venue was so much smaller though. Smaller than most youth rooms, in fact. But still, a lot of fun. Afterwards we talked to the guys for an hour or so until they had to go. Caleb gave me a kiss on the cheek. twice. And im still not sure how its supposed to make me feel. For a reason Ive forgotten, Matt said he was and i quote "going to kill me". I said i would blog that he made such a threat so if the circumstances ever arose and I did what he said, I would have proof that i am not suicidial.

Afterwards, Kelly, April and I went to IHOP for our last meal together and around 3 AM they dropped me off at the airport. Thats where I have been ever sice and my flight leaves at 745 CT. Even though I had a BLASSSSTTT and needed this vacation more than I can put into words, I am anxious to get home for the holidays and see the family. Im a sucker for Christmas and I dont just mean the gift giving. I love being blessed even if i do complain and think I'm not well off. The truth of the matter is I am immersed and consumed by a God that is incomparable to anything else I will ever know. And im so thankful for that.

To anyone who reads this drivel.
Dont forget what it is exactly that you're celebrating.....

Merry Christmas.